The morning call., 1895-02-24


strong now as in days gone by, but the
special feature of modern predictions is
that they are based on scientific methods,
even the "cranks' offering scientific data
as reason for the faith that is in them
The needful thing is the correct interpreta-
ton of the data and signs afforded by the
material universe. Professor Rudolf Falb
of Germany, the discoverer of the "critical
days" in giving their number, order and
dates for the coming year in the columns
of the "Deutsche Kaiser-Kalender for
1895" states that observations begun in
1863 convinced him that the influence of
the attraction of the moon and sun upon
the waters of the sea had similar effect
upon the ocean OF the earths atmosphere
as well as upon the liquid and volatile
masses contained in the interior of our
globe. He discovered that atmospheric
disturbances, shocks of earthquake and
explosions in mines were surprisingly
often coincident with the days upon which
the most extensive tides and other oceanic
connections were caused by the influence
OF either sun or moon or both. These
periods Professor Falb distinguishes by the
name of critical days" because they
mark, on the one side, periodical turning
points" in the equilibrium of the neptunic,
plutonic and atmospheric masses above
mentioned, and, on the other side, afford
the measure and means for computing the
degree and effect of lunar and solar forces
upon our planet. The current year is es-
pecially notable for the fact of its three
most critical days being accompanied by
eclipses. In mentioning the dates in their
different orders and grades of individual
effectiveness, Professor Falb takes care to
state that the results of the strongest at
fractions often precede their ''critical
days" as theoretically computed, by one
or two days, while those of lesser import
may be from two to three days later than
periodically fixed. The latter may also be
the case at the time of critical days of the
first order whenever long continuing and
extensive atmospheric pressure or eastern
winds prevailed previous to these dates.
The following are the critical days" for
1895: OF the first order: September IS,
March H. August 90, February 9, October
Is, April 9, July % and January 2. OF the
second order: May 8, November 16, March
20, April %, December 81, October IA, Feb
ruary "a, June %, September and No
VEN Der 2. Of the third order: May "a,
December 2, December 16, June Z, August
5, January % and July 7.
ALUMINIUM BArHrUBs.-The introduction
of aluminium, sometimes pure, bnt more
often alleged, into the various arts and in
dustries is going on apace. One of the
latest innovations is an aluminium bath
tub, brought out by a Philadelphia firm.
The tub is cast in one piece in green sand,
and is really a triumph Of clever work.
These tubs weigh from 100 to $50 pounds,
according to the manner in which they are
fitted up. The length inside is 5 feet AZ
inches, depth inside 2215 inches, width in
side q inches Among advantages which
commend aluminium for use in bathtubs, the
following physical characteristics are prom
lnent: Its heat conductivity is very high,
the tub warns up and does not chill the
water to the like extent of an iron or porce-
lam tub. 1t is very light and admits of
high degree of polish. 1t will not diseolor,
tarnish or corrode to the same extent as
with the baser metals. There is no coating
or plating to wear off, thus eliminating the
necessity of returning. The aluminium
may be buffed up at such time as it may be
necessary, and the metal having its own
body is thus practically lmperishable.
among other interesting data the fact that
should. water, after use of a bath, be
allowed to remain in the tub over night
the surface of the aluminium is not affected,
as is the universal case with ordinary bath
tubs.
POINTS ABOUT BICYCLES AND TIREs.-In
France they have already begun to tax the
bicycle, and in many other parts of the
world the question of making the ''bike"
contribute to the maintenance of the roads
1t uses so freely is coming up. But the
wheel is paying its way" by introducing
or calling attention meantime to many
innovations and possible improvements.
The question to what extent pneumatic
tires will be adopted on the wheels of other
vehicles is one of considerable interest.
For cabs and broughams in English cities
the rubber tire, with an iron hoop out
side, is steadily growing in favor, and
thousands of them are seen. Since even
on the smooth wood and asphalt pave
ments of London the rider knows at once
whether his hanson has elastic or rigid
tires the contrast must be still more
marked on macadamized roads or streets