nearer to the right than the present single term for all patents, even when the eventual doubling of it and the new term for designs are taken into account.

It cannot but be regretted, that this important subject should be left to wearied midnight legislation. It is true, great interests may be maintained upon the progress in invention already made, but the rapidity and the character of the future progress of society, will be materially affected by the degree of safety afforded to property in invention. It is not a subject to be dealt with by starts, at hazard, or with limited views, and onght not to be left to share the neglect of minor crotchets and temporary schemes. Those who are intrusted by the community with high powers for the maintenance of justice, will have but sorrily fulfilled the trust they have undertaken, till all classes of those who labour intellectually shall rest in secure possession of the fruits; nor will they better have. promoted in this respect the good of the community in general.

-Whatever is the principle adopted as the basis of the Patent Laws, or may be the regulations by which that principle is worked out, the circumstances of the case require at the hands of the Government this important step-the publica tion of a classified list of all the patents for inventions which have ever been granted, with a concise account of the peculiarity of each invention, to be continued by annual appendices, decenially re-arranged, and, perhaps, incorporated. A measure like this, accompanied by others of a similar spirit, would do much now, and all that could be wished in time, towards pointing out what of art and science is still appropriated, what has passed into the public domain, and what is the safe remaining field for industry and talent. The poor, but invaluable inventor, would not then complain that he had spent his strength on that which some unknown musty roll in the Record-office forbade him to touch; and ingenuity, honest and successful,would trust with cheerfulness and confidence to the law finding it to be in verity a protection and not a trap. The patent rolls would thus become the registry of all that is valuable in invention, and interesting in our social progress. But till this is done, it seems likely that the increasing pile of specifications will only serve

to conceal what inventors and the public ought to know, to render difficult of attainment the justice they rightfully, require, and to give greater scope and more effectual defence to chicanery and wrong.

Thanking you for the courtesy you have shown my former communications, I am, Sir, Yours very respectfully, J. CHAPMAN.

July 27, 1836,

STEAM NAVIGATION TO INDIA.

A petition of the Native and European inhabitants of Bombay, was presented to the House of Cominons on the 27th inst., setting forth, that the peti tioners, long and deeply impressed with the importance of establishing a rapid communication between India and England, have exerted themselves for several years past to promote what appeared to them to be the most feasible plan which has been proposed for that purposeThat the experiments which have hitherto been made, under the immediate auspices of the Bombay Government, have, as the House must be aware, been attended with complete success, and the possibility of keeping up a frequent and regular intercourse between the two countries, by means of steam-vessels, has been fully proved-That, as BO such undertaking can be expected to succeed, in a country circumstanced as this is, unless the powerful support of Government be extended to it, at least, for a considerable time to come, the petitioners have been much gratified to learn that the subject had been brought under the consideration of the House; and that the Committee appointed to inquire into it had declared, by their Report of the 14th of July, 1834, that it was expedient that measures should be immediately taken for the regular establishment of steam communication by the Red Sea -That, after such a declaration, the petitioners deem it unnecessary to insist upon the importance of expediting, in every possible way, the accomplishment of the plaus which have been suggested for the above purpose; yet with the prospect, which becomes daily more apparent, of a vast increase in the trade between the two countries, they may be permitted briefly to advert to a few of the many great ad

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vantages which may be expected to flow from such a measure. Depending, as the trade of India chiefly does, on British vessels for the means of transport, the importance of early intelligence in regulating the required supply, as well as for affording information of the state of the European markets, cannot, it will be obvious, be too highly estimated; and the present year, in which the increase of the staple commodity, cotton, has been so remarkable, may be cited as a striking instance of the benefit which, in a commercial point of view, it could not fail to produce, that the political no less than the commercial interests of both countries would be thereby promoted, and above all, it would materially advance the great end which England has in view in retaining her dominions over India, of extending the blessings of civilisation among the numerous population of this great empire, while it would likewise contribute in no small degree to the comfort and happiness of that large class of his Majesty's subjects whose avocations condemn them to a long sojourn in this country, with the consequent pain of separation from their friends and con'nexions in England. Under these circumstances, the petitioners confidently trust that the House will not fail to give the subject all the consideration which its importance so fully merits. The petitioners, therefore, humbly pray, that such further measures may be taken for improving and establishing the means of rapid communication between India and England by steam, as to the wisdom of the House may seem most expedient.

THE EUPHRATES EXPEDITION. The lamentable event which has befallen the Euphrates expedition, in the midst of its prosperity, renders it desirable that the truth should be as widely spread as possible, that, melancholy as the facts are, reports should not increase their sadness.

