1815.] Description of Mr. Ruthven's Printing Press. a series of years-even of centuries, without attracting the attention of the ingenious: for it is a fact, that on comparing representations of the oldest presses, we find that both the principles and construction are nearly the same with those of the present day! It appears that the screw was early applied in the printing press for producing pressure; and that the construction of all presses has had the types placed on a moveable carriage, where, after being inked, they were passed under the surface for pressing, and then returned. It is remarkable, that this latter mode of moving the form of types under the pressing surface, has been uniformly adopted in all alterations or improvements that have been otherwise made; it has thus been always impossible to increase the power, from the radius of the simple lever, which turns the screw, being confined. It is evident that this allowed but a limited surface, not larger indeed than one-half of a large sheet, to be pressed at one descent of the screw. The difficulty seems to have been insur mountable for the same construction still continues to be followed in the common printing press. The limitation of service must always have proved a serious evil for various works, particularly duodecimo, because the pressure necessarily came twice on the centre pages of every sheet, while the other parts of the types received the pressure only once. Besides other disadvantages, the following may be briefly stated:-1st, The difficulty of ascertaining when a proper degree of pressure was given. 2d, The ifregular manner of pulling the lever, whereby the same sheet received very different degrees of pressure. 3d, The manual labour, and bodily exertion, which is not only excessive, but attended with fatal consequences to the initiating workman, as the shocks which the breast sustains in pulling the lever, frequently produce pulmonary ailments. 4th, The nice attention and accuracy requisite in having the types exactly under the center of the pressing surface before bringing it down. 5th, The same operation being necessary for the smallest card, as for a whole sheet; and the necessity of placing small work always on the same part-thus wearing out that part sooner, and making it de fective for executing larger work. These defects appear to have attracted the attention of the French, since a press bearing their name has been long known. The principal object at tained by this press is, that the whole 325 surface of the sheet is printed by one exertion: but the means adopted to produce this effect, prove, that the advantage gained in power, is overbalanced by the time lost in motion, before the impression is given, which has consequently prevented its being generally used. The most important improvement, however, was brought forward some years ago, by the present Earl Stanhope, under the name of the Stan hope Press; this press differed from others hy being made wholly of iron, and, by the introduction of a crank, attached to the lever, for taking down the upper surface, and pressing it on the types-thus affording a command of power sufficient for printing the surface of a sheet. The principal objection to this method is, the immense force exerted against the upper part of the frame that confines the pressure; as it has been found that, by the introduction of an additional sheet or two of paper, and the workman then drawing the lever, till the periphery of the crank came in a line with the fulcrum, the press could be in stantly broken. With these considerations in view, the present undertaking was commenced. Having ascertained, by experiment, the immense advantage of the lever over the screw, by removing the friction, it be came only necessary to discover how a parallel motion could be procured from an angular action. This was gained, by making use of two levers of the second kind, having their fulera, or props, at opposite ends, and joining both levers in the centre; and receiving their motion from a crank. The construction was then commenced, 1st, By having a stationary tablet for the types: 2d, By placing the levers in two metal cheeks, or frame, and attaching them to the under surface of the tablet: 3d, By making the platen, or pressing surface, sufficiently large to cover the whole sheet; and fixing a strong bar of metal along the upper side of it, making each end rest on two wheels, or rollers, for carrying the plate on two rail-rods, placed parallel with each end of the tablet, and projecting sufficiently over to allow the platen to stand clear of the types, and the sheet of paper to be placed on them in the usual way. After the types are inked and the paper put on them, the platen is drawn over, and unites at cach end with the levers under the tablet, which is then so forcibly, but at the same time so easily drawn down, by means of turning a handle about one-fourth of a circle, which actuates a crank, that the 326 Reply to Mr. Taylor on Infinite Series. impression on the whole sheet is produced at once, and with extremely little exertion to the workman. Farther, the advantages resulting from adopting printing presses constructed on these principles, may be briefly stated as