322 On Round Stems for Ships of War. 



A. B. H., and shall be gratified if any of our correspondents will 

 give us further opportunity of obliging him. 



We have read Mr. Prideaux's able papers in the Philosophical 

 Magazine and Annals of Philosophy,* on atomic weights. He 

 has there truly stated, that the general tables of Thompson and 

 Berzelius, are at variance, and that the practice in atomic in- 

 quiries, is to obtain approximations by different modes of opera- 

 tion, and take a mean number, subject to proper corrections. 

 We also know, from what we deem the best authority in this 

 country, that the atomic weight of mercury, as reported in the 

 standard books, is deemed sufficiently accurate for common pur- 

 poses. Nevertheless, perfect accuracy is desirable, and we offer 

 our pages cordially towards effecting so desirable a result. — Ed. 



ON ROUND STERNS FOR SHIPS OF WAR. 



Premium of 2000 francs offered by the French Government for the best Jtlemoir 

 on ROUXD STERJ\^S for Line-of-Battle Ships and Frigates. 



We extract from an article in Dr. Brewster's Journal, the 

 conditions proposed by the French Minister of Marine, for the 

 best memoir to be forwarded to him, before the 1st of July 1832, 

 in order to determine, " among all the forms that can be pre- 

 sented, that particular one, which shall unite in the highest de- 

 gree all the requisite conditions, that the seaman, the naval ar- 

 chitect, and the geometrician may require." — Individuals from 

 every country are eligible to receive the premium. — Ed. 



" To furnish the best plans for the circular sterns for line-of- 

 battle ships and frigates, with all the exterior and interior fit- 

 tings, the manner of disposing the timbering so as to combine the 

 necessary conditions for defence, with strength, lightness, a dis- 

 persion of the weight in proper proportion to the displacement 

 of each part, the efficiency of the rudder, the convenience of the 

 water-closets, and the general suitableness of the accommoda- 

 tions. 



" This manner of fitting the stern must possess facilities for 

 enabling the commandant to be aware of whatever manoeuvres 

 may be in progress, without being obliged to appear on deck. 



• Phil. Mag. and Annals of Philos., April, Sept. and Dec. 1830. 



