Part 6
If several kinds of wine be poured into a vessel by its mouth, any one of them at choice may be drawn out through the same pipe: so that, if several persons have poured in the several wines, each one may receive his own according to the proportion poured in by him. Let A B C D (fig. 32), be an air-tight vessel, the neck of which is closed by a partition, E F; and let the whole vessel be divided into as many compartments as we intend there shall be different kinds of wine. Suppose, for instance, that G H, K L, are the partitions, making three compartments, M, N, and X, into which the wine will be poured. In the partition E F pierce small holes, one in each compartment, O, P, R; and from these holes let small tubes, P S, O T, R U, communicating with the vessel, extend up into the neck. Perforate the partition E F, near each tube, with fine sieve-like holes, through which the liquid will pass into the compartments. When it is desired to pour in each kind of wine, place the fingers on S, T, and U, and pour in the wine through the neck Q; it will not pass into either of the compartments as the air contained in them has no outlet. But, if we set free one of the vents S, T, or U, the air contained in the corresponding compartment will pass out through the passage as the wine falls into the compartment. Then, placing the finger again on this vent, set another free in like manner, and pour in another kind of wine: and so in order with the rest, as many as there may be both of compartments and kinds of wine. We may procure each wine, in its due quantity, through the same pipe in the following manner. In the base of the vessel A B C D let there be tubes leading from each compartment, W Y from M, Z A´ from N, and B´ C´ from X: the extremities of these tubes Y, A´ and C´, must communicate with another tube Y A´ C´, into which another tube, E´ F´, is tightly fitted, closed at the interior extremity F´, and having holes pierced in it opposite to Y, A´, and C´ so that, as the tube E´ F´ revolves, when the holes pierced in it coincide consecutively with the holes Y, A´, and C´, they may admit the wine contained in each chamber and send it forth through the outer mouth of the tube E´ F´. To the tube E´ F´ attach an iron rod, G´ H´; to this, at the extremity H´, solder a mass of lead, K´, and at G´ an iron pin, L´ M´, to the middle of which is fastened a cup, L, with the concavity upwards: let the interior of this be a hollow truncated cone of which M´ is the larger circle and N´ the less, and through this the pin L´ M´ is to pass. Take several balls of lead, varying in weight, and equal in number to the compartments M, N, X; and if we place the least of the balls in the cup M´ N´, it will descend by its weight until it touches the hollow surface of the truncated cone, causing the tube E´ F´ to revolve until the hole in it coincides with Y and admits the wine in the compartment M, which will flow as long as the ball remains in the cup, unless it be entirely exhausted: when we remove the ball the weight K´ will turn back and close the orifice Y, and the discharge will cease. Again, insert another of the balls, and the cup will descend lower and turn the tube E´ F´ further round until the hole in it reaches the hole A´, and then the wine in N will flow: as before when the ball is removed the weight K´ will run down and close the orifice A´, and the wine will cease to flow. If another ball still heavier be placed in the cup, the tube E´ F´ will be turned still further round, so that the wine in the compartment X will flow. It is necessary however that the least of the balls when placed in the cup should preponderate over the weight K´, or, in other words, be able to cause E´ F´ to revolve; for then the other balls will preponderate and move E´ F´.
33. _A self-trimming Lamp._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
To contrive a self-trimming lamp. Let A B C (fig. 33), be a lamp through the mouth of which is inserted an iron bar, D E, capable of sliding freely about the point E, and let the wick be wound loosely about the bar. Place near a toothed wheel F, moving freely about an axis, its teeth in contact with the iron bar, that, as the wheel revolves, the wick may be pushed on by means of the teeth. Let the opening for the oil be of considerable width, and when the oil is poured in let a small basin float upon it, G, to which is attached a perpendicular toothed bar, H, the teeth of which fit into the teeth of the wheel. It will be found that, as the oil is consumed, the basin sinks and causes the wheel F to revolve by means of the teeth of the bar, and thus the wick is pushed on.