follows: 1st, The types remain stationary: 2d, The platen, or pressing surface, is the size of the whole sheet: 3d, A saving of time is gained by the platen being brought on from the side: 4th, By a regulator attached to the handie, any requisite degree of pressure may be correctly given: 5th, The platen being taken down at each end, and the resistance sustained against the under sur face of the tablet, affords the most complete security to all the parts: 6th, The large press will take off an impression from a small piece of work, although placed at one end, and without requiring any block to bear up the other;-of course, it is not necessary, in this press, to place the form of types in the centre of it: 7th, The two surfaces being pressed together without any connection with the frame of the press, it requires no levelling, or staying; and a press for a demy or royal sheet, occupies only about four cubic feet! 8th, The accustomed motions of the experienced pressman are so completely retained in this invention, as to enable him, in the course of one or two hour's practice, to work with equal facility as at the common press 9th, The principles and construction are equally applicable for presses not larger than one cubic foot; and which are capable of printing off an octavo or quarto page, with greater celerity than a large press; and may be worked on a table, without being fixed. This not only relieves the large press from doing such work as tends to injure it, but it will also furnish an interesting amusement' to such as desire to become acquainted with the useful art of printing." Another important use, for which these presses have been found equally well adapted as the excellent machines of the ingenious Messrs. Watt and Bolton, has been discovered by Mr. D. Bridges, jun. of Edinburgh, who has applied them for copying letters, of which a dozen may be copied at once; so that they serve both as a printingpress and letter-copying machine. Although it cannot be attempted to point out the many useful purposes which this invention embraces, it must appear evident, that the introduction of the portable press into the army or navy would prove highly advantageous; the correctness and expedition with which [May 1, orders might be distributed, exclusive of exeating various other necessary regulations that require to be printed, will certainly render them extremely desirable appendages to every regiment, or vessel of war. In public offices and banking-houses their utility would soon be discovered. It is also expected that this press, on account of the very large surfaces it is capable of printing, will be found admirably adapted for calico-printers,-for one block of the whole breadth of the cloth may be impressed at once; and thas a multiplicity of operations be saved, besides the work being performed with greater accuracy and elegance. 1 MR. EDITOR, IT appears that my answer to Mr. Taylor on series is not satisfactory, not withstanding he says, "I have no doubt his reply to me is exactly such as would have been made by the greatest of mo dern mathematicians." Now this seems a sort of tacit acknowledgment that be is not to be convinced by the reasonings of eminent mathematicians, though I do not profess to be one of the number. I should, however, have been more explicit when I said, "What is here advanced will apply to the other two series, and indeed to all series of the kind;" because the series I alluded to were those derived from fractions where the two right-hand terms in the denom> nator are alike, but one plus and the other minus, as い 41 - &c. shni 7+1-1 542—2 lar to those proposed by Mr. Taylor in his first paper. I have read the disputes between Wallis and Tobbes, and shall decline entering the lists with Mr. T.; for what mathematician would engage in argument with a person who maintains that 1-1, -1, &c. are infinitely smil quantities; and that nothing divided by a number, will produce à quotient some value. PHYLOMATI April 6. For the New Monthly Magazine. ILLUSTRATIONS OF AMERICAN MANNERS, LITERATURE, ART, AND POLITICS. THE customs and manners of the inhabitants of the United States of Ame rica are as different as the climate which they inhabit, and this climate vars through all the degrees of heat and cold. In the northern State's you meet with much that is English; in the southern you are disgusted with all the sloth, aud all the degrading cruelty of the least i 1815.] Illustrations of American Manners. telligent planters of the West Indies. America is certainly not the country, at this time, for the adventurous European, particularly the Englishman, who leaves home and country with the wish and expectation of increasing his fortune. Arrived in the United States, the only thing he finds congenial is the language; in most other respects he is an isolated being. Society, the charm of European life, in the proper sense of the term, does not really exist there. It is true the Americans are fond of balls, of drinking and smoking parties, but they are American entertainments. The company will divide off in pairs, or trios, and in this way, puffing smoke in each other's faces, discussing their every-day affairs, or taking liberties with the concerns and characters