An Integrating Machine. By C. V. BOYS.--1 figure

Upon a Modification of Wheatstone's Microphone and its
Applicability to Radiophonic Researches.
By ALEX. GRAHAM BELL,--2 figures

IV. ARCHITECTURE.--Suggestions in Architecture, 1 figure.--A
pair of English cottages. By A. CAWSTON

* * * * *




ALCOHOL IN NATURE--ITS PRESENCE IN THE EARTH, WATER, AND ATMOSPHERE.


A Chemist of merit, Mr. A. Muentz, who has already made himself known by
important labors and by analytical researches of great precision, has
been led to a very curious and totally unexpected discovery, on the
subject of which he has kindly given us information in detail, which we
place before our readers.[1] Mr. Muentz has discovered that arable soil,
waters of the ocean and streams, and the atmosphere contain traces of
alcohol; and that this compound, formed by the fermentation of organic
matters, is everywhere distributed throughout nature. We should add that
only infinitesimal quantities are involved--reaching only the proportion
of millionths--yet the fact, for all that, offers a no less powerful
interest. The method of analysis which has permitted the facts to be
shown is very elegant and scrupulously exact, and is worthy of being
made known.