Page:Scientific American - Series 1 - Volume 001 - Issue 01.pdf/2



Patrons and Friends:

Having the pleasure of again appearing before you, though under a new title, and in new dress, we may be expected to advance some remarks on things in general, and particularly on the subject of our motives, intentions and prospects. Since the discontinuance of the "American Mechanic"—the "Elevator" of Cincinnati, "American Protector" of Hartford, and "N. Y. State Mechanic" of Albany, having previously retired,—we have been frequently solicited by enterprising mechanics, and others, to engage in the publication of a new scientific paper, for the advancement of more extensive intelligence in Arts and Trades in general, but more particularly in the several new, curious and useful arts, which have but recently been discovered and introduced. We have, moreover, received communications from various sections of the country, and especially from the South and West, expressing the opinion that a paper of this description was wanted, and would be well received and extensively patronized, if once introduced. With this encouragement, we have made arrangements to furnish the intelligent and liberal workingmen, and those who delight in the development of those beauties of Nature, which consist in the laws of Mechanics, Chemistry, and other branches of Natural Philosophy—with a paper that will instruct while it diverts or amuses them, and will retain its excellence and value, when political and ordinary newspapers are thrown aside and forgotten.

In conducting this publication, we shall endeavour to avoid all expressions of sentiment, on any sectional, sectarian, or political party subject; but shall exercise a full share of independence, in the occasional exposure of ignorance and knavery, especially when we find them sheltered by arrogance and aristocracy. We shall present no gloomy catalogues of crime and depravity, believing that the cause of neither happiness nor morality will thereby be promoted;—our object being to please and enlighten. We shall advocate the pure Christian religion, without favouring any particular sect; and shall make it a point to adhere to reason and common sense, independently of the opinions of those, whose interests and popularity depend on their rigid adherence to traditional doctrines, and church creeds.

With these sentiments and intentions, respected Friends and 'Sovereign People', and with full confidence in your good-will and generous support—not in the least doubting, however, that you will consult your own interests quite as much as ours in the matter—we commend to your favour and patronage the ".".

We shall send copies of our first number to several of our most respected cotemporariescontemporaries [sic], and would solicit their aid in notifying the mechanics of their vicinities, of the existence of the S. American. Those who will give our advertisement (head of our first page,) an insertion in their columns, shall be entitled to two copies of our paper, by which they will each have one copy to preserve and another to clip, as occasion may require; or, if they prefer it, we will send a dollar in cash for the insertion. Those who may volunteer to act as agents for this paper, may retain of the money received, 25 cents as commission, for each subscriber obtained.

—Three dollars per volume is offered for the first volume of the "New York Mechanic," complete, and 25 cents per number, for several of the early numbers, by those who neglected to subscribe for the work in season to secure the first numbers. Thus it will be with the Scientific American; hundreds of people will wish for it in vain, when the first numbers are out. In anticipation of this circumstance, we shall print a few hundred more copies than are as yet ordered; but not more than will probably be taken up in two or three weeks.

—We have often observed in sectarian papers, a general request that all clergymen of the same denomination, should act as agents for the paper; and by such means some papers have attained to an immense circulation. Not having any similar available advantage, we would solicit the favour of every honest mechanic who may recieve this paper, to use his influence in our favour, and induce as many more as possible to subcribe for it. All favours of this kind will be duly appreciated.

who may receive this number, are requested to present it to some mechanic who will pay its postage, and shew the paper to others. Any Postmaster who may procure and forward the names of three subscribers, will be entitled to the volume free.

—Every person who looks at this paper, is particularly requested to examine our advertisement at the head of the first column, on the first page.



