The Sun.
London, England, 1845-05-07 00:00:00

POLY7'ECHNIC REVIETV.

This work is a great acquisition to the lover of
science ; it describes all the wonders of nature and
art, records the discoveries of the ancients, and chro-
nicles the inventions of modern times; its subjects
are " universal as its theme," confined to no country
limited to no period; it touches on every scientific
subject, from the " glass-manufacturing of ancient
Egypt down to Lord Rosse's telescope." In the
present number there is an interesting account of at-
mospheric railways, by Dr. Hewlett., in which he
observes :

" A diminution of expenditure is one of the most ob-
vious advantages of the atmospheric system. In the on.
ginal outlay there is not a necessity for that extensive le-
velling as is now required ; engines of very great power
will not be needed ; the wear and tear of materials will
be diminished ; and, by consequence, the rates of charges
for travelling will bd lessened, and cheap travelling will
be secured with a certainty of increased safety and com-
fort. This advantage of safety is one of paramount im-
portance. The atmospheric system precludes all the
terrible calamities of bursting boilers and burning trains,
with which the public has become painfully familiar.
Running off the line is also avoided, since, in the atmos-
pheric system, the impelling power is at the centre of
gravity, and must, from its action, keep the train on the
rails. A collision of trains, from which such disastrous
results have arisen, cannot possibly take place on the at-
mospheric principle. Then, not to enter into any meta-
physical discussion of the question, how much the very
consciousness of safety promotes our comfort—it may
suffice to say, that the atmospheric system offers a full
enjoyment of the pure atmosphere of heaven as you
quietly glide on by an invisible power, and entire free-
dom from the clanking of cumbrous machinery, flying
sparks, hot cinders, and strong sulphuretted hydrogen.
Another advantage is, increased speed—the average rate
of travelling by the atmospheric power being fifty miles
an hour, while the highest velocity of travelling on the
fastest line, by steam, is thirty miles an hour ; and, in a
country where time is appreciated as property of great
value, this must be considered of paramount importance
did it exist alone ; but when speed can be secured at less
expense, and with increased safety and comfort, no
doubt can exist to which system the most decided prefer-
ence is to be given."

In the " Game of Chess by the Electric Telegraph,"
there are some amusing speculations as to the singular
effects that may be produced by the electric current ;
for example, when her Majesty visits the House
of Lords, the salutes might be repeated at every sta-
tion in England ; instead of blowing up a ship at the
distance of six miles, by one of Captain Warner's
projectiles, we should be enabled to do so at the dis-
tance of a thousand. Humanity should compel every
butcher to kill animals by electric galvanism, which
would spare them all pain and suffering. There is
an explanation of the signs of the Zodiac, showing how
the figures are appropriated to the seasons they repre-
sent ; a chapter of Agricultural Chemistry ; Anasta-
tie Printing, and various other subjects of interest or
instruction.