NEIMME Transactions
Volume 36
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF MINING AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS.
TRANSACTIONS
VOL. XXXVI.
1886-7.
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE : A. REID, PRINTING COURT BUILDINGS, AKENSIDE
HILL.
1887.
CONTENTS OF VOL. XXXVI.
Report of Council.................. v
Report of Finance Committee viii
Treasurer's Accounts ............ x
Account of Subscriptions ...... xii
General Statement ............... xiv
Patrons.............................. xv
Honorary and Life Members xvi
Officers .............................. xvii
Original Members................. xviii
Ordinary Members............... x xviii
PAGE.
Associate Members............... xxix
Students.............................. xxxiii
Subscribers under Bye-Law 9 xxxvi
Charter .............................. xxxvii
Bye-Laws ........................... xliii
Programme of Excursions, &c. 201
Barometer Readings ............ 225
Index ................................ 233
Abstracts of Foreign Papers, end of Proceedings.
GENERAL MEETINGS.
1886.
PAGE.
Oct. 9.—Remarks by the President on his election ...
... ... ,,. 1
Paper "On an Improved Electric Safety-Lamp for Miners," by Mr. J. Wilson
Swan, M.A...................... 3
Discussed ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... 7
Paper "On Transmission of Power by Steam," by Professor J. H. Merivale,
M.A.........................13
Discussed ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... 27
Dec. 11.—Paper, "Notes on the Coal-Measures of Catalonia, Spain," by
Professor
G. A. Lebour, M.A., F.G.S...................33
Discussed ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... 41
Paper, " An Account of Experiments in France upon the possible connection
between Movements of the Earth's Crust and the Issues of Gases in Mines," by
Mr. M. Walton Brown............ 43
Paper, " Remarks on a further Discharge of Lightning at the West Thornley
Colliery, near Tow Law, on October 21st, 1886," by Mr. Henry White
........................47
Discussed ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... 49
(iv)
1886.
page.
Dec. 11.—Paper " On Cuvelier's Lock for Safety-Lamps," by Mons. E. L.
Dumas 51
Discussion on Mr. J. Wilson Swan's paper "On an Improved Electric
Safety-Lamp for Miners." ... ... ... ...
... ... 55
Eeport by Professor G. A. Lebour " On the Conference of Delegates of
Corresponding Societies, held during the meeting of the British Association
for the Advancement of Science, at Birmingham, September, 1886
........................61
1887. Feb. 12.—Paper "On the System of Working Ironstone at Lumpsey Mines
by
Hydraulic Drills," by Mr. A. L. Steavenson............ 67
Discussed ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... 71
Paper, "A Fire-Damp Indicator," by Sir Win. Thos. Lewis and Mr, A. H.
Maurice ........................73
Discussed ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... 76
Paper " On ' Securite,' a new Blasting Compound," by Mr. S. B. Coxon 79
Discussed ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... 82
April 23.—Paper, "Miner's new Electric Safety-Lamp, with Schanschieff's
Primary
Single-liquid Battery," by Mr. S. B. Coxon ... ... ...
... 89
Discussed ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... 92
Paper "On a Form of Apparatus for the Rapid Determination of Specific
Gravities of Bodies.'' by Mr. M. Walton Brown ... ... 95
Discussed ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... 97
Paper, " A Short Description of Archer and Robson's Patent ' Sprayer' for
Laying Dust in Mines," by Mr. T. 0. Robson ......... 99
Discussed ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... 100
Paper " On the Occurrence of Manganese Ore in the Cambrian Rocks of
Merionethshire," by Mr. Edward Halse, A.R.S.M. ......103
Discussed ...........................116
Discussion on Professor G. A. Lebour's Paper, "Notes on the Coal-Measures of
Catalonia, Spain " ... .. ... ...... i#i 117
Discussion on Mr. M. Walton Brown's Paper, "An Account of Experiments in
France upon the possible connection between Movements of the Earth's Crust
and the Issues of Gases in Mines" ... ... 120
June 11.—Meeting at the Exhibition to inspect the Haulage Department
... 123
Aug. 3-—Meeting of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, Reception of Visitors
by Sir Lowthian Bell, Excursion down the River, &c. ......125
„ 6.—Annual Meeting. President's Address. Paper "On the Mining
Institutions of Great Britain," by the Secretary ... ...
... ... 167
The Council have pleasure in being able to report the continued prosperity
of the Institute.
The year 1886-87 has been a most eventful one. In the last report of the
Council it will be remembered that mention was made of the Eoyal Mining,
Engineering, and Industrial Exhibition to be held in Newcastle, the
inception of which was due to the members of the Institute. It was stated
that Mr. Daglish, the then President, had been elected Chairman of the
Executive Council and that the scheme had received large promises of
support. It is now our pleasing duty to record the successful completion of
this Exhibition and the effective way in which members of the Institute have
contributed to its success.
The Council cannot refrain from mentioning the able assistance rendered by
Mr. G-. B. Forster and Mr. Thos. J. Bewick, who have, with their respective
Committees, succeeded in giving such perfect representations of Coal and
Lead Mines, and their thanks are also due to Mr. May for the great attention
he has given to the Haulage Section and the display of contrivances for
facilitating the transit of coal, which form some of the most important and
interesting features of the Exhibition.
There seems every reason to hope that as it has obtained the approval of the
public as a brilliant and interesting display of all that is most worthy of
notice in the way of modern inventions and of much that is of historical
interest, it will also be a financial success.
Seeing how attractive the Exhibition has proved to be from the day it was
opened, it was considered that it would be an opportune occasion to invite
the members of all the English and Foreign Mining Institutions, together
with the managing bodies of kindred'Societies, the City' Council, the
members of the Kiver Tyne Commission, and others, to a conversazione in the
building itself, and to make arrangements to enable them to inspect such
works and collieries as were thought most worthy of examination, and the
Council have pleasure in stating that through the kindness of the owners, a
large number of collieries and engineering and other works have been thrown
open to the guests, who have just nowT completed their visit.
(vi)
The opinion of the Council has been asked as to the advisability of the City
of Newcastle sending a deputation to Manchester to invite the British
Association to hold its 1889 meeting in this city, and it has been
unanimously decided that it is very desirable that this Association should
be induced to pay the contemplated visit.
An important matter for congratulation is that the Council of the ¦ Durham
College of Science, another valuable institution which owes its inception to
this Institute, and especially to the earnest work of one of its oldest
members, Mr. E. F. Boyd, in the cause, have commenced to build an edifice
worthy of the position the College holds as an educational body. The career
of the College has been so far successful; the number of regular
matriculated students it has enrolled has been larger than those enrolled by
similar educational establishments in their early years; while the number of
students who have obtained distinction and have risen to responsible
positions in life has been in proportion to the matriculations very large.
It is well worthy of consideration whether the funds at the disposal of the
Institute can be usefully employed in promoting the future success of this
undertaking, which promises to be of great value, especially as regards the
education of students intending to follow the profession of Mining
Engineering.
The Principal of the College, in conjunction with the Council of the North-
East Coast Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders, has indicated a course
of study for the training of young men desiring to enter the profession of
marine engineering and shipbuilding, and has submitted a plan of the
proposed plant, buildings, and arrangements necessary to give effect to the
same. This will involve an expenditure of about £24,000, which, it is hoped,
will be supplied by the various interested manufacturers in the district.
The College has invited this Institute to co-operate in a similar way as
regards the mining profession, and a committee has been formed to confer
with the Principal as to the details.
The papers which have been read before the members are of the usually high
standard. As might be expected from the importance that is now attached to
the presence of dust, with or without gas, in coal workings, a considerable
number have treated on safety-lamps with the means of detecting gas, and on
laying dust. Mr. Schanschieff's lamp, with a primary fluid battery, and Mr.
Swan's lamp, with a secondary battery, were both considered incomplete if
not accompanied with some means of detecting the amount of gas present in
the mine; and both gentlemen, together with Sir W..T. Lewis and Mr. Maurice,
have contributed descriptions of apparatus to be used when electric lights
are employed for ascertaining the amounts
(vii)
of gas present. Mr. Robson has described a very neat apparatus for laying
dust in the wagon-ways and workings, and Professor Merivale read an
elaborate paper on the transmission of power by steam in mines. Two
geological papers of considerable interest have been contributed, one by
Professor Lebour on the Coal-Measures in Catalonia, and one by Mr. Halse on
the Manganese Ores in Merionethshire. Mr. Walton Brown's paper on some
experiments which have been made in France to ascertain the probable
connection between movements in the earth's crust and the issues of gas in
mines, deserves more than a passing comment. This important subject is at
present in the hands of a committee, who have purchased instruments and are
endeavouring to form some definite ideas on this subject. Mr. Brown has also
contributed a description of a simple instrument for determining the
specific gravity of bodies.
The Income for the year 1880-87 amounted to £1,754 2s. 4d., being an
increase over that for the previous year of £39 3s. 7d. The Expenditure was
£1,566 12s. 9d., £57 15s. lOd. less than that of the preceding year. The
surplus of income over expenditure was £187 9s. 7d.
The total amount of subscriptions and arrears received was £1,386.
The arrears of unpaid subscriptions, varying from one to four years, are
£519 15s., being £22 Is. less than last year.
(Signed) WILLIAM COCHRANE. G. B. FORSTER.
July 23rd, 1887.
(X)
TREASURER IN ACCOUNT WITH THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
De>
July 20th, 1886,
July 20, 1886.
£ s. d. £ s. d.
To Balance at Bankers.................. 21115 9
„ in hands of Cashier ............ 10 6 8
-------------- 222 2 5
July 19, 1887.
To Dividend at the rate of 7 % per annum on 134 Shares of £20 each in the
Institute and Coal Trade Chambers Company, Ld., for the Half-Year ending
Dec. 1886... 93 16 0
To ditto, ditto, Half-Year ending June, 1887, at 8^ % per
annum ... ... ... ••• ••• •••
••• H3 18 0
207 14 0 To Interest on Investments with the River Tyne Commissioners
... ... ... ... ••• ••• •••
87 0 5
-------------- 294 14 5
To Bent of College Class Rooms ............ 48 14 2
To College of Medicine (acknowledgment) ......... 5 0
--------------- 48 19 2
To Subscriptions for 1886-87, from 354 Original Members ... 743 8
0 To Do. do. 25 Ordinary do.
... 76 13 0
To Do. do. 121 Associate do.
... 254 2 0
To Do. do. 49 Students ......
51 9 0
To Do. do. 2 New Ordinary
Members 6 6 0 To Do. do.
12 New Associate do. 25 4 0
To Do. do. 2 New Students
... 220
To 1 Student paid extra as an Associate ......... 110
1,160 5 0
To Subscribing Collieries, &c.:—
Ashington ............ £2 2 0
Birtley Iron Company......... 660
Haswell............... 4 4 0
Hetton ............... 10 10 0
Lambton............... 10 10 0
Londonderry ... ... ... ... 10 10 0
Marquis of Bute ......... 10 10 0
North Hetton ............ 6 6 0
Ryhope............... 4 4 0
Seghill ......... ...... 2 2 0
South Hetton and Murton ...... 4 4 0
Stella ............... 2 2 0
Throckley ... ... ... ••• 2 2 0
Victoria Garesfield ... ... ... 220
Wearmouth ............ 4 4 0
------------ 81 18 0
1,242 3 0
To Members' Arrears............£112 7 0
To Students' do............. 23 2 0
To Arrears considered as Irrecoverable, but
since Paid ... ... ... ... 880
-------------- 143 17 0
--------------1,386 0 0
To Sale of Publications per A. Reid...... £23 5 3
Less 10 % Commission ... ... ... 2 6 6
----------- 20 18 9
To Sale of Publications by the Secretary ......... 3 10 0
--------------24 8 9
£1,976 4 9
(xi)
INSTITUTE OF MINING AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS.
to July 19th, 1887.
Ce.
1887.
July 19.
£ s. d. £ s. d. By Andrew Reid:—
Publishing Account ............... 386 18 6
Covers for Parts, Folding and Stitching ... ... 27
8 7
Binding and Sewing Volumes ... ... ... ...
9 15 10
Borings and Sections ... ... ... ... ...
59 17 0
Library Catalogue ... ... ... ... ...
17 8 0
Library..................... 28 7 6
Stationery and Circulars ... ... ... ...
70 19 10
Postage..................... 43 13 2
--------------- 644 8 5
By Books for Library, in addition to amount paid A. Reid 31 8
8
By Printing and Stationery do. do.
1 1 11
By Abstracts of Foreign Papers ... ... ... ...
44 15 10
By Secretary's Incidental Expenses and Postages ... ... 58
2 9
By Sundry Accounts and Payments ... ... ... ...
41 4 5
By Travelling Expenses ... ... ... ...
... 193
By Secretary's Salary.................. 300 0 0
By Cashier's do.' .................. 75 0 0
By Clerks' Wages .................. 152 15 0
By Reporter's Salary .................. 12 12 0
By Rent........................ 78 2 10
By Rates and Taxes .................. 17 10 8
By Fire Insurance ... ... .. ... ...
... 8 14 11
By Water, Gas, and Coals ............... 7 16 11
--------------- 830 15 2
By Sopwith & Co., Lamp Case for Exhibition ... ...
36 5 0
By Geological Society's Visit, Luncheon ... ... ...
14 9 2
By British Association Meeting, Delegate's Expenses ...
1800
By Wailes & Strang, Wood Memorial Hall Window ... 8 5
0
By Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co., for Seismograph 14 10 0
---------------91 9 2
1,566 12 9
By Balance at Bankers ... ... ... ...
... 395 1 10
By Do. in hands of Cashier ............ 14 10 2
-------------- 409 12 0
Audited and found correct,
JOHN G. BENSON,
ClIABTEHED ACCOUNTANT.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
5th August, 1887.
£1,976 4 9
(xii) Dr. THE TREASURER IN ACCOUNT
To 439 Original Members, as per List, 1886-87.
£ s. d.
11 of whom are Life Members.
428 @ £2 2s......................... 898 16 0
To 41 Ordinary Members, as per List, 1886-87. 3 of whom are Life Members.
38, viz., 35 @ £3 3s. and 3 @ £2 2s................ 116 11 0
To 156 Associate Members, as per List, 1886-87. 7 of whom are Life Members.
149
1 replaced.
150 @ £2 2s. ........................ 315 0 0
To 69 Students, as per List, 1886-87, @ £1 Is............. 72 9
0
To 1 Student paid extra as an Associate ... ... ...
... ... 110
To 2 New Ordinary Members, @ £3 3s................ 6 6 0
To 13 New Associate Members, © £2 2s................ 27 6 0
To 2 New Students, at £1 Is.................. 2 2 0
To Subscribing Collieries, &c...................... 8118 0
1,521 9 0 To Arrears as per Balance Sheet, 1885-86 .........
54116 0
Deduct—Irrecoverable .. ... ... ... ...
165 18 0
375 18 0
Add—Arrears considered irrecoverable since paid ... 8 8 0
--------------- 384 6 0
£1,905 15 0
(xiii)
WITH SUBSCRIPTIONS, 1886-87. Cr.
PAID. UNPAID.
£ s. d. £ s. d.
Bj 354 Original Members paid @ £2 2s. ...... 713 8 0
By 59 Do. unpaid „ .........
...... 123 18 0
By 6 Do. dead „ .........
...... 12 12 0
By 5 Do. resigned „........
...... 10 10 0
By 3 Do. gone, no address, @ £2 2s. ...
...... 660
By 1 Do. struck off „
... ...... 2 2 0
428
By 23 Ordinary Members paid @ £3 3s....... 72 9 0
By 2 Do. „ @£2 2s......
4 4 0 ......
By 11 Do. unpaid @ £3 3s.......
...... 34 13 0
By 1 Do. „ @ £2 2s.......
...... 2 2 0
By 1 Do. struck off @ £3 3s.......
...... 3 3 0
38
By 121 Associate Members paid @ £2 2s....... 254 2 0
......
By 24 Do. unpaid „ ......
...... 50 8 0
By 2 Do. dead „ ......
...... 4 4 0
By 2 Do. resigned „ ...
... ...... 4 4 0
By 1 Do. struck off „ ......
...... 2 2 0
150
By 49 Students paid @ £1 Is....... 51 9
0 ......
By 17 Do. unpaid „ ......
...... 17 17 0
By 3 Do. gone, no address „ ......
...... 3 3 0
J59
By__1 Student paid extra as an Associate ... ...
110 ......
By 2 New Ordinary Members paid @ £3 3s..... 6 6 0
......
By 12 New Associate Members paid @ £2 2s....... 25 " 4 0
......
By 1 Do. unpaid „ ......
...... 2 2 0
13
By__2 New Students paid @ £1 Is.......... 2 2 0
......
By Subscribing Collieries paid ............ 81 18 0
......
1,242 3 0 279 6 0
By Members'Arrears ............... 112 7 0 215
5 0
By Students' do. ............... 23 2 0
25 4 0
By Arrears considered as irrecoverable ... ... ...
880 ......
1,386 0 0 519 15 0 1,386 0 0
£1,905 15 _0
Db. GENEEAL STATEMENT, JULY
19th, 1887. Ob.
giixbilititfi*
&%%<&&.
£ s. d.
£ g. a.
None ........................ ...... Balance of
Account at Bankers ...... £395 110
Capital........................ 11,647 10 0 Do.
in Cashier's hand...... 14 10 2
-------------- 409 12 0
134 Shares of £20 each in the Institute and Coal Trade
Chambers Company, Limited ... ... ... ... 2,680
0 0
Invested with the River Tyne Commissioners... ... ... 2,000
0 0
Arrears of Subscriptions ...... ... ... ...
519 15 0
Value of 484 Bound Volumes of Transactions, @ lis. 6d. ... 278 6
0
Value of 4,406 Sewn Copies of Transactions, @ 9s....... 1,982 14 0
Value of Sundry Unbound Parts of Transactions ...... 80 0 0
Value of 35 Copies of Mr. T. F. Brown's Map, @ 5s. ... 8
15 0
Value of 381 Copies of General Index, @ 3s.......... 57 3 0
Value of 764 Copies of Fossil Illustrations, @ 12s. 6d. ... 477
10 0
Value of 855 Copies of Catalogue of Fossils, at 5s....... 213 15 0
Value of 316 Copies of Borings and Sinkings, Vol. I., @ 5s. 79 0
0
Value of 329 Copies of Borings and Sinkings, Vol. II., @ 5s. 82 5
0
Value of 352 Copies of Borings and Sinkings, Vol. III., @ 5s. 88 0
0
Audited and found correct,
Value of 1,500 Copies of Borings and Sinkings, Vol. I., in Sheets
300 0 0
(Share Certificates and Bonds produced.)
Value of Sheets of Borings and Sinkings, Vol. IV, unpub-
JOHN G. BENSON
lishedatdate .................. 125 0 0
Chabtebed Accountant. Value of 263 Copies
of Library Catalogue, @ 5s....... 65 15 0
Newcastle-on-Tyne,
Value of Office Furniture and Fittings
......... 450 0 0
5th August, 1887.
Value of Books and Maps in Library............
1,750 0 0
£11,647 10 0
£11,647 10 0
His Grace the DUKE OP NORTHUMBERLAND.
His Grace the DUKE OF CLEVELAND.
The Most Noble the MARQUESS OP LONDONDERRY.
The Right Honourable the EARL OP LONSDALE.
The Right Honourable the EARL OP DURHAM.
The Right Honourable the EARL GREY.
The Right Honourable the EARL OP RAVENS WORTH.
The Right Honourable the EARL OF WHARNCLIFFE.
The Right Reverend the LORD BISHOP OP DURHAM.
The Very Reverend the DEAN AND CHAPTER OF DURHAM.
WENTWORTH B. BEAUMONT, Esq., M.P
(xvi)
gowrarg $$Lembm.
_ _ „.¦ , ^ r"
Kleci-kd.
* Honorary Members during term of office only. Mem.
Hon.
The Right Honourable the EARL OF RAVENS WORTH, Ravens-worth Castle,
Gateshead-on-Tyne... ... ... ...
1877
* Peof. P. PHILLIPS BEDSON, D.Sc. (Lond.), F.G.S., Durham College of
Science, Newcastle-on-Tyne ... ... ... ...
... 1883
M. DE BOUREUILLE, Commandeur de la Legion d'Honneur,
Conseiller d'etat, Inspecteur General des Mines, Paris ...
1853
* Peof. G. S. BRADY, M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S., Durham College of
Science, Newcastle-on-Tyne ... ...... ... ...
1875
De. BRASSERT, Berghauptmann, Bonn-am-Rhein, Prussia ...
1883
De. H. VON DECHEN, Berghauptmann, Bonn-am-Rhein, Prussia...
1853
JOSEPH DICKINSON, Esq., F.G.S., Inspector of Mines, Manchester
1853 THOMAS EVANS, Esq., F.G.S., Inspector of Mines, Pen-y-Bryn,
Duffield Road, Derby ............... .. 1855
* Peof. WILLIAM GARNETT, M.A., D.C.L., Principal of the Durham
College of Science, Newcastle-on-Tyne ... ... ... ..
1884
M. THEOPHILE GUIBAL, School of Mines, Mons, Belgium ...
1870
* HENRY HALL, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Rainhill, Prescott ...
1876
* Peof. A. S. HERSCHEL, M.A., D.C.L., F.R.S., F.R.A.S., Durham
College of Science, Newcastle-on-Tyne ... ... ...
... 1872
The Veey Ret. De. LAKE, Dean of Durham ...... ..
1872
* Peof. G. A. LEBOUR, M.A., F.G.S., Durham College of Science,
Nevvcastlc-on-Tyne .................. 1873 1879
J. A. LONGRIDGE, Esq., Greve d'Ayette, Jersey .........
1886
* RALPH MOORE, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Glasgow ......
1866
Sie WARINGTON W. SMYTH, M.A., F.R.S., F.G.S., F.R.G.S.,
28, Jermyn Street, London ............... 1869
M. E. VUILLEMIN, Mines d'Aniche, Nord, France ......
1878
* FRANK N. WARDELL, Esq., F.G.S., Inspector of Mines, Wath-on-
Dearne, near Rotherham ... ... ... ...
... 1864 1868
* JAMES WILLIS, Esq., Inspector of Mines, 14, Portland Terrace,
Newcastle-on-Tyne..................... 1857 1871
THOMAS WYNNE, Esq., F.G.S., Inspector of Mines, Manor House,
Gnosall, Stafford..................... 1853
gife $|lewta.
_______ Elected.
Mem. IjIFK.
C. W. BARTHOLOMEW, Esq., Blakesley Hall, near Towcester ... 1875
1875
THOS. HUGH BELL, Esq., Middlesbro'-on-Tees ."........ 1882 1882
DAVID BURNS, Esq., C.E., F.G.S., Clydesdale Bank Buildings,
Bank Street, Carlisle .................. 1877 1877
T. E. CANDLER, Esq., F.G.S., Canton Club, Canton, China...... 1875
1885
E. B. COXE,Esq., Drifton, Jeddo, P.O., Luzerne Co., Perms., U.S. ... 1873
1874
JAMES S. DIXON, Esq., 170, Hope Street, Glasgow ...... 1878
1880
ERNEST HAGUE, Esq., Castle Dyke, Sheffield ......... 1872 1876
G. C. HEWITT, Esq., Coal Pit Heath Colliery, near Bristol ...
1871 1879
JAMES HILTON, Esq., Wigan Coal and Iron Co., Limited, Wigan... 1867
1883
THOS. E. JOBLING, Esq., Croft Villa, Blyth, Northumberland ... 1876
1882
ROBERT KNOWLES, Esq.,Arncliffe, Cheethain Hill, Manchester... 1886 1886
HENRY LAPORTE, Esq., M.E., Acieries de France, Aubin, Aveyron,
France ........................ 1877 1877
W. MERIVALE, Esq., Kirwee, Manikpur, Bhopal, Central India ... 1881
1884
NATHAN MILLER, Esq.................. 1878 1878
H. J. MORTON, Esq., 2, Westbourne Villas, South Cliff, Scarborough 1856
1861
RUDOLPH NASSE, Esq., Oberbergrath, Dortmund, Prussia ... 1869
1880
ARTHUR PEASE, Esq., Darlington.............. 1882 1882
EDWARD G. PRIOR, Esq., Victoria, British Columbia ...... 1880
1883
WALTER SAISE, D. Sc. (London), M. Inst. C.E., Manager E.I.R.
Collieries, Giridih, Bengal, India ... ... ...
... 1877 1887
R. CLIFFORD SMITH, Esq,, F.G.S., Parkfield, Swinton, Manchester 1874 1874
T. H. WARD, Esq., F.G.S., Assistant Manager, East Indian Railway
Collieries, Giridi, Bengal, India............... 1882 1882
(xvii)
OFFICERS, 1887-88.
Sib LOWTHIAN BELL, Bart., F.R.S., F.C.S., Rounton Grange, Northallerton.
WM. ARMSTRONG, Esq., F,G.S., Pelaw House, Chester-le-Street.
CUTHBERT BERKLEY, Esq., Marley Hill, Whickham, R.S.O., Co. Durham.
Sir BENJAMIN C. BROWNE, M.I.C.E., 2, Granville Road, Jesmond, Newcastle.
THOMAS DOUGLAS, Esq., Peases' West Collieries, Darlington.
A. L. STEAVENSON, Esq., Durham.
JAMES WILLIS, Esq., 14, Portland Terrace, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
WM. ARMSTRONG, Jun., Esq., Wingate, County Durham,
J. B. ATKINSON, Esq., Stocksfield-on-Tyne.
T. W. BENSON, Esq., 11, Newgate Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
M. WALTON BROWN, Esq., 3, Summerhill Terrace, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
W. H. HEDLEY, Esq., Consett Collieries, Medomsley, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
THOS. HEPPELL, Esq., Leafield House, Birtley, Chester-le-Street.
HENRY LAWRENCE, Esq., Grange Iron Works, Durham.
Peof. G. A. LEBOUR, M.A., F.G.S., Durham College of Science, Newcastle.
Peof. J. H. MERIVALE, M.A., 2, Victoria Villas, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
M. W. PARRINGTON, Esq., Wearmouth Colliery, Sunderland.
The Hon. CHARLES A. PARSONS, Elvaston Hall, Ryton-on-Tyne.
A. M. POTTER, Esq., Shire Moor Colliery, Earsdon, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
R. ROBINSON, Esq., Howlish Hall, near Bishop Auckland.
J. B. SIMPSON, Esq., F.G.S., Hedgefield House, Blaydon-on-Tyne.
J. G. WEEKS, Esq., Bedlington, R.S.O., Northumberland.
W. H. WOOD, Esq., Coxhoe Hall, Coxhoe, County Durham.
W. 0. WOOD, Esq., South Hetton, Fence Houses.
THOxMAS WRIGHTSON, Esq., Stockton-on-Tees.
/Loed ARMSTRONG, C.B., LL.D., F.R.S., D.C.L., Jesmond, Newcastle. ^\ E. F.
BOYD, Esq., F.G.S., Moor House, Leamside, Fence Houses. JOHN DAGLISH, Esq.,
Marsden, South Shields. £
Slfi GEORGE ELLIOT, Bart., M.P., D.C.L., Houghton Hall, Fence "g §
* TT
/ OS T3
g Houses.
Ph -g
ig, G, B. FORSTER, Esq., M.A.. E.G.S., Lesbury, R.S.O., Northumberland
2
? G. C. GREEN WELL, Esq., F.G.S.. Elm Tree Lodge, Duffield, Derby.
^
(^ LINDSAY WOOD, Esq., Southill, Chester-le-Street.
/
T. J. BEWICK, Esq., M.I.C.E., F.G.S., Suffolk House, Lau- ) E tirf
Vice-
rence Pountney Hill, near London. E.C. > p . ?
.
VWM. COCHRANE, Esq., Grainger Street West, Newcastle. )
lresiaents-
gttxztmy an& %tmmvc.
THEO, WOOD BUNNING, Neville Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
C
(xviii)
ITisi 0f $$Umbm.
AUGUST, 1887. Marked * are Life Members.
ELECTED
1 Aitkin, Henry, Falkirk, N.B...................Mar. 2,1865
2 Anderson, C. W., Belvedere, Harrogate ............Aug. 21, 1852
3 Andrews, Hugh, Swarland Hall, Felton, Northumberland......Oct. 5,1872
4 Archer, T., Dunston Engine Works, Gateshead .........July 2,
1872
5 Armstrong, Lord, C.B., L.L.D., F.R.S., D.C.L., Jesmond, Newcastle-
on-Tyne (Past President, Member of Council) ......May 3, 1866
6 Armstrong, Wm., F.G.S., Pelaw House, Chester-le-Street (Vice-
President) ........................Aug. 21, 1852
7 Armstrong, W., Jun., Wingate, Co. Durham (Member of Council) April 7,
1867
8 Armstrong, W. L., Oaklands Rock, near Bewdley .........Mar. 3,1864
9 Arthur, D.,M.E., Sherfin House, Baxenden, nr. Accrington, Manchester Aug.
4, 1877
10 Ashworth, James, Stanley Hall, near Derby............Feb. 5,1876
11 Asquith, T. W., Harperley, Lintz Green, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...
Feb. 2, 1867
12 Atkinson, J. B., Stocksfield-on-Tyne (Member of Council)......Mar. 5,
1870
13 Atkinson, W. N., Shincliffe Hall, Durhain ............June 6,1868
14 Aubrey, R. C, Wigan Coal & Iron Co. Ld., Standish, near Wigan ... Feb.
5, 1870
15 Austine, John, Cadzow Coal Co., Glasgow ............Nov. 4,1876
16 Aynsley, Wm., Chilton Colliery, Ferry Hill............Mar. 3,1873
17 Bailes, George, Murton Colliery, Sunderland .........Feb.
3,1877
18 Bailes, T., 6, Collingvvood Terrace, Jesmond Gardens, Newcastle ...
Oct. 7, 1858
19 Bailes, W., Cortonwood Collieries, Wombwell, near Barnsley ...
April 7,1877
20 Baide Y, Samuel, Perry Barr, Birmingham ............June 2,1859
21 Bain, R. Donald, Newport, Monmouthshire............Mar. 3,1873
22 Bainbridge, E., Nunnery Colliery Offices, Sheffield.........Dec.
3,1863
23 Banks, Thomas, 60, King Street, Manchester............Aug. 4, 1877
24 Barclay, A., Caledonia Foundry, Kilmarnock .........Dec.
6, 1866
25 Bartholomew, C, Castle Hill House, Ealing, London, W.......Aug. 5,
1853
26*Bartholomew, C. W., Blakesley Hall, near Towcester ......Dec.
4, 1875
27 Bates, Matthew, Bews Hill, Blaydon-on-Tyne .........Mar.
3,1873
28 Bates, W. J., Winlaton, Blaydon-on-Tyne ............Mar. 3,1873
29 Batey, John, Newbury Collieries, Coleford, Bath .........Dec. 5,
1868
30 Beanlands, A., M.A., North Bailey, Durham............Mar. 7,1867
31 Bell, Sir Lowthian, Bart., F.R.S., F.C.S., Rounton Grange,
Northallerton, (President)..................July 6,1854
32 Bell, John, Messrs. Bell Brothers, Middlesbro'-on-Tees ......Oct.
1, 1857
33 Benson, J. G., Accountant, 12, Grey Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne ..
Nov. 7, 1874
34 Benson, T. W., 11, Newgate Street, Newcastle (Member of Council) Aug.
2, 1866
(xix)
~
ELECTBD.
35 Berkley, C, Marley Hill, Whickham, R.S.O., Co. Durham (Vice-
President) ........................Aug. 21,1852
36 Bewick, T. J., M.I.C.E., F.G.S., Suffolk House, Laurence Pountney
Hill, near London (Retiring Vice-President, Member of
Council) ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... April 5,1860
37 Bigland, J., Bedford Lodge, Bishop Auckland .........June
4,1857
38 Biram, B., Peaseley Cross Collieries, St. Helen's, Lancashire
... 1856
39 Black, W., Hedworth Villa, South Shields ............April 2, 1870
40 Bolton, H. H., Newchurch Collieries, near Manchester ...
... Dec. 5, 1868
41 Booth, R. L., Ashington Colliery, near Morpeth ... ...
... 1864
42 Boyd, E. F., Moor House, Leamside, Fence Houses (Past President,
Member of Council).....................Aug. 21, 1852
43 Boyd, R. F., Moor House, Leamside, Fence Houses .........Nov.
6,1869
44 Boyd, Wm., 74, Jesmond Road, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Feb.
2, 1867
45 Breckon, J. R., 32, Fawcett Street, Sunderland .........Sept.
3,1864
46 Brettell, T., Mine Agent, Dudley, Worcestershire .........Nov. 3,
1866
47 Bromilow, Wm., Preesgweene, near Chirk, North Wales ......Sept. 2,
1876
48 Brown, John, Priory Place, 155, Bristol Road, Birmingham ...
Oct. 5, 1854
49 Brown, J. N., 56, Union Passage, New Street, Birmingham ...
1861
50 Brown, Thos. Forster Guildhall Chambers, Cardiff ......
1861
51 Browne, Sir Benjamin O, M.I.C.E., 2, Granville Road, Jesmond,
Newcastle (Vice-Presidnet) ...............Oct. 1, 1870
52 Bryham, William, Rosebridge Colliery, Wigan .........Aug. 1,
1861
53 Bryham, W., Jun., Douglas Bank Collieries, Wigan ......Aug.
3, 1865
54 Bunning, Theo. Wood, Neville Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne
(Secretary and Treasurer) 1864
55*Burns, David, C.E., F.G.S., Clydesdale Bank Bgs., Bank St., Carlisle May
5, 1877
56 Burrows, J. S., Yew Tree House, Atherton, near Manchester ...
Oct. 11,1873
57 Campbell, W. B., Consulting Engineer, Grey Street, Newcastle ...
Oct. 7, 1876
58 Carr, Wm. Cochran, South Benwell, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Dec.
3,1857
59 Chambers, A. M., Thorncliffe Iron Works, near Sheffield ......Mar.
6,1869
60 Cheesman, I. T., Throckley Colliery, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Feb.
1,1873
61 Cheesman, W. T., Wire Rope Manufacturer, Hartlepool ......Feb.
5, 1876
62 Clarence, Thomas, Elswick Colliery, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Dec.
4,1875
63 Clark, C. F., Garswood Coal and Iron Co., near Wigan ......Aug.
2, 1866
64 Clark, R. B., Marley Hill, near Gateshead ............May 3,1873
65 Clark, W., M.E., The Grange, Teversall, near Mansfield ......April
7, 1866
66 Clarke, William, Victoria Engine Works, Gateshead ......Dec.
7, 1867
67 Cochrane, B., Aldin Grange, Durham...............Dec. 6,1866
68 Cochrane, C„ Green Royde, Pedmore, near Stourbridge ......June 3,
1857
69 Cochrane, W., St. John's Chambers, Grainger Street West, Newcastle
(Retiring Vice-President, Member of Council) ... ...
1859
70 Cole, Richard, Walker Colliery, near Newcastle-on-Tyne ... .
April 5, 1873
71 Cole, Robert Heath, Lord Street, Basford, Stoke-upon-Trent ... Feb.
5, 1876
72 Collis, W. B., Swinford House, Stourbridge, Worcestershire ...
June 6, 1861
73 Cook, J., Jun., Washington Iron Works, Gateshead.........May 8, 1869
(XX)
ELECTED
74 Coebett, V. W., Chilton Moor, Fence Houses .........Sept.
3, 1870
75 Corbitt, M., Wire Rope Manufacturer, Teams, Gateshead ... ...
Dec. 4, 1875
76 Coulson, F., 10, Victoria Terrace, Durham ............Aug. 1,1868
77 Coulson, W., High Coniscliffe, Darlington ............Oct.
1,1852
78 Cowey, John, Wearmouth Colliery, Sunderland .........Now 2,
1872
79 Cox, John H., 10, St. George's Square, Sunderland .........Feb.
6,1875
80*Coxe, E. B., Drifton, Jeddo, P. 0. Luzerne Co., Penns., U.S.
... Feh. 1, 1873
81 Coxon, S. B., 3, Poets'Corner, Westminster, London
......June 5,1856
82 Cbawfoed, T., Littletown Colliery, near Durham .........Aug. 21,
1852
83 Ceaweoed, T., 3, Grasmere Street, Gateshead-on-Tyne ......Sept.
3, 1864
84 Ceawfoed, T., Jun. Littletown Colliery, near Durham ......Aug.
7,1869
85 Ceawshay, E., Gateshead-on-Tyne ............ ... Dec.
4,1869
86 Ceawshay, G., Gateshead-on-Tyne ...............Dec. 4, 1869
87 Ceone, E. W., Killingworth Hall, near Newcastle-on-Tyne......Mar.
5,1870
88 Ceone, J. B., Tudhoe House, via Spennymoor............Feh. 1,1868
89 Ceone, S. C, Killingworth Hall, Newcastle ............
1853
90 Ceoss, John, 77, King Street, Manchester ............June 5,1869
91 Ceoudace, C. J., Bettisfield Colliery Co., Limited, Bagillt, N. Wales
Nov. 2, 1872
92 Ceoudace, John, West House, Haltwhistle ............June 7,1873
93 Croudace, Thomas, Lamhton Lodge, New South Wales ......
1862
94 Daglisii, John, F.G.S., Marsden, South Shields (Past Peesident,
Member of Council).....................Aug. 21, 1852
95 Daglish, W. S., Solicitor, Newcastle-on-Tyne............July 2,1872
96 Dale, DAAaD, West Lodge, Darlington...............Feh. 5,1870
97 D'Andrimont, T., Liege, Belgium ...............Sept. 3, 1870
98 Daniel, W., Steam Plough Works, Leeds ............June 4,1870
99 Darling, Fenwick:, South Durham Colliery, Darlington ......Nov.
6,1875
100 Daelington, James, Black Park Colliery, Buahon, North Wales ... Nov.
7, 1874
101 Darlington, John, 2, Coleman Street Buildings, Moorgate Street,
Great Swan Alley, London ... ... ... ... ...
... April 1, 1865
102 Dayey, Henry, C.E., 3 Princes Street, Westminster, London, S.W. Oct.
11, 1873
103 Dees, B. R., Solicitor, Newcastle-on-Tyne ............Oct.
7,1871
104 Dixon, D. W., Lumpsey Mines, Brotton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea ...
Nov. 2, 1872
105 Dixon, Nich., Dudley Colliery, Dudley, Northumberland ......Sept.
1,1877
106 Dixon, R., Wire Rope Manufacturer, Teams, Gateshead ......June
5,1875
107 Dodd, B., Bearpark Colliery, near Durham ............May
3,1866
108 Dodds, Joseph, M.P., Stockton-on-Tees ............Mar.
7,1874
109 Douglas, C. P., Parliament Street, Consett, Co. Durham ......Mar.
6,1869
110 Douglas, T., Peases'West Collieries, Darlington (Vice-President)...
Aug. 21,1852
111 Dove, G., Viewfield, Stanwix, Carlisle...............July 2,1872
112 Dowdeswell, H., Butterknowle Colliery, via Darlington ......April
5,1873
113 Dyson, Geoege, Middleshro' ............ -......June 2,
1866
114 Elliot, Sie George, Bart., M.P., D.C.L., Houghton Hall, Fence
Houses, (Past President, Member of Council).........Aug. 21, 1852
115 Elsdon, Robert, 76, Manor Road, Upper New Cross, London ...
Nov. 4, 1876
(xxi)
ELECTED,
116 Embleton, T. W., The Cedars, Methley, Leeds .........Sept.
6,1855
117 Embleton, T. W., Jun., The Cedars, Methley, Leeds.........Sept.
2,1865
118 Eminson, J. B., Londonderry Offices, Seaham Harbour
......Mar. 2,1872
119 Everard, I. B., M.E., 6, Millstone Lane, Leicester .........Mar.
6,1869
120 Farmer, A., Seaton Carew, near West Hartlepool .........Mar.
2,1872
121 Farrar, James, Old Foundry, Barnsley ............July
2,1872
122 Favell, Thomas M., Etruria Iron Works, near Stoke-on-Trent ...
April 5, 1873
123 Fenwick, Barnabas, 84, Osborne Road, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...
Aug. 2, 1866
124 Ferens, Robinson, Oswald Hall, near Durham ...
......April 7,1877
125 Fidler, E., Piatt Lane Colliery, Wigan, Lancashire ... ...
... Sept. 1,1866
126 Fletcher, H., Ladyshore Coll., Little Lever, Bolton, Lancashire ...
Aug. 3, 1865
127 Fletcher, Jas., Manager, Co-operative Collieries, Wallsend, near
Newcastle, New South Wales ...............Sept. 11, 1875
128 Fletcher, John, Bock House, Ulverstone ............July 2,1872
129 Foggin, Wm, North Biddick Coll., Washington Station, Co. Durham Mar.
6, 1875
130 Forsteh, G. B., M.A., F.G.S., Lesbury, B.S.O., Northumberland
(Past President, Member of Council) ... ... ... ...
Nov. 5,1852
131 Forster, J. E., Water Company's Office, Newcastle-on-Tyne
... July 2, 1872
132 Forster, J. T., Burnhope Colliery, near Lanchester, Co. Durham ...
Aug. 1, 1868
133 Forstek, R., 25, Old Elvet, Durham ...............Sept. 5,1868
134 Foster, George, Osmondthorpe Colliery, near Leeds.........Mar. 7,
1874
135 France, Francis, St. Helen's Colliery Co. Ld., St. Helen's, Lancashire
Sept. 1, 1877
136 France, W., Lofthouse Mines, Loftus-in-Cleveland, R.S.O.......April
6,1867
137 Franks, Geo., Victoria Garesfield Colliery, Lintz Green, Newcastle ...
Feb. 6, 1875
138 Galloway, T. Lindsay, M.A., Argyll Colliery, Campbeltown, N.B. Sept.
2, 1876
139 Gerrard, John, Westgate, Wakefield!............... Mar. 5,1870
140 Gillett, F. C, 20, Midland Road, Derby ............ July
4,1861
141 Gilroy, G., Woodlands, Parbold, near Wigan............ Aug. 7,1856
142 Gilroy, S. B., Mining Engineer, Hednesford, Stafford ...
... Sep+. 5, 1868
143 Gjers, John, Southfield Villas, Middleshro' ............ June
7, 1873
144 Goddaed, F. R., Accountant, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......... Nov.
7,1874
145 Gordon, James N., c/o W. Nicolson, 5, Jeffrey's Square, St. Mary
Axe, London, E.C......................Nov. 6,1875
146 Grace, E. N., Dhadka, Asansol, Bengal, India............Feb. 1,1868
147 Greaves, J. O., St. John's, Wakefield...............Aug. 7,1862
148 Green, J. T., Mining Engineer, Ty Celyn, Ahercarne, Newport, Mon. Dec.
3, 1870
149 Greener, John, General Manager, Vale Coll., New Glasgow, Pictou,
Nova Scotia ........................Feb. 6,1875
150 Greenwell, G. C, Elm Tree Lodge, Duffield, Derby (Past Presi-
dent, Member of Council) ... ... ... ... ...
... Aug. 21, 1852
151 Greenwell, G. O, Jun., Poynton, near Stockport ..........Mar.
6,1869
152 Geey, C. G., Land Commission, 24, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin ... May
4, 1872
153 Geieves, D., Brancepeth Colliery, Willington, County Durham ...
Nov. 7, 1874
154 Geiffith, N. R., Wrexham ..................
1866
155 Grimshaw, E. J., 23, Hardshaw Street, St. Helen's, Lancashire ...
Sept. 5, 1868
(xxii)
ELECTED.
156 Haggie, D. H., Wearmouth Patent Rope Works, Sunderland ... Mar.
4, 1876 157*Hague, Ebnest, Castle Dyke, Sheffield
............Mar. 2,1872
158 Haines, J. Richaed, Adderley Green Colliery, near Longton ...
Nov. 7, 1874
159 Hales, C, Nerquis Cottage, Nerquis, near Mold, Flintshire......
1865
160 Hail, M., Lofthouse Station Collieries, near Wakefield
......Sept. 5,1868
161 Hall, M. S., 8, Victoria Street, Bishop Auckland .........Feb.
14, 1874
162 Hall, Wm., East Hetton Colliery Office, Coxhoe, Co. Durham ...
Dec. 4, 1875
163 Hall, William F., Haswell Colliery, Haswell, via Sunderland ...
May 13, 1858
164 Hann, Edmund, Aberaman, Aberdare ... - ............Sept.
5,1868
165 Haebottle, W. H., Orrell Coal and Cannel Co., near Wigan ...
Dec. 4, 1875
166 Haegeeaves, William, Rothwell Haigh, Leeds .........Sept. 5,
1868
167 Haele, Richaed, Browney Colliery, Durham............April 7,1877
168 Haele, William, Pagebank Colliery, near Durham.........Oct. 7,1876
169 Haeeison, R., Eastwood, near Nottingham ............
1861
170 Haeeison, T. E., C.E., Central Station, Newcastle-on-Tyne......May
6,1853
171 Harbison, W. B., Brownhills Collieries, near Walsall
......April 6,1867
172 Hay, J., Jun., Widdrington Colliery, Acklington .........Sept.
4, 1869
173 Heckels, Matthew, F.Gr.S., Walker Colliery, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...
April 11, 1874
174 Hedley, J. J., Consett Collieries, Leadgate, County Durham ...
April 6,1872
175 Hedley, J. L., Flooker's Brook, Chester ............Feb.
5,1870
176 Hedley, W. H., Consett Collieries, Medomsley, Newcastle-on-Tyne
(Member of Council) ... ... ... ...
... ... 1864
177 Henderson, H., Pelton Colliery, Chester-le-Street .........Feb.
14,1874
178 Heppell, T., Leafield House, Birtley, Chester-le-Street (Member of
Council) ........................ Aug. 6,1863
179 Heppell, W., Western Hill, Durham............... Mar. 2,1872
180 Hebdman, J., Park Crescent, Bridgend, Glamorganshire ...
... Oct. 4, 1860
181 Heslop, C, Lingdale Mines, via Skelton, R.S.O., Yorks....... Feb.
1,1868
182 Heslop, Geaingee, Whitwell Coal Company, Sunderland ...... Oct.
5, 1872
183 Heslop, J., Cavendish Hill, Sherwood, Nottingham......... Feb.
6,1864
184 Hetheeington, D., Coxlodge Colliery, Newcastle-on-Tyne......
1859
185*Hewitt, G. C, Coal Pit Heath Colliery, near Bristol ......
June 3, 1871
186 Hewlett, A., Haseley Manor, Warwick ............Mar. 7,1861
187 Higson, Jacob ........................ 1861
188*Hilton, J., Wigan Coal and Iron Co., Limited, Wigan ......Dec.
7,1867
189 Hilton, T. W., Wigan Coal and Iron Co., Limited, Wigan......Aug.
3,1865
190 Hodgson, J. W.........................Feb. 5,1870
191 Holliday, Mabtin F., Langley Grove, Durham .........May 1,1875
192 Holmes, C, Grange Hill, near Bishop Auckland .........April 11,
1874
193 Homee, Chaeles J., Mining Engineer, Stoke-on-Trent ......Aug.
3,1865
194 Hood, A., 6, Bute Crescent, Cardiff ...............April 18, 1861
195 Hope, Geoege, Success House, Fence Houses............Feb. 3,1877
196 Hoensby, H., Rodridge House, Wingate, R.S.O., Co. Durham ...
Aug. 1, 1874
197 Hoesley, W., Whitehill Point, Percy Main, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...
Mar. 5,1857
198 Hoskold, H. D., C. and M.E., F.R.G.S., F.G.S., M. Soc. A., &c. ...
April 1, 1871
199 Howaed, W. F., 13, Cavendish Street, Chesterfield .........Aug.
1,1861
200 Humble, John, West Pelton, Chester-le-Street .........Mar.
4,1871
(xxiii)
ELECTED.
201 Humble, Jos., Staveley Works, near Chesterfield .........June
2,1866
202 Huntee, J., Waratah Coal Co., Charlestown, N.S. Wales, Australia...
Mar. 6, 1869
203 Hubst, T. G., F.G.S., Osborne Road, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Aug.
21, 1852
204 Jackson, C. G., Chamber Colliery Co., Limited, Hollinwood......June
4, 1870
205 Jackson, W. G., Loscoe Grange, Normanton, Yorkshire ......June
7,1873
206 Jaeeatt, J., Houghton Main Colliery, near Barnsley.........Nov.
2,1867
207 Jeffcock, T. W., 18, Bank Street, Sheffield ............Sept. 4,
1869
208 Jenkins, W., M.E., Ocean Collieries, Treorky, Glamorgan ......Dec.
6,1862
209 Jenkins, Wm., Consett Iron Works, Consett, Durham ......May
2, 1874
210 Johnson, J., Carlton Main Colliery, Barnsley............Mar. 7,1874
211 Johnson, R. S., Sherburn Hall, Durham ............Aug. 21, 1852
212 Joicey, J. G., Forth Banks West Factory, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...
April 10,1869
213 Joicey, W. J., Urpeth Lodge, Chester-le-Street .........Mar.
6,1869
214 Kendall, John D., Roper Street, Whitehaven .........Oct. 3,
1874
215 Kimpton, J. G., 40, St. Mary's Gate, Derby ............Oct. 5,
1872
216 Kiekby, J. W., Ashgrove, Windygates, Fife............Feb. 1,1873
217 Knowles, A., Swinton Old Hall, Manchester............Dec. 5,1856
218 Knowles, J ohn, Westwood, Pendlebury, Manchester ......Dec.
5, 1856
219 Lamb, R., Bowthorn Colliery, Cleator Moor, near Whitehaven ...
Sept. 2,1865
220 Lamb, R. O., The Lawn, Ryton-on-Tyne ............Aug. 2,1866
221 Lamb, Richaed W., 29, Great Cumberland Place, London, W. ... Nov.
2, 1872
222 Lancastee, John, Bilton Grange, Rugby ............Mar. 2,1865
223 Landale, A., Echo Bank, Invcrkeithing, Fife............Dec. 2,1858
224*Lapoete, Henby, M.E., Acieries de France, Aubin, Aveyron, France May
5, 1877
225 Laveeick, Robt., West Rainton, Fence Houses .........Sept.
2, 1876
226 Lawbence, Heney, Grange Iron Works, Durham (Mem. of Council) Aug. 1,
1868
227 Laws, H., Grainger Street W., Newcastle-on-Tyne .........Feb.
6, 1869
228 Leboue, G. A., M.A., F.G.S., Durham College of Science, Newcastle,
(Member of Council) ..................Feb. 1,1873
229 Lee, Geoege, 18, Newcomen Street, Coatham, Redcar ......June
4,1870
230 Leslie, Andeew, Coxlodge Hall, Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...
Sept. 7, 1867
231 Levee, Ellis, Bowdon, Cheshire ...............
1861
232 Lewis, Sib William Thomas, Mardy, Aberdare .........
1864
233 Liddell, G. H., Somerset House, Whitehaven .........Sept.
4, 1869
234 Linsley, R., Cramlington Colliery, Northumberland ...
......July 2, 1872
235 Linsley, S. W., Whitburn Colliery, South Shields .........Sept.
4,1869
236 Lishman, T., Jun., Hetton Colliery, Fence Houses .........Nov. 5,
1870
237 Lishman, Wm., Witton-le-Wear.................. 1857
238 Lishman, Wm., Bunker Hill, Fence Houses ............Mar. 7,1861
239 Livesey, C, Bradford Colliery, near Manchester ... ...
... Aug. 3,1865
240 Livesey, T., Bradford Colliery, near Manchester .........Nov.
7,1874
241 Llewelyn, L., Abersychan House, Abersychan .........May
4,1872
242 Logan, William, Langley Park Colliery, Durham .........Sept.
7,1867
243 Longbotham, J., Barrow Collieries, Barnsley, Yorkshire ......May
2,1868
(xxiv)
ELECTED.
244 Lupton, A., F.G.S., 6, De Grey Road, Leeds ............Nov. 6,1869
245 Maddison, Henry, The Lindens, Darlington............Nov. 6,1875
216 Maling, C. T., Ford Pottery, Newcastle-on-Tyne .........Oct. 5,
1872
247 Mammatt, J. E., C.E., St. Andrew's Chambers, Leeds ......
1864
248 Marley, John, Thornfleld, Darlington ............Aug. 21,
1852
249 Maeley, J. W., Marley, Pinching, & Marley, 41, Threadneedle St. London
Aug. 1, 1868
250 Maeshall, F. O, Messrs. R. & W. Hawthorn, St. Peters, Newcastle. Aug.
2, 1866
251 Marston, W. B., Leeswood Vale Oil Works, Mold .........Oct.
3,1868
252 Marten, E. B., C.E., Pedmore, near Stourbridge .........July
2,1872
253 Matthews, R. F., Ridley Hall, Bardon Mill, Carlisle.........Mar.
5,1857
254 Maughan, J. A., Nerbudda Coal & Iron Co. Ld., Garrawarra, C.P., India
Nov. 7, 1863
255 May, Geo., Harton Colliery Offices, near South Shields
......Mar. 6,1862
256 McCbeath, J., 95, Bath Street, Glasgow ............Mar.
5,1870
257 McCulloch, David, Beech Grove, Kilmarnock, N.B. ......Dec.
4,1875
258 McMubtrie, J., Radstock Colliery, Bath ............Nov. 7,1863
259 Merivale, Peoe. J. H., M.A., 2, Victoria Villas, Newcastle-on-Tyne
(Member of Council) ... ... ... ...
... ... May 5,1877
260 Millee, Robeet, Silkstone and Worsbro' Park Collieries, Barnsley...
Mar. 2, 1865
261 Mills, M. H., Kirklye Hall, Alfreton...............Feb. 4,1871
262 Mitchell, Chas., Jesmond, Newcastle-on-Tyne .........April
11,1874
263 Mitchell, Joseph, Mining Offices, Eldon Street, Barnsley......Feb. 14,
1874
264 Mitchinson, R., Jun., Pontop Coll., Lintz Green Station, Co. Durham
Feb. 4, 1865
265 Monkhouse, Jos., Gilcrux, Cockermouth ............June 4, 1863
266 Mooe, T., Cambois Colliery, Blyth ...............Oct. 3,1868
267 Mooe, Wm., Jun., Hetton Colliery, Fence Houses .........July
2,1872
268 Mooee, R. W., Colliery Office, Whitehaven ............Nov.
5,1870
269 Mobeis, W., Waldridge Colliery, Chester-le-Street .........
1858
270*Morton, H. J., 2, Westbourne Villas, South Cliff, Scarborough ...
Dec. 5, 1856
271 Moeton, H. T., Lambton, Fence Houses ............Aug. 21, 1852
272 Mundle, Arthub, St. Nicholas'Chambers, Newcastle-on-Tyne ... June
5,1875
273 Mundle, W., Redesdale Mines, Bellingham............Aug. 2,1873
274*Nasse, Rudolph, Oberbergrath, Dortmund, Prussia.........
1869
275 Nevin, John, Dunbottle House, Mirrleld, Normanton ......May
2, 1868
276 Newall, R. S., Ferndene, Gateshead-on-Tyne............May 2,1863
277 Nicholson, E., Jun., Beamish Colliery, Chester-le-Street ...
... Aug. 7,1869
278 Nicholson, Maeshall, Middleton Hall, Leeds .........Nov.
7,1863
279 Noble, Captain, C.B., F.R.S., F.R.A.S., F.C.S., Jesmond, New-
castle-on-Tyne .....................Feb. 3,1866
280 Noeth, F. W., F.G.S., Rowley Hall Colliery, Dudley, Staffordshire ...
Oct. 6,1864
281 Ogden, John M., Solicitor, Sunniside, Sunderland ...... ...
Mar. 5,1857
282 Ogilvie, A. Geaeme, 8, Grove End Road, St. John's Wood, London Mar.
3, 1877
283 Olives, Robeet, Charlaw Colliery, near Durham ........Nov.
6,1875
284 Palmes, A. S., Usworth Hall, Washington Station, Co. Durham ... July
2, 1872
285 Palmes, Sir Chaeles Maek, Bart.. M.P., Quay, Newcastle-on-Tyne Nov.
5, 1852
(xxv)
ELECTED.
