THE TECHNOLOGIST. [Dec. 1, 1864. 



238 SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 



that it might be very profitably used fur mixing up with the cow-dung 

 used for plastering the gaol walls, as then probably the white ants would 

 not touch the plaster. I suggested the idea to the gaoler. He tried the 

 experiment and found that it quite answered the purpose. Plaster 

 which was impregnated with the juice and pulp, or washings of the 

 fibre of the aloe-leaves, has stood for months, and is not yet touched by 

 white ants ; while the plaster of walls free from aloe-juice becomes 

 covered with white ants shortly after it is put on. 



E. Bona via, M.D. 

 Lucknow, 9th July, 1864. 



Electric Fire and Burglary Alarms. — A novel, and at the same 

 time very complete, apparatus has been for some time patented, for the 

 purpose of affording to the public the means of protecting property and 

 person from the horrors of fire and the attack of the burglar. Although 

 unable to prevent the origin of fire, it is nevertheless so complete in its 

 construction, that, immediately upon the air of any room becoming heated 

 above its natural temperature, it is announced by the ceaseless ringing 

 of a bell, thus allowing time for the preservation of life. The same con- 

 tinuous ringing also occurs upon the opening of any protected door or 

 window more than the space of an inch, so preventing the ingress or 

 egress of any person without an instantaneous alarm being given. The 

 apparatus by means of which these important effects are produced is so 

 simple, that it is manageable even by a child ; and its operations may 

 be suspended during the day, or when desired, by the turning of a small 

 handle similar to that of an ordinary bell. The whole is neatly enclosed 

 within the small space of about twelve inches. 



Mr. Eugene Bimmel, who is always inventing some agreeable surprise 

 in the perfume line for the delectation of the ladies, has just brought 

 out what he terms a " rafraichisseur," or perfumed shower dispenser. 

 This simple and ingenious little instrument consists of two tubes in 

 juxtaposition, as represented in the annexed 

 engraving. By plunging the end of the lower 

 tube A into a bottle of eau de Cologne or 

 other perfume, and blowing smartly through 

 the tube marked B, the current of air causes 

 a minute shower of the liquid scent to issue 

 from the other end, C. This ambrosial dew, 

 blown upon the forehead, causes a refreshing 

 and most agreeable sensation, and affords prompt relief in cases of 

 nervous headaches. If used on the beard or clothes by gentlemen after 

 smoking, it removes the unpleasant odour of tobacco. 



