We were present on Tuesday at some interesting experiments with "a, nem constructed and improved telephone, the work of Mr. J. D. Bishop, at the residence of that gentleman. The instrument. is simple in the extreme, consisting of two diaphragms or tympanums of soft iron, inserted in separate blocks of wood out something in the shape of a speaking trump pet, but much ler. The opening of the bell end is large enough to be spoken through easily, the voice going direct to the fron tympanum, the apparent diameter of which is barely an inch. The iron with which the ¢ympanum is made is of rare tenuity.and extreme sensitive ness, vibrating at the least noise. The two "trumpets" are united with insulated wire clothed with green silk, and this, which it is believed can be carried to com: paratively unlimited distance, constitutes the instrument, plainly described; but to speak more. stientifealy to production and transmission of sound, or, rather, words—the person speak applies his' mouth to the trumpet he holds ia'fhis hand, and, speaking in an ordinarily distinct manner, the volve causes the dia-or tympanum to vibrate, and the 7 sounds travel instantly and clearly to the diaphragm at the other end of the wi wire, being heard nearly 08 distndly as at the orsond. Sirictly speaking, the sound is caused by the vibrations of the soft iron ainphragm, which la fixed close to the pole of a bar magnet surrounded by a coil of the insulated wire, the vibrations at the receiving end corresponding with those of the sonding end, the voice inducing' currents of electricity varying in number and amplitude as the Voice swells or changes its tone. The distance tried in Mr. Bishop's Inboratory on Tuesday was about 10,000 "British Association limits," or, say, 500 miles. This long distance required careful attention in speaking, so as to ensure distinct utterance; but conversation was easily carried on and the words and music of a song wore distinctly hoard. At an equivalent of 300 miles, the effects were still more remarkable; but with a more powerful telephone the longer, and even much greater, distances can be easily accomplished—in fact, with all the nece: sary scientific adjuncts, it is believed the would be practically no unit to range. On Monday, the telephone was tried with the Zommon telegraph wire stretched between the Astor House and the Hongkew fire-engine station, the results being very successful. This was, in fact, a true test, as showing the possibility of instantly applying the instrument in any desired direction. Both experiments were of great interest and usefulness, and the invention and improvement combined are certainly worthy of public notice, We understand that Mr. Bishop contemplates making some further experiments in publics shortly, of which duo notice will be given.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.