286 Pamely, O, Springfield, Berw Road, Pontypridd, South Wales ...
Sept. 5, 1863
287 Panton, F. S., Silksworth Colliery, Sunderland .........Oct.
5, 1867
288 Pareington, M. W., Wearmouth Coll., Sunderland (Mem. of Council) Dec.
1, 1864
289 Paeton, T., F.G.S., Hill Top, West Bromwich............Oct. 2,1869
290 Peace, M. W., Wigan, Lancashire ...............July 2,1872
291 Peaece, F. H., Bowling Iron Works, Bradford .........Oct.
1,1857
292 Pease, Sir J. W., Bart., M.P., Hutton Hall, Guisbro', Yorkshire ...
Mar. 5, 1857
293 Peel, John, Wharncliffe Silkstone Collieries, near Barnsley
... Nov. 1, 1860
294 Peel, John, Leasingthorne Colliery, Bishop Auckland ......Mar.
3,1877
295 Peile, William, Cartgate, Hensingham, Whitehaven ......Oct.
1,1863
296 Pickup, P. W., Rishton, near Blackburn ............Feb.
6,1875
297 Pinching, Aechd. E., 41, Threadneedle Street, London ......May
5, 1877
298 Potter, Addison, C.B., Heaton Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Mar.
6,1869
299 Potteb, A. M., Shire Moor Coll., Earsdon, Newcastle (Mem. of
Council) ........................Feb. 3,1872
300 Potter, C. J., Heaton Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne .........Oct.
3,1874
301 Price, John, 6, Osborne Villas, Jesmond, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...
Mar. 3, 1877
302 Pbice, J. R., Standish, near Wigan ...............Aug. 7,1869
303 Peiestman, Jonathan, Coal Owner, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Sept.
2,1871
304 Peingle, Edward, Choppington Colliery, Northumberland......Aug. 4,
1877
305 Ramsay, J. A., Middleton St. George, R.S.O., Co. Durham ......Mar.
6, 1869
306 Ramsay, Wm., Tursdale Colliery, County Durham .........Sept. 11,
1875
307 Reed, Robert, Felling Colliery, Gateshead ............Dec.
3,1863
308 Rees, Daniel, Glandare, Aberdare ...............
1862
309 Reid, Andrew, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...............April 2,1870
310 Richardson, H., Backworth Colliery, Newcastle-on-Tyne......Mar. 2,
1865
311 Richardson, J. W., Iron Shipbuilder, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Sept.
3,1870
312 Ridley, G., Tyne Chambers, 38, Side, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Feb.
4,1865
313 Ridlev, J. H, Messrs. R. & W. Hawthorn, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...
April 6, 1872
314 Ridyard, J., Bridgewater Offices, Walkden, nr. Bolton-le-Moors, Lan.
Nov. 7, 1874
315 Ritson, U. A, 6, Queen Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne .........Oct.
7,1871
316 Ritson, W. A., Agnes Road, Northampton ............April 2, 1870
317 Robertson, W., M.E., 123, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow ......Mar.
5, 1870
318 Robinson, G. C, Brereton and Hayes Colls., Rugeley, Staffordshire...
Nov. 5, 1870
319 Robinson, R., Howlish Hall, near Bishop Auckland (Mem. of Council) Feb,
1,1868
320 Robson, J. S., Butterknowle Colliery, via Darlington.........
1853
321 Robson, Thomas, Lumley Colliery, Fence Houses .........Oct.
4,1860
322 Rogerson, John, Croxdale Hall, Durham ............Mar. 6,
1869
323 Roscamp, J., Shilbottle Colliery, Lesbury, R.S.O., Northumberland...
Feb. 2, 1867
324 Ross, J. A. G., Consulting Engineer, 13, Belgrave Terrace, Newcastle
July 2, 1872
325 Rosseb, W., Mineral Surveyor, Llanelly, Carmarthenshire ......
1856
326 Rothwell, R. P., 27, Park Place, New York, U.S..........Mar. 5,1870
327 Routledge, Jos., Ryhope Colliery, Sunderland .........Sept. 11,
1875
328 Routledge, Wm., S. and L.C. and R. Co., Reserve Colliery, Sydney,
Cape Breton ...... ..................Aug. 6,1857
329 Rutherford, J., Halifax Coal Co., Ld., Albion Mines, Nova Scotia...
1852
d
(xxvi)
ELECTED.
330 Rftherfoed, W., So. Dervvent Colliery, Anntield Plain, Lintz Green
Oct. 3, 1874
331 Rydee, W. J. H., Forth Street Brass Works, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...
Nov. 4,1876
332 Saint, Geoege, Vauxhall Collieries, Ruabon, North Wales...... April
11, 1874
333 Scarth, W. T., Raby Castle, Stamdrop, Darlington......... April
4,1868
334 Scott, Andbew, Broomhill Colliery, Acklington ......... Dec.
7,1867
335 Scott, C. F., Medornsley, Lintz Green, Newcastle-on-Tyne...... April
11, 1874
336 Scoular, G., Cleator Moor, via Carnforth ............ July
2,1872
337 Shaw, W., Cast Steel Foundry Co., Ld., Middlesbro'......... June
3,1871
338 Shiel, John, Framwellgate Colliery, County Durham ...... May
6,1871
339 SnoNE, Isaac, 4, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, London, S.W.
1858
340 Shtjte, C. A., Westoe, South Shields ............... Aprilll, 1874
341 Simpson, J., Heworth Colliery, near Gateshead-on-Tyne ......
Dec. 6, 1866
342 Simpson, J. B., F.G.S., Hedgefield House, Blaydon-on-Tyne (Member
of Council) ........................Oct. 4,1860
343 Simpson, R., Moor House, Ryton-on-Tyne ............ Aug. 21,
1852
344 Simpson, Robt., Drummond Coll., Westville, Picfcou, Nova Scotia ...
Dec. 4,1875
345 Sunn, T., 2, Choppington Street, Westmorland Road, Newcastle ...
July 2,1872
346 Smith, G. F., Grovehurst, Tunbridge Wells ............ Aug.
5,1853
347*Smith, R. Clifford, F.G.S., Parkfield, Swinton, Manchester ...
Dec. 5,1874
348 Smith, T. E., Phoenix Foundry, Newgate Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne
Dec. 5, 1874
349 Sop with, A., Cannock Chase Collieries, near Walsall......... Aug.
1, 1868
350 Sopwith, Thos., 6, Great George St., Westminster, London, S.W. ... Mar.
3,1877
351 Southern, R,, Burleigh House, The Parade, Tredegarville, Cardiff...
Aug. 3, 1865
352 Southwoeth, Thos., Hindley Green Collieries, near Wigan...... May
2,1874
353 Spencee, John, Westgate Road, Newcastle-on-Tyne......... Sept.
4,1869
354 Spencee, M., Newburn, near Newcastle-on-Tyne ......... Sept.
4,1869
355 Spencee, T., Ryton, Newcastle-on-Tyne ............ Dec.
6,1866
356 Spencer, W., Southfields, Leicester ............... Aug. 21,
1852
357 Steavenson, A. L., Durham (Vice-President) ......... Dec.
6,1855
358 Stephenson, G. R., 9 Victoria Chambers, Westminster, London, S.W. Oct.
4, 1860
359 Stevenson, R......................... Feb. 5, 1876
360 Stobart, W., Pepper Arden, Northallerton ............ July 2,
1872
361 Storey, Thos. E., Clough Hall Iron Works, Kidsgrove, Staffordshire
Feb. 5, 1876
362 Straker, J. H., Stagshaw House, Corbridge-on-Tyne ......
Oct. 3,1874
363 Stratton, T. H. M., Tredegar, South Wales............ Dec. 3, 1870
364 Swallow, J., Bushblades House, Lintz Green, Newcastle-on-Tyne ... May
2, 1S74
365 Swallow, R. T., Springwell, Gateshead-on-Tyne .........
1862
366 Swan, H. F., Shipbuilder, Newcastle-on-Tyne............ Sept. 2,1871
367 Swan, J. G., Upsall Hall, near Middlesbro5 ............ Sept.
2,1871
368 Swann, C. G., Sec, General Mining Asso. Ld., Blomfield House, Lon-
don Wall, and New Broad Street., London, E.C.......... Aug. 7,1875
369 Tate, Simon, Trimdon Grange Colliery, Co. Durham ......
Sept. 11, 1875
370 Taylor, Hugh, King Street, Quay, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...... Sept.
5,1856
371 Taylor, T., King Street, Quay, Newcastle-on-Tyne......... July
2,1872
372 Taylor-Smith, Thomas, Greencroft Park, Durham......... Aug. 2,1866
(xxvii)
ELECTED
373 Thompson, R., Jun., 19, The Crescent, Gateshead .........Sept.
7,1867
374 Thomson, John, Eston Mines, by Middlesbro'............April 7,1877
375 Thomson, Jos. F., Manvers Main Colliery, Rotherham ......Feb.
6, 1875
376 Tinn, J., C.E., Ashton Iron Rolling Mills, Bedminster, Bristol
... Sept. 7,1867
377 Tyson, Wm. John, Waterloo Terrace, Whitehaven .........Mar. 3,1877
378 Tvzack, D., c/o Mr. Donnison,7l, Westgate Road, Newcastle-on-Tyne Feb.
14, 1874
379 TrzACK, Wilfred, So. Medomsley Coll., Lintz Green, Newcastle ...
Oct. 7, 1876
3S0 Vivian, John, Diamond Boring Company, Whitehaven ......Mar.
3,1877
381 Wadham, E., C. and M.E., Millwood, Dalton-in-Furness ......Dec.
7,1867
382 Walker, J. S., Pagefield iron Works, Wigan, Lancashire ......Dec.
4,1869
383 Walker, W., Hawthorns, Saltburn-by-the-Sea .........Mar.
5,1870
384 Wallace, Henry, Trench Hall, Gateshead ............Nov. 2,1872
385 Ward, H., Rodbaston Hall, near Penkridge, Stafford.........Mar.
6,1862
386 Wardale, John D., Redhcugh Engine Works, Gateshead ......May 1,
1875
387 Waedell, S. O, Doe Hill House, Alfreton ............April 1,1865
388 Watson, M., Curzou Street, Maryport...............Mar. 7,1868
389 Weeks, J. G., Bedlington, R.S.O., Northumberland (Mem. of Council) Feb.
4,1865
390 Westmacott, P. G. B., Elswick Iron Works, Newcastle ......June
2,1866
391 White, H., South Hetton Colliery, Fence Houses .........
1866
392 White, J. F., M.E., Wakefield..................July 2,1872
393 White, J. W. H., Woodlesford, near Leeds ............Sept. 2,
1876
394 Whitehead, James, Brindle Lodge, near Preston, Lancashire ...
Dec. 4,1875
395 Whitelaw, John, 118, George Street, Edinburgh .........Feb. 5,
1870
396 Whittem, Thos. S., Wyken Colliery, near Coventry.........Dec. 5,
1874
397 Widdas, C, North Bitchburn Colliery, Howden, Darlington......Dec.
5,1868
398 Wight, W. H., Cowpen Colliery, Blyth...............Feb. 3,1877
399 Wild, J. G., Hedley Hope Collieries, Tow Law, by Darlington ...
Oct. 5, 1867
400 Williamson, John, Cannock &c, Collieries, Hednesford ......Nov.
2, 1872
401 Willis, J., 14, Portland Terrace, Newcastle (Vice-President) ...
Mar. 5,1857
402 Wilson, J. B., Wingfield Iron Works and Colliery, Alfreton......Nov.
5, 1852
403 Wilson, Robert, Flimby Colliery, Mai-yport............Aug. 1,1874
404 Wilson, W. B., Thornley House, Trimdon Grange .........Feb. 6,
1869
405 Winter, T. B., Grey Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne .........Oct.
7,1871
406 Wood, C. L., Freeland, Forgandenny, Perthshire .........
1853
407 Wood, Lindsay, The Hermitage, Chester-le-Street (Past President,
Member of Council)... ...... ,............Oct. 1, 1857
408 Wood, Thomas, Rainton House, Fence Houses .........Sept. 3,
1870
409 Wood, W. H., Coxhoe Hall, Coxhoe, Co. Durham (Member of Council)
1856
410 Wood, W. 0., South Hetton, Sunderland (Member of Council) ...
Nov. 7, 1863
411 Woolcock, Henry, St. Bees, Cumberland ...... ......Mar.
3, 1873
412 Wrightson, T., Stockton-on-Tees (Member of Council) ......Sept.
13, 1873
(xxviii)
Marked * are Life Members.
ELECTED.
1 Ackboyd, Wm., Morley Main Collieries, Morley, nr. Leeds ......Feb.
7,1880
2 Babbitt, C. II., New Seahatn, Sunderland ............Nov. 7, 1874
3 Bell, C. E., Park House, Durham ...............Dec. 3,1870
4 Binns, G. J., Government Inspector of Mines, Dunedin, New Zealand Aug.
7, 1886
5 Broja, Richard, Koeniglicher, Oberbergrath, 35, Friedricb Strasse,
Halle, a/s.........................Nov. 6,1880
6 Chaelton, Heney, Hawks, Crawshay & Sons, Gateshead-on-Tyne Dec. 9,
1882
7 Cboss, W. Assheton, Messrs. R. & W. Hawthorn, Newcastle-on-Tyne April
12,1881
8 Dacees, Thomas, Dearham Colliery, via Carlisle .........May
4,1878
9 Daties, John, Hartley House, Coundon, Bishop Auckland......April 10, 1886
10 Dees, J. Gibson, Floraville, Whitehaven ............Oct. 13,
1883
1i*Dixon, James S., 170, Hope Street, Glasgow............Aug. 3,1878
12 Ellis, W. R., F.G.S., Wigan ..................June 1,1878
13 Fobeest, B. J., Engineer in Charge, Colonia Ocampo, Gran Chaco,
Argentine Republic ... ... ... ... ...
... ... April 12,1884
14 Fobeest, J. C, Witley Coal Co., Limited, Halesowen, Birmingham... April
12,1884
15 Galloway, Wm., Mining Engineer, Cardiff ............ April 23, 1887
16 Geddes, Geobge H., 142 Princes Street, Edinburgh......... Oct. 1,
1881
17 Gilcheist, Thomas, Eltringham, Prudhoe-on-Tyne......... May 4,1878
18 Goudie, J. H., Ironwood, by Watersmeet, Michigan, U.S.A. ...
Sept. 7, 1878
19 Johnson, IL, Jun., Mining Offices, Trindle Road, Dudley, So. Staff. Feb.
10, 1883
20 Johnson, William, The Willows, Benton, near Newcastle-on-Tyne Dec.
9, 1882
21 Kellett, William, Wigan ..................June 1,1878
22 Knowles, I., Wigan ....................Oct. 13, 1883
23*Knowles, Robeet, Arncliffe, Cheetham Hill, Manchester ......April
10,1886
24 Lancaster, John, Auchinheath, Southfield and Fence Collieries,
Lesmahagow........................ Sept. 7, 1878
25 Laws, W. G., Town Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne............ Oct. 2,1880
26 Leach, C. C, Swan and Leach, Limited, 141, Briggate, Leeds ...
Mar. 7, 1874
27 Llewellin, David Moegan, F.G.S., Glanwern Offices, Pontypool ... May
14, 1881
28 Maetin, Tom Pattinson, Allhallows Colliery, Mealsgate, Carlisle ... Feb.
15, 1879
29 Oldham, G. H., Barrett Berhm, De Haap Goldfields, Transvaal,
South Africa .....................Aug. 5,1832
(xxix)
ELECTKn
30 Potts, Jos., Jun., North Cliff, Roker, Sunderland ......
...Dec. 6,1879
31*Pbioe, Edwabd G., Victoria, British Columbia............Feb. 7, 1880
32 Rhodes, C. E., Carr House, Rotherham ............Aug. 4, 1883
33 Rogees, William, 30, King Street, Wigan ............Nov. 2,1878
31 Russell, Robert, Coltne3S Iron Works, Newmains, N.B.......Aug. 3, 1878
35 Selby, Atheeton, Leigh, near Manchester ...... ......Oct.
13, 1883
36 Spencer, John W., Newburn, near Newcastle-on-Tyne ......May
4,1878
37 Stevens, James, M.E., Kaiping Mines, c/o H.B.M.'s Consulate,
Tientsin, North China ..................Feb. 14,1885
38 Towing, Walter, Messrs. Cross, Tetley, & Co., Bamfurlong, nr. Wigan Mar.
2, 1878
39 Vaety, Thomas, Skelton Park Mines, Skelton, R.S.O., Yorks ...
Feb. 12, 1887
40 Walkeb, Sydney Feebis, 196, Severn Road, Canton, Cardiff ...
Dec. 9, 1882
41 Walkee, William Edwabd, Lowthcr Street, Whitehaven......Nov. 19, 1881
42 Winstanley, Robt., M.E., 28, Deausgate, Manchester ......Sept.
7, 1878
Marked * are Life Members.
1 Agniel, S., Mines de Vicoigne (Nord), Nceux (P. de C), France ...
April23, 1887
2 Allan, John, Minas de Rio Zinto, Huelva, Spain .........Feb.
10,1883
3 Allison, J. J. C, Hedley Hill Colliery, Waterhouses, Durham ...
Feb. 13, 1886
4 Abmstbong, Henby, Pelaw House, Chester-le-Street ......April
14, 1883
5 Armstrong, J. H., St. Nicholas' Chambers, Newcastle-on-Tyne ...
Aug. 1, 1885
6 Armstrong, T. J., Hawthorn Terrace, Newcastle-on-Tyne......Feb. 10, 1883
7 Arnold, Thos., Mineral Surveyor, Castle Hill, Greenfields, Llanelly
Oct. 2, 1880
8 Atkinson, A. A., Westerton, Bishop Auckland .........Aug. 3,
1878
9 Atkinson, Fred., Maryport ..................Feb. 14, 1874
10 Audits, T., Mineral Traffic Manager, N.E. Railway, Newcastle-on-Tyne
Aug. 7,1880
11 Ayton, E. P., El Bote Mining Negociation, Zacatecas, Mexico ...
Feb. 5, 1876
12 Ayton, Henry, Cowpen Colliery, Blyth, Northumberland ......Mar. 6,
1875
13 Bailes, E. T., Wingate, Ferry hill ...............June 7,1879
14 Ball, Alfred F., 14, Landsdowne Terrace, Gosforth ...
... Dec. 11, 1886
15 Bell, Geo. Feed., 2, Belmont Crescent, Hillhead, Glasgow ... ...
Sept. 6, 1879
16*Bell, Thomas Hugh, Middlesbro'-on-Tees ............Dec. 11,1882
17 Bennett, Alfred H., Dean Lane Collieries, Bedminster, Bristol ...
April 10,1886
18 Berkley, Fbedebick, Murton Colliery, near Sunderland ......Dec.
11,1882
19 Berkley, R. W., Marley Hill, Whickham, R.S.O., Co. Durham ... Feb.
14, 1874
20 Bewick, T. B., Hebburn, Newcastle-on-Tyne....., ......Mar.
7,1874
21 Bird, W. J., Wingate, Co. Durham ......... ......Nov.
6,1875
(xxx)
ELECTED.
22 Blackett, W. C, Jun., Kimblesworth Colliery, Chester-le-Street ...
Nov. 4,1876
23 Boucheb, A. S., La Salada puerto Bertio, E de Antioguia, United
States of Colombia, S.A. ... ... ... ...
... ... Aug. 4,1883
24 Bbamwell, Hugh, Mining Offices, Marsden, South Shields......Oct. 4,
1879
25 Bbough, Thomas, Seaham Colliery, Sunderland ...
......Feb. 1, 1873
26 Brown, C. Gilpin, Hetton Colliery, Pence Houses .........Nov.
4,1876
27 Brown, M. Walton, 3, Summerhill Terrace, Newcastle-on-Tyne
(Member of Council) ................. Oct. 7,1871
28 Brown, Robert M., Norwood Colliery, via Darlington ...... April
10,1886
29 Bruce, John, Port Mulgrave, Hinderwell, R.S.O., Yorkshire ...
Peb. 14, 1874
30 Bulman, H. P., Broomside Colliery, near Durham ......... May 2,
1874
31 Bunning, C. Z., Warora Colliery, Central Provinces, India...... Dec.
6, 1873
32 Burdon, A. E., Hartford House, Cramlington, Northumberland ...
Peb. 10,1883
33 Cabrera, Fidel, c/o H. Kendall & Son, 12, Great Winchester Street,
London...........................Oct. 6,1877
34*Candler, T. E., P.G.S., Canton Club, Canton, China.........May 1,1875
35 Charlton, W. A. (of Tangyes Ltd.), 8, Richmond Terrace, Gateshead Nov.
6, 1880
36 Childe, Henry S., Mining Engineer, Wakefield .........Feb. 12,
1887
37 Clough, James, Willow Bridge, Choppington, Morpeth ......April 5,
1873
38 Cochrane, Ralph D., Hetton Colliery Offices, Fence Houses ...
June 1,1878
39 Cockson, Charles, Ince Coal and Cannel Co., Ince, Wigan......April 22,
1882
40 Cooper, R. W., Solicitor, Newcastle-on-Tyne............Sept. 4,1880
41 Cbawfobd, T. W., 32, Poultry, London, E.C.............Dec. 4,1875
42 Crone, F. E., Killingworth, Newcastle-on-Tyne .........Sept,
2,1876
43 Curry, W. Thos., Usworth Hall, Washington Station, R.S.O., Durham Sept.
4,1880
44 Dakees, W. R., Croxdale Colliery, Durham ............Oct. 14, 1882
45 Davison, Charles, Cornsay Colliery, near Esh, Durham ......Dec. 11,
1882
46 Denniston, Robekt B., 79, Princes Street, Dunedin, New Zealand... Dec.
11, 1886
47 Dodd, M., Letnington, Scotswood-on-Tyne ... ... ...
... Dec. 4,1875
48 Donkin, Wm., Warora Colliery, Wardha Coal State Railway, C. P., India
Sept. 2,1876
49 Douglas, A. S., Stanley Villa, near Crook, via Darlington ......June
1,1878
50 Douglas, John, Seghill Colliery, Dudley, Northumberland......April 22,
1882
51 Douglas, John, Jun., Seghill Colliery, Dudley, Northumberland ...
April22, 1882
52 Douglas, M. H., Marsden Colliery, South Shields .........Aug.
2,1879
53 Doyle, Patrick, C.E., P.M.S., F.L.S., M.R.A.S., F.G.S., M.S.I.,
Bengal E.I.R., Chord Line, Sitarampur, India ......... Mar. 1,1879
54 Du Pee, P. B., 13, Old El vet, Durham............... Oct. 9,1886
55 Dumas, Eugene Louis, Rue St. George, Paris ......... Dec. 11,
1886
56 Dunn, A. P., Poytiton, Stockport, Cheshire ............ June
2,1877
57 Duenpoed, H. St. John, Aldwarke Main Collieries, near Rotherham June
2, 1877
58 Edge, John H., Coalport Wire Rope and Chain Works, Shifnal, Salop Sept.
7, 1878
59 Edwards, F. H., Forth House, Bewick Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne ... June
11, 1887
60 Faieley, James, Craghead and Holmside Collieries, Chester-le-Street Aug.
7, 1880
61 Fareow, Joseph, Brotton Mines, Brotton, R.S.O..........Feb. 11,1882
(xxxi)
ELECTED.
62 Feeguson, D., Cadzow Colliery, Hamilton, N.B....... ...Dec.
8,1883
63 Fishes, Edward R., Nant Glas, Cross Hands, near Llanelly, So. Wales Aug.
2, 1881
64 Fletcher, W., Brigham Hill, ma Carlisle ............Oct. 13, 1883
65 Foestee, Thomas E., Lesbury, R.S.O., Northumberland ......Oct.
7,1876
66 Feyae, Mask, Denby Colliery, Derby...............Oct. 7,1876
67 Geeeaed, James, 19, King Street, Wigan ............Mar. 3,1873
68 Gilcheist, J. R., Durham Main Colliery, Durham .........Feb.
3,1877
69 Greener, Henry, South Pontop Colliery, Annfield Plain ......Dec.
11,1882
70 Greener, T. Y., Hucknall Torkard Collieries, near Nottingham ...
July 2,1872
71 Gresley, W. S., F.G.S., Assoc. Inst. C. E., Overseile, Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Oct. 5, 1878
72 Haddock, W. T., Jun., Ryhope Colliery, Sunderland.........Oct. 7,1876
73 Haggte, Peter Sinclair, Gateshead-on-Tyne .........April 14,
1883
74 Hallas, G. H., Wigan and Winston Coal Co., Limited, Prescot ...
Oct. 7, 1876
75 Halse, Edward, 15, Clarendon Road, Notting Hill, London, W. ... June
13, 1885
76 Hamilton, E., Rig Wood, Saltburn-by-the-Sea .........Nov.
1,1873
77 Haeeis, W. S., Kibblesworth, Gateshead-on-Tyne .........Peb.
14,1874
78 Hedley, E., Rainham Lodge, The Avenue, Beckenham, Kent ... Dec.
2, 1871
79 Hedley, Sept. H., East Gawber Colliery, Barnsley.........Feb. 15, 1879
80 Hedley, T. F. jun., Valuer, Sunderland ............April 23,
1887
81 Hendeeson, C. W. C, The Riding, Hexham............Dec. 11, 1882
82 Hendy, J. C. B., Stanton Iron Co's. Collieries, Pleasley, near Mans-
field, Notts.........................Sept. 2,1876
83 Heslop, Septimus, Asansol, E.I.R., Bengal, India .........Dec.
4,1880
84 Hill, William, Carterthome Colliery Offices, Witton-le-Wear ...
June 9,1883
85 Holme, James, McKenzie Block, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada ... June
12,1886
86 Hoopee, Feed. G., South Derwent Coll., Annfield Plain, Lintz Green Feb.
14, 1885
87 Humble, Joicey, Wire Rope Manufac, Byker Ropery, Newcastle ... Mar. 3,
1877
88 Humble, Robeet, Wire Rope Manufac., Byker Ropery, Newcastle... Sept.
2, 1876
89 Humble, Stephen, 5,Westminster Chambers,Victoria St., London, S.W. Oct.
6, 1877
90 Jefpcock, Chaeles E., Birley Collieries, Sheffield .........Feb. 10,
1883
91 Jepson, H., 42, South Street, Durham...............July 2,1872
92*Jobbing, Thos. E., Croft Villa, Blyth, Northumberland ......Oct.
7,1876
93 Johnson, F. D., Aykleyheads, Durham...............Feb. 10, 1883
94 Johnson, W., Abram Colliery, Wigan...............Feb. 14, 1874
95 Kirkup, Philip, Cornsay Colliery Office, Esh, near Durham ...
Mar. 2,1878
96 Ktrton, Hugh, Waldridge Colliery, Chester-le-Street ......April
7,1877
97 Laveeick, John Wales, Tow Law Colliery Office, Tow Law, R.S.O.,
Co. Durham........................Dec. 11,1882
98 Lee, John F., Castle Eden Colliery 5 County Durham.........June 13, 1885
99 Liddell, J. M., 3, Victoria Villas, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Mar.
6,1875
100 Liddell, John, Coal Owner, Newcastle-on-Tyne .........Dec. 11,1882
101 Lindsay, C. S., Usworth, via Washington, R.S.O., Co. Durham ...
Mar. 4, 1876
102 Lisle, J., Washington Colliery, County Durham .........July
2,1872
(xxxii)
EJECTED.
103 Liveing, E. H., 52, Queen Anne Street. Cavendish Square, London, W.
Sept. 1, 1877
104 Longbotham, R. H., Brynkinalt Colliery, Chirk, Wales ......Sept.
2, 1876
105 MacCabe, H. O., Russell Vale, Wollongong, New South Wales ...
Sept. 7, 1878
106 Mackinlay, T. B., West Pelton Colliery, Chester-le-Street......Nov.
1,1879
107 Maddison, Thos. R., The Knowle, Mirfield ............Mar. 3,1877
108 Makepeace, H. R., Evenwood, &c., Collieries, near Bishop Auckland
Mar. 3, 1877
109 Markham, G. E., Howlish Offices, Bishop Auckland.........Dec. 4,1875
110 Matthews, J., Messrs. R. & W. Hawthorn, Newcastle-on-Tyne ... April
11, 1885
111 McKinless, James, 1, Gore Street, Greenheys, Manchester......Oct.
9,1886
112*Merivale, W., Kirwee, Manikpur, Bhopal, Central India ......Mar.
5,1881
113 Miller, D. S., Cheadle, Staffordshire...............Nov. 7,1874
114*Miller, N., 31, Hyde Lane, Hyde, near Manchester.........Oct. 5, 1878
115 Moore, William, Upleatham Mines, Upleatham, R.S.O. .......Nov. 19,
1881
116 MoreinG, C. A., Suffolk House, Lawrence Pountney Hill, London, E.C.
Nov. 7, 1874
117 Morison, John, Newbattle Collieries, Dalkeith, N.B.
......Dec. 4,1880
118 Mulholland, M. L., Broomhill, Acklington, Northumberland ...
Dec. 11, 1886
119 Murton, Charles J., Jesmond Villas, Newcastle-on-Tyne......Mar. 6,
1880
120 Musgrate, Henry, Havercroft Main Colliery, Wakefield ......June 12,
1886
121 Nichol, Wir., Boldon Colliery, Newcastle-on-Tyne .........Oct. 9,
1886
122 Ornsby, R. E., Seaton Delaval Colliery, Northumberland...... Mar.
6,1875
123 Palmer, Henry, East Howie Colliery, near Ferryhill ......Nov.
2, 1878
124 Parsons, Hon. Charles Algernon, Elvaston Hall, Ryton-on-Tyne
(Member of Council).....................June 12, 1886
125 Peake, C. E., Eskell Chambers, Nottingham............Nov. 3,1877
126 Peake, R. O, Stoke Lodge, Bletchley, Bucks.............Feb. 7,1880
127 Pearson, George R., 10, Bensham Crescent, Gateshead ...
... Oct. 10,1885
128*Pease, Arthur, Darlington ..................Dec. 11,1882
129 Prest, J. J., Mining Offices, Marsden, South Shields.........May
1,1875
130 Prest, T., Bedlington Colliery, R.S.O., Northumberland .....June
14,1884
131 Price, S. R., Cottam Colliery, Barlbro, near Chesterfield
......Nov. 3,1877
132 Proctor, C. P., Shibden Hall Collieries, near Halifax, Yorkshire ...
Oct. 7, 1876
133 Proud, Joseph, South Hetton Colliery Offices, Sunderland......Oct.
14,1882
134 Rathbone, Edgar P., 2, Great George Street, Westminster, London Mar.
7, 1874
135 Ridley, Sir Matthew White, Bart., M.P., Blagdon, Northumberland Feb.
10,1883
136 Robinson, Frank, The Nunnery, Orrell Mount, Wigan ......Sept.
2,1876
137 Robson, T. O., Bensham Crescent, Gateshead-on-Tyne ...
... Sept. 11, 1875
138 Routledge, W. H., Cliffe House, Clowne, Chesterfield ......Oct.
7,1876
139*Saise, Walter, D. Sc. (Lond.), M. Inst. C.E., Manager E.I.R.
Collieries, Giridih, Bengal, India ...............Nov. 3,1877
140 Sawyer, A. R., Ass. R.S.M., Newcastle, Staffordshire
......Dec. 6,1873
141 Scureield, Geo. J., Hurworth-upon-Tees, Darlington ......Dec.
11,1882
142 Shipley, T., Woodland Colliery Office, Woodland, Butterknowle,
R.S.O., Co. Durham.....................Aug. 2,1884
(xxxiii)
ELECTED.
143 Simpson, F. L. G., Peases' West Collieries, Crook, by Darlington ...
Dec. 13, 1884
144 Smith, Eustace, Wire Rope Manufacturer and Shipbuilder, Newcastle June
11, 1887
145 Smith, Thos. Reader, M.E., Cambridge House, Drayton Place, Tarn-
worth Road, Croydon... ... ... ... ...
... ... Feb. 5, 1881
146 Snowball, Joseph, Seaton Burn House, Dudley, Northumberland... Feb.
10, 1883
147 Southern, E. O., Ashington Colliery, near Morpeth.........Dec. 5,
1874
148 Spence, R. F., Cramlington ..................Nov. 2, 1878
149 Stobart, F., Pensher House, Fence Houses ............Aug. 2.1873
150 Stobbs, Frank, 1, Queen Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne.........Oct.
1,1881
151 Stoker, Arthur P., Birtley, near Chester-le-Street.........Oct.
6,1877
152 Telford, W. H., Hartford Coll., Cramlington, R.S.O., Northumberland
Oct. 3, 1874
153 Thompson, Charles Lacy, Miltou Hall, Carlisle .........Feb. 10,
1883
154 Todd, John T., Hamsteels, near Durham ............Nov. 4,1876
155 Vitanoff, Geo. N, Sophia, Bulgaria...............April 22,1882
156 Wain, Wm. Holt, Podmore Hall Collieries'Newcastlo-under-Lyno... Feb.
12, 1887
157 Walters, Hargrave, Birley Collieries, near Sheffield
......June 4,1881
158 Walton, J. Coulthard, Writhlington Collieries, Radstock, via Bath Nov.
7, 1874 159* Ward, T. H., F.G.S., Assistant Manager, E.I.R. Collieries,
Giridi,
Bengal, India........................Aug. 7,1882
160 Wardle, Edward, Craghead Colliery, Chester-le-Street ......Feb.
5,1881
161 Watkyn-Thomas, W., M.E., Mineral Office. Cockermouth Castle ... Feb.
10,1883
162 Webster, H. Ingham, Morton House, Fence Houses ......April 14,
1883
163 Weeks, R. L., Willington, Co. Durham ............June 10,
1882
164 White, C. E., Hebburn Colliery, near Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Nov.
4, 1876
165 Wight, Edwd. S., c/o R. M. Wight, Askam-in-Purness, Lancashire Dec. 12,
1885
166 Wilson, J. D., Ouston House, Chester-le-Street .........Sept.
11, 1873
167 Wilson, John R., Swaithe, near Barnsley ...... .....June
9,1883
168 Wormald, C. F., Mayfield Villa, Saltwell, Gateshead-on-Tyne ...
Dec. 8. 1885
1 Anderson, R. S., Elsvvick Colliery, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......June
9, 1883
2 Barrass, M., Tudhoe Colliery, Spennymoor ............Dec. 10, 1883
3 Baumgartner. W. O., Nettlebed Vicarage. Henley-on-Thames ... Sept.
6,1879
4 Bird, Harry, Mexico .....................April 7,1877
5 Blakeley, A. B., Soothill Wood Colliery Co., Limited, near Batlcy...
Feb. 15, 1879
6 Brown, Westgarth P., Marsden Colliery, South Shields ... ...
Oct. 9, 1886
7 Chandley, Charles, Latchford, Warrington, Lancashire ... ...
Nov. 6,1880
8 Cole, Colltn, Broomfield, Newcastle-on-Tyne .........Oct. 18,
1882
9 Crawford, James Mill. Murton Colliery, near Sunderland ...
Dec. 11,1882
(xxxiv)
II.RCTKD.
10 Depledge, M. P., Satley Vicarage. Tow Law, R.S.O., Co. Durham ...
April 7, 1877
11 Evans, David L., Messrs. Dalziel & Evans, Cardiff.........May 4,1878
12 Ferens, Frederick J., Silksworth Colliery, Sunderland ...
... Dec. 4,1880
13 Forster, C. W., 6, Ellison Place, Newcastle-on-Tyne.........June 10,
1882
14 Fitters, Thomas, 97, Stanhope Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne ......Feb. 12,
1887
15 Gallwey, A. P., Ruby and Dunderburg Mining Co., Eureka,
Nevada, U.S.........................Oct. 2,1880
16 Gordon, Chas.........................May 5,1877
17 Greig, J., Eston Mines, Middlesbro'-on-Tees............Feb. 5,1881
18 Haggie, Douglas, Thorncliffe Iron Works, Sheffield.........April 14,
1883
19 Hare, Samuel, Brymbo Co., near Wrexham, North Wales......Aug. 2,1879
20 Harrison, R. W., Public Wharf, Leicester ............Mar. 3,1877
21 Hay, W., Jim., Nostell Colliery, Wakefield ............Dec.
10,1883
22 Heslop, Thomas, Storey Lodge Colliery, Cockfield, via Darlington...
Oct. 2,1880
23 Hill, Leonard, Newport Wire Mills, Middlesbro' ........Oct.
6,1877
24 Hooper, Edward, The Grange, Claines, Worcester ...... ..
June 4,1881
25 Howard, Walter, c/o F. W. Schwager, Coronel, Chili ......April
13,1878
26 Hudson, Joseph G. S., Albion Mines, Pictou County, Nova Scotia... Mar.
2, 1878
27 Hurst, Geo., Seaton Delaval Colliery, Northumberland ......April
14, 1883
28 Hutt, E. H., Medomsley, near Newcastle-on-Tyne .........Aug.
4,1883
29 Kayll, A. C, Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne ............Oct. 7,1876
30 Kirkhopse, E. G., 1, Edith Street, Consett, Co. Durham ......Aug.
3, 1878
31 Lishman, R. R., Celynen Colliery, Abercarne, via Newport, Mon. ...
June 9, 1883
32 McLaren, B., Heddon Coal and Fire Brick Co., Wylam-on-Tyne ... Dec.
10, 1883
33 McMurtrie, G. E. J., 42, Clough Road, Masbro', Rotherham ...
Aug. 2, 1884
34 Mitton, A. D., Houghton-le-Spring, Fence Houses ... ...
... June 9, 1883
35 Murray, W. C, Weed Park, Dipton, via Lintz Green Station ... Oct.
4, 1879
36 Nicholson, A. D., Eldon Colliery, Co. Durham .........June 13,
1885
37 Nicholson, J. H., Sandfield, West Boldon, East Boldon R.S.O.,
Co. Durham........................Oct. 1,1881
38 Oates, Robert J. W., E.I.R. Collieries, Giridi, Bengal, India ...
Feb. 10,1883
3D Pattison, Jos. W., Londonderry Offices, Seaham Harbour...... Feb. 15,
1879
40 Peart, A. W., 70, Caeharris, Dowlais, South Wales......... Nov. 4,
1876
41 Pease, J. F., Pierremont, Darlington............... June 9, 1883
42 Pike, Arnold, Furaebrook, Wareham, Dorsetshire ......... Feb.
5,1881
43 Potter, E. A., Cramlington House, Northumberland ... ......
Feb. 6,1875
(xxxv)
KI.1CT1D.
44 Pringle, H. A., Barrow Collieries, Barnsley, Yorkshire ...
... Oct. 2,1880
45 Pringle, Hy. Geo., Tanfield Lea Coll., Lintz Green Station, Newcastle
Dec. 4,1880
46 Redmaynb, R. A. S., Hetton Collieries, near Fence Houses......Dec. 13,
1884
47 Richardson, Ralph, Field House, West Rainton, Fence Houses ... June
9, 1883
48 Ridley, Wm., So. Tanfield Coll., Stanley, R S.O., Newcastle-on-Tyne
Dec. 11, 1882
49 Rutherford, R., So. Derwent Colliery, Annfield Plain, Lintz Green Feb.
14, 1885
50 Scarth, R, W., Cridling Stubbs, Knottingley............ Dec. 4,1875
51 Scott, Joseph Samuel, East Hetton Colliery, Coxhoe, Co. Durham Nov.
19, 1881
52 Scott, Walter, Cornsay Colliery, Lanchester............ Sept.
6,1879
53 Scott, Wm., Brancepeth Colliery Offices, Willington, Co. Durham ...
Mar. 4, 1876
54 Shute, Wm. Ashley, Westoe, South Shields............ April 11, 1885
55 Simpson, F. R., Hedgefield House, Blaydon-on-Tyne......... Aug.
4,1883
56 Smith, Thos., Leadgate, Co. Durham...... ......... Feb. 15,
1879
57 Smith, T. F., Jun., c/o Mr. Parry, Grocer and Draper, Littledean,
Newnham ........................ May 5,1877
58 Steavenson, C. H., Durham ...... ............ April 14,
1883
59 Stobart, H. T., Mill View Cottage, Southwick, Sunderland ...
Oct. 2, 1880
60 Sykes, Frank K., Esh Colliery, Durham ............ Feb. 13,
1886
61 Todner, W. J. S.........................Sept. 6,1879
62 Waugh, C. L., Ffalda Steam Coal Colliery, Garw Valley, nr. Bridgend
Nov. 19, 1881
63 Yeoman, Thomas, 1, Westfield Terrace, Loftus-in-Cleveland
... Feb. 14, 1885
1 Ashington Colliery, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
2 Birtley Iron Company, Birtley.
3 Haswell Colliery, Fence Houses.
4 Hetton Collieries, Fence Houses.
5 Lambton Collieries, Fence Houses.
6 Londonderry"iCollieries, Seaham Harbour.
7 Marquess of Bute.
8 North Hetton Colliery. Fence Houses.
9 Ryhope Colliery, near Sunderland.
10 Seghill Colliery, Northumberland.
11 South Hetton and Murton Collieries.
12 Stella Colliery, Hedgefield, Blaydon-on-Tyne.
13 Throckley Colliery, Nevvcastle-on-Tyne.
14 Victoria Graresfield Colliery, Lintz Green.
15 Wearmouth Colliery, Sunderland.
CHARTER
or
THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
iusiitef* 0f Ipttituj Htiir ^ttfpmml fegitum
FOUNDED 1852. INCORPORATED NOVEMBER 28th, 1876.
^kf0HHt by the Grace of God> of tne United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, to all to whom
THESE PEESENTS SHALL COME, GREETING :
Whereas it has been represented to us that Nicholas Wood, of Hetton, in the
County of Durham, Esquire (since deceased); Thomas Emerson Forster, of
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Esquire (since deceased); Sir George Elliot, Baronet
(then George Elliot, Esquire), of Houghton Hall, in the said County of
Durham, and Edward Fenwick Boyd, of Moor House, in the said County of
Durham, Esquire, and others of our loving subjects, did, in the year one
thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, form themselves into a Society, which
is known by the name of The Nokth of England Institute op Mining and
Mechanical Engineers, having for its objects the Prevention of Accidents in
Mines and the Advancement of the Sciences of Mining and Engineering
generally, of which Society Lindsay Wood, of Southill, Chester-le-Street, in
the County of Durham, Esquire, is the present President. And whereas it has
been further represented to us that the Society was not constituted for
gain, and that neither its projectors nor Members derive nor have derived
pecuniary profit from its prosperity; that it has during its existence of a
period of nearly a quarter of a century steadily devoted itself to the
preservation of human life and the safer development of mineral property;
that it has contributed substantially and beneficially to the prosperity of
the country and the welfare and happiness of the working members of the
community; that the Society has since its establishment diligently pursued
its aforesaid objects, and in so doing has made costly experiments
(xxxviii)
and researches with a view to the saving of life by improvements in the
ventilation of mines, by ascertaining the conditions under which the safety
lamp may be relied on for security j that the experiments conducted by the
Society have related to accidents in mines of every description, and have
not been limited to those proceeding from explosions; that the various modes
of getting coal, whether by mechanical appliances or otherwise, have
received careful and continuous attention, while the improvements in the
mode of working and hauling belowground, the machinery employed for
preventing the disastrous falls of roof underground, and tne prevention of
spontaneous combustion in seams of coal as well as in cargoes, and the
providing additional security for the miners in ascending and descending the
pits, the improvements in the cages used for this purpose, and in the
safeguards against what is technically known as "overwinding," have been
most successful in lessening the dangers of mining, and in preserving human
life ; that the Society has held meetings at stated periods, at which the
results of the said experiments and researches have been considered and
discussed, and has published a series of Transactions filling many volumes,
and forming in itself a highly valuable Library of scientific reference, by
which the same have been made known to the public, and has formed a Library
of Scientific Works and Collections of Models and Apparatus, and that
distinguished persons in foreign countries have availed themselves of the
facilities afforded by the Society for communicating important scientific
and practical discoveries, and thus a useful interchange of valuable
information has been effected; that in particular, with regard to
ventilation, the experiments and researches of the Society, which have
involved much pecuniary outlay and personal labour, and the
details of which are recorded in the successive volumes of the Society's
Transactions, have led to large and important advances in the practical
knowledge of that subject, and that the Society's researches have tended
largely to increase the security of life; that the Members of the Society
exceed 800 in number, and include a large proportion of the leading Mining
Engineers in the United Kingdom. And whereas in order to secure the
property of the Society, and to extend its useful operations, and to give it
a more permanent establishment among the Scientific Institutions of our
Kingdom, we have been besought to grant to the said Lindsay Wood, and other
the present Members of the Society, and to those who shall hereafter become
Members thereof, our Royal Charter of Incorporation. Now know ye that we,
being desirous of encouraging a design so laudable and salutary of our
special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, have willed granted, and
declared, and
(xxxix)
do, by these presents, for us, our heirs, and successors, will, grant, and
declare, that the said Lindsay Wood, and such others of our loving subjects
as are now Members of the said Society, and such others as shall from time
to time hereafter become Members thereof, according to such Bye-laws as
shall be made as hereinafter mentioned, and their successors, shall for ever
hereafter be, by virtue of these presents, one body, politic and corporate,
by the name of "The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical
Engineers," and by the name aforesaid shall have perpetual succession and a
Common Seal, with full power and authority to alter, vary, break, and renew
the same at their discretion, and by the same name to sue and be sued,
implead and be impleaded, answer and be answered unto, in every Court of us,
our heirs and successors, and be for ever able and capable in the law to
purchase, acquire, receive, possess, hold, and enjoy to them and their
successors any goods and chattels whatsoever, and also be able and capable
in the law (notwithstanding the statutes and mortmain) to purchase, acquire,
possess, hold and enjoy to them and their successors a hall or house, and
any such other lands, tenements, or hereditaments whatsoever, as they may
deem requisite for the purposes of the Society, the yearly value of which,
including the site of the said hall or house, shall not exceed in the whole
the sum of three thousand pounds, computing the same respectfully at the
rack rent which might have been had or gotten for the same respectfully at
the time of the purchase or acquisition thereof. And we do hereby grant our
especial licence and authority unto all and every person and persons and
bodies politic and corporate, otherwise competent, to grant, sell, alien,
convey or devise in mortmain unto and to the use of the said Society and
their successors, any lands, tenements, or hereditaments not exceeding with
the lands, tenements or hereditaments so purchased or previously acquired
such annual value as aforesaid, and also any moneys, stocks, securities, and
other personal estate to be laid out and disposed of in the purchase of any
lands, tenements, or hereditaments not exceeding the like annual value. And
we further will, grant, and declare, that the said Society shall have full
power and authority, from time to time, to sell, grant, demise, exchange and
dispose of absolutely, or by way of mortgage, or otherwise, any of the
lands, tenements, hereditaments and possessions, wherein they have any
estate or interest, or which they shaU acquire as aforesaid, but that no
sale, mortgage, or other disposition of any lands, tenements, or
hereditaments of the Society shall be made, except with the approbation and
concurrence of a General Meeting. And our will and pleasure is, and we
further grant and declare that for the better rule
(xl)
and government of the Society, and the direction and management of the
concerns thereof, there shall be a Council of the Society, to be appointed
from among the Members thereof, and to include the President and the
Vice-Presidents, and such other office-bearers or past office-bearers as may
be directed by such Bye-laws as hereinafter mentioned, but so that the
Council, including all ex-officio Members thereof, shall consist of not more
than forty or less than twelve Members, and that the Vice-Presidents shall
be not more than six or less than two in number. And we do hereby further
will and declare that the said Lindsay Wood shall be the first President of
the Society, and the persons now being the Vice-Presidents, and the
Treasurer and Secretary, shall be the first Vice-Presidents, and the first
Treasurer and Secretary, and the persons now being the Members of the
Council shall be the first Members of the Council of the Society, and that
they respectfully shall continue such until the first election shall be made
at a General Meeting in pursuance of these presents. And we do hereby
further will and declare that, subject to the powers by these presents
vested in the General Meetings of the Society, the Council shall have the
management of the Society, and of the income and property thereof, including
the appointment of officers and servants, the definition of their duties,
and the removal of any of such officers and servants, and generally may do
all such acts and deeds as they shall deem necessary or fitting to be done,
in order to carry into full operation and effect the objects and purposes of
the Society, but so always that the same be not inconsistent with, or
repugnant to, any of the provisions of this our Charter, or the Laws of our
Realm, or any Bye-law of the Society in force for the time being. And we
do further will and declare that at any General Meeting of the Society, it
shall be lawful for the Society, subject as hereinafter mentioned, to make
such Bye-laws as to them shall seem necessary or proper for the regulation
and good government of the Society, and of the Members and affairs thereof,
and generally for carrying the objects of the Society into full and complete
effect, and particularly (and without its being intended hereby to prejudice
the foregoing generality), to make Bye-laws for all or any of the purposes
hereinafter mentioned, that is to say: for fixing the number of
Vice-Presidents, and the number of Members of which the Council shall
consist, and the manner of electing the President and Vice-Presidents, and
other Members of the Council, and the period of their continuance in office,
and the manner and time of supplying any vacancy therein; and for regulating
the times at which General Meetings of the Society and Meetings of the
Council shall be held, and for convening the same and regulating the
proceedings thereat, and
(xli)
for regulating the manner of admitting persons to be Members of the Society,
and of removing or expelling Members from the Society, and for imposing
reasonable fines or penalties for non-performance of any such Bye-laws, or
for disobedience thereto, and from time to time to annul, alter, or change
any such Bye-laws so always that all Bye-laws to be made as aforesaid be not
repugnant to these presents, or to any of the laws of our Eealm. And we do
further will and declare that the present Rules and Regulations of the
Society, so far as they are not inconsistent with these presents, shall
continue in force, and be deemed the Bye-laws of the Society until the same
shall be altered by a General Meeting, provided always that the present
Rules and Regulations of the Society and any future Bye-laws of the Society
so to be made as aforesaid shall have no force or effect whatsoever until
the same shall have been approved in writing by our Secretary of State for
the Home Department. In witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to
be made Patent.
Witness Ourself at our Palace, at Westminster, this 28th day of November, in
the fortieth year of our reign.
By Her Majesty's Command.
CARDEW.
THE NOKTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
OF
MINING AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. BYE-LAWS
PASSED AT A GENERAL MEETING ON THE 16th JUNE. 1877.
1.—The members of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical
Engineers shall consist of four classes, viz.:—Original Members, Ordinary
Members, Associate Members, and Honorary Members, with a class of Students
attached.
2.—Original Members shall be those who were Ordinary Members on the 1st of
August, 1877.
3.—Ordinary Members.—Every candidate for admission into the class of
Ordinary Members, or for transfer into that class, shall come within the
following conditions :—He shall be more than twenty-eight years of age, have
been regularly educated as a Mining or Mechanical Engineer, or in some other
recognised branch of Engineering, according to the usual routine of
pupilage, and have had subsequent employment for at least five years in some
responsible situation as an Engineer, or if he has not undergone the usual
routine of pupilage, he must have .practised on his own account in the
profession of an Engineer for at least five years, and have acquired a
considerable degree of eminence in the same.
4.—Associate Members shall be persons practising as Mining or Mechanical
Engineers, or in some other recognised branch of Engineering, and other
persons connected with or interested in Mining or Engineering.
5.—Honorary Members shall be persons who have distinguished themselves by
their literary or scientific attainments, or who have made important
communications to the Society.
6.—Students shall be persons who are qualifying themselves for the
profession of Mining or Mechanical Engineering, or some other of the
recognised branches of Engineering, and such persons may continue Students
until they attain the age of twenty-three years.
(xliv)
7.—The annual subscription of each Original Member, and of each Ordinary
Member who was a Student 011 the 1st of August, 1877, shall be £2 2s., of
each Ordinary Member (except as last mentioned) £3 3s., of each Associate
Member £2 2s., and of each Student £1 Is., payable in advance, and shall be
considered due on election, and afterwards on the first Saturday in August
of each year.
8.—Any Member may, at any time, compound for ail future subscriptions by a
payment of £25, where the annual subscription is £3 3s., and by a payment of
£20 where the annual subscription is £2 2s. All persons so compounding shall
be Original, Ordinary, or Associate Members for life, as the case may be ;
but any Associate Member for life who may afterwards desire to become an
Ordinary Member for life, may do so, after being elected in the manner
described in Bye-law 13, and on payment of the further sum of £5.
9.—Owners of Collieries, Engineers, Manufacturers, and Employers of labour
generally, may subscribe annually to the funds of the Institute, and each
such subscriber of £2 2s. annually shall be entitled to a ticket to admit
two persons to the rooms, library, meetings, lectures, and public
proceedings of the Society; and for every additional £2 2s., subscribed
annually, two other persons shall be admissible up to the number of ten
persons; and each such Subscriber shall also be entitled for each £2 2s.
subscription to have a copy of the Proceedings of the Institute sent to him.
10.—In case any Member, who has been long distinguished in his professional
career, becomes unable, from ill-health, advanced age, or other sufficient
cause, to carry on a lucrative practice, the Council may, on the report of a
Sub-Committee appointed for that purpose, if they find good reason for the
remission of the annual subscription, so remit it. They may also remit any
arrears which are due from a member, or they may accept from him a
collection of books, or drawings, or models, or other contributions, in lieu
of the composition mentioned in Bye-law 8, and may thereupon constitute him
a Life Member, or permit him to resume his former rank in the Institute.
11.—Persons desirous of becoming Ordinary Members shall be proposed and
recommended, according to the Form A in the Appendix, in which form the
name, usual residence, and qualifications of the candidate shall be
distinctly specified. This form must be signed by the proposer and at least
five other Members certifying a personal knowledge of the candidate. The
proposal so made being delivered to the Secretary, shall be submitted to the
Council, who on approving the qualifications shall determine if the
candidate is to be presented for ballot, and if it is so deter-
(xlv)
mined, the Chairman of the Council shall sign such approbation. The same
shall be read at the next Ordinary General Meeting, and afterwards be placed
in some conspicuous situation until the following Ordinary General Meeting,
when the candidate shall be balloted for.
12.—Persons desirous of being admitted into the Institute as Associate
Members, or Students, shall be proposed by three Members; Honorary Members
shall be proposed by at least five Members, and shall in addition be
recommended by the Council, who shall also have the power of defining the
time during which, and the circumstances under which, they shall be Honorary
Members. The nomination shall be in writing, and signed by the proposers
(according to the Form B in the Appendix), and shall be submitted to the
first Ordinary General Meeting after the date thereof. The name of the
person proposed shall be exhibited in the Society's room until the next
Ordinary General Meeting, when the candidate shall be balloted for.
18.—Associate Members or Students, desirous of becoming Ordinary Members,
shall be proposed and recommended according to the Form C in the Appendix,
in which form the name, usual residence, and qualifications of the candidate
shall be distinctly specified. This form must certify a personal knowledge
of the candidate, and be signed by the proposer and at least two other
Members, and the proposal shall then be treated in the manner described in
Bye-law 11. Students may become Associate Members at any time after
attaining the age of twenty-three on payment of an Associate Member's
subscription.
14.—The balloting shall be conducted in the following manner :— Each Member
attending the Meeting at which a ballot is to take place shall be supplied
(on demand) with a list of the names of the persons to be balloted for,
according to the Form D in the Appendix, and shall strike out the names of
such candidates as he desires shall not be elected, and return the list to
the scrutineers appointed by the presiding Chairman for the purpose, and
such scrutineers shall examine the lists so returned, and inform the meeting
what elections have been made. No candidate shall be elected unless he
secures the votes of two-thirds of the Members voting.
J 5.-vNotice of election shall be sent to every person within one week after
his election, according to the Form E in the Appendix, enclosing at the same
time a copy of Form F, which shall be returned by the person elected,
signed, and accompanied with the amount of his annual subscription, or life
composition, within two months from the date of such election, which
otherwise should become void.
(xlvi)
16.—Every Ordinary Member elected having signed a declaration in the Form F,
and having likewise made the proper payment, shall receive a certificate of
his election.
17.—Any person whose subscription is two years in arrear shall be reported
to the Council, who shall direct application to be made for it, according to
the Form G in the Appendix, and in the event of its continuing one month in
arrear after such application, the Council shall have the power, after
remonstrance by letter, according to the Form H in the Appendix, of
declaring that the defaulter has ceased to be a member.