34. _A Vessel from which Liquid may be made to flow, on any portion of Water being poured into it._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
If into a vessel, provided at the bottom with an open spout, liquid is poured, the spout shall sometimes run from the first, sometimes when the vessel is half filled, and sometimes not until the whole is filled: in fine, when any proposed quantity of liquid has been poured in, the spout shall run until all is exhausted. Let A B (fig. 34), be the vessel, the neck of which is closed: insert the tube C D, air-tight, through the partition, and let it reach to the bottom of the vessel leaving only a passage for the water. Let E F G be a bent siphon, the inner leg of which extends nearly to the bottom of the vessel, while the other projects without, being fashioned in the shape of a water-spout: the curve of the siphon must be close to the neck of the vessel. In A B make an air-hole, H, near the partition and leading into the body of the vessel. If we intend the spout to run immediately on the entrance of the liquid, we must place the finger on the vent H, and the spout will run, for as the air in the vessel has no way of retreat, the liquid will rush out through the bent siphon. If we do not close H, the liquid will pass into the body of the vessel, and the spout cannot run until we again close the vent: and then, if we set the vent free, the siphon will exhaust all the liquid.
35. _A Vessel which will hold a certain quantity of Liquid when the supply is continuous, will only receive a portion of such Liquid if the supply is intermittent._
A vessel can be made which, as long as you pour in any liquid, admits it, but, if you once cease pouring, holds no more: the construction is in this manner. Let A B (fig. 35), be a vessel, the neck of which is closed by the partition C D. Through the partition insert the tube E F, reaching nearly to the bottom, and projecting above the partition so as almost to reach the brim of the vessel; and let this tube be encircled by another G H, the top of which is closed by a lid, at a sufficient interval from the partition and the tube E F to admit of the passage of water: in A B make an air-hole, K, leading into the body of the vessel. Now, if we pour liquid into the vessel’s neck, it will be found that it will pass into the body through the tubes G H and E F, the air retreating through the vent K. But, if we cease pouring, and the neck of the vessel becomes empty, the air will break the continuity, so that any liquid in G H will flow down and fall upon the partition; for the breadth about the tube G H should be considerable, that the water may fall by its own weight. If more liquid be poured in, the air confined in the tubes E F and G H will not allow it to pass through, so that it will run over the brim of the vessel.
36. _A Satyr pouring Water from a Wine-skin into a full Washing-Basin, without making the contents overflow._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
Construct on a pedestal the figure of a satyr holding in his hands a wine-skin: place near a washing-basin, and into this let some liquid be poured until it is full; water shall be made to flow into the basin without running over, until all the water in the skin is exhausted. The following is the construction. Let A B (fig. 36), be a perfectly air-tight pedestal, either cylindrical or octagonal in shape, as may seem more elegant, and divided into two chambers by the partition C D, through which the tube E F, fitting closely into the partition, extends upwards nearly to the roof of the pedestal. Through the roof insert the tube G H, projecting slightly above the vessel, and lying exactly under the basin, while, below, it reaches to the bottom except that room must be left for the passage of water: this tube must be soldered into the roof of the pedestal and the partition. Another tube, K L M, must also be inserted through the roof, reaching not quite so low as the partition, soldered into the roof and carrying its stream into the basin, which lies above the tube G H and communicates with it. Now let the vessel A D be filled with water through an orifice N, which must be afterwards closed. If water is poured into the basin, it will pass through the tube G H into the vessel B C; and the air in B C, passing through the tube E F and into the vessel A D, will force the liquid in A D through K L M into the basin; and this being carried again into B C will force out the contained air as before, which, again, will force the water in the vessel A D into the basin: and this will go on until the water in A D is exhausted. The tube K L M must pass through the mouth of the skin and be particularly fine, that the display may last a considerable time.
