describe tools for holding' the ends of' spe(~imens while b(!ing tested for tensile strength. \V('~ did not see eithm' of the, so in praetieal operation, but it is claimed that tlmy are a decided improvement on the old methods. We rather question the advisability of making the tool to act as an universal joint, for in ease the axis of the test piece were out of line with the axis of stress, this arrangement would be apt to do more harm than good. What is wanted is a device that will in{gllibly grip each end of the piece so that its centre-line corresponds with the cen.tre-line of pull. The fi.'ature of' allowing the wedges to accommodate themselve~s to any irregularitie.s is proper, but the tool should also fill the conditions named above.
The various forms and sizes of te:stlng machines designed by Mr. Olsen and manufactured by Me~ssrs. Riehl~ Bros. really constitute a new indust U in this country, and particularly in this ei V. Messrs. igiehl6 Bros. have undoubtcdly increased the interest in, and desire for, more extended data as to the qualities of materials. They have placed within the reach of manufiw~turers good, practical and reliable memos of ascertaining th(ase (tualities, and it is to be hoped that their eftbrts will tend to aid the continual improvement of our products, and thus be of great service in the advancement of our mechanical industries.
Although we may eritMse some of the details of their machines, and may, in some c~ses, see room for improvement in worknmnship, yet we heartily commend their aims, and think they deserve great credit for what they have already done and are now doing.
Respectfully submitted.