IX. NAVAL ENGINEERING.--Another Remarkable Torpedo Boat.--Over
twenty-eight miles an hour.--Full particulars of the trial of
one of the new Italian torpedo boats, built by Yarrow & Co.

Copeman & Pinhey's Life Rafts.--A new life raft for use on
steamers, folding into deck settees. 3 illustrations.


X. PHYSICS.--Sunlight Colors--By Capt. W. DE W. ABNEY.--A valuable
lecture on the cause of the colors of the sun, and their relative
intensities. 3 illustrations.

The Wave Theory of Sound Considered.--By HENRY A. MOTT,
Ph.D., LL.D.--Arguments against the generally accepted theory
of sound.

* * * * *




COPEMAN & PINHEY'S LIFE RAFTS.


The experiments with life saving appliances which Mr. Copeman brought
before the delegates of the Colonial Conference, on the 13th April, at
the Westminster Aquarium, had a particular interest, due to the late and
lamentable accident which befell the Newhaven-Dieppe passenger steamer
Victoria. In many cases of this nature, loss of life must rather be
attributed to panic than to a want of life saving appliances; but, as a