TRANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS. 4^1 



On a Steam-engine for pumping Water. Bi/W. L. Wharton. 



In this engine the steam is admitted from the boiler iipon a 

 deep float, occupying the top of a column of water contained in 

 a metallic cylinder, placed in the flue of the boiler fire. The 

 lower part of the column of water is connected by pipes to the 

 under side of a piston, moving water-tight in a much smaller 

 cyHnder, fixed immediately above the pumps of any mine, to 

 the rods of which is affixed the piston rod. By this arrange- 

 ment the steam always acts upon a heated surface, and its 

 power is applied to the pump rods without the intervention of a 

 main beam, parallel motion, &c., and, consequently, without any 

 expense for frame-work and buildings requisite for their support 

 in other engines. The friction of this engine, moreover, is very 

 trifling, a stratum of oil being introduced both above and be- 

 low the piston. A rod or wire is attached to the float, and, 

 passing through a stuffing box in the top of the large cylinder, 

 works the hand gear at tlie proper periods after the admission 

 and escape of the steam, and consequent depression and ele- 

 vation of the water and float, within that cylinder. A condensing 

 apparatus may be added, by which the atmosphere may be 

 rendered available, in addition to the weight of the pump rods, 

 to force down the piston in the small cylinder, and, conse- 

 quently, the water and float to the top of the large cylinder, 

 after each stroke of the engine. 



On the Application of a glass Balance-spring to Chrono- 

 meters. By Edward John Dent. 



Mr. Dent described the various difficulties in the con- 

 struction of chronometers dependent on the imperfection of 

 metalhc balance-springs, whether made of gold, or of soft or 

 hardened steel ; and explained the advantages which may be 

 expected to arise from the substitution of some substance pos- 

 sessed of greater and more regular elasticity. Glass appeared 

 a substance likely to answer this condition, and when formed 

 into a cylindrical spring, it promised, from the trials that had 

 been made, to be both accurate and durable. An instrument 

 was exhibited with the glass spring in movement. 



On the Effect of Impact on Beams. By Eaton Hodgkinson. 



The author gave the results of some inquiries into the power 

 of beams to resist impulsive forces. The experiments were 