The expedition, with the two vessels, the Euphrates and Tigris, was descending the river most prosperously. Fuel had become, from Beles, most abundant, consisting of wood, a bituminous coal, and charcoal. The state of the river was so favourable, that the Tigris, being the smallest vessel, was in the habit of leading, and, having a native pilot on board, there was no difficulty of finding the deep channel. The Arabs were friendly; they engaged to provide depôts of fuel, and entreated our protection.

On Saturday, the 21st inst., we had brought up at midnight to a bank for fuel, and after the people had dined we cast off, meaning to steam to Annan, then distant about eighty miles. Scarcely, however, had we commenced our voyage, when a cloud of dust was seen to rise high into the air on the right bank, threatening a squall of no ordinary violence. Preparation was immediately made to meet it, by furling the awnings, &c. Having passed over a reef of rocks, at this season far under the water, the signal was made from the Tigris, leading as usual, and having Colonel Chesney on board, to choose a berth and make fast. Scarcely had we answered when the squall began. The Tigris was rounding to make fast, the Euphrates following. As we neared the left bank I saw that the Tigris had failed to bring up-her head was falling outwards. The Euphrates was now obliged to back her paddles to give room-an operation full of danger, lest she should be unable to gather way upon herself again against the current and the violence of the gale. However, her power is great, and again working the engines with all force, she came to the bank with some violence; but by the skilful management of Lieutenant Cleveland, and the activity of Mr. Charlewood, and a most willing crew, a hawser and small anchor were got on shore; then a chain cable and larger anchor; then a second chain cable and another anchor. All the time the paddles were kept working with their utmost power. Still, however, such was the violence of the hurricane that the vessel drove, but, fortunately, it did not last above fifteen minutes, at the end of which time our danger was over and the vessel was safe.

But what had become of our consort? I had seen her cross our bows, driving down the stream, and unable to bring her head to the gale. The thick dust which then succeeded excluded her from my sight; and from that moment I have never seen her since. In the midst of the hurricane Mr. Fitzjames reported to me that he had seen her upset to leeward about three quarters of a mile, and instantly after that she went down.

A party was sent off along shore to render what assistance they could, and another went by boat. Some of the officers-namely, Colonel Chesney, Lieutenant Lynch, Mr. Eden, Dr. Staunton, Mr. Staunton, and Mr. Thompson, came walking towards us, much exhausted. They had swam and dived ashore. Some seamen and natives also followed them; but fifteen Europeans, of whom three were officers-namely, Lieutenant Cockburn, Royal Artillery; Mr. Lynch, a pas. senger, and brother to Lieutenant Lynch; and Mr. Sarded, an interpreter, were lost,

besides five natives.

On board the Euphrates steamer, off Annan, May 26. Return of officers and men belonging to the Euphrates Expedition who were lost on the river Euphrates, near Wordie, by the sinking of the Tigris steamer, during a violent hurricane on the 21st inst.

Lieutenant R. B. Lynch, 26th Regiment Rengal Native Infantry, passenger; Ensoff Sarded, inter preter; John Struthers, engineer.

Royal Artillery-Lieutenant Robert Cockburn, Acting Sergeant R. Clark, Thomas Jones, gunner, Robert Turner, ditto, James Moore, ditto, James Hay, ditto.

Sappers and Miners Archibald M'Donald, private.

Seamen-Benjamin Gibson, John Hunter, Thomas Booth, Thomas Batty, George Liddel. Natives-Aboo, Wasoo, Jacoob Johir, Manneh,

Pedros.

LIST OF ENGLISH PATENTS, GRANTED BE. TWEEN THE 24TH OF JUNE AND 27TH OF JULY, 1836.

Samuel Hall, of Basford, Nottingham, for improvements in propelling vessels, also improveinents in steam-engines and in the methods of Working some parts thereof; some of which improvements are applicab e to other useful purposes. June 24; six months to specify.

Alexander Stocker, of Birmingham, for improvement in machinery for making files. June 25; six months.

John Roberts, of Prestolle, Lancaster, calicoprinter, for certain improvements in the art of block-printing. June 27; six months.

Bennett Woodcroft, of Ardwick, Lancaster, for an improved mode of printing certain colours on calico and other fabrics. July 2; six months.

William Wainwright Potts, of Burslem, Stafford, china and earthenware manufacturer, William Maclune, of Burslem, china and earthenware manufacturer, and William Bourne, of Burslem, inanager, for an improved method or process,

whereby impressions or patterns in one or more colours or metallic preparations are produced and transferred to surfaces of metal, wood, cloth, papier machée, bone, slate, marble, and other suitable substances, prepared or otherwise, not being used or known as earthenware, porcelain, china, glass, of other similar substances. July 2; six months.

