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versely, making about 2-3rds, being 73'

1-3rd of power gained per curve..

If the radius of the proposed curvature were twice the length of the wedge, then 22-4, the effective movement; because the difference between the length of the curve, Czd, and diagonal line, Cd (first instance), x 4, produces the same thing; for, by putting g, the greater lineal space Czd, and 7, the 4 g lesser or diagonal Cd, then =M in 47

each experiment, when inversely considered.

The improvement which I propose in the form of the wedge, is to make one side curvilinear, a curve whose radius is twice the length of any pro posed wedge; thus, in raising of weights, &c. in less time by the same power, or in the same time by less power, i. e. 1-3rd of time, or 1-9th of power, will be gained in comparison with the straight-lined wedge.

These hints furnish us with another consideration as to the form of a wedge requisite for cleaving of wood, &c. which is to have both sides curved, as in the following figure.*.

Explanation.

ABCD is the bottom of a tree sawn off at AB.

xyz, a wedge, curved on both sides, in the act of cleaving.

*Our engraver has scarcely done justice to the drawing-the curvilineal figure of the wedge is not sufficiently indicated.-EDIT.

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Now, instead of the common form, admit the sides xz and yz to be curvilinear, then it should seem that a wedge so formed will cleave cdz, in less time, using the space, mitted force, than a wedge of mon angled form can possibly as appears from the previous experiments and calculation, a curved wedge will raise a weight sooner, by a given power, than one of the common form, it follows, by analogy, that one curved on both sides, like the above, will have a double effect.

Amongst the great variety of subjects which are presented to the human eye, there scarcely exists one more interesting and instructive than that which is afforded by the study of science, especially in tracing the just and wise laws throughout the whole course of Nature; and in this study the mind is not only amused, but inquiry, in many cases, roused, which, if properly pursued, must ultimately arrive at that desideratum which is not only the life of the mind, but, in a measure, the life of the soul; for what persons are there who can observe the various compositions and decompositions which are continually going on throughout the whole creation, the various celestial and terrestrial phenomena that are continually calling forth our humble intellect, and not feel within him a desire for that knowledge which can

ON THE ADVANTAGES OF

conduct him through the world with credit and reputation?

Those who, during the whole course of their lives, have been engaged in a close and unvaried pursuit of wealth, and at first, perhaps, wanted opportunity, and afterwards inclinaion, to cultivate their minds, are apt to despise that knowledge to which they are strangers; and the contempt they feel is often rendered more strong by the various instances which daily present themselves, of men most famous for their scientific researches, being able to amass but a small portion of that wealth to which others have devoted their whole attention, and in which their whole thoughts have centered.Foolish, indeed, is the expectation that nothing on this earth but wealth can produce happiness, for, after having enslaved themselves throughout the whole course of their lives in search of that delusive treasure, they find that they are, at the end, as far off as at the commencement of their career.

But how different with the philosopher! Instead of his thoughts dwelling on wealth and grandeur, which are but mere baubles in his sight, he is employed in contemplating the works of Nature, in which he always finds some new phenomenon to account for, or some more striking experiments to attract his attention; and in this pursuit he unites happiness without riches, and instruction without fatigue, whilst those in the pursuit of wealth receive little or no instruction in their career, and, at the end, are deluded by the false phantom they have been pursuing.

The gay and the volatile, who, by their habits, have rendered themselves incapable of serious application, turn away from the sciences with contempt (as they can only be acquired by study), and the neglect they are apt to cherish is strengthened by the deficiency they observe in the humble philosopher, with regard to those graces of politeness which they have been taught to consider of the highest value and importance.

To both these characters of inen it may be useful to see clearly stated the real merits of scientific know

279

SCIENTIFIC Knowledge. ledge. The advantages which science produces to those who are distinguished from the rest of mankind by their exalted attainments, are clear and undisputed-the splendour of reputation, and not unfrequently the real benefits of riches and station. On the cases of such men it is not my intention to dwell, though I could point out the varied pleasures they enjoy in the pursuit of knowledge, whilst new phenomena of the most interesting nature are continually being displayed before them, and delightful reflections are perpetually occurring, which fill the mind engaged in this grand and sublime pursuit. The advantages which I intend more particularly to dwell on, are those which may be possessed by common application, assisted by common abilities.

First, Science is valuable, as it opens to our view and explains the hidden secrets of Nature.

Second, It is valuable, as it affords an entertaining and highly useful employment for those leisure moments, which, at times, occur to the busiest of men. Whoever has compared his mind as it was in the moments of thoughtless dissipation, when time flew unheeded and undisposed to any useful purpose, with what it was after he had bestowed his time on the cultivation of science, will, I think, be sensible of its advantages; no one, indeed, can deny it if they only allow that the mind will be well employed; for it is generally known, that if a man has not objects to attract his attention, he will naturally turn aside to those vices which are injurious to his morals and constitution, and often pernicious to society.

Science will also be found valuable to a man of middle rank, as it contributes more to his real happiness and tranquillity of mind than the greatest wealth, unaccompanied with a taste for those truly sublime studies which have been so long and so deservedly admired and patronized by the world, and upon which our finest poets have resounded on their ́ tuneful lyres.

It is to science we owe the arts and enjoyments of civilized life. Science is the parent of machinery,

SIR,-If f you consider the above invention of mine, for conveying telegraphic intelligence,worthy a place in your useful Magazine, your speedy insertion of the same will give me much gratification. If I am not too sanguine, this apparatus, if carried into effect, would convey intelligence to the remotest parts of England by the darkest night as well as by the brightest day, and answers would be returned with nearly the same facility and precision as two persons can question and answer each other, sitting in the same apartment. It is also suited to domestic use, for, besides answering all the purposes of

bells, it gives the advantage, by a reference to the index, of telling the servants what is wanted, the graduated scale being marked with such things as are usually wanted in a house.

This contrivance would be found of great advantage in cases of fire. Let there be one station in every parish, with pipes leading from thence to every engine-house in the metropolis. At the moment the men hear the alarmwhistle at the engine-houses, let them shut the cocks and look to the index, and the point where the fluid or index rests will mark the parish the fire is in. Let them make another move at