thought the action explicable on the theory of the leading condenser
current acting on the field magnets. The same explanation is also
applicable to the Deptford case, for when the dynamo is direct on, the
condenser current is about 10 amperes, and this exerts only a small
influence on the strongly magnetized magnets. When transformers are
used, the field magnets are weak, while the condenser current rises
to 40 amperes. Mr. Blakesley's method of determining losses was, he
said, inapplicable except where the currents were sine functions of
the time; and consequently could not be used to determine loss due to
hysteresis in iron, or in a transparent dielectric.--_Nature._

* * * * *




THE TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN, EUROPE, AMERICA,
AND THE EAST.

By GEORGE WALTER NIVEN.


There are at present twenty-six submarine cable companies, the
combined capital of which is about forty million pounds sterling.
Their revenue, including subsidies, amounts to 3,204,060£.; and their
reserves and sinking funds to 3,610,000£.; and their dividends are
from one to 14¾ per cent. The receipts from the Atlantic cables alone
amount to about 800,000£. annually.

The number of cables laid down throughout the world is 1,045, of which