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Mechanical properties of Metals.—By Mr. Fairbain. After some preliminary observations, Mr. Fairbairn stated that having been requested by the British Association at their last meeting to und ertake an inquiry into the mechanical properties of cast-iron, as deducted from the repeated meltings, and feeling desirous of ascertaining to what extent it was impaired or deteriorated arrangements were made for conducting a series of experiments, calculated satisfactorily to determine this question, and to supply such data and such in formation as will enable the engineer and iron-founder to ascertain with greater certainty how far these re.castings can be carried with safety, or till such time as the maximum of strength is obtained, and such other properties as appear to a'isn't the uses of this valuable and important material . Mr. Fairbairn further stated, in connection with this subject, that it was his intention to investigate another important process, which, to a considerable extent, affects the stability of some of the most important iron constructions —viz : the rate of cooling as it affects the adhesive properties of the material, and the more complete and effective process of crys- talization. On these points it is well known that a rapid rate of cooling is invariably attended with risk, that an imperfect crystalline structure is obtained, and that irregular and unequal attractions are not only present, tat they are frequently the forerunne rsof disruption, as well as exceedingly deceptive as regards appearances, or the dangerous consequences which invariably follow in cases of rapid cooling and unequal contraction. On the Form n f'Iron i
