SCIENCE AND MECHANICS. tellectual, for articulate speech, reason and rythmic poetry and music depend upon this function. The sensitiveness of an organ is in proportion to its delicacy, and exquisite torture can be caused by the ear. The eye we can protect, for we can close it at will, but the ear is an ever open portal, and throws us upon the mercy of mankind. "It is not without a shade of melancholy that we notice în almost every daily journal the record of a faltering in the ranks of business men. This successful merchant or manufacturer has impaired his health by over-work, which means too much nervous excitement, and he starts for Europe in the hope of building up his health on a broken foundation. Another professional man is aroused from his dream of ambition with the frightful conviction that phthisis has fastened its deadly grasp upon his vitals, and the grim images of weakness and decay henceforward fill his vision. There has been an alarming increase of disease within a few years, having its origin in the causes we have named, and the effect of it should be to produce greater moderation. What if the profits are less? They can be continued longer and life made happier. There is no necessity for this waste of life— it is a sheer delusion, the effect of a foolish ambition. Better accept the heritage of poverty or a moderate success than the infallible necessity of an early disease. Science in its Relation to Nerve Power.-That | ing. If anything, hearing is the most highly and purely ingreat system which has its capital and depot of supplies chiefly in the brain, generally known as the NERVE SYSTEM, has received of late years the attention of the greatest minds in the scientific world. The subject has not been confined, as of yore, to men who make chemistry and physics their principal study; it has gone out into broader and more diversified realms of thought. Philosophers, as well as students and teachers of some one or more single science, have dedicated to it their best powers. Theories have been demonstrated by actual experiment and practice, and these have not been confined to one sex and one temperament. The nerves-that wonderful complex human machinery, in life, in sleep, and in death-have enlisted in their behalf the combined wisdom of two continents. Electricity, in its many forms, has been brought to aid in the investigation, and animals as well as men have been the subjects operated upon. The investigation still goes on, and thus far much real substantial progress has been made. It is a subject that concerns all, and hence anything really valuable relating to nerve power will no doubt be appreciated by the general reader. The Philadelphia Post says: "Nervousness is one of the prices we have for civilization; the nervous savage is a being unheard of. For this disorder, which is partly of mental and partly of bodily nature, relief is sought in various ways, and among these we may place the employment of narcotics. The temporary relief afforded by these drugs is very apt to lead those who suffer from nervous sensations to put too much trust in and resort too frequently to them. In the long run, they prove most destructive to health. Their use has of late become so frequent as to threaten society with a serious evil. It has been boldly contended that chloral is to be found in the work-boxes and baskets of nearly every lady in the west end of the metropolis, to calm her nerves. No doubt this is an exaggeration, but it is a fact that New York chloral punch had become an institution scarcely a year after the introduction of chloral in medical practice, and now it turns out that Germany-'sober, orderly, paternally-ruled Germany'-has such a thing as morphine disease spreading among its population. The symptoms are not unlike those of opium eating. Experience suggests that persons suffering from the disease should at once be deprived of the drug. Their wilfulness and liability to relapse, however, are so great that it is said that only about twenty-five per cent. have been seen to recover in a large series of cases. "There is a close connection between a healthy brain and a quiet, unirritated auditory nerve. It is not impossible that the noise in which we live, and which fools delight in as signs of cosmopolitan life, is responsible for much of the paralysis, neuralgia and general nervous irritability, characteristics of modern times. It is no laughable matter, but a serious one, and useless noises ought to be abated as nuisances. Let it be remembered that of all our five senses, two only are intellectual, the instruments of art culture, seeing and hear "The best possible thing for a man to do when he feels too weak to carry anything through, is to go to bed and sleep as long as he can. This is the only recuperation of brain power, the only actual recuperation of brain force, because during sleep the brain is in a state of rest, in a condition to receive and appropriate particles of nutriment from the blood, which take the place of those which have been consumed by previous labor, since the very act of thinking burns up solid particles, as every turn of the wheel or screw of the steamer is the result of consumption by fire of the fuel in the furnace. The supply of consumed brain substance can only be had from the nutritive particles in the blood, which were obtained from the food eaten previously, and the brain is so constructed that it can best receive and appropriate to itself those nutritive particles during a state of rest, of quiet and stillness of sleep. Mere stimulants supply nothing in themselves; they goad the brain and force it to a greater consumption of its substance until it is so exhausted that there is not power enough left to receive a supply. "In what does nerve food consist? In what do we find it? Is it meat? no; white bread? no; potatoes? no. If it is not found in these staples, in what is it to be found? I answer, in the exterior of the great kernel, in