Science Siftings

New Zealand Tablet, 15 December 1910, Page 2079

Science Siftings

BY 'VOLT'

Much in Little. A liliputian electric dynamo, perfect in every detail but weighing only a quarter of an ounce, was shown at work at a session of the Paris Academy of Science. Its constructor is a French mechanician named Trevet. Carrageen, or Irish Moss. The carrageen, or Irish moss weed, is well worth seeking. In shape it somewhat resembles a crumpled fern frond, varying in color from a yellowish green to a livid purple or olive brown. At one time a fashionable remedy for consumption, it was collected by the peasantry of the west coast of Ireland, and whilst in repute sold for as much as half-a-crown a pound. To Develop Electricity. The artesian wells of South Dakota are used to develop electricity as well as to irrigate the prairie. The water comes from a strata nearly 1000 feet deep, which extends under the upper Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers to the base of the Rocky Mountains. Some of the wells throw a jet of water 15 feet high. The power of water is transformed into electricity for industrial purposes by means of a hydraulic wheel of the Pelton type, which drives a dynamo. i The Feet of the Horse. A horse's foot is a wonderful piece of workmanship, more delicate than a watch, and contains a multitude of intricate springs, levers, and exquisitely fitted joints, all packed for safety into the outer case which we call the hoof. One moment's consideration of the size and weight of the animal will show that, in running or leaping, a severe shock would be felt by the creature's brain every time his feet touched the ground if the fall were not broken in some way. Needle Dust. In factories where needles are made the grindstones throw off great quantities of minute steel particles, with which the air becomes heavily charged, although the dust is too fine to be. perceptible to the eye. Breathing the dust shows no immediate effect, but gradually sets up irritation, usually, ending in pulmonary consumption. Ineffective efforts were made to screen the air by gauze Or linen guards for nose or mouth. At last the use of the magnet was suggested, and now masks of magnetised steel wire are worn by workmen and effectually remove the metal dust before the air is breathed. A Wireless Record. The Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, Ltd., has issued the following Marconigram for publication: —' Marconigram from Italian Lloyd steamship Principessa Mafalda states that Mr. Marconi, on board, was successful in obtaining wireless messages from Clifden, Ireland, and Glace Bay, Canada, stations up to a distance of 3500 miles, in broad daylight. A kite was used for the support of the aerial wire on board, and except for encountering high wind. wh\oU stopped kite-flying, Marconi is confident that a greater distance would have been achieved. Distance easily beats all records for reception of wireless messages on board ship in day time. Previous best, 1750 miles.' Modern Shipbuilding. The White Star Line's giant steamer Olympic was launched successfully on October 20 at Belfast. Thousands of spectators watched the monster hull glide swiftly down the ways. The Olympic is the largest steamer now' afloat The Olympic exceeds by nearly 100 ft in length and 13,000 tons any other ship afloat. Her principal dimensions areLength over all, 882^-ft; breadth over all, 92£ft; height from bottom of keel to top of captain's house, 105£ft; distance from top of funnel to keel, 175 ft; number of steel decks 11. The Olympic and her sister steamer, the Titanic, will each accommodate 2500 passengers, carrying a crew of 860 and because of the enormous size of the ships the accommodations, both as regards the several public apartments and the passenger staterooms, will be exceptionally spacious, while the beauty and luxury of the appointments will surpass anything hitherto attempted. Special attractions , such as Turkish and electric bath establishments, swimming 7 pools, tennis courts, sun parlors, sports decks and palm l - courts, will be provided, in addition to restaurants, dinin"saloons, lounges, smoking apartments, elevators, etc. all of which will add much to the pleasure of a voyage on these marvels of marine achievement. The Olympic and Titanic will be propelled by a unique combination of reciprocating engines with a low-pressure turbine, such as the White Star Line has employed so successfully on its Canadian service steamer Laurentic. By this ingenious system vibration is eliminated and seasickness conquered A sneed of 22 knots per hour will be maintained. ' '