It is a simple statement that we make here, and it is therefore not for us to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the system.  If we are to believe Mr. Enuma, the advantages are very numerous, to wit:  (1) The cables have no need of being of large size; (2) the intensity is the same through the entire extent of the primary circuit, secondary one, etc.; (3) the resistance is invariable in all portions of the line; (4) the apparatus are independent of each other, and consequently there may be a disturbance in one or several of them without the others suffering therefrom; (5) either a strong or weak luminous intensity may be produced, since, that depends only upon the size of the coil employed; (6) there is no style of lamp that may not be used, since each lamp is mounted upon a special circuit; (7) any number of lamps may be lighted or extinguished without the others being influenced thereby; (8) when a fire or other accident happens in a house, it in no wise interferes with the service in the rest of the line; (9) the system could, were it required, be connected with any other kind of existing line; and (10) the cost of installation is infinitely less than that of a system of gas pipes embracing the same extent of ground.—­La Lumiere Electrique.

* * * * *

ELECTRICITY APPLIED TO THE STUDY OF SEISMIC MOVEMENTS.

Italy, with her volcanic nature, has very naturally made a specialty of movements of the ground, or seismic perturbations.  So the larger part of the apparatus designed for such study are due to Italians.  Several of these instruments have already been, described in this journal, and on the present occasion we shall make known a few others that will serve to give an idea of the methods employed.

For the observation of the vertical and horizontal motions of the ground, different apparatus are required.  The following is a description of those constructed for each of such purposes by the Brassart Brothers.

[Illustration:  FIG. 1.—­APPARATUS FOR THE STUDY OF HORIZONTAL SEISMIC MOVEMENTS.]

Apparatus for Studying Horizontal Movements.—­A lever, (Fig. 1), movable about a horizontal axis, carries a corrugated funnel, i, at one of its extremities.  At the other extremity it is provided with a counterpoise which permits of its being exactly balanced, while not interfering with its sensitiveness.

[Illustration:  FIGS. 2 AND 3.—­DETAILS OF THE APPARATUS.]

The opening of the funnel passes freely around a column, v (Fig. 2), upon which is placed in equilibrium a rod that terminates in a weight, P. The corrugations of the funnel carry letters indicating the four cardinal points, and the funnel itself is capable of revolving in such a way that the marked indications shall always correspond to the real position of the cardinal points.  When a horizontal shock occurs, the weight, P, falls