This mammoth of the ocean, which has recently arrived from liverpool, has created much excitement here as well as in Europe; being in fact the greatest maratime curiosity ever seen in our harbour. She was built by the Great Western Steam-Ship Company, at Bristol, England. Her Keel was laid in July, 1839, and she was launched in July, 1844, with her engines and machinery on board. She is composed entirely of iron, which renders her perfectly safe against accidnts by fier, and even an explosion of her steam-boilers could not sink her, as she is divided into five different compartments, each being thoroughly water-tight, so that in case of accident even one perfect division would float the vessel and cargo. The length of the keel is 290 feet; total length 322 feet; beams 51 feet; depth 32 feet 6 inches. She has four decks, the upper one being flush, and is 308 feet long; the second deck consists of tow promenade saloons, one of which is 110 feet long by 22 wide. The third deck consists of dining saloons, the first of which is 96 by 30 feet. The saloons are 8 feet 3 inches high and surrounded with berts, of which there are sufficint to accomodate 252 persons. Her burden is 3,600 tons, and her engines are cpable of working 1,000 horse powers. She has four engines united, which with the boilers, weigh 540 tons. The main shaft is 28 inches in diameter in the centre, and 24 inches in the bearings, and weighs nearly 16 tons. The power of the engines is applied to a single submerged propeller, on the screw principle, and 15 feet 6 inches in diameter. The engines and boilers occupy a space of 80 feet in the middle portion of the vessel; the boilers are heated by 24 fires, and will contain 2,00 tons of water. She has six masts, four of which are hinged for lowering when head winds set in; the masts are made of iron, having iron wire rigging, so that very little surface is presented to the resistance of the atmosphere; the quantity of canvass carried, is about 4,900 square yards. Upwards of 1,500 tons of iron have been used in her construction; her draught of water is about 16 feet, and the displacement of water equal to 3,200 tons.

The Great Britain was visited while at Leverpool by 33,000 persons, and probably bby an equal number at London. During the few days since her arrival at New York, she has been visited by about 12,000 people, who have paid 25 cents for the gratification. If there is any thing objectional in the construction or machinery of this noble ship, it is the mode of propelling her by the screw propeller; and we should not be surprised if it should be, ere long, superceded by paddle wheels at the sides; as there can be little doubt that such an improvement would increase her speed to 18 miles per hour, and render her the swiftest ship on the ocean.

The science of mechanics, in its most extensive sense embraces a large proportion of what is termed Natural Philosophy, or the system of laws which govern the various operations of Nature. t investigages the laws and effects of Inertia, force, motion, momenum, equilibrium, gravity, &c.

Inertia is that which constitutes in all bodies or substances, a tendency when at rest, to remain at rest; and when in motion to continue in motion independent of any force or power. But as every moving body is supposed to have been put in motion by some moving power, its inertia in this case becomes momentum.

Illustration.—If a round ball is placed on a table that is perfectly level, it will remain a rest, and will require the application of power or force to put it in motion; but when this ball is put in motion, it will require some resistance to stop its motion.

Gravity is that property which consists in all bodies a tendency to move towards each other, and especially, towards the centre of the earth; it is always in direct proportion to inertia. Gravity is generally considered to be merely the attraction of the earth; it consists of the force by which bodie descend towards the earth when suspended, or are let go from a height; and this force constitutes weight.

Illustration.—If a ball be suspended by a cord, it will uniformly hold the cord in a position at right angles with the surface of the earth. If the point from which the ball is suspended be fixed, and the ball be removed any distance from its natural position, it will, when liberated, return to its natural position directly under the point of suspension; but in this instance, it will not readily stop at the point of its natural position; but having received an impulse from the force of gravity, its momentum will force it some distance beyond the given point, until this momentum is again overcome by gavity: then gravity again impels it in a contrary direction, and i is again carried beyond by its inertia. Thus a vibratory motion is for some time continued, before the ball becomes stationary. Here are illustrated by one example, Gravity, Inertia, Motion and Momentum.

—Being practically acquainted with every branch of painting, from the plainest house and ship-work, to the finest miniature portraits, we propose to give in a series of numbers, complete instructions in every branch, including the mosaic and fresco landscape in oil, transparencies, carriage ornamenting, sign lettering, claro-obscuro, glass-staining, perspective, portrait, and miniature gilding, burnishing, varnishing, &c. We shall be particularly explicit with regard to the preparation of colors, and execution of plain work, that many of thos who have had no instruction, may be enabled to accomplish small jobs in this line occasionally, for their own amusement or convenience.

—Our subscribers who receive their papers by mail, will remit one dollar each by mail on the receipt of the second number of this paper. Those who reside in cities, will pay to such agents only as may produce written authority from the publisher, to collect the same. This rule, however, will not interfere with those voluntary agents who may procure a few subscribers amongst their associates and acquaintance, and remit the money by mail.

We propose to give, in a series of brief essays, such explanations and illustrations of the principles and peculiarities of the science of chemistry as may be the most immediately applicable to the arts and trades, the most seful to mechanics, and the most interesting to the curious, and readers in general.