Samuel Meggitt, of Kingston-upon-Hull, master mariner, for certain improvements in anchors, and in apparatus for fishing; such improved anchors, which improvements may respectively be adapted to anchors now in common use. July 2; six months.

Robert Walter Swinburne, of South Shields, agent, for certain improvements in the manufac ture of plate glass. July 4; six months.

John Isaacs Hawkins, of Chase Cottage, Pancras Vale, Hampstead-road, engineer, for an improvement in the art of manufacturing iron and steel; being a communication from a foreigner residing abroad. July 4; six months.

William Southwood Stocker, of Birmingham, mechanist, for improvements in machinery applicable to the making of nails and other purposes. July 7; six months.

Matthew Heath, of Farnival's Inn, Esquire, for new mechanical combinations for obtaining power and velocity applicable to the propelling of vessels, raising water, and to machinery of various descriptions; being a communication from a foreigner residing abroad. July 11; six months.

Elisha Haydon Collier, of East India Cottage, City road, formerly of Boston, in the State of Massachusetts, U.S., civil engineer, for an improvement or improvements in steam-boilers. July 13; six months.

Miles Berry, of Chancery-lane, Holborn, mechanical draftsman, for certain improvements in appa ratus for forming staves for barrels, casks, and other purposes; being a communication from a foreigner residing abroad. July 13; six months.

Lewis Matthias Horliac, late of Paris, but now residing in the Haymarket, gentleman, for certain improvements in carriages and harness; being a communication from a foreigner residing abroad. July 13; six months.

Oliver Bird, of Woodchester, Gloucester, clothier, and William Lewis, of Brunscomb, Stroud, Gloucester, clothier, for certain improvements in ma chinery applicable to the dressing of woollen and other cloths requiring such process. July 13; two months.

John Ericsson, of Brook-street, New-road, civil engineer, for an improved propeller applicable to steam navigation. July 13; six months.

William Essex, of Cheetham, near Manchester, Lancaster, agent, for improvements in machinery for producing rotary motion. July 13; six months.

Samuel Brewer, of Boswell-court, Carey-street, engineer, for certain improvements for generating gas; which improvements are also applicable to other useful purposes. July 14; six months.

Charles Phillips, of Chipping Norton, Oxon, surgeon, for improvements in drawing off beer and other liquors from casks or vessels. July 14; six months.

John Ericsson, of Brook-street, New-road, civil engineer, for certain improved machinery to be used in the manufacturing of tiles. July 20; six months.

Charles Wheatstone, of Conduit-street, musical instrument manufacturer, and John Green, of Sohosquare, musical instrument manufacturer, for a new method or methods of forming musical instruments, in which continuous sounds are produced from strings, wires, or springs. July 27; six months.

John Hall, of New Radford, Nottingham, lace manufacturer, for certain improvements in certain machinery for the purpose by such improvements of facilitating the operation which is commonly called dressing or getting up, or finishing of large pieces of lace-nets of various kinds, whereof some are ealled bobbin-net or twist-net, and other kinds are called warp-net and tuttings. July 27; six months.

Peter Spence, of Henry-street, Commercial-road, chemist, for certain improvements in the manufac

ture of Prussian blue, prussiate of potash, and plaster of Paris. July 27; six months.

Charles Brandt, of Belgrave-place, Pimlico, gen tleman, for an improved method of evaporating and cooling fluids. July 27; six months.

LIST OF SCOTCH PATENTS GRANTED BETWEEN THE 21ST OF JUNE AND 21ST OF JULY, 1836, INCLUSIVE.

John Woolrich, of Birmingham, Professor of Chemistry in the Royal School of Medicine at Birmingham, for certain improvements in producing or making the substance commonly called or known by the name of carbonate of baryta, or carbonate of barytes. Sealed June 23, 1836.

William Taylor, of Southwick, county of Stafford, engineer, and Henry Davies, of Stoke Prior, county of Worcester, engineer, for certain improvements in machinery or apparatus for introducing water or other fluids into steam boilers or evaporaling vessels; also, for obtaming mechanical power by th aid of steam, and for communicating motion to vessels floating in water. June 27.

John Wilde, late of New York, but now residing in Mancheste, merchant, and Joseph Whitworth, of the same place, engineer, for an invention, partly the subject of a communication made to them by certain foreig ers residing abroad, of certain machinery for effecting the operation calle knitting, and producing a fabric similar to that of knitted stockings. June 29.

David Fisher, of Wolverhampton, mechanic, for an improvement in steam-engines. Ju'y 7.

