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The following is the substance of a patent granted to Thomas Forth, of Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 1st of May, 1855 : — Take seven and a half (7J) pounds of pure copper and melt it in a crucible ; then gradually add, in small pieces, ninety-two and a half (92) pounds of zinc, which when all melted and the two metals thoroughly mixed, the alloy is to be run into molds for journal boxes. The claim for this composition is the alloy in the exact proportions stated, which is asserted to make a superior and cheap composition for journal boxes. The alloy is simply a brass with the zinc greatly preponderating, and half a pound added or taken from the proportions given, of course, obviates the patent. Having recently had quite a number of inquiries regarding the composition of " Babbitt metal," and presuming they come from new subscribers, we feel called upon to publish the recipe, although we have given it in a former volume : — Take 24 pounds of copper and melt it first in a crucible, then add gradually 24 parts of pure tin and eight of antimony. Great care must be exercised in adding the tin to the copper. This composition is rendered softer by the use of a greater quantity of tin. Many persons suppose that the above metallic alloy is the subject of a patent by Mr. Babbitt ; it never was patented. The patent was for lining iron journal boxes with soft metal.
