291 
(2) A Pneumatical Design for saving life at sea. By 
Mr W. M. Sranuzy. (Communicated by Mr J. 
C. W. Ets.) 
Reservoirs of condensed air communicate by means of pipes 
(similar to gas-pipes) laid throughout the ship. These pipes 
serve to lead the air into large flexible balloon-like bags 
stowed away against the ceilings of the various compartments. 
A handle being turned on deck allows the condensed air to 
escape from the reservoirs and to expand the bags. Hence in 
such a case as that of the “London,” where the waves filled 
the vessel, or in the case of a severe leak, the water would be 
expelled as no pumps could expel it, and a great additional 
buoyancy given to the vessel. Again, in the case of a fire, the 
vessel could be partly submerged by opening valves, and the 
water again driven out by turning on the condensed air. 
A better method than that of condensed air would be, 
perhaps, were a reservoir of water used saturated with am- 
monia. A steampipe leading to this reservoir would cause the 
water instantly to part with many times its volume of ammonia 
and to fill the bags. Or some gas, such as carbon dioxide, in 
a liquid form, might be employed. 
February 3, 1873. 
The PRESIDENT (PROFESSOR HUMPHRY) in the Chair. 
A SPECIAL general meeting of the Cambridge Philosophical 
Society was held, when the following alterations were made in 
the bye-laws :— : 
To substitute in bye-laws, Sec. vi. § 2 (hour of meeting), 
half-past eight for “half-past seven,” and half-past ten for 
“half-past nine.” 
22—2 
