Science.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1624, 30 November 1882, Page 2 (Supplement)

Science.

Tht) question of the possibility of obtaining heat from solar radiation sufficient to boil water, and so actuate a steam-engine, is one which has of lato years engaged the attention of scientific men find Societies. A. French governmentJCommission has lately been carrying out nome experiments with apparatus, consisting of a large concave mirror with a blackened boiler in its focus. The steam was condensed as it was given off from the boiler; and the weight of distilled water thus obtained indicated tho amount of heat utilised. From these experiments; it would seem that the sun is far too fickle a source from which to obtain heat, except in some few countries where the steam-engine is, as yet unknown, and not wanted. — Chambers Jom not.

A Roumanian engineer, M. Theodorescu, has invented a submarine ship, before which all similar invontions are said to palo. This ship, according to the statement of the inventor, can be guided for twelve hours completely under water, the depth of immersion varying between 100 and 300 feet at the option of the commander. Upon the surfaco the ship can be managed like any other vessel, its rate of speed, however, being less than that of ordinary steamers. The diving is done by means of screws, vertically, and can be accomplished suddenly or gradually. In the same manner the ship can be made to emerge from the water, When the vessel is under water, enough light is supplied to enable those on board to see any obstacle 130 feet ahead, and to regulate the ship's motion accordingly. The air supplied to the vessel is said to suffice for the whole crew for about twelve to fourteen hours. In case of need tho aii f reservoir can be filled again, even under water, by means of telescopic tubes sent up to the surface. The progress of the vessel, as well as the diving, are said to bo absolutely noiseless. We give all these details from the inventor's statemont with due reserve, but should they prove true, tho invention would be likely to prove a highly valuable one eveh for peaceable objects, apart from its great utility in naval warfare.

FLYING MACHINES FOB WAR USES, , Gebjiany .and Russia are both pushing forward experiments in flying machines for use in war or otherwise. It appears that the direction in which these are working is the only one likely to be successful. It ignores the ridicnlous inflated gasbag, which is enormous in size, difficult and cobtly to fill in war, and floats — a gigantic derelict —at the mercy of every current of air, a huge mark for the first gunner who can hit and bring it to the ground. Baumgarten, in Germany, and Baranovski, in Eussia, adopt the principle of the inclined plane pressed against "the air, and thus capable of making some attempt at least to regulate its own course. In the kite the force that presses the inclined plane is the hand of the boy acting through the string. . In the sail of the boat the resistance of the water to Bide« long mdtton keeps the sail pressed against the wind. In flying machines the pressure is given by an engine carried by the machine and acting by means of fans of one sort or the other. The difficulty at present is the weight of engine and fuel; but with the development of electrical practical knowledge we may fairly expect to see accumulators which will supply the maximum of power with the minimum of weight. Then the problem of flying in still air will be solved. Whether we shall ever be able to ride the storm is another matter. — Pall Mall Gazette.

There is no more perfect picture of contentment and chastened joy in this weeping, sorrowing world, says Bill Nye, than the fat man who has not .seen over the horizon of his anatomy for ten years, and who enters society cheerful and happy in his ignorance of the fact , that the monogram tag which is attached to the foot of his shirt-bosom is waving through the aperture between his vest and waist-band. - Doctor Bock, of Leipsic, is responsible for the following note on the relation between morals and what people eat and drink : " Thq, nervousness and peevishness of our times are chiefly attributed to tea and coffee. The ,digestive organs 61 confirmed coffee-drinkers axe in ft state of chronic derangement,, which reacts, uponthe brain?, producing fretful andlaohrynlose.moodsi' Fine ladieß addipted, to strong* coffee, haye I * chWcteris%/tetoper,it which,! might describe as a mania for ; acting* tHe'lpersefe'uted'kainfc'; Chocolate" is heatt»nn' ifo/psycM&l'^