406 Proceedings of the Society of Arts. 



1. Mr Beattle exhibited two specimens of Two-way Door-Springs, on 

 the construction formerly submitted by him, but in which the improve- 

 ment suggested by the Committee of the Society of Arts has been adopt- 

 ed, along with some further ones. (647.) Sir John Robison explained 

 these improvements, and Mr Beattie and he received the thanks of the 

 Society. 



2. Notice of a Dioptric Light erected at Kirkaldy ; with Description 

 of Apparatus used for giving the true Optical Curve. By Edward Sang, 

 F.R.S.E., M.S. A., civil-engineer, Edinburgh. The apparatus was exhi- 

 bited. (552.) Referred to a committee. 



3. Description and Drawing of a Plan for keeping the Boilers of High- 

 pressure Steam-engines always filled with water up to the required level, 

 both when the engines are working and when they are not at work ; to- 

 gether with Remarks as to how the plan may be applied to the Boilers of 

 Condensing Steam-engines. This method of feeding boilers will, it is 

 said, also answer in a steam-boat, although it is only used, in this case, 

 to keep plenty of water in the boiler at any time the steam is up, and the 

 engine not in motion. By Mr James Whitelaw, engineer, late of Glas- 

 gow, now 7 King's Terrace, Bagnigge Wells Road, London. (553.) Re- 

 ferred to a committee. 



4. Mr Bald exhibited a specimen of Iron- wire Rope sent to him lately 

 from the Fahlun Copper Mines, Sweden, each link of which is fifty fa- 

 thoms, or 300 feet, in length. (554.) Thanks. 



5. Mr Bald also exhibited a Pump Bucket, or Valve, from Sweden, — 

 so constructed that the pressure on the stuffing or leather is in proportion 

 to the column of water lifted ; the principle being applicable in a variety 

 of cases, particularly in engine-pits. Mr Bald contrasted this Swedish 

 Valve with those presently in use in Scotland, of which he exhibited spe- 

 cimens. (545.) Thanks. Mr Bald, at the request of the Society, agreed 

 to put his remarks on these two subjects in writing, and to furnish a 

 drawing of the Swedish Valve, to be engraved for the Society's Transac- 

 tions. 



6. The Committee on Mr C. H. Wilson's paper on the Expediency of 

 forming National Establishments for the Moulding and Casting of Works 

 of Art (Dr Maclagan, convener) gave in their report, which was read and 

 approved of. A Memorial to Government, prepared by the Committee, 

 and founded on the report, was also read and approved of, and remitted 

 to a committee to carry it into effect. (535.) 



7. Donation — The Suburban Gardener and Villa Companion. By J. 

 C. Loudon, Esq. F.L.S., Hon. M.S.A., &c. From the Author. (471.) 

 Thanks. 



8. Donation — Description of a Conical and Grooved Pulverising Land 

 Roller. By J. S. Hepburn, Esq. of Colquhalzie, M.S. A. From Transac- 

 tions of Highland Society, vol. xi. Presented by the Author. (498.) 

 Thanks. 



Mr Robert Caldwell, builder, Edinburgh, was admitted as an x)rdinary 

 member. 



