NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. 129 



these machines, although they can operate much faster than others. 

 Any man of ordinary intelligence and quickness of comprehension, 

 by committing the alphabet to memory, could read and write slowly, 

 and increase in rapidity as fast as " practice makes perfect." 



It has been remarked that, for war service, many others than the 

 correspondents would understand the lights ; but this obstacle to its 

 introduction is very easily removed by transmitting dispatches in 

 cipher, which is an easier method of sending the same amount of 

 matter, and, at the same time, unintelligible to all excepting the cor- 

 respondents themselves. 



NEW EYE-SHADE THE OCCHIOMBRA. 



Mr. Joseph Calkins, of London, has patented a transparent eye- 

 shade (Occldombra), which promises to be a boon to those who suffer 

 from impaired vision, or temporarily from inflammation, or other irri- 

 tating causes. 



Its general appearance is that of the usual shade, but more symmet- 

 rical in its outline. It consists of a very light wire framework, fitting 

 with a spring closely round the forehead, just above the eyebrows ; 

 and over the framework is extended an extremely fine transparent 

 fabric of gauze or other material. A portion of the wire framework, 

 almost invisible to the by-stander, rests upon the nose, passes close 

 to the face under the eyes to the temples, supporting the fabric from 

 the lower part of the shade, thus forming one large closed chamber for 

 the eyes. 



The fineness of the fabric will be found to protect the wearer from 

 wind, dust, and sun, but allows of sufficient ventilation to keep the 

 eyes perfectly cool ; and a lengthened opening at the top of the 

 shade, not observable when, worn, provides for the escape of any 

 heat that may be engendered by violent exercise the want of which 

 is felt in the ordinary shade. 



The occhiombra can be placed and removed with the same ease as 

 a pair of spectacles, and is so light as to be scarcely perceptible to the 

 wearer, being in weight about half an ounce. The fabric is sometimes 

 doubled, to meet the requirements of those with weak or inflamed 

 eyes, but is sufficiently transparent, in all cases, to enable the wearer 

 to thread his way through any crowd with perfect comfort. 



The occhiombra will be found of great service in protecting from 

 wind and ashes those who travel by railroad. Travellers in India and 

 Egypt, and Alpine excursionists, will find it of inestimable benefit 

 the first as a protection from sun and sand, and the latter from sleet, 

 wind, and the painful glare from the snow. It also relieves the angler 

 from wind and glare on the surface of the water ; but it will be found 

 of especial service to ladies, and those who visit the sea-side, protect- 

 ing them from excessive wind and light, rendering it unnecessary for 

 the former to wear a veil, and thus allowing free respiration of the 

 pure sea air. 



The occhiombra does not in any way interfere with the wearing of 

 spectacles, and is manufactured in different colors, to meet the tastes 

 of those who adopt it. 



