NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. 131 



of 350 rupees a inile for a double line, river crossings and erection of 

 offices being a separate charge. The pecuniary returns from the 

 Calcutta and Kedgeree line were originally calculated at about 200 

 rupees a month, but they have been more than three tunes that 

 amount A rupee is about 56 cents U. S. currency. 



BATCHELDER'S IMPROVED TELEGRAPHIC REGISTER. 



THE following account of a new telegraphic register, invented by 

 Mr. Batchelder, of Boston, we copy from the " To-Day." This 

 instrument, like those used in the Morse and Bain offices, requires 

 the employment of the telegraphic alphabet of dots and lines. It 

 consists of a cylinder, about six inches in diameter, around which is 

 rolled a rectangular sheet of pink tissue or silver paper, exactly as it 

 is bought, since it requires no peculiar preparation. This cylinder 

 slowly revolves ; and the writing is effected by means of a pointed 

 copper wire, heated by a small alcohol lamp, which is pressed against 

 it, and withdrawn at intervals, according as the circuit is opened or 

 broken. It proves that the heat of Jhe wire is sufficient to blanch the 

 paper as it touches it, and thus turn its pink color to yellow ; and so 

 the characters appear in yellow upon a pink ground. Effecting the 

 change of color in this simple way, is not, however, the only merit of 

 the invention. The wire and lamp are upon a stand, so connected 

 with the clock work machinery necessary for the other parts 

 of the apparatus, of whatever form, that they move very slowly 

 down the cylinder; so that, after it has made one revolution, 

 the second line does not fall again upon the first, and interfere with 

 it, but comes a short space below. The result of this is, that, when 

 the paper is full, it can be removed from the cylinder, and read like a 

 common printed page, across from left to right, in lines following 

 under each other. These papers can thus be conveniently preserved 

 for future reference. 



The operation of the machine is beautiful, and its simplicity is 

 apparent from the few words we have found it necessary to employ in 

 describing it. In stating its further advantages, we expect only to be 

 understood by those who are acquainted with the technical terms of 

 telegraphing, when we say that it does not require the use of a local 

 or office circuit, and can be used with a closed or open circuit, as may 

 be preferred ; and that the motion of the recording part, of the 

 instrument is produced by the action of an axial magnet, or a deflect- 

 ing needle. 



The advantages enjoyed by this instrument, in simplicity, accuracy, 

 and legibility, are so apparent, that it would seem as if it must com- 

 mend itself at once to the attention of the telegraph companies, and 

 be introduced into those offices, at least, where the telegraphic alpha- 

 bet is employed. 

 12* 



