476 
POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
to have developed themselves. No passenger has ever yet 
set the alarm-bell in action^ nor has the train once been delayed 
by its use. In conclusion^ then^ let us express a hope that 
we have heard the last of the chapter of difficulties — of pre- 
dictions of insufferable practical obstacles. We venture to 
think a railway-train may be fitted with alarms to be rung, by 
mechanical or electric means, pretty nearly as easily as a 
dwelling-house. Surely, a very small amount of common sense 
is required to perceive that neither the separation of the 
carriages nor the fiexibihty of the train can offer any serious 
impediment to the introduction of a system of .train signals ; 
and that, in spite of all that may be alleged to the contrary, the 
indisposition of the railway authorities is in reality the only 
obstacle that impedes the realization of the wishes of the 
public. 
