710 Transactions of the American Institute. 



operation of blowing soap bubbles were the greatest enigmas to 

 scientific men. The extraordinary expansion and adhesion com- 

 bined in the vapor spheres were well worthy of the fullest inves- 

 tigation. 



IMPROVED LAMP. 



Mr. W. Willard exhibited his improved lamp for Inirning petro- 

 leum, which consisted in placing two movable jaws just above the 

 wick, which, on approach or receding, regulated the size of the flame 

 where petroleum is used, and also prevents the incrustation of the 

 wick. 



BRICK MACHINE. 



Mr. D. W. Seeley exhibited a model of his brick machine. No 

 detailed description has been furnished for this report, but those 

 who have used the machine speak highly of its simplicity and effi- 

 ciency. 



IMPROVED KETTLE FOR THE KITCHEN. 



Mr. John Gibson, jr., of Albany, exhibited an anti-scalding pot, 

 by the use of which a child can decant, or pour out the boiling 

 liquid from a pot or kettle with ease and perfect safety, an opera- 

 tion heretofore attended with great danger of scalding, even to a 

 grown person. 



The invention consists of a lug or ear placed on the side of the 

 kettle near its base, said lug having a hole, into which a handle or 

 hook is inserted, to lift or decant the kettle. 



Another feature of the invention, is the securing of the cover in its 

 position, so that it cannot fall oflT while the kettle is being emptied; 

 the liquid passing through openings on one side of the cover, or the 

 lid may be raised a little on one edge, to answer the same purpose. 

 Thus vegetables, meat, &c., may be retained in the kettle while the 

 liquid is poiu-ed out with ease and safety. 



Cooking utensils now in use can have this new invention applied 

 to them in a few moments, at our own houses, and at a trifling 

 expense. 



CAR HEATER. 



Mr. Gibson also exhibited his patent car heater. The stove is 

 placed under the seat, on one side of the car, about equi-distant 

 from each end. The ash box projects downward between the 

 wheels, and a three inch smoke pipe passing under the seats to the 

 back corner and then upward through the roof of the car. The 



