the 14th of September following, he proved this last piece to his entire satisfaction, in the presence of all the chief officers of the Turkish government, who were delighted with its execution, and made a highly flattering report to the Sultan. He fired it off in the presence of those officers to their utter astonishment 100 times in fifteen minutes. The Sultan, when he heard of it, would scarcely believe it, and directed Mr. Cochran to perform the same experiments in his presence. The most extensive preparations were accordingly made for this important trial, which was to take place at Tarache, on the European side of the Bosphorus. No less than 3000 troops were assembled at this spot. The Sultan, at the hour appointed, came over from his summer residence on the Asiatic shore, rowed in one of his splendid caiques, and preceded by a long line of other boats of the same description. The one which announced the approach of the Sultan was manned by 40 oarsmen, and came with even more lightning speed, than that in which his august highness himself was seated. As the latter was seen nearing the wharf, Mr. Cochran, at the suggestion of Halil Pacha, the Sultan's son in law, and commander-in-chief of the land forces, fired off a salute of 21 guns (the customary number) with the experimental cannon, which consumed less than two minutes, and struck the assembled multitude with the utmost amazement. As the Sultan at this moment stepped on the wharf, Halil, accompanied by the Grand Vizier, and other dignitaries, ran to his Majesty, and the former, making the usual salaam of kissing the Sultan's foot, announced to him with feelings of exultation that could scarcely be repressed, the wonderful success of the machine cannon, as they appropriately named it. The Sultan arrived at his tent, then sent for the master of the cannon, the title which was given to Mr. Cochran, and after a short conference with him, in which Mr. Cochran conversed chiefly in the Turkish language, which he had partially acquired, the Sultan renewing his expressions of kindness, requested him to perform the experiment in his presence. His Majesty placed himself within a few feet of the piece, and Mr. Cochran commencing rather sooner than was an ticipated, the Sultan, then with his back towards the cannon, was somewhat starlted at hearing the explosions suddenly succeeding each other with such inconceivable rapidity, The cannon was fired 100 times as before in 15 minutes, during which the barrel acquired 650° of heat, while the revolving cylinder which contained the charges was comparatively cool, being only 250° of the temperature. The Sultan's exclamation expressive of his delight, was "God save the Americans-if such boys as you (Mr. Coch ran being then but 21) can invent such things, what can your men do." He then asked him for the bill of expenses, and being told by Mr. Cochran it was left at his own pleasure, he went the next day, at the request of the Sultan, to visit him at his palace. The bag of gold he there received, was truly an imperial present, and enough to make his fortune. The amount would scarcely be believed should we name it, and we do not feel ourselves authorized to specify the sum more distinctly than may be inferred from what we have said. Mr. Cochran soon after returned to America, with an understanding that he should have a contract for supplying a large number of cannon of the pattern exhibited, whenever it could be agreeable to him to execute it. These adventures of Mr. Cochran, yet a youth, seeking in a foreign land that patronage and encouragement which were the proper measure and appreciation justly due to his pre-eminent talents, and which it is lamentable to be obliged to Confess, his own country men would not have bestowed upon him; recall the similar examples of West, Fulton, Perkins, and others, and are calculated to reflect discredit upon our national reputation, inasmuch as Americans ought to be the first to reward these incentive powers which are so emphatically characteristic of, as well as honourable to, the genius of our people. Description of the Invention.-The invention of Mr. Cochran is adapted to every species of fire-arms. The articles at present being exhibited by him at the Fair, are a model cannon similar to that experimented upon before the Turkish Emperor, and a rifle complete, which we shall now proceed to describe. He has fired this rifle 1200 times, 500 of which discharges were in rapid succession, and without producing any expansion whatever in the chambers of the cylinder, or giving it a greater temperature than 1000 of Fahrenheit. As many as 2000 discharges are required before the rifle will have been properly tested after the rule of the war department. Mr. Cochran is ready at any time to fulfil this compliment and go beyond it. This afternoon he will fire it at Niblo's Garden 500 times in succession. The cylinder is a solid piece of iron, revolving in the plane of the barrel, and occupying a position directly at the base of the barrel which it is in close contact with. The dimensions of the cylinder are, in diameter about four inches, and in thickness seven-eighths of an inch. There are in this one, nine open chambers for the charges, which chambers are perforated upon the periphery and converge, like the radii upon the centre. The cones on which the percussion caps are placed, form another series of radii concentric and within the circuit of the chambers, a