THE NAUTILUS, OR IMPROVED LIFE-PRESERVER

This curious and useful invention, which is not so well known and understood as it should be, was patented in October, '44. It appears to be the ne plus ultra of life preservers, or, more properly speaking, of buoyant belts. The peculiar excellence of this invention-usually called the Nautilus- consists in its capacity of being compressed into a small space, so as to be conveniently carried in the pocket; or of being distended sufficiently to extend round the body of a person, at the same time becoming inflated with atmospheric air, and sufficiently buoyant to sustain the head and breast of the wearer, above water. Its construction consists of two helical, or spiral springs, placed side by side, and connected to each other, and covered with oiled silk, or india-rubber cloth, each end of which is attached to a wooden head: the whole casing and heads being air and water-tight, with the exception of an aperture through one of the heads. To this aperture a stopper is fitted, being connected to the head by a cord as shown in the cut, to prevent its falling or being lost when not inserted: but the Nautilus is more perfect when the aperture is furnished with a valve, which opens inward, so as to admit the air freely, but prevent its escape. When sudden danger occurs on board vessels, the passenger who may have a Nautilus in his pocket, has only to place it at his back, take hold of the two ends with this two hands, draw them forward till they meet on his breast, and tie them together; or, which is better, connect the two ends by a hook and staple. It will readily be understood, that the elastic covering of this belt, being held in its distended form by the wires of the spiral springs, the internal air has no tendency to escape, even should the covering be by any means perforated. We should think it consistent with the interest of ship owners and insurance companies to furnish vessels with these articles, for the use of seamen; as it would evidently tend to prevent consternation in cases of danger by leakage or by fire; and prevent the premature abandonment of vessels, with their cargoes and papers. They are sold at 89 Nassau street.