18.—In case the expulsion of any person shall be judged expedient by ten or
more Members, and they think fit to draw up and sign a proposal requiring
such expulsion, the same being delivered to the Secretary, shall be by him
laid before the Council for consideration. If the Council, after due
inquiry, do not find reason to concur in the proposal, no entry thereof
shall be made in any minutes, nor shall any public discussion thereon be
permitted, unless by requisition signed by one-half the Members of the
Institute ; but if the Council do find good reason for the proposed
expulsion, they shall direct the Secretary to address a letter, according to
the Form I in the Appendix, to the person proposed to be expelled, advising
him to withdraw from the Institute. If that advice be followed, no entry on
the minutes nor any public discussion on the subject shall be permitted ;
but if that advice be not followed, nor an explanation given which is
satisfactory to the Council, they shall call a General Meeting for the
purpose of deciding on the question of expulsion ,• and if a majority of the
persons present at such Meeting (provided the number so present be not less
than forty) vote that such person be expelled, the Chairman of that Meeting
shall declare the same accordingly, and the Secretary shall communicate the
same to the person, according to the Form J in the Appendix.
19.—The Officers of the Institute, other than the Treasure: and the
Secretary, shall be elected from the Original, Ordinary and Associate
Members, and shall consist of a President, six Vice-Presidents, and eighteen
Councillors, who, with the Treasurer and the Secretary (if Members of the
Institute) shall constitute the Council. The President, Vice-Presidents, and
Councillors shall be elected at the Annual Meeting in August (except in
cases of vacancies) and shall be eligible for re-election, with the
exception of any President or Vice-President who may have held office for
the three immediately preceding years, and such six Councillors as may have
attended the fewest Council Meetings during the past
(xlvii)
year; but such Members shall be eligible for re-election after being one
year out of office.
20.—The Treasurer and the Secretary shall be appointed by the Council, and
shall be removable by the Council, subject to appeal to a General Meeting.
One and the same person may hold both these offices.
21.—Each Original, Ordinary, and Associate Member shall be at liberty to
nominate in writing, and send to the Secretary not less than eight days
prior to the Ordinary General Meeting in June, a list, duly signed, of
Members suitable to fill the offices of President, Vice-Presidents, and
Members of Council, for the ensuing year. The Council shall prepare a list
of the persons so nominated, together with the names of the Officers for the
current year eligible for re-election, and of such other Members as they
deem suitable for the various offices. Such list shall comprise the names of
not less than thirty. The list so prepared by the Council shall be submitted
to the General Meeting in June, and shall be the balloting list for the
annual election in August. (See Form K in the Appendix.) A copy of this list
shall be posted at least seven days previous to the Annual Meeting, to every
Original, Ordinary, and Associate Member; who may erase any name or names
from the list, and substitute the name or names of any other person or
persons eligible for each respective office; but the number of persons on
the list, after such erasure or substitution, must not exceed the number to
be elected to the respective offices. Papers which do not accord with these
directions shall be rejected by the scrutineers. The Votes for any Members
who may not be elected President or Vice-Presidents shall count for them as
Members of the Council. The Chairman shall appoint four scrutineers, who
shall receive the balloting papers, and, after making the necessary
scrutiny, destroy the same, and sign and hand to the Chairman a list of the
elected Officers. The balloting papers may be returned through the post,
addressed to the Secretary, or be handed to him, or to the Chairman of the
Meeting, so as to be received before the appointment of the scrutineers for
the election of Officers.
22.—In case of the decease or resignation of any Officer or Officers, the
Council, if they deem it requisite that the vacancy shall be filled up,
shall present to the next Ordinary General Meeting a list of persons whom
they nominate as suitable for the vacant offices, and a new Officer or
Officers shall be elected at the succeeding Ordinary General Meeting.
23.—The President shall take the chair at all meetings of the Institute, the
Council, and Committees, at which he is present (he being ex-offwio a member
of all), and shall regulate and keep order in the proceedings.
(xlviii)
24.—In the absence of the President, it shall be the duty of the senior
Vice-President present to preside at the meetings of the Institute, to keep
order, and to regulate the proceedings. In case of the absence of the
President and of all the Vice-Presidents, the meeting may elect any Member
of Council, or in case of their absence, any Member present, to take the
chair at the meeting.
25.—The Council may appoint Committees for the purpose of transacting any
particular business, or of investigating specific subjects connected with
the objects of the Institute. Such Committees shall report to the Council,
who shall act thereon as they see occasion.
26.—The Treasurer and the Secretary shall act under the direction and
control of the Council, by which body their duties shall from time to time
be defined.
27.—The Funds of the Society shall be deposited in the hands of the
Treasurer, and shall be disbursed or invested by him according to the
direction of the Council.
28.—The Copyright of all papers communicated to, and accepted for printing
by the Council, and printed within twelve months, shall become vested in the
Institute, and such communications shall not be published for sale or
otherwise, without the written permission of the Council.
29.—An Ordinary General Meeting shall be held on the first Saturday of every
month (except January and July) at two o'clock, unless otherwise determined
by the Council; and the Ordinary General Meeting in the month of August
shall be the Annual Meeting, at which a report of the proceedings, and an
abstract of the accounts of the previous year, shall be presented by the
Council. A Special General Meeting shall be called whenever the Council may
think fit, and also on a requisition to the Council, signed by ten or more
Members. The business of a Special Meeting shall be confined to that
specified in the notice convening it.
30.—At meetings of the Council, five shall be a quorum. The minutes of the
Council's proceedings shall be at all times open to the inspection of the
Members.
31.—All Past-Presidents shall be ex-officio Members of the Council so long
as they continue Members of the Institute, and Vice-Presidents who have not
been re-elected or have become ineligible from having held office for three
consecutive years, shall be ex-officio Members of the Council for the
following year.
32.—Every question, not otherwise provided for, which shall come before any
Meeting, shall be decided by the votes of the majority of the Original,
Ordinary, and Associate Members then present.
(xlix)
33-—All papers shall be sent lor the approval of the Council at least twelve
days before a General Meeting, and after approval, shall be read before the
Institute. The Council shall also direct whether any paper read before the
Institute shall be printed in the Transactions, and notice shall be given to
the writer within one month after it has been read, whether it is to be
printed or not.
34.—All proofs of reports of discussions, forwarded to Members for
correction, must be returned to the Secretary within seven days from the
date of their receipt, otherwise they will be considered correct and be
printed off.
35.—The Institute is not, as a body, responsible for the statements and
opinions advanced in the papers which may be read, nor in the discussions
which may take place at the meetings of the Institute.
36.—Twelve copies of each paper printed by the Institute shall be presented
to the author for private use.
37.—Members elected at any meeting between the Annual Meetings shall be
entitled to all papers issued in that year, so soon as they have signed and
returned Form F, and paid their subscriptions.
38.—The Transactions of the Institute shall not be forwarded to Members
whose subscriptions are more than one year in arrear.
39.—No duplicate copies of any portion of the Transactions shall be issued
to any of the Members unless by written order from the Council.
40.—Invitations shall be forwarded to any person whose presence at the
discussions the Council may think advisable, and strangers so invited shall
be permitted to take part in the proceedings but not to vote. Any Member of
the Institute shall also have power to introduce two strangers (see Form L)
to any General Meeting, but they shall not take part in the proceedings
except by permission of the Meeting.
41.—No alteration shall be made in the Bye-laws of the Institute, except at
the Annual Meeting, or at a Special Meeting for that purpose, and the
particulars of every such alteration shall be announced at a previous
Ordinary Meeting, and inserted in its minutes, and shall be exhibited in the
room of the Institute fourteen days previous to such Annual or Special
Meeting, and such Meeting shall have power to adopt any modification of such
proposed alteration of the Bye-laws.
Approved,
R. ASSHETON CROSS.
Whitehall,
2nd July, 1877.
(1)
APPENDIX TO THE BYE-LAWS.
[FORM A.]
A. B. [Christian Name, Surname, Occupation, and Address in full], being
upwards of twenty-eight years of age, and desirous of being elected an
Ordinary Member of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical
Engineers, I recommend him from personal knowledge as a person in every
respect worthy of that distinction, because—
[Sere specify distinctly the qualifications of tie Candidate, according to
the spirit
of Bye-law 3.~\
On the above grounds, I beg leave to propose him to the Council as a proper
person to be admitted an Ordinary Member.
Signed-----------------------------------------Member.
Dated this day of 18
We, the undersigned, concur in the above recommendation, being convinced
that A. B. is in every respect a proper person to be admitted an ordinary
Member.
FROM PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE.
f Five - - ? Members.
[To be filled up by the Council.]
The Council, having considered the above recommendation, present A. B. to be
balloted for as a of the North of England Institute
of Mining and Mechanical Engineers.
Signed_____________________ Chairman.
Dated this day of j3
di)
[FORM B.]
A. B. [Christian Name, Surname, Occupation, and Address in full], being
desirous of admission into the North of England Institute of Mining and
Mechanical Engineers, we, the undersigned, propose and recommend that he
shall become [an Honorary Member, or an Associate Member, or a Student]
thereof.
! Three* Members.
* If an Honorary Member, five signatures are necessary, and the following
Form must be filled in by the Council.
Dated this day of 18
[To be filled up by the Council.]
The Council, having considered the above recommendation, present A. B. to be
balloted for as an Honorary Member of the North of England Institute of
Mining and Mechanical Engineers.
Signed ._______________________Chairman.
Dated day of 18
[FORM C] A. B. [Christian Name, Surname, Occupation, and Address in full],
being at present a of the North of England Institute of Mining
and Mechanical Engineers, and upwards of twenty-eight years of age, and
being desirous of becoming an Ordinary Member of the said Institute, I
recommend him, from personal knowledge, as a person in every respect worthy
of that distinction, because—¦
[Sere specify distinctly the Qualifications of the Candidate according to
the spirit
of Bye-law 3. J
On the above grounds, I beg leave to propose him to the Council as a proper
person to be admitted an Ordinary Member.
Signed____________________Member.
Dated this day of 18
We, the urn1 :rsigned, concur in the above recommendation, being
(lii)
convinced that A. B. is in every respect a proper person to be admitted an
Ordinary Member.
FKOAl PKKSONAIi KNOWLEDGE.
-----------------------------—-----------I Two
j Members.
[To be filled up by the Council.']
The Council, having considered the above recommendation, t present A. B. to
be balloted for as an Ordinary Member of the North of England Institute of
Mining and Mechanical Engineers.
Signed----------------------------------Chairman.
Dated day of 18
[FOKM D.]
List of the names of persons to be balloted for at the Meeting on , the
day of 18
Ordinary Members:—
Associate Members:— Honorary Members:—
Students :—
Strike out the names of such persons as you desire should not be fleeted,
and hand the list to the Chairman.
[FOKM E.]
Sir,—I beg leave to inform you that on the day of
you were elected a of the North of England Institute of
Mining and Mechanical Engineers, but in conformity with its Rules your
election cannot be confirmed until the enclosed form be returned to me
(liii)
with your signature, and until your first annual subscription be paid, the
amount of which is £ , or, at your option, the
life-composition
of£
If the subscription is not received within two months from ihe present date,
the election will become void under Bye-law 15.
I am, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
Secretary. Dated 18
[FORM P.]
I, the undersigned, being elected a of the
North
of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, do hereby agree
that I will be governed by the Charter and Bye-laws of the said Institute
for the time being; and that 1 will advance the objects of the Institute as
far as shall be in my power, and will not aid in any unauthorised
publication of the proceedings, and will attend the meetings thereof as
often as I conveniently can; provided that whenever I shall signify in
writing to the Secretary that I am desirous of withdrawing my name
therefrom, I shall (after the payment of any arrears which may be due by me
at that period) cease to be a Member.
Witness my hand this day of 18
[FORM G.]
Sir,—I am directed by the Council of the North of England Institute of
Mining and Mechanical Engineers to draw your attention to Bye-law 17, and to
remind you that the sum of £ of your annua; subscriptions
to the funds of the Institute remains unpaid, and that you are in
consequence in arrear of subscription. I am also directed to request that
you will cause the same to be paid without further delay, otherwise the
Council will be under the necessity of exercising their discretion as to
using the power vested in them by the Article above referred to.
I am, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
Secretary
Dated 18
(liv)
[F0J4M II.J
gIR)—J am directed by the Council of the North of England Institute of
Mining and Mechanical Engineers to inform you, that in consequence of
non-payment of your arrears of subscription, and in pursuance of Bye-law 17,
the Council have determined that unless payment of the amount £ is
made previous to the day of
next, they will proceed to declare that you have ceased to be a Member of
the Institute.
But, notwithstanding this declaration, you will remain liable for payment of
the arrears due from you.
I am, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
Secretary.
Dated 18
[FORM I.J
Sir,—I am directed by the Council of the North of England Institute of
Mining and Mechanical Engineers to inform you that, upon mature
consideration of a proposal which has been laid before them relative to you,
they feel it their duty to advise you to withdraw from the Institute, or
otherwise they will be obliged to act in accordance with Bye-law 18.
I am, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
Secretary.
Dated 18
[FOEM J.]
Sir,—It is my duty to inform you that, under a resolution passed at a
Special General Meeting of the North of England Institute of Mining and
Mechanical Engineers, held on the day
of
18 , according to the provisions of Bye-law 18 you have ceased to be a
Member of the Institute.
I am, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
Secretary,
(Iv)
[FORM K.] BALLOTING LIST.
Ballot to take place at the Meeting of 18 at Two
o'Clocfc.
Piiesident—Ojve Name only to be returned, or the vote will be lost.
----------- President for the current year eligible for re-election,
________> New Nominations.
Vice-Pbesideh-ts—Six Names only to be returned, or the vote will be lost.
The Votes for any Members who may not be elected as President or
Vice-Presidents will count for them as other Members of the Council.
} Vice-Presidents for the current year eligible for reelection.
> New Nominations.
--------j
Council—Eighteen Names only to be returned, or the vote will be lost.
--------1
-----------{Members of the Council for the current year eligible for
-----------' re-election.
-------------J
_____,-
^ZZHZ. r -^ew Nominations.
Extract from Bye-law 21.
Each Original, Ordinary, and Associate Member shall be at liberty to
nominate in writing, and send to the Secretary riot less than eight days
prior to the Ordinary General Meeting in June, a list, duly signed, of
Members suitable to fill the Offices of President, Vice-Presidents, and
Members of Council, for the ensuing year. The Council shall prepare a list
of the persons so nominated, together with the names of the Officers for the
current ye;ir eligible for re-election, and of such other Members as they
deem suitable fo;' the various offices. Such list shall comprise the names
of not less than thirty. The list so prepared by the Council shall be
submitted to the General Meeting lu June, and shall be the balloting list
for the annual election in August, (bee l'"na K in the Appendix) A copy of
this list shall te posted at least s*-»en <U*v»
(lvi)
previous to the Annual Meeting, to every Original, Ordinary, and Associate
Member; who may erase any name or names from the list, and substitute the
name or names of any other person or persons eligible for each respective
office ; but the number of persons on the list,after such erasure or
substitution, must not exceed the number to be elected to the respective
offices. Papers which do not accord with these directions shall be rejected
by the i-crutineers. The votes for any Members who may not be elected
President or Vice-Presidents shall count for them as Members of the Council.
The Chairman shall appoint four Scrutineers, who shall receive the balloting
papers, and after making the necessary scrutiny destroy the same, and sign
and hand to the Chairman a list of the elected Officers, The balloting
papers may be returned through the post, addressed to the Secretary, or be
handed to him, or to the Chairman of the Meeting, so as to be received
before the appointment of the Scrutineers for the election of Officers.
Names substituted for any of the above are to be written in the blank spaces
opposite those they are intended to supersede.
The following Members are ineligible from causes specified in Bye-law 19:—
AS PRESIDENT________________________________________________________
As Vice-President____________________________________
AS COTTNCILIiOBS____________________________________________________
[FORM L.]
Admit of
to the Meeting on Saturday, the (Signature of Member or Student)
The Chair to be taken at Two o'Clock. I undertake to abide by the
Regulations of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical
Engineers, and not to aid in any unauthorised publication of the
Proceedings.
(Signature of Visitor) Not transferable.
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
OF
MINING AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS.
GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9th, 1886. Sir LOWTHIAN BELL, Bart.,
President, in the Chair,
The President said, that this being the first opportunity he had had of
meeting the members of the Institute since his election, he thought it only
proper to say that he had sincere pleasure in thanking them for the great
honour they had conferred upon him, in asking him to fill the distinguished
office of presiding over their meetings for the next twelve months. The
Council, of course, were responsible for his nomination. He thought that,
among the colliery viewers of the district, they would have done well to
have chosen some one to be their President who was more conversant with the
practical work of a colliery than he could pretend to be. Having urged this
excuse upon the members of the Council, and not finding himself listened to,
he consented to undertake the duties of President for the year. He could
only say that what he lacked in technical knowledge of their particular
business, he would endeavour to make amends for by as attentive a discharge
of his duties as possible. He thought it necessary that he should state
that, in accepting the invitation of the Council, he told them that if this
involved his at once preparing an Inaugural Address, he would be unable to
undertake the duty. There were certain matters connected with domestic
affairs, and other matters, that rendered it impossible for him to do so,
and he ventured, therefore, to ask that he might be allowed a few months
before having to compose an Address.
The Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting, and reported the
proceedings of the Council.
VOL. XXXVI.-188C.
^
2 GENERAL MEETING.
The following gentlemen were elected :—
Associate Members— Mr. P. B. Du Pre, 13, Old El vet, Durham. Mr. Wieiiam
Nichoe, Boldon Colliery, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Student— Mr. Westgarth Brown, Marsden Colliery, South Shields.
The following gentlemen were nominated for election :—
Associate Members—
•
Mr. Aef. Faeconer Bail, 81, Wharncliffe Street, Newcastle. Mr. R. B.
Denniston, 79, Princes Street, Dunedin, New Zealand. Mr. E. L. Dtxmas,
Paris. Mr. Martin Mitehoeland, Broorahill, Acklington.
The following Associate Member was nominated for election as an Ordinary
Member :— Mr. C. B. Barrett, New Seaham, Sunderland.
Mr. J. Wilson Swan, M.A.., read the following paper on "An Improved Electric
Safety Lamp for Miners :"—
IMPROVED ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP FOR MINERS. 3
ON AN IMPKOVED ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP FOR MINERS.
Br J. WILSON SWAN, M.A.
In the discussion on the paper which was read by the writer of this paper at
the meeting held on December 12th, 1885, on "A Portable Electric Safety-Lamp
for Miners," the absence of any means of indicating the presence of
fire-damp was remarked upon by more than one speaker.
In reply to this criticism, the author stated that he hoped in a short time
to be able to combine a fire-damp indicator with the lamp, and that, if this
could be done, he would show the lamp with this appendage at a subsequent
meeting of the Institute ; and it is the purpose of this paper to fulfil
that promise. The lamps now exhibited are electric lamps, and several of
them are furnished with fire-damp indicators.
But before proceeding to describe the gas indicator, it may be as well to
call attention to the lamp itself, and to point out the great improvements
which have been made in it since it was last shown to the members. First,
the battery has been simplified by using only two cells in some cases and
four cells in other cases, instead of the seven cells which the battery
contained which was formerly shown.
These are now fitted into a solid block of wood, instead of into a case of
ebonite. The cell apertures are lined with ebonite as before. The result of
this change is, that the lamp is now better able to resist a blow.
Another improvement is, making the cells liquid tight, so that the lamp may
be inclined, or even inverted, without leakage.
The lamp has also been reduced in size and weight, and altogether made more
like an ordinary safety-lamp in general form.
Plate I., Figs. 4 and 5, show the general form and arrangement of the new
lamp, with the gas detecting apparatus attached, and the mode by which the
batteries are replenished at the end of each day's use.
Figures 1, 2, 3, show the fire-damp detector. / is a glass tube protected by
a brass case e, provided with lugs by which it is screwed on to the main
body of the lamp, a is a cover with small holes b. This cover is kept on by
a small spiral spring d, which tends to keep it in the position shown in
Fig. 1, allowing the air from the mine to enter freely into the tube c. k is
a little cam or eccentric attached to a small handle. In Fig. 1 it allows
the tube c to be in communication with
4 IMPBOVEt) ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP FOB MINERS.
the atmosphere of the pit. When in the position of Fig. 3 that communication
is shut off; but in the intermediate position of Fig. 2, not only is the
communication shut off, but the platinum wire h is switched into connection
with the battery and becomes red hot.
The way the machine is used in practice is this :—A small tube is inserted
in the little hole i, and the operator draws the air with his mouth from the
mine through the holes b, in the cover a, into the tube c, until he
considers that tube is full. When the cam is in the position shown in Fig.
2, the platinum wire is heated, and the air from the mine is confined in the
chamber c ; the gas is then burned out, and on the cam being placed, as in
Fig. 3, the platinum wire is extinguished, and the instrument is allowed to
cool, when the coloured liquid shortly rises up the glass g, indicating the
amount of gas which has been destroyed by the incandescence of the platinum
wire.
It is not further necessary to describe Fig. 4 than to state that all the
interior portions of the lamp are practically the same as described in the
former paper, except that the number of cells is reduced from seven to four,
e shows the testing apparatus (before described) as attached to the lamp,
and b is a small plate of tin, which can be detached and held in front of
the bull's-eye d, so that the light from the lamp can be reflected on the
gas detector e, and the eye of the observer protected—¦ the ascent of the
coloured liquid being observed through the slit /
Fig. 5 shows the mode in which the lamps are charged after the day's work, b
and c are two points standing from positive and negative wires which run
along underneath the table, and, entering two small holes in each lamp,
become connected with the terminals of the batteries.
The lamps can be easily arranged so that the light may be fitted on the top
to facilitate the examination of the sides and roof of the mine. Other lamps
have the light on one side for the hewers.
With this reduced weight and size of battery the lamp still gives an
illuminating power of more than a candle during the full time of the shift.
There is another point in which the lamp is improved. The terminals are now
brought down to the bottom of the battery case, and can be got at for the
purpose of making connection with the charging circuit without removing the
cover.
Evidently a great number of batteries could be connected with the charging
circuit in a very short time by one person.
It was explained before, that the power of the light is simply dependent on
the weight of the battery; double weight giving double light, and
IMPROVED ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP EOR MINERS. 5
so on; so that where an extra amount of light is required, it can easily be
had without necessitating a change of design in the lamp, or in any way
lessening safety.
The capability possessed by the electric safety lamp of giving a large
amount of light where a large amount of light would be specially
serviceable, is a power not possessed by the oil safety-lamp.
With the oil lamp, safety against explosions has been procured at the cost
of diminished light, and no safety lamp exists, except the electric
safety-lamp, which will give a good light and be at the same time a safe
one.
The smallness of the light of the oil safety-lamp, of the kind least likely
to cause explosion, is a large set off against its safety as a whole, when
taken in connection with the other risks to life and limb which exist in
mines, besides those arising out of the presence of explosive gases.
The two great sources of danger in coal mines, fire-damp and falls of the
roof and sides, are both guarded against by the electric lamp ,• the danger
of explosion, by the light being entirely out of contact with the atmosphere
of the mine, and danger from falls of the roof and sides, by the better
light procurable by means of electricity.
There cannot be a question that the electric lamp, in the form in wrhich it
is now presented, possesses these advantages, and that its introduction into
mines is merely a question of convenience and cost.
The importance of these considerations, minor though they be, are not for a
moment under-estimated, and therefore much thought has been bestowed upon
both points, with a view to bring them within practical limits. As far as
can be judged from the experimental use of these lamps, they will neither be
very troublesome nor very costly in process of use.
The batteries are charged, very simply, as has been explained, by setting
them down on a charging bench, to which the current is brought from a small
dynamo, and leaving them there while the men are at work. Perhaps once a
week a few drops of dilute acid will have to be added to compensate for loss
by effervescence during charging. The expense of charging is almost nothing.
Five horse-power would keep 1,000 lamps going—500 on the charging circuit
and 500 in use in the mine.
The cost of lamp renewals would be the heaviest charge, and would probably
amount to 2d. per lamp per week. Where the number of lamps was considerable,
perhaps Id. or l|d. would cover the cost per
0 IMPEOVED ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP FOR MINERS.
lamp of wages for keeping the lamps charged and in order. Another Id.,
making 4|d. per week, would cover the charge for interest on the capital
outlay for first cost of lamps and other plant.
Referring to the fire-damp indicator, which has been made in three forms,
two of these act on the same principle as Liveing's fire-damp indicator. A
spiral coil of thin platinum wire is arranged so that it can be heated to a
low red heat by switching through it the current generated by the lamp
battery. If this takes place in aji atmosphere in which fire-damp is
present, the wire becomes hotter than when heated in pure atmospheric air,
because combustion of the fire-damp with the oxygen of the air, brought
about by the electrically heated wire, produces additional heat, and,
consequently, increases the temperature of the wire, so that it is sensibly
brighter when heated in air containing fire-damp, than when heated in air in
which there is no fire-damp.
In one form of the indicator, Mr. Liveing's idea of having a comparison wire
shut up, air-tight, in a glass tube containing pure air has been followed.
In another, Liveing's construction has been deviated from in two ways,
namely, by having only one wire (the test wire,) and instead of this being
in a wire gauze cage, always exposed to the atmosphere in which the lamp is
placed, it is in a tube which, when the current is turned on to heat the
wire, is completely closed. It is not easily conceivable, even if the test
were made in an atmosphere of air and firedamp of maximum explosiveness,
that flame would pass the four-fold lining of fine copper wire gauze of the
Liveing indicator ; still it is, perhaps, more consistent with the absolute
safety of the lamp itself, to make the test in a closed vessel. With the
double wire arrangement, when fire-damp is present in the air, even in so
small a proportion as half a per cent., the exposed wire glows with
perceptibly greater brightness than the enclosed comparison wire. With the
single wire arrangement, under the same atmospheric conditions, the wire
would glow for an instant with extra brightness, and then, after the small
quantity of enclosed fire-damp was consumed, would die down to normal
redness.
The third form of indicator acts upon a different principle. In it there is
a platinum wire h within a small tube c, with the means of turning on the
current from the lamp battery to heat the wire, as before; but here the hot
wire is employed only to effect the combustion of any firedamp that may be
present, with a view to the production of a partial vacuum resulting from
the condensation of the watery vapour of the burnt gases. The degree of
vacuum or shrinkage is shown by the rise of liquid g' in an adjacent gauge
tube g', and from this the exact percentage
IMPROVED ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP FOR MINERS. 7
of fire-damp present in the air may be ascertained. This form of test is
also, and necessarily, made in a closed vessel. The hot wire is completely
cut off from contact with the outer air.
For the simple detection of the presence or absence of fire-damp, the
two-wire form is quite efficient down to \ per cent., but for measurement of
the quantity, even down to \ per cent., the liquid indicator is the more
exact.
Both are instantaneous in their action as mere indicators, but for actual
measurement from two to five minutes are required for each observation.
The instrument is here shown attached rigidly to the body of a lamp, but it
can be made in another form, which allows of the indicator, apart from the
lamp, being swept along the roof of the mine when searching for gas.
At the close of the meeting the action of both instruments was demonstrated.
Mr. Swan, whilst reading the paper, made an experiment showing the action of
the gas indicator attached to the lamp, in a mixture of about one per cent,
of gas, which, it was explained, was a long way short of an explosive
mixture, yet might prove dangerous in the presence of a very fine dry
coal-dust. He also explained that it would take a minute or two to complete
the experiment, with the imperfect means he had at his command, to effect
the complete diffusion of the gas in the vessel used to contain the mixture,
and to get it to enter the test cylinder; when in practice, this latter
process could be instantly effected by using a little tube by which the air
from the mine can be drawn into the test tube by the mouth. The diffusion
into the test tube of the air of the mine was, in another form of the same
apparatus, effected instantly and without aspiration.
In reply to a question from the President, as to the price of the lamps, Mr.
Swan stated that in calculating the expense of keeping the lamps in
operation, he had assumed interest at the rate of ten per cent., on a cost
of £2 for the lamp without the gas indicator. He could not say, however, how
far this assumption might be borne out in actual fact. It may be possible to
make lamps for a great deal less, if they come to be used in large numbers,
but this is about the cost at present.
8 DISCUSSION—IMPROVED ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP.
In reply to a question by Mr. G. B. Forster, Mr. Swan stated that the
presence of gas would be instantly detected; the experiment which is being
made at this moment is not only to get an indication of the presence of the
gas, because the extra brightness of the wire will do that at once ; but to
measure the proportion of gas present in the mixture, and this takes time,
and can only be done by persons who will take the necessary pains to do it
properly.
In reply to Mr. John Daglish, Mr. Swan stated that the lamp with the
indicator would be for sale in a short time.
The Secretary stated that Mr. Greenwell, who, unfortunately, was unable to
be present, had suggested in a letter the propriety of protecting the glass
covering the glow light by wire gauze, or by a combination of wire gauze and
glass.
Mr. Swan did not think it would be an advantage to have any further
protection for the lamp than the thick glass cap. He did not think it
necessary, because, unlike the glass in the Clanny lamp, or any other form
of miners' oil lamp, the glass in the electric lamp did not become much
heated, and therefore, there was not the same danger of the glass being
cracked by drops of water falling upon it, as existed in the case of the
glass in miners' lamps of the ordinary form. There was hardly any limit to
the thickness which they could give to the glass cap. Glass was really a
very strong material if made thick. He believed the chances of the
protecting cap being broken were exceedingly remote—so remote as to make it
not necessary to provide any additional protection.
The President—One or two strong wires would be sufficient protection,
without interfering with the light.
Mr. G. B. Forster—Any interruption by wires would absorb a good deal of the
light, and he doubted whether two or three bars would do any good. He
thought if a mere ordinary blow were given to the glass shown, it would be
strong enough to receive it.
The Secretary—Mr. Greenwell, in a second letter, adds, that there are other
causes besides concussion which produce sudden fracture of the glass;
besides the glass might be chipped at the edges, or be so loosely screwed on
over the glow glass that gas might be constantly between it and the light,
and ready to explode if the glow glass were broken; and in order to show the
peculiar danger inherent in glass protectors, he referred to Vol. XVIII.,
part 19, of the "Transactions of the Manchester Geological Society," where,
in a paper by Mr. Henry Hall, one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Mines, it
was stated that out of 24,334 Mueseler lamps with Smethurst shields, 88 had
to be taken out
DISCUSSION—IMPROVED ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP. ',)
and replaced between February 1st and March the 20th inclusive, 40 of which
were either completely broken, or in a condition to render them unsafe to
continue their use, and the remaining 48 were snipped partly across the
edges, but not so as to render them actually unsafe.
Mr. Blackett—In the ordinary use of this lamp, how will it be possible to
tell when there is danger of stythe ?
Mr. Swan admitted that this lamp afforded no indication of the presence of
stythe, neither would the old-fashioned lamp give one.
Mr. G. B. Forster—The present lamp goes out before life is in danger.
Mr. Swan asked whether " sty the" was carbonic acid or carbonic oxide ?
Mr. Daglish—Carbonic oxide.
The President said he had never heard of carbonic oxide in pits.
Mr. G. B. Forster—In the case of the Hartley accident carbonic oxide killed
the men, but it was supposed to have come from the fire of the ventilating
furnace.
The Secretary observed that Mr. Walker, of Cardiff, who unfortunately was
unable to be present, stated in a letter that he had been experimenting with
an electric lamp, using a primary battery, which had given very excellent
results. It weighed 4^ lbs., and was capable of furnishing a light of 5
candles for 10 hours, leaving sufficient energy in the battery to give a
smaller light for other 2 hours. The case held 4 zinc carbon cells, and the
process of charging consisted simply in putting in the acids and screwing on
the top, changing the zinc plates when required. The estimated cost of
maintenance for zinc and acids, including the necessary attendance, was Id.
per shift of 12 hours as described, which it is presumed would favourably
compare with the present cost of keeping lamps in order. Since experimenting
on this lamp, the writer had succeeded in still reducing the size and weight
of the lamp, and he hoped by the next meeting to be able to present to the
Institute an improved lamp on this principle, which does not weigh more than
3 lbs., is 6 inches high, and 3 inches in diameter (not including the glow
lamp itself and its protecting glass), and furnishing a light of 3 candles
for 10 hours, and 2 candles for a further 2 hours. From experiments, carried
out under his own eye, the writer assumes that the working expense will be
reduced to under ^d. a day. It will be seen that the chief difference
between Mr. Swan's lamp and the one now mentioned is that Mr. Swan works
with a secondary battery while Mr. Walker works with a primary one ; the one
necessitating the use of an engine and dynamo, which must always be
available for charging, while
VOL. XXXVI.-188G.
B
10 DISCUSSION—IMPROVED ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP.
the other can be used in any position in any case of emergency, besides
possessing the very great advantage of being nearly one-half the weight of
the secondary battery. The writer promises to send one over as soon as he
has it ready.
Mr. Swan stated, in answer to questions from various members, that his lamp
weighed 5| lbs. That Avith 1 per cent, of gas the red fluid would rise to
the full height, indicating the amount in about 2 minutes, and the heat of
the mine would make no difference as to this, as the whole machine would
have acquired the same temperature as the air in the mine: with 2 or 3 per
cent., or when an explosive point was reached, the gauge would act
instantly. He thought it was, perhaps, not fair for him to anticipate the
reading of Mr. Walker's paper, except that he wished really to help on the
object they all had in view, and enable them to form a just estimate of what
was of real value to them, and what was not. It was only this excuse he
could plead in suggesting that any primary battery, so far as he could
conceive of it, would be found, without considering at all the cost of the
metal, and the acid used in it, far too troublesome to keep in operation for
any practical service. Where they had to deal with hundreds of lamps, to be
charged every day, the filling of them with fresh acid, and the replacing of
the worn out zinc— for it would become worn out, and would have to be
frequently renewed —would involve an amount of labour far in excess of any
other cost in connection with the lamp.
The President said, that whatever might come of any further discovery in
connection with the lamp, he was sure they would all feel greatly indebted
to Mr. Swan, not only for being one of the earliest gentlemen in the field
in connection with this subject, but also for giving himself the trouble of
coming there to exhibit and explain the lamp. He proposed a vote of thanks
to Mr. Swan.
Mr. G-. B. Forster said, he had much pleasure in seconding the vote of
thanks. He thought this was one of the most interesting experiments which
had ever been before the Institute ; and, although they might not see their
way yet to introduce this lamp, he hoped the time would soon come when it
would be put into such a form that it would be introduced generally. What
they had to particularly pay attention to in mines was the detection of gas.
They could not put this lamp into the hands of men in fiery mines, without
having some means of knowing when gas was there.
The resolution was agreed to.
Mr. Swan said, he was much obliged to them for the vote of thanks which they
had been good enough to tender him. He must be allowed
DISCUSSION—IMPROVED ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP. 11
to take the opportunity of saying that he thought the last words of Mr.
Forster were really completely met, either by Liveing's form of fire-damp
indicator, so far as fire was concerned, or by the third form of indicator,
which he had not been able to show in as demonstrative a fashion as he
should have liked, owing to the fact that the arrangement that he had
present was, an extemporised one, not favourable at all to show the action
of the indicator. He thought that the deficiency of the lamp to indicate the
presence of stythe might be easily overcome.
Mr. W. H. Wood—Suppose it was a hot mine ?
Mr. Swan—That would not make any difference, because the whole apparatus
would be in the same temperature.
Mr. Wood—Said that he understood that the apparatus had to cool before the
liquid would rise.
Mr. Swan—Yes; but it only has to get down to the initial temperature,
whatever that may be. If there were 2 or 3 per cent, of gas it would act
instantly.
The President—If it got to an explosive point it would act instantly ?
Mr. Swan—Yes.
Mr. Wood—What is the illuminating power of that lamp ?
Mr. Swan—1^ candles to begin with, and ending with 1 candle.
Professor J. H. Merivale read the following paper " On Further Experiments
on the Transmission of Power by Steam :"—
TRANSMISSION OF POWER BY STEAM. 13
TRANSMISSION OF POWER BY STEAM.
By Peofbssoe J. H. MERIVALE, M.A.
A paper by Messrs. Liddell and Merivale upon this subject was read at the
April meeting of the Institute, and published in Vol. XXXV., p. 159, of the
Transactions. Since that date the steam at Broomhill Colliery has been
carried in a further distance of 120 yards, making a total of 1,414 yards
from the boiler at bank to the in-bye engine. Preparations are now being
made to shift this engine to its final position near the boundary of the
royalty, a further distance of some 40 yards, which will make the grand
total about 1,450 yards between engine and boiler.
The range is now in three sections, viz.:—1. From the boilers to the A
engine, 342 yards of 5 inch steam pipes (described in the author's former
paper). 2. From the A to the B engine, 952 yards of 2\ inch steam pipes
(described in the former paper). 3. From the B to the C engine, 120 yards of
1^ inch steam pipes. Total distance from the boiler at bank to this engine,
1,414 yards. The C engine is a little donkey pump, 3 inches diameter by 10
inches stroke, with steam cylinder 6 inches diameter by 10 inches stroke ;
it runs 5^ hours out of the 24, at 60 revolutions, and the steam pipe is
covered with Wormald's composition.
The larger of the two boilers already described supplies the three engines
running simultaneously without much difficulty, so that the installation is
now laid off at night. The boiler evaporates 273 gallons of water per hour,
at 56 degs., into steam of 35 lbs. pressure, with a consumption of 427 lbs.
of rough small coal. Of these 273 gallons, 57| (or 21*06 per cent.) are
collected at the steam traps, i.e., are lost by condensation and priming.
With larger pipes the percentage of loss would, of course, have been less.
The author has made numerous experiments upon this range of pipes, and has
been in correspondence with Mr. Charles E. Emery, manager and engineer of
the New York Steam Company, where several miles of pipes
16 TRANSMISSION OF POWER BY STEAM.
_______________ TABLE II.—Continued.
Total i Tempera- „. . . Volume Compared L ( ,
„ . I
Pressure. ture. Weight in Ozs. with Volume of
^?tal Umts of Latent
Lbs. Fah. Per Cubic Foot. Water that has
Hf »* per Lb. Heat
I__________I____________ produced it.
trom 32°. per Lb.
I f! ! 24° I r°144 985 1,156
(i^T"
It I 243 ! r0544 948 1,156-5
945
27 245 I 1-0928 915
1,157 943
i 29 11 lm2 883 ^ 942
Z I, 1'1696 854 2'158
940
I f? ! It I 1-208° 82?
1,159 939
I £ I !"3 I 124S 801
1,159-5 938" I
1 I I"4 r286 76? 1,160
936
Z It lm 755 ^^ 935
35 l0 1'36° 7M L161
934
37 2 1-438 6°5 W" 931
38 1 T'477 677 W8M 93°
39 I S W" 660 lil63 929 ™ I 266
1-553 644 1,163.5
928
268 1'590 628 i,i64
927
41 269 1-628 614
i,i64,5 926
42 271 1-665 600
1,165 925
f o! r7°4 587
W86-6 924
44 273 *** 574 1,166
923
45 275 1-WB 562 i,16G.5
922 4! 276 1816 551
U66.8 921
47 277 l'853 539 i,i67
920
48 279 l'»l 529
1,167-5 919
49 28° 1-928 519
l,i67-8 918
50 j 281 1-965 509
1,168 917
51 283 2-°°l 499
i,i68.5 916
52 284 2-038 490
1)168.8 915
53 285 2>W5 482 1,169
914
54 I 286 2-H2 473
1,169-5 913 f J 287 2-l49
465 i,169.8 912
I j 288 2-l85 457
1,170 911-5
°7 ! 29° 2-222 450
1,170.5 911
II I 291 2'259 443
i,17o-8 910-5
59 292 2*294 436 1,171
| 910
60 293 2'331 429 U715 1
9Q9.5 65 298 2'512 398
i,173 906 70 303 2-689
372 i,i74.8 go! 75 3°8
2"867 349 i)l76.5 898
80 312 3-°43 329
1,177-8 895 85 316 3"217
311 i.179.2 89! 90 32()
3"390 295 l,i8o-5 888 95
324 3>566 281
,,i81.5 885.7
100 328 3^28 268
i(i82.5 883-7
TRANSMISSION OF POWER BY STEAM. 17
Loss by Contact with Air. This will be greater with horizontal than with
vertical pipes.
Hoeizontal Pipes. Let Uj =s units of heat lost per hour by a horizontal pipe
from contact with air. S = surface of covered pipe in square feet. Ex = (see
Table III.) Dx = difference of temperature in degrees Fahrenheit between
surface of covered pipe and the air. A = (see Table IV.) Then— (4.)
Ux = Di E, A S,
And the lbs. of steam condensed can be found from (2).
TABLE III.
The ratio of heat emitted or absorbed by contact with air with given
differences of temperature.
Let Ej = ratio of loss of heat.
/ ss= difference of temperature of the pipe surface and the air in degrees
cent. Then—
,_s -o 0-552 x tvm (5.) Ej = ---------j----------
Eeduced to Fahrenheit's scale, this formula gives the following, Table
III., of values of Ea:—
t. Ej. j t. Ex. i t.
Rx.
Degrees. j Degrees.
i Degrees.
9 0-782 45 1-168 72
1-305
18 0943 I 54 1-219 81
1-341
27 1-037 ; 63 1-263 90
1-372
j 36 1-109 |
TABLE IV.
If r = radius of horizontal covered pipe in inches. (6.) A = 0-421 + °^~-
r- A. r. A. r. A. r.
A.
2 0-5745 3i 0-5154 4* 0-4892
6£ 0-4682 2\ 0-5574 Si 05087
4f 0'4856 7 0-4648 2k 0-5440
3| 05028 5 0-4824 7* 0*4619
2f 0-5326 4 0-4978 &i 0-4768
8 0-4593
3 0-5230 4i 04930 6 0-4722
9 0"4551
VOL. XXXVI.-1886.
0
18 TRANSMISSION OF POWER BY STEAM.
Vertical Pipes.
Let; Un = units of heat lost per hour by a vertical pipe from contact with
air. A, = (see Table V.)
S, E1? and Dx as in (4). Then— (7.) Un = D, R, A, S, And the lbs. of
steam condensed can be found from (2).
TABLE V.
If r = radius of vertical covered pipe in inches.
h = height of vertical pipe in inches. Then :—
(8.) A, = |-720 + ~BA x (2-43 + ~=j X '2044. This formula gives the
following Table V., taking A1 in feet.
_ ,. Height of Pipe in Feet.
Radius
in -----—--------------------------------—'------------------'--------
Inches. 50 100 m
300
r Ax. Aj. A'j. Aj.
2 0-4769 0-4650 0-4571 0-4534 2%
0-4676 0-4560 0-4478 0-4442
3 0-4614 0-4500 0-4419 0-4384 3i
0-4562 0-4418 0-4368 0-4333
4 04526 0-4412 04333 0-4299 4|
0-4491 0-4378 0-4300 0-4266
5 0-4462 0-4352 0"4273 0-4239 ok
0-4437 0-4328 0-4250 0-1216
6 0-4416 0-4298 0-4220 0-4186 6i
0-4398 0-4289 0-4212 0-4178
7 0-4380 0-4272 0-4196 0-4102 7|
0-4366 0-4257 0-418 L 0-4147
8 0-4352 0-4244 0-4168 0-4134
9 0-4330 0-4220 0-4146 0-4112
By means of the above formulas and tables, the quantity of steam that will
be condensed (that is to say, the quantity of steam that must be produced by
the boiler in addition to that required to drive the engine)
TRANSMISSION OP POWER BY STEAM. 19
in the range of pipes can be easily calculated if only the surface
temperature of the pipes, of the air, and drift sides be known. How these
may be obtained will be presently pointed out.
Loss by Friction. The laws goreruing the resistance that fluids meet with in
passing through iron pipes (and other conduits also; which, however, it is
not necessary to consider now) do not appear to be thoroughly understood. M.
Stoekalper found, from experiments upon the flow of compressed air through
pipes made at the Mont Cenis tunnel, and published in the Revue Universe He
des Mines, Ser. 2, Vol. VII., p. 257, that Darcy's formula for the flow of
water through iron pipes, reduced in the ratio of the density of air to that
of water, gave satisfactory results. Mr. Emery, too, in a lecture on the
transmission of steam, published in the Scientific American of 29th May,
1886, says:—"Considerable investigation was made to ascertain the proper
formulas for determining the size of pipes required to transmit the steam.
The difficulty was not so much in finding formulas, as to decide which wrere
best applicable. As is generally the case, the simplest was finally
determined upon, based directly upon the laws of falling bodies, and in form
that generally used for the flow of water in pipes, simply substituting for
the density of water that of steam at the pressure to be carried."
Acting upon these suggestions, the author has made use of Darcy's formula
for the flow of water, after having converted it into British units, as
follows:—
Let P = boiler pressure in lbs. per square inch.
p = pressure required at engine in lbs. per square inch. / = length of pipe
in yards. d = weight of 1 cubic foot of the fluid in oz. (for steam, see
Table II.) D = diameter of pipe in inches. Q = cubic feet of the fluid
passing per second.
a = see (Table VI.) Then—
P — p = loss of pressure between boiler and engine;
And—
W ? P- 1;000;000-
(10.) Q = '/XoOOiOOOCP^T),
^ lad
nn „_ 1,000,000 (P-jp)
[ll.) a- j^
20 TRANSMISSION OF TOWER BY STEAM.
TABLE VI.
VALUES OF a FOB DIFFEEENT INTEKNAL DIAMETEES D, OF PIPES IN
INCHES.
(12.) g = 806.70M94 », and
(18.) i= -000507 + "SSS^, '
-----------------------------—
Internal Diameter Internal Diameter
of Pipe in inches. "- of Pipe in inches.
li 91,9G0 Q 36 54
2 7,302 6 23 29 2£ 2,232
6k 15-47
3 812 7 10-58 ?i
381 8 5-34
4 190 9 2-927 4£
103-7 10
1-717
5 59-7 11 0-9872
Experiments upon the Loss due to Condensation.
Though Dulong's formulas are not the results of theoretical calculations,
but of practical experience, the members of the Institute will perhaps have
more confidence in their value for mining purposes if they will compare them
with the results obtained by actual measurements in the mine.
Taking the 952 yards of %\ inch wrought iron pipes at Broomhill Colliery,
for an example, and :—
Loss by Radiation.—Fobmuba (1).
D = 120° - 72° = 48°. S ¦= 952 x 3 x 1-63 = 4,655. R = 1-231. Then—
TJ = 0-74 x 48 x 4,655 x 1*281 = 203,540.
Loss by Contact with Aie.—Fobmtjla (4).
B1 = 120° - 77 = 43°. R: = 1-155. A = 0-523. Then—
TJ = 43 x 1-155 x -523 x 4,655 = 120,909.
transmission of power by steam. 21
And—
U + TJj = 324,449 units of heat,
And the mean pressure of the steam being about 36 lbs. above the
atmosphere the latent heat by Table II. is 916, and the lbs. of condensed
water produced will be by formula (2),
T 324,449 OK. , ,, ,
-^ == —KT7>— = 3o4-l lbs. per hour, 916
and this is equal to 35"41 gallons.
The average of four measurements of the water of condensation delivered at
the steam traps gave 38*83 gallons per hour. The quantity delivered by the
traps should be slightly greater than the quantity obtained by calculation,
because there is a small additional condensation due to naked expansion
joints, and damaged places in the non-conducting covering, which is not
allowed for in the formulae.
An experiment upon the 5 inch pipes from the bottom of the shaft to the A
engine, 269 yards, gives—
Loss by Radiation.—Foemula (1). D = 120 - 74 = 46°. S = 2-62 x 3 x 269 =
2,114-34. R = 1-24. Then—
TJ = 0-74 x 46 x 2,114 x T24 = 89,231.
Loss by Contact with Aib.—Fobmuxa (4). Dj = 120° - 79° = 41°. R2 = 1-138. A
= -4824. Then—
Ui = 41 x 1-138 x -4824 x 2,114 = 47,604. And— 11 + 11! = 136,835 units of
heat; and the mean pressure of the steam being about 40 lbs. above the
atmosphere the latent heat by Table II. is 912. The condensed water
therefore will be by Formula (2)—
L = ° ' == 150 lbs. per hour =15 gallons.
The average of two measurements gave 17 gallons of water of condensation per
hour. So that, as in the case of the 2| inch pipes, the measured quantity
is, as it should be, greater than the calculated quantity.
22 TRANSMISSION OP POWER BY STEAM.
At East Howie Colliery, however, the quantity got by calculation was rather
more than that obtained by actual measurement, viz., 44^ gallons per hour,
as against a measured condensation of 42 gallons. The portion of the range
experimented upon is 885 yards in length, and is carried through rather a
small return airway. The temperatures were only taken at two places; and
these, being near a separation door, gave probably a difference of
temperature rather more than the average of the range. This may account for
the calculated condensation being rather more than the measured
condensation, instead of being rather lp?s, as the author would have been
inclined to expect.
The author considers these experiments prove that Dulong's formulas, which
would undoubtedly give accurate results if accurate measurements could be
taken, give results near enough for practical purposes with such rough
measurements as can be made in a mine.
Experiments upon the Loss due to Friction.
The author found some difficulty in making satisfactory experiments upon
this point, because of the impossibility of knowing exactly the quantity of
steam passing through the pipes ; and as the loss of pressure due to
friction varies as the quantity squared, a small error in the quantity would
give a large error in the loss of pressure.
The volume of steam passing is composed of—
1. The volume generated by the piston before the point at which
the steam is cut off.
2. The quantity of steam condensed in the pipes; which is a
maximum at the boiler end, and nothing at the engine end.
3. The quantity lost through leakage from pipes and cylinder.
1.—Volume generated by piston. In order to obtain this quantity, the steam
valve was opened full and the number of revolutions, which were regulated by
means of a brake, counted. The capacity of the cylinder up to the point of
cut off, multiplied by the number of revolutions obtained in this way, was
taken as the volume of steam passing through the pipes due to the engine.
2.—The total volume due to condensation was found by measuring the condensed
water, and calculating from it the volume of steam; and it was assumed, as
will be practically the case, that in a pipe of uniform section, with no
very great variation in temperature, the condensation takes place uniformly
from end to end.
transmission op power by steam. 23
3.—The leakage it is impossible to estimate, and it was therefore neglected.
If Y = volume of steam in cubic feet per second produced by the boiler. v =
volume of steam in cubic feet per second consumed by the
engine. Q = mean volume in cubic feet per second passing through the pipe.
Then, assuming that V — v is the volume of steam lost by condensation; that
is to say, neglecting leakage—
(14., Q- V> + 1» + *,
o
and formula (9), becomes—
(15) p _ „ - lad V2 + Yv + v2
• ; p ~ 1,000,000 x ~ ~3 ~*
Testing this formula upon the range of 952 yards of 2| inch pipes supplying
the B engine, the author got the following result, the engine making 80
revolutions :—
P (pressure at out-bye end of range) = 41 lbs. p ( do. at B engine)
= 33| lbs.
I = 952 yards. d = 2-07 (Table II.) a = 2,232 (Table VI.) v = 0700 (the
volume of the cylinder, with cut off at one-fourth, is
0*5235 cubic feet per revolution). V = 1-553 (there are 39| gallons of water
of condensation produced per hour). Then by experiment—
P - p = 41 - 33-5 = 7^ lbs. By calculation, formula (15)—
p _ 952 x 2,232 x 2-07 (1'553)2 + (1-553 x -7) + '72,
P " 1,000,000 X 3
= 2-125 x 2-07 x 1-33 = 5*85 lbs., or 1*65 lbs. less than the actual loss.
This is not quite correct; but the loss by calculation should be less than
the loss by experiment, because in the calculation no allowance is made for
leakage, and the author considers, therefore, that Darcy's formula for the
flow of water through pipes may be conveniently applied to the flow of
steam.
24 transmission op power by steam.
The Design of a Steam Transmission.
The only difficulty that can arise in making use of these formulae for the
purpose of determining the size of pipes and boiler power required for any
proposed transmission, lies in the estimation of the surface temperature of
the covered pipe. This will depend upon the composition used, and its
thickness; and upon the temperatures of the steam, the air, and drift sides.
As it is independent of the diameter and length of the pipe, the simplest
plan is to make an experiment by covering three or four yards of pipe with
the composition to be used. Or reference may be made to a very valuable
series of experiments upon various non-conducting compositions, carried out
by Mr. Bird, Assoc. Sc, and read before this Institute. See Yols. XXIX.,
XXXI., and XXXII.
The following, Table VII., shows the results of some experiments made by the
author with Wormald's composition. It will be noted that the differences of
temperature do not vary much :—
TABLE VII.
EXPEBIMENTS WITH WOBMALD'S COMPOSITION.
Thickness Approxi- ture of" Tempera- Difference Tempera-
of Com- mate Tern- Surface of ture of of Columns ture of
position, peratureof rjoverert the Air. 3 and 4. Drift
Sides, the Steam. p\pe
Inches. Degrees. Degrees. Degrees. Degrees. Degrees.
H 281 122 77 45 72
li 275 101 62 39 62
If 275 100 62 38 62
1^ 281 121 77 44 72
1& 271 120 77 43 72
lft 285 120 79 41 74
If 287 132£ 91 41£ 89
1J 287 132 94 38 9ty
If 287 109 77 32 open air.
H 286 107 76 31 do.
2£ 287 107 77 30 do.
2k 286 104 76 28 do.
Having determined the temperatures in one or other of these ways, the steam
required to supply the condensation can be readily obtained from formulas
(1) to (7). Experience seems to show that a little under 10 per cent, must
be added to this for condensation at the steam traps and expansion joints.
TRANSMISSION OF POWER BY STEAM. 25
The volume required for the engine is of course known, and this (the engine
volume) added to the condensation volume gives the gross quantity to be
supplied by the boiler, and consequently the boiler power required.
The mean volume squared passing through the pipe is got from the engine
volume and condensation volume by formula (14), and finally the size of the
pipes from formula (11).
Practical Details.
Provision must be made for carrying off the water of condensation, and for
expansion of the steam pipes. The first is well understood, and the author
would only suggest that a trap be placed as near the boiler as possible, to
intercept the water carried over by priming. It was found at Broomhill that
whereas the trap next the boiler gave a gallon per 7"3 yards of pipe, the
second trap from the boiler gave a gallon per 15*8 yards.
For the low pressures usually adopted at collieries (say not more than 45
lbs. above the atmosphere) the ordinary stuffing-box expansion joint answers
admirably ; but with higher pressures there is considerable difficulty. The
New York Steam Company (pressure 80 lbs.) have made a great many experiments
upon expansion joints, and finally settled upon a modification of the
diaphragm joint. It is made of discs of copper 0*04 inches thick, corrugated
concentrically, and supported on radial backing plates, which prevent the
diaphragm from being distended to rupture by the pressure.
Provision must be made for dealing with the exhaust steam. If the engine is
used for pumping, and there be sufficient water, the simplest plan is to
turn the exhaust direct into the suction pipe. By this means not only is the
steam killed but a vacuum is obtained, and the engine made more efficient.
At East Howie Colliery, instead of turning the exhaust direct into the
suction, they carry the exhaust pipe some thirty yards inside the rising
main, and then turn it into the suction pipe. By this means they consider
that they get a more perfect condensation than if the exhaust steam were
turned direct into the suction ; and they certainly pass cold water through
the pump instead of hot, whieh is an undoubted advantage. At some collieries
the exhaust steam is turned into the return. This was for many years the
case at Netherton, where it did irreparable damage by getting into the roof
and sides, and causing endless expense for timbering. It is also done at
Blenkinsopp without, however, much ill result; but there the drift is arched
for fifty yards
VOL. XXXVI.—1886.
D
26 TRANSMISSION OF POWER BY STEAM.
next the engine. On the whole, the author is of opinion that such an
arrangement is unadvisable, and steam should not be taken in-bye if the
exhaust cannot be condensed.
Useful Effect.