the skin of the potato and in milk; partially also in eggs and fish. I answer, the chief food staples, in the dietetic system are almost entirely deficient in brain and nerve building material. In view of these facts, is it a result to be wondered at that the starving nervous tissue in the overworked masses attempts to satisfy an intolerable sense of craving, of physical hunger, by the use of stimulating poisons that temporarily supply the place of brain and nerve food? I answer, the cause of intemperance is based upon a fundamental error in the present dietetic system. Let it always be borne in mind that stimulating brain poisons-alcohol, opium and tobacco-temporarily supply the place of brain and nerve food. What is the remedy for intemperance? I answer, nerve food-building material to supply the waste of the nervous tissue in the masses. I answer, further, a reform in the present popular system of dietetics by reducing the proportion of fat and muscle forming elements, and increasing the nerve and brain-building material in a proper ratio. Let the supply in each case meet the demand and no more." Portable Electric Light.-An ingenious little electriclight apparatus (says the Mining Journal) has been invented by Mr. Facio, of Paris, and is applicable to watches, walking-sticks, and such like. The watch, for instance, to which it is applied, is united by a chain to a link-bar, which may be placed in a button-hole, another chain communicates with a pile which may be carried in the waistcoat pocket; to the link-bar another chain is attached in communication with a receptacle or box containing wick, and a “Geissler" tube, which will transmit the spark produced by the electricity. Thus the time can be easily seen in the dark. The apparatus is composed of other conducting chains coming from the pile, and of a receiver which may be perfectly independent, the receiver being provided with a wick or bobbin, and the receiver may be made like a locket or other article, if desired; communication between pile and locket or other article may be produced by means of a button or other suitable appliance placed in any convenient position. The chains may be formed or composed of two wires and surrounded by insulating material, which latter may be covered with some precious metal or other material, as fancy or taste may dictate. The lighting material may be carried by the watch itself, or the light-generating apparatus may be provided with a case to hold the watch, or other object to be lighted up, in such manner that the glass which covers the aforesaid case will receive the action of the lighting tube containing the Geissler" tube, and the case itself will be independent of the object to be lighted. Felling Trees by Electricity.-A few years ago, a Dr. Robinson, of New York City, took out a patent through the agency of the Scientific American, for felling trees by means of a platinum wire, in place of the axe or saw, using an electric battery for the severing power, by keeping the wire at a white heat and drawing it back and forth, and keeping it taut to the tree as it penetrated the trunk. According to the Lumberman, an experiment with the same invention has recently been tried in the East Indies, from which our contemporary quotes from a local paper, published in that country. The paper states that the patentees of the process are Mr. H. H. S. Parkinson and Mr. W. H. Martin, both of Bombay; and the experiment was superintended by Dr. Lyons. The plan is simple. Two ends of the copper wires of a galvanic battery are connected with platinum wire, which of course instantly becomes red hot, and while in that state it is gently seesawed across the trunk of the tree to be felled. When arrangements were made for the experiment, it was never for a moment doubted that the enterprising merchants of Bombay were possessed of all its made thick. nesses of platinum wire, but it turned out that the thickness of the thickest that could be got was only that of crochet cotton. It was at once seen that a wire of such thinness would be consumed before the tree was half severed from its trunk. However, the attempt was made. The burning wire performed its task very well so long as it lasted, but, as anticipated, the wire continually broke, and at length there was none left. There can be, little doubt that with a stronger battery-the one used was only a twelve-chambered one-and a thicker wire, the experiment would have been entirely successful. As it was, the tree was sawed one-fifth through. It is calculated that, under proper conditions, a tree, which at present takes two hours to fell, will come to the ground by this process in fifteen minutes. It is almost needless to add that there is no waste of wood and no sawdust. A New Mineral Element.-The scientist Hermann has announced, in the German Journal of Chemistry, the discovery of a new metal in material found at Haddam, Ct. It is obtained from tantalite, of which it forms a little over six per cent., the rest being metallic acids of tantalum, niobium, and ilmenium. Hermann calls it neptunium. He has so small a quantity of the material at his disposal, that he has been unable to reduce the oxide to a metallic state. With soda it colors microcosmic salt golden yellow. It is the first element discovered for many years by mineral analysis, although in the past seventeen years, five metals-cæstum, rubidium, thallium, indium, and gallium-have been discov ered by spectrum analysis. The atomic weight of niobium is 118.2, giving neptunic acid the formula Np4 07. Wonders of Modern Science.