Inventions.

Reproducing Lace Patterns in Metal.—A process has been discovered by which the most delicate patterns, even of lace work, can be reproduced in iron by casting the metal on the fabric after the fabric has been carbonized. Molten iron can be run on the most delicate fibre in the carbonized state without injuring or affecting it.

Paper Type.—A process of making type from paper has been patented in England. The invention in its present state of perfection has been found fully adequate to succeed the large wooden type now in general use. Finely-divided paper pulp is mixed with paraffin oil or linseed drying oil, and pressed into forms in moulds. Heat under pressure consolidates the pulp. Paper type is less expensive and more durable than that cut in wood.

Photographing on Wood.—The art of photography opened a new field of pictorial illustration, and it was early sought to transfer the photograph to the engravers' block, but for a long time without satisfactory success. However for some years past the obstacles have been overcome, and this art has been successfully practised by a few photographers. The method has never been published, and the possessors have guarded their secret with the greatest care. The advent of the dry plate has given a new direction to photographic investigation, and by the happy thought embodied in Eastman's permanent bromide paper, the sphere of the draftsman on wood is rudely reduced, and the monoply of the photographer on wood has departed. Eastman now has in the market a bromide paper wherein the sensitive film is united to the paper by a soluble stratum and is liberated by an application of hot water. The paper is called « transferotype. » The Photographic Times says the sensitive film is -004in. thick, and when transferred to the wood presents no obstacle to the graver. This is an advance in the art of pictorial illustration for the wood-engraver, valuable almost beyond estimate, because it can be practised by any skilful photographer.

Lithographed Transparencies for Glass.—An English lithographer has wrought out a method by which stained glass can be cheaply and effectively imitated by lithograph transfers. The design is first printed on paper in very powerful colors, and when dry is varnished, as well as the glass or other surface upon which the design is to be produced. Both varnishes being dry, the impression is laid upon the surface and well pressed down, so that all air-bubbles may be forced out. The substance is now heated sufficiently to cause the varnish to become « tacky, » when the impression is well rubbed down; the substance is allowed to cool, and the paper is wetted, taken off, and the whole of the design is fixed in transparent colors. It is next thoroughly washed, to remove any composition that may have left the paper with the transferred colors, and wiped dry, after which it is subjected to a good heat, say 200° F., to harden the varnishes. It is then varnished on the printed side, and again baked and polished for better protection. The paper on which the design is first printed is prepared from plate and half-plate paper (preferably the latter), which is given two coats of starch prepared with boiling water, and a coating of gum-arabic dissolved in water, after which the paper is highly rolled.

Mould and Matrices for Stereotype Plates.—A new invention just patented consists, according to the British and Colonial Printer, practially of a dry method in the manufacture of moulds. The patentee, Mr G. Eastwood, 42, Whitefriargate, Kingston-upon-Hull, makes the moulds of two parts, viz., a facing and a backing. The face is composed of a piece of muslin covered with a sheet of tissue paper; the muslin is soaked with, and the paper (when more than one sheet is used) is pasted with, a composition which will keep the muslin in a flexible state, prevent the paper drying hard before use, render it sensitive to moisture, prevent contraction on application of heat, and harden the facing, when heated. The composition used for this purpose is formed of glycerine and starch, with or without a small quantity of common salt, suitable proportions of which are about 6 ounces starch, 1 ounce glyeerine, and 20 grains salt. The backing consists of a dry thick sheet of soft paper—blotting-paper, felt, or other suitable substances—capable of receiving and retaining an impression. The facing, composed of muslin and tissue paper, is dried cold, and when used should only contain sufficient moisture to render the paper slightly soft. The muslin should be kept firm, and wiped with a sponge containing the composition. In taking the matrix the facing is placed upon the type, paper-side downwards, and the backing of dry paper placed upon it. They are then covered with woollen or india-rubber blanketing, and rolled or pressed. The matix is claimed to be at once formed, and when removed from the type has simply to be warmed through. The heat quickly sets the composition and hardens the face.