The discussion that followed the reading of the first part of this paper
showed that there was an impression amongst many of the members that
transmission by steam to long distances (1,200 or 1,500 yards) was not
economical. If by this it is merely meant that, with the small quantities of
power usually conveyed in mines, there will be a loss in transmission of 30
or 40 per cent., the author concurs with their opinion j but if it is meant
that transmission by steam will not compare satisfactorily with the
alternative systems — ropes or compressed air — under similar conditions,
the author must differ from these gentlemen.
The useful effect must evidently depend upon the size of the pipe, the
nature of the non-conducting material, and the care with which it is kept in
repair. At Broomhill, with small pipes, for the most part only 2^ inches in
diameter, and where economy in labour is of more importance than economy in
the consumption of fuel, the loss due to condensation is 21 per cent., and
the loss of pressure about 1 lb. per 100 yards. At New York, with five miles
of large pipes, 6 to 16 inches in diameter, and two miles of small ones, 3
inches in diameter, only 450 gallons of water of condensation are formed per
hour, equal (the author gathers from Mr. Emery's lecture, already referred
to) to a loss of only 2 to 3 per cent.; and the loss of pressure, when the
pipes are working to their full capacity, is expected to be 10 lbs. per half
mile ; at present it is very much less than this.
A great economy, say 50 per cent., would of course be effected if the pipes
were covered with polished metal, as is now being done in the case of
cylinder covers, and might pay where coal is dear.
A carefully designed rope transmission, in which the driving and driven
wheels are 12 to 15 feet in diameter, the intermediate sheaves 6 feet, and
the speed of the rope 50 to (50 miles an hour—such an installation, for
example, as may be seen at Bellegarde, on the Ehoue—is probably the most
economical method of transmitting power at present known. But such a system
as this cannot be adopted in a mine. The most convenient method below ground
is to make use of the main-and-tail rope already in place for hauling. A
reference to the report of the Main-and-tail Bope Committee will show that
it takes 45 per cent, of the indicated horse-power of the engine to drive
the ropes a distance of about 2,000 yards.
TRANSMISSION OF POWER BY STKAM. 27
A great deal of pumping is done in this way at Broomhill, and experiments
made in the Horsley district give the following results :— Distance from
engine to pump, 3,518 yards. Power to drive engine ... ...
... ... 5*74
Power to drive ropes ... ... ... ...
55*17
Power to drive pump ... ... ... ...
39'0'J
Total indicated horse-power ... ... ... 100*00
Water actually pumped, 220 gallons per minute, 76*75 feet vertically, and
1,012 yards horizontally.
The author has not made any experiments with a compressed air transmission ;
but he believes the efficiency of the best compressors to be about 80 per
cent., and the efficiency of the best compressed air engines about 70 per
cent. That is to say, the maximum efficiency obtained in practice is 56 per
cent., excluding loss in transmission by friction from the compressor to the
compressed air engine. This is comparable with, but more than, the 20 to 30
per cent, lost by condensation in an ordinary colliery steam transmission,
and much more than the loss in the best steam transmissions.
The loss through friction in the pipe will be greater with air than with
steam in the ratio of the density of the air to the density of the steam ;
and a given volume of steam at a given pressure will do more work than the
same volume of air at the same pressure.
The author does not deny that steam pipes in a pit are more or less of a
nuisance, whereas ropes are harmless, and compressed air is a positive
blessing. All that he is prepared to maintain is this, that in all cases
that are likely to occur in mines, steam, for a distance of 1,200 or 1,500
yards, is as economical as ropes or compressed air, and in some special
cases it will be found more economical.
Mr. Lawrence said, he did not know that he had very much to say upon this
matter. He thought the author had brought before the Institute a large
number of statistics, and had given very valuable data, which must have been
obtained at a large expenditure of time and trouble to him. He (Mr.
LawTence) contended that there were dangers in carrying steam in pipes
underground which they had not in other methods of transmitting power. There
was a danger in connection with steam-pipes in a mine, especially of being
broken by falls from the roof.
28 DISCUSSION—TBANSMISSION OF POWER BY STEAM.
There was also the danger of having split pipes, as they knew from
experience, they had to contend with in long lengths of pipe, even connected
with ordinary machinery. If they had a pipe split underground, either by a
fall from the roof or by an ordinary accident, as they frequently had, it
would be a source of danger. Again, another objection to the transmission of
steam a long distance was the amount of heat communicated to a mine. As to
burst pipes, he had had some experience in this, both in engine-houses and
in underground workings. There was the great danger when a split pipe
occurred of the whole place being filled with steam, and it was positively
so confounding that men did not know what they were about, and had probably
to go 150 yards to get to a valve to shut the steam off. This was a source
of danger. Where steam was transmitted a long way, as was the case at
Broomhill, he would advise that there should be a series of shut-off valves
not very far apart. If there was a split pipe 100 yards from the engine, and
there was a shut-off valve only at the engine or the bottom of the shaft, a
man would have to travel a long way to shut off the steam. He would like to
know from Professor Merivale how far a man would have to go to shut off the
steam in the case of a split pipe ? This was a very essential point. A
series of shut-off valves which could be worked from the bank by the man who
had charge of the engine, so that he could work them all simultaneously,
would remove, to a great extent, the danger which existed.
Mr. Michael Dodd thought Mr. Lawrence had entirely overlooked one point. He
(Mr. Dodd) had had a little experience in conveying steam underground for
the purpose of driving a special pump at the dip workings, a distance of 400
or 500 yards. The steam was conveyed along the way the coals were brought.
He remembered distinctly that after the steam had been in for a time there
used to be small falls from the roof, bit by bit; to use the word of the
pitmen, the stone began to " fleeter " away. A piece from the roof fell in
front of a sett on the engine plane, and the sett was thrown off, the timber
was brought down, and a heavy fall brought down the pipes, which was a
danger Mr. Lawrence had referred to.
Mr. G. B. Forster—The danger from falls would be got over in the same way as
with water-pipes, by burying the steam-pipes sufficiently deep to prevent
falls affecting them.
Professor Merivale said, the remarks of the gentlemen who had spoken seemed
to credit him with being fond of steam in pits. There was nothing he
disliked more. At Netherton, where steam was taken in
DISCUSSION—TRAKSMISSION OF POWER BY STEAM. 29
a long distance and exhausted direct into the return, his brother-in-law
nearly lost bis life through the heated atmosphere. All he had attempted to
do in the paper was to give a series of formulae, by which, if anybody
wished to put steam into their pits, they could do it with greater accuracy
than before. He did not, however, think there was so much danger and
difficulty as Mr. Lawrence said. The objection to steam-pipes was the heat ;
but, with proper conducting material, although the heat was unpleasant, it
was not sufficient to endanger and bring down the roof. As to broken pipes,
there should be proper appliances to signal to bank, so that if a pipe broke
a signal could be sent to bank, and the steam be shut off from the boiler.
Mr. Lawrence—How long would it take to signal ?
Professor Merivale—At Broomhill it would take some time, because things are
not done in such a scientific way there as he would like. But there could be
a means of communication in a pit ready to connect in two or three seconds,
and a signal could be given and the steam shut off immediately.
The President proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Merivale for his excellent
paper. He quite understood the paper was prepared for the object Mr.
Merivale had explained, and he thought all engineers must be under a
considerable amount of obligation to him for having taken pains to show to
the Institute the amount of loss which would occur from the use of steam
under the conditions mentioned.
Mr. Lawrence seconded the vote of thanks.
The motion was agreed to, and the meeting concluded.
PROCEEDINGS. 31
PROCEEDINGS.
GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11th, 1886.
Sib LOWTHIAN BELL, Bart., President, in the Chaie.
The Secretary read the Minutes of the previous Meeting, and reported the
Proceedings of the Council.
The following gentlemen were elected, having been previously nominated :—
Honorary Member— Mr. Jas. A. Longridoe, 15, Great George Street,
Westminster, London, S.W.
Ordinary Member— Mr. C. R. Barrett, New Seaham, Sunderland.
Associate Members —
Mr. Alf. Falconer Ball, 81, Wharncliffe Street, Newcastle. Mr. R. B.
Denniston, 79, Princes Street, Dunedin, New Zealand. Mr. E. L. Dumas, 29,
Rue St. George, Paris. Mr. Martin Mulholiand, Broomhill, Acklington,
Northumberland.
The following gentlemen were nominated for election :—
Ordinary Member— Mr. Thos. Varty, Skelton Park Mines, Skelton, R.S.O.,
Yorkshire.
Associate Members—
Mr. Henry Slade Chiede, Wakefield.
Mr. Wm. Holt Wain, Podmore Hall Collieries, Newcastle-under-Lyne.
Student— Mr. Thomas Fitters, 97, Stanhope Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Professor Lebotjr read the following " Notes on the Coal-Measures of
Catalonia, Spain : "—
YOL. XXXVI.—1886.
E
NOTES ON THE COAL-MEASURES OF CATALONIA, SPAIN. 33
NOTES ON THE COAL-MEASURES OF CATALONIA, SPAIN. By Peofessob G. A. LEBOUR,
M.A., F.G.S.
INTRODUCTION.
Spain, in 1885, produced nearly 1,000,000 tons of coal.* Most of this coal
is of Carboniferous age, and is worked in coal-fields of which the principal
may be tabulated as follows :—
a.—Northern coal-fields, comprising those on both sides of the Canta-
brian range in the Asturias and Leon, on the southern slopes
of the Sierra de Burgos in Cast ilia vieja, and those of
Catalonia.
b.—Southern coal-fields, chiefly developed on the southern slopes of
the Sierra Morena at Belmez and Espiel, to the north of
Cordova, and at Villa nueva del Rio, north-west of Seville, on
the right bank of the Guadalquivir in Andalusia.f
About three-fourths of the coal produced has, for many years, come
from the Asturian portion of the northern division. In the present paper
it is proposed to draw special attention to the Catalonian deposits of this
same division, and reasons will be given for regarding these little-known
fields as being, geologically, but a prolongation of those of the Asturias,
and probably of much greater extent than they have been generally
thought to be.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION.
Two coal-fields are at present recognised in Catalonia—that of Seo de Urgel,
on the banks of the Segre, in Cerdana, some 18 miles due south of the centre
of the little republic of Andorra, and that of Ogassa and Surroca, usually
known as the San Juan de las Abadesas coal-field, and situated near the
ancient town of that name, in the hilly district between the rivers Ter and
Freser, in the north-western portion of the Province of Gerona.
* The exact figures are, according to the Government statistics just issued,
919,440 tons of coal and 26,464 tons of lignite. See Revista Miner a for
Novemher, 1886.
f See Geinitz's Die SteinJcohlen Deutschland's unci anderer Lander Europa's
. . (1865), Vol. I., p. 344. At this date Dr. Geinitz speaks of the
San Juan de las Abadesas and Urgel coal deposits as not yet of commercial
importance.
34 NOTES ON" THE COAL-MEASUEES OF CATALONIA, SPAIN.
Seo de Urgel is still far distant from the nearest railway, though it stands
upon one of the fine Government roads which are the glory of this part of
mountainous Spain. San Juan de las Abadesas on the other hand, is directly
connected by rail with Barcelona, a circumstance which has necessarily given
much additional importance to the mineral resources with which the district
abounds. As the crow flies, Barcelona is only about 55 miles from San Juan.
The train, however, from the hilly nature of the ground, follows a very
circuitous route.
It will be seen on glancing at the map, that both Seo de Urgel and San Juan
de las Abadesas are similarly placed with reference to the watershed of the
Pyrenees—both equi-distant, or nearly so, from the main crest of that great
range, and both among the deeply sculptured and lofty foothills near the
base of its southern flanks. In a straight line, the distance between the
two coal-fields is a little under 40 miles.
THE COAL-MEASURES OP OGASSA AND SURROCA.
For several years workings for coal have been carried on here on a fairly
large scale, and these, which are still successfully continued, with all the
most modern appliances, at Surroca, enable one to study with ease the
characters of the seams and those of the rocks with which they are
associated.
In the summer of 1884, the writer had the advantage of going very carefully
over this coal-field, visiting all the workings, and surveying,
geologically, the whole of the neighbourhood, in the company of Senor Don
Juan Villarasa, whose knowledge of the locality was of the greatest help to
him. Much valuable information was at the same time given him by Senor Don
Bamon Vidal, the mining engineer in charge of the coal mines.
That the coal-bearing rocks here are of true Coal-Measure age there can be
no manner of doubt. The fossil plants, of which there are many in a
beautiful state of preservation, are sufficient to prove this at a glance.
Fronds of Sphenopteris and Neuropteris, stems of Calamites and large
Cordaites leaves are common in the shales, and where these are associated,
as they frequently are, with clay ironstone, the fern remains are preserved
in relief with a very unusual degree of detail. These shales have, in fact,
exactly the character of the ordinary Upper Carboniferous shales of the
English or French coal-fields. They are fairly thick, and alternate with
thinner sandstones. The latter are usually fine-grained, except near the
base of the series, where there are indications of their becoming coarser.
Some writers have not feared to correlate these lower coarse-grained grits
NOTES ON THE COAL-MEASURES OF CATALONIA, SPAIN. 35
with the Millstone Grit of England ; but at present to admit such a
correlation, though it might possibly be true, would seem rash in the
extreme. N"o fossils were observed in the sandstones, and it may be stated
at once, that no Sigillarian, Lepidodendroid, or Stigmarian plant remains
were at any time seen by the writer in this district, a negative fact to be
taken, of course, only for what it may be worth.
A very fine continuous section of the shales and sandstones, showing at
least 700 feet of these beds, is exposed in the ravine of the Foganella
torrent, a mountain stream a little to the east of Surroca. (See Fig. 1,
Plate II.) The strata here dip at a very high angle to the south—that is to
say, away from the high mountain ridges—and, generally speaking, this
statement must be taken as holding good for all the visible Coal-Measures
cropping out to the day in the Ogassa-Surroca area. Southerly dips of from
35 degs. to 90 degs.—more often approaching the vertical than not —are the
rule.
The coal seams at present known and worked in these Coal-Measures are three
in number, varying from 6 feet to 26, 30, and 37 feet in thickness, and are,
it would appear, associated rather with the shales than with the sandstones.
The coal is of fairly good quality, is capable of producing good coke, and
at present is chiefly manufactured into briquettes.* In places only the coal
seems to have a tendency to become slightly anthracitic, but this is a
peculiarity confined strictly to limited portions of the mines, and due,
possibly, to local disturbances. Owing to the high dips the seams are
necessarily worked much in the same way as metalliferous lodes, or like so
many of the coals of the southern French coal-fields. What the entire
thickness of the Coal-Measures may be the writer is unable to state, for
reasons which, he trusts, will be presently apparent; but, judging from the
various sections which he was
* Analysis of coal from the " Faro" Mine (a large concession adjoining that
of the San Juan Mines):—
Fixed Carbon.................. 69-20 per cent.
Volatile Matters other than Sulphur and Water ,.. 17'85 „
Sulphur .................. 2-32 „
Ash ..................... 972 „
Water..................... 0-91 „
100-00 „
Coke ... ... ... ... ... 80-l per cent.
Volatile Matters ......... 19-9
100-0
The coal cokes well. The residual coke will contain about 12 per cent, ash,
and about 1-6 per cent, of sulphur.
(Signed) John Pattinson.
36 NOTES ON THE COAL-MEASURES OP CATALONIA, SPAIN.
enabled to measure, he is inclined to the belief that altogether the series
cannot be less than from 1,200 feet to 1,500 feet thick, and may be
considerably more.*
The area over which the Coal-Measures crop out to the day here is of about
200 square kilometres, but this, by no means, represents the extent of the
workable coal-field.
THE COAL-MEASUEES OF SEO DE URGEL.
These beds were, the writer believes, first recognised in Spanish Cerdana by
M. Noblemairef in 1857. Since then, coal has been proved in many places in
the immediate neighbourhood, and has been worked. It differs from that of
Surroca, in being more anthracitic. Otherwise, the Coal-Measures in both
localities are very similar—the same grits and sandstones, the same shales
with the same fossil plants, the same seams, the same high southerly dip,
and the same strike; in fact, there can be no doubt at all that the two
coal-fields were formed at the same time, were probably continuous, and may
be so still, though the area of the Coal-Measure outcrop at Urgel is much
smaller than that at Ogassa-Surroca.J
* It may be of interest to mining readers to know that, at the time of the
writer's visit, the San Juan de las Abadesas coal-mine at Surroca employed
600 men when in full work, 200 at the surface, and 400 below ground. In the
summer many of the miners leave to work in the fields on neighbouring farms,
etc. The maximum daily output was 200 tons, the average 150 tons. A number
of elaborately constructed inclined planes connect the various parts of the
mine with the mineral line which runs from Surroca to San Juan de las
Abadesas, and form a very marked feature of this mountain colliery. Owing to
the fact that the coal crops out along a high mountain flank with a steep
slope, as will be seen from the sketch-sections accompanying this paper, all
the workings are carried on by means of levels, the lowest of which carry
off all the water.
f See "Etudesurles richesses minerales du district de la Seo d'Urgel
(Catalogue)." Annates des Mines, Ser. 5, Vol. XIV. (1858), pp. 49-75.
X Noblemaire gives the following analyses of Seo de Urgel coal:—
I. II.
Volatile matter ...... 9"75 ... 8-75
Carbon............ 67-65 ... 8578
Ash ............ 22-60 ... 5*47
100-00 100-00
Or, omitting the ash in the second and purer sample—
II. Volatile matter ... ... ... ... ...
9'26
Carbon .................. 90"74
100-00 The ash was composed of—
Ferruginous clay... ... ... ... ... 40'00
And quartz ............... 60-00
100-00
NOTES ON THE COAL-MEASURES OF CATALONIA, SPAIN. 37
ROCKS BENEATH THE COAL-MEASURES. At Ogassa and Surroca, in the San Juan de
las Abadesas district, the Coal-Measures are, at their northern (and
therefore lower) boundary, everywhere seen to be in contact with a thick
calcareous series, forming bold east and west cliff-like escarpments facing
south. In places, the writer observed bands of crowded goniatites in this
limestone together with several large orthoceratites, together with a few
corals ; but he has not been able to determine the species with any degree
of certainty yet. As it is, the rock in question might equally well—so far
as the fossil evidence available is concerned—be Lower Carboniferous as
Devonian. Considering, however, the conclusive proofs which Dr. Ch. Barrois
has recently adduced, that the exactly similarly situated limestones of the
Asturias are of Mountain Limestone or Lower Carboniferous age, one is much
tempted to jump to the same conclusion here. The writer however, though he
searched hard, entirely failed to find any clear proof of the conformable
superposition of the Coal-Measures on the limestone. Everywhere, as above
stated, the two were in contact, but the boundary between them might, in
some cases, be a faulted one—and faults abound in the neighbourhood—or, in
others, it might be an unconformity. The latter supposition gathers strength
from the state of things at Seo de Urgel, where the Coal-Measures are
clearly seen to rest, unconformably, not upon limestone, it is true, but
upon older schists. The Ogassa limestone beds may, therefore, for the
purposes of this paper, be called Carbo-Devonian, in absence of positive
proof as to their age. At any rate, they lie upon older schists similar to
those below the coal-bearing beds at Urgel, probably of Silurian age, and
forming part of the great central crystalline core of the Pyrenean range.
ROCKS ABOVE THE COAL-MEASURES.
To describe briefly the section beautifully exposed from the town of San
Juan de las Abadesas to the mines at Surroca will give an excellent idea of
the nature of the stratigraphical succession above the Coal-Measures. San
Juan itself stands at the junction between two important members of the
Secondary series, both, however, so unlike the developments of such rocks in
northern Europe, as to be extremely puzzling to a newcomer. The general dip
of all the rocks—neglecting all the numerous local and merely temporary
changes of direction—is to the south, the amount increasing gradually as one
proceeds from north to south, or, in other words, as one gets into older
rocks, Taking each great division in order, beginning with the highest,
there are—
38 NOTES ON THE COAL-MEASURES OF CATALONIA, SPAIN.
(a.) Upper Red Beds. — These consist of a very thick series of bright red
arenaceous beds of great thickness, having all the physical characters which
are usually associated in one's mind with the Trias of Permian. Huge
irregular masses of gypsum are interbedded in abundance among these red
beds. The latter are often pebble beds of great coarseness, and much false
bedded. The road from San Juan to Olott, and the left banks of the Ter,
immediately below the town, exhibit magnificent sections of these singular
deposits, which, in this district at least, are unfortunately devoid of
fossils. They are regarded as of Gar-umnian age, though positive proof of
this is wanting. Their relations with the succeeding beds beneath are quite
clearly shown, and admit of no question.
(b.) Blue Marls.—This, again, is a thick series of unusual appearance. It
consists of a mass of very homogeneous greyish blue marks, containing here
and there a few imperfect fossils, which leave some doubt as to the exact
age of the formation. It has been more than once described as Cretaceous.
The right banks of the Ter, from San Juan to Ripoll, and along the railway
between these two places, is one continuous open section of these rocks, the
sameness of which over several miles of country is very striking. The narrow
valley of the Surroca river, or torrent, as it is locally termed, shows an
equally good section of these rocks. An attempt is made in the diagrammatic
section (Fig. 1, Plate III.) to indicate the constant rolling of these blue
beds in parallel synclinal and anticlinal folds, the axes of which run in
the same direction as the strike, or, in other words, parallel to the
mountain ranges to the south. Many faults of varying throws are shown in
these rocks, but for the purposes of this paper may with advantage be left
out of consideration, as not in any way essential to the point sought to be
established. Next below the Blue Marl series comes a thick and remarkable
group of
(c.J Jurassic Rocks, chiefly of Liassic age, it is thought, and consisting
of fine compact grey and cream-coloured limestones and cement-stones, which,
running in a very persistent band of bold escarpments across the country for
miles, form one of the most useful guiding horizons to the south of the high
mountains. These Jurassic strata are separated from the overlying Marls by a
great unconformity, the amount of which, however, it is difficult to realise
in the field owing to the violent contortions to which, as the general dip
increases rapidly in amount on approaching the crystalline rocks, all the
beds have been subjected. These contortions are in many cases locally
accompanied by inversion, as in the grand outcrop of the Secondary
limestones near Camprodon, at
NOTES ON THE OOAL-MKA.SURES OF CATALONIA, SPAIN. 89
the eastern extremity and south-west of the Col de Jou, at the western
extremity of the Surroca-Ogassa coal-field (see Pigs. 1 and 2, Plate V.).
Fossils, though occasionally found, are singularly rare in these Jurassic
rocks.
The more argillaceous limestones of this series yield excellent
cement-making material, and several manufactories of hydraulic cement are
established along this broad outcrop. In several places the stone is highly
bituminous, so-called " mineral tar " oozing out freely from the fissures of
a newly exposed surface. Some slight attempts to turn this characteristic to
account have from time to time been made, as on the left bank of the Ter,
below Camprodon, but hitherto Avithout tangible result.
This series lie apparently quite conformably upon that immediately beneath
it—an unfossiliferous series of massive red sandstones, with occasional
conglomerates, the age of which has long been a subject of contention among
Pyrenean geologists, but which, since it is manifestly older than the
overlying Lias, and newer than the underlying Coal-Measures, one cannot err
very seriously in calling
fd.J New Red Sandstone, a name which leaves the question of Permian or
Triassic open, while it sufficiently clearly indicates the position occupied
in the geological scale by the rocks in question.
Strangely enough, Noblemaire, in the able paper previously referred to,
though he there perfectly satisfactorily, and for the first time, proves the
unconformity of this red series upon the Coal-Measures in the Seo de Urgel
district, yet tries to show that it is of Cretaceous age—an entirely
untenable conclusion, when the field of observation is extended from the
banks of the Segre to those of the Freser or Ter. To those earlier
investigators to whom the unconformity between the two formations was
unknown, it is not to be wondered at that the red beds appeared to be but
the upper portion of the Coal-Measures. At the present time the Trias is the
stratigraphical division to which those few geologists who have paid any
attention to the question seem disposed to refer the red series, though
there is almost as much to be said in favour of their Permian age.
An irregular but thick dyke, or sheet of Felstone Porphyry,* cuts along the
strike, through the New Red rocks, and has been traced by the writer from
the Moor's Tower (see Fig. 1, Plate II.), near Camprodon, to Ogassa, a
little east of the Col de Jou.
* Owing to the nearly vertical position of the encasing beds, it is here not
easy to tell a dyke from an interbedded sheet.
VOL. XXXYI.-188U.
F
¦iO NOTES ON THE GOAL-MEASURES OF CATALONIA, SPAIN.
UNCONFORMITIES, AND THEIR RESULTS.
Unconformably then, below the New Eed series, come the Coal-Measures as
described above, both at Surroca and at Seo de Urgel. Moreover, the same
relation between these groups of strata has been recognised in similarly
situated small coal-fields on the north, or French, side of the Eastern
Pyrenees, and not only there, but in those other Spanish coalfields of the
northern zone, which have already been mentioned as hitherto the most
important in the Peninsula—those, namely, of the Asturias.
But, though the same relative position can be shown to exist wherever, on
either side of the Cantabrian and Pyrenean chains, the Coal-Measures and the
New Eed Sandstone are both found cropping out to the day ; this is by no
means the state of things open to surface observation along two continuous
bands, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
The lie of the beds, at Ogassa, seems to the writer, to give the key to the
underground structure of the country, along those long stretches of hilly
ground, which intervene between the few and small open coal-fields (for the
largest are small), known up to the present.
This lie of the beds depends upon the transgressive stratification, due to
the unconformities already noted as occurring—1st, between the Blue Marls
and the Jurassic ; 2nd, between the New Red Sandstone and the Coal-Measures;
3rd, probably between Coal-Measures and the Carbo-Devonian Limestones ; and
4th, between the latter and the crystalline schists of the central chain.
The diagrammatic sections (Figs. 1, 2, and 3, Plate IV.), all taken from
nature, though,not drawn to scale, will sufficiently explain the point.
These sections will be best understood in connexion with the sketch plan on
Plate III. (Fig. 2.)
At Surroca, the Coal-Measures are most probably only in part exposed, the
upper portions being concealed by the unconformable New Red. A little west
of Surroca, still less Coal-Measures are exposed, the outcrop of the New Red
having crept further north over the underlying deposits. Further west still,
at Ogassa itself, the Coal-Measures, though proved, are entirely concealed,
and the Red beds abut against the Palasozoic Limestones.
But the Jurassic Limestones, though it has not been possible to prove an
actual unconformity between them and the New Red Sandstones, yet seem to
overlap them, and accordingly at the Col de Jon, only a little westward of
Ogassa, the Red beds are concealed as well as the Coal-Measures, and the
Jurassic abut against the Carbo-Devonian Limestones. Elsewhere, as near
Ribas, they even cover up the latter rocks and lie side by side with the
crystalline schists.
DISCUSSION—CO AL-MEASUBES OF CATALONIA, SPAIN. tl
In an exactly similar way the unconformable Blue Marls and Garum-nian Upper
Red beds by transgression and overlap, are found in many places between the
Catalonian fields and those of the Asturias, to conceal the Jurassic rocks
and to abut, apparently, but not really, without intervening- deposits, upon
the older metamorphic core of the long east and west mountain chains.
CONCLUSION.
It follows from the considerations above set forth, that, though the
absolute continuity of the Coal-Measures, from Catalonia to the Asturias, is
not probable, yet, that a vast extension of these beds, beyond the places at
which they are seen out-cropping to the day, is very likely, and that the
failure to recognise this important fact has been due, partly to the
erroneous determination of the ages of some of the great divisions overlying
the Carboniferous rocks, and chiefly to want of proof of the several
unconformities involved.
With exploratory researches carried on in the light of the geological facts,
above described, it is thought that the determination of the existence of a
long zone of valuable coal-fields in Northern Spain is only a matter of
time.
Professor Lebour, in reply to the President, said, that the same seams which
have been worked at the colliery extend, where they crop out at the surface,
over an area of 200 square kilometres, and, if his theory was correct, they
extend over a very much larger area in a westerly direction; and it was his
opinion that there was no reason, then, why Spain should not in time be able
to furnish a large quantity of coal.
Mr. E. R. Bryant said, he knew the district of which Professor Lebour had
been speaking. The mine was in the hands of a very large company, who owned
the railways to France ; it was producing about 60,000 tons a year and it
was expected that the output would very shortly be brought up to 100,000
tons. Most of the coal was made into patent fuel for use on the company's
railway and other railways. Pains were not taken to bring the coal out in
large pieces, because it was made into briquettes. One colliery was in the
hands of people who, he thought, were likely to work it in connection with
iron mines.
The President asked if it was a good coking coal ?
Professor Lebour said, that would be seen by the analyst's note.
Mr. Bryant—Mr. Pattinson, the analyst, is of opinion that it will make very
good coke.
42 DISCUSSION—COAL-MEASURES 0¥ CATALONIA, SPAIN.
The President—It is a very difficult thing to pronounce an opinion off hand
as to what kind of coke a particular coal will make, but the analyst says it
cokes well.
Mr. Bryant, in reply to Professor Merivale, stated that the coal was washed
before it was made into briquettes. He did not know the percentage of ash in
the briquettes.
On the motion of the President, seconded by Mr. A. L. Steavenson, a
unanimous vote of thanks was passed to Professor Lebour for his paper.
Mr. M. Walton Brown read " An Account of Experiments in France upon the
possible connection between Movements of the Earth's Crust and the Issues of
Gases in Mines."
EARTH MOVEMENTS AND GASES IN MINES. 43
AN ACCOUNT OF EXPERIMENTS IN FRANCE UPON THE POSSIBLE CONNECTION BETWEEN
MOVEMENTS OF THE EARTH'S CRUST AND THE ISSUES OF OASES
IN MINES.
By M. WALTON BKOWN.
The French Government appointed a special committee, in 1883, to make
personal inquiries, as to the methods of observation of movements of the
earth's crust, and the results obtained in Italy. This was done with the
intention of not neglecting any chance of obtaining means of protecting
miners against their most dangerous enemy, gas, which continually threatens
them; together with the project of establishing a number of seismological
observatories in France.
Upon the report of the special committee, the French Government placed a
tromometer and a micro-seismograph at the School of Mines, Paris ; and a
tromometer at the School of Mines, Douai.
The tromometers have been observed daily from the 1 st of February, 1886.
The observations have been recorded in the four first columns of the
following form of register, the other columns containing the results of
meteorological observations :—
Seismologicai/ Obseevatoby.
Month of ........................... Station at
...........................
Tromometer. Wind.
s
___________,__________Barometer,______________________, •§
Date. Hour. Amount Direction reduced to
i g Remarks.
of oscilla- of oscilla- s e • Force.
Direction. a
tions. tions.
v
E-i
The tromometer at Paris has recorded almost insensible movements, although
repose was anticipated, as the Paris basin is essentially stable. The
micro-seismograph, erected close to the tromometer, but which has
44 EAUTH MOVEMENTS AND GASES TN MINKS.
not been completed with a self-recording apparatus, will probably afford, by
continuous diagrams, the means of judging whether the small movements
observed are caused by the disturbances of the town, or are connected with
some endogenous cause.
The observations at Douai, are already of some interest by the connection
between the intensities of the oscillations, the barometric variations, and
the issue of fire-damp.
The barometric readings were communicated by the meteorological station at
Douai.
The observations of the escape of fire-damp have been made by means of the
Pieler lamp, at the Herin Colliery of the Anzin Collieries Company.
The diagram shows the three classes of variations by three lines whose
ordinates are drawn upon the same abscissa, representing time. (Figs. 1, 2,
8, Plate VI.)
A comparative examination of these lines shows that, altogether there is a
marked correlation between the three classes of phenomena. The maxima and
minima do not exactly correspond as to time, but there is a perfect
coincidence between the two lowest readings of the barometer (February ]st
and March 3rd), and the greatest intensities of micro-seismic motions and of
percentages of fire-damp.
The breaks in the fire-damp line are days of rest, and the proportion of
fire-damp nearly always regularly increased from the beginning to the end of
the week ; and this will, to some extent, mask the effects due to the
barometric and seismic movements.
The significance of the correlation furnished by the short period of the
observations must not be exaggerated, but the coincidences may at least be
considered as an encouragement to continue the observations, which are
intended to discover the connection which may exist between seismic
phenomena and issues of fire-damp.
The coincidences between increases of seismic activity and barometric
depressions appear already to prove that, if these depressions favour the
issue of fire-damp, it is perhaps less by the effect of exhaustion upon the
exposed coal than as a sequence of the compressions produced by them as
local distortions of parts of the earth's crust, which contains the seams or
the volumes of gas.
This summary is derived from a detailed account of the observations
contained in the Annates des Mines, 8fch Series, Vol. IX., pages 207 to 281,
and Plates V. and VI.
DISCUSSION—EAETH MOVEMENTS, ETC. 45
Mr. Steavenson said, they were much indebted to Mr. Brown for keeping the
Institute informed of what was going on upon the Continent. The record was a
very important one; and it was most desirable to know what were the laws
which should guide them in their endeavours to guard against the appearance
of their subtle enemy—gas; and he, therefore, proposed a vote of thanks to
Mr. Brown for his paper, which was passed unanimously.
The following paper by Mr. Henry White, on " Lightning in the pit at West
Thornley," was read:—
DISCHARGE OF LIGHTNING AT WEST THORNLEY COLLIERY. 47
REMARKS ON A FURTHER DISCHARGE OP LIGHTNING AT THE WEST THORNLEY COLLIERY,
NEAR TOW LAW, ON OCTOBER 21st, 1886.
Br HENRY WHITE.
The following remarks on another discharge of lightning at the West Thornley
Colliery, afford a further confirmation of lightning going down the pit, and
more particularly as to its power of travelling a considerable distance
in-bye, notwithstanding the fact of a lightning conductor having been
attached to the chimney, after it was damaged on December 11th, 1883. See
Vol. XXXIIL, page 81.
The chimney and conductor are now about 76 feet.high, 25 feet higher than
the pulleys, and only 68 feet distant from them ; bearing out the theory
that the area or space protected by a conductor is in the form of a cone,
whose base is equal to its height.
On the Thursday afternoon, October 21, 1886, there was a very severe
thunderstorm, with much rain, and the lightning went down the pit twice in
about five minutes, as is shown by the following evidence :—
John Batey, onsetter, who was at the pit bottom, says that when standing on
the flat sheets, about 4 feet from the cage on the east side of pit, the pit
bottom was lighted up by a flash of lightning, which appeared to have come
down the east side rope (cage standing at the bottom at the time), or the
one furthest from the steam and other pipes.
Robert Chambers, who was about 12 yards from the pit bottom, and shoving an
empty tub along the shaft siding, says he would be about 18 inches from the
steam and water pipes when he saw the lightning ; he was struck on the
elbow, and felt a pain or numbness in it for the rest of that day and the
following one.
W. R. Teasdale, the hauling engineman(40 yards from pit bottom), was running
the sett in-bye when his engine house was lighted up, and he heard a noise
like a pistol shot, and thought some part of his engine had broken. After
the sett had got in-bye, and when examining the engine which was then
standing, he saw another flash about five minutes after the first.
VOL. XXXVI.-188S.
G
48 DISCHARGE OF LIGHTNING AT WEST THORNLEY COLLIERY.
Robert Simpson, the landing lad in the top coal landing, about 660 yards
from the shaft bottom, says when in the landing the place was lighted up,
apparently on the tail rope side, and he heard a fizzing or crackling like a
squib. About five minutes afterwards he and the driver lad saw this
repeated.
A few months after the previous discharge, December 11, 1883, Mr. Heaviside,
of the Post Office Telegraph Department, and a friend of his, made a very
careful examination of the place and its surroundings, and wrote Mr.
Heaviside as follows :—
7, Grafton Road. Whitley,
NeWCASTLE-ON-TyNE,
April 4th, 1884. Henry White, Esq., Tow Law.
Dear Sir,
Referring to our examination of the scene of the lightning discharge at West
Thornley, on December 11th, 1883, a probable explanation of the phenomenon
is as follows :—
The highly electrified storm clond, hurrying violently along with the wind
from the W.N.W., would pass over the hill to the W.N.W. of West Thornley
Colliery, and then suddenly dr ive over the colliery, inducing, in the mass
of metallic conductors (steam-pipes, boilers, and ropes, etc.), good and
bad, concentrated at that point, electricity of the opposite kind to its
own, and owing to the convenience of discharge at that particular place, due
to the presence of the colliery plant in general providing better conductors
to earth than other objects in the immediate neighbour hood, it would strike
every point that would assist in the discharge, as it were, everything in
favour of a charge and discharge was focussed at that particular point. The
first object in the storm cloud's path was the chimney, which, being a
refractory conductor, was rent and fractured, until the current of high
electro-motive force reached a point 15 feet from the bottom of the chimney,
where a metallic connection was met, made by means of an iron stay attached
to a steam-pipe from the boilers for the support of the steam-pipe. The
stay, the steam-pipe, and the gear attached, formed part of a continuous
good conductor, from the surface to the bottom of the pit, where, probably,
the largest portion of the electricity would be discharged; but inducing in
everything within range of its path electricity of the opposite sign, from
which sparks, or luminous discharge, with the ordinary accompaniments of the
ozone smell, described as vapour, and noise would be given off, hence the
discharge between the rapper handle and the steam-pipes at the bottom of the
pit.
Had the pulleys, etc., been the first objects in the path of the storm,
i.e., had the storm been coming the opposite way, probably the chimney would
not have suffered, as the ropes, pulleys, and gear attached are much better
conductors than the chimney, and might have sufficed to effect the
discharge. But one cannot be dogmatic in such matters of opinion, because
lightning discharges appear to be capricious, due to our imperfect knowledge
of the subject.
In such accidents it would be interesting to know, as in this case, whether
the injury is in the direction from whence the storm comes, and also whether
accompanied by rain or other natural effects.
Yours very truly,
A. W. Heayisipe.
DISCUSSION—LIGHTNING AT WEST THORNLEY COLLIERY. -19
Mr. Swan said, he would suggest that, in any case of lightning conductors in
the neighbourhood of a pit shaft, with wire ropes going down to the bottom,
special and extraordinary precautions were required to make a good and
extensive earth contact, either by leading the conductors into flowing
water, or taking care that the current should be quickly dissipated,
otherwise, the lightning conductor might be a means of leading the discharge
down into the pit by way of the wire ropes in the pit shaft. This seemed to
him to be the practical outcome of the very interesting phenomenon described
in the paper.
Mr. Sydney F. Walker, in writiug, states—The fact that the lightning
discharge wTent down the pit, in spite of the conductor on the chimney,
proves very clearly either that the conductor was inefficient, or that, as
pointed out by Mr. Heavis:de, the storm cloud coming from the opposite
direct:on, the chimney conductor, with its 25 feet of air space between, was
unable to discharge the cloud, in the presence of the other mass of
conductors in and about the pit. The remedy is a very simple one, and one
that should be adapted to every colliery, viz., set a conductor over tn.e
pit as well.
Professor Merivale—Perhaps Mr. Swan could give some information as to the
metal connections on chimneys. A chimney is very often bound with iron
bands. Should any extra precautions be taken as to the conductors ? and
should they be put in connection with the bands ?
Mr. Swan—It is quite understood that every conductor should be joined with
every mass of metal in its neighbourhood.
The President—Or the rings would really be a source of danger.
Mr. Steavenson supposed the lightning would cause an explosion if the flash
went where there was gas ?
Mr. Swan—Yes j if the atmosphere was an explosive one.
Dr. Stroud said that all metallic conductors, of course, if not in proper
contact, were a source of great danger. Every precaution must be taken in
this respect.
A vote of thanks was then unanimously given to Mr. White.
The following paper by Mr. E. L. Dumas on " Cuvelier's Improved Lock for
Safety Lamps" was read:—
cuvelier's lock for safety-lamps. 51
CUVELIER'S LOCK FOR SAFETY-LAMPS. By E. L. DUMAS.
This system of safety lock has been devised in order to absolutely prevent
miners from opening the lamps which are entrusted to them. For this purpose
the working of the bolt (irrespective of its situation, arrangement, or the
kind of lamp used) is controlled by the displacement of the ends of a flat
tube, bent on itself, similar to the manometric tubes of metallic pressure
gauges, which tube is arranged so as to receive liquid under pressure from
an accumulating apparatus. This accumulator could be placed in the lamp
room, or at any other convenient place, but, in any case, out of reach of
the miners.
Plate VII. shows the arrangement adopted in practice for the application of
the system to miners' safety-lamps. Fig. 1 is a horizontal section of the
lamp, showing the position of the manometric tube beneath the oil reservoir.
Fig. 2 shows the position of the ends of the manometric tube keeping the
lamp closed ; and Fig. 3 shows their position allowing the lamp to open.
It will be seen by these drawings that the bolt which prevents the
unscrewing of the upper part of the lamp, consists of a metal rod a,
furnished with a collar b at its lower end, and contained in a tube c
soldered inside the reservoir r. A spiral spring d tends to keep the bolt
depressed, that is in the position which allows the opening of the lamp.
Under the oil vessel is placed a manomecric tube e, whose free extremities
are terminated by catches / resting on a shoulder g, which also guides the
lower portion of the bolt a. The central part of the curved tube e carries a
socket h, soldered to the base of the lamp, and furnished with an opening i,
-01 inch (*25 mm.) in diameter. By this opening the liquid, on whose
presence or absence depends the widening or narrowing of the space between
the two branches of the tube, is forced in under pressure. Supposing the
lamp to be closed, and the bolt a in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it
will be seen that the catches/ which terminate the manometric tube e, are
pushed forward and kept in place by the elasticity of the tube, under the
collar b of the bolt. But as soon as the compressed liquid enters the tube e
the two branches
hi ccvelier's lock for safety-lamps.
diverge automatically, and over a sufficient distance to allow of the rod a
coming down under the pressure of the spiral spring d. When the liquid
ceases to be forced in, the catches rest upon the collar b, as shown in Fig.
3, and the lamp may be opened and freely handled.
When the lamp has been made ready for use, and the upper part has been again
screwed on to the reservoir r, the resistance of the spring d is overcome by
pushing slightly the bolt a (in the direction shown by the arrow), with a
metal rod introduced into an orifice left in the middle of the shoulder g.
After the bolt has been brought back to the position shown iu Fig. 2, the
catches, being acted upon by the elasticity of the tube e, immediately
approach one another, and slide again under the collar b, and the perfect
closing of the lamp is thus ensured. A plate ;', soldered or riveted to the
under part of the reservoir r, closes perfectly the small chamber which
contains the manometric tube ; this latter cannot, therefore, be tampered
with. Moreover, other catches 7c, Fig. 1, limit the displacement of the
branches of the tube.
ACCUMULATOR.
Finally, the equality of the branches of the tube neutralises the effect of
lateral shocks. It will also be noted that the small diameter of the orifice
i ('25 or *20 mm. = •00985 or '00715 inch), situated in the external part of
the manometric tube, tends to keep the latter always full, and the bolt can
thus be lowered instantaneously on placing the lamp on the accumulator, for
it will then require a very small amount of compressed liquid to cause the
branches of the tube to diverge.
Plate VIII. shows the accumulator used. The apparatus consists of a
receiver, in cast iron, a, mounted on a tripod, in the middle of which is
fixed a bronze force-pump, whose internal diameter is about 1*2 inch (3 cm.)
In the cylinder moves a piston c, provided with double leathers. This pump
is provided with a delivery pipe el, which is destined to convey the liquid
under pressure to the lamps. The top end of the piston/ is screwed, and
passes freely through the crosshead m, which is firmly supported by two rods
fixed to the receiver a, but works in the fly-wheel n ; the piston is also
keyed to a crosshead b, which carries a weight o. The piston c and the
weight are lifted up by turning around the wheel n when in contact with the
crosshead m, and pressure is produced in the pump by unscrewing the wheel n
so that it is in the position shown in the plate. The delivery pipe is
provided with a stop-cock/, and enters the centre of a kind of mould m,
Figs. 2 and 3, Plate VIII., upon which the external prolongation h, Plate
VII., of the manometric
cuvelier's lock for safety-lamps. 53
tube of the lamp is made to rest, and where it is kept immovable by means of
a small lever n. The rods carrying the weight o pass through metal tubes,
which are fixed to the bottom of the receiver a, and there are no valves or
garnitures likely to get, out of order. Indeed, the principal merit of the
apparatus is its simplicity; it is always in working trim, and never wants
repairing. It will be remembered, moreover, that once the manometric tnbe
has been filled very little water is necessary for opening the lamp, and
thus a great number may be opened without re-raising the piston of the
apparatus.
The system which has been described above, has been in use in France for the
last two years in two important coal mines of the Departe-ment du Xord,
namely, those of the Cie de Vicoigne (400 lamps), those of Louches (0ie de
Douchy) (800 lamps for two pits).
From experiments made during three consecutive months in the last-named
mine, it has been found that the percentage of lamps brought to the lamp
room to be re-lighted, and which, as a rule, averaged only 3 per cent., rose
to 10 per cent, during that time, thus conclusively proving that the miners
had managed to open their lamps, and that the adoption of Cuvelier's system
had put a stop to this dangerous practice.
M. Chesneatj, Government Inspector to the Mines du Depurtemmt
du Nord, says " the system, which has been adopted by the Mining Company at
Douchy. may be considered perfect, and it will be interesting to watch the
effects of its more general use."
The following is the report of M. Janet, Government Inspector of Mines at
Valenciennes :—
In accordance with your official letter, dated December 26th, which desired
my colleague and myself to report on the results of the employment of the
Cuvelier lamp at the pits near Douche after the explosion of fire-damp,
which occurred there on the 26th February, 1883, we have visited the mines
and obtained the following information :—
Until the end of the year 1884 the safety-lamps in use at the Douche pit
were shut by means of a bolt placed in the oil reservoir ; this bolt was
screwed on a portion of its length, and was turned round by a socket key
similar to those used for winding clocks. This mode of shutting the lamps
was simple, but it was altogether inefficient, the screw being kept
constantly oiled turned very easily, and could be moved by means of small
pieces of wood; indeed many workmen went so far as to make false keys by
cutting off the wards and using the socket of an ordinary key. The company
was therefore obliged to seek a new system, and determined to try the one
invented by M. Cuvelier, which consists in simply regulating the action of
the bolt by means of a fluid. [Here follows a description of the lamp,
which has been given above.]
The pressure necessary to open the lamps is obtained by means of
accumulators
54 DISCUSSION—CUVELIEE'S LOCK FOR SAFETY-LAMPS.
which, once charged with a pressure of 400 to 420 lbs. to the inch, open as
many as from 30 to 40 lamps.
The lamp is, an ordinary one on the Boty system, and weighs, empty, about
T84 lbs., costing 5 francs. The addition of the Cuvelier system causes the
same lamp to weigh 2-17 lbs., and costing 7 franc's.
The accumulators are at bank, but at every lamp station a man is placed who
has a certain number of open lamps to give the miners; these lamps he lights
and shuts when he gives them in exchange to the miners, who bring back their
extinguished lamps.
Formerly the proportion of lamps extinguished and re-lighted at the lamp
station seldom'exceeded 1 per cent., whereas now they have risen to more
than 8 per cent.
The following Table shows the percentage during the five latter months of
the year 1885 :—
Lamps.
Month.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
Supplied. Extinguished. % Re-lighted.
1885.
August ...... 7,839 639
8"1
September...... 8,095 657
81
October ...... 8,822 948
10'6
November...... 8,102 670
8"25
December...... 8,361 595
71
Total ... 41,219 3,509
8"5
It is evident, therefore, that the old mode of shutting the lamps enabled
the miners to re light them in spite of the very severe penalty attached to
that act.
Finally, we think this system of shutting the lamp perfectly fulfils the
object for which it was invented, and it would no doubt be advantageous to
extend its employment in all fiery mines, but we do not think that it will
be necessary for the Government to interfere in the matter until a longer
experience has been obtained; and in all cases it is difficult to recommend
any one system to the exclusion of others, for that is in fact conferring a
favour which is really unjustifiable.
(Signed) L. Janet.
M. Chesneau, also a Government Mines Inspector in the Department du Nord,
corroborates the above letter of M. Janet.
Mr. Heckels took exception to one thing in the p«,per, for he did not think
that it was conclusively proved that the miners opened their lamps.
On the motion of the President, seconded by Mr. Bunning, a unanimous vote of
thanks was given to Mr. Dumas for his interesting paper.
DISCUSSION—THE ELECTRIC S4FETY-LAMP. 55
THE ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP.
The President—Mr. Swan is in the room, and the meeting will be glad to hear
anything more he has to say in regard to his improved electric safety-lamp.
Mr. Swan said he had nothing more to say. He attended to-day because he had
received an intimation from the Secretary that discussion would be invited
on the subject of the electric safety-lamp, which he exhibited at the last
meeting.
The President—There was very little said in discussion upon this lamp on the
last occasion, and if any gentleman has any observations to make now the
meeting will be glad to hear them.
Professor Merivale said, he had had the advantage of being in a pit with one
of Mr. Swan's lamps, and he was very much struck and pleased with the
excellent light it gave. He believed he held a rather unorthodox view of the
safety-lamp. His opinion was that a lamp that could stand a velocity of,
say, 25 feet a second and give a very good light was the best; whereas some
people thought the lamp was best which could stand 50 feet a second, or some
such very high velocity, although it gave but a small light. Mr. Swan's lamp
was a good one. When in the pit, the gentleman who was in front of him
carried a Swan lamp, and his (Prof. M.'s) lamp went out; but, owing to the
brightness from the Swan lamp, he was unaware for a time that his lamp was
out. The lamp threw a strong light upon the roof and all around.
Mr. Swan said, that the large amount of light given, as referred to by
Professor Merivale, was got without over-straining the filament of the lamp.
He had been exceedingly particular, in giving the capacity of the lamp, to
state it moderately. It was quite easy to make an incandescent lamp give a
large light by heating the filament to an abnormally high temperature, but,
in doing so, they quickly destroyed the lamp. He had it clearly before his
mind that the amount of light taken from the lamp must not be such an amount
as would lead to the rapid destruction of the lamp. He assumed that the
renewal of the lamp three times a year would be the utmost that could be
afforded from considerations of economy. The amount of light that had been
given by his lamp was an amount which was consistent with that durability of
the lamp. Not more than 200 to 250 candles per electrical horse-power was
taken from it, or, to put it into smaller figures, not more than one candle
for 3f to 3 watts of electrical energy exacted from the lamp.
VOL. XXXVI.-1886.
H
56 DISCUSSION—THE ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP.
The President—Is it possible to state what would be the average durability
of a lamp ?
Mr. Swan—Judging from a now very lengthened experience, he thought he conld
confidently say that the lamp would last for between 700 and 800 hours,
giving an amount of light in accordance with the figures he had mentioned,
namely, 8| to 8 watts per candle. He was glad that Professor Merivale agreed
with him as to the importance of a good light.
Professor Merivale said, he believed he was in the minority on this point,
i.e., so far as the importance of a very good light over safety in very
rapid currents was concerned.
The President supposed nobody would object to a lamp because it gave too
much light.
Professor Merivale—Not unless it was done at the expense of safety.
Mr. Swan said, that if it were allowable to reduce the light by half, the
weight of the lamp could be reduced almost in the same proportion; but he
had the idea in his mind, derived from the opinions expressed by many
eminent mining engineers, who gave evidence before the late Royal Commission
on accidents in mines, that a great many accidents occurred in coal mines,
not from explosions, but from falls from the roof and sides, and that some
of these accidents might be preventive if a better light was given by the
pit lamps, and therefore he thought it better to go to the full maximum of
weight that could be carried conveniently, in order to give the utmost
amount of light for the examination of the state of the mine, and for doing
dangerous work.
The President asked Mr. Swan if he was making the lamps now to any extent ?
Mr. Swan—The Edison-Swan Company are manufacturing them in considerable
numbers, though to what precise extent he could not say positively $ but
they are going into the manufacture of the lamp on the assumption that the
lamp will be required by thousands. In fact, the company had had an inquiry,
to his knowledge, of the cost of 3,000 lamps, and their operations, no
doubt, are based on the probability of quantities like this being called
for.
Mr. Theo. Wood Bunning asked if Mr. Swan's ingenious arrangement for
ascertaining the amount of gas in a pit, which he exhibited on the last
occasion, had been practically experimented with ?
Mr. Swan said the lamp which he showed at the last meeting was left in the
hands of Mr. Daglish, and he had not heard whether that gentleman had made
any use of it in the pit. Excepting what Mr. Daglish might
discussion—the electric safety-lamp. 57
bave done with the lamp, he thought he might say there had been no
experimental trial of the gas-measuring apparatus made in a pit. He had very
greatly improved this apparatus since he was at the last meeting ;
especially in regard to the exact measurement of gas.
Mr. Heckels said, it was a much happier position to be in to have to provide
against accidents arising from preventible causes than against those which
arose from causes which were not preventible. Falls of stone, and other
things of that kind, were preventible accidents ; but if they had lamps
which would cause an explosion when in a high velocity of current, the lives
of the whole of the men in the pit were endangered by a circumstance which
was distinctly preventible. Probably an electric lamp was being sought for
with too high an illuminating power, at the expense of lightness and
portability, thus delaying the safety which would be acquired by the present
use of one with less light. There was, for instance, the Marsaut lamp, which
he had introduced, and which gave considerably more light than the ordinary
lamps that had been used in recent years, and might be taken as a type of
the amount of illumination required by the miner. If Mr. Swan would produce
a lamp that would give only such an amount of light as the Marsaut, together
with that perfect security from danger ensured in the electric light, he
would probably secure a more rapid development of the system than would
ensue from the attempts to produce a very high illuminating power.
Mr. M. Walton Brown asked if the use of any of the three forms of gas
detectors arranged by Mr. Swan, requiring from 2 to 5 minutes each
observation, would not reduce the length of time the lamp would burn ?
Mr. Swan said, the gas detector would be used periodically ; the current
would not be turned on to that part of the apparatus, and be left acting,
but only occasional tests would be made. These occasional tests would
certainly use a certain amount of the current, and this would be diverted
from the lamp. But the length of time required to make a test was very
short, so that the current wrould have to be turned on to the detector but a
very short time; therefore the sum of the loss would be a very small one,
and would hardly reduce the time of burning in the lamp to any sensible
amount.
Mr. Theo. Wood Bunning—As to the weight of the lamps, they could be
manufactured to suit the wants of colliery managers, who could order lamps
giving more or less light, or of greater or less weight, so as to suit the
various grades of workmen who had to use them. In fact, an electric lamp
could be made under the same conditions of weight and light as the Davy.
58 DISCUSSION—THE ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP.
Professor Herschel said the ordinary lamp was exposed to danger from
accidents which could not be called preventable ones. It had been proved
that the flame, if not by draughts, then by shocks and explosions, had been
carried through the gauze of any ordinary safety lamp ; and they could
hardly class these amongst preventible causes of accidents. Mr. Swan's lamp,
with its perfectly guarded system, had in this respect a position of
superiority over the present safety-lamp.
Mr. W. G. Blackett said, the ordinary safety-lamp showed automatically when
there was danger present, either by flaming up or going out, and therefore
it showed the presence of fire-damp or carbonic gas ; Mr. Swan's lamp would
keep evenly burning in any gas. He would like to know by what method, with
Mr. Swan's lamp, a man would know when he was among fire-damp, or carbonic
gas, without making a special test to find it out ? A hewer, for instance,
could not be expected to be testing every now and then for gas, exposure to
which for a few minutes might be fatal.
Mr. G-eevase E. Maekham said, he took exception to the remarks of one of the
speakers respecting accidents being preventible. It should not go forth in a
sweeping way that they, as an Institute, considered that accidents from
falls were always preventible; accidents from falls were in many cases not
preventible. JSTo matter how good the roof might be, there would be constant
accidents from falls, which no light would be able to protect the miner
from. The most perfect lamp would not materially diminish the accidents from
falls, although it might do so slightly.