Chemistry developes the composition and properties of bodies, and the combination of the various ingredients of which they are composed; also, the effects of one substance on another, and the art of decomposing, recomposing separating and combining them, in such a manner as to examine minutely the several ingredients of which bodies are composed, and by new combinations thereof, to form or produce other substances entirely different from the original. There is no art or science by which a man can accomplish a work of creation with so much verity, as by chemistry. Liquids are changed to solids, and dry substances to liquids, and then again to air or gasses. Metallic bodies are reduced to earths; thsnce to transparent crystals or glass; thence to transparent liquids, and next to thin air, whence they may be again precipitated and restored to their original brilliant metallic state. From a limpid fluid, licke water, a chemist will produce a marble statue; a silver urn; an iron bolt; or a glass decanter; also, paints of various brilliant and durable colors, such as vermillion, prussian blue, chrome yellow, french green, spanish brown, red lead, and white lead. The precious metals, gold and silver, are extracted from the lustreless rock, and appear in dazzling brilliancy; again, they are made to take the form of transparent fluid, or in the more invisible gaseous form, float off in the passing breeze. Such is chemistry; and we fel assured that this sublime and interesting science would not be long neglected by mechanics and working men, if they could first be made aware of the utility of a knowledge of its principles, and the beauties and wonders fo nature which are thereby brought to view.

This wonder of the age, which has for several months past been in operation between Washington and Baltimore, appears likely to come into general use through the length and breadth of our land. Arrangements are already made for extending the lines to Philadelphia, New York, Albany, Bulffalo, Springfield, Boston, and various other cities and sections. Hon. Amos Kendall, Ex-Post-master General, has taken the management of the invention,—whether as proprietor or agent we are not informed,—while the inventor is on a tour to Russia. We shall take an early opportunity to give our readers a full and minute description of this invention, with explanations and illustrations of its principles; but in consequence of the press and variety of matter which presses on this our first number, we are constrained to defer it. We will add the remark, however, that it is contemplated by the merchants of our Western states, to communicate their orders for goods, &c. by means of the telegraph, instead of abiding the slow and tedious progress of rail-road cars.

—The proposition in our first prospectus, relating to furnishing joint stock certificates, appears to have met with perfect indifference. We do not know of one subscriber who appears to regard it as of any consequence. We intend making the experiment, however, and shal furnish certificates as proposed.

—M. Martiner has stated to the French Academy of Science, that he has discovered the means of carrying on the Daguerreotype process on a gigantic scale, as compared whith what is now done. He can, he says, Daguerreotype an entire panorama, enbracing 150 degrees. His process consists in curving the metallic plate, and causing the lens which reflects the landscape to turn by clock-work. The lens, in turning, passes over on one side the whole space to be Daguerreotyped, and on the other side moves the refracted luminous cone to the plate, to which the objects are successively conveyed.

Mr. Joseph Hurd, of Shoreham, Vt. has secured Letters Patent, for an apparatus for separating or clarifying liquids by application of centrifugal force. It is a well-known fact that mucilage or sugar, as well as mineral and saline substances, have a greater specific gravity than water, though the particls thereof, will not readily separate from water by mere force of gravity: but when a mixed fluid, or turbid water is put into a violent rotary motion, in a cask or cylinder, the centrifugal force will drive the heavier particles to the side of the vessel, while the clear water remains in the centre.

, completed by Mr. PHilip Ault, of Natches is composed of a wire cylinder within a box, in which revolves a shaft with arms capped with rails; from the rails spikes or pins project, which separate the locks containing the seeds from each other, knock out the trash and dust, and pass the cleaned cotton over the cylinder down into the gin stand. The shaft is driven by the same power that drives the gin requiring but little force. It is a valuable assistant to the Planter.

.—There is no end to the many valuable objects to which India Rubber may be applied. A new one has been discovered, and that is the inner sheathing of ships, where sheathing paper is now used in small sheets and where this new rubber can be applied in wid strips extending the entire length of the vessel. The rubber being indestructibl and mpervious to water, renders it an additional means of preventing leaks, while sand spread over it puts an end to all ravages of insects that infest salt water.

.—A. M. Groat is about introducing a Gin for long staple Sea Island cotton. It is expected to clean at least, 100 pounds per day, whereas the gins now in use will clean only about 25 pounds. The seed is separated without breaking.

