The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-03-19
SCIENTIFIC MISCELLANY

To ths statement that absolutely nothing is known of the light of the glow-worm Dr. T. l.. Phipson takes exceptions, showing that the phospho- resent organs of the glow-worm and the fire-fiy have been the subject of numerous inquiries. The source of the light proves to be not the organs themselves but a white unctuous sub stance known as "noctilucine," and, as pr. Phipson himself showed thirty years ago that this substance is a special product of decaying fish, 1t is regarded as the probable light-giving material in all animal and vegetable phosphorescence. Luminous bacteria, the tiny organisms that give light to large areas of the seas surface, cer- tain fungi and other living forms seem to produce noctilucine. The material has a complex composition, glows in the dark like phosphorus and is made luminous by slow oxidation. Artificial organic substances of similar nature are now known.
 The novel and highly sensitive gal vanometer of M. Einthoven consists of silvered quartz fiber stretched like a violin string between the poles of powerful electro-magnet. The passage through 1t of a small current causes the wire to be defiected perpendicular to the field. and the Reflection can be measured directly by a microscope car rying a micrometer or 1t can be photo graphed with a suitable scale to show the curve. The sensitiveness can be regulated by adjusting the length of the wire.
 The mathematical aptitude of boys and girls of 8 to IS has been compared by Prof. V. Mercante of Buenos Ayres, by tests of quickness in reading num- bers and in arithmetical operations. A curious discovery Is that an abnormal activity of memory exists at about IS, followed by a period of intellectual de- pression, and at II by a sudden leap in creative imagination and reasoning power.
 The smoke consuming device lately tested in a factory at Westminster. England. consists of a screen of tubu- lar fire-bricks so placed in the furnace that all products of combustion must pass through the screen. The bricks. which are of special material. quickly become incandescent, and the great heat ensures the thorough burning of all gases and combustible material, preventing the discharge into the air of solid carbon particles. The exhaus- tive trials made proved that the worst quality of coal could be used under the factory boilers with practically no smoke. When damp coal dust, cost ing $2.75 per ton delivered was shov- eled into the fire in quantity, a light gray cloud appeared at the top of the chimney stack, but even this disap- peared in a few seconds. It is believed that the same solution of the smoke problem can be successfully applied to household fires.
 The peanut Is one of the chief culti- vated plants of German East Africa, where 1t has been prized for it's rela- tive freedom from disease. A mysteri- ous malady, characterized by reddish brown spots, has now appeared, and Is rapidly killing off the peanut plants of the region. A similar disease affects plants of other localities without prov ing fatal The cause is believed to be some unknown parasitic organism. but the sought-for fungus has not yet been found on roots, leaves or flowers.
 Coloring substances from molasses in solution are obtained in Germany by precipitation with metallic salts in ths presence of acids. When for example, molybdenum salts and sulphuric acid are used a coloring matter resemo- ling indigo !s obtained, but with a shade varying from clear green to greenish blue and deep blue according to the proportions of the mixture. The coloring matters are mostly difhcult to dissolve and partly insoluble In water.
 The intense heat of the electric arc is not the highest produced in the workshop. Probably the highest tenn perature yet attained Is that of A. G. Himalaya, a Portuguese. whose method consists in concentrating sunlight and who by this means readily volatilizes every known substance. In his St. Louis experiments 5000 silvered glass mirrors were used to throw the rays on a single point