Mr. Swan said he did not intend at all to convey that he regarded accidents
arising from falls from the roof and sides as altogether preventible ; but
they were to a certain extent, and in some degree—perhaps a small
degree—preventible ,• and he expressed this opinion on the strength of what
he saw stated by expert engineers, in the evidence given before the Eoyal
Commission which recently inquired into the causes of accidents in mines. He
thought that the almost unanimous opinion of the gentlemen who gave evidence
on this point was, that where the light was better, this class of accident
was diminished. As to the remarks of Mr. Blackett about the difference
between the ordinary lamp and the electric lamp in regard to indicating the
presence of gas, Mr. Blackett had pointed out correctly, that in the case of
the ordinary safety-lamp the indication of gas was automatic, and that in
the case of the electric lamp a test had to be specially made. It was not
denied that there was this difference between the two lamps. He assumed—he
did not know whether correctly or not—that the examination for the presence
of gas would be made by
DISCUSSION—THE ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP. 59
the overman or deputy, and that the observations by men with lamps when
working would not be the sole thing depended upon, or rather that this would
not be depended upon to any great extent. He believed the ordinary miner's
lamp was not very sensitive as an indicator of gas, and that, therefore,
special lamps had to be used for that purpose.
The President said Mr. Swan had not read the motto of the Mining Institute,
which says the safety-lamp both warns and preserves. There is no doubt
whatever that it would be a good exchange to have a lamp absolutely free
from danger in the presence of fire-damp, even if that arising from the
presence of carbonic acid was increased.
Professor Merivale believed Mr. Swan's contention was, that the ordinary
lamp would not indicate a very small percentage of gas.
Mr. Swan—That is so ; and that, by means of the electrical detector, a very
much smaller amount of gas can be detected, and, what is more, measured as
well.
The President—That is very important.
A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Swan for his kindness in attending the
discussion.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION—CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES. 61
CONFERENCE OF THE DELEGATES OF CORRESPONDING SOCIETIES, HELD DURING THE
MEETING OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE, AT
BIRMINGHAM, SEPTEMBER, 1886.
In May, 1885, correspondence was going on between the British Association
and the Institute, which ended in the Institute becoming a Corresponding
Society of the former Association ; and in July, 1886, Professor Lebour was
appointed to represent the Institute at the Birmingham meeting. This
gentleman attended the meeting, and reports as follows:—
Mining Institute, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 25th November, 1886.
Me. Chaieman and Gentlemen,—Having had the honour of being appointed as
delegate from this Institute to the meeting of the British Association, held
at Birmingham in September last, I beg to present a report of my proceedings
in that capacity.
I arrived at Birmingham on Tuesday the 31st August, and remained till Friday
the 10th S ptember. During that time meetings of two kinds were held by the
Delegates of the Corresponding Societies—the first being conferences between
the Delegates and the Corresponding Societies' Committee of the British
Association ; and the second, less formal and more frequent gatherings among
the Delegates themselves. A proof of the report of the conferences is
appended to this communication, and in it will be found a fairly correct
account of the part taken by me at these meetings. As regards the less
formal meetings among Delegates, I cannot give such elaborate minutes; but I
will venture the opinion that the more valuable work done by the Delegates
of Corresponding Societies will be found in time to be that done there, than
that done at the more formal conferences.
As a general result, I may state that the Corresponding Societies of the
British Association—thanks to the new rules under which they now work—have
it in their power, for the first time, to powerfully influence the
Association whenever they are unanimous as to the advisability of any
measure. Each Delegate is not only ex officio a member of the General
Committee of the Association, but is also (since last September only) ex
officio a member of the Sectional Committees in the subjects of which the
Society he represents is interested.
It has now been clearly understood, as between the Association and the
Delegates of Corresponding Societies, that the suggestion of subjects for
special investigation is henceforth to form one of the principal functions
of the latter; and it is in this sense that the connexion between this
Institute and the Association is likely to prove useful to us. The Institute
and kindred societies may start subjects of investigation requiring many
observers, much money, and combined action : through their Delegates they
can get the object they aim at discussed, and, if possible, adopted, by the
whole body
62 BRITISH ASSOCIATION—CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES.
of the representatives of the Corresponding Societies, whose unanimous
recommendation, to say nothing of their personal votes on the Committees,
both Sectional and General, is practically certain to receive the sanction
of the authorities of the Association. With this sanction the co-operation
of a great many workers might be obtained in Britain and elsewhere, who
would in many cases otherwise either not know of the investigation or of the
necessity for combined action in its prosecution.
The appended printed documents will show the ground covered by the
Association committees of this year.
I have the honour to be, Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, yours very faithfully,
G. A. LEI30UK.
The proceedings of the Conference of Delegates of Corresponding Societies,
so far as they relate to this Institute, are as follows :—
On Sept. 4.—Professor Lebour stated that many of the local societies, such
as the North of England Institute, which he represented, were composed of
engineers connected with large works, who might make useful investigations
'which would be facilitated if backed up by the authority of the British
Association. For this reason he hoped that other subjects besides natural
history, geology, or anthropology would be recognised at the conferences.
At the Second Conference, on Sept. 7, Professor Lebour further
stated :—
That for some time past the North of England Institute of Mining and
Mechanical Engineers had had a committee actively engaged on the subject of
earth-tremors and their possible connection with mine explosions. This
subject was naturally related to those of Sections A, C, and G of the
British Association, and its investigation might be powerfully promoted by
them. Some of the Corresponding Societies might aid greatly in making and
recording observations on earth-tremors in various parts of the country. The
more extensive the area over which such observations were made (if by
competent observers and with suitable instruments) the more valuable they
become; but it was very important that there should be some general
understanding between the observers in different parts of the country in
order that some degree of that uniformity which is so desirable in matters
of this kind should be attained. The cost of the expensive instruments
necessary would be much lessened if large numbers of them were used. The
question of earth-tremor observations was only one of many in which the
engineering societies and the British Association could be mutually useful,
the former carrying out the work and the latter lending the influence of its
official recognition and support.
The Rev. J. M. Mello (Chesterfield and Midland Counties Institution of
Engineers) stated that colliery proprietors were generally unwilling to
spend money in investigations unless some very specific form of inquiry was
circulated.
Mr. Hopkinson (Hertfordshire Natural History Society) remarked that
Corresponding Societies, if supplied with the necessary forms, would no
doubt be willing to circulate them among their members.
Mr. Heywood (Cardiff Naturalists' Society) thought the suggestion of
observing and recording earth-tremors a most valuable one, and be remarked
that the Cardiff Society would be most happy to assist in the investigation,
if the formation of a committee was sanctioned by the Association.
In conclusion, Professor Lebour remarked to the Council (held on Nov. 27)
that, as the matter now stands, the societies who send delegates have now a
very much better position than formerly. For the first time
BRITISH ASSOCIATION—CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES. 63
the societies are recognised not only as bodies instructed by the
Association as to what they should do, but as bodies who tell the
Association what to do, and they have had such power given them that the
moment they are unanimous they can practically carry anything. It would be
very useful if in the course of the year this Institute could think of
subjects which could not be well done otherwise than by co-operation, so
that at the next Association meeting the delegate might be prepared with
subjects to suggest.
The list of the committees on special subjects appointed by the Association,
and with many of which the Institute members could cooperate, was appended
to Professor Lebour's Report.*
* This list will be found in the Annual Report of the British Association
for the year I88fi.
A FJRE-DAMP INDICATOR. 73
A FIRE-DAMP INDICATOR.
By Sia WM. THOS. LEWIS and A. H. MAURICE.
The principle on which the instrument is based is very simple. Metallic
platinum, heated to redness, has the property of burning carburetted
hydrogen gas when mixed with atmospheric air in even the minutest
proportion. The reaction is peculiar, and differs somewhat from ordinary
combustion, though the effect is practically the same. When the platinum
attains a temperature which may be termed a barely visible red heat it acts
upon carburetted hydrogen gas, decomposing it and condensing the hydrogen on
the surface of the metal, and at the same time it in like manner condenses
oxygen from the intermixed air, the atoms of the two gases being thus
brought into such close proximity that they combine chemically, forming
water, which is dissipated as vapour. The nascent carbon set free from the
hydrogen enters into combination with another portion of the oxygen of the
air, forming carbonic acid gas. These two products of the reaction, together
with the remainder of the air, occupy less bulk or space than was occupied
by the original mixture of air and gas, so that if the process takes place
in a closed vessel there is a partial vacuum formed within it. Unless
present in explosive proportions the gas, although it is in effect burnt, is
not really ignited, which is the case in ordinary combustion, the
temperature necessary for ignition being far in excess of that required to
insure the action of the platinum. Taking advantage of this property of
metallic platinum, this instrument is arranged that the mine air to be
tested shall be enclosed in a small air-tight chamber, in which is fixed a
fine platinum wire, forming part of a battery circuit, so that on passing a
current of electricity the wire may be brought up to the required
temperature. To ascertain the difference in density in the enclosed air
after the gas has been destroyed a glycerine gauge of peculiar construction
is used, which is capable, by means of the attached scale, of showing the
degree of vacuum caused by the burning-out process in the air-chamber, and
which in effect represents the amount of gas that was present.
VOL. XXXYI.-1887.
J
74 A FIRE-DAMP INDICATOR.
The indicator consists essentially of the air-chamber a (Plate XII.),
containing about 2 cubic inches of air; the gauge t, with an ivory scale
attached to its upper limb, graduated to read to ^ per cent, of gas; and the
platinum wire p, which is about f inch in length, and No. 30 B.W.G-. (It
will be observed that the upper limbs of the gauge are protected by a light
brass shield s.) The bottom of the air-chamber consists of a brass cap,
fitted with a leather washer, which screws on perfectly airtight. It is
removed to admit mine air, which will itself fill the air-chamber in an
air-current, but in a stagnant atmosphere, or in fall holes overhead, a
slight backward and forward movement of the hand is sufficient to fill it
with the air to be tested, the instrument being in each case held on its
side (i.e., horizontally).
The air-chamber being of brass it is necessary that the battery connections
should be insulated at the points it, where they pass through the side of
the instrument.
The gauge, which is the most important portion of the instrument, may be
described by reference to the diagram, g is a small glass cylinder, 2 inches
in length by *8 inch in diameter, closed at each end with brass caps
cemented on. Through the upper end a small tube t enters the cylinder g and
extends downwards to within -05 inch of the bottom. This tube rises
vertically to a height of about 7 inches, and is then bent back and descends
into the air-chamber a, within which it terminates. The lower portion of the
gauge glass g is filled with coloured glycerine to a height of half an inch,
the upper portion being filled with air, which is under sufficient pressure
to keep the liquid standing about half way up the glass tube t. The
sectional area of cylinder g is thirty times greater than that of the tube
t, so that if the air in g expands one-thirtieth of an inch the displaced
liquid will rise 1 inch in the tube t. The height of the air column in the
cylinder g being 1^ inches, if it expands 1 per cent, of its volume it will
displace the liquid to an equal extent, i.e., to 1 per cent, of 1*5 inch =
*015 inch, and cause it to rise "015 x 30 = "45 inch, or, to be quite
correct, -4 inch, as allowance has to be made for the back pressure due to
the weight of the liquid in the tube /. It is thus seen that when the normal
pressure of the air in the air-chamber a is reduced by 1 per cent., as it
would be by burning out 1 per cent, of gas, the confined air in g expands 1
per cent., and the liquid rises *4 inch in the tube t. This gauge,
therefore, affords an accurate means of measuring the amount of vacuum
formed in the air-chamber a by burning out the gas. The graduation of the
scale is made by calculation checked by actual trial. There is a pointer
or index
A FIRE-DAMP INDICATOR. 75
finger attached to the scale, which is made to slide up and down, and the
use of which will be explained later.
The air in the air-chamber becomes heated by the platinum wire while the
test is being made, and expanding would tend to depress the liquid in the
gauge ; for this reason it is necessary that the glass cylinder g,
consisting of the lower portion of the gauge, should be placed within the
air-chamber to bring its enclosed air under the same heating influence. Thus
the air in the gauge and the air in the air-chamber expand equally by
increase of temperature, and the effect on the gauge is nil.
When, however, the air-chamber is opened by removing the bottom cap the
gauge is free to act as a thermometer, and hence the tube / is of greater
length than might otherwise have been necessary.
The battery which it is proposed to use with the indicator will be circular,
and about 6 inches in diameter and 2| inches wide, and will be carried slung
over the shoulder by a strap. When it is required to make a test the
indicator is hooked on to the battery, which, by turning a handle, is
brought into action. As it is necessary that the duration of the current
should be accurately timed, this will be regulated by a simple automatic
clockwork arrangement attached to the battery to cut off the current at the
expiration of the required time.
It requires a considerable period to burn out the whole of the gas in even a
small air-chamber. Nearly two minutes are required for the one shown in the
drawing. An air-chamber of a given size always requires the same time to
completely burn the gas whatever the percentage may be and whatever the
battery powrer applied ; and it is found from repeated experiments that the
gas is invariably burnt at a constant and uniform rate. The results of these
trials being plotted to scale an indicated diagram was obtained represented
by an elliptic curve, the ordinates of the curve representing the proportion
of the gas burned and the major-semi-axis the time required to burn out all
the gas. Having once proved this it was easy to arrange to cut off the
battery at any given time, the corresponding ordinate giving the proportion
of gas burnt in that time, from which the actual quantity present is readily
calculated. To simplify the matter the cut off was made at '13 of the full
time required to burn out the whole of the gas, whatever that may prove by
experiment to be. At •13 of the full time, 50 per cent, (or one-half) of the
quantity of gas is invariably found to be destroyed, and the gauge would
then register half the percentage present; but by arranging the graduation
of the scale accordingly, the gauge is made to show the full quantity of gas
when
76 DISCUSSION—A FIRE-DAMP INDICATOR.
only half has been burnt out. Taking the time required to burn all the gas
in the air-chamber, viz., 110 seconds, and multiplying it by *13, it gives
14 seconds as the time required for an indication of half the gas; and from
actual trials this proves to be absolutely correct.
To make a test with the indicator the cap is unscrewed from the bottom of
the air-chamber, and the instrument being held on its side, with the open
end facing the air-current, the air to be tested enters and fills it j or if
out of a current, or overhead, it is held in the same position and moved to
and fro two or three times. The cap is then screwed on, and the index finger
slipped along the scale till it is level with the top of the liquid in the
gauge glass. The indicator is now hooked on to the battery, and the current
is passed for 14 seconds. If any gas is present the gauge will show by the
liquid rising above the index finger the exact percentage, which may be read
off at once from the scale. In practice the scale is graduated to read £ per
cent, of gas, but if required a very much smaller percentage may be
indicated.
The Chairman said they would be glad to hear any remarks upon the subject.
Perhaps Professor Bedson would make a few remarks.
Professor Bedson said he really had no special knowledge of the paper except
that which he had gleaned by hearing it read ; therefore he had no remarks
to make. He might, however, mention that it was an interesting contribution
to the study of the combustion of marsh gas or fire-damp when mixed with
air, and he considered that the authors had established the fact that they
could completely burn so small a quantity of marsh gas ,• and they had
further established that it required a very considerable time to effect that
combustion. He also thought that the writers, who had evidently taken great
pains in working out the practical details, had thrown considerable light on
this class of indicator, which had been sketched out in a communication from
Mr. Swan, and had proved that indications of an extremely small percentage
of gas could be obtained. He had no idea of the practical value of such an
indicator; he left that to other hands.
Mr. Theo. Wood Bunning said he thought that Professor Bedson would agree
with him that this indicator is precisely similar in its principle to that
described by Mr. Swan. The only question is whether, this being a larger
instrument than Mr. Swan's, it was not more likely to give a truer
indication of the state of gas in a pit.
DISCUSSION—A FIRE-DAMP INDICATOR. 77
Professor Bedson—The principle is exactly the same. The only point in
connection with the instrument now described is, that these details have
been worked out in a way which, so far as he knew, Mr. Swan had not as yet
attempted. He need scarcely add that a knowledge of these details was
absolutely essential in order that the instrument might be used as a
reliable indicator.
Professor Lebour suggested that the instrument itself should be exhibited at
a meeting before the paper was discussed.
The Chairman said that, if possible, arrangements would be made for one of
the writers to be present at a future meeting to give explanations, and to
have the instrument here for examination. He moved a vote of thanks to the
authors of the paper.
Professor Merivale seconded the resolution, which was agreed to unanimously.
The following paper, by Mr. S. B. Coxon, on " Securite, a new Blasting
Compound," was read :—
" SECURITE," A NEW BLASTING COMPOUND. 79
ON "SECURITE," A NEW BLASTING COMPOUND.
Br S. E. COXON.
This is a German invention for a safe, cheap, and efficient blasting-powder,
made out of the bye-products of coke ovens and gas works. It is, weight for
weight, more powerful than gun cotton, blasting gelatine, or any other known
explosive, and is 35 per cent, cheaper than dynamite. The most important
advantage claimed by its use is the absolute power which it possesses of
destroying all flame and sparks within the range of the products of its
combustion, so that, in point of fact, it provides in its composition all
the advantages sought to be secured by water cartridges. These remarks will
become apparent by careful study of the elements of which it is composed and
the form they assume after explosion.
There are four variations in the mode of preparing this powder, and
supposing that complete combustion is to take place, the following equations
will represent the proportion by weight in which the materials should be
mixed, and the products which would be formed after explosion :—
1st. Dinitrobenzene, C6H4(N02)2 mixed with ammonium nitrate, as
follows:—10(XH4NOS), which when exploded gives 22H20 + 11N2 + 6CO 2, or 44
volumes of steam, 22 volumes of nitrogen, and 12 of carbon dioxide. 2nd.
Trinitrobenzene, 2C6H3(N02)3, mixed with ammonium nitrate, as
follows:—15NH4N03, which when exploded gives 33H20 + 18N2 + 12C02, or 66
volumes of steam, 36 volumes of nitrogen, and 24 of carbon dioxide. 3rd.
Dinitronaphthalene, C10H6(NO2)2, mixed with ammonium nitrate as follows:—19
NH4N03, which, when exploded, gives 41H20 + 20N2 + 10C02, or 82 volumes of
steam, 40 volumes of nitrogen, and 20 of carbon dioxide. 4th.
Trinitronapthalene, 2C10H5(N02)3, mixed with ammonium nitrate as follows
:—33NH4N03, which, when exploded, gives 71H20 + 36N2 + 20CO2, or 142 volumes
of steam, 72 of nitrogen, and 40 of carbon dioxide.
80 " SECURITE," A NEW BLASTING COMPOUND.
The whole of these products of combustion act simply as diluents of the
oxygen in the air, but are otherwise possessed of no deleterious properties.
These substances are mixed in a solid granular condition, as easy to
manipulate as ordinary powder, and exercise no chemical re-action upon each
other. They cannot be exploded by red heat or flame, but only by a strong
detonating cap, they are not affected by atmospheric influences, and do not
ignite fire-damp or air charged with coal dust.
In preparing the said compound it is preferred to use dinitronaphtha-lene
which is prepared in the known manner by boiling one part by weight of pure
napthalene with three parts of nitric acid of 40 per cent., the boiling
being continued until all naphthalene has been precipitated. This substance,
after being freed from excess of acid by washing, is then mixed with
ammonium nitrate in the proportion of 218 parts by weight of the former to
720 parts by weight of the latter. This compound (No. 1) requires however
for its explosion very strong detonating caps. In order to obviate this
inconvenience in certain cases, there may be substituted for the
dinitronaphthalene, two parts of dinitrobenzole, prepared in the known
manner by the action of concentrated nitric acid upon a benzole of 81° cent,
boiling point. This substance is mixed with five parts of ammonium nitrate
(compound No. 2), and to this is added 25 per cent, of compound No. 1. The
substances are all incorporated in a dry granular condition.
In order to protect these compounds against moisture and to increase their
durability, they are mixed with about 5 per cent, of nitrated resin (fir
resin or colophonium) dissolved in alcohol. The nitrated resin is prepared
by boiling one part of resin with three parts of nitric acid of 40 per
cent., and then washing with hot water.
According to the purpose to which the compound is applied, it may consist
either of one or the other of the above described mixtures alone, or of two
or more of them mixed together.
Thus if an explosive compound of very crushing effect is required, most is
taken off No. 1 ; in that case powerful detonators must be used for firing.
Although it is preferred to employ the dinitrobenzole or dinitronaphthalene
in preparing the said compound, yet, as above stated, trinitrobenzole or
trinitronaphthalene may also be used in lieu thereof.
This explosive compound, termed "Securite," forms a granular powder of 1*6
specific gr. and has the following advantages :—
1.—Its preparation, as also the storing and manipulation thereof, is
perfectly safe.
'" SECURITE," A NEW BLASTING COMPOUND.
81
2.—It cannot be exploded by ordinary concussions or blows nor by a burning
or a glowing body.
3.—Its use is perfectly safe in fire-damp and air charged with coal-dust.
4.—It breaks down the coal in a similar manner to ordinary powder.
5.—When exploded it yields harmless gases, so that men can work in enclosed
spaces immediately after an explosion has taken place therein.
The following is a translation of a Eeport by Herr Margraf, the Mines
Inspector, whose interesting remarks on the experiments made with coal-dust
under the direction of the Prussian Government at Saarbriicken appear in
Vol. XXXIV. of the Transactions :—
Securite, which has been discovered by Mr. Schoenewez, apothecary, at
Dudoreller, is a granulated powder of light yellow colour, with an odour of
bitter almonds. Brought into contact with fire, it burns with a yellow flame
slowly and without exploding, melting at the same time, and makes but little
smoke. The flame is extinguished the moment the contact with fire ceases. It
cannot be ignited by any shock or blow to which it might happen to be
subjected during its transport or manipulation, for layers spread out upon
an anvil could not be made to explode although violently struck with heavy
hammers.
Securite can only be exploded with so-called 1,000 gramme caps. The action
is like that of Hellofit, about four times as forcible as blasting powder.
Through a great series of tests it has been conclusively proved that
Securite is absolutely safe to be used in the presence of fire-damp and
coal-dust. Covered with the most dangerous coal-dust and surrounded with ten
percent, of fire-da mp, the cartridges on explosion never gave an appearance
of flame, nor could any be noticed when the cartridges were saturated with
petroleum ether. Experiments were made to satisfy myself how Securite would
act in workings if brought into direct contact with a pocket of pure
fire-damp. In these the cartridge was covered with the most dangerous
description of coal-dust in the presence of ten per cent, of fire-damp. The
entire experimental tube was then sprinkled with coal-dust.
Fourteen times this experiment was repeated without showing the slightest
appearance of flame. Later on petroleum ether was substituted instead of
coal-dust, but no appearance of flame was noticed.
These experiments show conclusively that Securite is absolutely fire-damp
proof, and it has also stood the test in collieries in the presence of very
dangerous fire-damp mixtures. Once, in an advanced heading in the Carlowitz
seam, in the third level of the mine Konig. which gives out a large quantity
of fire-damp, but which is so well ventilated that with electricity dynamite
shots could be fired without danger, although each shot ignited the
fire-damp in the fissures near the explosion, the ventilating current was
stopped and four shots with Securite were fired into the fire-damp mixture,
when no ignition followed, and a very serious explosion obviated.
The fall of large coal resulting from the use of Securite is in no way
inferior to that of blasting powder. This remark particularly refers to the
hard seam in the Saar district. Indeed in very hard seams Securite is by
far superior to Carbonit.
The explosive gases of Securite are practically perfectly harmless, more so
than those from any other explosive known to me.
VOL. XXXVI.—1887.
^
82 DISCUSSION ON " SECURITE," A NEW BLASTING COMPOUND.
In wet holes Securite has to be used in waterproof cartridges.
Securite has proved itself an explosive deserving the most earnest
attention. Compared with Carbonit it is decidedly much more fire-damp proof,
for experiments made after the report about Carbonit had been published,
proved that Carbonit was unreliable.
(Signed) MAKGRAF,
NeunTcirchen,
Mining Inspbctoe.
Mr. Walton Brown asked if any one could explain the exact meaning of the
term, 1,000 gramme caps used in the paper, if 1,000 grammes were intended,
it meant 2£ pounds of detonator ?
The Secretary said, it meant a kilogramme of fulminate divided among a
thousand caps.
Mr. Bird said that in the abstract of the paper it was stated " that the
products of combustion are entirely composed of substances in which no flame
can exist; the explosives are therefore perfectly safe." The same argument
would apply to gunpowder, because the products of the explosion in the case
of gunpowder were, roughly speaking, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and sulphide
of potash, all of which were inimical to combustion. If the argument was
good in the case of securite, it should be equally good in the case of
gunpowder; but, unfortunately, they knew it was not. When they had
experimented in this country with this new explosive the discussion would be
carried on with more profit than it could be now.
Professor Bedson said, that with regard to the representation of what might
take place when securite was exploded, the chemical equations were entirely
theoretical. They all knew that, theoretically, gunpowder should give the
same gaseous bodies,- but as a matter of fact, the experiments of Sir
Frederick Abel and Captain Noble have shown that the explosion of gunpowder
was really attended by a most complex and complicated series of reactions.
No simple equation could really convey what took place in the explosion of
gunpowder. The same would also probably be found to be the case if they took
all the different explosives recommended in this paper prepared in the
proportions by weight recommended by the author. He found, for instance,
when dinitronaphthalene is used, it is recommended to take 218 parts by
weight of this compound, and 720 parts by weight of ammonium nitrate.
Theoretically, 1,620 parts of ammonium nitrate are required for the complete
combustion. If they exploded such a mixture as was recommended in powder No.
1 (dinitrobenzene), there would result a complex, chemical
DISCUSSION ON " SECURITE," A NEW BLASTING COMPOUND. 83
action forming compounds which were not so harmless as carbon dioxide,
steam, and nitrogen. In all probability they would have gases of the nature
of carbon monoxide produced, and other incomplete products of combustion of
carbon. As to the " 1,000 gramme cap," he thought that it rather related to
the power of the cap—the force given out by the explosion of the cap rather
than its weight.
Professor Merivale said, he agreed with the last two speakers. He should
like to know if it was conceivable for such a force as this to be exercised
without any heat or flame ?
Mr. A. L. Steavenson said, the invention which was before them reminded him
very much of an explosive brought over from France a short time ago called
Panclastite, far more powerful than anything he had ever met with. It
occurred to his mind, as was also suggested by Mr. Bird, that, although the
results were said to be not dangerous, they could not have an explosion
without at the same time producing a temperature sufficient to be dangerous
in the presence of gas. He was speaking in the presence of the Professor of
Chemistry, and he (Mr. Steavenson) would offer his opinion more as a
question than an actual statement. He asked whether it was possible to have
an explosion which heated the products of combustion, whatever they might
be, even if they were steam, to an enormous temperature—probably 3,000
degs.—without their being in a condition to explode the gas in a mine ? They
were told by the German report of Herr Margraf, the Inspector of Mines, that
" securite is absolutely safe to be used in the presence of fire-damp and
coal-dust." But then this gentleman had reported that coal-dust itself was
not explosive, a fact which was to the speaker's mind proved beyond all
doubt, and therefore he did not put any high value upon his experiments with
this explosive. This paper did not actually relate to coal-dust, but he
would like to say a word or two upon that subject. Almost all the
experiments made with coal-dust were not made under the conditions which
prevailed in a colliery when coal-dust had exploded. They knew that in
collieries where there was such a large quantity of dust, when it once had
attained to ignition point it virtually was under pressure. They all knew
the difference between exploded gunpowder in the open, and in a hole under
pressure. So it was with coal-dust. If they could explode coal-dust in the
condition in which it was in the mine, that is under pressure, they would
get a very different result from what the Germans got when they tried
coal-dust in a short passage. The Germans experimented with coal-dust in a
covered-in drift with only a wagon at the end to move. But take eight or ten
tons of coal-dust, blow it up in a confined space, and ignite
84 DISCUSSION OX " SECURITE," A NEW BLASTING COMPOUND.
that dust—it would burn so rapidly under pressure that it all would go off
at once. That was the difference between firing coal-dust in a colliery, and
the way the German gentlemen had fired it. As to this new explosive, they
were told that it was exceedingly powerful—that it was far more powerful
than dynamite. Then it would be no value under general circumstances,
because it would only cut the mineral and leave the bulk of it standing,
instead of throwing it down. This he had tested and confirmed in practice
over and over again. Under all the circumstances he could hardly agree that
the new compound would be very valuable as a blasting material. He had often
thought of giving a paper on his own experiences with explosives. Whenever
any new explosive was invented, they generally brought it to Cleveland,
where the consumption was very large, and so during the last 25 years the
speaker had tested a very large number of explosives. In 1863 several
gentlemen and himself spent a day firing shots and walking about with
nitro-glycerine under their arms; and they were not aware of its dangerous
character until the then Sheriff of Newcastle and others were accidentally
killed by an explosion of this compound a few days after. After that they
were very careful.
Mr. Blackett asked Professor Bedson whether it was possible, from the fact
of ammonium nitrate giving off nitrous oxide when heated, that this gas
might be developed by incomplete combustion of securite and whether nitrous
oxide was not an intense supporter of combustion ?
Professor Bedson said, he thought nitrous oxide could not be regarded as an
explosive gas, although in its preparation from ammonium nitrate the
decomposition was occasionally attended by explosions. He did not think that
nitrous oxide would be produced in the use of the explosives described in
the paper, as the nitrous oxide was the material supplying the oxygen. What
was more to be feared was the formation of combustible bodies by the
incomplete combustion of the various nitro-com-pounds used.
Mr. Bird asked whether nitrous oxide was the result of the explosion? He had
heard that nitrous oxide was one of the results of explosion of fire-damp.
He had also heard that explorers in northern collieries, after an explosion,
had felt the peculiar physiological effects of laughing-gas in the
after-damp.
Professor Herschel said that, as to the quantity of heat present after an
explosion, and before the expansion of the gases, the question of the
violence or power of the explosive depended plainly upon the quantity of
that heat, and the work thus stored in the volume of the gases before
DISCUSSION ON " SECURITE," A NEW BLASTING COMPOUND. 85
they expanded. The chemical and physical determination of the strength of
the explosion consists in nothing else but the heat developed. In gunpowder,
part of the residue was solid, but it was no doubt at first in a vaporous
state. The heat was there from the chemical action which did the work. It
might be possible for Professor Bedson to say how much heat of formation the
materials contained in their first, and how much in their final states ; and
the difference between those heats was let loose, by the chemical action,
upon the quantity of gases formed. These gases having this heat now became
explosive. If the expansive work was greater than that of nitro-glycerine,
then there was more heat in them than was set free by the explosion of
nitro-glycerine. It was scarcely possible for the author of this paper to
contend that securite could be exploded without flame if its explosion was
more violent than that of gunpowder or nitro-glycerine. It might be more
instantaneous, and more sudden, perhaps.
Mr. Markham—What is the comparative cost between securite and gunpowder in
the working of coal and stone ?
Mr. C. Z. Bunning said, it was stated in the paper that this new explosive
could not be fired by ordinary concussions or blows; and asked if a slanting
blow from a wooden hammer had been tried, such as had been found to explode
other, so-called safe compounds ?
Professor Bedson said, it was quite possible to calculate out the heat
produced by the complete combustion of these compounds.
Professor Herschel—Theoretically.
Professor Bedson—Taking the theoretical equations as the data for the
calculation. A gramme of the mixture No. 1 would give 1,233 cubic
centimetres of gas at 100 degs. centigrade and normal pressure; whereas a
gramme of gunpowder gives, according to Abel and Noble's experiments, 382
cubic centimetres under the same conditions. Then, of course, this mixture,
No. 1, would have three times the force of gunpowder. Then take No. 3
mixture—supposing complete combustion to result, one gramme of that would
give 1,250 cubic centimetres, under the same conditions—that is at 100 degs.
centigrade, and 30 inches of mercury.
Mr. Theo. Wood Bunning thought the remarks of Mr. Steavenson worthy of
serious attention, and that they should be replied to directly by the
authors of this paper. There was no doubt that gases without flame of any
sort might become sufficiently hot to set fire to other matter. For
instance, the air round a steamship chimney in confined places where it was
not free to circulate would of itself, without flame or spark, get so
86 DISCUSSION ON " SECIJEITE," A NEW BLASTING COMPOUND.
extremely hot as to ignite wood which was in its vicinity. So gases, in
themselves inimical to combustion, or even water itself, under certain
conditions might get so exceedingly hot that, although they did not produce
flame, they would explode other gases with which they come in contact.
The Ohaieman proposed a vote of thanks to the author of the paper.
Professor Merivale seconded the motion, and it was agreed to.
The Chairman said that the first paper for discussion was, " Notes on the
Coal-Measures of Catalonia, Spain," by Professor Lebour. He suggested that
the discussion be postponed until the paper was issued to the members.
Professor Lebour—Yes ; allow the discussion to be adjourned.
The Chairman said the next paper for discussion was, " An Account of
Experiments in France upon the possible connection between Movements of the
Earth's Crust and the Issues of Gases in Mines," by Mr. M. Walton Brown.
Mr. Walton Brown suggested that the discussion be adjourned until the paper
was in the hands of the members. (At the close of the meeting he explained
the theory and mode of action of a seismograph, which had been ordered by
the Committee appointed to investigate the relation which may exist between
the issue of gas in mines and micro-seismic motion of the earth's crust.)
The Chairman said the next paper for discussion was on " Lightning in the
Pit at West Thornley," by Mr Henry White.
Mr. White said that the abstract of his paper contained one or two remarks
confirmatory of Mr. Massingham's theory, about a place once having been
struck with lightning being more liable to be struck again, which the paper
itself did not warrant, and he would like it recorded that he (Mr. White)
did not believe in Mr. Massingham's theory.
PROCEEDINGS. 87
PROCEEDINGS.
GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY, APRIL 23rd, 1887. Sir LOWTHTAN BELL, Bart..
President, tn the Citair.
The Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting and reported the
proceedings of the Council.
The following gentlemen were elected, having been previously nominated:—
Ordinary Member— Mr. William Galloway, Mining Engineer, Cardiff.
Associate Members—
Mr. S. Agniel, Mines de Vicoigne (Nord) Nceux (P. de C), France. Mr. T. F.
Hedley, Junr., Sunderland.
The following gentlemen were nominated for election :—
Associate Members—
Mr. F. H. Edwards, Little Benton, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Mr. Eustace Smith, Wire
Hope Manufacturer and Shipbuilder, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
The Secretary read the following paper, by Mr. S. B. Coxon, on " A New
Electric Safety-Lamp, with Schanscbiefr's Primary Single Liquid Battery:"—
\
miner's new electric safety-lamp. 89
MINER'S NEW ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP WITH SCHAN-SCHIEFF'S PRIMARY SINGLE LIQUID
BATTERY.
By S. B. COXON.
The writer has prepared this paper with a view of bringing before the
members a form of primary battery suited for safety-lamps, so that the
relative position of primary and secondary batteries may be fairly
considered by the members.
The Schanschieff battery, which has been invented with a view of enabling a
sufficient amount of electrical force to be easily obtained in a portable
form, has rendered the application of primary batteries to electrical
safety-lamps comparatively facile.
There is no denying that the primary battery has seemingly some
disadvantages when compared with the secondary one, although these may
possibly disappear in practice, and the superior advantage of that perfect
independence which is secured by the primary battery become more and more
apparent with its use.
It would require no insignificant expenditure of capital to start an
installation for renewing the storage of electricity in the secondary
batteries attached to some thousand safety-lamps, and a large proportion of
this expenditure would have to be incurred even when lamps were being tried,
for it is hardly to be supposed that any mining engineer would begin at once
to use some GOO or 700 lamps without having previously felt his way by here
and there employing a few for some months; and this is where the primary
battery would show its advantage, since a colliery manager might order half
a dozen and try them for any length of time without procuring any extra
plant.
A difficulty has, however, been felt for some time in obtaining a primary
battery so simple in its construction as to be easily manipulated by the
ordinary colliery staff, and sufficiently portable to do the required amount
of work, and as the new single liquid battery invented by Mr. Schanschieff
seems to offer many advantages over those hitherto in use, an effort has
been made by the inventor to utilise the invention for mining purposes.
90 miner's new electric safety-lamp.
The exciting solution is a special preparation of a salt of mercury—
(HgaS04+HgSO< + 8H20),
3 ozs. of which (per candle per hour, in the case of a miner's lamp) is
poured into the cells, so that the carbon and zinc elements which are
attached to one end of the lamp are immersed in the solution when that end
is held lowest, and withdrawn from the solution when their position is
reversed. The receptacle for the liquid and the lamp weigh 1 lb. 12f ozs.,
so that a lamp burning eight hours and giving a light equal to one lamp
would weigh—
Lamp ...............= 1 lb. 8 ozs.
Liquid, eight hours x one candle x 33 = 1 „ 12f ,,
3 4-2
For comparison it may be noted that —
The Davy lamp full of oil weighs 1 lb. 9| ozs.
„ „ in tin case „ 2 „ 9£ „
„ Clanny ......... 2 „ 12 „
,, Mueseler ......... 2 „ 7 „
The batteries are made so that the solution is kept perfectly confined and
cannot escape either from one cell to the other, or leak out of the battery,
and the lamp complete is so simple that the top can be taken off and the
battery emptied and charged by any person, although he may be without any
knowledge of electricity. When once charged the lamp can be kept for any
length of time with the elements above the solution, and be ready for use in
a moment by simply turning the elements into the solution. When one charge
is exhausted the used liquid is simply thrown into a glazed earthenware pan,
and a fresh quantity of the solution put in the cells. The advantages
claimed for the battery are—
1.—The E.M.F. (1'5 volts) is high and perfectly constant.
2.—The internal resistance is very small, only *03 ohm.
8.—It gives a perfectly steady current and no polarization is possible.
4.—It gives off no fumes or smell.
5.—It is quiescent when the circuit is open.
6.—It is cheap and durable. The battery (shown in Plate XIII.) at present to
be described is very simple. It is made of lasting materials, and but a
moderate amount of cheap exciting liquid is required, and would cost about
17s. 6d. each if made in large numbers.
miner's new electric safety-lamp. 9]
Figs. 1, 2, and 8 show the lamp in all its details, the same letters
referring to the same parts in all the figures.
a is a circular receptacle about 8 inches high and 4^- inches in diameter;
this receptacle is divided into three compartments (1, 2, 8, Fig. 3). On one
side of the cover is a projection about 2£ inches in diameter, made to
receive a small cylindrical box m containing the lamp, protected by a strong
glass js? and a few strong wires o crossing over it; The top of the cells is
circular and mainly composed of three pieces. d is a thin piece of
india-rubber, e a piece of vulcanite about five-eighths of an inch thick,
and f a wooden top. These are all screwed firmly together by a pin g, which
runs through the centre of the cells and is secured by nuts at each end.
The carbons and zincs are arranged in the following way:—They are about 3
inches long by 2^ wide and §- thick, w iv are small brass castings of
angular shape, about 2| inches wide, or the same width as the carbons and
zincs, and these are attached to the projecting parts of the angles by means
of rivets; the whole of the joints are then covered over with shellac as
shown at y. These small angles are secured by pins x, which run through the
india-rubber cover d and the vulcanite plate e, where there are three
recesses drilled in to carry the nuts. The carbons are thus tightly secured
to the under side of the india-rubber, and are kept perfectly insulated from
each other, the india-rubber rendering the whole liquid-tight.
Fig. 2 shows the mode in which these carbons and zincs are coupled together
in all cases, the outside carbons of one cell being connected with the
central zinc of the other, and finally to small pieces of metal u, v, which
are fastened to the edge of the vulcanite.
When the top is put on the receptacle, the carbons and zincs project
downwards, as shown in Fig. 1, and the two metal plates u and v press
against the little plate s bent round the top of the vulcanite receptacle,
passing down nearly to the bottom of the tube containing the lamp.
i and i1 are two handles for holding the lamp, secured, as has been before
stated, by two nuts h h, one at the top and the other at the bottom of the
lamp.
Before putting the top in its place, the exciting solution is to be
introduced. This solution is a special preparation of a salt of mercury.
When the ceils are thus charged the liquid is somewhat less than halfway up
them, so that when the top, with the carbons attached, is placed on the
cells, the fluid does not touch the plates, which are only immersed in it
when the lamp is turned over and held by the bottom handle i1.
92 DISCUSSION—MINER'S NEW ELECTBIC SAFETY-LAMP.
The moment this change of position is effected the lamp is alight, and it is
put out as soon as it is replaced in the position shown in Fig. 1.
There are several minor details connected with the lamp; for instance, j is
a guard which comes over the nut h and prevents the top from being taken off
the receptacle, and goes down to the hook on the lamp s, where it is secured
by a padlock k, which prevents the lamp being tampered with.
It will be seen that nothing can be easier than pouring fresh liquid into
the receptacle, the time occupied in doing so not exceeding that used in
supplying the ordinary lamp with oil. When it is necessary to supply a new
zinc, all that has to be done is to unscrew the nut x, Fig. 1, take the old
zinc out, and put a new one in.
This form of battery has many advantages. It gives off no smell or fumes,
and when once charged will work the required number of hours for which it is
constructed without further attention. The battery can remain charged for
any length of time and is always ready for use without special preparation
whether the solution has been partially exhausted or not.
It is impossible to give any very detailed estimate of the cost of working
the lamp ; but as it requires no expensive plant to charge, and has but few
parts and these few very inexpensive, it will compare most favourably with
the cost of keeping up lamps with secondary batteries.
The President asked Mr. Schanschieff if he had anything to add to the paper
?
Mr. Schanschieff said, he only wished to explain the difference between the
two lamps which he exhibited. The first was the largest both in bulk and
weight; it was made for deputies, and gave a light of four or five candles;
the smaller one was for hewers, with a light of about two candles. One lamp
weighed about four and a half pounds, and the other about six pounds, both
being arranged to work eight hours. The exciting liquid, the composition of
which he had given in his paper, was new, and perfectly transparent. The
cost of keeping the battery at work would be about one penny or three
half-pence per shift; the small lamps could be supplied for 17s. 6d. each
and the large ones for £1 Is. each.
The President—In fact the liquid is a double salt; but mercury is the base
in each case.
DISCUSSION—MINEE'S NEW ELECTRIC SAFETY-LAMP. 98
Mr. SOHANSOHIEFF—Yes, in each case.
The President—The large lamp gives a beautiful light.
Mr. Schanschieff—It may be as well to remark here that every pains have been
taken to enable the lamp to be easily re-charged, and the time requisite to
do so has been reduced to something under a minute.
Professor Merivale—It would be well to remind the inventor of the importance
of having some means of detecting the presence of gas. Mr. Sohanschieff's
lamp does not indicate either fire-damp or carbonic acid. A lamp to be
useful should have some contrivance for detecting both these gases.
The President—That was done by Mr. Swan in his lamp as far as fire-damp was
concerned.
Mr. Schanschieff said, he had made an arrangement to detect firedamp, but
until he had secured a patent he could not explain it. The battery—the
larger one—is expressly designed to have a fire-damp indicator inside of the
globe, which can be switched on while the lamp is switched out. By the next
meeting he hoped the patent would be secured, and then he would show it
attached to a lamp.
Professor Merivale asked Mr. Schanschieff if he had made an attempt to make
a detector of carbonic acid gas ?
Mr. Schanschieff replied that he had not. It was very difficult.
The President then moved a vote of thanks to the author of the paper and
inventor of the lamp for the trouble they had taken in explaining and
exhibiting the lamp.
This was seconded by Mr. Marley, and unanimously carried.
Mr. M. Walton P>rown read the following paper "On a Form of Apparatus for
the Rapid Determination of Specific Gravities of Bodies:"—
RAPID DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITIES. 95
ON A FORM OF APPARATUS FOR THE RAPID DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITIES OF
BODIES.
By M. WALTON BROWN.
The specific gravity of a body is the number which expresses the relation
of the wreight of a given volume of this body to the weight of the same
volume of water.
If M be the weight, V the volume, and D the specific gravity of a
body, then—
M = VD,
and if there is an equal volume of another body, whose weight and specific
gravity are M1 and D1, then—
M1 = VD1, and D:D1 = M:M1. That is, the specific gravities of the bodies are
proportional to the weights of equal volumes of the bodies. If water is
assumed as the unit for specific gravity, then the specific gravity of any
other substance is the ratio between the weight of any volume of the body
and that of an equal volume of water.
The commonly used methods for the determination of the specific gravities of
bodies are the hydrostatic balance, the hydrometer, and the specific gravity
flask. They are all, however, based upon the principle of ascertaining the
weight of the body and that of an equal volume of water, the operations
necessary being to weigh the body in air (W) and in water (W2). The loss of
weight (W—W2) is the weight of a volume of water equal to the volume of the
body and the specific gravity—
W
u - w - w2
The weighing of a body in water is a tedious operation, and requires
considerable technical skill.
It occurred to the writer that this operation might be avoided if an
apparatus could be devised which would measure the volume of the body.
The specific gravity would then be determined by the ratio—
D = M. y
The following form of apparatus (shown in Fig. 1, Plate XIV.) appears to
perform the operation of measuring the volume with sufficient
VOL. XXXVI.-1887,
^
96 RAPrD DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITIES.
accuracy. It consists of an accurately graduated burette a, and a specific
gravity flask of special construction b, which are connected together by
india-rubber tubing of great thickness and small bore. The flask is fixed on
the stand and the burette, when the set screw d is slackened, slides in the
supports e and,/, fitted on the stand.
The instrument is partially filled with water before use, the burette is
moved upwards until the flask is filled with water nearly to the mark li
upon the thin tube of the perforated ground-glass stopper, the set screw d
is tightened and the more accurate adjustments made by the screw d. The
height of the water is then read in the graduated burette, Fig. 1.
The body is next carefully weighed, the stopper withdrawn, and the burette
lowered so as to partially empty the flask and allow for the overflow of
water when the body is placed in the flask. The stopper is then replaced,
and the burette raised until the water approaches the mark upon the thin
tube of the stopper. The set screw d is tightened, and the level adjusted by
the screw d. The water will now stand at a higher level in the burette, Fig.
2, as the body will have displaced a volume of water from the flask equal to
its own volume. The difference between the two readings of the level of the
water in the burette will be the measure of the volume of the body.
The apparatus should be graduated in two forms according as the weight of
the body is taken in grammes or grains.
On the metric system the unit of weight is a gramme, which is the weight of
a cubic centimetre of water at 4° 0., consequently the burette should be
graduated in cubic centimetres and decimal divisions.
In Great Britain, according to the Parliamentary Eegulations of 1825, a
cubic inch of water at a temperature of 62° F. weighs 252*456 grains, and
the burette tube is therefore required to be graduated into divisions, each
of which represents the 252'456th parts of a cubic inch.
Experiments:— t n
The weight of the body is...... 38*69 52*51 grammes.
The first reading is......... 30*60 25-30 cubic centimetres.
The second l-eading is ... ... 25*30 13*55
,, „
And the volume of the body is ... 5-30 11*75 „
,,
The specific gravities will therefore be 7*301 4*468
By the ordinary method the specific
gravities were found to be ... 7*330 4*486
Consequently the error gave less than *31 and *40 per cent.
DISCUSSION—RAPID DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITIES. 97
By this apparatus, if a sufficient volume of the mineral be taken, say,
about 16 cubic centimetres, or one cubic inch, the error will probably not
exceed | per cent. If the burette be of small diameter, the most accurate
results are readily obtained.
This apparatus can be used for the determination of the specific gravity of
all bodies, irrespective of whether they are heavier or lighter than water,
and for powdered bodies.
If the body is soluble in water the determination may be made in some fluid,
such as naphtha, oil, or mercury, in which it is insoluble, and the product
of the number by the specific gravity of the liquid used in the experiment
will be the specific gravity of the body.
Mr. M. Walton Brown said, that since the above account was written he had
seen a description of a form of apparatus (for the same purpose as above
described) invented by Mr. F. Pisani, and appearing in Comptes Rendus, Vol.
86, 1878, pp. 350-2, which is said to yield approximate results. It consists
of a specific gravity flask with a capacity of 5 cm.3, closed by a pierced
glass stopper, and provided with a side tube 4 mm. diameter and 25 cm. long.
The tube is inclined at an angle of 45° to the flask, is divided into l-50th
of cm.3, and has a capacity of 3 cm3. Two or three grains of the pounded
mineral are weighed. The flask having been filled with water and the stopper
inserted, the finger is placed over the hole in the stopper, and the tube
placed vertical, when a reading is then taken. A second reading is made with
the pounded mineral inside the flask, and the difference of the readings
will give its volume. Another form of instrument is described in a recent
number of the Genie Civil, which appears to be of similar form to the one
now described.
The President—There is no doubt, if Mr. Brown is quite accurate, that this
is a great simplification of the old way of ascertaining the specific
gravity of substances.
Professor Lebour said, he had seen the instrument used and knew that it did
its work very well. To make an experiment with such an instrument before a
large number of people was different from doing it in a quiet room. The
apparatus must be exceedingly useful where excessive accuracy was not
needed.
The President thought that that was all that was claimed for it.
Professor Herschel said, the measuring of specific gravities by a graduated
burette tube had been practised for a considerable time.
§8 DISCUSSION—RAPID DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITIES.
This was an improvement by Mr. Brown, who removed the material from the
burette tube to a bottle by itself, which was a great convenience. The most
that could be done by this displacement method was to find the effective
specific gravity of the body, if porous, together with its pores. To fill
the pores perfectly with water always required far more careful treatment
than could be carried out in an instrument of this kind. In this sense the
instrument was a rough one. If they used porous bodies it was not possible
without exhaustion and other means to thoroughly fill the pores with water.
But if the rapid determination of the specific gravity in bulk was desired,
like that of clay iron ore, sandstone, or other matter, for example to know
the space required in bulk for a ship's cargo of given weight, it was a very
convenient and simple thing for the burette to measure it. It was rather
difficult to avoid displacing some of the air from the pores under the old
system; a good deal of air was displaced from the pores in the splashing j
but if a porous substance was put into a bottle in the way which Mr. Brown
had shown them, and water came in from the bottom, it would be better. Mr.
Brown's instrument was a great improvement upon what had gone before.
The President said, he had never heard before of the determination of
specific gravity being had recourse to in order to ascertain how much a ship
will carry of a particular mineral. This is generally ascertained in a far
rougher way.
Professor Heeschel said, he had once furnished the specific gravity of a
quantity of Middlesbro' clay iron ore for the purpose of shipment.
The President—Was it for a shipowner ?
Professor Herschel could not mention names.
The President said, he had never heard of it being done himself. No doubt
this is a simplification of the previous system, and will be a great
convenience, and he proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Brown for the pains he
had taken in trying his invention before them.
This was seconded by Professor Lebour, and unanimously agreed to.
Mr. T. 0. Robson read the following " Description of Archer and Robson's
Patent Sprayer for Laying the Dust in Mines :"—
ARCHER AND ROBSON's PATENT SRRAYP^R. 99
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF ARCHER AND ROBSON'S PATENT "SPRAYER" FOR LAYING THE
BUST IN MINES.
By T. 0. IIOBSON.
By request of the Council, the writer has pleasure in placing before the
members of this Institute a detailed description of a " sprayer," designed
for the purpose of damping, and by this means laying, the top, side, and
bottom dust in mines.
The question as to whether particles of coal dust contain per se the
properties necessary to initiate, on contact with flame, and afterwards
continue, so rapid a combustion amongst themselves as to cause what is
commonly termed an explosion is undecided, and need not be entered upon
here. It is sufficient to state that it is now a generally admitted fact
that the particles of coal dust lying about the ways of a mine, if they do
not initiate, at least serve to perpetuate and intensify, the effects of an
explosion where the roadways are dry and the dust exists in sufficient
quantity.
In designing an apparatus to render such dust practically harmless as a
combustible agent, the following points have been aimed at:—
To effect the emission of a spray, either of water or a mixture of water and
common salt, which shall damp and lay the top, side, and bottom dust, and,
as far as possible, saturate the air travelling in the roadways—
(1) By means of an apparatus simple in construction and strong
in its working parts ;
(2) At a small first cost, and a subsequent nominal working cost. The "
sprayer" (see Plate XV.) is designed so that it can be attached
to an ordinary water-tub, traversed by manual, horse, or engine power.
The attachment is effected by means of a hollow spindle a, which passes to
the outside of the tub through a stuffing-box b, and having at its outer end
a hollow boss d, perforated round its circumference.
Over this inner boss d is fitted a chamfered wooden boss c, similarly
perforated, and surrounded by a circular bristle brush. The wooden boss c is
made removable, so as to admit of repair and renewal of the brush.
100 DISCUSSION—ARCHER AND ROBSON's PATENT SPRAYER.
The spindle, boss, and brush rotate upon a carriage /, the power to drive
them being obtained from the tub axle by bevel or worm wheels g, and an
endless chain or toothed wheels, driven off the shaft h on to the hollow
spindle a.
A stop-valve arrangement is shown (7c) for cutting the supply of water from
the " sprayer." The form and method of working this valve arrangement can be
varied to suit the different circumstances of haulage, roadways, etc.
The water passes along the hollow spindle through the holes on the rim of
the boss, and is thrown by centrifugal force from the tips of the bristle
brush in the form of fine rain or spray, the speed of emission being in
proportion to the rotative speed of the brush.
The tub now in use, with "sprayer," at Eedheugh Colliery is constructed to
contain 100 gallons of water.
The "sprayer" is geared two and a half times to one of the tub axle, and the
diameter of the brush is 15 inches, the hole in the spindle is f inch
diameter, and the six holes round the rim of the boss are \ inch each in
diameter.
With this quantity of water (100 gallons) it is found that 1,700 yards of
way, with a superficial area of 150,000 square feet, can be efficiently
sprayed, the tub travelling at a speed of four miles per hour.
Mr. Steavenson said, the only question, to his mind, seemed to be whether
the quantity of water mentioned by Mr. Robson—100 gallons— was likely to
serve for a mile of road ? Of course Mr. Robson had had personal experience
and could tell how far he had tested the apparatus. Of the danger of dust he
thought there need be no two opinions.
Mr. Robson said, that at Redheugh one operation of the apparatus Would
thoroughly damp the dust. The water in the tub had absolutely made an
efficient spray for 1,770 yards, making a distinct skin or coating of water
over the dust. Of course it would require three or four, or probably more,
operations to thoroughly saturate the dust. The results depended entirely on
the temperature of the road and the quantity of dust present.
The President—Has there been any opportunity of trying what effect an
explosion has upon a surface operated upon by the apparatus ? An explosion
might blow off the coating of damp coal, and set free the dry dust lying
underneath it when dispersed by the explosion.
Mr. Robson—There has been no experiment made in that way.
DISCUSSION—ARCHER AND ROBSON's PATENT SPRAYER. 101
The President—Is the apparatus in use at any colliery ?
Mr. Robson—Yes, it is occasionally in use on one haulage road at Redheugh
Colliery.
The President—And regularly keeps the dust damp in the way mentioned ?
Mr. Robson—Yes.
Mr. Steavenson said, the roads could be gone over several times until
thoroughly wet.
Mr. Douglas—How often has it been found necessary to repeat the operation
until the dust is saturated ?
Mr. Robson—The practice has not yet been very extensive. It would require in
Redheugh Colliery, where the temperature is not high, to run this sprayer
along at least four times per day. The tub is hung on to a set and let go.
Mr. Steavenson said that one of the most perfect sprays he had seen wras a
high-pressure spray of water which impinged upon a very fine pin head. It
was the best spray he had seen and was used to cool the House of Commons.
The President—Is it very probable that these very small holes might get
stopped with any impurity in the water ?
Professor Herschel asked if Mr. Robson found the centrifugal force from the
brush sufficient to drive the water with any special strength into small
holes ? Was he able to raise the water to any height above the tub to reach
high places ?
Mr. Robson said, the holes in the machine were quarter-inch holes. It was
not a question of the speed of emission from the holes, but of the water
passing from the bristles of the brush. The water was thrown to a height of
six feet from the bristles of the brush, the tub travelling at the average
speed of four miles.
The President remarked that it seemed a very ingenious way of performing the
operation, and that if he were working in a dusty pit he should prefer to
have the dust well wetted instead of the air being moistened.
Mr. J. A. Ramsay said that a few months ago he had designed an apparatus for
the same purpose as the one under discussion, but he subsequently heard that
the primary part of the machine, which consisted of cranking the axle of one
pair of the wheels of the tub, had been introduced for sprinkling water some
time before at a colliery in the eastern division of the county. His machine
(Mr. Ramsay's) would throw about 21 pints of water, either in the form of
spray or in jets, for each turn of the cranked axle. The apparatus worked
submersed, and an ordinary tub,
102 DISCUSSION—ARCHER AND ROBSON'S PATENT SPRAYER.
holding about 100 gallons, would serve about 400 yards of way. For long
distances several tubs could be made to serve into the one holding the
apparatus. The discharge orifices could be directed so that the water would
strike the roof or sides of the galleries. He thought Mr. Robson's machine a
very ingenious one, but his design would throw about four times more water
per running yard than Mr. Robson's would. He had prepared a paper and
diagrams on the subject, but as the apparatus had not been tried they were
for the time not accepted by the Council; since then, however, the text and
diagrams had been published in one of the weekly technical papers, viz., The
Colliery Guardian.
