The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-04-26
LITERARY NOTES.

Stevens Mechanical Catechism, Just is
sued, is marvel Like all the reference
books published by Laird & Lee. il is
crammed full of information. The steam
engine is thoroughly explained with all
lts modern attachments and improve
ments, slide valves, safety valves, inlec-
tors, pumps, steam gauges. lubricators
eccentrics, link motion. indicator etc
The traction engine ard hay stacker are
treated in n special chapter. The manu-
featuring of ice refrigeration machines,
brine and direct expansion systems are
treated exhaustively. Also. the machine
shop the electric plant, house wiring ana
electric heating. The scientific principle
and basis of mechanical WORK is made
clear in every subject, so that the prac-
ucal hints and directions given are more
easily grasped. Calculations OF horse
power, pulley-speed, lathe, gearing,
square root, leverage, tensile strength
are made easy, and such puzzling qlIes-
tions as the travel of crosshead and
crankpin are solved in practical, con-
vincing manner The elements of alge-
bra are presented in very happy man
ner. Useful recipes for emergencies are
scattered all over the book. A classified
alphabetical index enables the reader to
turn to every subject instantly. Over 24O
sectional cuts and Illustrations many of
them specially designed for this work.
give 1t additional value.
A. Conan Doyles new novel, "A Duet
with an Occasional Chorus" is said to
be a story in which the author has felt
peculiar interest. The scene is laid
In London, and the story is one of the
present time. The book OPENS where
the conventional novel ends-with a mar
riage; and another point of difference
from the usual novel is that the mar
the varied experiences of hero and hero
Inc. DIR. Doyle shows new phase of
his fine talent in this book. As a story
of welded love 1t has an idyllic character
which will appeal to every reader not
devoid of healthy sentiment. AS an
adroit Interpretation of Il true philosophy
of welded life the story contains illus
trationS and pithy sayings which will
enlist the interest of women and men
alike. Probably American readers will
feel stronger interest than their Eng
IiSh cousins in the vivid glimpSes which
the author contriVcs TO introduce of his
toric scenes in Westminster Abbey, o; St
Olafs church, the burial place of Pepys
and of the home of Thomas CARLYLE
1t should be noted that the author has
sacrificed his serial rights for the sake
of presenting his complete story to the
public for the first time in the book which
is published by ID. Appleton & Co.
Much has been said about the 'loop"
dCcribed by the Brooklyn at the begin
ming of the naval battle at Santiago
Rear-Admiral Philip, who commanded
the Texas. thus describes one aspect of
this evolution I'm the May Century: "As
the Texas veered westward, the Brook
lyn was plowing up the water at a great
rate in course almost due north direct
for the oncomng Spanish ships. and
nearly a mile away from the Texas. The
smoke from our guns began to hang so
heavily and densely over the ship that
for a few minutes we could see nothing.
We might as well have had blanket tied
over our heads. Suddenly a Whit pf
breeze and a lull in the firing lifted the
pail, and there, bearing toward us and
acres IS our bows turning on her port
helm, with big waves curling over her
bows and great clouds of black smoke
pouring from her funLels, was the Brook
lyn. She looked as big as half dozen
Great Easterns, and seemed so near that
II took our breath away. Back both en-
gines hard" went down the tube to the
astonishcd engineers, and in a twinkling
the old ship was racing against herself.
The collision which seemed imminent.
even If 1t was not. was nVerted, and as
the big cruiser glided past, all of us on
the bridge gave sigh of relief"
McClure's Magazine for May will in
troduce a new writer, Booth Tarking-
ton, of Indianapolis, with the opening
installment of a novel of present-day
American life. The story Is pronounced
by those who have read it in manuscript
as fresh and absorbing in plot and re-
markably pleasing i'm its atmosphere and
spirit j. L. Steffens, city editor of the
New York Commercial Advertiser will
tell the story of Theodore ROOsevclt's
experience and dealings with party lead
ers and political TefOTmeTs from the mo-
ment he began to be named for governor
of New York down to the present time
1t is no ordinary story, and it has never
before been told in full. Oscar King Da-
Wis, the correspondent Of the New York
Sun at Manila, will relate some stories
and give some "reminiscences Of Admiral
! Dewey as Mr.. Davis himself has seen
and known him during months of ger
vice beside him at Manila.
Harper's Magazine for May contains
Part Nv. of the his tory of "rhe Spanish
American War" by Henry Capot Lodge,
illustrated by Thulstrup, Zogbaum, Ch lp-
man, and Christy; The Civil Service and
Colonization" hy Francis Newton
Thorpe; Catherine Carr" a story, by