MECHANICS AND USEFUL ARTS. 25 



For an elastic material for tubing suited to the conveyance of gas, and not 

 liable to be affected by alterations in temperature, or to be acted upon by the 

 gas itself. 



For improvements in the oxy-hydrogen microscope, and the means by 

 which a bright object may be presented on a dark ground. 



For a rapid means of reproducing artistic designs or sketches, without the 

 intervention of hand labor, for surface printing by machinery. 



For a means of producing impressions from copper-plates by machinery, 

 without the intervention of hand labor. 



For the invention of a simple electrometer, to be sold at a moderate price, 

 for determining the amount and kind of atmospheric electricity ; and which 

 will show uniform results under uniform circumstances. 



For the invention of a marine mercurial barometer, which will obviate 

 the oscillation of the mercury, and fulfill all the conditions necessary to make 

 it a good and reliable instrument ; and be sold at a moderate price. 



For the invention of an anemometer for determining the direction of the 

 wind, and its pressure in pounds on the square foot, to be sold at a moderate 

 price. 



For the invention of an anemometer for measuring the force and direction 

 of the wind on board ship correctly, distinguishing the, amount due to the 

 wind and that due to the ship's velocity, varying with the angle. 



For an instrument that will detect the local attraction of a ship at sea, with 

 reference to the compass, by direct observation of the heavenly bodies, with- 

 out the process of turning the ship. 



For the production of a lustrous wool, to be used in lieu of silk, in the 

 manufacture of fringes, carriage laces, etc. 



For the successful application of some new means (as electricity, or photo- 

 graphy, for instance) for producing ornamental designs in woven fabrics, 

 which shall be cheaper, and easier of application, than those at present 

 employed. 



For an efficient means of removing the fatty matters from skins, so as to 

 render them capable of receiving mordants by the ordinary printing process. 



For the best mode of dressing kid for the upper leather of boots; the im- 

 provements required are, strength of the grain and a good firm black dye. 



For the best specimens of cisterns, suitable for household or other purposes, 

 made of glass in one piece. 



For a chair or couch affording the greatest possible amount of support to 

 persons of weak physical powers while writing. 



For a means of rendering the plaster used for casts, less absorbent, and 

 more adhesive, so as to facilitate its use for repairing purposes. 



For the best means of turning to useful account, slag of furnaces, hi a 

 coarse, refined, or combined state. 



For the best design for a flower trough or vase, ornamented in bas-relief 

 and capable of being cast from a mold in one piece, and of being produced in 

 terra cotta. 



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