The Locomotive - Lighthouse Survival Blog

62 THE LOCOMOTIVE. [April,
problem by the mechanical theory of heat it makes no difference whatever, so far as
theory is concerned, whether we use a gas, or a liquid, or a solid. The same result
would be reached whatever substance were used in the experiments. We have said that
it makes no difference so far as the theory is concerned; and we may add that the only
difference of any sort is that the properties of some substances are. much better known
than those of others, so that in carrying out the actual numerical calculation it happens
that we have better data for gases than we have for liquids and solids. This, however,
is merely because experimental science has not yet been pushed to a very high degree of
perfection. We use gases at present because it is easier to get the necessary numerical
data for them than it is for other bodies. It is probable that the exact position of the
absolute zero will be determined in the near future much more accurately than we know
it at present by studying the electrical resistance of platinum wire.
The actual experiments upon which our present sound knowledge of the absolute
scale rests were made many years ago by Joule and Lord Kelvin ;
and they consisted in
causing various gases to expand through a plug of cotton or silk. The amount of coolinc
that the gases experienced in passing from one side of the plug to the other was
carefully noted, and it w ,
this cooling effect rather than a direct study of the expansion
of the gases which furni /ed the data for the construction of the absolute scale.
Our intention, iu submitting this article to our readers, has been to emphasize the
fact that there is aline of reasoning by which the existence of the absolute zero as an
actual, incontrovertible fact in nature is firmly established; and also to advance a line
of argument which will at least make the existence of such a zero appear plausible, and
afford some idea of how its position can be determined.
The Spread of Machinery.
Sir Richard Temple, one cf the leading authorities on India, said in London the
other day that the Indian manufacturers of cotton goods were supplanting the products
of Manchester to a large extent. The question of the British trade with India in cotton
manufactures was beginning to be a serious matter for the Lancashire cotton industry.
The introduction of machinery in parts of the world where household manufactures
have hitherto almost monopolized industrial life is a matter of great interest. Manufacturers,
particularly in Great Britain, are beginning to feel some effects of the new com-
petition. Machinery is working a revolution in some of the industries of India.
Before the British occupied the peninsula, India sent to foreign countries only art
fabrics or luxuries mostly produced in the homes of the humble workmen. These objects
had a good sale abroad because they represented the art development of the East *
Indians. They did not interfere with the trade of other countries because they were
peculiar to India. Then the British overran the land and new phases of the export trade
developed. For many years rice, wheat, raw cotton, oil seeds, and raw jute have been
large exports. The export trade of India has thus been pre-eminently related to raw
material.
In the past few years, however, another great feature has been introduced into this
export trade. In consequence of the new departure in the manufacturing industries
through the introduction of machinery, a great deal of cotton and jute goods are now
sent to foreign lands where they compete directly with the trade that England has built
up at the expenditure of much time and money.