Hamer Stansfeld, of Leeds, merchant, in consequence of a communication made to him by Chris tian William Schonherr, of Schneeberg, in the kingdom of Saxony, for improvements in ma chinery for preparing certain threads or yarn, and for weaving certain fabrics. July 8.

Thomas Rock Shute, of Watford, county of Hertford, silk throwster, for improvements in spinning and doubling organzine silk. July 8.

Robert Wal'er Swinburne, of South Shields, agent, for certain improvements in the manufacture of plate glass. July 12.

Edward Jelowicki, of No 8, Seymour-place, Bryanston-square, Esquire, in consequence of a communication made to him by a certain foreigner residing abroad, for certain improvements in steamengines. July 15.

Benjamin Simmons, of Winchester-street, Southwark, engineer, for certain improvements in chemical retorts, stills, and other apparatus, and in the machinery connected therewith, and by the use or employment, whereof various processes can be speedily, conveniently, and economically performed. July 18.

John Isaac Hawkins, of Chase Cottage, Hampstead-road, county of Mid llesex, engineer, in consequence of a communication made to him by a certain foreigner residing abroad, for an improvement in the art of manufacturing iron and steel. July 18.

John Archibald, of the parish of Alva, county of Stirling, manufacturer, for certain improvements in machinery or apparatus for carding wool, and dofing, straightening, piecing, roving, and drawing rolls or cardings of wool. July 21.

NOTES AND NOTICES.

Printing for the Blind.-We are happy to in form our readers that the Bristol Society for embossing and circulating the authorised version of

the Bible for the use of the blind have received the munificent grant of 1007. from the British and Foreign Bible Society "towards printing the Scriptures for the use of the blind, by means of an embossed stenography, after the invention of Mr. Lucas." In order, therefore, that the blind may be regularly supplied with the sacred Scriptures, the type is already commenced in this city, and the Society expect to commence printing some time next month. They are, therefore, desirous that the blind should receive the instruction offered them by the Society at their school, 57, Castle-street.Bristol Journal.

Bleached Flax.-We have seen this week, at Leeds, a specimen of bleached flax, prepared by a York chemist, which appears to present a decided improvement in the manufacture of that article, It has created a great sensation amongst the manu facturers, and has been taken for silk. It is capable of being manufactured into the finest thread, for veils, lace, cambrie, &c., and which will supersede those articles of French manufacture. The texture is most beautiful.-Doncaster Chronicle.

Organ. The city of Munich has lately purchased a curious organ of marvelous effect. The pipes and stops are of a miniature size, yet have all the musical effect of a church organ. It is the work of an humble artist of Florence, named Michael Paoli; whose talent has been revealed by chance, and who, at the age of sixteen, made a beautiful clock, after one inspection of a inodel. The curate of his village first employed him to make an organ, which alt Florence adinired,-Athenæum.

Philosophical Shop-Bill.-In opening, one day, a paper rolled round a pair of gloves, I discovered a lithographised chart, emblematic of society. In the north was the province of Aristocracy-in the south that of the Productive Classes. These two provinces were separated by the mountains of Pride. Among the other cantons of Aristocracy, that of the Clergy was distinguishable, watered by the river of Luxury. Below, in the territory of the Productive Classes, the rivulet of Misery fell into the lake of Despair. The most interesting part was the explanation, which gave the history of the inhabitants. Those of Aristocracy make frequent excursions into the territory of the producers, and carry off their womeu and children into slavery. This print sets one thinking. A privileged class, in the nineteenth century, and in a country where thought is so active as in England, should be care ful to show itself intelligent and above reproachan irreproachable power never falls.-Hennequin's Tour in Englund.

Erratum.-In. p. 264, col. 2, line 16 from the top, for changers" read "changes."

The Supplement to Vol. XXIV., containing Ti tie, Contents, Index, &c., and embellished with a Portrait of Mr. Walter Hancock, C. E., is now published, price 6d. Also the Volume complete in boards, rice 9s. 6d.

British and Foreign Patents taken out with economy and despatch; Specifications, Disclaimers, and Amendments, prepared or revised; Caveats entered; and generally every Branch of Patent Business promptly transacted.

LONDON: Published by J. CUNNINGHAM, at the Mechanics' Magazine Office, No. 4, Peterbo rough-court, between 135 and 136, Fleet-stroef. Agent for the American Edition. Mr. O. RICH', 12, Red Lion-square. Sold by G. W. M. RBYNOLDS, Proprie or of the French, English, and American Library, 55, Rae Neuve, Saint Angustin, Paris.

CUNNINGHAM and SALMON, Printers,
Flect-street.