The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1880-04-07
TIMELY TOPICS.

A telemeter, which will for many
purposes far surpass any range finder
yet suggested, has been invented by q
professor of mechanics at the high
school at Belgrade. The instrument, it
is stated, will show with unvarying pre-
cision the exact distance of an enemy.
The rapidity with which sound travels
is the basis of the measurement of dis
tances, the distance required to be
known being shown upon the face of
the instrument in less than q minute.
The telemeter itself is only about the
size of watch, and can therefore be
easily carried in the pocket, while the
error in the measurement of any range
from 500 up to 10000 yards does not ex-
ceed one and half yards, and does not
increase with the distance. The cost is
only about $40.
At one time the emperor of all the
:Russias was in the habit of wearing q
coat of mail, very delicate and supple,
but, unable to endure the weight, he
has abandoned this ark of safety. His
uniforms, however, are now specially
prepared, and are said to be stepped in n
particular wash which renders them
bullet-proof. The carriages and sledges
used by the monarch are also plated
with iron, and such is the mysterious
secrecy with which he is surrounded
that even the most trusted policemen
are ignorant half an hour beforehand in
what direction he is going. The cook
is watched at his work by two special
Aha Iifnh0r 6nNr q
guarded by two sentinels. The viands
are tasted by experts, and only offered
to the czar when they are convinced
that no poison is lurking in them. Fond
as he is of q good cigar, the emperor is
Obliged from similar motives of pru-
dence to foregJ the pleasures of smok-
ing.
Some of the railways have been quite
lucky in having made their contracts
for rails prior to the great advance in
iron. The Chicago, Burlington and
Quincy was one of them, and it has
made - or rather saved - q handsome
thing by taking time by the forelock.
One of the Pennsylvania mills is the
victim, from which the road purchased
10000 tons trails, to be delivered dur
ing the year at Chicago at S42.5O per
ton. At the present prices of rails the
railway saves at least 100000 by the
transaction. The company that is fill
ing this contract is paying S45 per ton
for the pig iron with which to make the
rails. Its business this year is not likely
to be very profitable. AS another in
stance of the advantage of being far
sighted enough to lay in stock of ma
terial during the period of low prices,
NAV be mentioned the Southern Pacific
railroad. which purchased last year steel
rails and ties for over 300 miles, suffl-
cient to extend its track from Tucson to
the Rio Grande. The difference between
the cost Of rails alone then and now
would be more than 81 l,000,0 900.
According to the London Medical
Press, those timid beings who are haunt
ed by apprehensions of being buried
alive, and who make testamentary pro-
visions against such contingency, may
now take courage, for science has sup
piled an infallible means of determining
whether or not the vital spark has
Quilted the mortal frame. Electricity
enables US to distinguish with absolute
certainty between life and death, for
two or three hours after the stoppage of
the hears the whole of the muscles of
the body have completely lost their cleo
trio excitability. When stimulated by
electricity they no longer contract. If,
then, when Faradism, rs the treatment
with induced currents of electricity for
remedial purposes is called, is applied
to the muscles of the limbs and trunk,
say Eve or six hours after supposed
death, there be no contractile response,
it may be certified with certainty that
death has occurred, for no faint, nor
trance, nor coma. however deep, can
prevent the manifestation Of electric
muscular contractility. Hero there is
no possibility of mistake, as there GER
tainly was when the old tests were
employed.
There is at present confined n the
Maine State prison at Thomaston
young French Canadian, who is there
incarcerated for the murder of a
woman. During his leisure hours,
with nothing but a pocket and shoe
knife, file and milestone, this prisoner
has manufactured clock which keeps
accurate time, and which is a great
mechanical curiosity. 1t has rooster
on top, who flaps his wings on the
hour being reached. There is also
figures showing the day Of the week
and month. Underneath is glass case,
three feet high and two feet wide, con-
tanning 242 figures of men, birds, ami
mails, etc. These objects 60 through
various performances, as small Springs
are touched, and music box plays
tunes at the same time. A mouse is
made to run from its hiding place, and
it is quickly caught by cat. A beggar
approaches a man for money, is impu.-
dent, and after o tussle is knocked
down. A snake glides stealthily over
the floor, and at the door o sentinel
stands with small tin cup in his hand,
who taxes off his hat and politely bows
when coin is dropped into his cup.
Among the objects are full companies
of infantry and cavalry, which come
out and 90 through the manual of arms
very finely. The clock is exhibited by
the prisoner while in his cell, and many
are the odd dimes he receives from
visitors.
l.