-The perfect accuracy with which scientists are enabled to deduce the most minute particulars in their several departments, appears almost miraculous if we view it in the light of the early ages. Take for example the electro-magnetic telegraph, the greatest invention of the age. Is it not a marvelous degree of accuracy which enables an operator to exactly locate a fracture in a submarine cable nearly three thousand miles long? Our venerable "clerk of the weather" has become so thoroughly familiar with those most wayward elements of nature that he can accurately predict their movements. He can sit in Washington and foretell what the weather will be to-morrow in Florida or New York, as well as if several hundred miles did not intervene between him and the place named. And so in all departments of modern science, what is required is the knowledge of certain signs. From these the scientists deduce accurate conclusion regardless of dis tance. A few fossils sent to the expert geologist enable him to accurately determine the rock-formation from which they were taken. He can describe it to you as perfectly as if a clift of it were lying on his table. So also the chemists can determine the constitution of the sun as accurately as if that luminary were not ninety-five million miles from his labora tory. The sun sends certain signs over the "infinitude of space," and the chemist classifies them by passing thera through the spectroscope. GOSSIP AND NOTE BOOK. Wayside Thoughts.-How many of the readers of the MONTHLY, in the light of the past, have from the eminence furnished by experience, gazed afar off into the future, with a view of solving some one or more of the problems of human life? Human Destiny, what is it? and how is it reached? is one of those undemonstrated things of the future. Human felicity, what is it, and how best gained? is another mystery not fully solved. Labor and unceasing vigilance are the lowest prices at which man, in this world, can obtain happiness and safety. The primeval curse, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread," includes within its scope not only the bodily, but the mental and moral powers of man. And reason and philosophy not less than revelation, clearly demonstrate that all nature, both within us and without, is so formed and constituted as to enforce this destiny. Not only does this uncultivated earth bring forth thorns and thistles rather than fruit, but its tempting fruits, unless discriminated, may poison us. And the air we breathe, the fire that warms us, and the innumerable other objects which are essential to our existence or enjoyment, must be for the most part laboriously sought, and must all be cautiously distinguished, and appropriated, and used, if we would secure the benefits and escape the mischiefs which in some form, each has the power to occasion. Moral And if we seek for happiness in the exercise of the mental and moral powers, the same toil and danger await us. The temple of science stands at the summit of an almost inaccessible mountain. "Truth lies at the bottom of a well." rectitude is a critical medium, the two extremes of which are vices. And even the path to heaven, as we are instructed from the sacred desk, is narrow and difficult, with a broad road leading from it to perdition; so that earth and heaven are legibly inscribed by the finger of the Creator with the sublunary doom of man-toil and watchfulness. And yet, such is the intrinsic constitution of human nature, that this apparently severe destiny is the efficient cause of its highest dignity and happiness. Perils and impediments in our path prompt us to vigilant and energetic action. Our chief happiness consists in successful effort-in acquiring the desirable objects around us, not in their supine enjoymentin eluding or grappling with and overcoming danger, not in a quiet, lifeless exemption from it. Dey Vants ebery dings in von Rose.-A German selling flowers found the ladies desired to have in a rose more than commonly is found in these beautiful plants. A little annoyed at their demands, he finally said: "I have so much drouble mit de ladies ven dey come to buy mine roses. Dey vants him doubles, dey vants him fragrand, dey vants him nice golour, dey vant ebery dings in von rose. I hope I am not vat you calls von uncallant man, but I have somedimes to say to dat ladies, 'Madame, I never often see de ladies dat vas beautiful, dat vas rich, dat vas good-temper, dat vas youngs, dat was clever, dat vas perfection, in one ladies. I see her much not!'" A Small Flower Garden.-A writer in the Western Farm Journal recommends for a small flower garden the following list, as they do not require treatment, are good sturdy varieties, will stand neglect, yet do well: Asters, balsams, dianthus, petunias, phlox, calliopsis, verbenas, sweet peas, mignonette, cinnias, marigolds, and portulacas. The same writer again says: "The plants I have named will afford a profusion of flowers from June to October. Phlox will be the first to blossom, and then petunias will come on, and both of these flowers continue to increase in beauty until hard frosts come. Asters will be in perfection in August and September. Calliopsis begins to blossom in July, and nearly all the others come on early in that month. If old flowers are removed and not allowed to go to seed, you will have a much greater profusion of bloom. If you do not remove faded flowers, but allow them to perfect seed, you will soon see that your plants are losing a large share of their former glory. You can't expect a plant to ripen seed and blossom profusely at the same time." Parlor Ornamentation.-What can be more appropriate than the now prevailing fashion of ornamenting the interior of private residences with artificial flowers? Parlors, reception rooms, boudoirs and dining-rooms are made brilliant with bright garlands of flowers. Parian marble and decorated China vases upon the mantel shelves contain bouquets in imitation of the rarest blossoms of the conservatory. On the window niches and the four corners of the room handsome jardinieres are placed upon rosewood and black walnut stands. These are filled with sawdust and covered with dried moss, and from this "soil" pyramids, crowns, anchors, crosses and wreaths of flowers are built up in the most graceful manner. Proud jessamines, graceful lilies, ethereal blue bells, pert daisies, bright buttercups, royal heliotropes, meek violets and the sweet little arbutus, mingle in lovely confusion with the rose leaves and trailing wild vines, falling gracefully over the jardinieres, and sweeping the carpet with their emerald leaves. These are expensive luxuries, but nevertheless whatever makes our homes attractive should be adhered to at the sacrifice of extravagant clothing. A Beautiful Passage.