SCIENCE AND ART.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7614, 17 April 1886, Page 4 (Supplement)

SCIENCE AND ART.

An Obe Separator and Coxcisntkator. -—Ail ore separator and concentrator has been patented by Mr. Ira F. Monnell, of Sugar Loaf, Col. This invention embodies in one machine concentrators which operate in part by concussion, and employ swinging tables and those in which travelling belts are used to facilitate the separation and escape of the tailings, a leading object of the invention being to get rid of the . tailings as fast as they collect. Electricity has been invoked to secure the tomb of the dead millionaire, Vanderbilt. The niche ia the vault in which the coifin is placed is connected with an electrical alarm, and even if a tunhel could be driven to the tombs any attempt to remove the body, or any tampering with the wires of the alarm, would be made known immediately at the headquarters of the detectives. A registering alarm clock has been placed near the gate of the vault, and at short intervals the guard is required to register his presence at the tomb. M. Toussaint has given the result of his researches on milk from cows fed on brewers' grains. Some years ago, M. Girard drew attention to the fact that milk from cows fed on grains is injurious. Later on, M. Pelle, and also a number of veterinary surgeons, opposed M. Girard's belief. MM. Pelle and Breard argued that, according to analysis, the milk was good, and thereforeit was wholesome ; bat M. Toussaint maintains milk may be chemically good, and yet not digestible. The author examined the deathregister of Argenteuil, and he ascertained that deaths from gastroenteritis and from intestinal affections, were more frequent among bottle-fed children since a large distellery had been established there. Milk from cows to which the malt-refuse from the distillery is given is acid, and is not digested by children. , Gas Glow Light.Much is made by our German contemporaries of the new glow light invented by Dr. Auer, a young medical man in Vienna. It is said to be adaptable to any form of burner ; and should it fulfil the expectations which have been confidently expressed concerning ;t, may bring about a revolution in gas lighting. The lighting power of the incombustible cotton, which is the special feature of this light, is stated to be similar to that of an electric incandescent lamp, and it is claimed that the appliance can easily be fixed to any gas burner. One of these lamps is already in use at the Chemical Laboratory of the Vienna University. Dr. Auer is stated to have made arrangements for the working of the patents on a large scale for all countries, with the exception of Austria, with an English company. An Illuminated Desk. — Mr. F. J. Davis, of Plymouth, and Mr. E. A. Middleton, of Devonport, have jointly invented what may be described as a portable illuminated desk, which promises, if its merits can be proved, to be of great utility on all occasions when the light of nature is not available. The desk is in shape not unlike an ordinary street lamp, with the exception that wood takes the place of glass. By the pressing of a spring at the lower part of the front, the desk opens, and affords every facility for writing. It is stated that the light for this desk can be supplied with equal facility by means of electricity, gas, or candle. It is suitable for a sick room, the bridge of a steamer, mines, or open air meetings, and one has already been fitted on board the bridge of the P. and O. steamship Bengal. It may toe added that the desk iB both watertight and airtight. A New Design in Braces.—Braces approved by Mr. Oscar Wilde form one of the latest inventions. Their conception is owing to Mr. Josiah Lawrence, of Birmingham, and they are being manufactured by Messrs. G. and 11. Bullivant, of that town, Their great merit is said to be that they yield to every motion of the body without causing strain or pressure on any organ, in Whatever attitude the wearer may place himself. This object is attained by dispensing with the crossing ot the braces on the back which, to begin with, forms a pad pressing on the middle of the spine. The back buttons of the trousers are placod further apart than is usual, so as to correspond in position with those in front, so that the braces pass over each shoulder from front to back in a straight line; their union is effected by an adjustable strap connecting one with the other across the back. This can be moved higher or lower, according to the fancy of the wearer or his idea of comfort.