ANNUAL ADDRESS. V. 



Swedish engineer has succeeded in applying waves of energy in 

 another form, to direct the course of a torpedo from a distance, 

 has hardly yet been proved to have such useful practical advan- 

 tages ; but all such advances as these open up boundless vistas 

 of future possibilities. 



When considered by comparison with the intangible mysteries 

 connected with the explored and unexplored possibilities of 

 electrical energy, the use of compressed air is to many persons 

 only as poor prose to heavenly poetry, and its use has to be 

 extended without any halo ; but notwithstanding the want of 

 this help, it is getting along all the time, as our American 

 friends say. The range of the application of compressed air is 

 daily increasing, and it would be very interesting if we could 

 get reliable records of the working of the Popp-Conti tramways 

 in Paris. 



In the practical operation of Heat Engines there are signs that 

 some of the heat, which is generally looked upon as irretrievably 

 wasted, may be further utilized. 



With every successful step in the reduction of temperature 

 towards absolute zero, new possibilities are opened up. If Mr. 

 Tripler's claims (as set forth in recent magazines) could possibly 

 be substantiated, then the foundation, on which our present 

 theories of Heat Engines rest, would, of course, be over- 

 thrown Doubtless, in the desire for sensation, and to 

 please the public, the writers have over-stated the case. 

 Mr. Chas. E. Tripler is an American gentleman who is following 

 in the footsteps of Professors Dewar and Dr. Hampson in 

 England, and Professors Linde and Pictet in Germany ; but he 

 produces liquid air on a much larger scale than his predecessors, 

 and then employs it as a medium for the production of motive power. 



Mr. Tripler, as reported, is said to have obtained sufficient 

 power from the evaporation of one pound of liquid air, to enable 

 him to liquefy four pounds. Photographs of the machinery 

 employed are published, but the claim that is made as to such 

 results is not supported by any data or authority which carries 

 weight, and, therefore, may be dismissed as absurd. Many 



