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This newspaper page contains 26 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Dec 07, 1890
Page
7
A late 19th century essay details electric car heaters using asbestos ribbons under seats to radiate heat through a car. It notes the technology’s potential expansion to homes and offices, predicting wired heat and lighting could transform households, with ceilings and walls supplying light and warmth in the future.
The article surveys historical timber preservation methods from 16th century to modern times. It notes early sap injections by Dr. Boucherie and later pressure treatments using copper salts, lime water, and salt. It highlights a rail line with durable sleepers, warns of hazards from arsenic use, and describes a contemporary method using naphthaline soaking at high temperatures that preserves green timber and is gaining traction in England and could help the US timber supply.
A street railway superintendent explains how he preps the system for harsh weather. With notebook in hand he surveys every section for sunk rails, ice, water damage and snow plow obstructions, guiding foremen to urgent repairs and winter readiness.
A railroad superintendent outlines measures to ready sand and salt boxes and track scrapers, inspect every brake chain and rod, and retire worn gears to prevent costly breakage. He stresses thorough personal checks and replenishing salt coal and sand supplies to face severe winter conditions.
The article argues that unlike telegrams or lights, telephones require user understanding of how sound works. It notes users act as operators, need correct speaking technique, and clarify myths about wires being easily disturbed by trains.
Secretary Tracy suggests creating state naval electrician corps within naval militias to train specialists for shipboard electrical systems. This would supplement regular officers, improve wartime readiness, aid electrical fitouts of new vessels, and allow current staff to reallocate to other duties.
The article explains two sand sounds caused by vibration. Musical sand yields notes by friction when dry, while squeaking sand, rare and moist, produces a harsh squeak. From 500 samples, only two squeaking specimens came from boiling springs in Maine and Kansas.
The episcope projects enlarged pictures with a stere opticon using electric light. It requires no slide preparation and magnifies solid masses for anatomical lectures. Prof Stricker uses it at Vienna University to show heart and organ details, treating it as a microscope on a large scale. The November issue also notes the cola nut’s early use and later perceived benefits.
The article notes that flesh from animals is scarce and cola nuts may improve water flavor similar to olives. It describes cola nuts as believed to curb hunger and sustain labor, paralleling the coca plant leaves in Ecuador and Peru performing the same role.
A new process, described at the Photo graphic Society meeting in England, allows artistic designs to be photographed onto white cloth and other fabrics using pressed leaves as transparencies. A photographer printed leaf patterns on cotton, then applied different developers to create variegated color effects. Red, orange, purple and maroon are achievable now, with purple and orange mixing to approximate green. blues are not yet obtainable.
A reader explains the spider's web as a natural marvel, detailing how the silk is produced from knobs near the spinner and woven into a strong cable. It contrasts spider silk with silkworm silk, then shifts to a lay depiction of the silkworm life cycle and cocoon to butterfly transformation.
A British patent describes an electrical furnace with carbon blocks as electrodes set in metal cases cooled by circulating water. The carbons auto adjust for wear and gas is vented while the charge is inserted. The electromotive force can be varied to match the charge’s resistance.
A Stockholm meteorological office trial seeks to determine storm trajectories. Telegraphic weather reports and atmospheric density data inform new charts that outperform isobar and isotherm comparisons. Findings indicate storms move toward the warmest damp air, parallel to density lines, with purer air on the right.
English electrical supplier notes lamps made within 300 miles of London cost 38 cents each, delivered free, predicting further price reductions despite Edison incandescent lamps at 44 cents in the United States. The claim highlights price competition and potential impact on public and electrician interests.
In a discussion on alternating meters, Nikola Tesla notes that his early views were sound in theory but impractical. He describes moving from conventional ideas to independent thinking, leading to practical, reliable outcomes.
A simple lagging for steam pipes can be made from waste products of paper manufacture, mainly fibrous cleaning and sorting byproducts. When mixed with potter's earth four to one and water to form a plastic compound, it is spread in thin layers over surfaces. On drying it adheres firmly and costs only the mixing and application effort.
A new potent floating disinfectant blends carbolic acid with other agents in a solid form that floats on water and melts slowly. It provides efficient simple use for closet disinfection, requiring just placing a block in the cistern while preventing pipe blockages.
Investigations of fire ruins show porous terra cotta bricks best resist fire water and frost. Modern practice encases iron and steel work in terra cotta tile or brick, with hollow tiles faced by vitreous tile slate or weather-proof coating.
Engineers pursue an electrical solution to boiler incrustation using a small AC dynamo. One plate attaches to the boiler shell while the other plates sit in the water. The theory claims the current yields hydrogen and oxygen on submerged surfaces, forming a protective film of pure water.
A new idea proposes a steel clip inserted at the shoe top near the heel of rubber shoes. The clip opens to slide over the shoe and closes to grip, reducing edge injury and improving grip. The ring used to operate the clip pulls the shoe on or off with ease.
The author notes air as a fluid with weight and elasticity and claims each square inch weighs 15 pounds, creating immense pressure that is felt only because it acts evenly around us. The comparison suggests a universal pressure pervading the body without sensation.
Ten miles north of the city Uriah Howe owner of a Geneva sawmill was killed when a belt pulled him onto a circular saw. The 44 year old man left a wife and several children and had recently planned to quit milling after selling his property.
An admonition favors early use of Hostatter's Stomach Bitters to stimulate sluggish kidneys and bladder. It is promoted as a diuretic, tonic, and alterative with claimed benefits for malaria liver and rheumatic complaints. The text urges moderate use to avoid danger.
The Henry F Miller Pianos have earned a leading artistic reputation from major American orchestral concerts and tours by renowned pianists and vocalists. Henry F Miller Upright Pianos are praised for design and quality and are showcased at W. C. Whitehill's Music Parlor, 152 Third Avenue.
A music store advertises an upright piano for 200 dollars with full warranty and stool, another upright of 71-3 octave for 150, and first-class square pianos at 140 to 200 dollars. Sohmer Colby and Schubert pianos are highlighted. Call J. M. Herrman & Co., 537 Smithfield Street.
An upright piano offered for 250 cash from a moving owner, plus a Rustic lunch ad and a general meat coffee ham and tongue sandwiches promotion. Also a clearing sale for fabrics, mineral land for sale near Chattanooga, and a bronchial remedy advertised with low price.
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