Polytechnic Association Proceedings. 595 



It was suggested that experiments be made by some of the 

 chemists of this Association, regarding the action of Croton water 

 on lead pipe, and reported at a future meeting. Adjourned. 



May 30, 1867. 

 Prof. S. D. Tillman in the chair; J. Wyatt Rkid, Esq., Secretary. 

 The following items of scientific news were read by the Chair- 

 man: 



VANADIUM. 



Mr. Mushet has expressed the opinion that a minute quantity 

 of the metal vanadium mixed with iron forms a valuable alloy, and 

 gives a fine, tough, fibrous texture to bar iron. 



ANCIENT WATER. 



Excavations lately made at Pompeii revealed a bronzed vase, 

 hermetically closed, and covered with a thick incrustation. The 

 interior was found to contain a liquid; it proved to be clear, soft 

 water, which has not changed by evaporation for 1,800 years. 



THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH IN JAPAN. 



Arrangements have been made to lay a submarine cable between 

 Yokohama and Yeddo; land lines into the interior, as well as 

 cables to other islands, doubtless will soon follow. 



CARILLONS. 



A specimen of a chime of Belgian bells is to be exhibited at 

 Champ de Mars, Paris, previous to being placed in the tower of 

 Saint Germain I'Auxerrois. Four years have been spent in mak- 

 ing this carillon, which is composed of forty-two bells, all of which, 

 by means of keys, are under the control of one player. 



GLYCERINE FOR MERCURY GAUGES. 



The fouling of mercury gauges, used in connection with pressure 

 tests, may be prevented bj"" introducing a few drops of glycerine 

 in the tube on the top of the mercury. The glycerine, by its 

 superior adhesion, lubricates the glass, and keeps the mercury 

 from contact with it. 



A NEW VOLCANO. 



Following an earthquake, a volcano burst, several months ago, 

 in the South Pacific ocean, near the Friendly islands. Great quan- 



