it be put there in an irregular manner, it will become entangled between the ratch-wheels, and the machinery will either fail of pushing it forward, or protrude it in bundles. Hence, the method of arranging the straw properly, requires especial attention; and its regular progression towards the knives cannot be effected, unless every part of the apparatus be in perfect order, and unison with the whole. With this view, the canvas v, Fig. 2, and 11, which contains the layers within the box (these being rolled forward by means of the cylinders H, H, H, Fig. 3), must be properly expanded. The compressing boards H, H, H. Fig. 2, and 11, should likewise be firmly applied by the regulating pin S. The levers U, U, Fig. 1, and 2, ought to be sufficiently raised in working the machine; as, in the contrary case, the moveable arm (straw-thruster) G, Fig. 2, and 5, consequently the moveable arms M, M, would not be sufficiently acted upon, so that the teeth of the ratch-wheels H, H, H, will then make but a slight purchase, while the wheels themselves have not the necessary reaction: thus, little or no straw will be pushed forward to undergo the operation of the knives.
Stucco. See Cement.
STURGEON, or Accipenser Sturio, L. a fish, which is sometimes taken in the British rivers; being, however, generally imported from Russia, or the Baltic sea, as well as from North America: it is principally caught in the rivers Volga, Danube, and Vistula.
This fish grows to a prodigious size, frequently 18 feet in length, and weighing from 7 to 800lbs. Its flesh is very delicate, firm, and white, resembling veal, on which account it is greatly esteemed when roasted: it is, however, generally sold in a pickled state. The sounds of sturgeon afford the fish-glue known under the name of Isinglass; and, their roes, when properly dried and salted, are converted into Caviar, to which article the reader is referred, for an account of its properties.
STYPTIC, a term applied to medicines, which serve to stop hemorrhages, or effusions of blood.
Various vegetables may be advantageously employed as external styptics, such as the Agaric, Puff-ball, &c.; but there are certain preparations of greater efficacy, the principal of which is the compound powder of alum. It consists of one ounce and a half of alum, and three drams of gum kino, which are finely pulverized, and incorporated.—One of the most successful styptics, however, is prepared by mixing one part of the caustic volatile alkali, with three parts of water: if this fluid be applied to a fresh wound, it effectually checks the flowing of blood, both from large and small vessels.
Prof. Stark, of Jena, recommends the following styptic powder; which, according to his experience, has proved uncommonly efficacious in suppressing profuse uterine hemorrhages, namely: Peruvian bark, two drams; cinnamon, one dram; blood-stone (lapis haematites) half a dram; and loaf-sugar, two drams: let these ingredients be reduced to a fine powder; a tea-spoonful of which is to be taken every hour, or oftener, in chamomile or balm tea.—We have no doubt of its good effects.
SUBLIMATE, a chemical pre-