The President proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Robson, which, seconded by
Professor Merivale, was unanimously carried.
The following paper, by Mr. E. Halse, on "The Occurrence of Manganese Ore in
the Cambrian Rocks of Merionethshire," was read :—
MANGANESE ORE IN THE CAMBRIAN ROCKS. 103
ON THE OCCUEKENCE OF MANGANESE ORE IN THE CAMBRIAN" ROOKS OF MERIONETHSHIRE.
By EDWARD HALSE, A.R.S.M.
The Cambrian rocks of Merionethshire are comprised in a broad mountain
tract, forming an irregular rhomboid or oval, whose longer axis from
Barmouth in the south to within about one mile of Ffestiniog in the north
covers seventeen miles and trends N. 19 degs. E. (true), and whose shorter
axis from Llandanwg, below Harlech, in the west to Rhaiadr Mawddach, near
Rhobell Fawr, in the east is ten miles long.
GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ROCKS.
The area is shown on sheets 59 N.E. and 75 N.E. and S.E. of the Geological
Survey. The rocks, according to Sir Andrew Ramsay, " principally consist of
coarse quartzite, greenish grey grits, the quartz grains being sometimes
associated with interspersed granules of felspar. The
rock has often a semi-crystalline aspect.....Occasionally the
strata are conglomeratic, quartz, and more rarely felspathic pebbles, being
disseminated in a gritty base.....Sometimes they are purple
and fine grained, and they are intermingled with occasional bands of greyish
green and purple slates, which, especially towards the lower part of the
series, attain a considerable development."* Intruded among the lower beds
are masses of porphyry, " formed of small granular crystals of
quartz set in a compact blue felspathic base.....The rocks in
contact with them are altered, and the porphyries . . . present the
appearance of rocks that have cooled and consolidated deep beneath the
surface."
An immense number of trap (" greenstone") dykes traverse these rocks,
running in various directions. Some of them form lodes and lines of fault.
While the intrusive porphyries run in a N.S. and N.E. (true) direction, the
latter exceptional, the dykes and masses of greenstone run
* Geology of North Wales, 2nd ed., 1881, chap. 3.
VOL. XXXVI.-1887.
^
104 ON THE OCCURRENCE OF MANGANESE ORE IN
E.W. and W. of N. as well. In the neighbourhood of Barmouth the prevailing
direction is N.N.E., but, speaking generally of the area under
consideration, the more usual direction is N.N.W. to N.W., while that of
N.E. is exceptional.
NATURE OP THE DEPOSITS.
Three manganese lodes are shown in the one-inch geological map, passing from
Barmouth northwards. One starts about three-quarters of a mile north of
the town (sheet 59 N.E.), and, running in an unbroken line for about two
miles in an almost north and south (true) direction, terminates one quarter
of a mile south of the Cennant Egryn brook (sheet 75 S.E.). Two and a
half miles further north, and a little to the west, another lode is shown
running close to two cromlechs for nearly one mile. About half a mile
still further north, and apparently on a line with the Barmouth vein, a
third lode courses for nearly one mile along the western side of
Y-Foel-wen. These so-called lodes were worked superficially for
black oxide of manganese from about 1835 to 1840. The ore was sent to
Glasgow for the manufacture of bleaching powder, and fetched from 50s. to
60s. per ton at Barmouth.* The outcrop of the Barmouth deposit can be
traced for two miles by means of these old workings. The latter are in no
instance more than a few fathoms deep; the black oxide was found not to go
down and the veins were at length abandoned. About fifteen months ago it
was discovered that the deposits are really the outcrops of one and probably
more beds of impure carbonate of manganese, which beds can be traced coming
up to the surface at different points right away from Barmouth in the south
to within two miles of Ffestiniog in the north ; in other words, as far as
the Cambrian rocks themselves, and right up to the junction of the Lower
Silurian formation. It is only fair to mention, as pointed out by Dr. C. Le
Neve Foster,f that although Sir Andrew Eamsay suffered the deposits to be
marked down as lodes, they seemed to him " to be merely certain parts of
softer and harder strata impregnated with oxide of manganese in the line of
strike, that is to say, at right angles to the dip of the Cambrian beds, as
shown by the arrows on the map."|
* For this information the writer is indebted to Mr. J. W. Macqueen, of
Macqueen Bros., Manganese Merchants, London.
f Manganese Mining in Merionethshire.—A short paper read before Section C
(Geology), British Association, Birmingham, 1886. Por an abstract see
Geological Magazine, 1887, p. 38.
% Op. cit. c. 8 p. 65.
THE CAMBRIAN' ROCKS OF MERIONETHSHIRE. 105
The fact that one or more exploitable beds of carbonate of manganese are
found to occur in the Cambrian rocks of North Wales, and are traceable for a
length of seventeen miles, is surely of great interest both from a
geological and an economical point of view, and a close study of the bed
cannot fail to throw further light on the history of these ancient rocks.
An exploitable bed of carbonate of manganese (rhodochrosite or dial-logite)
is said to occur in the Upper Salmien (Cambrian) rocks of Chevron, Belgium,
but only a brief account of this deposit has as yet appeared.*
POSITION OP THE DEPOSITS. Plate XVI. is a map of the portion of the area
taken from that of the one-inch Geological Survey, and showing the chief
outcrops. For the mapping of the latter the writer is indebted to Mr. H. S.
Lancaster, manager to the Dyffryn Mining Company, who has been most kind in
giving information on, and facilities for studying these interesting
deposits. The writer believes some of the outcrops were traced and marked
down by Dr. Foster.
Section No. 87 (sheet 75 S.E., etc.) of the Geological Survey (of a portion
of which Plate XVII. is a reduction) passes from Harlech through Ehinog
Fawr, crosses the Ffestiniog and Dolgelly road, and then goes through the
Silurian country to the east. The line must pass through various portions of
the beds, although such were not discovered at the time the survey was made.
No faults are shown along this section; in fact there is a marked absence of
faults throughout the whole area.
The question that naturally suggests itself on looking at these various
outcrops is, (1) is there one bed, or (2) are there two or more ?
(1.)—If there be but one bed, it is evident from an examination of the dips
that (a) the rocks are in places greatly contorted, or (b) the bed has been
faulted at least once.
The outcrops east and west of Llyn Cwmmynach (Plate XVI.) are clearly on one
and the same bed, for they dip in opposite directions, and the Merioneth
anticlinal passes between them and close to the lake. The outcrop again at
Upper Moelfre dips east, and has, the writer understands, been traced by Dr.
Foster, alongside the dingle, up to and beyond Llyn Llawch, and shown to be
identical with the outcrop west of Llyn Cwmmynach; the rocks then clearly
form a synclinal between these two
* Sur la Rhodochrosite de Chevron, G. Dewalque. Ann. de la Soc. Geol. de
Belgique, Vol. II. Proc. Verb., pp. 63-65. For an abstract see these
Transactions for 1884,
106 ok The occurrence oP manganese ore tK
outcrops. Again, according to section 37, and the arrows on the map, there
is a smaller anticlinal between the Moelfre and Artro mines, and these
outcrops, therefore, are no doubt portions of one and the same bed.
(a.)—The horizontal sections published by the Geological Survey do not show
any great contortions, nothing, for instance, at all resembling those of the
Cambrian rocks of Caernarvonshire; and although there is in places evidence
of no mean bending, the general average dip of the outcrops is too low—being
only about 35 degs.—to account for their present condition through
contortion merely.
(b.)—There must at least be one large fault. A glance at the map will show
that the outcrop of the Moelfre mine is most probably a continuation of that
at Cwm-y-afon, two miles further north; and that the Upper Moelfre,
Y-Foel-wen, and Cwm Bychan outcrops are portions of one and the same bed.
The dip of all these outcrops is to the east; therefore, if they are all
parts of one and the same bed, there must be a north and south fault running
a little west of Moelfre and Y-Foel-wen for at least four and a half miles,
and throwing the strata down to the west about 880 yards. No evidence of
such a fault has as yet been discovered. This being so, and until positive
evidence of such a fault be forthcoming, it may be as well to refer to
(2.)—Mr. Lancaster, the manager of the chief mines, who has from the first
been of the opinion that there are at least two beds of ore, mainly because
(a) of the difference in the proportions of the constituents in different
places, and (#) of the varying thickness of the overlying blue banded rock
and chloritic schist. These reasons alone are not sufficient to dispose of
the view that there may be but one bed, for over such a large area such
variations may be expected to occur. A stronger and additional reason is the
marked absence of faults in the area under consideration. Plate XVIII., Fig.
1, is a horizontal section showing the portions of the outcrops west of
Upper Moelfre—the dips corresponding to those shown on the Geological Survey
section (Plate XVII.)—which either have actually been proved to cross the
section, or which must do so at or near the points marked down. The dotted
lines west of Artro are intended to indicate the probable contortion of the
beds of that portion of the area. If this view be correct, there are two
beds from five to six hundred yards apart, the upper one of which
corresponds to the Llyn Cwmmynach Diphwys, Hafodty, Upper Moelfre,
Y-Foel-wen, Cwm Bychan, Llyn Ciddew Mawr, and Harlech outcrops; and the
lower to the Moelfre, Cwm-y-afon, Artro, and minor outcrops between Harlech
and Artro. As a matter of fact, Mr. Lancaster informs the writer that the "
Upper
THE CAMBRIAN ROCKS OF MERIONETHSHIRE. 107
Moelfre and Harlech deposits have many characteristics in common," and he
looks upon the above explanation as a very likely solution of the matter.
DESCRIPTION OP THE DEPOSITS.
Several of the more important outcrops were examined by the writer last
autumn, and will be described going from Harlech eastwards.
Harlech Mine.—About one mile from Harlech, along the turnpike road going
northward, the bed is seen to crop out on the east side of the road. Several
galleries were driven into the seam, and it w7as actively exploited for
about twelve months. The bed at the mouth of one gallery was found to dip
from 25 degs. to 30 degs. E. Elsewhere, a vein of spar four feet wide, and
striking N. 30 degs. W.,* cuts through the bed and strata, and a fault
running N. 15 degs. E. throws the bed down twelve feet to the west. Plate
XVIII., Fig. 2, is the vertical section seen at the above gallery. The bed
of ore is a little over one foot thick. Immediately below it is a thin band
of quartzite, probably metamorphosed grit; below that is the floor proper,
consisting of grit of medium grain. Above the bed is chloritic schist,
scattered throughout with magnetite and crystals of pyrites. This schist,
especially near the surface, is decomposed to a shale. Above the band of
chloritic schist is the roof proper, consisting of about two feet of a very
hard schistose rock, termed "bluestone" by the miners. It is usually of a
slate-blue colour, and streaked with white layers besprinkled with iron
pyrites. These white layers effervesce in hydrochloric acid, and give a
strong manganese reaction before the blowpipe. The whole band of rock is
scattered throughout with flakes of mica and magnetite, and probably
contains as well both quartz and felspar. The magnetite is sometimes plainly
visible to the naked eye, but usually it can only be properly seen with a
lens. Certain layers are so plentifully besprinkled with this mineral as to
have a reddish appearance. These remarks apply generally to the bluestone
wherever it occurs, but, of course, the above characters vary at different
points. It is always found above the ore-bed, except, of course, in cases of
reversal, but the thickness varies a good deal. The bluestone has been found
to contain from eight to ten per cent, of metallic manganese. The manganese
is probably present as carbonate in the white streaks.
At Harlech the ore immediately below the chloritic schist is greenish,
brittle, and of shaly appearance; below that the ore is hard and of a
prevailing chocolate browrn colour. Specimens of ore taken from the mine are
seen to be formed of uniform layers, having grey, yellowish white, greenish,
and chocolate brown colours.
* The readings are magnetic, 1886, unless otherwise stated.
108 ON THE OCCURRENCE OF MANGANESE ORE IN
The mine is one mile from the Harlech Station on the Cambrian coast-line.
The cost of carriage is ninepence per ton. Here 15 cubic feet of ore equal 1
ton. The greatest profit obtained from these workings was about sixpence per
ton. The bed being faulted, and the ore of low grade (averaging only 27 per
cent, metal), and the rock proving very hard, the mine is now (March, 1887)
being stopped.
The bed, being of moderate dip and thickness, is worked in the ordinary
manner of bedded deposits. On account of the hardness of the roof the
workings are kept low. A prop is put in here and there to keep the roof up,
and the workings are packed with the rock from the roof wherever possible.
These remarks apply to the other exploitations, with the exception of that
at Hafodty.
The beds of rock by the side of the highroad south of the mine dip east from
14 degs. to 16 degs. The main vertical joints run from N.N.E. to N.N.W., and
dip from 84 degs. W. to 85 degs. E. Minor joints run 1ST. 35 degs. E.,
dipping E., and here and there cutting the rock up into rhombohedral-shaped
pieces. The ore-bed, especially near the surface, often breaks up into
similarly shaped fragments (see Plate XIX., Fig. 4), and the minor joints
are sometimes filled with an inch or so of massive quartz. Near the
surface the ore is oxidised to a great extent.
Artro Mine.—The dip here is only 13 degs. E. A glance at Plate XVIII. will
show that this deposit forms a shallow basin, and that further west it must
crop up with an opposite dip. The bed is not faulted like the Harlech
deposit, but it frequently takes a roll downwards and upwards for a foot or
so in vertical extent. Plate XVIII., Fig. 3, shows the average section at
this mine according to Mr. Lancaster. The bluestone is here very thick and
the chloritic schist is absent. The ore is irregular in quality in different
points. The thickness varies from 8 to 18 inches. The floor is grit. Near
the surface the ore is decomposed to dark brown hydrated oxide of manganese
having a dull metallic lustre, or to yellow ochre, with a coating of the
same mineral. The ore, where undecomposed, consists of uniform layers having
grey, yellowish white, green, and greenish brown colours, the predominating
tint being grey. Some specimens of ore are well besprinkled with rather
large cubical crystals of iron pyrites, and also show quartz running across
the layers.
The cost of cartage is 2s. 9d. per ton, and the ore is worth about 16s. per
ton at the Llanbedr Station.
Moelfre Mine.—The bed here is remarkable for its contortions. Sharp folds
occur every two or three yards, and often at every two or three feet. Figs.
3 and 5, Plate XIX., show contortions seen by the writer close to
THE CAMBRIAN ROCKS OF MERIONETHSHIRE. 109
the mouth of two of the galleries. In one, blackish manganiferous shale
appears to replace chloritic schist, and there is a thin band of the latter
below. Hand specimens can be picked up exhibiting very abrupt bendings.
Figs. 1 and 2 are diagrams of two of which sections have been cut. The
originals must be seen in order to appreciate their great delicacy of lines
and tints. Very much contorted specimens show alternate layers having grey,
greenish, yellowish grey, and chocolate brown colours (latter
predominating—Fig. 1). One large specimen Avas coloured yellowish grey and
chocolate brown. In another (Fig. 2) the colours were greenish yellow, dark
grey, greenish grey (predominating), and chocolate brown (rare). In another,
light grey (predominating) and yellowish grey. Iron pyrites in small cubes
are scattered through the ore. Fig. 4, Plate XVIII., is a vertical section
seen at one point. The little band of grit in the ore itself is stained
black above. The ore is a good deal oxidised and irregular, and does not
break into rhombohedral pieces so readily as elsewhere. Quartz is common,
running across the ore layers. The ore contains 4^ per cent, of iron.
Barmouth.—-The outcrop of the upper or Hafodty bed can be traced in a
southerly direction right away to the sea at Barmouth. A little working has
been done on the bed in the cliff at the back of the town. Here the bed dips
from 26 degs. to 30 degs. S.S.E., and is from 9 to 15 inches thick, with a
floor of greasy greenish beds (chloritic schist), and a roof of greenish
coloured rock (? bluestone). The bed is in places rolled like the Harlech
deposit, and is a good deal oxidised.
Hafodty Mine.—Above Barmouth the beds are contorted, but not so much so as
at Moelfre. The thickness varies a good deal. In one place it was 19 inches,
while in another, where greatly folded, 12 inches. The dip also varies
considerably; the average is high, being about 60 degs. E. (wThich will
account for the outcrop being taken for the back of a lode) ; in some places
it is 75 degs., while in others it is as lowr as 80 degs., horizontal, or
even turned right over. The ore is usually of a light brown colour, and of
very uniform quality. The percentage of manganese varies from 30 to 32, and
that of silica from 18 to 19. As might be expected where the manganese is
high the silica is low, and vice versa. The richest ore is where the bed is
thinnest, or in other words, where most bent or compressed. Fig. 5, Plate
XVIII., shows the average section of this deposit according to Mr.
Lancaster. The band of chloritic schist varies from 1 to 6 inches, and that
of the ore from 18 to 20 inches. There is sometimes a thin layer of
chloritic schist between the ore-bed and the grit floor. The roof very
much resembles the Artro roof. The best ore
110 ON THE OCCURRENCE OF MANGANESE ORE IN
consists of yellowish white, light yellowish brown, and rosy or slightly
purple coloured layers, light yellowish brown predominating; where
contorted, of dark grey, greenish, and light yellowish brown coloured
layers, dark grey predominating.
The ore is oxidised, especially near the surface, to dull brownish black,
and comparatively soft pieces, with unchanged ore (see Plate XIX., Fig. 4),
or generally yellow ochre in the centre. The outer coating, oftfen
glistening, quite black, and comparatively hard, forms a strong contrast to
the latter. Near the ochre the outer black coating is yellowish and softer.
Much of the ore near the surface breaks up into rhombohedral pieces. One
specimen, measuring 2 by 1^ inches, with an outer black coating three-tenths
of an inch thick, shows quartz veins parallel with the longer sides. The
angle at two opposite edges is 70 degs., but it varies a good deal. Another
specimen, measuring two by sixteen-tenth inches, has an hydrated coating
from three-tenths to between three and four-tenths of an inch thick. Given
moisture and exposure to the air the ore speedily oxidises; that in the
heaps left by former workers is now oxidised throughout.
The dip being high, this outcrop is worked in the manner of a lode— the
ground is regularly stoped away. It is kept up with posts and slabs, and,
here and there, where the bed is thin, the ground is left whole. Several
galleries have been driven into and along the bed, which, measured
vertically, are very near together. Presumably, the bed is worked in this
way in order to win the mineral as rapidly as possible. As the ground rises
northward, and the outcrops extend for a long distance in that direction, it
was found necessary to lay down several short self-acting planes (jig-brows)
to bring the ore down to a lower level. It is proposed to put down a wire
tramway from the mine across the hilly and exceedingly rough ground to
Barmouth. Mr. Lancaster, the manager, has planned a scheme for this purpose,
which is calculated to cost only £130 per mile.
Here 10 cubic feet of ore equal 1 ton in weight. The ore, when calcined,
yields 34 per cent, of metal. One fault (a downthrow) has been found having
a horizontal (W.) displacement of about 20 yards, and a vertical one of 7
yards. The cartage is about 3s. per ton. The ore is worth about 30s. per ton
f.o.b. at Barmouth.
Cwm Bychan.—The writer did not examine the Upper Moelfre, Y-Foel-wen, and
Cwm Bychan outcrops. He looked for the latter, but owing to a heavy mist,
was unable to find it, but Mr. Lancaster told him the bed there is five feet
thick, but contained only 19 per cent, of metal, and as it is 6-| miles from
the nearest station, it will not pay to work.
THE CAMBRIAN ROCKS OF MERIONETHSHIRE. Ill
Llyn Giddew Mawr.—This outcrop is about two miles further north. A line
joining it with the Y-Poel-wen and Cwm Bychan outcrops passes about N. 9
degs. E. (true), and this may be taken as the average strike of the bed, The
ore-bed, at the point chosen for examination, appeared to course about N.E.
and to dip N.W. 27 degs. It is from 12 to 15 inches thick, and is
intersected by cleavage planes which run N. and S. The chief joints run
N.N.E. and dip 78 degs. S.E.
The ore, in colour and appearance, is similar to the Artro ore. There are
two inches of greenish grey ore at the top of the bed. The main portion
consists of from 6 to 7 inches of ore of a chocolate brown colour.
Immediately below the bed there is chloritic schist, plentifully besprinkled
with large crystals of iron pyrites. Directly above there are two inches of
very hard rock (? grit), and above that the rock is mqderately hard,
becoming shaly, greener in colour, and less hard near the surface. The dip
of the beds at the lake is 27§ degs. S.W., and south of the lake 27 degs.
N.W.
Hendrecerrig.—Still further north on the Hendrecerrig farm, and close to
where the Cambrian dip under the Silurian rocks, there appeared to be a
slight exposure of the same bed which dipped 36 degs. W., and ran N.W., but
the section was somewhat confused and the thickness uncertain. At the
writer's suggestion, this was further opened into, and he believes that the
bed has since been exposed, and proved to be from 2 to 3 feet thick. This
outcrop occurs in the rocks on the north side of the dingle, and close to
the banks of the stream which for a long way forms the southern boundary of
the Hendrecerrig and Aberdeunant farms. In the rocks above this point there
are brownish white layers of what appears to be carbonate of manganese,*
alternating with bands of a schistose rock (? Milestone), dipping W. 30
degs. The layers of ore are from 1\ to 2 inches and less thick, while the
bands of rock between are from 2 to 2^ inches thick, and they appear to be
traceable through a thickness of rock ranging from 2| to 5, and probably
more, feet thick. Cleavage planes are visible, dipping at a high angle in
the bands of rock, while in the bands of ore these planes are vertical,
indicating that the latter were bent or refracted when passing through the
harder layers. The ore is scattered throughout with small crystals of iron
pyrites and magnetite. The main joints of the rocks here dip 76 degs. E.,
and run nearly N.S.
Diphwys.—Mr. Lancaster states that the ore bed is here 15 inches thick.
The roof, consisting of the usual bluestone, is 3£ feet thick,
* The layers effervesce in hydrochloric acid, and give a manganese reaction
before the blowpipe.
VOL. XXXVI.-1887.
O
.
-d„_ t>„„
Strike
Aver-
Per- Per-
. Cj,ief
Locality. age Roof.
Floor. Strike. Dip. centage
centage Character of Ore. p..,,
Remarks.
Width.
of Metal of Silica.
j^*
Inches.
Harlech Mine ... 12 Chloritic schist Quartzite, shale, ...
E. 25°-30° 27 25-27 Chocolate brownN.N.B. Bed faulted,
and bluestone and grit
colour—hard
Artro Mine ...... 13 Bluestone ...... Grit..................
E. 13° 27 25-27 Grey colour-hard ... Bed subject
to rolls, layers
show slight curvature.
Moelfre Mine ... 9 Shale, chloritic Chloritic schist, N. 10° E.
E. 63° (?)* 26 21 Light grey colour ... Bed much
contorted, cleavage
schist, and schistose rock,
planes
visible, bluestone (?) and grit (?)
Barmouth......... 15 Bluestone...... Chloritic schist ...
E. 30° ...... ...... ...
Bed subject to rolls.
and grit
Jiafodty Mine... 19 Chloritic schist Grit..................
E. 60° 31 18£ Light yellowish ... Bed
contorted and faulted.
and bluestone
brown colour
Llyn-eiddew ... 13£ Chloritic shale Chloritic schist N.E.
S.W. 27$° ...... Chocolate brown N.N.E. Cleavage visible.
and bluestonef and grit J
colour
Hendrecerrig ... 30 ...... ......
N.W. W. 30° ... ... Light greenish
N.S. Layers regular.
colour
Diphwys ......... 15 Bluestone ...... Chloritic schist ...
W. 30° 32-33 18 ...... ...
Layers regular.
and grit
Burleux fChev- 24
21- '>21 Rose-coloured rhodo- Two assays gave
75-84 per cent, of
.. ^
4 w 2 chrosite and ribbon-' ""
carbonate of manganese, the rest
TOI1)
e(j quartz
was a little carbonate of iron and
I magnesia.§
* The average dip appears to be low—a little further north the dip of the
rocks was W. 9°. I J A thin band of grit occurs between the bed and the
chloritic schist.
t Immediately above the bed this rock alternates with thin layers of
oxidised ore. ' § G. Dewalque, Sur la Rhodochrortte de
Chevron, Ann. Soe. Geol. Belgique t. xi., Bulletin, p. Ixiii.
THE CAMBRIAN HOCKS OF MERIONETHSHIRE. 113
and between the bed and the grit floor there are G inches of chloritic
schist, containing mundic, etc., but this rock is occasionally absent. The
ore assays 31 and 32 per cent, of metal, hence it is richer than at Hafodty.
The bed is regular in stratification, and dips W. 30 degs. It has been found
running north from Diphwys Mountain, passing Cefn Clwydd, three miles west
of Trawsfynydd, as far as Maentwrog (sheet 75 N.E.). The ore at Llyn
Cwnimynach is said to be purplish in colour.
In the table on the opposite page the different outcrops are compared with
each other, and with the analogous Belgian deposit.
Speaking generally, the richness of the ore declines westwards and
northwards. Between Diphwys and Harlech the loss is six, and between Hafodty
and Cwm Bychan twelve units.
Not taking into account the outcrop at Cwm Bychan, where the thickness is
exceptional, and that at Hendrecerrig, where it has not been verified, the
average width of the upper bed seems to be about 15 inches while that of the
lower is 12 inches, and the average percentage of manganese of the former is
30 while that of the latter is 26$. The colour of the ore varies a good deal
from point to point, but, speaking very generally, while the prevailing
colour of the upper bed is brown, that of the lower appears to be grey. In
both beds Milestone invariably occurs above and grit below the seam. The
variation in the thickness of the roof and floor proper, and the occasional
appearance and disappearance of bands of chloritic schist, have already been
pointed out; but it is noticeable that at Moelfre, where the contortion has
been greatest, the chloritic schist is thickest and the Milestone thinnest,
while at Artro, where the stratification is fairly regular, no chloritic
schist is present, and the Milestone is at its greatest width. It would
seem, as one might have expected, that the greatest amount of metamorphism
coincides with the greatest amount of contortion.
COMPOSITION OF THE ORE.
Thanks to the courtesy of Mr. Lancaster, the writer is able to give a
complete analysis of one of the lower class ores, made, he believes, by Mr.
Holgate, analyst to the Dyffryn Mining Company. In the table on page 114,
this analysis is compared with that of two specimens of the Belgian ore.
The Merionethshire ore effervesces pretty briskly in dilute hydrochloric
acid, and gives a strong manganese reaction before the blowpipe. It is low
in phosphorus and iron, high in silica and alumina, and only moderately rich
in manganese, while the Belgian mineral is high in
114 ON THE OCCURRENCE OF MANGANESE ORE IN
phosphorus, silica, and iron, low in alumina, and less rich in manganese
than the Welsh ore. The specific gravity of the latter (from Hafodty) is
3-61.
Merioneth- Merioneth- Ch(e,vi.on Ch^on
shire Ore shire Ore (a.^L (Analyst
(Analyst, (Analyst, {A£allst' W
Constituents. MrHolgate) MrHolgate)
T:,pn*;> w„n«l
nrv T?„r.pfvp,i from Held from Held
212 F. Received. JuUen Cossin
Moisture..................... 2 499 ... .?.
Manganese Peroxide............ 8-07 7-87 "j (
Y 2842 i 81-78 „ Protoxide............26-72 26-05 J
(
Iron Peroxide............... 5-71 5-57 29-62
24-15
Alumina.................. 30-99 10-72 3-87 4-06
Lime .................. 4-31 4-20 3-90
2-83
Magnesia ............... 0-62 0-60 M5
0-88
Silica .................. 26-67 26-00 23-22 22-01
Potash and Soda ............ 0-25 0-24
Phosphoric Acid ............ 0 074 0-072 0"55
. 0-46
.Sulphuric Acid............... 0-17 0-16 Trace
0-0]
Copper and Lead ............ Nil. Nil. {
¦¦¦ \ ( ...
co A \coA
Loss on ignition inclusive of 12-83 Carbonic 15470 15-31
1.10-63! IJ4-51
Acid
-----------------------------
99-284 99-291 101-36 100-66
Manganese ...............25-8 25-05 20-48
22-87
Iron .................. 4-0 3-90 2073
16-90
Phosphorus ..........'.. ... 0-043 0-042 0-24
0-20
If the whole of the carbonic acid present in the Welsh ore is taken up by
protoxide of manganese, it contains 33^ per cent, of the carbonate ; but
doubtless there are present several units per cent, of iron, magnesium, and
calcium carbonates. Mr. Holgate finds there is 4 per cent, of silicate of
manganese in the ore, the remaining protoxide and peroxide are probably
combined together.
The ore is clearly a mechanical mixture, and seems to be made up of about—
30 per cent, carbonate of manganese. 4 „ silicate of manganese.
40 „ oxides of manganese, iron as oxide (magnetite), carbonate, and sulphide
(iron pyrites), magnesium carbonate, etc., and free silica.
26 „ clay.
100
THE CAMBRIAN ROCKS OP MERIONETHSHIRE. 115
If the whole of the carbonic acid in the Belgian ore is combined with
protoxide of manganese, it contains 32^ per cent, of the carbonate. Hence
the curious fact appears, that both these deposits contain about the same
quantity of the latter mineral.
WORKING COST AND OUTPUT.
The ground is set by the yard, the average price being 35s., but of course
it varies much. The writer is unable to give any figures with regard to the
cost of getting. As the beds of ore are of only moderate thickness and
quality, and as the ground has proved to be of very stubborn nature, the
margin for profit can only be a moderate one.
Last autumn the Dyffryn Mining Company's output was as follows :—
The Harlech mine yielded about ... 100 tons per week.
The Artro mine ,, ... 130 „
„
The Moelfre mine ,, ... 70 „
„
The Hafodty mine ,, ... 100 „ ,.
or a total of 400 tons per week. Although the Harlech mine is being stopped
this output will not be diminished, as the Diphwys deposit, which has only
very recently been opened out, supplies the smelting works with 100 tons
weekly. The manager believes he can double the above output. The writer has
no figures relating to the output of the Merionethshire Manganese Company,
who are working the chief remaining setts, but it probably does not exceed
100 tons per week.
TEEATMENT.
The ore is calcined, and then smelted in a blast furnace with iron and a
richer class of manganese ores, so as to produce an alloy between
spiegeleisen and ferromanganese, and which, containing 45 per cent, of
manganese, is known in the market as "forty-five." It is mainly exported to
America, and used in steel industries.
ORIGIN OF THE BEDS.
Whether the beds were formed on the bottom of the old Cambrian sea,* on that
of a large lake, or below peat bogsf of great extent—and the former
supposition seems to be the more probable—the writer is inclined to regard
them as having had, directly or indirectly, an organic origin,
notwithstanding that the evidences of the existence of life during the
* Compare Manganese in the Sea, A. H. Church in Mineralogical Magazine, Vol.
L, pp. 50-53.
t At Glendre, in the County of Clare, Ireland, diallogite (carbonate of
manganese) forms a layer, two inches thick, below a bog, and has a yellowish
grey colour.—See Dana, System of Mineralogy,
116 ON THE OCCURRENCE OF MANGANESE ORE IN
deposition of this portion of the Cambrian formation are but slight.* The
ore was deposited entirely as carbonate, or partly as carbonate and partly
as hydrated oxide, together with clay, sand, and other impurities. The
presence of silicate of manganese and of free oxides in the ore shows that
the beds have undergone a certain amount of change since they were formed on
the sea bottom.
There is evidence that the beds, after having been formed, consolidated and
elevated far above sea-level, were subjected to great pressure, acting
mainly in an east and west direction. The result has been contortion— more
plainly visible in some places than in others—and a certain amount of
metamorphism.
As the general trend of the cleavage in this area is identical with that of
the Cambrian rocks of Caernarvonshire, the same causes may have produced
both ; but in the latter county, the pressure was sharper or more prolonged,
producing greater contortion, and more perfect slates.
Since writing the above, Mr. Lancaster has sent the section given on the
next page, occurring where the upper bed has been bared on the side of a
valley, about one mile from the Hafodty mine. Here a distinct band of ore
occurs above the ordinary bed, and separated from it by five feet of grit
and bluestone. The upper thin layer is highly siliceous, but the lower one
is of good quality. There are no rolls at this place, and the stratification
in the immediate vicinity is comparatively regular. Mr. Lancaster has seen
the same thing at Moelfre, but there the interbedded rock is grit, and only
from 3 to 4 inches thick. The occurrence of thin layers of manganese ore in
the schistose rock of Hendrecerrig, and in the bluestone has already been
noticed. The writer thinks it highly probable that a careful examination
will show that a good thickness of the Cambrian rocks is manganiferous in
this sense. It is not unlikely that the purple colouring of certain of the
slates and grits of this area is due to the presence in them of manganese.
The President—Are the mines being worked ?
Professor Lebour—Yes, five or six mines have been for several years.
The President—It is to be hoped that all geologists are fully aware
* " Except annelide tracks and borings, no fossils have yet been observed in
the Cambrian strata of Merionethshire."—Sir Andrew Ramsay, op. cit., p. 20.
of the great inconvenience it would be to the world if its manganese
supplies failed, for then there would be no bleaching powder, and very
little Bessemer steel.
Professor Lebour—Manganese has been found, not very long ago, at Riding
Mill, but the occurrence has not been examined very carefully.
The President moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Halse for his paper, which was
seconded by Professor Lebour, and unanimously passed.
The following paper was announced to be open for discussion:— "Notes on the
Coal-Measures of Catalonia, Spain," by Professor Lebour.
Mr. John Marley said, he understood that the object of Professor Lebour in
reading the paper was, to a certain extent, to identify the geological
position or the continuation of the Catalonia coal-field with that of the
Asturias, and he (Mr. Marley) thought probably his own experience in the
north part of Spain, as well as that of his son, Mr. J.
118 DISCUSSION—COAL-MEASURES OF CATALONIA, SPAIN.
W. Marley, who had been there upwards of a year, in connection with the San
Cebrian Coal Mines and Eailway in the Province of Palencia, might perhaps
help to clear up this point. He was sorry Professor Lebour had not given the
Institute a better geological plan in connection with Spain than he had
done. The Catalonia coal-field was some fifty miles north of Barcelona.
Professor Lebour seemed to have omitted the coal-fields which are in the
Province of Palencia. In that province, for upwards of twelve years, the
Barruela coal-field had been connected by a branch railway with the Northern
Railway of Spain running from Santander to Madrid, and subsequent to this
connection the Northern Railway of Spain was supplied with the bulk of their
briquettes from this mine. The Barruela colliery, which he visited, supplied
350 tons of coal per day; he was going to say "working day," but the working
day was during the whole of the week, including Sunday, the only holidays
being the saints' days. He would say 150,000 tons per year. This would show
that it was a very important coal-field. This coal-field geologically agreed
with the Catalonia coal-field. The Coal-Measures generally were lying at an
angle of from 40 to 50, and even up to 90 degrees, and were generally, or at
least frequently, covered with trias, not conformable. So far as his son and
himself had been able to identify them they were of the true Coal-Measures.
In addition to the Barruela, there was another colliery at Orbo, near
thereto, which used to be under a separate ownership, but which had now been
purchased by the Northern Railway of Spain. Immediately below the
Coal-Measures were the mountain limestones, lying conformably, and
considerably further below was the Devonian. The Catalonia, Burgos, and Leon
coal-fields mentioned by Professor Lebour, were all on the south side of the
Cantabrian Mountains. There was no doubt in his (Mr. Maiiey's) mind whatever
that they were practically and geologically a continuous coal field on the
south side of the Cantabrians, and could be identified geologically with the
Asturias field on the north side of the Cantabrians. This seemed to be the
point which Professor Lebour desired to have somewhat strengthened. He
enumerated the coal-fields, which were divided by the Cantabrian mountains
as follows :—San Cebrian, Barruela, Orbo. It might be considered this was a
continuous line from Catalonia to the Asturias, and was, he had no doubt,
geologically the same both on the north and south of the Cantabrians.
Professor Lebour had given some information as to the fitting up of some of
the Catalonian collieries. Since the Barruela mines had been connected with
the main railway, the owners had gone to considerable expense in fitting up
the shaft. Although the coal was principally
DISCUSSION—COAL-MEASURES OF CATALONIA, SPAIN. 119
worked from adits and levels from the mountain sides, the owners have proved
600 metres of vertical height in the coal seams, and had sunk a shaft, which
was descended by a sort of winding staircase for at least a depth of 40
metres below the surface for the access of workmen. Prior to Madrid being
connected with the Barruela coal-field by railway, these coals were carted
25 miles to Alar de Key, carried from there to Valadalid by canal, 80 miles,
and carted from Valadalid to Madrid, 150 miles, or a total distance of 255
miles. At Orbo, although they used to draw the coal by shafts, they had
spent something like £10,000 in constructing a grand underground canal about
a mile and a quarter long, viz., 2,000 metres. He had tried to get the
Spanish gentleman (Seiior Don Mariano Zuazhabar) who had charge of the mine
to write a paper for this Institute; it was still possible that he would.
While in many things, and in machinery, they are behind England, they are
very clever in other things. The underground canal he had alluded to had
simplified very much the obtaining of access between the coal mines and the
line of main railway. By this underground canal they bring the coal out in
barges (containing the pit tubs), carrying about 12 tons at a time, by an
endless wire rope, at a speed of one metre per second. The dimensions and
shape of the canal tunnel are as follows :—
120 DISCUSSION—MOVEMENTS OP THE EARTH'S CRUST.
Professor Lebour said, he had been very pleased to listen to Mr. Marley's
remarks, and to hear that he shared his (Professor Lebonr's) view that the
Catalonian coal-fields—there were two—were most probably a continuation of
the coal-fields which lie on the southern side of the Oantabrian Mountains.
The Asturias coal-field proper, on the north side of the range, were
probably more closely related to those little patches of Coal-Measures which
were met with on the north side of the Pyrenees, in Southern France. There
were half a dozen spots on the eastern side of the Pyrenees where
Coal-Measures had been proved, and many other spots where Coal-Measures
might be proved in time. They were patches only, and separated from each
other by spaces formed of old rocks. The question was to decide how far this
barren rock extended, and how far the Coal-Measures extended. So much of the
known Coal-Measures, as he showed by the diagrams illustrating his paper,
were covered uncon-formably by newer rocks, that it was all but certain that
a great deal were covered up by such beds, and could scarcely be discovered
by mere surface exploration at present. A string of other coal-fields might
be discovered, which would be fresh links between the Western coal-field and
those of Catalonia.
Mr. Marley said, he alluded not so much to the Burgos coal-field, which he
considered very small, as to the San Cebrian, Barruela, and Orbo coal-field
in Palencia.
Professor Lebour said he might add that he had lately given to the library
of the Institute a Spanish work in which the coal-fields were described very
fairly; but the Catalonian field was scarcely described.
Mr. Marley—The coal-field of the province of Palencia is not mentioned in
Professor Lebour's paper.
Professor Lebour said, he did not guarantee the information in the book.
The following paper was then announced to be open for discussion:— "An
Account of Experiments in France upon the possible connection between
Movements of the Earth's Crust and the issues of Gases in Mines," by M.
Walton Brown.
Mr. Walton Brown said, he had nothing to add to his paper. Some experiments
had been made at Marsden with the apparatus, which showed that earth
disturbances did take place in that district. In November last a number of
movements; some in December and January;
DISCUSSION—MOVEMENTS OF THE EARTH'S CRUST. 121
very numerous movements during the time of the earthquakes in the south of
France in February; and a few in March, April and May. Sometimes there were
tremors going on continuously for weeks.
The President—While the earthquakes were going on in the Riviera were there
movements ?
Mr. Walton Brown—Yes. Unfortunately there had been no gas tests made in the
mine to see whether there was any connection between the seismic motions and
the presence of gas. This was owing to the difficulty of getting a gas
tester.
The President—What is meant by a gas tester ? A measure of the pressure or
quantity ?
Mr. Walton Brown—A measure of the percentage of gas in the air of the pit.
Mr. Theo. Wood Bunning- said, Mr. Corbett had informed him that he was
carrying on a still more enlarged series of experiments at his colliery than
those he had published in Vol. XXXIL, as to the action of gases in the goaf,
the results of which he would bring before the Institute in due time. It
would be advisable for Mr. Brown to be in communication with that gentleman,
for very likely the experiments he was making with gases would elucidate
many phenomena which the experiments with the seismograph at Marsden might
record.
The next paper open for discussion was " On the System of Working Ironstone
at Lumpsey by Hydraulic Drills," by Mr. A. L. Steavenson.
Mr. Steavenson said, one of the latest day's work he had to record was 88
holes bored and fired in 8 hours, bringing down over 200 tons.
The President—Can any gentleman beat this, that is the question ?
The following paper was also open for discussion :—" On Securite, a New
Blasting Compound," by Mr. S. B. Coxon.
The Secretary thought it was the wish of Mr. Coxon to postpone the
discussion, he would not say sine die, but for some time.
PROCEKDINGS. X23
PROCEEDINGS.
GENERAL MEETING, HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE ROYAL
MINING, ENGINEERING, AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.
SATURDAY, JUNE 11th, 1887.
SIR LOWTHIAN BELL, Bart., President, in the Chair.
The Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting, and reported the
Proceedings of the Council.
The following gentlemen were elected, having been previously nominated :—
Associate Members—
Mr. P. H. Edwards, Little Benton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Mr. Eustace Smith,
Wire Rope Manufacturer and Shipbuilder, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The balloting list for the Election of Officers in August was submitted to
the meeting in accordance with Bye-Law 21.
Mr. George May conducted the members over the Haulage Department of the
Exhibition and explained in detail the different systems there shown in
operation.
The subject of Haulage is considered so important that it has been decided
to publish a full illustrated description of the methods on view at the
Exhibition, which will be issued in a subsequent part.
PROCEEDINGS. 125
PROCEEDINGS.
RECEPTION OF VISITORS IN THE WOOD MEMORIAL HALL BY THE PRESIDENT (SIR
LOWTHIAN BELL), THE MAYOR (SIR BENJAMIN BROWNE), MR. J. DAOL1SH (PRESIDENT
OF THE EXHIBITION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE), AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTE
AND CITY COUNCIL.
AUGUST 3rd, 1887.
Sir Lowthian Bell said he had expected a number of Chinese to be present,
and that accounted for the slight delay which had been experienced. Possibly
the fact of the Chinese officers not haying arrived at the stated time was
due to the difference between Greenwich and Pekin time. He was glad to find
so good a number assembled that day in order to meet the strangers who had
honoured them with their presence in the city of Newcastle. He was glad, and
he was sure they would all be glad, to see the Mayor of Newcastle and the
Corporation, who had kindly attended to supplement his words of welcome. He
was sure the men of Newcastle would be glad that her Majesty had seen fit to
confer distinction upon the Mayor, and, through him, upon their old and
famous city of Newcastle. To the strangers amongst them he gave a hearty
welcome to what he believed to be almost the oldest, if not the oldest
coalfield in the world. He was reminded of this by his having paid a visit
to a very old and respected friend of his own during the last few days—Mr.
John Clayton, of the Chesters. And there he had had an opportunity, as
perhaps many of them had had, of having proof of the antiquity of the
Northumberland coalfield, in seeing, amongst the remains of the Roman
occupation, cinders of Northumberland coal, and soot deposited during the
time of their occupation. It was perhaps a consolation to think that the
Romans were no more consumers of their own smoke than we were. He might say
to the men of Newcastle and neighbourhood how charmed
12(> PROCEEDINGS.
he had been with that visit to the Chesters. His old friend had for his
companion a sister whose name was never uttered in Newcastle without
feelings of veneration. They both appeared to be, and were, he believed, as
happy and cheerful as any in the very bloom of youth and vigour, a state
which could only arise from a life well spent. Sir Lowthian explained the
programme of the visit, and then called upon Sir B. C. Browne to welcome
them to the city.
The Mayor, who was heartily received, said he was exceedingly proud to have
the honour, on behalf of the city of Newcastle, to give them a most hearty
welcome to the city and neighbourhood. He sincerely hoped that their
visit would be an interesting and enjoyable one. It was only last week
that he had the honour of welcoming to the city the members of the
Institution of Naval Architects, and consequently they had had visits from
representatives of what were nowr our own greatest industries. But, while
iron shipbuilding was so great an industry, Newcastle owed, probably to a
great extent, its existence as a modern town to the coal trade. And,
therefore, in welcoming their visitors that day, they were welcoming a body
with whom they were more deeply associated than any other. It was most
appropriate that Sir Lowthian Bell, as President of the Institution of
Mining Engineers, and with his world-wide scientific reputation, should
welcome them first, and that he (the Mayor) should, as representing the
general body of the citizens of Newcastle, add his words to those of Sir
Lowthian. Of course they knew that by the prosperity of the coal trade
they directly or indirectly lived. If they had better times in the coal
trade, not only would the mining engineers and those who had invested their
money in mines, and those who worked in those mines, benefit, but the whole
of the shopkeepers and tradesmen and various manufacturers in the district
would receive advantage, and the landowner and the agricultural labourer
would feel substantial improvement. He thought it was a fact worthy of
notice that the day was gone by when a man tried to keep his knowledge to
himself. In these days, scientific bodies met, and deliberated, and each
profited by the experience of others, and thus they endeavoured to make the
country as prosperous as possible. He considered the value of such
meetings as that had been under-estimated instead of over-estimated. They
could not say exactly that, because they had in the district the Naval
Architects and Mining Engineers they could write down an increased value of
their works, but he was convinced that such visits had a substantial effect
for the better upon trade. They, in Newcastle, felt that they derived
benefit from such visits, and he gave the visitors a most hearty welcome to
their city.
puockrdings. 127
His Worship was accompanied amongst others by Aid. Potter, Aid. Milvain,
Aid. Barkas, Aid. Gray, Councillors T. Kichardson, Stephens, and Birkett,
and the Town Clerk (Mr. Hill Motum).
The visitors then proceeded to visit the Exhibition, where luncheon was
provided.
In the evening there was a Conversazione in the Theatre of the Exhibition,
attended by a large number of visitors and members with other inhabitants of
the district.
On Thursday, August 4th, a number of collieries in the district were visited
at the kind invitation of their respective owners,* and on Friday, August
oth, there was an excursion down the river* in the steamships "J. C.
Stevenson" and "Alice."
* See Programme of Excursions given at page 201.
PROCEEDINGS, 129
PROCEEDINGS.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE ROYAL MINING,
ENGINEERING, AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6th, 1887. Sir LOWTHIAN BELL, Bart., President, in the
Chair.
In addition to members, there were also present a large number of mining and
mechanical engineers from all parts of the Kingdom and the Continent, who
had visited Newcastle and district on August 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, at the
invitation of the Institute.
The Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting and the Eeports of the
Council and Finance Committees.
The President appointed Professor J. H. Merivale and Mr. M. Walton Brown to
act as scrutineers for the election of officers for the ensuing year.
The following gentlemen were nominated for election at the next meeting:—
Ordinary Members— Mr. John Crighton, 2, Clarence Buildings, Booth Street,
Manchester. Mr. C. Z. Bunning, Warora Colliery, Central Provinces, India.
Associate Members— Mr. Edward McCarthy, A.R.S.M., 16, Sunnyside Road,
Ealing, London, W. Mr. W. C. Cockburn, 1, St. Nicholas' Buildings,
Newcastle-on-Tyne. Mr. Lancelot Dobinson, Hebburn Colliery,
Newcastle-on-Tyne. Mr. William Lee, Manager, Felling Colliery,
Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Student— Mr. Geo. W. Forster, Heworth Colliery, near Newcastle-on-Tyne.
The_PRESiDENT delivered the following Address:—
President's address, 13X
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
Gentlemen,
Introductory. The office of President of the Mining and Mechanical Engineers
of the North of England has been filled by some of the most distinguished
men of their number. This circumstance naturally led me to hesitate in
accepting a position which, along with great distinction, carries with it
much responsibility. I must in consequence ground my hope of success in the
discharge of its duties by claiming some indulgence on the part of those
over whom it has become my duty to preside. The members of the Institute
will kindly recollect that I do not pretend to the possession of that
practical acquaintance with mining and engineering science, so useful, and
as it appears to me, so necessary, for any one filling the chair I now have
the honour of occupying. On the other hand I am anxious to render such help
to the progress of these two branches of knowledge as can be afforded by any
experience I may have acquired in a closely allied branch of industry. This
is the only return in my power to make for the honour they have been pleased
to confer upon me.
50 Years Although questions connected with the advance of
Progress of the more immediate objects of our Institute have
Local Industry. been referred to by one or more of my predecessors, the
present year suggests the propriety of considering some of them in relation
to events which, in an industrial as well as in a social point of view, have
conferred such distinction and lustre on the period embraced in the last
half century.
Progress This selection of subjects for my Address may
dependent on carry me outside of the line of thought which
Cheap Fuel. ought to be my guide this afternoon; but when
the events themselves to which I have just alluded were only brought within
our reach by the possession of unlimited resources of cheap coal
VOL. XXXVI.-1887.
&
132 president's address.
and cheap iron., there would seem to be a fitness involved in their
consideration by a Society composed of Mining and Mechanical Engineers. The
course I propose adopting will afford an opportunity of calling attention to
the service your labours have rendered to the human race. It will also
enable me to remind an audience, consisting largely of men of Northumberland
and Durham, how much these two counties have contributed in raising the last
50 years so far above any corresponding period in the history of the world.
Railways In the year 1839, and therefore just short of half
50 years ago. a century ago, it fell within my duty to undertake a journey
of upwards of 10,000 miles on the mainland of Europe. To its performance
nine months were devoted, and the Continent, from North to South and from
sea to sea, was crossed four times by as many different routes. Before
starting on this expedition from England, and during it, practically every
mile of public railway then in existence was travelled over, and this did
not greatly, if indeed it did, exceed 300 miles in length.
Contrast this with the 280,000 miles built since that date and fancy,
if you can, the perpetual movement rushing along them. As a factor in
the calculation, we had, in one year, conveyed along the 17,000 miles of
line in the United Kingdom 700 millions of passengers, almost equal to
half the population of the globe; and 270 million tons of goods and
minerals. It is doubtful however whether these enormous figures will
materially assist in forming any intelligible idea of the magnitude of
the traffic carried on by a system of transport established within the
lifetime of many of our members.
Neighbourhood of Addressing you, as I have the honour of doing, in
Newcastle, the very birth-place of the Railway, I trust our
the lirth-place of guests will pardon my dwelling for a few moments,
Railways. and for a few moments only, on the part we and
our predecessors have played in the development of an institution which
has been attended with the results I have just claimed for it.
Railways, The germ out of which the modern railway sprung
History of their was sown nearly 200 years before the opening of
Development. the Stockton and Darlington line, the first undertaking of its
kind in the world. It originated with a colliery owner of the name of
Beaumont in the immediate neighbourhood of Newcastle. The rails he employed
were of wood, the partial use of which was continued, within my own
recollection, for conveying coals to the Tyne for shipment. Cast, as well
as wrought iron, had been employed for rails, but
president's address. 133
only sparingly previous to their more general introduction in the adjoining
coal-field. It was not however until 1821 that anything was heard of a
malleable iron rail, rolled expressly for this purpose. In that year the
Directors of the Stockton and Darlington Railway decided to lay a portion of
their intended line with cast iron and the remainder with an iron rail
invented by Mr. Birkinshaw of Bedlington in Northumberland. They were rolled
in lengths of 12 or 15 feet and weighed 28 lbs. per yard. This was as heavy
a mass as the machinery of those days could deal with ; and it offers a
striking contrast with the practice of the present time, when we have a
united force of 7,000 horse power, turning out above 400 tons of 82 lb.
rails in 12 hours in lengths of more than 120 feet.
The mechanical appliances called into existence by railways are almost
infinite in their number, and some of them are most ingenious in their
design; but it was the locomotive engine which proved the key to the success
which was ultimately achieved. The idea of propelling a machine by steam,
which in its turn should be capable of drawing loaded carriages along a
railroad, was not a new one. On the contrary, it had engaged the attention
of several mechanicians; but it was not until 1813 that any practical result
was obtained. In that year Mr. Hedley placed a locomotive on the Wylam
Colliery wagon-way which continued successfully for several years to draw
the produce of Mr. Blackett's pits to the shipping place at Lemington. At
this point of its history the question engaged the attention of George
Stephenson who had removed from "Wylam to Killingworth Colliery, where
ultimately he enjoyed the advantage of the advice and assistance of Nicholas
Wood, one of the founders and first President of our Institute. The first
locomotive built at Killing-worth by this self-taught engineer ran for years
on the colliery railway, and is now to be seen, thanks to the owners of that
concern, on the High Level Bridge, a highly interesting record in the
history of this truly national invention.
Some few years after Stephenson had taken up his residence at Killingworth
he entered into an engagement with Losh, Wilson, & Bell, formerly of
Newcastle, to superintend the construction of locomotives. This modest
beginning was, I believe, the first attempt to organise their manufacture on
a commercial scale. It was however some years before this new form of engine
could be trusted to overcome the impediment presented by even a moderate
gradient. In consequence of this want of power the Directors of the Stockton
and Darlington Railway, under the advice of Stephenson who had been
appointed their engineer, adhered to the old colliery plan of using
stationary engines and ropes,
134 president's address.
except in cases where the country permitted the construction of the line
level enough to be capable of being worked by locomotive power. Some seven
years after the opening of the railway just named, Stephenson obtained the
prize of £500, 'offered by the Liverpool and Manchester Company, for his
famous Rocket engine, a model of which as well as those of other early
designs may be seen in the Exhibition now open in this city. Not even the
measure of success which attended the performance of this last attempt of
our great local engineer sufficed to inspire the promoters of the Newcastle
and Carlisle Railway with sufficient confidence to adopt it as the moving
power on their line. By the recommendation of a committee, appointed to
enquire into the subject, it was determined to work the entire line with
fixed engines, and, in consequence, no parliamentary authority was sought
for to use locomotives. Before, however, the first section of this railway
was ready for public traffic, which happened in 1835, the Directors wisely
abandoned the idea of ropes and opened the line with two engines built in
Newcastle at the works of R. Stephenson & Co. and R. & W. Hawthorn.
Tools and Appliances From the time when Hedley placed his engine, 50 years
ago. running about five miles an hour, on the Wylam Railway, to the day when
Stephenson built the Rocket, capable of running nearly 30 miles an hour,
seventeen years had elapsed. To understand, what now would be considered
this slow rate of progress, we must recollect the means possessed by
mechanical engineers 50 or 60 years ago. The iron foundries on the Tyne were
incapable of making a casting exceeding a few hundredweights, and for want
of the tools found now in every engineering shop, almost every kind of
fitting work was done by hand. The success of a locomotive engine depends on
its compactness and perfection of workmanship, so as to fit it among other
things to use steam at a high pressure. All this involves an amount of
accuracy which can only be secured by the admirable machine tools with which
we are now so familiar.
Work turned out now If you wish to compare the character of the iron and 60
years ago. work of 1827 and 1887 you may have the opportunity of doing so
within the walls of the Exhibition building, where there is placed the No. 1
Engine of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, alongside of several of the
present type of locomotive from the shops of some of our leading builders.
Besides accuracy of execution the workmanship of our own time has the
further advantage of economy. I remember hearing from my father that the
iron work of the engine erected by Boidton and "Watt at Walker was charged
2s. 6d. per lb., equal there-
president's address. 135
fore to £285 per ton; and for this high price the fittings were of the
rudest description; rattling, when the machinery was at work, as if it might
tumble to pieces at any moment. For about one-ninth of this rate we can now
purchase a locomotive engine with a fire-box of copper and almost all its
other parts of steel, built, and much of it polished with all the care
necessary for forming part of a delicate instrument intended for
philosophical research.
