620 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



dage,in a perfectly secure and safe manner, or tliey can be easily 

 spliced. 



As I understand the object of this paper to be, rather as an 

 introduction to a discussion on the subject of " Wire rope and its 

 applications," than otherwise, I have only treated of it in a gen- 

 eral way, and dwelt but briefly on its principal merits for promi- 

 nent purposes, and omitted much that might prove interesting to 

 individuals but perhaps tedious to the Club. 



Mr. Leonard — What size wire is adopted ? 



Mr. \Vallace — Number /i^e, American wire. 



Mr. Tillman — What diameter in parts of an inch. 



Mr. Wallace — One-eighth. 



Chairman — No. 18 copper wire, forming three strands, each 

 wire being twisted alike, so as to be laid together without any 

 twisting, thus having each equal tension. 



Mr. Wallace — Each wire having equal weights attached, so as 

 to have all equal tension. The strands of the Niagara together 

 constitute a rope of about ten inches in diameter, wires all equally 

 strained, and first w^ell annealed. 



Mr. Tillman — Mentioned the flexibility of such wire rope, when 

 properly made, as instance those in use on the Morris canal. 



Mr. Wallace — They will do for sash cords, and safety from fire. 



Mr. Leonard — Especially in tiller ropes for steamers over 7 

 inch pullies. 



Mr. Wallace — Iron wire will do well. Our best American iron 

 wire bears test beyond the breaking point of the English. 



Mr. Leonard — Washburn has succeeded in making the finest. 



Mr. Stetson — I am related to the Washbui'ns. They make use 

 of foreign iron sometimes. What can be done to secure the inte- 

 rior of iron ropes from rust, &c.7 



Mr. Wallace — Wire rope never breaks like vegetable fibre. 

 First one wire breaks, and then others, so as to give full notice 

 to the observer before it finally breaks wholly. 



Mr. Leonard — The external strands sustain more strain than 

 the internal ones. 



Chairman — Care must be taken of the centre of them. 



Mr. Leonard — I have invited the inventor of the fire steam 

 engine to explain before this Club at the next meeting. Some 

 persons think there is danger to the inventor in exposing his 

 article. Not so, Mr. Chairman, I believe this full explanation 

 before such a Club as this, will fortify the true discoverer in his 

 legal claim to a patent. 



