Communication on the Structure and Economy of the Greenland Whale, Made at the Royal Institution of Great Britain Volume 4 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1829 Excerpt: ...as his duty to undertake the invidious office of censor, although it is his right, at all times, to express his opinion. In discussions of the nature of those of which we are now speaking, it will be proper to allow an unusual latitude, as in such a case " error of opinion may be" advantageously " tolerated, whilst reason is left free to combat it." For ourselves, we shall always prefer those papers which are upon practical subjects, as we consider one experimental truth to be of more value than a thousand ingenious theories; and these truths many of the gentlemen concerned are eminently qualified to make known. We say not this to damp the ardour of those who are anxious to inquire into causes, and should regret exceedingly to learn that our remarks had had the effect of suppressing the ingenious speculations of those who are seeking " admission behind the scenes." Observations on the Hardening of Steel. By Rufus Tyler, Me' chanician, Philadelphia. To The Franklin Institute. The following remarks on the subject of hardening steel, are offered to the Institute as the result of much experience in the regular course of my business, and of essays suggested by some peculiarity, accidentally noticed, and made for my own satisfaction. It is, perhaps, to be regretted, that I have not had leisure to repeat them with a view to greater accuracy of detail; by some, however, this may be deemed a favourable circumstance, as they are not fortified by any array of numbers, or formulae, and may, therefore, be the more readily discussed, corrected, and amended, for which I am fully aware my best endeavours leave ample room. The peculiar kind of hardening of which steel is susceptible, depends upon two conditions: first, a sufficient degree of he...