Cheap Fuel and I have spoken of the aid rendered in this North-Cheap
Iron led to Eastern corner of England to the introduction of
Construction of railway transport, and nothing, it is hoped, has
Railways. been claimed beyond what is due to the place and
to the men who performed their duty in connection with its development with
zeal and intelligence. While saying this much, it must not be denied that
the circumstances of the time had rendered an improved means of
communication a work of general necessity in this country. Fortunately the
possession of cheap fuel, and additional discoveries at the time of
ironstone, favoured the thought and afforded the material for providing the
relief we required. Many individuals were labouring, and had laboured
usefully, in this field ; one or two names among them only have been
mentioned, but the subject had taken too deep a hold of men's minds and too
much had been accomplished by others, to permit a doubt to be entertained
that the immediate future was destined to see the heat of former ages which
lay buried in our coal-fields converted, on a largely increased scale, into
motion for the benefit of the human race.
Railways on the While a net-work of railways was gradually being
Continent. extended over the face of the United Kingdom
the Continent of Europe was following the example we had set. The result, as
we all know, has been, that travelling, or land transport of any kind, is
now rarely performed in the manner which was all but universal 50 years ago.
Railways in the To no nation however has the railway rendered United
States of greater service than to the United States of America.
America. It is true nature has furnished their
vast extent of territory with large means of water communication; but
enormous as is the volume of such a river as drains the Valley of the
Mississippi, by far the greater portion of its area, extending over one and
a half million square miles, is inaccessible either by the main stream or
its tributaries. This want, and others of a similar kind elsewhere, are
being constantly lessened by the construction of hundreds, it may in truth
be said of thousands, of miles of railways on the American Continent.
136 President's address.
Steam Navigation In our own country, as well as on the mainland of a
consequence of Europe, in America, and now in Asia, the
locomo-Raihvays. tive is bringing down the produce of the interior
to the sea coast, ready to be carried over sea for the use of other
populations. It is therefore not to be wondered at that steam was looked to
as a means of rendering the same service on the ocean that it had afforded
on the land.
Former opinions I deemed it needless to say, in the case of railways,
respecting that there were those who, ignorant of the quantity
Ocean Steamers. of heat capable of being afforded by a given weight of coal,
or unaware of the mechanical duty it represented, would have disbelieved the
statement that 30 lbs. of coal was able to drag a train weighing 300 or 400
tons one mile at the rate of 50 miles an hour or more. To such the success
of the locomotive was for a long time a matter of doubt, and with them an
opinion of Dr. Lardner in reference to transatlantic steam-navigation
probably had great weight. On the authority of this professor of physical
science, the world was informed that it would be difficult, if not
impossible, to construct a ship able to carry enough coal to be propelled by
steam power across the Atlantic. It is true when Dr. Lardner propounded this
doctrine Joule had not ascertained the mechanical equivalent of heat; but in
the absence of any knowledge of the value of this essential factor in the
calculation, it was premature to found an estimate upon the performance of
an engine constructed for using heat itself as a moving power.
British Shipping. Before entering upon the few details which it is proposed
to submit upon shipping, I would remind you of its extent today as compared
with what it was 50 years ago. At the last mentioned date the tonnage
sailing under the British flag may be taken at 750,000 tons, of which a
little above 50,000 tons consisted of steamers. By the end of 1885 this
country possessed 3,456,562 tons of sailing ships and 3,973,483 tons of
steam vessels : together 7,430,045 tons. Inasmuch however as a ship
propelled by steam is calculated to make 3^ times as many voyages as one
propelled by wind, the actual carrying power of our mercantile fleet may be
regarded as being now twenty times that which it was half a century ago ;
and that four-fifths of its work is now being performed by the assistance of
the produce of our collieries. It will always be a satisfaction to the
people of Newcastle, that the credit of proving the superiority of steam
vessels for carrying cargoes belongs to their townsman Sir Charles M.
Palmer. This he did some 35 years ago by building the "John Bowes" which,
notwithstanding her age, continues
president's address. 137
to perform excellent service. The enormous increase of traffic across the
ocean implied in the figures just given, is, as I shall hereafter have
occasion to show, in a great measure, a direct consequence of the improved
mode, afforded by railways, of dealing with the traffic on land. Modern
Navigation The numbers just quoted indicate with sufficient dependent on
clearness how largely modern navigation is in-
Goal and Iron. deb ted to coal for the immense strides it has made in recent
years, and although its dependence on the use of iron may not be so obvious,
we are all aware that wood is now but very sparingly employed in naval
architecture. Indeed its use may be said to be confined to forming the deck
and lining the cabins of our ships. Let us now briefly consider what has
been done in order to connect continents with each other by sea, in a manner
more consistent with what the locomotive had achieved in uniting districts
and nations by land than could have been accomplished by wooden ships
depending on the wind for motion.
In our Exhibition there may be seen a very beautiful model showing the
design of a steam engine estimated to work to nearly 25,000 indicated horse
power, about to be constructed on the Tyne for an Italian ship of war. We
also know that ocean-going steamers of very large dimensions have been built
capable of running 25 miles in the hour—a speed equal to that of our best
trains 50 years ago. The strain imparted to the hull of a vessel under such
trying circumstances as those just mentioned, makes it more than doubtful
whether it would have been possible to obtain the necessary strength with
wood, forming as it were a hollow foundation of a comparatively weak
material, to connect these tremendous forces with their work. If this view
be correct in principle, the adaptation of iron for the frames and planking
of our ships is a very important factor in the enormous development of steam
navigation. It may be questioned whether, at the commencement of the reign
of Queen Victoria, there was a single sea-going vessel of iron afloat.
Thirteen years after Her Majesty ascended the throne there was built in the
United Kingdom 132,S()0 tons of shipping, of which 12,800 tons only were of
iron. In 1883 we launched in this Kingdom, 1,116,555 tons, that is, more
than eight times the amount built in 1850 ; and of this 16,353 tons only
were of wood, and the remainder of iron. I am not aware of the exact number
of iron vessels now in existence, but I have estimated that in the seven
years ending 1884, close on 4,000,000 tons of iron and steel had been
consumed in hulls and engines by our shipbuilders. Of this weight about
763,000 tons were used in 1882, followed by about 860,000 tons in the year
1884.
138 president's address.
Improved carrying It has to be borne in mind that a great increase
capacity of in strength was not the only advantage attending
Iron Ships. the substitution of iron, and afterwards of steel, for
wood in the construction of our ships. The saving of weight, particularly
when using the last mentioned material, is such that it increases the
capacity of the vessel sufficiently to contain in the space gained more than
coal enough to take her across the Atlantic. It will be interesting to
review, however shortly, the other causes in addition to this which have so
entirely falsified the prediction of Dr< Lardner and others. In the early
years of the engines built by James Watt it was deemed, no doubt principally
on account of imperfect workmanship, inconsistent with safety, to use a
piston speed exceeding 220 feet per minute. In the case of marine engines,
as well as others, improved machine tools enabled our builders to obtain a
much higher velocity, but this was limited by the weight and dimensions of
the paddle wheels in large ocean-going steamships. This impediment to
progress was removed by the invention of the screw which permits three times
the rate of piston speed laid down by Watt. To follow up this improvement a
great extension of boiler power was needed beyond that required by this
great engineer. The use of cast iron boilers, one of which was working in my
own time in Newcastle, and afterwards those built up of small plates,
sufficed for the low pressure steam employed in his condensing engines. By
more suitable iron used in boilers of improved construction, steam was
employed at such a pressure that a vessel having a carrying capacity of
3,750 tons could land in New York, a cargo taken in at Liverpool, weighing
3,000 tons. This was enough to enable her to cross the Atlantic in 14 days
with a consumption of 750 tons of coal.
Compound Engines. The capacity of steam as a propelling power depends of
course on volume and pressure, and hence on the temperature of that passing
through the cylinders. We all know how the dangers attending the use of
steam at a high pressure have been met by the introduction of the compound
system, in which, by the use of three cylinders, a great addition to the
expansive force of the steam is now very largely employed. To such an extent
has this been carried, that 350 tons of coal are now doing the work which
formerly required 750 tons, enabling such a vessel as I have selected for
illustration to carry 3,400 tons across the Atlantic, instead of 3,000 as
formerly. The application of very highly heated steam has of course its
limits, connected with the action of heat on the oil, etc., used for
lubrication, as well as that on metallic surfaces them-
p rest dent's address. 189
selves, when exposed to friction. Into these questions of detail it is not
however necessary here to enter.
Heat evolved by It is not my wish to trouble you with observations
Combustion of Coal, on the performance of different forms of steam
engines. I would rather seek to direct your attention to some of the
conditions, occasionally perhaps overlooked, which ought to be observed
in the generation and application of steam as a motive power.
The first step in such an examination is to consider the total quantity of
heat capable of being afforded by coal of a given composition, which for our
purpose we will assume to be as follows :—
Carbon. Hydrogen. Nitrogen. Oxygen. Sulphur.
Ash. Total. 86- 5-5 1-5 4-
-5 2-5 100
The useful heat capable of being evolved by 100 kilogrammes of such a
specimen of coal, by complete combustion would be :—*
Kilo- Heat Heat
grammes. Units. Units.
Carbon, assuming all burnt to state of carbonic acid ... 86 x 8.000 =
688,000
Hydrogen 55 less "5 to unite with the 4- of oxygen ... 5 x 34,000 =
170,000
Sulphur, burnt to state of sulphurous acid ......"5 x 2,220=
1,110
859,110 Deduct heat for gasifying 24 kilogrammes of volatile x 2,000..
.48,000 Do. melting 2"5 do. of ash x
550... 1,375
--------49,375
809,735f
809 735 Then ¦¦¦ ' = 8,097 heat-units or calories per kilogramme of
the coal.
Care must always be taken to secure the conversion of all the carbon into
carbonic acid, and thus prevent any escaping as carbonic oxide. This is of
importance, because each kilogramme of this element when burnt to the lower
oxide only gives 2,400 instead of 8,000 calories which is obtained by its
maximum degree of saturation with oxygen. Ten parts of the 86 escaping
complete saturation with oxygen would entail a diminution of 56,000 calories
in the 100 kilogrammes of coal burnt, equal to a loss of about 7 per cent,
of the calorific power of the coal.
* In common with many others in this country, I always use in heat
calculations French weights and the Centigrade thermometric scale. This is
done on account of the greater simplicity this system affords in
calculation. As the figures which follow are given by way of comparison
their application can easily be understood even by those who may always
apply English weights and the Fahrenheit scale.
t In this calculation, for the sake of simplicity, the heat evolution has
been estimated on that capable of being afforded by the elements in the coal
taken separately. The hydrogen and part of the carbon are however gi^en off
as hydro-carbon, which by combustion produces less heat than they would do
taken separately. This correction would reduce the result by about 300
calories, but in such an estimate this difference is unimportant.
VOL. XXXVI.-1887,
S
140 president's address.
Loss of Heat in My own observations would lead me to infer that Products of
the error more frequently lies in having an excess Combustion. than
a deficiency of atmospheric air passing
through the boiler furnace. The weight of gases arriving at the chimney,
with no more air than that required for perfect combustion, of 100
kilogrammes of coal (A) would be 1,286 kilogrammes ; but this would be
increased to 1,414 kilogrammes (B), if, as often happens, there is an excess
of air equal to 10 per cent, of the proper quantity. Let us suppose that in
each case the gases have a temperature of 425° C. (797° F.) The quantity of
heat in the two cases would be as follows : —
Calories.
(A) 1,286 kilog. x 425° C. Temp, x -24 specific heat ... =
131,172
(B) 1,414 ,, x 425° C. „ x -24 „ ......
= 144,228
Difference (= 9-95 per cent.) ...... 13,056
What also frequently comes to pass is an excessive amount of heat in the
escaping gases. If we assume, in addition to the excess of air in B, the
firing to be so pressed that the gases arrive at the chimney 150° C. (270°
F.) hotter than at A the loss will be :—
Calories.
(C) 1,414 kilog. x 150° C. Temp, x -24 specific heat ... =
50,904 Add difference from excess of air in B over A, as above ...
13,056
63,960
We have then 809,735 cal. : 63,960 :: 100 : 7"9 being the percentage of
additional loss from an excess of 10 per cent, of air in the gases and 150°
O. additional temperature.
In the case of A the total loss at the chimney is 16-20 per cent, of that
generated, namely, 809,735 heat units. In the case of C the total loss at
the chimney is 1G"20 + 7'9, or 241 per cent.
The observations just made regarding the air to be admitted into the
fireplace must not be construed as indicating that the chemical equivalent
and no more, is the quantity required for economical working. Some recent
experiments rather point to an excess being necessary for securing complete
oxidation of the coal. My meaning, therefore, is that whatever the proper
proportion may be, anything beyond this must be regarded as a source of
loss.
From irregularities consequent upon the ordinary system in firing, one
cannot help suspecting some amount of variation in both the items just
described. Partly to avoid this, and partly to prevent smoke, my firm, among
others, has tried and continues to use automatic stoking. I regret
president's address. 141
however to say we have experienced no economy in the fuel consumed, nor does
the amount of water evaporated in boilers of similar size and with similar
superficial areas of furnace bars, show any improvement over hand firing.
Compactness, particularly in marine engines, being: a matter of great
importance, the draught is now often forced by mechanical appliances in
order to increase the consumption of fuel on a given space of grate room.
Attention under this new system should be paid to the character of the
combustion and to the temperature of the resulting gases, so as to minimise
the loss arising from these two causes in the way just described.
If we go back 120 years, when steam power was beginning to be applied to the
drainage of our coal pits, the duty performed was very low, namely, about
64,000 lbs. of water raised one foot per lb. of coal burnt. The engines
then used owed their motion to the pressure of the atmosphere; steam being
merely employed to obtain a vacuum by its condensation, got by injecting
cold water into the cylinder. James Watt effected the same end by a
separate condenser and then proceeded, in addition, to work his steam
expansively, by which he raised the duty to 316,000 lbs. Gradually, by
means of more highly pressed steam and better constructed engines, the duty
was increased to above 950,000 lbs. The researches of Black the chemist
on latent heat first directed the attention of Watt to separate
condensation, which, with the observation of practical engineers of great
skill, constituted the only guides for improving the steam engine, until
Joule's determination of the mechanical equivalent of heat in 1843. By
this distinguished physicist it was ascertained that in burning a single
pound of coal there was energy developed equal to raise 11,422,000 lbs. one
foot high, but that the actual useful effect obtained from a steam engine
and good boilers did not when he wrote exceed 1,000,000 lbs. raised one foot
in height ; showing a loss of 9T25 per cent, of the power of the coal.
This information to the engineer is invaluable, because it enables him to
realise the exact amount of his loss and also forms the key in looking for
its cause. Percentage of heat We have seen that 1 kilogramme of coal,
pro-utilized at boiler. perly burnt, is capable of affording 8,097
calories, and it will be hereafter shown that 1 kilogramme of steam having a
pressure of 60 lbs. above that of the atmosphere contains 652*8 calories.
c 097 Hence, ^~-Q = 14*40, which is the theoretical quantity of water at 0°
(32° F.) capable of being converted into steam of the pressure just given by
one of coal.
142 president's address.
Such an estimate as that in question enables us to compare our actual
practice with the theoretical quantity of coal required. In ordinary boilers
eight parts of water converted into steam by one of coal from water at the
freezing point is considered good work. The total loss may then be thus
formulated :—
Calories. Per Cent. 8 kilogrammes of steam at 60 lbs. above atmospheric
pressure (or
5 atmospheres) 8 x 652-8 ............ =5,222 64'49
Assume 25 per cent, loss at chimney on 8,097 calories ......2,024
25-00
,, loss from carbon unburnt in ashes ... ... ...
404 4-99
Balance per radiation, &c. ... ... ... ... ...
... 447 5'52
8,097 100-
Another value possessed by these figures is the power they afford of
disposing of certain statements made with regard to pretended improvements
in raising steam. If we were told that '3 of a kilogramme will evaporate 8
kilogrammes of water, science would reply that *3 kilogramme x 8,097 = 2,429
calories, to do work represented by 5,222 calories besides providing losses,
amounting to 2,875 calories in the case we have taken for examination.
We have now obtained our steam with a loss of or approaching to 30 per cent,
of the heat used in generating it, under the above assumed conditions. Let
us now proceed to consider the extent to which the heat contained in the
steam is available as a source of power. Heat in Steam at As is known to us
all, the temperature of steam various Pressures, rises with its pressure, in
other words the quantity of heat increases with the pressure, thus one
kilogramme of steam contains at:—
tw,„ Calories in
Calories. 0 X""P- „ 8 Kilogs. of
u- or *• Water as Steam.
Atmospheric pressure ... 637° 100° 212°
5,096
3 atmospheres ...... 647"3 134° 273-2°
5,178
5 do. ...... 652-8 152° 305-6°
5,222
7 do. ...... 656-5 164° 327"2°
5,252
9 do. ...... 659-8 175° 347-2°
5,278
11 do. ...... 662-2 183° 361-4°
5,298
Loss by latent These figures indicate how small an addition of heat in
Steam. heat to that required to obtain steam at atmospheric pressure
suffices to raise the pressure, say to 11 atmospheres : that is, 10
atmospheres above that of the atmosphere. This, for the purpose of
preserving a consecutiveness in my story, I would remind you is due to the
large amount of heat which becomes latent in the conversion of boiling water
into steam, an amount which remains very nearly the same whatever the
pressure may be. Thus, while 100 heat units suffice to
president's address. 143
raise one kilogramme of water to 100° C. (212 F.), 537 units are absorbed
after this, in converting this boiling water into steam at atmospheric
pressure without the temperature of the steam ever exceeding that of the
water from which it was formed. This of course is the secret of the value of
high pressed steam, by which is meant that practically nearly every calorie
added to steam of 100° 0. (212° F.) is available as a source of power. Much
has been done in this direction since Joule made known his investigations on
the mechanical equivalent of heat. According to a paper recently read by Mr.
F. 0. Marshall before the Institution of Naval Architects, the economy of
fuel obtained by compounding engines amounts to 30 per cent, since the year
1870. The hiding away, as it were, of an enormous proportion of the heat
generated by the fuel which must be expelled from the cylinders almost
without performing any effective duty, is the chief source of loss of heat
in all steam engines, because the only portion of it which is available is
that absorbed by the feed water returned to the boilers.
Loss by This loss, added to that incurred at the boilers in
friction, etc. the manner described, together with the friction
of the working parts of the machine and some escape by radiation from the
cylinders and steam-pipes, accounts for the fact that out of 100 heat units
afforded by our coal in Joule's time, 10 only were useful for actual work.
Air Engines. It was to avoid this loss that Ericsen and others suggested and
built engines to be driven with heated air. The amount of pressure which can
be commanded, even at a temperature as high as 480° F. (177 C), is however
so small, that the machinery for utilizing it must have unmanageable
dimensions.
Value of Coal When to the service rendered by coal in cheapen-in the
Arts. ing transport on land and sea, we add its indis-
pensable aid in almost every branch of industry, nothing more need be said
to justify the position I claimed for it in the opening sentences of my
Address. Exhaustion of coal. Although the existence of this mineral treasure
in our immediate neighbourhood was known to the Romans, it may be estimated
that one-half of the entire output got from the field up to this time has
been worked during the last 25 years, so rapid has the recent increase of
the demand on its resources been.
Having regard to its ascertained extent, unless its boundaries are enlarged
by some unexpected discoveries, which is more than problematical, we or our
successors, must begin before long, to prepare for a diminished produce and
increased cost.
144 president's address.
Substitutes for coal. It is true Dr. Lardner told us, 40 years ago, to be
under no apprehension in respect to our position when our national beds of
coal became exhausted ; for he assured us that the operations of nature
afford abundant hope of a substitute being found ; electricity and hydrogen
gas got from water however being the only ones he specified. Mr. Mulhall
repeats this opinion as regards electricity, in 1880,* alleging that this
agent is already supplying the place of coal. He seems however apparently to
disregard the fact, that nearly in every case, the electricity was being
obtained by burning coal under the boiler of a steam engine.
Every one who has bestowed a thought on the operations of nature, referred
to by Dr. Lardner, knows the sun to be the source to which they owe their
existence. The potential rays of this luminary continue, as they did in
pre-historic ages, to dissociate the elements of the carbonic acid of our
atmosphere, leaving their immeasurable energy transferred to the numberless
forms of vegetation which cover the face of the earth. The same power
creates currents of air and raises the water of the ocean to the summits of
mountains. Thus we have the heat which split up carbonic acid into its
elementary constituents ; which rarified the air and evaporated the water,
capable of being returned to us in the form of motion ; or, if we choose,
such motion may be reconverted into heat by means of suitable appliances.
When however we set to work to consider the adaptation of the operations of
nature as they are taking place under our eyes, we shall find that enormous
periods of time or vast areas of space are involved in their application. It
has been estimated that thousands of years were needed to produce the beds
of coal which were formed beneath the surface of this and the adjoining
county. The charcoal, capable of being grown in a year on an acre of land,
would only suffice to propel one express train over a distance of 25 miles;
and for making the pig iron annually produced in Great Britain, a forest of
42,000 square miles would be required. As regards the movements in our air,
Jevons calculated that it would take 1,000 wind-mills to drive a modern
rail-mill. This would mean lines of these engines extending over something
like 20 miles, and all to be connected with the fly-wheel shaft of the
rolling machinery. The collection of the rain which falls over a large area
of country into rivers affords, it is true, a ready means of concentrating
its power at one point. The advantage thus placed at our disposal is
obtained at a sacrifice of that
* " Prrgress of the World," p. 68.
president's address. 145
portion of the force represented by the descent of the water from the more
elevated and often less extensive parts of the field which is drained. Let
us suppose that in order to secure the necessary volume of water the barrier
of interception is placed 50 feet above the sea level at high tide. If we
assume the annual rainfall over the entire acre to be 3,000 tons, and none
being lost by evaporation or otherwise, the whole to fall over the height
just referred to, we should have a yearly mechanical force of 336,000,000
foot pounds. This, according to Joule's investigations, after allowing 30
per cent, loss of power for friction in a water wheel, would only represent
20*6 lbs. of coal; but we have seen that in one way or another 90 per cent,
of the power of coal may escape in its application ; hence, the 3,000 tons
of water collected on an acre of land in one year, would, in falling from an
altitude of 50 feet, afford in available power, after deducting this loss of
90 per cent., an equivalent of that obtainable from 206 lbs. of coal burnt
under the conditions already described.
It would be easy to calculate the amount of energy capable of being derived
from impounding tidal water. The result however would only resemble, in its
general outlines, that afforded by the examples already given.
There are, it is true, certain cases in which the heat required has to be
generated under conditions where its cost practically forms no element in
the calculation. The almost instantaneous evolution of heat of high
intensity such as is necessary for explosives, or the supplementing of
intense temperatures by the energetic chemical action afforded by
electricity, may be cited as examples in point. As regards the latter the
improved means by which motion can be converted into electric heat, may
appear to justify the opinion of Dr. Lardner, and encourage the hope, often
repeated since his time, that this agent may take the place of our coal
after the exhaustion of our beds of this mineral. If the object to be gained
were the dissociation of carbonic acid and the possible fusion of the
separated carbon into a diamond, instead of moving a railway train at the
rate of 50 miles an hour, at the cost of Id. per train mile for fuel, there
might be room for argument. Clearly no such cases as those just referred to
affect in any way the question before us, which in point of fact is as
follows :—We now possess coal occurring under such circumstances that an
acre may contain 20,000 tons or more, out of which a collier can hew for his
day's work as much as will make two tons of pig iron, or move a railway
train weighing 300 tons over a
146 president's address.
distance of 300 miles at the rate of 40 miles an hour. The problem therefore
before us is to estimate the position of a nation, no longer possessing a
material so easily obtained and endowed with so much potential energy as
coal, compared with other nations having unlimited resources of this mineral
at their command.
There are those who attach some weight to chemical action as being able to
supply us with electric heat, and with it, electric power, when our coal is
exhausted. All this however, as far as our present knowledge enables us to
see, means a previous expenditure of heat. A common source of electricity
generated by chemical action is the oxidation, or burning as it may be
termed, of some of the metals, of which zinc is the one in most common use.
This as well as others, if ever they existed in nature in the metallic
state, have, since then, become oxidized. To fit them therefore for
undergoing this process a second time, heat must be employed, and this is
generally accompanied with great and unavoidable loss, which, along with
other expenses connected with their production, forbids our looking for any
assistance in their direction.
Quite as extravagant as the use of zinc, was Lardner's idea of employing the
hydrogen of water as a source of heat. Water, being simply burnt hydrogen,
as much heat would be absorbed in separating it from its oxygen of
combination as it is capable of yielding by burning it a second time. We
might therefore as reasonably expect a wheel to raise to the level of the
buckets receiving the water, all that which had served to move it, as to
obtain heat from the hydrogen of water, or worse still from chalk, as was
insisted on by the Rev. W. Moule.
What has been said in reference to the use of electricity as a source of
motion, or even of heat, to which may be added that of light, must not be
considered as of universal application. Thus there are situations in Alpine
countries where continuous supplies of water descending rapidly from great
heights could, by means of turbines, furnish enormous power. This power
could, by the aid of electricity, be transmitted to a distance as is now
done by compressed air in our coal mines or still more frequently by
hydraulic machinery in the manner first proposed by Lord Armstrong. For the
utilization of the power on the locality where it is easily obtained from
the fall of water, we need not wait for further discoveries in electrical
science to assist us in turning it to useful purposes. It must always be
more economical to employ the power direct so as to avoid the loss, as far
as possible, arising from the friction which is inseparable from the
delivery of mechanical energy for actual work.
It has also been suggested that electricity may be a convenient agent
president's address. ]47
for accelerating the comparatively slow movement of the ordinary steam
engine into one of very high velocity. Engineers will have to consider
whether this cannot be done more easily in the way proposed by the Hon. 0.
A. Parsons of the firm of Clarke, Chapman, & Parsons, of Gateshead, who has
succeeded in constructing an exceedingly ingenious engine driven by steam,
which it is said, with a very moderate consumption of coal, makes 10,000
revolutions in the minute, and can, we are told, work up to the astounding
speed of 30,000 revolutions.
Natural Gas There have been found in nature, as every one and Oil.
knows, vast stores of liquid and gaseous hydro-
carbons which are being extensively employed as a source of heat. With these
we need not concern ourselves, because, so far as exhaustion goes, oil
springs and gas wells will be subject to the same laws as those which obtain
with coal.
Importance of With the facts and figures just given before us, economizing
Goal, instead of spending time and money in searching for substitutes for
the fuel now in common use, we would act more prudently in looking for means
to reduce a waste, which, when mechanical power is the object to which it is
applied, amounts, as it often does, to 90 per cent, of the capacity of the
coal. A considerable proportion of this waste is due to friction, a
diminution of which would probably be as applicable to the steam engine as
to any other source of motion.
Value of Iron. JSTot inferior as a national calamity to exhaustion of our
coal would be the want of iron. Without this metal, coal, at the depths it
is often found, would be beyond our reach; or, if reached, we should
frequently lack, commercially speaking, the means of utilizing the object of
our search. That the loss of this mineral would extinguish the manufacture
of iron is proved by the experience of the last century; for in 1740, owing
to the woodlands near the works failing to afford the necessary supplies of
charcoal, the make of iron had declined until it did not reach, in that
year, the quantity produced in one of our modern furnaces. From this
threatened annihilation Abraham Darby's success in the application, of coke
for smelting iron ore relieved us. The production of cheap iron may, for
some centuries, be considered as dependent on our being able to command
cheap coal; because the known deposits of ore are too extensive to render it
necessary to concern ourselves about their exhaustion.
The extent to which iron has assisted in the enormous development of our
national industry is evidenced by the large increase in its use. Fifty years
ago the annual consumption per head of our population was under 80 lbs.
In the year 1884 it amounted to nearly 290 lbs., while the
VOL, XXXVI.-18S7,
T
148 president's address.
average of the whole world was only a little above 30 lbs., and among some
hundreds of millions of people it is under half a pound.
In the year 1837 the make of pig iron in Great Britain was a little above
1,000,000 tons. Since that date, namely, in 1882, it was close on 8^
millions. This great and rapid progress in production was not confined to
our own country, for between 1879 and 1883 the world's output of pig iron
rose from 14,000,000 to 21,000,000 tons.
Very great changes in the processes connected with the manufacture of this
metal in its various forms have no doubt promoted its extended consumption
in recent years. At the same time it must be allowed that our knowledge of
the metallurgy of iron 50 years ago, was sufficiently advanced to have
enabled us to supply the metal then, of a sufficiently good quality, and at
a sufficiently low price, for the purposes for which it was wanted. In
addition to the extensive but somewhat expensively worked deposits of
ironstone of South Staffordshire and South Wales, Scotland had been proved
to contain a large quantity of Black Band ironstone, while Cumberland and
Lancashire gave good promise of being able greatly to add to their yearly
output of rich hematite ore. In the works, the puddling process, although a
laborious operation, had been brought to a state of great perfection and the
value of the hot blast in smelting had been sufficiently demonstrated.
Recent Improvements The twenty-five years after 1837 added however
in Manufacture greatly to our information connected with the of Iron.
manufacture of iron. The existence of the great
Cleveland bed of ironstone, and subsequently that of Lincolnshire and
Northamptonshire had been discovered, and the processes known as the
Bessemer and Open-hearth for making steel had been invented. During a few
years following 1862 the Middlesborough iron-masters, by an enlargement of
their furnaces, and by raising the temperature of the blast from 315° as
recommended by Neilson to 537° C. (600 to 1,000° R), added to an extended
use of the escaping gases, had effected a saving of one-third of the coal
required to produce a ton of pig iron. Immense improvements in rolling-mill
machinery and ameliorations in the Bessemer process, have so reduced the
cost of making steel rails, that this article, made from ore brought from
Bilbao in Spain, has been sold for what, 60 years ago, would have been
considered but a reasonable price for pig iron obtained from native ore.
Without troubling you with unnecessary details in the manufacture of iron I
may be permitted to say that, within my own recollection, to make a ton of
iron rails, beginning with -the ore, about 1\ tons of coal was consumed, and
now a ton of steel rails does not require above 3| tons of fuel for its
production,
President's address. 149
This great economy in the manufacture of steel, combined with its superior
strength and malleability, has led to its extensive use for purposes in
which wrought iron was formerly employed. At present, nearly half the
malleable form of the metal produced in this country is obtained from the
Bessemer converter or from the Open-hearth furnace, and the change is one
which is gradually extending.
The increase of strength in steel as compared with iron just referred to,
has very much assisted in combining great power with lightness in the
construction of the modern steam engine. A striking example of this is to be
seen in the Exhibition where the actual machinery, capable of developing an
indicated power of 1,750 horses, wreighs something under 26 tons. To this
proof of power in resisting enormous strain may be added that afforded by
the use of steel in the heavy guns from the Els wick works and elsewhere. On
the other hand the malleability of this form of iron, and its simplicity and
consequent economy of manufacture, are such that the large boiler plates,
also to be seen in the adjoining building, can be sold at about one-third of
the price charged for iron plates of similar dimensions.
Basic Process. I would here in connection with the steel trade refer very
shortly to a question of local interest. As those acquainted with the
properties of iron know, that phosphorus unfits the pig containing it for
either of the new modes of manufacture. So hurtful is this element, that its
presence to the extent of one part in one thousand of the metal, would cause
its rejection by the steel manufacturer. Now our local iron from the
Cleveland Hills usually contains seventeen times more phosphorus than the
quantity just named, and thus we have been compelled to supplement the purer
hematite of the west coast by large importations of ore from abroad, chiefly
from Spain, in order to supply the constantly increasing demands for
Bessemer and Open-hearth steel. It was proved by M. Griiner, of Paris, that
it was the acid properties of silica which prevented a second acid, like the
phosphoric, being carried off in the siliceous slag, generated during the
operation. By neutralising the acid properties of the silica by means of
lime, the obstacle to the formation of a compound containing phosphoric acid
was removed. This constitutes what is well known as the Basic process; but
this adaptation of pig iron containing phosphorus for steel-making may
however have an importance beyond that of a purely metallurgical character.
Phosphorus in This element has long been recognised as an in-
Basic process as a dispensable ingredient for animal life; its presence
Manure. therefore in our food is a necessity from which
150 president's address.
there is no escape. The proper vehicle through which this phosphorus can be
conveyed to the animal kingdom is through the vegetable. Continuous crops
removed from the soil, in time exhaust its store of phosphorus, and this
needs renewal which is done by the familiar use of manures. It is alleged
that the phosphorus contained in the " Basic slag" is capable of being
assimilated by plants, so that we have a substance which depreciates the
market value of the phosphoric pig iron of our country to the extent of 10/-
per ton, converted into a source of positive wealth.
Origin of Improve- It has been my endeavour, in what I have said; to
ments in manufacture bring under your notice, how our abundance of of Iron.
coal and our great resources of ore have enabled
us to produce cheap iron. Incidentally I referred to the date of the
substitution of pit coal for charcoal for smelting the ore; to the invention
of the puddling process ; to the introduction of the hot blast; to the great
enlargement of our blast furnaces; and to the discovery of new processes for
making steel. Let me now add, that not only have these changes greatly
reduced the cost of the metal, raised its value and enabled its production
to be continued in Great Britain, after increased population would have
rendered this impossible, but the improvements themselves with the exception
of the Open-hearth process, were originated on British soil by British
minds. Effect of Steam Power In these days of competition and particularly
in
on Trade of World, these days of commercial depression, there is a tendency
not only to compare the natural resources of different districts and of
different nations, but to compare how the relations of each may have been
affected by such great changes as those which have arisen with the extended
use of steam power.
Food Importation. It is unnecessary to dwell at any length on the importance
to the human race of a cheap and plentiful supply of food. This, in a
country with a fertile soil, a favourable climate and a population well
within the number it can feed and clothe, affords no cause for anxiety. Such
however is, and for a long time has been, far from the position of the
United Kingdom. In the absence of any records respecting our own
agricultural produce, it would be impossible to speak with any correctness,
to the extent of our home production of the necessaries of life. So recently
as 47 years ago, Porter stated that "Great Britain could never obtain the
bulk of her food supply from abroad, as all the shipping in the wTorld would
be insufficient to carry what her population required." This writer, were he
alive, would be surprised at the extent to which we are now dependent on
foreign nations for food, and at the ease with which our own shipping alone
conveys it to this country.
president's address. 151
Effect of Corn For some years before our corn laws were repealed,
Laws on Prices. and in some cases after their repeal, the legislature raised
the price of all articles of food to the consumer, either by forbidding
their importation or by imposing a duty on articles grown on a foreign soil.
In consequence, during the decade ending 1820, the average price of wheat
was 87s. Gd. per quarter, after which, in more peaceful times, GOs. wTas a
common value. With the extension of railways in the United States and
elsewhere, combined with low sea freight and free trade, the price gradually
fell until it reached 35s., and recently it has been even lower than this.
Cost of Living Abroad So long as the necessaries of life were much cheaper
and in the United in other countries than writh us, the workman abroad
Kingdom. wras able to maintain himself and family much
more economically than could be done here. In consequence foreign labour was
to be had on more favourable terms than it was with us. This was notably the
case on the continent of Europe where men were plentiful and imported labour
unnecessary. Matters were different in a new country like America where the
inducement of high wages had to be offered to attract immigrants ; but this
impediment to cheap production was met in the New World, more or less
entirely, by the facilities offered in the acquisition of land.
The establishment of railways on shore, and steamers on the sea, has
naturally had a tendency to equalise the cost of living in all countries;
and, as a result, wages have risen considerably during later years in France
and Germany which are our great manufacturing competitors. The American corn
growers have, by this change, been placed in a position to include these two
countries as customers for their agricultural produce. The French and German
farmers however, thinking it unreasonable that they should be exposed to the
competition of corn grown in the western hemisphere and yet not able to buy
an American plough without paying duty, have induced their respective
governments to impose an increased restriction on imported corn, the duty on
wheat entering Germany being now 30s. per ton and 40s. for what is brought
into France. Belgium, it is said, is preparing to follow this example, which
is one calculated of course to raise the cost of labour and, with it, the
cost of all manufactured produce.
Imports of Food. In order to show how the British consumer has benefited by
the importation of articles of daily use, I have prepared tables from the
Government returns, showing the increase in the quantities brought and
retained for domestic consumption in this country, for certain years since
1840.
152 president's address.
Table showing Weight of Material imported and retained in the United Kingdom
for Human Food or for Feeding Cattle, etc.
1840. 1855. 1865. 1875. 1883. 1885.
Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons.
Tons. Tons.
Live animals......Prohibited. 30,600 116,520 115,200
174,490 120.800
Bacon and ham ... 310 10,000 34,350 120,660
184,750 185,970
Beef .........Prohibited. 7.750 11,250 10,750
54,700 57,090
Dead meat, salt and
fresh—various ...... ... ...
15,800 44.160 56,420
Pork......... 1,470 10,200 11,100 13,300
18.800 19,180
Lard......... 5 5,900 6,800 27,000
42,650 43,560
Fish .........Prohibited. 10,250 23,600 38,700
64,480 66,190
Eggs......... 5.530 5,560 20,310 41.350
51.720 55,900
Butter.........17,630 16,360 50,950 71,440 113,710
118,640
Cheese......... 11,320 18,100 41.300 80,290
88,640 91,060
Corn and flour ... 830,070 1,085,500 2,371,610 5,359,110
7,506,100 7,141,640
Rice .........22,190 77,900 28 530 339,290 387,350
122,800
Onions ......... ... ...
42,370 67,170 88,440
Potatoes ...... 110 2,900 40,350 234,800
257,450 115,000
888,635 1.281,020 2,756,670 6,510,060 9,056,170 8,282,690
Summary—
Animal food and fish... 1,785 74,700 203,620 341.410
584.030 549,210
Kggs,butter, and cheese 34,480 40,020 112,560 193,080
254,070 265,600
Corn and vegetables... 852,370 1,166,300 2,440,490 5,975,570
8,218,070 7,467,880
888,635 1,281,020 2,756,670 6,510,060 9,056,170 8,282,690
If, as has been supposed, the quantity of the articles given in the
preceding table and those grown in the United Kingdom, corresponded in later
years in weight with those imported, we have roughly 8| million tons of food
as the produce of the United Kingdom. This gives 9,38,8000 tons foreign and
home-grown as the quantity consumed in 1840, ending with 16,782,000 tons in
1885.
Food Consumed in United Kingdom.
1840. 1855. 1865. ! 1875. 1883. 1885.
Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons.
Tons. Tons.
Imported, taken at 888,000 1,281,000 2,756,000 j 6,510,000
9,056,000 8,282,000 Supposed to be
grown at home... 8,500,000 8,500,000 8,500,000 8,500,000 8,500,000
8,500,000
Total ......9,388,000 9,781,000
ll,256,000|l5,010,00017,556,00016,782,000*
Estimated population ......26,487,000 27,821,000 29,861,000 32,749,000
35,611,003 35,941,000
Weight required per 1,000 inhabitants ...... 354 351
377 459 493 467
Percentage of increase or decrease since 1840 ... 100
99 106 130 139 132
I___________________________________________________________________________
______________________!________________________________________j____________
__________
* It is assumed that these quantities are exclusive of grass, hay, and
straw.
president's address. 153
These figures must be taken as some indication of the great increase in the
consumption of the necessaries of life which have, by a great reduction in
the price, been placed within the reach of those in this country to whom
cost determines the rate of consumption.
A similar conclusion is arrived at by the figures contained in the following
table also taken from the Board of Trade returns :—
Consumption per head of Imported Articles in the years since 1855 are given
below, followed by some of the Articles already given in the Imports.
1855. | 1865. 1875. I 1883. I 1885.
Cocoa, lbs.......... 1-16 013 "30 ' -36
-40
Coffee, „......... 129 102 -98 j -89
-90
Tea, „......... 2-28 329 444 !
—
Currants and raisins, lbs... 1'62 412 4-29 !
4-47 412
Sugar, lbs....... 29"22 | 3747 62-85 7174 74"28
Tobacco.,, ...... 1-09 131 i 1-46 i
1-42 P45
Wine, gals....... -23 '40 ; -53 -40
"38
Spirits, „ ...... -96 "94 I 1-30
1-06 0'97
Malt, bush....... 1'24 174 j 1-05
Beer, British, gals...... — 2712
26-85
Bacon and hams, lbs. ... -96 2-67 8-26 \
10-96 11-47
Eggs, No.......... 3-58 12-23 22-62 26-40 27"56
Butter, lbs....... 1-79 4-02 4-92 7*18
715
Cheese, „ ...... 1-53 317 5-46
5-51 5-48
Corn, „ ...... 53-16 93"38 197-08 250-77
235'79
Rice, „ ...... 218 5"72 11-68 12-45
7"57
Potatoes,,, ...... -07 3-04 16-05 16-17
7"06
____________________________________________________
Effect of improved In what has preceded it has been sought to
transit in demonstrate the extent to which our own country,
United Kingdom and by the improved modes of transit afforded by coal other
Countries. and iron, has been enabled to receive cheap supplies
of food from foreign nations. As compared with the countries from which
these supplies are drawn, our industry may be considered as burthened with
the cost of carriage. This upon the 8^ million tons may be taken
approximately at an annual charge of 12 to £15,000,000 sterling. On the
other hand, had these increased importations been interdicted, our
population must have remained in 1885 what it was in 1840. Objections have
been, and are still being, raised to certain collateral effects of the low
prices at which these importations are brought in competition with the
products of our own soil. Time forbids any attempt to speak at length of
these, and the subject is only alluded to as being part of a very
complicated system of international commerce of which some subsequent
mention will be made.
154 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
Eefcrence has also been made to the benefits conferred on our home industry,
by the amelioration in our internal means of transport. In this it is
obvious that the advantage to a nation's commerce from this cause will, to a
certain extent, be proportionate to the area of its territory. Great
Britain, in comparison with its population and manufactures/ being the
smallest in point of size of any country in the world, was less dependent
than any other on the improvements in question for the development of its
producing powers.
Thus in France and Germany the coal has to be conveyed to the iron ore, or
the ore to the coal, over greater lengths of railway than intervene between
the two minerals in England or Scotland. In the United States this prevails
to a striking degree, for there we often hear of journeys of 500 and even
1,000 miles having to be performed, in order to bring these raw materials
together, and almost everywhere the distances of the manufacturing centres
from the sea are usually very much greater than with us. In the United
Kingdom the distances which separate ore and coal are sometimes only 30
miles and rarely exceed 100 miles. In addition the improvements connected
with the production of iron have, as we have seen, been accompanied by great
economy in the consumption of coal, a change which, for the reasons just
given, has proved of greater advantage to foreign manufacturers than to our
own. On similar grounds there is no doubt that the Basic process for making
steel has proved much more beneficial to France and Germany than it has been
to us in the country where it was invented.
The long continued depression in our trade generally, accompanied by a
retrograde movement in the volume of some branches of it, has given rise to
much apprehension among political economists as well as among others more
directly concerned in our commerce. This feeling has naturally been
aggravated by the knowledge, that while our products were declining in
amount, those of certain foreign countries were advancing. Among the
conclusions arrived at is an inferiority in point of education to that of
our competitors of other nationalities. This I believe to mean a deficient
scientific education on the part of those connected with the direction of
our industrial operations. Well! there is no denying that Germany in
particular recognised sooner than we did the importance of education among
all classes, as the only safe ground upon which national progress could be
founded. We have only to consult the dates of the literature on mining and
metallurgy to learn how much earlier than ourselves, not only the Germans,
but the Swedes, French, and Belgians occupied themselves with a
scientific consideration of the questions
president's address. 155
involved in the cultivation of these arts. We have, it is true, made
considerable progress in this direction in recent years; but I am not
prepared to say that the same amount of importance is attached to, and the
same general proficiency in scientific knowledge prevails with us as are to
be found elsewhere. From this state of comparative indifference and from
this condition of comparative ignorance, if they exist, we must emancipate
ourselves with the least possible delay. We have harvested all the fruit we
can calculate on gathering in the absence of that guide which science can
alone supply, and for the maintenance of our industrial position we must
turn to scientific instruction or be content to remain behind in the race.
It cannot however, I would submit, be maintained with any justice that the
British manufacturers, at all events those whose work is of a kind with
which we are familiar in the North of England, are now indifferent to
scientific education. How can we, were it otherwise, account for the
existence and flourishing career of such Societies as the Institution of
Civil and that of Mechanical Engineers ; of the Institutes of Iron and
Steel; of Chemical Industry; and, not least among the number, the Institute
of Mining and Mechanical Engineers of the North of England, the oldest among
several in other parts of the kingdom devoted to the science of mining, etc.
?
Skill of British Besides the fears which have been expressed
Artisan. with regard to the ability of those who direct our
workmen, some alarm appears to be felt respecting a supposed decline in the
proficiency of the artisans themselves. I shall leave the defence of those
engaged in branches of industry with which I am but imperfectly acquainted
to others ; but in regard to those connected with the use of iron and steel
I would invite a careful inspection of the workmanship displayed in the
objects to be found in our local Exhibition, as an unanswerable proof of the
groundlessness of these apprehensions we have to listen to from time to
time. I am not going to deny that I have myself heard, from judges of
undoubted capacity, of the high class of foreign workmanship as compared
with some of British origin; but it has always been a question in my mind
whether inferior work, purchased here at a low price under the influence of
excessive competition, has not been contrasted with that of a better paid
description produced in foreign workshops.
The official statistical abstracts of our exports however, furnish the best
answer to this imaginary decadence of skill on the part of our workmen.
In 1870 the value of the machinery sent to foreign countries
VOL. XXXVI.-1887.
U
156 president's address.
from our shores amounted to £5,273,273. In 1880 it had risen to £9,263,526,
and in 1883 to £13,433,081 ; the average of the five years ending 1885 being
£11,696,574 ; and all sold in markets in which the competition of the whole
world had to be met.
Foreign Corn-petition. The arguments made use of in reference to the
undoubted manner in which our position as a manufacturing nation is being
contested by other countries, seems to proceed too much on the assumption
that we possess an intuitive genius for industrial work not found in other
nations ; and, relying on this, we are losing our rank by a neglect of those
educational measures which may end in our having to resign to, or at least
to share with, others, the honours we have for some years enjoyed.
As a matter of fact, the Dutch, Flemish, Germans, and French, a couple of
hundred years ago, were to a great extent our teachers in the manufacturing
arts. Even in iron, which owes so much to British enterprise for its
subsequent development, the Germans, up to the middle of the last century,
taught us nearly all we knew, including the use of the blast furnace itself.
The possession and early knowledge of the existence of large deposits of
fossil coal enabled us to revive our moribund manufacture of this metal upon
which all other industries depend. While the four nations named above were
distracted by the presence of large bodies of armed men, engaged in almost
incessant conflict, our manufactories, unhampered by actual war in our
midst, made rapid progress.
This progress, after the establishment of peace in 1815, with almost the
entire world for our customers, was continued for many years. In the
meantime, fresh coal discoveries were being made on the continent of Europe
as well as in America, and eventually, any difficulties in rendering these
new resources available, by reason of situation, were overcome as we have
seen, by the introduction of railways and other improvements. The
manufacturing energy was revived in the Teutonic and Latin races in Europe,
and that of the Anglo-Saxons was transplanted to and flourished in America.
As a result our example has been followed and our experience rendered
useful, and in some cases improved, by those whose competition we have now
to face. Such was the activity throughout the world that, as we have already
seen, the annual increase in the total make of pig iron was 50 per cent,
between the years 1879 and 1883, namely from 14 it rose to 21,000,000 tons.
In this struggle for supremacy we lost, in relative advance, the position
which we had occupied probably for the last 100 years. Between 1870 and 1883
the increase of our production was only 31 per cent, while that of the other
nations amounted to 138 per cent.
president's address. 157
At the same time we still remain the largest makers of iron in the world,
the chief producers standing for the year 1886 in the following order:—
Great Britain, 6,870,665 tons; United States, 5,683,329 tons; Germany,
3,489,400 tons; France, 1,507,850 tons; Belgium, 697,100 tons. The make of
this country it must however be remarked fell from 8,493,000 tons in 1882 to
the figure just given.
The rapid increase in the case of Germany and Belgium has compelled these
two nations to become exporters to the extent of fully one-third of their
united make. It may appear extraordinary that being protected from
importations from Great Britain by the cost of the transport, and the
further protection of import-duties, that these countries meet us in
neutral, and indeed in our home markets, with something like 2,000,000 tons
of iron annually, upon which they have generally more to pay for carriage
than we have, and upon which they lose the advantage afforded by the import
duty. There are indications that a position of maximum consumption of iron
has been reached in our own country, inasmuch as the quantity, including
that used for machinery exported, has remained pretty stationary during the
last dozen years, fluctuating between 3 and 3| million tons. On the other
hand, our exports of iron have decreased to the extent of about 1,000,000
tons annually.
These figures, taken alone, may well lead the British public to fear that
their own iron makers may be failing either in intelligence or in energy, or
in both. This is not true ; no nation, taken as a whole, possesses greater
natural advantages for the successful pursuit of this branch of industry,
and of its advantages Great Britain makes as good a use as any other people
do of theirs. It has to be admitted that during the last few years not only
has our production fallen off, but what we have made has left little, or in
many cases no profit to the manufacturer ; but in this respect we do not
appear to be worse off than our neighbours. According to a published list,
out of 18 works engaged in manufacturing and mining operations connected
with iron in Germany, only two made a profit exceeding 10# ; eleven varied
from \% to ±\%\ and seven realised no profit or made an actual loss.
Education in Before concluding this Address, I would, with
Northern Coal-field your permission, add a few words on what has of
England. been done, and is doing, in the cause of education
in this locality. If, as must be allowed, not an inconsiderable progress was
made in our works and mines with little help from a knowledge of physical
science, we ought in any retrospect, to consider our failures as well as our
successes. If this were done, we should find many instances of labour and
money having been wasted for want of a proper guide to
158 president's address.
direct us in our course. But whatever the result of such a stock-taking of
the past might be, I think I am justified in the assertion that we all here
believe the day has gone by for us to trust longer to guess work and the
time-honoured rule of thumb. This I hope is our opinion entirely
irrespective of any fear of competition from foreign nations, who after all,
were we their superiors in any particular point would speedily adopt our
improvements as we have imitated theirs. Those of us who are old enough to
remember the period when such learning as that in question was regarded by
some with disfavour and almost by all with indifference, can, by the light
of our experience, compare the past with the present. "We would wish, as the
result of this experience, to warn the rising generation and especially
would we warn those entrusted with the care of it, of the irremediable
difficulty to which its members will be exposed, on being placed in
positions which then will, and can only, be properly occupied by those who
have been prepared by previous training. This is not a light which is
dawning on Newcastle for the first time. Within the walls of the Literary
and Philosophical Society, one of the earlier formed institutions of its
kind in the land, the Reverend William Turner, half a century ago, laboured
to inculcate a love of natural science. By our fathers and grandfathers the
Museum of the Natural History Society was founded which was enriched by the
exertions of Hutton, by Alder, by Albany Hancock, by Athey and others, and
the crown has been placed on the institution by my old and distinguished
friend John Hancock. Not only has he, by the munificence of the Joiceys, by
that of Lord and Lady Armstrong and other friends, been enabled to erect one
of the best buildings of its kind in the kingdom, but he has presented to it
a magnificent collection of ornithological specimens, the fruit of a long
life devoted to the cultivation of science.
I would also mention a name held in high esteem on Tyneside, I mean that of
Hodgson, the historian of Northumberland; who first called the attention of
Sir Humphrey Davy to the appalling calamities accompanying the then very
frequent explosions in our coal mines. With his own hands he collected the
specimens of gas used by Davy in examining its properties, and his own life
was the first exposed to danger for the purpose of demonstrating the value
of the safety-lamp in the dark recesses of a coal mine. College of Physical
This reference to our great local industry suggests Science the
propriety of claiming the merit to which we as an
in Newcastle. Institution are entitled in connection with promoting
the cause of scientific education. At its first meeting thirty-five
TRESIDENT*S ADDRESS. 150
years ago, and by its first President—Nicholas Wood—the necessity of
providing a suitable school for scientific instruction was earnestly
insisted upon. I believe I am the only survivor of a small committee which
was subsequently appointed to consider the recommendation of Mr. Wood. I am
not going to trouble you with an enumeration of the difficulties we
encountered beyond saying that money, or the want of it, was very far from
being the least. This at last was sufficiently met by our former President
Mr. Edward F. Boyd succeeding in enlisting the sympathies of Dean Lake the
Warden of the University of Durham and his colleagues on the council of that
body. As one of those who had an opportunity of witnessing the earnestness
with which Mr. Boyd devoted himself to the work, I would venture once more
to place on record to-day the invaluable assistance afforded to us by the
University, obtained in a great measure through his intervention.
Some question has been raised as to the amount of success which has attended
the labours of our College. I believe sincerely this has been as great as
the means placed at the disposal of its Council entitled any one to expect.
Notwithstanding the difficulties entailed upon the professors, for want of
the necessary accommodation, nearly 500 students attended the classes during
the last session. Of these about one-fifth received instruction by actual
work in the chemical laboratory. Out of former students, it has been
ascertained that more than 150 have become mining engineers, and of these,
about 20 have found employment in India, in our colonies, and in foreign
countries. With these results, and with the growing necessity for properly
educated superintendents for mines and manufactories, the governing body
felt they had no alternative but to proceed with the erection of a suitable
building for carrying on the work which they have taken in hand. This step,
rendered unavoidable bv the loss of class rooms, once more compels the
Council to renew an appeal for public support. A large sum will be needed in
order to retain the services of the present excellent staff of professors
and to meet the expenditure necessary for placing the establishment on the
footing its merits and importance demand. This appeal is addressed not only
to those who are directly interested in the object for which the College has
been created, but to the principal landowners, as well as to every resident
in the North of England who cannot be dissociated from what best promotes
the public good of the district.
It will be for the students, for whose special advancement and benefit the
Durham College of Science at Newcastle has been founded, to show
1.60 ADDRESS BY MONSIEUR DAlX.
the measure of their appreciation of its objects by a diligent application
to those branches of knowledge which will be taught within its walls. While
recommending an institution like the College at Newcastle to public support,
I would have it understood that T am not insensible of the good work which
is being done in what, so far as scientific teaching is concerned, may be
regarded as excellent preparatory schools. Among these, although there may
be others, I would mention the Newcastle Grammar School, and that in Bath
Lane, (for which latter the town is chiefly indebted to Dr. Rutherford,) the
Grammar Schools at Durham and Darlington, and the High School at
Middlesbrough.
M. V. Daix, Ingenieur des Mines, Constructeur-Mecanicien, Chevalier de la
Legion d'Honneur, a St. Quentin, France, addressed the meeting as follows:—
Messieurs,—je n'ai jamais, autant qu'aujourd'hui, regrette de ne pas savoir
l'Anglais d'une facon suffisamment correcte pour prononcer un discours; car,
pour la mission qui m'a ete confiee, j'aurais voulu me faire bien comprendre
de vous tous.
J'ai, en effet, Messieurs, a vous remercier, non seulement de l'invita-tion
que vous avez bien voulu adresser aux ingenieurs etrangers d'assister a
votre meeting, mais encore de l'accueil gracieux et bienveillant que vous
avez fait a ceux qui ont pu se rendre a votre invitation.
En venant dans le Nord de l'Angleterre, nous savions fort bien, Messieurs,
que nous y serions bien recus, et cela pour un double motif: tout d'abord,
le travail rend les homines meilleurs, elle les rend bien-veillants pour les
etrangers; car c'est lui, le travail, qui est le grand precurseur de la
paix; et, sous ce rapport, votre region, Messieurs, est une des plus
priviligiees, c'est une de celles ou le travail est le plus en
Translation.
Gentlemen,—I have never regretted so much as I have to-day my inability to
speak English in a sufficiently fluent manner to enable me to address you in
that language ; for that which I have to say I would wish to be comprehended
by you all.
I have in effect, gentlemen, to thank you, not only for the invitation which
you have been so kind as to give to engineers of other countries to attend
your meeting, but also on account of the gracious and courteous welcome you
have given those who have been able to avail themselves of your invitation.
