THE 



ANNUAL OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY. 



MECHANICS AND USEFUL ARTS. 



SUBJECTS FOK IXVESTIGATIOX AiSID 



DTJRIXG the past year the London Society of Arts published a list of sub- 

 jects, desiderata in the various branches of science and art, which they 

 considered worthy of investigation, and for the best communication respecting 

 which, sent to the Society, they proposed to award a premium. As it is a 

 matter involving no little labor and knowledge to select, and explicitly set 

 forth, reasonable problems and inquiries relating to the industrial arts, and 

 believing, as we do, that at the present day, a great part of every invention 

 consists in finding out what is really needed, we copy some of the most im- 

 portant of the subjects propounded by the Society ; and for the best account 

 or treatise respecting which premiums are offered. To indicate and point 

 attention to a want is, at any rate, the most effectual way of supplying it. 



For an essay on ancient metallurgy. 



For an account of the modes by which wolfram can be separated from 

 other ores ; and on the uses of tungsten in the arts. 



For any new application of tungsten in arts or manufactures. 



For an account of menachanite or iserine ; and suggestions for obtaining 

 titanium from these ores. 



For any improvement in the process of condensing the fumes in the smelt- 

 ing of lead slags. 



For an account of the best proportions for the production of the compound 

 metal, bronze ; and the preparation of bronze washes. 



For the invention of a white metallic alloy, free from microscopic faults, 

 which may be successfully applied to the arts; is hard enough for use in 

 reflecting telescopes, and is not liable to be acted upon by the atmosphere. 



For the discovery or manufacture of a new smokeless fuel, which shall not 

 occupy more space, or be of greater weight than the fuel now in use ; and 



