The Phonogram, Vol. 1:3 (1891-03)

THE PHONOGRAM. 65 sulator at the top of this post. At intervals of about four inches each from the bottom of the post, the latter has small metallic plates, properly insulated, Li, L2, L3, etc., and these are connected by means of bob- bins of al>out 10 ohms resistance, placed in- side the post. The top of the post is con- nected with the galvanometer, and the cir- cuit then continued through a resistance (s) f a pile, and the earth (at). The best pile he has used for the purpose is one composed of sev- eral Daniel elements. Now, let us suppose a thaw to occjir; the water rises along the post, thus establishing communication be- tween the small metal plates and the iron of the post which is planted in the earth. At every rise of four inches the resistance of the circuit diminishes 10 ohms on account of t he very position of the l>obbins of re- sistance. The intensity of the current is, in consequence, increased, and the needle, AB, of the galvanometer runs forward one de- gree, which corresponds to the four inches, that is to say, to the exact distance which separates two consecutive insulated plates. On tte other hand, when the waters fall the inverse result takes place. The resistances of 1 o ohms, occurring successively in the cir- cuit of the galvanometer, cause the intensity of the current to correspondingly diminish, and this is indicated by the retrograde move- ment of the indicator-needle. Thus, by watching the movements of the needle along the graduated sector of the apparatus, an observer can readily tell the height of the waters'tq the more elevated district afar off at any particular moment. Thf. committee in charge of the Patent Celebration, on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of April, at Washington, announce that, in con- sequence of the limited seating capacity of the hall in wMch the addresses will be de- livered. that admission will l>e by ticket only. This rule applies also to the public reception at the Patent Office, and for the excursion to Mount Vernon. Apply to J. Elfreth Wat- kins, Sec., 8x1 G St., Washington, D. C. 6 • 1 Electrical Matters of Interest. •ROFESSOR MORSE, in 1868, was ten- dered a banquet in recognition of the valuable ser- vice he had ren- dered to the country in the development of the telegraph. The responder to one of the toasts was the Hon. Edward Thornton, then Hlim British rho, in the course of his most intercst- ng speech, said: “Should I have the good ortune to live to the age of the venerable irofessor I still hope to sec some such im- irovement as will enable us to carry on a rri1 vet conversation by means of the ca- de. We shall then have merchants on this ide of the water discussing their affairs with hose of the other at so much a minute. We hall hear, perchance, of some love-stricken routh of London or Paris whispering soft tothings along the cable to a bewitching iiren of New York or Providence, at so nuch an hour, she tempting him (Leander- ike> to throw himself into the gulf which separates them. We shall then have states- men, and in those days of progress possibly >tatcswomen, discussing international ques- tions at so much a conference; and diplo- matists will run a very good chance of l>cing exploded altogether.” This was a very remarkable prophecy, and so much of it has already been verified in the score of fears that have passed since it was uttered that, although we may think our limitations in long-distance telephone work are practi- cally reached, it is impossible to say what time may elapse before the truth of this now historical prediction is fully oonfirmed. I v.