318 transactions of the american institute 



Rain Water. 



M. Bobierre reports to the French Academy of Sciences his researches 

 on the chemical composition of rain water, collected at different heights, 

 made at the Observatory of Nantes; from which it appears that more am- 

 monia was found in the water wliich fell to the ground than in that collected 

 on the tower of the Observatory; on the other hand, more nitric acid was 

 found in the water caught on the tower than in that gathered below. The 

 chemical examination of rain water is an easy method of proving the viti- 

 ation of the atmosphere. 



New Anaesthetic. 



Dr. Georges reports to the French Academy of Sciences his experiments 

 proving that pinified kerosene, obtained from petroleum, when inhaled pro- 

 duces insensibility to pain, but the aid of heat is required. He recommends 

 the brom-hydric etiier as a safer anajslhetic than chloriform. It has an 

 exquisite odor, and is not easily inflamed. 



Ozone. 



M. C. Sainspierre informs the French Academy that ozone is developed by 

 blowing-machines or by ventilators producing str ng currents. This fact 

 may be one of the causes producing the health}'- action of winds. 



Oxide of Silver. 



M. Boettger states that this compound yields its oxygen quite readily to 

 combustible matter. A diy mixture of two parts of oxide of silver with 

 one of sulphur will ignite by friction in a mortar, or even between folds of 

 paper. A drop of plienic acid or creosote poured on to the dr}'- oxide causes 

 instantaneous flame. 



French Cement. 



This cement, for glass, &c., very convenient in the laboratory, is made 

 by melting India rubber scraps and adding thereto, from time to time, small 

 quantities of lime. The mixture is well stirred, and, when moderately 

 thick, it is removed from the fiie and moulded b.y the hand to about the con- 

 sistency of putty. Coloring matter may be added. 



Coating for Stone. 



Various preparations are now being applied to. different portions of the 

 Parliament buildings, L(;ndon, for the purpose of arresting the decomposi- 

 tion of the calcareous stone of which they are built. 



Births in Cuba. 



It appears, by a communication to the French Academy, that the climate 

 of Cuba is exceedingly favorable to fecundity. Very often twelve, and 

 sometimes more than double that number of children, are found in one 

 family. Many Cuban beauties become mothers at thirteen, and reappear in 

 that character up to the age of fifty. 