solid metallic partition divi ding all the caps from each other. Each cone for the cap communicates with its appropriate chamber, and opens in the centre of the chamber, so that the whole charge of powder is ignited at once, by which the explosion of all the powder is made in one half the time of ordinary rifles, and therefore so much the more force given to it, and consequently a much less charge is required, the weight of the charge being only one grain and a half. As each chamber in its revolution comes in exact line with the tube of the barrel, the cock strikes the percussion cap, and the explosion takes place instantaneously. The chambers, as they successively come into a line with the barrel in the revolutions of the cylinder, are momentarily retained firm in this position by the regulating dog connected with the cylinder where it joins the breech, and the pin of which dog catches in the small perforations made at equal distances for its reception. Nor can the eock strike the percussion cap until it is in exact position; for if the chamber is not in its proper place, the socket into which the hammer of the cock falls has presented to it only the metallic portions between the cones, and therefore on striking these no explosion can take place. Nor can any accident happen from explosions of the other chambers contiguous to the one in connexion with the barrel. Such an accident never did happen with this rifle, and if it should, the direction of the chambers is such that their charges would do no mischief. Nor can the flash of the powder in the chamber in a line with the tube of the rifle be communicated to the other chambers, as the joint of the cylinder, where it comes in contact with the barrel, is so close that it is air tight, and will not permit of such extension of the ignited powder. The charge of one grain and a half of powder requires a size of ball of fifty to the pound, and the force is sufficient to perforate eight boards each of one inch thickness, at the distance of sixty feet. The arrangement of the ball is another beautiful and ingenious invention. Their diameter is exactly fitted to the chamber, but larger than the diameter of the tube of the barrel by an incremen equivalent to the depth of the spiral creases on the inside of the tube, so that no patch is required as in other rifles, for it is forced into the tube of the barrel, and exactly fitted to it, by be coming compressed into a cylindrical shape, and its sides grooved by the creases of the barrel, whereby it is kept firmly in its course, and move steadily and with such precision, and so closely wedged, that there is no windage can get before the ball and give an irregularity to its motion, a serious inconvenience to which all other rifles are liable. The aim of Mr. Cochran's rifle therefore is always deadly and sure. By this arrangement there is another additional power acquired, for you have the entire force of the charge behind the ball until it leaves the muzzle, and in the same proportion is the velocity aug mented, and, therefore, a less charge required on this account, as well as on account of the manner in which the percussion caps communicate with the chambers, as already stated. The creases of the barrel, as we before said, keep the ball exactly in its place throughout its whole course to the muzzle, whereas the patch, always used in ordinary rifles, is constantly liable to tear, which causes the irregularity in the ball's motion, and defeats the very object for which rifles were intended. The manner in which the percussion cones communicate with the middle of the chambers, causes the powder to explode in one-half the time it would if the ignition took place at the end of, and posterior to, the chamber. : As an evidence of the accuracy and effectiveness of this rifle, Mr. Cochran related a bear-hunt, in which he took part, a few days since, on the Moose Mountains, in his native state of NewHampshire. He fired at the animal with the rifle now at the Exhibition, and lodged nine balls in his brain, while he was under full way, at the distance of some four or five rods from him. The bear was brought to the ground, and the nine balls recognised and identified from the others lodged near them, by the grooves made in them by the creases of the tubes, and by their cylindrical shape. His brother sportsmen, who had, until then, deemed themselves in possession of good sporting pieces, expressed them. selves in raptures at the superiority of their young countryman's magic rifle. Another remarkable property in this rifle is, that it has not the least recoil whatever, so that there is not the slightest jar or irregularity in the direction. LIST OF ENGLISH PATENTS, GRANTED BETWEEN THE 27TH OF JANUARY AND THE 24TH OF FEBRUARY, 1837. Miles Berry, of Chancery-lane, for certain im. provements in machinery, or apparatus for making or manufacturing metal screws, part or parts of which are also applicable to shaping metal for other purposes; being a communication from a foreigner residing abroad. Jan. 28; six months. James Hellewell, of Springfield-lane, Salford, Lancaster, dyer, and Aaron Fearn, also of Salford dyer, for certain improvements in the process of dyeing and scouring piece goods and other fabrics, and in the machinery or apparatus whereby the same is performed. Jan. 25; six months. John Springall, of Oulton, Suffolk, iron-founder, for im roved shoes for horses and other animals. Jan. 31; six