ROSE ENGINE

In Mechanics, an appendage to the turning lathe, by which a surface of wood or metal, as a watchcase, is engraved with a variety of curved lines. The a emblage of these lines presenting some resemblance to a full blown rose, is called by the French rosette; and hence the engine by which the ornament is produced is called a rose engine. The mechanism by which the figures are produced is sometimes called a cn7nb, and may be described as follows: " A wheel upon the axle C turns uniformlv in the direction A B li E. A rod ni n moves in guides, which only permit it to '- -/^ ascend and descend perpendicularly. Its extremity m rests upon a path or groove raised from the face of the wheel, and shaped into such a curve that as the wheel revolves the rod m n shall be moved alternately in opposite directions, through the guides, with the required velocity. The manner in which the velocity varies will depend on the form given to the groove or channel raised upon the face of the wheel; 1066 ROSETTA STONE. and this may be shaped so as to give any variation to the motion of the rod m n which may be required for the purpose to which it is to be applied." {Lardner's Mechanics, Cab. Cyclopedia, p. 250.) The purpose of the machine is therefore to convert a uniform rotatory movement into a varied rectilinear and alternating movement. It is also used in machinery for spinning, and for lace-making. ROSEMARY (Lat. rosmarinus, seadeui), is the name given to a small evergreen shrub of the Labiate order, which inhabits rocky hills in the neighbourhood of the Mediterranean, and which is commonly cultivated in our gardens. It has very narrow green leaves, turned back at the edge and hoary underneath. The flowers are of a dull leaden blue, or even white. It has been employed in infusion as a remedy for headache, and is extensively employed in the manufacture of pomatums for promoting the growth of hair. Oil of rosemary is what gives the green colour to these preparations. It is also said to be one of the ingredients in Eau de Cologne. Narbonne honey is also said to owe its peculiar flavour to bees feeding on the blo oms of the rosemary. The grey bushes, mantled with dew drops, on the rocky coasts of France and Italy, are said to justify the singular name that has been given to the plant. It is the >.tfia,va>r)s (rrKpocvu/jMrixvi of Uioscorides. [s. 1079]