PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLYTECHNIC ASSOCIATION, 509 



engines of that size. The first engine at Dodge & Grattans, Mr. 

 Stetson had carefully tested by a friction brake, under favorable 

 conditions. It was an 18 -inch cylinder, and produced an effect 

 equivalent to lifting 21,000 pounds one foot high in a minute, 

 which was about two-thirds of a standard horse power. This it 

 performed continuously and steadily, Avhen properly fired. 



Mr. Roosevelt stated that he could stop any Caloric engine 

 when in motion by placing an axe upon the wheel. 



Mr. Fisher said that the safety of the Caloric engine ought not 

 to be brought up as an argument in its favor, as against the low 

 pressure steam engine. There were a few years ago boilers in 

 use in England which had been in operation at very low and safe 

 pressure for 60 years, and which seemed likely to remain in 

 operation for 60 years longer. 



Mr. Bartlett said it was evident that steam engines had done 

 their work well. He thought Ericsson's fame and success lay in 

 the fact that he had supplied engines for small powers which was 

 a great desideratum. 



The Chairman stated that he was authorized to inform the 

 association, by the persons who were making experiments on the 

 New Jersey Central railroad, that they had one of the three sister 

 engines, with which they were experimenting, running with 54 

 cars instead of the usual number (45) for six or eight successive 

 days on a wet rail, without the use of the sand box. 



He then announced that the subject for discussion on Thurs- 

 day, the 8th of November, would be the " Preservation of 

 wood," and, in connection with that subject, he said that the re- 

 placing of the wood work exposed to air on the Hudson River 

 railroad was once in seven years. 



Adjourned until Thursday evening, November 8, 1860. Sub- 

 ject for discussion, — "Preservation of wood." 



After the adjournment the association retired to the basement 

 of the Cooper Institute, for the purpose of witnessing one of 

 Wilcox's air engines in operation. During its operation Mr. 

 Roosevelt completely stopped it by placing his hands upon the 

 wheel. 



