478 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



yet efficient pumps is used by tanners in raising the tanning liquor from 

 tan vats In this " lifting" pump the direction of the water is not changed 

 by the operation of the valve, which is a leather cone surrounding the 

 pump rod, the smallest end being fastened to the end of the rod. When 

 the cone is lifting the water it presses against tiie sides of the pipe, and 

 when descending the water passes between the cone and the pipe. 



The subject of " pumps " was continued for the next discussion. 



Adjourned. 



American Institute Polytechnic Association, ) 

 January 20, 18G5. ) 



Prof. S. D. Tillman in the chair; Mr. B. Garvey, Secretary. 



Stillometer. 



Mr. Griswold exhibited an invention by him for graduating the size and 

 number of drops issuing from a vial. The name he had given it was 

 founded on the Spanish word sliUa, a drop. The principle used was that a 

 fluid will only pass out by its own weight, as air passes into a bottle, but 

 it may be pressed out by means of a small India rubber tube. This tube 

 and the small eduction pipe are fastened into the cork of the vial. When 

 it is filled with liquid and inverted, the India rubber tube is also filled, and 

 by squeezing it the drops are forced out. 



Dr. Parmelee and others expressed doubts as to the practicability of using 

 this machine in administering medicines. 



Rubber-valve Faucet. 



Mr. Albert Fuller exhibited a faucet having a valve lined with rubber 

 which was closed and held to its place by an eccentric. It is a simple and 

 durable contrivance, and can be used for all liquids but oil. It is also used 

 as a gauge cock on steam boilers. 



Carbolic Acid. 



Dr. D. D. Parmelee exhibited a beautiful specimen of crystalized carbolic 

 acid. This compound is one of the products from coal gas manufactories, 

 for wliich not much use has been found. It is also known by the naiiie of 

 pheni'c acid. It is composed of C12 Us O2. It is ver}^ i)ungent and cor- 

 rodes the skin. It boils at 250*^ Fah. Wlien carbolic acid is mixed with 

 anmonia it is converted into analine, the compound from which the new 

 and beautiful colors are made. Carbolic acid is used to adulterate creo- 

 sote, which it very nearly resembles. 



The Chairman then presented the following interesting notes of progress 

 in science and art: 



Flora and Fauna of the Oil Age. 



The plants and animals wliich flourished preceding the coal age, whose 

 remains are found in the Upper Devonian system, are thus summed up by 

 our associate, Dr. Robt. P. Stevens: Plants, genera, 42, of which three are 



