956 Transactions of the American Institute. 



*' as a drop in the bucket " in comparison with its many and very 

 great advantages, which would give immediate and permanent relief, 

 and also a powerful impulse to the growth of our commerce and 

 population. 



In conclusion, Mr. Dows said he would discuss the question more 

 fully at the next meeting. 



Adjourned. 



January 28, 1869. 



Professor S. D. Tillman in the chair ; Mr. C. E. Emery, Secretary. 



The usual scientific items were read by the chairman, some of the 

 more interesting of which we note as follows : 



'O 



Preservation of Eggs. 



A mention of the French method of preserving eggs by coagulating 

 a film of albumen upon the interior of the shells by dipping them for 

 a moment in boiling water, called out a suggestion from Dr. Bradley 

 that tlie shells might perhaps be rendered impervious to air by coat- 

 ing them with hydrated alkaline silicate or soluble glass. To this a 

 member replied that he had tried the proposed method several years 

 ago. He carefully coated the eggs with silicate, packed them in 

 l>ran, and let them alone for three months. At the end of that time 

 Le broke them, and "let them alone for ever after." Dr. Vander- 

 weyde explained that when the silicate is manufactured under a high 

 pressure it will not deliquesce as it will when the alkali is in great 

 excess.' Some years ago a bridge over the Schuylkill river was 

 coated with this material to render it fire-proof. The soda washed 

 out and the silica was reduced to a powdered condition, so that the 

 experiment was practically a failure. 



Patent Soles for Boots. 



As a new and. useful invention, Clarke's patent sole for boots and 

 shoes was exhibited and explained. The outer sole is perforated 

 with numerous holes into which are firmly fitted knobs or pieces of 

 India rubber. These knobs project about one-sixteenth of an inch 

 below the surface of the sole, and prevent slipping upon ice, slippery 

 pavements, etc. 