of their neighbours, the evening is spent. It is not meant to be as serted here that all of this country are alike, such an assertion would be strange indeed; but that it strikes the observant Englishnian as the general character of the people. Boston and New York are preferable to any other towns in the States for an Englishman. Here, during the progress of the war just concluded, the most liberal feelings have been evinced, and it is here that the measures of the government are more particularly scrutinized. In Boston there are several benevolent societies which were instituted, and are supported by humane and public spirited individuals. During the whole of the last winter, in this city, the friends of benevolence have been most active in promoting a Fuel Society, for the purpose of distributing fire-wood to those numerous poor resident there, and whose situation was rendered still. more to be pitied, by the heavy pressure of the war-in breaking up commercial establishments, and consequently in throwing men, women, and children, out of their usual employment. This Fuel Society, by. public subscription, were enabled to distribute, during the severest winter months, from five to six thousand dollars in wood, and those only: who have felt the effects of a North American winter, will be enabled to appreciate the blessings thus conferred. A Duelling in America was some time since carried to a very high pitch, and was productive most frequently of scenes savage and disgraceful. But virtuous men have difted up their voices on this subject, as well as against the great use of spirituous liquors, and in a certain degree succeeded in bringing down a stigma on those who resort to such practices, A 327 few months since a duel was fought near Norfolk, between Pollard Davis, a mid-' shipman, and Richard C. Gregory, a surgeon's mate, both belonging to the Constellation frigate. They continued to fire with savage insensibility till both fell. One died almost immediately, and the other in six hours. This is only one of a thousand instances, even now that a sort of reform has been brought about, as it respects public sentiment, concern- ing such combats. As in England Bacchanalian Societies amongst the middle orders are in high repute: they have their "Odd Fellows," their " Free and Easy,” and even "True Blooded Yankee" clubs. "But at New York there is a species of club, I believe perfectly novel, and that is "The Ugly Club." As may be expected, this club has no lack of members; and to give them their due, they must at least be called merry mortals, for they generally spend the night in drink, noise, and smoke-this latter is an everlasting accompaniment to a party of Americans met together, whether on business or pleasure. In the out-settlements they go so far as to smoke all the time they are in church, if the place where public worship is performed may be so denomi nated. Perhaps the reader will ba amused by the following Poetical Advertisement of a meeting of this "Ugły Club," published in the New York Gu zette only in January last :-"Ugly Brothers, 'tis received Nay told, declared, and almost sworn, "In female circles, there believed, "That beauty, lovely, bright as morn," That beauty, miserable cub, "Exists among the Ugly Club! .1 The peace that reigns within our breasts. " But to disprove the vile vexation "We'll undergo examination; "Our censors grave, both good and wise, "Will us inspect with wary eyes, "And each one strictly scrutinize. "Should it appear that foppery, "Or beauty in the least degree, It must depart, or we must fall! Does there pollute our sacred hall, Then must our rising institution Suffer immediate diminution, For beauty cannot, must not stay "Where ugliness should hold the sway. Be patient, rest, do not despair, "There's no such thing as beauty there "After the work of Censor's past, "HIS UGLINESs, elected last, 328 Literature of the United States. "Will on this testing great occasion We'll hear the President's oration, "By order of HIS UGLINESS." Though there is much of the bluntness of John Bull in America, they still have their beaux and loungers. A Virginian, whose circumstances in life place him above anxiety, will loll for hours on his sofa, or in the arbour, and his look and language bespeak him (in his own opinion) the most agreeable and the most important object of the creation! The American army, though remark able for courage, can boast its Parolles's. One of those gentry (Ross Bird, a captain in the 2nd United States Infantry,) when serving with General Jack son against the Indians, was put under arrest, and not being brought to a court martial for a considerable time, he tendered his resignation to his commanding officer, Lieut.