37. _Temple Doors opened by Fire on an Altar._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
The construction of a small temple such that, on lighting a fire, the doors shall open spontaneously, and shut again when the fire is extinguished. Let the proposed temple stand on a pedestal, A B C D (fig. 37), on which lies a small altar, E D. Through the altar insert a tube, F G, of which the mouth F is within the altar, and the mouth G is contained in a globe, H, reaching nearly to its centre: the tube must be soldered into the globe, in which a bent siphon, K L M, is placed. Let the hinges of the doors be extended downwards and turn freely on pivots in the base A B C D; and from the hinges let two chains, running into one, be attached, by means of a pulley, to a hollow vessel, N X, which is suspended; while other chains, wound upon the hinges in an opposite direction to the former, and running into one, are attached, by means of a pulley, to a leaden weight, on the descent of which the doors will be shut. Let the outer leg of the siphon K L M lead into the suspended vessel; and through a hole, P, which must be carefully closed afterwards, pour water into the globe enough to fill one half of it. It will be found that, when the fire has grown hot, the air in the altar becoming heated expands into a larger space; and, passing through the tube F G into the globe, it will drive out the liquid contained there through the siphon K L M into the suspended vessel, which, descending with its weight, will tighten the chains and open the doors. Again, when the fire is extinguished, the rarefied air will escape through the pores in the side of the globe, and the bent siphon, (the extremity of which will be immersed in the water in the suspended vessel) will draw up the liquid in the vessel in order to fill up the void left by the particles removed. When the vessel is lightened the weight suspended will preponderate and shut the doors. Some in place of water use quicksilver, as it is heavier than water and is easily disunited by fire.
38. _Other intermediate means of opening Temple Doors by Fire on an Altar._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
There is another way in which, on lighting a fire, the doors will open. As before, let a small temple stand upon a base, A B C D (fig. 38), on which is an altar, E. Let a tube, F G H, pass through the altar and be attached to a leathern bag, K, perfectly air-tight: beneath this let a small weight, L, hang, from which a chain is attached across a pulley to the chains round the hinges, so that, when the bag is folded together, the weight L preponderates and shuts the doors, and when fire is placed on the altar they are opened. For, as before, the air in the altar growing hot, and expanding, will pass through the tube F G H into the bag, and raise it up with the weight L; and then the doors will be opened. The doors will either open of themselves, as the doors of baths shut spontaneously, or they may have a counterbalancing weight to open them. When the sacrifice is extinguished, and the air which has entered the bag passes out, the weight, descending with the bag, will tighten the chains and close the doors.
39. _Wine flowing from a Vessel may be arrested on the Introduction of Water, but, when the Supply of Water ceases, the Wine flows again._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
If there be a vessel containing wine, and provided with three spouts, wine shall flow through the middle of the three; and, when water is poured in, the stream of wine shall cease, and water shall flow through the other two; again, when the stream of water ceases, wine shall flow through the middle spout: and this shall take place as often as we pour in water. Let A B (fig. 39), be a vessel, the neck of which is closed by the partition C D, and having a spout, E, at the bottom. Let two tubes, F G H, K L M, terminating in spouts, pass through the partition and project above it; and round the projecting parts place other tubes, N, X, covered with lids at the top and extending to the partition except a passage for the water. Another tube, P, reaching nearly up to the partition, communicates with F G H. Having first closed the spout E, fill the vessel A B with wine through an orifice, Q, which must be carefully closed afterwards. When E is set free it will be found that wine flows through it, for air enters from without into the void created, through the orifice H and the tube P. Now, if we pour water upon the partition C D, it will be carried out through the tubes F G H, K L M; but, as the air has no means of entering the vessel A B, the wine will cease to flow until all the water has escaped, when the air finds an entrance again and the wine flows. Instead of the tube P, another tube, R S, may be used, piercing through the partition, about which another, T U, must lie, like the tubes N and X, but higher than those, so that R S may rise above the lip of the vessel. The same result will follow.
