72 MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. New Mail-Coaches; their Cost, ENGLAND, WALES, AND SCOTLAND. British Association,-Sixth Meeting. THE following Circular has been addressed to the members of the British THE total number of miles run by the Association for the Advancement of Mail-Coaches annually, is This is nearly equal to a journey 200 times round the world. The number of miles run by them daily, is More than equal to onehalf the circumference of the world. The number of miles run by the London Mail-Coaches only, in one despatch and return, is The number of MailCoaches required for the service of the Post-office is about Agreeably to the contracts made in the Summer of 1835, and which came into operation on the 5th of January last for a term of seven years, the Mail-Coach (very much improved in construction, safety, and convenience) is furnished, and kept in repair, greased, oiled, and cleaned completely fit for service, in the southern and midland districts (10,124 miles), at per mile run. In the northern district (3,114 miles), at ditto. The annual cost of furnishing and maintaining the MailCoaches, is 4,831,870 Science, (post paid.) 66 'Bristol, July 1st, 1836. "SIR,-We beg to inform you, that the next Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, 13,238 will be held in Bristol, during the week commencing on Monday, August 22nd. "The Most Noble the Marquis of Lansdowne, the President Elect, will take the Chair on the evening of that day. "With a view to the formation of the 7,010 Sections, and other preliminary arrangements, the General Committee will meet on Saturday, August 20th, at Twelve o'Clock. 290 1d. 1d. "It is requested, that Members who may have any Papers, or other communications, to lay before the Association, will state before the end of July their general nature and probable extent, in letters addressed as follows:-To the Provisional Secretary of the [Mathematical, Chemical, or other] Section, Philosophical Institution, Park-street, Bristol. "Unless this precaution be attended to, great inconvenience must arise, and valuable papers may be unavoidably rejected in the press of business. Investigations of any considerable length may be most advantageously presented in abstract. "It is also very desirable, that gentlemen who propose to attend should *£21,095 11 11 signify their intention early to the nearest Local Treasurer, or to one of the Secretaries for Bristol. The average amount paid to the old contractors in each of the ten years, ending 31st "Information for Members, on their December, 1834, was £32,947 6 11 arrival, will be given at the Council of the Association and its Committees, &c., " will be ready soon after the middle of July." It is not yet ready (26th July); perhaps it would be impossible, in the peculiar circumstances under which the MSS. for these volumes are obtained, the proofs corrected, &c., to publish them sooner; but as the "Recommendations," &c., contain Propositions for Experiments, Treatises, &c., desirable, at least, to be prepared and delivered in time for the succeeding Anniversary, we submit to the Management of the Association the propriety of not reserving these until the very eve of the meeting, but of publishing them the earliest possible opportunity after the dispersion of the Association,-while the subjects are fresh in the recollection of the members who attended, and giving the greatest possible time for preparation to those who were absent, and to all others interested in the subjects. A sheet, without a cover, would contain all, and might be the last of the series of those very useful Bulletins which have been published during some of the meetings. German Association, 1836. THE annual meeting of natural philosophers of Germany, will take place at Jena, on the 10th of September. Prostitution of the Medallic Art. BOULOGNE now possesses two mortifying memorials of the failure of the celebrated preparations made by the French, under Buonaparte, to invade England. She long has had the lofty unfinished Column; and lately, M. Hamy has presented to her Museum a medal, now extremely rare, struck by Napoleon, and intended to commemorate the intended expedition. On the obverse is the head of * With a very little more attention, and perhaps no more expense, these morning notices might contain a much greater quantity of information; by this the regular march of the business of the Association might be considerably assisted, and the members enabled greatly to economize their time, during the little week of four days. The loss of Monday, and, more particularly, that of Saturday, is a subject of great regret to those who come to work. At Bonn, last year, some of the sections of the German Association, who had interesting matter before them, continued sitting in the succeeding week, until they had deliberately discharged the whole of their duty. Buonaparte, crowned with laurel, and the inscription "NAPOLEON EMPEREUR," a title then very recently assumed by him. The