months. James Cook, of Birmingham, gun-maker, for improvements in gas-burners. Feb. 2; six months. William Geeves, of Old Cavendish-street, gentleman, for certain improvements on steam-engines. Feb, 2; six months. Michael Linning, of Hill-street, Edinburgh, one of the Clerks to the Signet in Scotland, for a certain improved method of operating for the purpose of converting peat moss and peat turf or bog into fuel, and obtaining from it tar, gas, and other certain substances or inalters. Feb. 6; six months. John Gemmell, of Stockwell-street, Glasgow, merchant, for certain improvements in steam-boats, ships, or other vessels, which are pa tly applicable to other purposes. Feb. 6; six months. William Boarder, of Bradford, York, millwright, for certain improvements in steam-engines. Feb. 16; six months. John Walker, of No. 3, Allen-street, Lambeth, Surrey, oven-builder, for an improved method of heating copper s'ills and boilers. Feb. 16; two months. William Stedman Gillett, of Guildford-street, gentleman, for improvements in harness for draft and saddle horses. Feb. 16; six months. Richard Burch, of Heywood, Lancaster, mechanist, for certain improvements in locomotive steam engines to be used either upon rail or other roads; which improvements are also applicable to marine and stationary steam-engines. Feb. 16; six months. Robert Smith, of Manchester, engineer, for certain improvements in the means of connecting metallic plates for the construction of boilers and other purposes. Feb. 16; six months. John Isaac Hawkins, of Chase Cottage, Hampstead-road, C.E., for certain improvements in the application of the products of combustion in generating and in aiding of steam for giving motion to steam-engines; being a communication from à foreigner residing abroad. Feb. 16; six months. Henry Elkington, of Birmingham, gentleman, for improvements in covering or coating certain metals with platina, and also improvements in gilding certain metals, and in apparatus used in such processes. Feb. 17; six months. Henry Elkington, of Birmingham, gentleman, for improvements in covering steam-engines, and in boilers and furnaces used therein, and for other purposes. Feb. 17; six months. John Chanter, of Earl-street, Blackfriars, and of Upper Stamford-street, Surrey, Esq., and John Gray, of Liverpool, engineer, for improvements in furnaces for locomotive-engines and other pur poses. Feb. 17; six months. Benjamin Baillie, of Henry-street, Cumberland Market, Regent's-park, metal frame-maker, for certain improvements in regulating the ventilation of buildings, which he intends to denominate Baillie's Patent Ventilation. Feb. 20; six months. John Hardman, of Bradford, York, millwright, for a certain improvement or certain improvements in steam-engines. Feb. 21; six months. Jasper Weston, of Dover, Kent, gentleman. for improvements in certain wheeled carriages. Feb. 23; six months. John Thomas Betts, of Smithfield Bars, London, rectifier, for improvements in the process of pre paring spirituous liquors in the making of brandy; being a communication from a foreigner residing abroad. Feb. 25; six months. Thomas Bentley, of Cleckheaton, near Leeds, dyer, for improvements in fulling woollen cloths. Feb. 25; six months. NOTES AND NOTICES. The Weather-Prediction again. -Mr. Patrick Murphy, whose predictions of the coming weather, in rivalry of Francis Moore, were noticed a few weeks ago in the Mechanics' Magazine, has addressed a communication to the Meteorological Society, which honoured itself by publishing his vaticiuations, explaining the "reason why" they happened to be contradicted by the event in every individual instance. The sum and substance of Mr. Murphy's explanation is, that somehow or other he happ ned to be out, not in his facts, but in the date of their occurrence: he predicted frost, and he also predicted thaw: both actua ly occurred (in January, be it remembered 1) although unfor tunately at very different times from those Mr. Murphy's followers were led to expect, so that we bad frost when he told us to look for thaw, and vice versa; thus in a slight degree lessening the value of his labours, and pretty well justifying him in considering his first attempt at weather-wisdom any thing but a "lucky hit." But even this miserable shift will not serve his turn with regard to his general prophecy, that the "tendency of the month would be to drought, "-tiis January, as if on pur pose to cut every inch of ground from under him, having been decidedly the wettest known for many years. He has, however, another starting-hole." "Only wait," he cries, "till we have news from An erica, though all my preditions have gone wrong here, I feel confident they have been found quite correct in the Western hemisphere!" (Alas! for the Meteorological Society.) American Electro-Magnetic Engine, - A New York paper states, "We learn that Messrs. Davenport and Cook, of Saratoga, after three years' study and attention, had perfected an electro-magnetic engine, consisting of a stationary-magnetic cicle, formed of disconnected segments. These segments are permanently charged magnets, the repelling poles of which are placed contiguous to each other. Within the circle stands the motivewheel, having projecting ga vanic magnets, which revolve as near the circle as they can be brought without actual contact. The galvanic magnets are charged by a battery, and when so charged, magnotic attraction and repulsion are both brought into requisition in giving motion to the wheel-the poles of the galvanie magnets being changed more than 1000 times per minute." China versus Lyons.