Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1854-07-28
scientific Items.

A NEW ARTIFICIAL SToNE.-Messrs. Hor-
mig and Sues have recently erected factory
for the production of new kind of artificial
stone. This material, which they designate
Columbia stoue," is composed of sand, clay,
and salt, in certain proportions, based upon a
careful analysis of the natural sandstone
The compound is pressed i'll mould of any
desired shape, and burnt in a kiln. 1t is not
liable to shrink or warp, and is said to be
admirably adapted to inside or outside orna-
mental work.
IMPROVED ARTIFICIAL TEETH.-Mr. Mahlon
LOomis, of Cambridgeport, Mass, has perfect
ed new style of artificial teeth, the peculiar
ity of which is that both teeth and plate are
composed of one piece and of the same mate
rial. No metal plate is used in the manufac-
ture, nor are there any joints around the
teeth, SO that, comparatively speaking, the
making of a set of teeth of this kind requires
but a few minutes. The article is said to be
neater and more perfect in its appearance, and
far more durable than the old-fashioned gold
plate, and soldered teeth, while the cost is
reduced at least one-half.
The TRAvELLER's PORTABLE SAFETY Lock,
is a continuance which may be applied to any
door, without the aid of hammer or chisel, on
going to bed at night, and may be removed
and put into the yest-pocket in the morning
with the same ease as one turns the KEY i'll the
lock of his dressing case. 1t requ ires no KEY,
and will defy the efforts Of the most expert
burglar to open it. The ''Door Fastener" as
it is termed, is simple wedge, with clamps
and guards so contriyed as to be adaptable to
any door, whether tight or loose fitting in its
frame. The cost is a mere trihe, and its util-
ity unquestionable, Mr.. S. P. Kittle, of Buff
falo, is the inventor and patentee.
INDIA RUBBER.-Louis J. Held, practical
chemist of New York, has recently discovered
process by which old yulcanized india rub
Der can be again used in the manufacture of
india rubber goods. The saving of material
will in consequence be immense as the thou
sands of tons of old, refuse rubber which are
thrown away as worthless, can now be saved
to the manufacturer. In making this impor-
tant discovery, Mr.. Held is indebted in some
measure to Mr.. A. S. Dunn, apothecary, No.
400 Third Av., who has long had the matter
in consideration, having proposed the adyan-
tages of such discovery, besides giving prac-
teal aid III its accomplishment. Mr.. Held
has received very advantageous offers for the
invention.
IMPROVEMENT IN Iron MANUFAcruRE.-'Th
Miners Journal gives long account of an
improvement in rolling railroad bars, made
by Mr.. William Hams, of Pottsyille, who 10 a
practical iron manufacturer. By the present
plan each pair of rolls has nine separate
grooves, through which the heated mass from
the furnace is successfully passed, until it Is
delivered from the last in the shape of railroad
bar. BY the new process, instead of the one
set of rolls, containing the nine grooves, there
are nine separate pairs of rolls, each having
but one grooye-arranged in one continuous
line, with close ducts or boxes between so
that the "pile'' CHE hot ball of metal) is fed
i'll at one end, and comes out of the other
railroad bar! The principal advantages claim
ed are, economy of time and saving OF manual
labor,