PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLYTECHNIC ASSOCIATION. 619 



and copper — should make a hard metal-like bronze. In experimenting, we 

 tried wrought iron and Franklinite pig iron, but did not succeed very 

 well, as we found we had to make them into steel first. The composition 

 that we mix with the steel is put into the melted mass last. Steel melts 

 at 3.500 deg., and tin at GOO deg. I put some tin into melted steel lately, 

 and it immediately fell to the bottom of the mass. If zinc was used thus, 

 it would be likely to set the building on fire, so when zinc is to be united 

 with other metals that melt at a higher temperature like steel, it has first 

 to be combined with copper, in putting it in it makes such a commotion 

 that it mixes itself thoroughly with the mass; it has the quality also of 

 making the metals run like water. In mixing tin with steel, about twenty- 

 five per cent of the tin is lost. We have to be very careful to know the 

 temperature at which to pour our metals. 



Dr. Rich exhibited a photograph of the great bell in Moscow, Russia. 



The Chairman described the manner of combining small bells so as to 

 form a musical scale. They are all of the same shape, being portions of a 

 hollow sphere; in the top of each is a small hole through which a rod is 

 passed. The bells are thus all placed on the same rod, there being between 

 each a washer, to prevent contact with each other. They are in fact .i 

 nest of bells, so near together that they may be played upon by means of 

 keys, not farther apart than those of the piano forte. 



After selecting "Musical Instruments" as the subject for the next dis 

 cussion, the Association adjourned. 



American Institute Polytechnic Association, ) 

 March 9th, 1865. \ 



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



Corn-Stalk Paper. 



Mr. Dudley Blanchard desired to call attention of the Association to a 

 manufactured article described here some time ago. He had tested the 

 paper made from corn stalks according to the Austrian process, and would 

 bear testimony as to its good qualities. He had used it in making mechani- 

 cal drawings, and found it to answer the purpose admirably. 



Theory of Music. 



The Chairman, bj' request, made very complete illustrations and expla- 

 nations of the theory of music, and of his new system, by which it was 

 claimed all the mysteries of melody and harmony could be easily compre- 

 hended and remembered. 



The human ear, he said, is too delicately organized internally to convey 

 the impression of a single contact, but a series of pulsations, however 

 delicate, will excite the sense of hearing, and produce the sensation of 