-Colonel Russell. following is the concluding passage of The his letter" In leaving the service I am not abandoning the cause of Republicanism, but yet hope to brandish the glittering steel in the field, and carve my way to a name which shall prove my country's neglect; and when this mortal part shall be closetted in the dust, and the soul shall wing its flight to the regions above, in passing by the pale-faced moon I shall hang my hat on brilliant Mars, and make a report to each superlative star! and arriving at the portal of Heaven's high chancery, shall demand of the attending angel to be ushered into the presence of Washington!!!" The Americans have a very small walk of literature which can be called their own, but their publishers re-print all English works of note, at a very cheap rate, and they consequently meet with a wide diffusion. Something has been already said (in a former Number of your Magazine) concerning their periodical [May 1, works, which have been meagre indeed America painted to the Life, 1659;" 1815.] State of the Arts, Politics, &c. in the United States. is further stated, the high character of the work had caused it to become so scarce, that very few copies remain in the hands of the trade. There is also now publishing an edition of American State Papers, a work of a very voluminous nature and of necessity, confined circulation. In works of art America is very low, but improves. They make a good deal of parade about Mr. West having been born in their country, and feign to consider his productions as American! A Mr. Dearborn is now about to publish a "Picture of Boston and its Vicinity," in a series of designs, engraved on wood, by himself; but his abilities warrant no expectations. Painting in oil and watercolours is in its infancy. There is now at New York a panorama view of the battle of Leipsic. This view engrosses 1000 feet of canvas, and exhibits a most terrific spectacle of fire and sword, but its fidelity is the last thing that should be expected by those who view it. It is truly a fiery daubing, and a scarecrow against war. Rapid improvement," and "infallible methods" of writing are every where to be purchased at a few dollars in America, as in England, and education has as many quacks there as in this country. Architecture surpasses the fine arts, and bridge building is well executed in general. In 1813 and 1814, an excellent bridge was erected over the Susquehana, at Columbia, State of Pensylvania. The length is 5696 feet, and breadth 30 feet. The pillars, from centre to centre, are 110 feet; size of the pillars 12 by 40 feet at their base, 23 feet above low water mark, diminishing one inch to the foot in height; the ends of the pillars are semicircles, and are all founded on solid rock. The superstructure is three segments 15 inches arching, and is supported by posts with trusses and braces, and those are connected with girders, at the distance of 8 feet, to receive the flooring. On this bridge 120 men were employed sixteen months, and not a single accident occurred. The building of this bridge is a very important event to the neighbourhood where it stands. In politics the Americans are more at home than in any of the arts or sciences, but their language in discussion very frequently is gross beyond belief. Like those from whom they descended, the Americans must have their parties, and each are enemies of their country if Of course fine stone bridges are not here meant. NEW MONTHLY MAG.-No. 16. 329 we believe all that both advance; but who pays attention to the assertions of party now-a-days?-Each out-Herods Herod, and neither gains credence! During the war just concluded, poor Madison has been sadly belaboured. Every species of abuse and ridicule has been lavished on him by the Federalists, and his supporters in turn have branded the Federalists as traitors to their country, and favourers of the British. With the cause these bickerings have all died away, and each party begins to prepare for that commercial intercourse which is so much the interest of both this country and America. There is in no country in the world to be found that animal, the political preacher (from the pulpit) in such great perfection as in America. In the beginning of the last war it was very common to hear a minister of the Gospel, or he who should have been one, name his text, and throughout his whole sermon touch on little else but politics, and blame Madison by name, or his opposers, just as it suited his opinions or those of his hearers, and call down divine vengeance on the heads of the party inimical to his (the preacher's) political creed! So far was this from shocking the auditory that it generally proved most pleasing; for an American is naturally fond of politics and invective, and of whatever class, he will be sure to want from you" all the news,” if you appear to have arrived from a distance, or enter into conversation with him. As this is the fact, newspapers are much read, and many an hour is spent at the ale-house, or spirit-shop, by the poor, that should be improved by attention to business. The following is a specimen of what is thought humour in America-it will amuse the English reader : "The Cogitations of My Uncle John. ville who had a hen sitting on five eggs. "There was a roguish chap in ThornHe thought it not enough, so he put two duck's eggs under her. It was the month of May, and the birds were generally laying their eggs, for you know the old song goes "April they build, "Uncle John,' quoth Mrs.Capperton, as she scratched her head with her knitting-needle, though I have heard these lines for forty years, I never saw them in writing before: but go on with your story, for I can't see what it possibly can VOL. III. 2 X |