253 REPORT— 1872. 



On Drilling- A])pamtm for Gas- and Water-Malns. Bj A. Upward. 



On the advancement of Science due to Patented Inventions. 

 By Thomas Webster, Q.C, M.A., F.B.8. 



In this communication attention is directed to the contributions due to the 

 labour expended on inventions which have been the subject of patents as illustra- 

 tive of tlie position that "art is the mother of science." The benefits which the 

 practical or industrial arts have derived from the discoveries of science, as of 

 modern chemistry, is not denied ; but the author points to photography, vulcanized 

 rubber, Siemens's furnaces, Bessemer " steel," Ransome " stone," &c. as instances 

 in which art has preceded science, in results of which no adequate explanation 

 can be given. It is suggested that the above would form a proper subject of 

 inquiry and report by a Committee of the Association. 



On the Progress of Invention in Breech-loading Small Anns daring the ^xtst 

 Twenty Tears. By A. Wxlie. 



All the inventions in breech-loading firearms since 1851 presenting any novelty 

 were reviewed and grouped in their natural connexion, so as to trace the develop- 

 ment of each system down to the present time. The Reports of the Small Arms 

 Committee were criticized and their conclusions disputed ; and it was shown that 

 their decision arrived at three and a half years ago had had the evil effect of putting 

 almost a complete stop to invention in any direction except in that of the chosen 

 arm, the ingenuity of the inventors and manufacturers being now expended in 

 hopeless attempts to improve the Martini. 