design on the reverse is emblematical, but, happily for England, was not prophetical,-A powerful man is stifling in his arms a monster-half human, half fish. The inscription is, "DESCENTE EN ANGLETERRE." It was not impossible but that this allusion might have become true; but on the exergue is the following deliberate lie:"FRAPPÉE A LONDRES EN 1804"! Stereotype Plates of Iron. HR. ZIEGLER, a printer of Blankenburg, in Brunswick, has printed a Bible from iron stereotype-plates. The advantages of using this material for such a purpose are not stated. Improvements in Steam-Carriages on Common Roads. Wg noticed in the preceding volume of this Magazine two inventions of M. Galy-Cazalat, which were designed for the improvement of Steam-Carriages. We have since learnt, by a communication from the inventor, that they are part only of a series which has for its object the accomplishment of a problem in which so many have failed, and so much capital has been unproductively expended-the construction of a safe Steam-Carriage, for the conveyance of passengers at a desirable velocity on common roads, which shall be perfectly safe from accidents by explosion, &c. After a long and careful examination of the subject, and many experiments, on a full scale, M. Galy-Cazalat decided, that the following ameliorations were all desirable in the most improved carriages yet known, and most of them necessary; thus he conceives he has perfectly acaccomplished in his Steam-Carriage, bility of the axle-tree-crank to break is 1. An arrangement by which the liadiminished. 2. A mode of suspension of the engine, &c., which prevents its action from being disturbed by joltage*. 3. An apparatus for guiding the carriage, by means of the steam itself, with great facility. 4. An hydraulic break for diminishing the velocity, and, when desirable, en * Examined and approved by the Institute of France, and rewarded with their gold medal, in 1833. tirely stopping a steam-carriage, upon a declivity. 5. A steam-generator, of simple construction and little weight; with a fireplace in which coal may be used as a fuel without giving out smoke. 6. An apparatus of great simplicity and of easy application, by which explosions of steam-generators and boilers may be, at all times, prevented*. 7. An apparatus, also of great simplicity, and incapable of derangement, by which the water-surface in steamgenerators and boilers is constantly maintained during the working of the engine at the same level †. It will be evident to all who understand the subject that, supposing M. Galy-Cazalat has succeeded to the extent which he describes, he has removed nearly all the more important impediments which have up to this moment obstructed the progress of this valuable application of steam-power. To prevent Ink becoming Mouldy ADD to each pint-bottle of common writing-ink five drops of kreosote: it gives the ink a slight odour of smoked meat, which is by no means disagreeable, and effectively obviates its tendency to become musty. The same preventive applies with equal efficacy to Stephens's blue writing-fluid. Kreosote is a liquid extracted, by a circuitous process, from wood-tar, and may be purchased at the chemists' shops. Patent-Law Improvement. promulgating a rational and intelligible system of practice, which requires none of the absurd permission nor costly assistance of chief-justices, chief-barons, attornies and solicitors-general, advising barristers, law-agents, &c. &c. Means of information,-of advice,-of assistance,-of wholesome check, are provided for those who are in that pleasing but dangerous delirium, which leads a man to the vestibule of the patent-office, and to the sanctum of a patent-agent. The government and lawyers and agents will not be permitted to seize upon the poor man, who, cursed with inventive genius, makes a step in advance in the march of improvement, and asks for protection from the pirates who surround him. The United States government, by this Bill, is compelled to be ever ready to aid, and the lawyers must stand aloof, at least until the patent is obtained, or refused for reasons given. The British Patents-Law Amendment Bill, with all the good intentions of its promoters, and much is due to them for their benevolent designs, is a vexatious imperfection compared with the American. The one is a noble statue, sound, detached, complete, somewhat deficient in symmetry and polish. The other, is a mutilated and discoloured trunk, sticking in the niche of an old building, on which some modern artist has been endeavouring, with great difficulty and little success, to attach here and there a new limb, and in other parts to scratch off a little of the dirt with which time, and neglect, and mischievous hands have incrusted it. been twice in the Since our last the British Bill has of the House of Commons, and has not dropped orders" yet (26th July) been read a second time. This now stands for the 27th. THE improvement of the Patent-Law is now before the British legislature, and