Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 12.djvu/138

128 among neighboring farms through the exchange of eggs by the farmers; if nothing interrupts its progressive increase, it promises ere long to be predominant. The peculiarity was not so perfect at first as it is now; the modification has been going on progressively.

metre of the wall of a surgical ward in the Paris Hospital la Pitié was washed—an operation that had not been performed during two years previously—and the liquid wrung out of the sponge was immediately examined. It contained micrococci in abundance, some micro-bacteria, epithelial cells, pus-globules, and ovoid bodies of unknown nature. The sponge used was new, and had been washed in distilled water.

to whom the world of science is indebted for the discovery of the first Archæopteryx, has now discovered another and more perfect specimen of the same curious reptile-like bird. As we learn from Die Natur, the new Archæopteryx has a head, which was wanting in the first individual discovered. Hence the hitherto undecided point whether the animal had the head of a bird or of a reptile can now be determined.

engineer, Meinerk, has invented an ice-breaker for keeping far northern harbors open through the winter. The machine, as briefly described in the Moniteur Industriel Belge, is in form like a plough-share, and is driven by two engines. Two centrifugal pumps throw a stream of water on the fragments of ice as they retreat behind the vessel, and drive them back into the channel made by the plough. In summer the plough may be converted into a powerful dredge.

a case of poisoning by colored stockings which is recorded in the Lancet, the patient suffered a severe itching of the feet with great pain, "like penknives darting into the feet and legs." The cuticle was raised in several places on the soles and sides of the feet, and there was a discharge of fetid pus. Chemical analysis proved that the stockings worn by the patient had been colored with coralline, which is known to produce poisonous effects on the skin.

following "death-notice" is translated literally from a Zurich newspaper:

"I communicate to all my friends and acquaintances the sad news that at 3 to-morrow I shall incinerate, according to all the rules of art, my late mother-in-law, who has fallen asleep with faith in her Lord. The funeral-urn will be placed near the furnace.

August 3d."

malady of the grape-vine has made its appearance in Switzerland, where it has already done considerable damage in the vineyards. It is known as blanc de la vigne, or white-sickness of the vine, and is caused by the development of a mycelium which overspreads every part of the diseased vine. Recent researches, says La Nature, show that the cause of this infection resides in the props used for supporting the vines; the germs of the parasite find a shelter in the cracks of the wood. They may be destroyed by saturating the props with a solution of copper sulphate.

presenting to Mr. Walter Weldon the Lavoisier medal of the French Society for encouraging National Industry, Prof. Lamy stated that, at the date of the introduction of Mr. Weldon's invention seven or eight years ago, the total bleaching-powder made in the world was only 55,000 tons per annum, whereas now it is over 150,000 tons; and of this fully 90 per cent, is made by the Weldon process. By this process every sheet of white paper and every yard of calico made in the world have been cheapened.

city of Dunkirk, New York, possesses a Microscopical Society which, with a small membership and very slender resources, has already earned a name in the world of science. At a meeting of this society held in the early part of summer, Dr. George E. Blackham and Dr. C. P. Alling were reëlected respectively president and secretary of the society.

gorilla of the Berlin Aquarium is now at the Westminster Aquarium, London, "on a visit." His face is by Mr. Buckland pronounced tb be very human, but as black as ebony; the nose is snub, the lips thick and heavy. During sleep, as we are informed by Mr. Buckland, "a pleasant smile every now and then lights up the countenance" of the animal.

the eminent botanist, and for some time Director of the Museum of Natural History at Florence, died suddenly on Sunday, September 9th.

use has been found for dynamite, in the slaughter-house. Experiments made at Dudley, England, show that a small quantity of dynamite—a thimbleful—placed on the forehead of an animal and exploded, instantly causes death. In one experiment, two large horses and a donkey, unfit for work, were placed in a line about half a yard apart, the donkey being in the middle. A small primer of dynamite, with electric fuse attached, was placed on the forehead of each, and fastened by a string under the jaw. The wires were then coupled in circuit and attached to the electric machine. The three charges were exploded simultaneously, the animals falling dead instantly without a struggle.