A new machine for breaking stone, has been lately constructed at Brooklyn. Its construction is on the principle of a large hammer or beater, operated by a moveable steam-engine. It is intended for the West Indies, to be used in McAdamizing roads.

☞We would invite our readers to look at the advertisement headed "Rare Project." There is real benevolence to men, in the plan proposed. As success must attend some of the inventions, and much gain may follow at little risk, it commends itself to all who desire human improvement. We gladly commend, not only the project, but also the company, as worthy the confidence of the public.

A correspondent of the St. Louis Republican having been bitten by a mad dog, was cured by drinking a decoction of the bark of the common black ash.

The paddle wheels of the U. S. Steam Frigate Mississippi, are so constructed that they can be diminished in diameter if necessary, by shortening the arms.

It is stated in one of the fashionable city papers that "there are 190 doctors is Boston, more than there are patients." It must be a healthy place.

The Mount Savage Railroad Iron Company, is turning out 100 tons of railroad bars per day, and is adding much larger facilities to its works.

The Mastadon Skeleton, lately discovered in New Jersey, and being exhibited in this city, is 23 feet in length and 11 feet high. It is diverse from the elephant, and appears to have been carnivorous.

An ancient Elm which still flourishes within three miles of Providence, R. I. measures 36 feet in circumference, 12 feet from the ground. The circumference of the top is over 300 feet.

The Pittsburg Age says that there are now in progress of erection, in and near that city, twenty six furnaces, which will turn off between seventy-five and one hundred tons of iron per day.

It is decided by the logical schools that Pussyism is derived from catechism, while puppyism comes from dogmatism;—that makes the difference.

A company has been formed at Portsmouth, N. H., who intend erecting a steam cotton factory to carry twenty thousand spindles, which is to be put under contract immediately.

The Picayune has a story of a rattlesnake that swallowed a mole; but the mole would not stay swallowed, but gnawed his way out, thus killing the snake, and was off.

There is much talk about introducing electro-magnetic light, as a substitute for oil or gas: when we learn more about it, we shall be free to communicate particulars.

The Royal Printing Office of France possesses fonts of type in upwards of one hundred different languages, and is still receiving extensive additions.

The egg trade of Cincinnati, the past year amounted to 24,191 barrels,—2,176,333 dozens, or 26,116,000 eggs:—sufficient to cover twenty-five acres of ground.

It is contemplated to establish a steamboat ferry immediately below the great falls of Niagora, which will give visitors a great advantage in viewing the cataract.

The shares in the stock of the New River Company of London, which were at first sold at £100, are now worth £15,000 each.

The Amoskeag (N. H.) Manufacturing Company have declared a semi-annual dividend of ten percent.; yet leaving a reserved fund of $600,000.

In the town of Eden, Me., there is owned a schr. called the 'Garden,' and which is commanded by Capt. Adam Wilkins. Thus Adam yet holds command over the Garden of Eden.

In the county of Cayuga, N. Y., resides ninety-three "old revolutioners," or soldiers of the revolution. These veterans were all invited to participate in the celebration of the 4th ult.

Several springs have been recently discovered in Genesee county, the waters of which are acidulated nearly to the degree of lemonade. The acid is the sulphuric.

One of Morris's engines, of 18 tons, has lately hauled over the Reading Railroad seven hundred and fifty tons, at one load. This engine should be called the Samson.

One of the factory girls of Lowell, has earned $3,750 in the mills of that place, of which she has saved $2000, besides applying $1,150 to the support of her parents.

There is to be several railroad tunnels made and extended under the city of London during the present season. So writes Willis.

Boston, according to the new census, contains nearly 129,000 inhabitants, showing an increase of 26,000 within the last five years.

It is estimated that there are now in progress of erection within the limits of Pennsylvania, at least one hundred new iron furnaces.

A slave in Charlestown, S. C., recently, at the imminent risk of his own life, plunged into the rapid current of the river, and saved the life of a small white boy, who had fallen in and was drowning.

No less than 282,599,000 tons of coal have been transported over one railroad, from the Schuylkill regions, this season, up to the 9th inst.

The town of New Bedford, Mass., contains wealth enough to divide $1,000 each to every man, woman and child within its limits.

Have the courage to pay a debt, while you have the money at command. Have the courage to wear your old coat till you can pay for a new one.