[Illustration] SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT NO. 586 NEW YORK, MARCH 26, 1887 Scientific American Supplement. Vol. XXIII, No. 586. Scientific American established 1845 Scientific American Supplement, $5 a year. Scientific American and Supplement, $7 a year. * * * * * TABLE OF CONTENTS. I. BIOGRAPHY.--George W. Whistler, C.E.--By Professor G.L. VOSE.--Full biography of the eminent railroad engineer. II. CHEMISTRY.--A Newly Discovered Substance in Urine.--A substance possessing greater reducing power than grape sugar found in diabetic urine. On Electro Dissolution and its Use as Regards Analysis.--By H. N. WARREN, research analyst.--Interesting decomposition of cast iron with production of boron and silicon; experiments with other metals. III. ELECTRICITY.--No Electricity from the Condensation of Vapor.--Note on Herr S. Kalischer's conclusions. On Nickel Plating.--By THOMAS T.P. BRUCE WARREN.--Notes on this industry, and suggested improvement for procuring a bright coat. The Electro-Magnetic Telephone Transmitter.--New theory of the telephone's action. IV. ENGINEERING.--Fuel and Smoke.--By Prof. OLIVER LODGE.--The second and concluding one of these important lectures. Gas Engine for Use on Railroads.--The application of six horse power Koerting gas engine to a dummy locomotive.--1 illustration. New Gas Holder at Erdberg.--The largest gas holder out of England.--3 illustrations. Tar for Firing Retorts.--Simple arrangement adapted for use in ordinary gas retort benches; results attained.--1 illustration. The Anti-Friction Conveyer.--An improvement on the screw of Archimedes; an apparatus of wonderful simplicity and efficacy in the moving of grain.--2 illustrations. The Retiro Viaduct.--Combined iron and stone viaduct over the river Retiro, Brazil.--5 illustrations. Western North Carolina Location over the Blue Ridge.--Interesting instance of railroad topography.--1 illustration. V. METALLURGY.--Chilled Cast Iron.--The various uses of this product; adaptability of American iron for its application. VI. MISCELLANEOUS.--Coal in the Argentine Republic.--Note. History of the World's Postal Service.--Conclusion of this interesting article.--The service in Germany, China. Russia, and elsewhere.--10 illustrations. Snow Hall--The new science and natural history building of the University of Kansas. VII. NAVAL ENGINEERING.--Improvement in Laying Out Frames of Vessels.--The Frame Placer.--By GUSTAVE SONNENBURG.--Ingenious apparatus for use in ship yards.--1 illustration. Sea-going Torpedo Boats.--The inutility of small torpedo boats at sea.--The construction of larger ones discussed.