of generating more dynamo-electric power (per horse-power) than any other machine had accomplished, and in this, as in most other scientific enterprise, he has achieved complete success. Among the other inventions, which I will only refer to very briefly, may be mentioned the tasimeter, by which instrument, it is said, the temperatures of various stars, planets, and other bodies can be ascertained. Also the quadruplex system of telegraphy, by means of which four different messages can be transmitted on a single wire at the same moment, and the sextuplex system, by which six different messages can be transmitted in the same way. There is also a system of telegraphing or repeating a message from one instrument to another without the aid of an intermediate operator, thus avoiding mistakes in transmission. The megaphone is an instrument by which it is possible to hear sounds at a great distance. This is so nicely arranged, that the sounds of cattle grazing or crunching grass at a distance of six miles have been distinctly heard at Menlo Park. By the same means the snoring of the sleeping populations of distant towns also can be heard, if desirable, in that quiet and secluded spot. The aereophone is an instrument that magnifies the human voice two hundredfold, and there is Mr. Edisons "loudspeaking telephone," with the carbon transmitter, already in very extensive use in the States, and which promises to become of universal application. It is, without doubt, the most wonderful and perfect speaking telephone of the age, but Mr. Edison does not anticipate its superseding the telegraph, because there are so many messages which, for referential purposes, are better written than spoken. The phonograph, with which I experimented for some time, is an extraordinary and most amusing invention, though of extreme simplicity. By speaking, singing, or whistling into this instrument, and at the same time turning the handle of the machine, the sounds, the words, and tune, with the tone, can be treasured up for any length of time, and they can all be reproduced at pleasure by simply turning the handle of the instrument in the reverse direction. It is a curious fact that by turning the handle quickly the voice can be pitched very high, and by turning slowly the voice may be modulated so as to become almost inaudible. The phonograph, I may mention, is not, as some might imagine, an electrical instrument. I left Menlo Park, with its museum of novel and scientific wonders, and my excellent guide, Mr. Batchelor, with some regret, and perhaps a feeling akin to that of Bunyan's pilgrim Christian, who, on leaving the Interpreter's house, is said to have proceeded on his way to the Celestial city saying Here I have seen things rare and profitable, Things pleasant, dreadful, things to make me stable, Then let me think on them, to understand Wherefore they showed me were; and let me be Yours,&c., Bowdon, Cheshire, May 28, 1879. CHARLES LEVER. 1 DOUBLE ACROSTIC NO. 8. When wife and husband don't agree In us their prototype you see. I. I loved her then, my own sweet pet; I love her now; in this we met. II. The merest schoolboy, if well educated, Has met me oft with Greeks associated. III. "Bis repetita" may not be amiss, But surely no tale ever should be this. THE GHOST. SOLUTION OF TRIPLE ACROSTIC No. 7. L in See D. Correct answers received from S. P. E., Shark, Brevette, What, Never? Beolne, Artemisia, La Belle Alliance, Quite a Young Thing Too, Nursery, Dowager, P. V., and Miserere. 12 correct and 49 incorrect-total 61. MESOSTICH NO. 8. Sometimes a sage; sometimes a mere lay figure; I. What's in a letter? less than in a name. II. Be humble, nobles of the earth! From this your houses trace their birth. MARGUERITE. SOLUTION OF MESOSTICH No. 7. BA Z AN CR U EL WEA T HER Light 1. Don César de Bazan. Light II. Cold eyelids that hide like a jewel, SWINBURNE. Correct answers received from: Shark, Black Beetle, What, Never? Quite a Young Thing Too, and Belle Mahone. 5 correct and 41 incorrect-total 46. ACROSTIC AND MESOSTICH RULES. 1. Each number of the St. James's Magazine will contain a Double Acrostic and a Mesostich. II. In each competition Three Annual Prizes, in money (1st prize twenty-five guineas, 2nd prize ten guineas, 3rd prize five guineas), will be awarded to the three most successful solvers. III.-Special competitions will be held for guessing off ties (if any). Iv.-Prize-winners will be required to furnish their names and addresses for publication. v.-The same solver may win prizes in both competitions. VI.-Only one word can be accepted as the solution of each light. VII.-Answers addressed to "The Acrostic Editor," 5, Friar Street, Ludgate Hill, E.C., must be posted in time to be received by the first post on the 10th of each month, or on the 11th, if the 10th falls on a Sunday. VIII. In accordance with the wishes of numerous Subscribers, the Acrostic and Mesostiches for March, June, September and December will be in French. |