that of the United States. We have carefully prepared abstracts of the several Bills, and we lay them before our readers for comparison. It will be an act of self-mortification for them as it has been for us. They will find, that though the American bill is far from perfect, and is disfigured by some paltry distinctions, yet that it has the merit of attempting to embrace the whole subject, making a "clear stage and show-hardly deserving of such efforts, still if ing no favour" to any old and barbarous attained, it may so clear the ground and unjust and injurious forms, and that something better may be easier attained. * Examined, tested, and approved by La Société d'Encouragement of Paris, and rewarded with their large gold medal, in December, 1835. Described in p. 395 of the preceding volume of this Magazine. + Described p. 397, as above. Mr. Mackinnon, apparently untired by House that he hopes still to get the Bill these repeated delays, has stated in the into law in this session. We wish his exertions may be successful, for though we feel that the object attempted is British Letters-Patent Amendment Bill-Abstract. 6 WILL. IV.-Bill to amend the law relating to Letters-Patent for Inventions, and for the better Encouragement of the Arts and Manufactures.-Prepared and brought in by Mr. Mackinnon and Mr. Hardy.—Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed, June 20, 1836. 1. First Preamble.-" Whereas it is expedient to alter and amend the law relating to letters-patent for inventions, as well as by rendering more easy and less expensive the manner of securing to individuals the benefit of their inventions, as by affording additional facilities to patentees for the protection of their rights."—Acts entirely repealed 27 Geo. III. c. 38;-29 Geo. III. c. 19;34 Geo. IV. c. 33;-Act partly repealed, 5 and 6 Will. IV. c. 83;-so far as relates to the notice of objections to be given by defendant to plaintiff on pleading to an action for infringement. Things done, or in progress, in consequence of above Acts not to be affected*. 2. Separate letters-patent for England, Scotland, and Ireland no longer necessary. Letters-patent obtained in one kingdom may be obtained for the other two, on enrolling a specification within six calendar months, and paying the same fees as at present. Letterspatent to be procured in manner in use in England. 3. Total amount of stamps on letterspatent to be 21+. 4. Warrant of a chief-justice, or the chief-baron, directing the attorney and solicitor-general to prepare a bill substituted for the King's signature. 5. A chief-justice, or the chief-baron, to be applied to, to affix his signature to the bill. 6. Such signature to be as valid as the King's. Not to be held unnecessary to obtain the royal signature when the same can be readily obtained. 7. The grant of letters-patent is to bear date from the day of presenting petition. Specification to be enrolled within nine calendar months from presentation of petition. The term for the sole using, &c., of the invention to bear date from the day of sealing. 8. Shops, &c., of persons suspected of infringement, may be searched under a judge's order. 9. Under-sheriff may be directed to attend search. Though repealed in this Section, it is re-enacted in Section 12 of this Bill. The present amount of stamps for an English Patent is £40., for the three kingdoms about £90. 10. Expenses of search to be defrayed by party applying. In case of verdict against the suspected party, judge may direct him to pay them. 11. On favourable report of Privy Council, the King may grant prolongation of letters-patent for a term, not exceeding fourteen years from expiration of first term. Application for such prolongation to be made with effect before the expiration of the first term. 12. In case of action, notice of objections to be given by defendant and plaintiff as the case may be, and none other allowed to be made at trial. Judge may give leave for others to be offered. 13. Second Preamble.-"That it is expedient for the greater encouragement of the useful arts and manufactures in these realms, to afford some further protection and assistance to the inventors of new and useful improvements, by vesting the property therein in the inventors or proprietors thereof for a limited time." Inventions, by which, in the opinion of the inventor or proprietor, some new and beneficial operation or result shall be obtained in any art, science, manufacture, or calling whatsoever" secured to the inventor or proprietor for a year from the time of registering. Inventor or proprietor must deposit specimen or model of invention, with his name and address, and pay a sum of money. 66 14. Three commissioners may be appointed by the King to carry Act into effect, and removed by him on sufficient reason. 15. Commissioners shall provide place for reception of specimens, &c., to be deposited, and preserve and expose them to public inspection for a year from date of deposit. Ten pounds to be paid on deposit of specimen, &c. Commissioners to grant certificates of deposit on payment of one shilling. 