In matches between famous players, a special average record is made; but no arrangement has heretofore been devised by means of which this co-efficient can be automatically determined for every game of a player.
Mr. Kurishingal K. Bernard, M.A., Professor at the Government College, Jubbulpore, India, has, however, recently devised simple but ingenious means for automatically recording the number of turns played, on the cue itself, so that at the end of the game, by dividing his score by this number, the player can ascertain with ease his co-efficient for that game.
For this purpose there is provided within the butt end of each cue a counting device actuated by a push-button projecting from the cue, and having its mechanism arranged within the cue so as in no way to interfere with the play The push-button, which is situated at about four inches from the butt end of the cue, and is the only part that projects beyond its surface, actuates a lever arranged within the cue and connected with the counting discs, which are arranged within the butt of the cue, and whose reading is visible on a dial arranged at the end of the cue and fitted with a watch glass carried by a metal ferrule on the cue.
To enable players to fit up existing cues with an attachment according to this invention, it is practicable to make a six-inch length of butt end containing the counting device that might be screwed on to an old cue after an equal length had been cut off from it.
It will be apparent that Professor Bernard's device is calculated both to promote efficiency and considerably to increase the interest of the game.—Science Siftings.