436 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



steel-making are of great interest, and point out the true means of success 

 in this manufacture. Pure iron may be reduced by electricity, and may be 

 combined with other iron to obtain experimental results. In times gone 

 by, burned sponge was much used as a specific for goitre. It was not 

 known what the active principle was. Chemistry has shown it to have 

 been iodine, and now iodine has taken the place of burned sponge in med- 

 icine. In like manner, let us know for certain that there is nitrogen and 

 carbon combined with iron, in steel, and then we will soon devise a sure 

 process for making it. 



Mr. Johnson referred to the use of franklinite in combination with iron, 

 to produce a good steel, which apparently contains neither carbon or 

 nitrogen. 



After some desultory remarks, the subject for next evening's discussion 

 was selected, viz : " Silk and its Manufacture ;" and the Association ad- 

 journed. 



I 



American Institute, Polytechnic Association, 



Ju)ie -Id, 1859. 



S. D. Tillman, Esq., in the Chair. Henry Meigs,. Esq., Secretary. 

 The following extracts from foreign journals, were read by the Secretary, 

 together with the remarks on the Royal Academy of London. 



water pipes op paper. 

 Almost every conceivable material has been used for water pipes, and 

 now Paris gives us paper. Bitumen is mixed with a certain amount of 

 chalk and is heated to the melting point. Paper is passed through it, and 

 then immediately rolled upon an iron mandril of the size required for pipe, 

 and of thickness desired. The mandril is then placed in another cauldron 

 of pure bitumen, and afterwards rolled upon a flat stone, sprinkled with 

 fine dust. The mandril is then drawn out, and the inner surface of the 

 pipe is dressed with pure bitumen. These pipes are four times cheaper 

 and five times lighter than cast iron. On trial of strength they resist Jif- 

 teen atmospheres. 



SILK 



Was considered by the American Institute, from its foundation, a most 

 important subject of research and promotion. A national convention of 

 silk men was called in October, 1843, by the Institute. It met on the 13th 

 and 14th. Their proceedings are contained in the volume of 1843, occu- 

 pying 153 pages. 



Previous to this, great exertion had been made to promote silk culture 

 here. One of the first to aid us was the well known Dr. Felix Pascalis, 

 who imported eggs for distribution. Then followed the importation of the 

 great mulberry tree, Morns vntlticavlis, and heavy losses to numerous 

 spirited citizens. Recently Europe has suffered loss by means of disease 

 in the worm, somewhat as she has in her grapes. The time will come when, 



