A NOVEL DINING-TABLE is in use in one of the palaces of the Emperor of Russia. The table is circular, and is placed on a weighted platform. At the touch of a signal, like a rub of Aladdin’s lamp, down goes the table through the floor, and a new table loaded with fresh dishes and supplies, rises in its place. But, this is not all; each plate stands on a weighted disc, the table-cloth being cut with circular openings, one for each plate. If a guest desires a change of plate, he touches a signal at his side, when his place disappears, and another rises. These mechanical dining-tables render the presence of servants quite superfluous.