16. Persons using, vending, imitating, &c., the subject-matter of a licence, or counterfeiting a certified person's mark on the same, shall be liable to a penalty of 507. Things which have been licensed, may be stamped "licensed," &c., by any person after the term of the license has expired. Holder of license not to be exempted by it from any liabilities in consequence of any infringement of letters-patent. Subject matter of license cannot afterwards be patented, nor licensed a second time. 17. Commissioners to apply monies received under Act to the payment of expenses of preserving and exhibiting specimens, &c., and account for surplus. which it is most nearly connected, may be able to make the same. Claim to be particularly specified. Documents to be signed by inventor and two witnesses, and filed in Patent-Office. In United States Letters-Patent Bill.-ventor to make oath, that he believes Abstract. BILL to promote the Progress of the Useful Arts, and to repeal all Acts, and parts of Acts, heretofore made for that purpose.-Drawn by a Select Committee of Congress, appointed to take into consideration the state and condition of the Patent-Office, and the Laws relating to the Issue of Patents for new and useful Inventions and Discoveries. 1. New Patent-Office to be established, and attached to the Department of State; chief officer to be called The Commissioner of Patents. Commis sioner to superintend the issue of all patents, and have charge of records, models, &c. belonging to Patent-Office; -to have the same salary as Commissioner of Indian Department. 2. To be a Chief Clerk, with salary of £380; two other Clerks, £280 each; Examiner, £340; Draughtsman, £270; Mechanist, £225; and Messenger, £112. 3. All officers to make oath to execute their duties faithfully. Commissioner and Chief Clerk to give bonds and securities for £ each to Treasurer of United States;-to give account to him, quarterly, of all monies received. 4. Commissioner to provide a seal. All records, papers, &c. which have the signature of the Commissioner, and the said seal, shall be evidence. Copies of written documents may be had on pay; ing (about) 5d. for every 100 words, and copies of drawings on payment of reasonable expenses. 5. Patents to be issued in the name of The United States, under seal of Patent-Office, signed by Secretary of State, and countersigned by Commissioner of Patents, to be recorded, with the specimens, in said office, &c. Patent to contain short description of invention, and a grant to the inventor and his heirs, of the sole use, &c. for a term not exceeding fourteen years, with a reference to specification for particulars. 6. Inventor to apply to Commissioner, who may grant patent. Inventor first to deliver a written description, drawings, specimens, models, &c. (as the case may be,) so that a person skilled in the art or science to which it appertains, or with himself to be the original inventor. 7. Commissioner to cause invention to be examined, and if satisfied it is new and useful, ought to issue a patent. If Commissioner be dissatisfied, or if he think the description, &c. insufficient, to give inventor notice of same, with information for his guidance. Inventor, ceive back one part of duty paid; on on withdrawing his application, may reoath. If Commissioner be still dissatispersisting in his claim, must make fresh fied, he may have three examiners appointed by Secretary of State, selected ticular subject. Examiners to be furfor their knowledge and skill in the parnished with decision and reasons of the Commissioner in writing. Examiners to give notice to inventor and Commissioner of time and place of meeting, that the latter may give evidence. Examiners may, after inquiry and deliberation, revise the decision of ComCommissioner shall be governed by missioner, either in whole or part, and decision of examiners in the further proceedings. Inventor must deposit with Commissioner, before the examiners are appointed, the sum of £ which shall be a full compensation for their services. would interfere with other applications 8. Application for a patent which sioner to other applicants and patentees. or patents, to be notified by CommisCommissioner may decide upon the priority or right. Case of dissatisfaction of parties to be dealt with as in Section 7. sioner of application,' inventor must pay, 9. Before consideration by Commisif he be citizen of the United States, or if alien and resident in the United States for a year preceding, having made oath of his intention to become citizen, £9; if subject of the king of Great Britain, £112*; all others, £67 10s. Monies received under act to constitute citizen must pay about the same sum for a * On the principle that an American patent in England; but it should have been remembered, that an American pays no more here than a native, and this would be the liberal and just rule for the United States legislators. |