C. G. Page on the Economical Constant Battery. 257 
Arr. XXVI.—The Economical Constant Battery; by Prof. 
Cuas. G. Page, M:D., Washington, D. C. 
In the latter part of the year 1837, I invented a modification 
of Kemp’s galvanic battery, which was described in this Journal, 
vol. xxxvi, No. 1, Jan.—April, 1839.. The design of the funnel 
tube in that description was purposely omitted, as it formed the 
principal feature of an invention of practical value which I hoped 
to secure by letters patent. This invention was briefly as fol- 
ows: A convenient and cleanly. battery, which should ‘save the 
hydrogen when desired, should afford the means readily of ignit- 
ing the hydrogen when a flame was wanted, and in which there 
should be no removal of the plates (except for cleaning or re- 
poses of galvanic batteries. It is, however, equally well suited, 
under certain circumstances, to the purposes of the other instru- 
ment. The difference between them. in this respect is, that in 
figure 1 battery, the zinc is amalgamated, and in the other it is 
hot. In the first, hydrogen will be supplied only when the poles 
are'joined, and in-the second, the hydrogen will be given off-at 
all times except when the acidulated water is below the mouth 
of the inner receiver. 
ing it off after the wood has absorbed a sufficient quantity. . 
* T have found that a well made box of soft wood may be made very tight hi A 
this process, an last a long time. After the shellac has become tl fe 
dry inside, the outside may be painted or varnished. 3 
Sevonp Serres, Vol. XIU, No. 3883—March, 1852. 88 
