Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-12-31

acid conveyed by water underground K
the triassic limestone, produced the car
bonic dioxide, which became compressed
in the coal until the latter could no
withstand the resistance. This explana
ton was supported by M. Dumas. The
explosion loosened rs tons of coal.
QUESTIONS FOR PHILOSOPHERS.
81. 5. B., in the Scientific american
propounds the following questions fol
philosophical thinkers to elucidate and
explain: Is there such a thing as a
vacuum in a molecule of matter: II
not, where is the capacity of matter for
elasticity? If there are no vacuums, OF
no room for movements of molecules
how do they manage to change places
1t there are vacnums (Which claim) are
they not necessarily perfect vacuums,
either inside or outside of molecules
Are molecules invariably spherical in
form? If 30, what occupies the inter
stices? A1e molecules all of the same
size2 If so, how do you account for the
angularity of crystalizations? If not of
the same size and density, how do you
account for the even flow of electricity
along q good CONDUCTOR If they are
irregular in shape, size and density
(Which I claim> can the phenomena ex-
hibited in their movements be explained
on any other ground but that there are
perfect vacuums either inside or outside
their organism? Is heat or caloric a
principle or result? If not tangibil.
ity, can its phenomena of action be ex-
planned on any other ground than 8
result of the activity of molecules by
friction? Is not the result of friction
electricity? Are not heat and electricity
identicalH If not, explain the different
results of the excitation of either as mol
ecules of electricity or molecules of mat
ter in the abstract? If cake of north
ern lake ice will thaw or melt a portion
of polar ice, by the activity of molecules
adjusting the temperature, is the result
heat or electrical activity? If the force
of heat or electrical activity can be
measured, why does combustion produce
such unequal results by same quantity
in each different substance2
CONVERSATION AMONG FISHES.
A correspondent of Nature says: The
question as to whether fish have any So
called voice or means of intercommuni-
cation having some interest for your
readers, | may relate that about six
years ago, while engaged in survey of
the Disang river in Eastern Assam, had
occasion to sound by a line the depth
of pool called the "Deo DUDE" Cor
Deep of the Demon). While seated in q
small Rob Roy canoe, and very slowly
drifting on the surface of tho pool, I be-
came aware of a number of large
Mashir (Barbes naocr0ceph alus) moving
about in the water below and around
me. Sitting perfectly still I had the
pleasure to see them gradually approach
the surface, and move about me at a foot
or so distant, passing alongside, under
and round the canoe carefully, and ex-
amining it, bow and stern specially. 1t
may not be easy to guess fishes
thoughts, but from the manner in which
they examined my symmetrical and gay
colored cauoe they appeared to think it
might possibly be huge fish, and dead
of course. While watching their move
or persuasive sound, frequently repeated
on all sides, and coming from below. but
close to me. Eventually 1 found that
this was made by the Mahsir; and one
passing close along on my right, by it.
self, made several distinct sounds as it
went on, that seemed to be answered by
others to the left. If seated, say on the
bank, the sound would be loud enough to
be heard at forty feet distance. a large
bivalve is common in some parts of
eastern Assam that sings loudly in con-
cert. An ant also makes a peculiar
thrice-repeated noise by scraping in uni
son on the dry leaves of its nest if it is
disturbed.