PREFACE. At the conclusion of each successive volume of " The Mechanic And Chemist," it has been our pleasing task to thank our numerous supporters for the gradual, but constant increase of patronage, with which our efforts have been rewarded. The extensive circulation which this work has now attained, imparts to it a new and more important character; from merely recording and commenting on passing events, we may now claim a share in the power of directing them; for at no period did the legitimate expression of public opinion, exercise more influence upon the legislature, than at the present day. The present equitable system of Postage we owe almost entirely to the energetic expression of public opinion, formed, in a great degree, by the press; and, without pretending to more importance than really belongs to us, we may say that we have contributed, not a little, to the triumph of that great measure; for our arguments and our exhortations were reproduced and discussed in the daily papers of the metropolis, and thence in the provincial papers throughout the kingdom. The measure we now intend most especially to strive for, is the total repeal of the present very oppressive Patent Laws, and the substitution of commonsense, secure, and cheap protection to all who are justly entitled to it. The contents of this Volume are too various for analysis; but a perusal of the Index will show how much valuable information is comprised in so small a compass. To borrow the language of royalty, "we continue to receive assurances of the friendly disposition of all foreign powers and allies;" and we feel grateful for the favourable notices of " The Mechanic," which have repeatedly appeared in a great many esteemed publications. The numerous talented writers who have favoured us with their valuable ccntributions, are also entitled to our best thanks; and, we trust, that the ensuing Volume will be adorned with productions of equal research and merit. If uncompromising sincerity, an ardent desire to promote the welfare of the productive classes, and constant endeavours to season instruction with amusement, are claims upon public favour, we may venture to rely upon a continuance of the distinguished support we have so long enjoyed; and with grateful acknowledgment of the favours of all our friends, we respectfully submit the Fifth Volume of " The Mechanic," and Second of the New Series, to the approbation of the public. INDEX. A. Academy of Gambling, 46. Acids, U. 35, 51, 67, 75, 84, 93, 107,119, 132. Advice to travellers, 216. Aerostation, 250. Air-pump, 224, 250. Alkalies, 218, 234 , 292. Alpaca wool, 15. Analysis, chemical, 257, 299. Animalcules, 133. Apparatus for preventing horses from running away, 18; for remaining under water, 88." Apples, to preserve, 114, 131. Architecture, history of, 58. Atmosphere, constitution of, 10, 54; effects of, 194. Australia, 195. B. Balloon, intended voyage across the Atlantic in, 96. Barometer, simple method of making,212; experiments on, 262. Barrow at Thornborough, 141. Bee's sting, 55. Birds, to stuff, 294. Blow-pipe, double-jetted, 250; oxyhydro gen, 37. Bread, economy in, 101. Breathing apparatus of maggots, 123. Bridling and bitting horses, 48. Buckingham Palace, 280. Burning coal mines, 286. C. Calorimeter, new, 112. Cemeteries of the metropolis, 162. Chemical and Philosophical Society,278, nomenclature, 53; powers of light, 78. Chlorate of potash, 261, 270. Chlorine, new method of procuring, 178. Circulation of the blood, 154, 160, 172, 184, 192, 204. Coal, iron, and steam, 06; anthracite, M. Colour for painting wood-work, 124. Coloured fires, 56, 56, 62, 149, 105. Combustion, 20:1, 232, 248. Congreve matches, 1U8. Cork, 165. Cotton, porosity of, 85. 1). Daguerreotype, 70, 142; rival to, 11. Dahlia, management of, 106. Dale Heading Society, 309. Danger from leaving a poker in the fire, to prevent, 93. from oxidation, 2. E. Earthquake, 15, 153. Eccaleobion, 61. Eggs of flies, 123. Eglintnun tournament, 21. Electricity, 180, 206, 297,300, 306. Electrical battery, how to use, 125. Electro-magnetic machine, 192. Electro navigation, 15. Elements and their combinations, 122, 140, 197.228. Emigration, 81. Epicycloid, 245. Equatorials, machinery for communicating uniform motion to, 305. Fecula, 168. Fprney, pilgrimage to, 101. Filtering machine, 171. Fire-escape, 216. Fish, growth of, 165. Fleas and bugs, to destroy, 123. Fluoric acid, to make, 50, 125. Fossil remains at Woodbridge, 13. Fountains, 198, 272. Freezing mixtures, M. French polish, 16 j postage, 88. Fulminating silver, 214, 221. O. Gas, nitrous oxide, 128; production of, from water, 129. H. Himmalaya Mountains, 236. Hydrogen gas, 40, 56; phosphuretted, 190, 198, 222. Hydrochloric acid gas, M. Hygrometer, 126. I. Illumination, novel, 220. India-rubber, to dissolve, 14; boat, 39. Influence of colour on odours, 10. Inks, to make, 94, 245,252,262, 270, 293. Insect ingenuity, 180. Institution of Civil Engineers, 5. Iron, value of, 84; to tin, 134. Ivory, to stain, 40,134; etching on, 134. i K. Knubut, great flower of Java, 268. L. Lamp, improved, 277. Leyden jar, substitute for, 13. Light, homogeneous, M. Locomotive engine, 240; Cole's, 26; power applied to canal transit, 72. Looking-glass, to make, 214. Lutes, preparation of, 70. M. Mason bee, 123. Memory, artificial, M. Meridians and parallels of latitude on maps, method of laying off, 115, 168. Metals, 208, 224, 242,258, 289, 296; their combinations, 100, 105; to separate from dross, 149. Mulberry, advantages of, in maritime si- ■N. Name, short, 78. New Zealand Colony, departure of, 18. O. Oats, to make nutritious, 78. P. Paper, to stain, 135. Penny Postage, II, 80,97, 118,144, 277. Plants, recommended to more general cultivation, 49. |