40. _On an Apple being lifted, Hercules shoots a Dragon which then hisses._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
On a pedestal is placed a small tree round which a serpent or dragon is coiled; a figure of Hercules stands near shooting from a bow, and an apple lies upon the pedestal: if any one raises, with the hand, the apple a little from the pedestal, Hercules shall discharge his arrow at the serpent and the serpent hiss. Let A B (fig. 40) be the proposed pedestal, air-tight and divided by a partition, C D. Fixed in the partition is a hollow truncated cone, E F, the lesser circle of which, F, is open and approaches to the bottom of the pedestal, leaving a sufficient interval for the passage of water. To this cone must be tightly fitted another cone H, attached by means of a chain through a hole in the surface, to the apple K, which lies on the pedestal. Let Hercules hold a small bow of horn, the string of which is stretched, and at the proper distance from the hand. In the right hand, and directed towards the serpent, let there be a hand in every respect similar to the visible hand, but smaller, and holding the trigger. From the extremity of the trigger let a chain, or cord, proceed through the pedestal and be attached to a pulley, which is placed above the partition, and again to the chain which is connected with the cone and apple. Now we must draw the bow, and placing the trigger beneath the hand, close it so that the cord is stretched and draws the apple tightly downwards: the cord must run inside Hercules and through the body and hand. From the partition let a small tube, one of those which are used to whistle, extend above the pedestal and pass under the tree or along its trunk. Then fill the vessel A D with water. Let L M be the tree, N X the bow, S P the string, R S the hand that grasps the bow, T U the trigger, Q W the cord, W the pulley round which the cord runs, and Y Z the whistling pipe. Now if some one raise the apple K, he will at the same time raise the cone H, tighten the cord Q W, and draw back the hand, so that the arrow is discharged: and the water in A D, being carried into B C, will drive out the air contained in B C through the pipe, and produce the hissing sound. When the apple is replaced, the cone H fitting again into the other, will stop the stream of water so that no sound is produced. We must now re-arrange the arrow and leave it. If the vessel B C is full, it can be emptied again by means of a spout with a key: A D must be filled as before.
41. _A Vessel from which uniform Quantities only of Liquid can be poured._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
The following is the construction of the vessel called a dicæometer, which, having been filled with liquid, discharges an equal quantity every time it is inverted. Let A B (fig. 41), be a vessel the neck of which is closed by the partition A B: near its bottom let there be a small globe, C, holding the measure of water we intend to flow out. Through the partition insert a small and very fine tube, D E, communicating with the globe. In the lower part of the globe perforate a small hole, F, from which a pipe, F G, extends upwards, running just beneath, and communicating with, the handle of the vessel which is hollow. Near the hole just mentioned make another at L towards the body of the vessel: the handle also must have a vent at H. Having first stopped the vent H we must fill the vessel with liquid through a hole which must afterwards be carefully closed, or the vessel may even be filled through the tube D E itself, a fine hole, however, being made in the body of the vessel through which the air can be driven out; and the globe C will be filled with liquid at the same time through the tube D E. Now, if we invert the vessel and set the vent H free, the liquid in the globe C and the tube D E will flow out. If we again close the vent and restore the vessel to its original position, the globe and tube will be filled again, for the air they contain will be driven out by the liquid rushing in; and, when the vessel is once more inverted, a like quantity of liquid will again flow out, except indeed with some difference as to the tube D E, for it will not be always filled, but as the vessel grows empty it will be empty itself: this difference however is extremely small.
42. _A Water Jet actuated by compressed Air from the Lungs._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
There are vessels from which water is forced up by blowing into them. Through the neck of the vessel (fig. 42), a tube is inserted, reaching nearly to the bottom, and soldered in at its mouth. Stop this mouth with the finger, and pour in some liquid through a hole: then, having blown into the vessel through the same hole, close it by means of a key, and set free the mouth of the tube; the liquid will be made to spout up through the orifice by the compressed air which was blown in.
43. _Notes from a Bird produced at intervals by an intermittent Stream of Water._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
The notes of birds are produced at intervals as follows. Take an air-tight vessel (fig. 43), through which a funnel is inserted, the tube being far enough from the bottom of the vessel to allow of the passage of water. Above the funnel is placed a hollow vessel, turning on pivots, and having a weight below, into which water is continually carried. So long as the vessel on the pivots is empty it will be found to remain upright, for a weight is attached to its bottom; but, when the vessel is filled the water is overturned into the air-tight vessel, and the air contained in the vessel being driven out through a small pipe will produce the sound. The vessel is emptied of water by means of a bent siphon, and, while it is being emptied, the vessel on pivots is again filled and overturned. It will be requisite that the stream of water should not fall into the centre of the vessel on pivots, that when filled it may be inverted speedily.
44. _Notes produced from several Birds in succession, by a Stream of Water._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]