-The following is from the "Reveries of a Bachelor," by Ik Marvel: "A poor man without some sort of religion is at best but a poor reprobate, the football of destiny, with no tie linking him with infinity and the wondrous eternity which is even worse-a flame without heart, a rainbow without color, a flower without perfume. A man may, in some sort, tie his hope and honor to this shifting ground, to his business or the world; but a woman without that anchor called faith is a drift and a wreck. A man may have some moral responsibility out of relation to mankind, but a woman in her comparatively isolated sphere, where affection and not purpose is the controlling motive, can find no basis in any other system of right action but that of faith. A man may craze his thoughts to truthfulness in such poor harborage as fame and reputation may stretch before him, but a woman-where can she put her hopes in storms, if not in Heaven, and the sweet truthfulness, that abiding love, that enduring hope, mellowing every page and scene in life, lighting them with radiance when the world's storms break like an army with cannon? Who has enjoyed the love of a Christian mother but will echo the thought with energy and hallow it with tears?" Mr. Hook and his Friends.-Theodore Hook was delighting a few friends one summer's evening at Fulham by an extempore comic song, when, in the middle of it, the servant entered with. Please, sir, here's Mr. Winter, the tax-gatherer; he says he has called for taxes." Hook would not be interrupted, but went on at the pianoforte as if nothing had happened, with the following stanza: "Here comes Mr. Winter, collector of taxes, Mr. Ruskin Practices what he Preaches.-He says that his father left him $600,000, besides a great deal of real estate and many valuable pictures. His mother also left him $185,000. He gave $85,000 to his poor relations, sold the pictures, bought Brantwood, assisted a young relation in business at a cost of $75,000, spent another $75,000 on harness and stables, and has given $70,000 to St. George's Company, besides having spent $350,000 variously. He is at present worth $270,000, and announces that he intends to give his valuable Marylebone property to St. George's Company, his Herne Hill estate to his cousin, and the $60,000 which will remain to him he will invest, and live and die upon its interest. Learned when a Child.-Carlyle says: The older I grow and I now stand upon the brink of eternity-the more comes back to me the sentence in the Catechism which I learned when a child, and the fuller and deeper its mean. ing becomes: "What is the great end of man?" "To glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." What did Simon Say?-A Sunday-school teacher in Albion asked her class the question, "What did Simon say?"" "Thumbs up!" lisped one young lady. Khivan Proverbs.-He who steadies himself between two ships will certainly be drowned. Shame is worse than death. He who weeps from his heart will provoke tears even from the blind. A lean horse and a hero in a strange country each look amiss. When you go to law against the Emperor, God himself should be the judge. One Step.-To what length may the widow go when she desires a new parent for her children? She may go one step father. Going to Sleep on his Watch.-" Papa," said a little boy to his parent," are sailors very small men?" "No, my dear; what leads you to suppose that they are so small?” answered the father. Because I read the other day of a sailor going to sleep on his watch," replied the young idez, smartly. A boy in Iowa recently found a pocket-book with a large sum of money in it and returned it to the owner, who gave him a five cent piece. The boy looked at the coin an instant and then, handing it reluctantly back, sighed and said, “ I am very sorry, but I can't change it." The Pull-back an Objection.—“ I shouldn't like to be an oarsman," said Jones. "Why not?" asked Green. "Because an oarsman has so many pull backs," replied Jones; and then the two youths shook hands, and went out to buy something. The Best Resorts.-The best summer resort for babiesRockaway. The best for boys-Long Branch The meal bracing-Milk-punch. THE Valley of the Connecticut River is noted not only for its charming scenery, but for the great number of its beautiful towns. These dot and adorn this stream of flowing crystal like pearls threaded with a cord of silver. And then, there are hundreds of of villages and hamlets that are gems of their kind; and most attractive and pleasing of all are the numberless finely cultivated farms, in the centre of which, or at some feasible, and it may be sightly point, stands the stately mansion adorned with grand old shade trees of elm, sycamore and maple; or instead of this noble relic of other days, may be seen the cozy cottage, exquisitely neat in style, ornamented with shrubbery and flowers without, and fitted up by the hand of cultured taste within, till it is a paragon of comfort and refined enjoyment. From Saybrook to Connecticut Lake, there is not a mile, except perhaps at one point, that does not abound in fertile farms and pleasant sites for dwellings; and every turn in the fair river presents some landscape of mild and charming loveliness, or some grand scene of picturesque and sublime beauty. The people of this favored spot are moral, temperate, industrious and frugal; and, as might be expected, poverty and crime are alike almost unknown among them. Intelligent, stable, and characterized by a manly independence, they VOL. IX.-16 |