510 KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE. 
graphical Magazine, November, 1883, New York, $r.oo per annum. The Man- 
ufacturer, Toledo, O., Vol. J, No. i, $1.00 per>annum, Chas. Reed, Editor and 
Publisher. 
SCIENTIFIC MISCELLANY 
RECENTLY PATENTED IMPROVEMENTS. 
J. C. HIGDON, M. E., KANSAS CITY, MO. 
Paper Electric Insulator. — An Electric Insulator is now constructed of 
paper-pulp. Liquid silica, or silicon, is used as a cementing agent, and when 
these constituents are combined in proper proportion, a superior insulator is pro- 
duced, covering at once, all the ground heretofore almost monopolized by the 
different forms of glass. This improvement is the subject of a patent recently- 
granted to Charles C. Hinsdale, Cleveland, Ohio. 
Extension Step-Ladder. — A very convenient device in step ladders, has 
the front and rear stiles longitudinally slotted, each adapted to sHde respectively- 
one upon the other. The lower stiles have hinged brace-rods provided with 
pins which sHde in the slots of the inner or upper stiles. There are also spring 
catches which secure the parts in their places after adjusting the ladder to any 
desired height. Patented by Messrs George A. Bell and W. W. Norman, Mor- 
ley, Mo. 
Apparatus for Oiling Engine Cylinders. — A very simple apparatus 
for lubricating the cylinders and valves of engines has been lately developed by 
Mr. J. G. Donnenworth, of Browning, Mo., of which the main features are, — a 
hollow piston-rod having the usual outward form and connections provided with 
a common oil-cup located upon that portion not entering the cylinder or valve- 
chest. In contemplating this method of oiling the interior surfaces of cylinders 
and valves, one cannot have other feelings than those of admiration for the strik- 
ing exhibition of originality displayed by the inventor, in adapting so if^ and 
simple means to accomplish an end now considered by the best authorities one 
of the most important and difficult, connected with the successful operation of 
the steam motors of to-day. 
Locomotive Chair for Invalids. — There is a chair for invalids which in- 
troduces some novel and useful features and for which Mr. George Arbogast, of 
Chicago, 111., has recently received a patent. It consists essentially- of a chair 
having one small rear wheel hung upon a swivel and two larger front guide- or 
driving-wheels and a hinged and vertically-slotted back, armrests adjustably se- 
cured at their rear ends to the said back by set-screws, slotted brace-bars pivotally- 
