Science Sittings

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 40, 3 October 1907, Page 35

Science Sittings

By 'Volt 1

Sunlight and the Sea. ' How far does -sunlight penetrate beneath the surface of the seas ? ' has been asked many times, and now the camera has answered the question. By exposing the most sensitive photographic plates at various depths it has been ascertained with definiteness how much sunlight there is in the water with each descending foot. There is a point, at which no action of light is found, and that point is six hundred feet under the surface. Below that is absolute darkness. Size of the Universe. ' By considering the universe's size,' said a mathematician^ ' man can form an idea of his own littleness. Here is an impressive illustration of the incredible vastness of the universe : Electricity travels at the rate of 180,000 miles a second. If we could board an electric current and journey at its ' speed, our train would require eight" minutes to reach the sun. A short enough trip, eh? To Alpha Centauri, the nearest fixed star, would be a longer trip. Our train would travel four years ere we arrived at Alpha station. There are other fixed stars, which, going at the 180,000-mile-per-second rate, we would only reach in a 2000year journey.' Anchoring a Lightship. A very effective method is employed to keep a lightship always in practically the same position. The ship is moored by three anchors, which rest in the sea bed in the form of a triangle. When the tide alters its direction the vessel, of course, swings with it, .but only to a limited extent. The ship cannot change right over, as it would if only one anchor were- used, for the_. three anchors fix it in a different position and do not allow it to move more than a few yards.' Blow of a Swordfish. - A remarkable illustration of the force with which a sworSfish strikes a blow has recently been reported. - While repairing a ship recently which had completed a long voyage in Pacific waters a sword was found which had successfully pierced a sheathing one inch thick, a three-inch plank', and beyond that four and a half inches of firm timber. It has been estimated that it would reqjuire nine strokes of a hammer weighing twenty-five pounds to drive an iron bolt of similar shape the same distance. The First Bicycle. It was a Scotsman, of the name of M'Millan, a blacksmith by trade, who first conceived and carried into practice the idea that a man might be able to propel Himself on two wheels, with his feet ofi the ground. In 1840 Glasgow was- electrified on beholding a human being careering • along the street on a ' velocipede.' This was too novel a spectacle for the man in blue. The-velocipedestrian was kindly requested to jump off his wheel and betake himself to the nearest "police station. On being cross-examined, the wheelman was found to have covered the 70 males from Keir, Dumfriesshire, on his machine. This was considered sufficient proof by the authorities that they had a dangerous lunatic to deal with-, and M'Millan was promptly consigned to the gaol, whence he was only released on the solemn promise never to do it any more. There were, as of course is well known, earlier velocipedes than this, but they were propelled by the rider striking his toes against the ground instead of operating pcUctlS* — — Propagation of Sponges. There are a great many things which the scientists of to-day are not able to explain, and a great many others over which they have frequent discussions owing to a difference of opinion. The method by which sponges are propagated when left to themselves is one of these mooted scientific questions. Some declare that they are reproduced from true eggs; others are" equally positive that they are propagated from buds.

He tossed on the bed at midnight As the clock was~ striking the hour ; And he hoped that he get rid might • Of the cough that made him so dour. > Hot gruel and slops they gave him, But such treatment he did abjure, There was only one thing that could save him 'Twas Woods' Great Peppermint Cure.