636 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



estimate tLe combined influence of that new race known only to modern 

 times, whose original combinations of forms and movements are making the 

 inanimate powers of nature do our bidding ? When the true history of the 

 world shall be written, when causes shall be measured only by the extent 

 and continuity of those effects which elevate man, lighten his burdens, and 

 thus give freer play to the higher powers with which God has endowed him, 

 then shall the true inventor have his appropriate place on the roll of fame ; 

 but in any event let us believe that when he passes to another sphere, the 

 power is given him to solve the intricate problem of humanity, to find in it 

 the force and influence of his own individuality, and thus to fully compre- 

 hend all the benefits he has conferred upon his race, 



Mr. Porter read a very able paper, illustrated by splendid diagrams, in 

 which he developed the laws in accordance with which the governor acts. 

 He treated the subject in a strictly scientific manner, representing the 

 forces in operation by lines, and, in general, giving geometric demonstra- 

 tions. 



In the discussion which followed, the question was raised, Whether 

 water power can be governed as easily as steam power ? 



Mr. Garvey considered that there was a physical impossibility of govern- 

 ing water with the same perfect ease as steam can be governed. Water is 

 a non-elastic, dense, and heavy fluid, while steam is an elastic, rare, and 

 light fluid ; therefore, water cannot be put in motion and be brought to rest 

 with the same ease as steam. It is certain that any kind of power — no 

 matter how irregular or sluggish — can be governed with sufficient regularity 

 for ordinary manufactures, but steam is pre-eminently the power for all 

 uses. It is lively, can be controlled with ease, and be made to act auto- 

 matically. 



Mr. Stetson stated that turbine water-wheels are as easily controlled as 

 any steam-engine ; that the defect found in water power relates principally 

 or exclusively to overshot, undershot, and breast wheels, but not to the 

 turbine. 



Mr. Dibbin was sorry to find that Silver's marine governor was omitted. 

 It was an admirable invention by an American, who, like many others, had 

 to go to Europe to find patronage and encouragement. 



The discussion was abruptly discontinued in consequence of the lateness 

 of the hour. 



The subject for next evening was then selected, viz : "Franklinite, its 

 natural history, chemical analysis, practical uses, and mercantile value, etc." 



The Chairman was glad to find this subject selected. Franklinite is a 

 peculiarly American production. It is to be found in abundance in New 

 Jersey, and in its commercial importance is second to nothing at present 

 attracting attention. Applied to iron, it hardens the surface, solders 

 laminae together, renders the stock more tenacious and less liable to corro- 

 sion ; it enhances the value of railroad iron to such an extent that English 

 companies now buy at $S5 a ton any quantity of iron prepared with frank- 

 Jinite. 



