Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 July 1892 — TO MAKE NEEDLES SWIM. [ARTICLE]

TO MAKE NEEDLES SWIM.

although Solid Metal They Can Be Made to Float on Water. A drop of water oh a piece of glass spreads In all directions, but a drop yf quicksilver retains its circular form. The difference between the two processes is explained by the water moistening the glass, while mercury does not. Solid metals possess tho quality of adhesion In a lessor degree than most solid bodies not metal, but the fact that they do possess It makes it possineedles or pins to be made to swim on the surface of the water. It is necessary, of course, to place the needle in an absolutely horizontal position on tho water, when it will swim exactly as a match would, for example. Tho needles need not be very lino; with care and clrcumspeotiou even a darning-needle can bo made to navigate. The experiment Is a trifle dittlcult to perform because of the care that must be observed, but with the aid of two loops of thread in which the needle hangs it can be laid on the surface of the