-The silk-manufacturers of Lyons have lately begun to complain that they are losing the custom of the United States. For some time, it is said, the Americans have shown a preference for the manufactures of China, and of late they have conveyed thither specimens of the newest patterns from Lyons for the purpose of getting them imitated by the Chinese. The result has been such an abundant supply of Chinese silks in the American market, that the United States now export them to foreign countries. If this be really the case, it supplies more reason to admire the cunning than the fair play of brother Jonathan, and may tend to show that, until some general law of copyright is adopted by the nations of Christendom, a pre-eminence in any branch of art, however it may contribute to national glory, can by no means be reckoned on as a sure source of national wealth. Alderman Wood's Metropolitan Improvements.The Report of the House of Commons' Committee on Alderman Wood's proposed metropolitan improvements has just appeared. It is by no means' of alarming dimensions, as, including the appendix, it comprises on y fifty-four pages folio. The lithographic plans which accompany it, fifteen in number, convey almost the whole information that' is given respecting the proposed improvements. These we shall take an early opportunity of analyzing. Action of Light on Dyed Colours.-M. Chevreuil, of the French Academy of Sciences, has recently laid before that Society an a count of a series of chemical investigations entered into by him with relation to the art of dyeing. One of the most curious of these relates to the action of light on artificial colours, which has hitherto been supposed to be most deleterious, but is proved by M. Chevreuil's experiments to be almost entirely innocent -unless in conjunction with the air, with hydrogen, &c. He enclosed some specimens of dyed stuffs in bottles, from which the air was exhausted; and at the end of two years, although constantly exposed to the light, the colours had hardly sustained any alteration. Some other specimens of the same kind of stuffs, dyed by the same materials, were carefully kept from the light, but exposed to the air during the same space of time, and the result was that the colours had entirely disappeared. Might not this experiment supply a useful hint to the curators of the British and other Museums, in which valuab'e but easily destructible objects are kept in glass-cases? Mr. Crosse's Experiments.-Mr. Von Humboldt recently presented to the French Academy of Sciences, some specimens of semi-transparent gun flint, in which, without any process of dissolving or beating small, a multitude of infusory animalcules might be discovered. Does not this circumstance tend to throw a light on the recent interesting experiments of Mr. Crosse, of Broomfield, described in page 384 of the Mechanics' Magazine? Although, as Mr. Crosse observes, neither acid, nor wood, nor flaunel, nor iron ore, was one of the constituent parts of the compound from which in the second case insects were observed to emerge; yet both in that case, and in the preceding one, solution of silieate of potash was a principal ingredient, and gunflint is a species of silex. It would thus appear, that the Voltaic action had properly nothing to do with the production of these insects which may have previously existed in the silex. "New Manchester."-The Austrians appear determined to throw off their old character of a quiet and prosperous agricultural nation, and enter with all their might into the lists of commerce and manufactures. To the project for rendering na. vigable and navigating the Danube, is now added that for a canal, to be called the Lewes-canal, to connect the Danube with the Maine, and thus with the Rhine and German Ocean. It is calculated, that when this new road for commerce is opened, the Austrian capital will become the grand centre for the traffic to be carried on between Holland, Asia Minor, and the intervening countries. Not content with this, however, the citizens of Vienna are, it is stated in some of the foreign papers, about to establish a 66 new Manchester" all at once in the Brigitten-au (or Bridget's Meadow), near that city, in which, however, the motive force is not, as in its prototype, to be the power of steam, but the power of water. We would advise the projectors of this scheme not to be too sanguine in their anticipations. Neither Rome nor Manchester was built in a day. The Remarks on the Birmingham Railway Report are unavoidably deferred till our next. British and Foreign Patents taken out with economy and despatch; Specifications, Dis. claimers, and Amendments, prepared or revised ; Caveats entered; and generally every Branch of Patent Business promptly transacted. A complete list of Patents from the earliest period (15 Car. II. 1675,) to the present time may be examined. Fee 2s. 6d.; Clients, gratis. Patent Agency Office, Peterborough-court, Fleet-street. LONDON: Published by J. CUNNINGHAM, at the Mechanics' Magazine Office, No. 6, Peterborough-court, between 135 and 136, Fleet-street, Agent for the American Edition, Mr. O. RICH, 12, Red Lion-square. Sold by G. W. M. RAYNOLDS, Proprietor of the French, English, and American Library, 55, Rue Neuve, Saint Angustin, Paris. CUNNINGHAM and SALMON, Printers, |