On coming to the North of England we felt sure we should be well received,
and that for two reasons. First, work makes men better and more courteous to
strangers, for work is the great precursor of peace, and in this respect,
gentlemen, your district is one of the most privileged, for it is one of
those where work is most honoured. It
ADDRESS BY MONSIEUR DAIX. 161
honneur; il suffit de parcourir, comme nous l'avons fait hier, la Tyne
depuis Newcastle jusqu'a l'endroit ou elle se jette dans la mer pour se
rendre compte de l'activite industrielle de cette region du Nord de
l'Angleterre. Les usines, les etablissements industriels s'y succedent si
rapidement qu'on ne sait vraiment ou se termine la ville, et qu' on se
demande si elle ne s'etend pas depuis ici jusqu'a l'embouchure de la Tyne.
D'autre part. Messieurs, Newcastle nous etait bien connue, la reputation de
vos peres est faite et le respect filial, si en honneur parmi vous, est tel
que les bonnes traditions ne se perdent pas. Or, en parcourant la route si
mouvementee qui conduit de la Central Station a 1'Exposition on rencontre,
vers le milieu, le Monument que vous avez eleve" a la memoire du Earl Grey.
Pour honorer ce grand oitoyen qui fut long-temps premier ministre, vous avez
signale en premiere ligne que pendant les cinquante annees qu' avait dure sa
carriere politique, il avait ete con-stamment 1'avocat, le defenseur de la
paix.
Vous voyez done bien, Messieurs, qu'en venant ici, nous savions y trouver
des amis, mais votre excellent accueil a depasse nos esperances et je tiens
a vous dire que ceux de vos invites qui n'ont pu se rendre ici eprouveront
un double regret: celui de n'avoir pu admirer les choses splendides que vous
nous avez montrees et celui plus vif encore de n'avoir pu appr^cier votre
excellent accueil.
Translation.
is sufficient to go, as we did, down the River Tyne, from Newcastle to the
spot where it throws itself into the sea, to be enabled to comprehend the
industrial activity of this region of the North of England. Factories and
industrial establishments succeed one another so rapidly that it is
impossible to say where the town of Newcastle finishes, and one asks oneself
whether it does not extend from where we sit at present to the mouth of the
Tyne.
Secondly, gentlemen, Newcastle was well known to us; the reputation of your
fathers is established, and filial respect so much in honour amongst you, is
such, that your good traditions will not be lost. Indeed, in passing along
the streets so full of life, which lead from the Central Station to the
Exhibition, one sees about midway a monument which has been erected to the
memory of Earl Grey. To pay honour to this great citizen, who was for a long
time prime minister, you have placed prominently before the world that
during the fifty years of his political career he was constantly the
advocate and defender of peace.
You will readily understand then, gentlemen, that in coming here we were
well aware that we should find friends ; but your very warm reception has
exceeded our hopes, and I would especially remark that those gentlemen who
were unable to accept your invitation will experience a twofold
regret—first, in not having been able to admire the splendid collection of
objects which you have shown us, and, secondly, what is even more to be
regretted, not having been able to feel the warmth of your excellent
reception.
162 ADDRESS BY MONSIEUR DAIX.
Nous qui, plus heureux, avons pu venir, nous garderons precieusement,
Messieurs, le souvenir des grandes et belles choses que vous nous avez fait
voir: vos charbonnages si parfaitement organises, vos nsines si bien
installees et si admirablement conduites; nous aurons longtemps devant les
yeux les magnifiques Iron-works de Jarrow, si puissamment outillees conime
force et comme production et 1'adinirable organisation des Tyne Docks, ou,
par suite des dispositions intelligentes qui ont preside a leur
organisation, 20,000 tonnes de charbon peuvent, chaque jour, etre cljargees
dans des vaisseaux qui vont porter au loin le nom de l'Angleterre en general
et celui de Newcastle en particulier.
Nous n'oublierons pas non plus, Messieurs, l'organisation si belle de votre
exposition, qui se distingue tout particulierement par les travaux
pacifiques qu' elle fait admirer, par le classement si intelligent du
groupe-rnent des appareils, par la division raisonnee de l'£clairage
electrique ou tous les systemes sont si bien representes et si bien
installes, et surtout par le caractere special et eminemment pratique de ce
qui touche a la science de l'lngenieur et a l'Art des Mines. Je signalerai
plus particulierement ce qui est expose dans la partie Nord des Jardins: les
modeles des mines de cbarbon, de plomb, et les essais de traction a
l'intlrieur des mines.
Cette partie de votre exposition, Messieurs, est caracteristique, jamais
encore on ne 1' a vue nulle part; les dispositions prises font ressortir la
valeur pratique des Ingenieurs et des Industries qui l'ont organisee, et je
Translation.
We on the contrary, who more happily have been able to come, will well guard
the remembrance of the great works which you have enabled us to see. Your
collieries so perfectly organised; your factories so well arranged and so
admirably conducted; we shall have for a long time before our eyes, as a
vision of force and production, the magnificent ironworks of Jarrow, with
its powerful machinery; also the admirable organisation of the Tyne Docks,
where, as a consequence of the intelligence which directed their
construction, 20,000 tons of coal have been shipped per day in vessels which
carry to all parts of the world the name of England in general and of
Newcastle in particular.
Neither will we forget, gentlemen, the splendid organisation of your
Exhibition, which may be considered particularly to excel in those peaceful
works to which it invites admiration, by the intelligent classification and
grouping of systems of machinery, by the scientific way in which all the
systems of electric lighting have been placed, and, above all, by the
specially practical way in which all that has reference to the science of
engineering and the profession of mining has been displayed. And I would
especially draw attention to the models of coal and lead mines, together
with the numerous systems of traction suited for the conveyance of coal in
the interior of the mines, as exhibited in the North Gardens.
This part of your Exhibition, gentlemen, is unique; nothing like it has been
seen anywhere; and the way in which it has been carried out shows well the
practical knowledge of the engineers and manufacturers who have organised
it, and I have no
DISCUSSION—PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 163
crois pouvoir affirmer ici que cette organisation d'essais pratiques faits
en grand servira de modele aux organisations des expositions futures.
Au nom des Ingenieurs etrangers presents, mais encore au nom de ceux qui
n'ont pu venir, je vous remercie, Messieurs, de votre invitation et de votre
si excellent accueil.
Je ne puis m'adresser specialement a ceux d'entre vous qui nous ont
plus particulierement accueillis, je craindrais en agissant ainsi de laisser
croire que tous vous n'avez pas ete bienveillants; et, sous peine de me
creer
des inimities alors que je desire n'avoir en vous que des amis, je devrais
vous citer tous. Je remercie done tous les industriels qui nous ont recus
avec taut de bienveillance, je remercie tous les membres de l'Association
des
Ingenieurs Miniers et Mecaniciens du Nord de l'Angleterre dans la per-
sonne des deux honorables gentlemen qui les ont representes si dignement
et qui nous ont particulierement si bien accueillis; j'ai nomme votre
honorable president Sir Lowthian Bell et votre honorable vice-president
M. William Cochrane.
Translation.
hesitation in stating here that this exhibition of practical methods of
transit made on such a large scale will serve as a model for all similar
undertakings in future.
In the name, therefore, of the engineers visiting here, and further in the
name of those who have not been able to come, I thank you, gentlemen, for
your kind invitation and for your most excellent reception.
I cannot address myself specially to all those amongst you who have been
most pressing in their attentions, lest I should be thought to infer that
you had not all been equally kind; and therefore, to avoid creating foes
where I only desire to find friends, I thank all who have received us, and I
thank all the members of the North of England Institute of Mining and
Mechanical Engineers in the persons of the two honourable gentlemen who have
represented them so well, and who have received us so well, namely, your
worthy president, Sir Lowthiau Bell, and your worthy vice-president, Mr.
William Cochrane.
Mr. M. H. Mills, of the Chesterfield and Midland Institute, said he wished
to say a few words as a member of the Council of the Chesterfield and
Midland Institute in thanking the members of the North of England Institute
for the very great hospitality which they had received during their visit to
the North of England. He was quite sure when they returned home every one of
them would hunt out particulars to try if they could find strains of north
country blood among them, and so be enabled to lay claim to connection with
the north country people. He thanked the North of England Institute on
behalf of his Institute. He was sorry
VOL. XXXVI.-18S7.
V
164 DISCUSSION — PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
that none of the vice-presidents of the Chesterfield and Midland Institute
had been able to stop till to-day, having been obliged to go home.
Mr. James C. Hunter said, he also had great pleasure in thanking the North
of England Institute on behalf of the Geological Section of the Naturalist
Field Club of Barrow-in-Furness. His colleagues and himself, when they
returned home, would be able to tell of the hearty and hospitable reception
they had during their visit to the meeting.
Mr. T. W. Embleton said, he had hoped that he would have been
left to sit silent, and that he would have been able to conclude his visit
to his native town without being called upon to make a speech. As
President of the Midland Institute of Mining, Mechanical, and Civil
Engineers, he thanked the North of England Institute for the very
hospitable way in which the visitors had been received. He had been
pleased to visit his old native city to see the improvements which had
taken place since he went southward sixty years ago. About 70 years
ago the banks of the Tyne were covered with wood. At that time the
only public conveyances between this city and Shields were the " Shields
Gig " by land, and the so-called " Comfortable " by river. The latter
mode was very inconvenient, and not unfrequently the " Comfortable,"
drawing about three feet, was stuck on the Hebburn sand for hours.
Now the banks are covered with manufactories of every description and
ships of the largest burthen can reach the works of Lord Armstrong &
Co. miles above the Swing Bridge.
Mr. J. S. Dixon said that, as President of the Mining Institute of Scotland,
he also had to thank the North of England Institute for their invitation and
the entertainment which had been provided for them. He was glad to be
present to return thanks on behalf of the visitors for the great kindness
they had received, and the great amount of instruction they had got from
visiting the splendid collieries in this neighbourhood.
The President said, he would assure those gentlemen who had spoken how very
gratifying it was to the Council and members of the North of England
Institute to hear that their endeavours to render the stay of the visitors
here not only useful, but agreeable, seemed to have been entirely
successful. He would convey the kind messages, particularly of M. Daix—whose
speech would be translated into English, and be published in the
Transactions—to the Executive Council of the Exhibition. Mr. John Daglish
said, that in rising, unexpectedly as he did, he was sure he would have
their entire sympathy in proposing a vote of thanks to the President, Sir
Lowthian Bell, for the very valuable and interesting Address which they had
had the gratification of hearing. The
DISCUSSION—PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 165
world-wide eminence of Sir Lowthian made it sure that the Address would
contain matter, not only of interest for the moment, but suggestive for the
future. The Address would form a matter for serious consideration with all
of them after this meeting. He proposed a vote of thanks to the President
for his Address,
Mr. George B. Bruce (President of the Institution of Civil Engineers) said,
he was not a member of the North of England Institute, but if a stranger in
that sense might be allowed to second the motion just proposed, he would
have great pleasure in doing it. He had come to the meeting with the special
object of hearing Sir Lowthian Bell's Address, and he was sure they would
all read it over very carefully. There was one part of the Address to which
he had listened with considerable interest, and that was the portion in
which Sir Lowthian referred to the danger they were in of being overmatched
in their competition with foreign nations. He thought it was true what was
said by Sir Lowthian as to the absolute necessity of their taking care to
see that technical education was followed up in this land in a way that it
had not hitherto been. He could not help feeling that the English had
something in them besides education. He did think they need not look at
education in a spirit of despair in comparison with other nations. There was
a degree of spirit and energy he held in the English people—it might be a
national prejudice on his part, he did not know—which enabled them, in spite
of defects in education, to work under great difficulties. He remembered
when he was making a railway in Germany, and the contractor was English, and
had an English engine-driver. According to the German law, the engine-driver
must pass an examination. Jack could not pass an examination in English,
much less in German; and so the contractor was obliged to have a German
driver on the locomotive. The contractor found he was then not getting a
sufficient amount of work out of the engine, and said, "This will not do,"
and he put the English driver back on to the footboard to do the work, and
the other man remained also as engine driver in the eyes of the law. The
contractor paid both men rather than not have the work go on. It was not
education in that case that succeeded. Let them get education; but do not
let them seek it in the spirit of despair, as if other nations were
overcoming them. He had very great pleasure in seconding the vote of thanks
to his old friend, Sir Lowthian Bell, and was very glad to be back in this
old town where he was born, and see an old school-fellow sitting as
President.
The vote of thanks was agreed to.
166 DISCUSSION—PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
The President said he was very much indebted to the two gentle men who had
proposed and seconded the vote of thanks. He must express the hope that
his old school-fellow and friend, Mr. George Bruce, did not imagine he was
at all afraid of the position which the English were capable of taking in
the race of nations. All he had wanted to impress on the meeting was,
that the English had got very formidable competition to meet, and that if
they wished to compete successfully they must keep abreast of other nations
in the matter of education. If any one told him Englishmen were falling
behind other nations, he would ask for his company for twenty-four hours,
and would take him down to see the Forth Bridge, and would ask, "What do you
think of English engineers after what can be there seen?" He had just
learned that there had now been 1,000,000 visitors to the Exhibition. As
they were on the subject of technical education, he would recommend all
employers of labour, and others who were interested in the intellectual
progress of those with whom they were associated, to take a very early
opportunity of sending their workmen to the Exhibition, in order to avail
themselves of the scientific education to be gained there.
The Secretary read the following paper on " The Federation of the Mining
Institutes of Great Britain":—
THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN, 167
THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN.
Have the mining engineers in the United Kingdom any institution sufficiently
well organised to effectively represent their interests in that quarter
where these can best be promoted ? and, if not, what steps had best be taken
to have them so represented ? are questions the solution of which this paper
is intended to facilitate.
The mining engineers are a numerous and influential body of men. They have
the superintendence of the extraction of nearly 180 million tons of
minerals, of the value of from 50 to 60 million pounds. They have
established various societies already in different parts of England and
Scotland, and although none of these can be said to be more than provincial
associations, yet, nevertheless, some of them are of very considerable
importance. But, up to the present time, no effort has been made to found a
universal society in the metropolis; the result is that the mining engineers
are not represented as a whole, and, therefore, that their influence is
divided and weakened.
Another very great inconvenience of the present arrangement is that the
transactions of each society often contain papers which have been read
before other societies, and that a mass of useful information is divided and
rendered difficult to refer to, as it is not indexed in one collection, each
separate portion having only a limited circulation.
The mining operations of England and Scotland are spread very unequally over
the two countries. For the sake of convenience in considering the subject,
the total output has been divided into six local districts, each represented
by one or more mining associations, all of which freely enrol other classes
of engineers to membership. (See Table 17.)*
1.—North of England, which raised in 1886 about 44 million tons of minerals.
This district is represented by the " North of England Institute of Mining
and Mechanical Engineers," which has 16 members
* Proofs of all matter referring to the various Institutions mentioned in
this paper have been sent to their respective Secretaries, and appear as
corrected by those gentlemen,
168 THE MISTING INSTITUTION'S OF GREAT BRITAIN.
and a total income of £39 for every million tons raised in the district it
represents. (See Tables Nos. 1, 2, and 15 in the Appendix to this paper.)
2.—The Midland Coal-field, which produces about 60 million tons, is
represented by two societies, one " The Chesterfield and Midland Counties
Institution of Engineers," and the other " The Midland Institute of Mining,
Civil, and Mechanical Engineers," which, combined, have nearly 6$ members
and a total income of about £9 for every million tons raised. (See Tables
Nos. 3, 4, and 15.) .
3.—Staffordshire District, producing about 19 million tons, represented by
two associations, the "North Staffordshire Institute of Mining and
Mechanical Engineers," and the " South Staffordshire and East Worcestershire
Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers." These, together, have 24
members, with a total income of £16 to every million tons raised. (See
Tables Nos. 5, 6, and 15.)
4.—Scottish District, producing 24 million tons, represented by the "Mining
Institute of Scotland," having 18^ members, with a total income of about £16
10s. for every million tons raised. (See Tables Nos. 7 and 15.)
5.—South Wales, producing 31 million tons, represented by "The South Wales
Institution of Engineers," having 1T3 members, with a total income of £25
16s. for every million tons raised. (See Tables Nos. 8 and 15.)
6.—Cornwall, producing half a million tons, represented by the "Mining
Institute of Cornwall," having 484 members, with a total income of £620 to
each million tons raised, the produce in this case being mainly
metalliferous ores, not coal. (See Table No. 9.)
The British Society of Mining Students.—It is difficult to decide under
which district to put this very useful institute, and therefore it has not
been classified under any, but taken by itself. It is a very important body,
which should be and is the very back-bone and recruiting-ground of all the
others. Its papers are generally excellent. It has 232 members; 2 are free
honorary members, 61 honorary, 41 senior, and 128 subscribing members. The
subscription of honorary and senior members is 10s., and of other members
7s. 6d. per annum.
This society publishes its proceedings in a very excellent form, has an
income of £87 from its subscribers, with arrears amounting to £23 12s. 6d.,
or about 27 per cent, of the sum paid by the members. Its balance sheet is
given in Tables Nos. 10 and 11.
In addition to these there are various other bodies, such as the Manchester
Geological Society, which are more or less occupied with
THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 169
mining subjects, but those institutions already described are considered
sufficient to illustrate the subject.
It will be seen that the districts are very unequally represented. To what
extent this inequality exists practically and otherwise than on paper would
require to be decided by some one who has a more intimate knowledge than the
writer of the nature of the mining operations carried on in the various
centres ; for instance, although Cornwall as a centre seems to produce very
little mineral, still it has comparatively a large number of members, and a
by no means insignificant income for the quantity of the mineral raised,
which is of very great value ; whereas probably the largest district of all,
which possesses two institutions —one of which is of considerable
importance—has only 6^ members to every million tons raised, and has a
comparatively low income.
Perhaps the most prosperous of all these institutions is that in the North
of England. This may possibly be accounted for by the fact that it was the
first to commence its work in a district which may almost be said to have
inaugurated coal mining, and which at the time was thought the most
considerable mining centre in England, and this caused it originally to be
joined by many leading men from the other districts, who do not like to
forsake it even where other societies have been formed nearer to them.
The unequal proportion of the numbers of members in the various societies to
the districts which they respectively represent is, however, a matter of
very great importance, since it may cause much dissension should the views
advocated in this paper ever be discussed. This portion of the subject ought
not to be passed over without the remark that the mineral owners—the
influential possessors of the soil—do not seem to be adequately represented
in any of the societies above enumerated. Before anything like a strong
central association could be even thought of, the assistance of the majority
of these gentlemen should be obtained. They are very deeply interested, and
their membership would materially strengthen the position of any society to
which they belonged.
Referring to Table No. 15, it will be seen that there are in the eight
institutions mentioned above 2,584 members, with a total income of £4,085;
the income from members being £3,533, and the total amount of arrears
£1,285—that is, 36 per cent, of the income received from members is still
standing over for collection. It must not, however, be supposed that the
whole of these 2,584 members represent the same number of different
individuals; because, by an examination of Table No. 16, it will be seen
that a great number belong to more than one institution.
170 THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN.
The North of England Institute has in other societies ... ... 118
members.
South Wales, besides the members which it has in the above
society, has in other societies ... ... ... ...
... 16 „
Midland, do. do. .........
... 17 „
Chesterfield and Midland Counties, do. do.
,.. 3 „
Scottish ... ... ... ... ..
... ... ... 1 „
Making a total of ............155 „
Which number, subtracted from the 2,584 given before, reduces that number to
2,429. This shows that if all the mining engineers at present enrolled in
provincial societies were to be all members of one society, they would form
a very numerous and powerful body of men, much more likely, than as now, to
command the co-operation of the mineral owners. London is, no doubt, the
centre of attraction for most professional men, and members would travel
long distances to attend meetings there who would not go to any other town,
however large, because in London there is very frequently some other
business to attend to, and in that city more influential people are met and
additional opportunities of professional employment are presented. Besides,
London, especially in the spring, is the focus of all Parliamentary work ;
and if any impression is to be made on Government, or any inquiry to be made
or important matter to be reported upon, London is the place in which to do
it. This is peculiarly the case with the mining interest, which is so
continually being interfered with by Government.
It may be said, however, that there will be many and formidable difficulties
to overcome before any such society could be successfully established in
London. This is no doubt true, although it might not be expected from the
experience of the Mechanical Engineers, which body succeeded in organising
their London offices without having to overcome many serious difficulties,
because the change involved no loss of money or sacrifice of property, for
they were not tied to Birmingham by possessing a large or expensive
establishment.
Many of the mining and engineering societies mentioned above have already
spent large sums of money in providing handsome buildings for their
accommodation, and have collected extensive libraries, which they would be
unwilling to forsake; and as they have considerable local influence, it
would be difficult to induce them to break up their societies to form one
larger in London. Nor would it be advisable to do so, even if it were likely
that they would agree to the change, for mining, unlike mechanical
undertakings, is confined to the place where mineral is con-
THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OP GREAT BRITAIN. 171
tained in the soil, and is not spread over all England like mechanical
engineering ; and as each district has its peculiar modes of working and
varieties of minerals, it is most advantageous to have local societies where
these can be discussed amongst those engineers who are especially connected
with them. It would therefore seem that the only way to induce members to
found a society in London would be to preserve the autonomy of the district
societies, and have a general federation of the whole in London.
Although it may not appear at first sight that London is a mining centre,
yet it contains many professional gentlemen deeply connected with copper,
lead, gems, and the precious metals ; and before, or at the same time, that
the federation of all the societies in London is carried out, it would
probably be advisable to have a local London institution, called, for
instance, " The Mining Institution of London," devoted specially to this
class of mining, and taking the same general position towards the federated
society as does each one of the country centres.
Again, the writer's experience shows that there are many Englishmen in India
and the Colonies who take a considerable interest in several of the local
institutions, and who contribute to them most valuable information. If the
new federation were established, it is more than probable that colonial
centres might be formed, and a very valuable mass of information in the
shape of papers might be read and discussed in the place where all the facts
connected with the papers are known, and sent up for publication to the
federated society, which might in a few years take up a very important
position, not only in England, but wherever mining operations are carried
on.
It would be as well, perhaps, here to pass in review two existing London
societies—" The Institution of Civil Engineers," and the "Institution of
Mechanical Engineers "—as types, first, of what a society should be which
represents all classes of engineering, and, second, what a society should be
which represents one class only.
The Institution of Civil Engineers embraces all classes who are engaged in "
the art of directing the great sources of power in nature for the use and
convenience of man," and this definition allows it to take in nearly
everybody. To become a member, however, of this very powerful body requires
a man to possess a considerable amount of skill, and the honour is eagerly
sought and tenaciously held j so much so that it is rare for any member to
be in arrears of payment, and in their balance sheets the word is almost
unknown. Being a member gives considerable advantages of a pecuniary and
professional nature, as both foreign and English
VOL. XXXVI. 1887.
W"
172 THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN.
projectors seek amongst its ranks suitable persons to carry out their
enterprises, and choose them as arbitrators in their disputes. The annual
subscription to the Institution is, for—
£ s. d.
Resident Members .................. 4 4 0
Non-resident do. ... ... ... ••¦ ••¦
••• 3 3 0
Resident Associates ... ... ... ••• ¦•¦
••• 330
Non-resident do................... 2 12 (5
Resident Students .................. 2 2 0
Non-resident do. ... ... ••• ••• •¦•
••• 1 11 o
New members and associates pay an entrance fee of £10 10s.
This society had, on the 31st March, 1886, 20 honorary members, 1,542
members, 2,111 associate members, 501 associates, and 926 students, making a
total of 5,100. The income from annual subscriptions was, for the twelve
months preceding the date named, over £13,000, of which the arrears only
amount to £376, or not 3 per cent, of the sum actually received as
subscriptions. (See Table No. 12.)
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers, which has been located in London
now for ten years, and which is taken as a fair type of the second
description of societies, viz., those which represent one particular branch
of engineering science, has been very successful. Many of its members are
also members of the older institution. It has—
£ s. d. 5 Honorary Members.
1,511 Members ......... at 3 0 0
34 Associates ... ... ... ,,300
124 Graduates ......... ,,200
Total 1,674 Members, with a total income from subscriptions of £4,359.
The arrears amount to £423, or about 9 per cent, of the sum actually
received as subscriptions. (See Table No. 13.)
The relative importance of the two societies may be put thus:—
Subscriptions.
Members. Associates. Students.
Paid. Unpaid.
£ £ I
Civil Engineers ...... 1,542 2,612 926 13,195
376 | 3%
Mechanical Engineers ... 1,511 34 124 4,359
423 9%
There is also a significance with regard to the item of arrears which is
perhaps more important than at first sight would appear, for irrespective
THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 173
of the money lost to a society it is a proof that the membership is not
highly esteemed, and that its members are recruited to a certain extent with
difficulty, the honour of admission not being sought for with such ardour as
would prevent them from dropping off at the first convenient opportunity.
The arrears of these two societies, as given above, amount to 3 and 9 per
cent, of the total subscriptions paid, whereas by looking at Table No. 15,
it will be seen that in some local mining institutions they amount to more
than half the subscriptions paid.
It is true that among the provincial societies there is one bright exception
to be found in the Mining Institute of Scotland, the amount of arrears there
not even amounting to one per cent. This is due to the fact that the rule as
to cutting off members who are one year in arrear, and not carrying forward
such arrears, is strictly adhered to, and the arrears shown in the abstract
of accounts in each year are the arrears of the preceding year only.
Taking the total amount paid in subscriptions and the total amount of
arrears due in all the eight societies quoted above, the arrears amount to
about 36 per cent, of the amount of money obtained from members during the
year.
This seems to be the most powerful argument that possibly can be adduced in
favour of having a central society, of sufficient power and influence to
make it the interest of every mining engineer to belong to it, and when once
admitted a member to stand by it; for it is evident, from the amount of
arrears shown to exist in the present local societies, that the honour of
membership is not sufficiently appreciated, and that very many more mining
gentlemen would belong to a powerful society than at present belong to the
numerous smaller societies that are spread over the kingdom.
The mining engineers could not expect to have a society of the importance of
the Institution of Civil Engineers, who, as before stated, embrace all
classes, but they might reasonably hope to have an organisation which would
equal, if not exceed, that of the Mechanical Engineers, in the number of its
members and in its income, were they united and had their head-quarters in
London.
It has been before stated that the difficulties the Mechanical Engineers had
to overcome in moving to London were of a much lighter character than those
which would have to be overcome by the various mining associations were they
to form one central society; in fact, if the forming of a central society
meant doing away with the local societies it might be
174 The mining institutions of great Britain.
safely conceded that the change would be impossible. The only way,
therefore, that seems open to consideration is whether a federated
association could not be formed, called, perhaps, "The Imperia1 Mining
Institute," which would in effect create a perfectly new society in London,
with which the whole of the present local societies should be
affiliated.
As neither of the two large London establishments before described are
affiliated with any local ones, it will be necessary to seek such
information as may be available in order to see how a federation could be
accomplished. The only society which seems to offer some points of
similarity to what has just been suggested is the Society of Chemical
Industry, which, although only recently started, has nevertheless been
exceedingly successful. The general meetings, of the Council of this
society are held in the offices in London; it has eight provincial sections,
viz., at Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester,
Newcastle, and Nottingham. All subscriptions are paid into the general
fund, out of which the provincial expenses are paid. The Publication
Committee sits for six months in London, and for six months in Manchester,
where the journal is published and printed. This committee examine all
the sectional papers, which, however, together with the discussions, have
already been revised by the local revision committees and endorsed by the
local secretaries. There are 2,300 members, who pay 25s. each, and,
although the Society is of recent formation, its finances are in a highly
prosperous condition. Each section has its own president, council, and
secretary; meets where it thinks proper; and can provide extra funds to the
extent of 5s. from each local member, but hitherto the local expenses have
been all paid out of the central fund.
It does not, however, seem from what has been given above, that an exact
adaptation of the organisation of any existing society would best secure the
end in view, which probably could only be attained by some arrangement that
would best suit the present special position of the existing mining
associations; for without cordial co-operation no successful scheme or
federation could be hoped for; and no such co-operation could be expected
unless all the present associations were fairly assured that their autonomy
would be respected.
Again, it would not be to the interest of any body of men to start any
association in London which would not be on a par at least with societies
confined to some distinct branch of the engineering profession, for the
central society should be on such a footing as to claim the respect and
hearty co-operation of all the local societies. It should be located in
THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OE GREAT BRITAIN. 175
an appropriate building, if possible suitably situated for the use of the
proposed Mining Institute of London, which would, of course, pay for the
accommodation afforded. It should possess a spacious hall for meetings, and
should have a good library.
The scheme should certainly not be adopted unless a clear income of £3,000
could be assured to it, which would probably be expended in the following
way:—*
Publishing ..................£1,200
Rent ..................... 600
Coals, Wood, and Gas... ... ... ... ...
20
Cleaning..................... 30
Postages ... ... ... ... ... ...
... 250
Insurance and Library... ... ... ... • ...
100
Travelling .................. 100
Meetings... ... ... ... ... ...
... 150
Salaries ... ... ... ... ... ...
... 550
£3,000
This central society should have its autonomy secured in the same way as
would be that of the new Mining Institution of London, and the present
provincial ones, and should have a charter, or at all events if only
registered some acknowledged right to give diplomas or certificates of
membership.
It is to the Imperial Mining Institute that the mineral owners of the
various districts should be invited to subscribe, and to which the titled
and influential should be pressed to attend.
With regard to the subscriptions, there seems to be no very great choice.
The regulation rate for members, £3 3s., associates, £2 2s., and students,
£1 Is., being the most suitable for the new Mining Institution of London;
but every member, associate, or student paying respectively £2 2s., £1 Is.,
or 10s. 6d. to this, or to any of the recognised federated societies, should
be allowed to become a member, associate, or student of the Imperial Mining
Institute as well, on payment of an additional 21s., 15s., or 10s. 6d. each
respectively. This should entitle them to all the rights of membership in
the Imperial society. To make this more clear, any person would be entitled
to become a member, associate, or student of the Imperial Mining Institute
on payment of £3 3s., £2 2s., or £1 Is. respectively, but if he already
belonged to any recognised federated society, his subscription to the
Imperial Institute should be only £1 Is., 15s., or
* Estimate of expenses has been made chiefly by considering the balance
sheet of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
176 The mining institutions oe great Britain.
10s. 6d.; an arrangement being entered into with the federated societies
that no member, associate, or student of the Imperial Institute should pay
more in the aggregate both for that and the local Institute to which he may
belong, than £3 3s., £2 2s., and £1 Is., the federated society regulating
its subscriptions accordingly to all of its members who are also members of
the Imperial Institute, but it should be no bar to any member of a federated
society becoming a member of the Imperial Institute should the subscription
paid to the local society when added to that paid to the Imperial one, be
lower than the £3 3s., £2 2s., and £1 Is., above
mentioned.
All papers and discussions of the federated societies, should be sent up to
London, and when passed by a committee, published in London and distributed
to all the members of the Imperial as well as the federated Institutes. A
recognised provincial society should be one which may reasonably be
considered to be of such importance as to fairly represent the district in
which it is situated, and which agrees to the arrangements above described.
All members of federated societies who are not also members of the central
society should be only entitled to the Transactions contributed to the
Imperial society by the Institution to which he belongs, and not be allowed
to participate in any of the privileges of the Imperial Institute, such as
attending its meetings, excursions, etc.
Each federated society should contribute towards the first expense of
forming the central society, no premises being taken or expenses incurred
until sufficient support has.been promised.
The following may be considered as an indication as to how the necessary
funds may be obtained :—
1.—It is hoped and expected that a considerable number of members might be
attracted to the Mining Institute of London, such as, for instance, mineral
proprietors, and a great many of those gentlemen whose professional
avocations are in London and its immediate neighbourhood, or in the south of
England. Possibly these members might at starting give an income of
something like the following, supposing it turned out to be anything like a
success:—
£ s. d. £ s. d.
50 Members paying ...... 2 2 0 = 105 0 0
150 Associates at ......... 110 = 157 10 0
50 Students at ......... 10 26 5 0
£288 15 0
THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OP GREAT BRITAIN. 177
Then a considerable number of the present members of local mining
associations,—especially those whose standing in their professions would
make it possible for them to obtain diplomas—would become members of the
Imperial Mining Institute; these would be followed, probably, by other
members and associates. For present purposes every existing member of the
London institution has been considered as willing to join the Imperial one;
and if all these and most of the members of existing societies join the
Imperial Institute, the numbers would stand approximately as follows:—
Members. Associates. Students.
Mining Institute of London ... ... 50
150 50
North of England Institute...... 450 120
50
Chesterfield and Midland ...... 200 4
10
Midland................ 120
North Staffordshire ......... 200 ...
.10
South Staffordshire ......... 100 ...
4
Mining Institute of Scotland...... 150 100
South Wales Institute of Engineers ... 220 10
10
Mining Institute of Cornwall... ... 180 10
1,670 394 134
Or—
£ s. d. £ a. d.
1,670 Members at ......... 110= 1,753 10 0
394 Associates at ......... 15 0 = 295 10 0
134 Students at ......... 10 6 = 70 7 0
£2,119 7 0
This, besides the contributions of members from mineral owners, foreign
correspondents, and others connected with the commercial business of mining,
who might desire to belong to the Imperial Institute alone.
2.—It is proposed to take the rest of the yearly sum necessary from the
publishing expenses at present incurred by the various societies. These
publishing expenses may be taken over a series of years to be about:—
£ s. d.
North of England Institute............ 670 0 0
Chesterfield and Midland Counties......... 220 0 0
Midland Institute ............... 120 0 0
North Staffordshire Institute ......... 100 0 0
South Staffordshire Institute ......... 30 0 0
Scottish Institute ........, ...... 290 0 0
South Wales Institute ............ 300 0 0
Cornwall Institute ............... 60 0 0
£1,790 0 0
J 78 THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN.
and the half of which (£895) might reasonably be handed over to the central
society as income.
These two amounts, therefore, secure the income required, without
considering the contribution to the expense of publishing to be paid by the
London society.
In addition to this, of course, there would be some preliminary expenses,
which might be met by a call of 10 per cent, on the present amount of
capital possessed by the various local associations, and which would amount
to about £700. Should these figures be realised, a very handsome start might
be made—a start well worthy of the prestige of the Mining Engineers of Great
Britain.
This would provide for everything except a suitable hall for meetings, but
this, in a place like London, can always be hired until the time came when
suitable premises should be erected; for it should ever be borne in mind
that the real object of such an institution will not be realised until it
possesses all the accommodation which is necessary for its full development.
Should it be found possible to arrange an Imperial Mining Institute on any
thing approaching the scale shadowed forth in this paper, it might be as
well to consider the advisability of merging it with the Mining Association
of Great Britain.
Many of the discussions, legal opinions, etc., on mining and other matters
brought under the notice of this Association, would be well wrorth
preserving in the Transactions of the Imperial Mining Institute, and the
addition to its staff of a legal gentleman well informed on all
Parliamentary work referring to mining would greatly add to its influence
and power, and induce Indian and Colonial members to communicate papers on
similar subjects from their own countries.
In fact if this amalgamation could be carried out a most brilliant career
would be opened up, the Transactions, containing as they would all that was
new and wTorth consideration in the Mining world, all the recent legal
decisions in England, the various legal conditions under which mining is
carried on in England, India, and the Colonies, would indeed be most
valuable; and attracting as it would all those who are commercially
connected with mining, as well as those who are professionally so employed,
it would command a large influx of influential Subscribers and Associate
members, far in advance of anything described above.
It would be time thrown away to discuss the views that the various local
societies at present existing might have to such an arrangement. No outsider
is capable of fully appreciating the very vast differences of
THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 17(.J
opinion that may exist in these various societies under such different
conditions; it may, however, be reasonably anticipated that the smaller
societies would receive a very great impetus from the arrangement, while
the larger ones would to some extent suffer. Many who now hold back
from the smaller societies would eagerly become members if they thought
that they could also have membership in a large central association,
whereas a great many of the members who, though living apart from, are
members of the larger societies, would doubtless forsake them and either
join the smaller ones that were nearer to them or altogether belong to the
London Society. It does not, however, follow that the larger local
societies
would be materially injured thereby; their expenses, on the one hand,
would be diminished, and probably the net balance in the future might
be as large or larger than it is now, even after the central society has got
to work. At all events, whatever income the local societies possess might
be almost entirely spent upon their libraries and museums; the expenses
of meetings, postage, miscellaneous printing, and other matters, being
considerably diminished.
Thus, the quality of the transactions would be much improved and their
amount would be materially increased; the two or three volumes published
yearly would contain all that was worth recording in the mining world, and
all these papers would be duly indexed and ready for speedy reference,
instead of, as at present, being scattered here and there in the proceedings
of the various societies now existing.
Again, it might also reasonably be expected that the foundation of a large
and influential central society would draw together many who at present
belong to no society whatever.
Any one, in glancing over Table 15 and seeing the proportion of members to
tons extracted and sums realised, must be struck by the very great
inequalities that exist. Leaving Cornwall out of the question, for obvious
reasons, it will be seen that there is an average of about fourteen members
for every million tons raised. If the several associations at present below
this number could be raised up to it, the total number of members would be
considerably increased; but it is possible and probable that this levelling
up, as it were, would take place, without increasing the total number of
members, by the process of members forsaking the larger institutions and
joining the smaller ones, as before alluded to.
In order to bring this matter as much as possible under the notice of
members, and to give every one an opportunity of judging for himself the
absolute position of the question, an Appendix has been added giving the
last balance sheet of every association alluded to in the paper, together
with a table in which the principal items are tabulated for comparison.
VOL, XXXVI.-1887.
*
180 THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN.
Although the subject is not purely one connected with the profession of
mining, it is submitted, nevertheless, that it comes within the range of
papers suitable for the Transactions of the Institute and for the
consideration of the mining profession generally ; and that, after the paper
has been read, it might be as well to publish it separately in a cheaper
style than that in which the Transactions are published, and to distribute
copies to the members of every local association, asking these associations
to be kind enough to have the paper read and discussed before their members
at some early period, sending up the several discussions to the writer to
become incorporated in the Transactions of the North of England Institute.
Table No. 1.—TKEASURER IN ACCOUNT WITH THE NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF
MINING AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS.
Db.
AUGUST 1st, 1885, TO JULY 20th, 1886.
Ck.
August 1st, 1885.
£ s. d. August 1st, 1885.
£ s. d.
To Balance at Bankers ............... 651 0 4 By
Balance due Treasurer............... 19 8 1
1886. ,
1886.
„ Interest on Investments ............ 245 12 4
,, Publishing Account ............... 297 2 6
„ Kent of College Class-Rooms........... 48 14 2 „
Covers for Parts, Folding and Stitching ...... 26 8 4
„ Subscriptions for 1885-86, from 373 Original Members 783 6 0
„ Binding and Sewing Volumes ......... 22 1110
„ „ 25 Ordinary „
77 14 0 „ Borings and Sections............... 42 18
6
H „ „ 117 Associate „
245 14 0 „ Library Catalogue ...............
119 19 8
.,' Life Subscription, 1 Associate Member ...... 20 0 0
..Library...................., 15 12 9
„ Subscriptions for 1885-86, from 48 Students ... 50 8
0 „ Stationery and Circulars ............ 73 15
5
„ „ „ 1 Associate
... 2 2 0 „ Postage.....................
38 8 6
„ „ 1 New Ordinary Member 3 3
0 „ Books for Library, in addition to amount paid A. Reid
30 11 0
,', Life Subscription, 1 New Ordinary Member...... 25 0 0
„ Printing and Stationery „ „
••• 13 3
„ Subscriptions for 1885-86, from 6 New Associate
„ Abstracts of Foreign Papers............ 39 13 9
Members .................. 12 12 0 ,,
Secretary's Incidental Expenses and Postage ... 52 14 4
., Subscriptions for 1885-86, from 1 New Student ... 110
„ Sundry Accounts and Payments ......... 9110 1
,. Subscribing Collieries............... 8118 0 „
Travelling Expenses ......... ... 2 15 10
„ Members'Arrears ............... 8118 0 „
Secretary's Salary ............... 300 0 0
„ Students' „ ............... 6 6 0
„ Cashier's Salary.................. 75 0 0
,. Sale of Publications ............... 29 10 3 „
Clerks' Wages......... ......... 140 14 6 •
„ Reporter's Salary ... ... ...... ...
12 12 0
,, Furniture and Repairs ... ... ... ...
11 19 10
„ Rent ..................... 77 18 11
,, Rates and Taxes ............... 16 12 8
Audited and found correct
„ Fire Insurance................. 8 1111
Audited ana rouna correct.
„ Water, Gas, and Coals............... 13 4
6
JOHN G. BENSON, „ Awards
for Papers ............... 29 15 6
CHAETEEKDAooorarm. ,, Lit. and Phil
Society Shelving, Wood Memorial Hall 35 0 0
„ Purchase or Stott s Records of Borings, &c. ... 20 0
0
Newcastle-on-Tyne,
„ Associated Conversazione
Expenses......... 15 0 0
27th Julv 1886
" ^a^es * Strang, Wood Memorial Hall Windows ...
12 10 0
*' '
„ Invested with Tyne Commissioners......... 500
0 0
„ Balance..................... 222 2 5
£2,365 19 1
£2,365 19 1
Table No. 2.— NORTH,OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF MINING AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS.
De. THE TREASURER IN ACCOUNT WITH SUBSCRIPTIONS, 1885-86.
Ce.
£ S. d.
PAH). UNPAID.
To 457 Original Members, as per List 1885-6...... 959 14 0
£
s. d. £ s. d.
„ 38 Ordinary Members „ „ ...... 117 12
0 By 373 Original Members paid ...... 783 6 0
......
., 145 Associate Members „ „ ...... 324
10 0 „ 84 „ „ unpaid............
176 8 0
,, 78 Students, as per List 1885-6, @ £1 Is....... 81 18 0
„ 25 Ordinary Members paid ...... 77 14 0
......
„ Subscribing Collieries............... 8118 0 „ 13
„ „ unpaid............ 39 18 0
„ 2 New Ordinary Members, @ £3 3s....... 28 3 0 „
118 Associate Members paid .......267 16 0 ......
„ 8 New Associate Members, @ £2 2s. ... ... 16 16
0 „ 28 „ „ unpaid............
58 16 0
,, 1 New Student, @ £1 Is............. 110 „ 49
Students paid ......... 50 8 0 ......
------------------ n 28 „ unpaid
............... 29 8 0
1,61112 0 „ Subscribing Collieries paid ...... 8118
0 ......
„ 2 New Ordinary Members paid...... 28 3 0 ......
,, 6 New Associate Members paid... ... 1212 0 ......
,, 2 „ „ unpaid .........
4 4 0
„ 1 New Student paid ... ...... 1 1 0
......
1,302 18 0 308 14 0
„ Members' Arrears ......... 81 18 0 201 12 0
„ Arrears as per Balance Sheet, 1884-85 £543 18 0
„ Students' „ ... ......___6 6
0 31 10 °
Deduct—Irrecoverable ...... 222 12 0
1,391 2 0 541 16 0
---------------321 6 0
1)391 2 0
£1,932 18 0
£1,932 18 0
198 DISCUSSION—THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN.
(The President having to leave the meeting in order to go away from
Newcastle by train, the chair was taken by Mr. John Marley.)
The Chairman said the meeting would be glad to hear, as a sort of
preliminary discussion, any remarks which any gentleman had to make upon Mr.
Bunning's paper.
Mr. W. F. Howard, Secretary of the Chesterfield and Midland Counties
Institution of Engineers, said he had received a copy of the paper in
advance, and had marked some corrections; but there was one thing which he
had not corrected, as he did not notice it at the time. It appeared in the
paper that the Chesterfield and Midland Counties Institution and the Midland
Institute were credited with a district which raised 60£ million tons of
mineral. These two societies—although they, of course, had members in other
districts—did not pretend, and never pretended, to represent more than the
Midland coal-field; but Mr. Bunning had evidently put the Manchester and
Liverpool inspection districts—that was, the Lancashire coal-field and North
Wales—in the figures against the two societies, which made them seem to
occupy a very peculiar position. Instead of the produce of the district of
the two Midland societies being 60^ millions, the produce was only 36^
million tons, and this raised the number of members per million tons in the
Midland district from 6"3, at which Mr. Bunning placed it, to 10"5, the
subscriptions income from 8*2 to 13'7, and the total income from 9'1 to
15*2. He would like these corrections made before the paper was published in
the Transactions. He thought the Manchester and Liverpool districts should
not be passed over altogether. His impression was that they belonged to the
North of England. He did not wish to say anything disparaging of the North
of England Institute. He had been a member of it for twenty-six years, and
greatly valued it; but an alteration in the figures, charging the 24 million
tons produced by the two Lancashire districts to the North of England,
instead of to the two Midland Institutes, would reduce the apparent work
shown in the paper by the North of England, which was rather to the
disparagement of other societies. He thought the name of the proposed
central institute should be something more modest than that suggested by Mr.
Bunning. There was an Institution of Civil Engineers, an Institution of
Mechanical Engineers, and if the proposed new institute was called the
Institution of Mining Engineers it would be enough. He had heard Mr.
Bunning's paper very favourably spoken of by gentlemen belonging to the
Midland and other societies. If the paper was referred to the other
societies, it would be discussed and favourably considered; and he had no
doubt they
DISCUSSION—THE MINING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 199
would all do their best to get the proposal into something like practical
shape and form, which would be acceptable to all.
Mr. Mills (Midland Institute) said the proposal brought forward by Mr.
Bunning had been under consideration for some years by many of them, and
they must thank Mr. Bunning for putting the matter into some sort of form.
It was hardly to be expected that they would agree with everything Mr.
Bunning proposed, but he felt sure that, speaking for the Council of the
Chesterfield Association, such a federation was not only desirable, but
really necessary. They had heard an excellent Address that day, and it was a
sad thing that Sir Lowthian Bell's Address would be sent out only to members
of the North of England Institute, and not to all the engineers in England.
To get Mr. Bunning's proposals into practical form, it would be well if the
council of each of the different associations were asked to send
representatives to a meeting in London to discuss the matter, and to put it
into some form to lay before their own institutions. If such a meeting could
be arranged it would put the matter right. As to the name of the new
institution, that was a point which could be settled afterwards. He hoped
this would not be allowed to drop, but would be taken up by all the
different institutions.
Mr. W. J. Bird said that, as a member of the North of England Institute, he
would take the opportunity of recording his appreciation of Mr. Bunning's
paper, not because the North of England Institute had had the honour of Mr.
Bunning's assistance as secretary for many years, but for the reason that
the proposals it contained were highly necessary, and would be very
advantageous if carried out. One of the previous speakers had deprecated the
proposed title of " Imperial." He thought Mr. Bunning would have no
objection to enlarge the society and take in the mining institutes of the
Colonies and India. A mining institute had been started in New South Wales.
He thought Mr. Bunning would be able to enlarge the scope of the society,
and include the societies in the Colonies and India ; and this would be a
justification for the introduction of the word "Imperial" into the title of
the society.
The Chairman asked Mr. Howard to address a letter to Mr. Bunning stating the
alterations he wished made, so that the paper might be corrected before
going out.
Mr. Howard said he would be glad to do that.
The Chairman said, the last paragraph of Mr. Bunning's paper suggested that
it would be well to distribute copies of the paper among the members of all
the various mining associations; and this would be carried out. The paper
would, of course, be referred to a committee of the North
200 DISCUSSION—THE MIXING INSTITUTIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN.
of England Institute, with powers to communicate and consult with the
councils of other mining associations to further consider the details, and
he moved that this be done.
Mr. W. G. Laws seconded the resolution, which was agreed to.
The Secretary having announced the result of the voting for the election of
officers the meeting separated.
PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS. 201
PROGRAMME OF THE EXCURSIONS
MADE DUEING THE
VISIT OF THE MINING ENGINEEKS TO NEWCASTLE.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4th.
INSPECTION OF COLLIERIES.
The following notes will afford some idea to members who could not attend
the meeting as to the principal objects of interest which were seen at the
undermentioned collieries, opened to their inspection by the kindness of
their respective owners.
A.—Collieries situated on the Blylh and Tyne Railway.
CRAMLINGTON COLLIERIES.
SEATON DELAVAL, NEW DELAVAL, AND NEW HARTLEY COLLIERIES.
SEATON DELAVAL.
Winding Engine.—High Pressure Vertical Condensing Engine; cylinder, 39
inches, 6 feet stroke ; drum, 18 feet 10 inches diameter ; single deck cage,
carrying two tubs, 6^ cwt. of coals each ; two winding shafts, each 8 feet
diameter, originally sunk for " corves."
Hauling Engine, Underground.—High Pressure Horizontal Non-condensing ; two
cylinders, each 18 inches diameter, 3 feet stroke ; geared 2| to 1,
working endless chain ; steam brought from
surface.
Pumping Engine.—Vertical Condensing Beam Engine ; one cylinder, 72 inches
diameter, 7 feet stroke. Pumps.—Bottom set lifting, 16 inches diameter, 6
feet stroke; middle set forcing, 16 inches diameter, 6 feet stroke; top set,
18 inches diameter, 6 feet stroke.
Screens.—Ordinary, with " Yankee Jack" system.
Ventilation.—Two furnaces.
Workings.—Longwall system.
Coal-washing Machine.—Sheppard's, to wash 200 tons in 11 hours.
Fitting Shops.—Gas works, saw mill, and steam prop-cutter.
202 programme op excursions.
new delaval. Forster Pit. Winding Engine.—High Pressure Horizontal Engine
; 2 cylinders, 36 inches diameter, 6 feet stroke each; drum, 18 feet 6
inches diameter ; double deck cage, carrying 4 tubs, 8£ cwt. of coals each.
Hauling Engines, Underground.—Air Compressor ; 2 cylinders, 20 inches
diameter, 3 feet 6 inches stroke each ; 1 air cylinder, 22 inches diameter,
3 feet 6 inches stroke ; air receiver and pipes. Hauling engine in-bye; 1
cylinder, 12 inches diameter, 24 inches stroke ; geared 4 to 1; working
endless chain.
Self-acting Endless Rope.—On inclined plane.
Pumping Engine, Underground.—Compound Horizontal Engine; high pressure
cylinders, 35 inches diameter ; low pressure cylinders, 60 inches diameter ;
stroke, 4 feet; two double-acting plungers, each 9 inches diameter and 4
feet stroke ; steam brought from surface.
Screens.—" Billy Fairplay" system.
Ventilation.—G-uibal fan, 36 feet by 12 feet.
Workings.—Longwall system.
Boilers.—Eight Lancashire.
Coal-washing Machine.—Sheppard's, to wash 200 tons in 11 hours.
Brick-works and Gas Works.
Eichard Pit.
Winding Engine.—High Pressure Horizontal Engine ; two cylinders, 20 inches
and 22 inches diameter ; stroke, 3 feet 6 inches ; drum, 10 feet diameter ;
single deck cage, carrying two tubs 9| cwts. of coals each.
Hauling Engine, Underground.—High Pressure Horizontal Engine ; two
cylinders, each 14 inches diameter ; stroke, 20 inches ; geared 5 to 1; clip
pulleys $ endless rope on side of tub ; has been at work five years with the
original rope ; steam from surface.
Screens.—" Billy Fairplay" system.
Workings.—Longwall system.
Boilers.—Three Lancashire.
Belief Pit.
Winding Engine.—High Pressure Horizontal Engine; two cylinders, each 24
inches diameter, 4 feet 6 inches stroke ; drum, 13 feet diameter ; double
deck cage; King and Humble's safety hook. This pit is used for changing men.
PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS. 203
NEW HARTLEY.
Winding Engine.—High Pressure Horizontal Engine ; two cylinders, each 28
inches diameter, 4 feet 6 inches stroke; drum, 14 feet 4| inches diameter ;
double deck cage, carrying four tubs, 8§ cwts. of coals each.
Hauling Engine, Underground.—High Pressure Horizontal Engine ; two
cylinders, each 18 inches diameter, and 36 inches stroke ; geared 2| to 1;
working endless chain ; steam from surface.
Pumping Engine.—Hathorn, Davey, & Co.'s Compound Differential Pumping
Engine, on surface; high pressure cylinder, 24 inches diameter ; low
pressure cylinder, 44 inches diameter; stroke, 7 feet; working two rams at
bottom, each 17^ inches diameter, 7 feet stroke, by means of quadrants and
spears ; pumping about 1,000 gallons per minute.
Screens.—" Yankee Jack" system.
Ventilation.—Guibal fan, 30 feet by 10 feet.
Working.—Longwall system.
Crab Engine.—One cylinder, 14 inches diameter, 30 inches stroke.
Hydraulic Engine.—Pumping from dip workings; one cylinder, 5^ inches
diameter, 2 feet stroke ; double-acting plunger, 9 inches diameter, 2 feet
stroke.
Borehole to Old Hester Pit workings ; feeder, 800 gallons per minute.
Boilers.—Eight Lancashire.
COWPEN COLLIERY.
Winding Engine.—Horizontal; one 36-inch cylinder, 6 feet stroke;
14 feet drum. Belts and jigging screen. Robinson's Washer for cleaning small
coal. Endless rope haulage underground.
BEBSIDE COLLIERY.
A Pit.
Winding Engine.—Condensing Vertical Single Cylinder, 50 inches diameter, 6
feet stroke; 18| feet drum; cage with two decks, two tubs on each deck.
Pumping Engine, Underground.—Single Cylinder Horizontal High Pressure
Engine; cylinder, 18 inches diameter, 3 feet stroke; 12-inch pumps; Cornish
boiler, 20 feet by 6 feet, 1 tube.
VOL. XXXVI.-1887.
^ ^
204 PROGRAMME OP EXCURSIONS.
B Pit.
Winding Engine.—High Pressure Horizontal Double Cylinder Engines ;
cylinders, 22 inches diameter, 5 feet stroke; 10 feet drum; double decked
cage with single tub on each deck.
Pumping Engine at Bank.—Condensing, Single Cylinder, Vertical, 51 inches
diameter; lifting set on each end of beam, which is 17 inches by 14 inches;
stroke in cylinder, 6| feet; stroke in pit, 8 feet 4 inches at one end and 6
feet 6 inches at the other.
Hauling Engine, Underground.—Double Cylinder Horizontal High Pressure;
cylinders, 14 inches diameter, 2 feet 6 inches stroke; 5 feet drum, coupled
3 to 1; main and tail rope; 2 Galloway boilers, 18 feet by 6 feet; electric
signals.
BEDLINGTON COLLIERY.
A Pit. Winding Engines.—High Pressure Horizontal Single Cylinder Engine;
jacketed; 40 inches diameter, 72 inches stroke; drum and pulleys,
15 feet; Ormerod's safety links ; steam and foot brakes, and special
indicator for signal raps. Boilers.—Nine in number, seven double flued and
two single flued;
by Adamson & Co., Hawks, Crawshay, & Co., and Joicey & Co.;
mostly 30 feet by 7 feet. Pumping Engine.—Condensing, with beam working high
set, 18 inches
diameter, 47 fathoms; and low set, 20 inches diameter, and 59
fathoms; cylinder, 65 inches, stroke, 1\ feet. Pan Engine.—Guibal fan, 30
feet by 12 feet with compound engines,
13 inches and 23| inches cylinders; also second or spare engine, 24
inches cylinder, high pressure. Endless Rope Engines.—Two in number; a
single 14 inch cylinder,
with a stroke 24 inches, geared 8 to 1; rope passing three times
round sheave which has an inclined trod; a pair of 12 inch cylinders,
with a stroke of 24 inches, geared 10 to 1; rope passing round an
8 feet Barraclough patent-clip pulley. Signalling.—In shaft, ordinary rapper
for coal work. From mine to
endless rope engines electric signals are used, double wires.
Heapstead.—Wrought iron; screens with |-inch spaces and lowering
boxes at ends, and " Billy Fairplay " system of weighing. Workshops.—Are
centralised and embrace the usual kinds, including
granary and stables.
programme op excursions. 205
Workings.—Longwall in Yard Seam.
System of Haulage.—A self-acting endless incline rope plane, 1,500 yards
long, gradient of 1 \ inches in 36 inches, whereon 60 full tubs are run
against 60 empty tubs, in 10 sets of 12 each; and the ordinary endless rope
system, driven by steam, where the rope is carried on the top of the tub,
with gradients varying from 6 inches per yard against to 3 inches in favour
of the load, and with several junction stations. The length of rope in daily
use in system last described is 8,500 yards, and the quantity of coals
brought to pit bottom is 800 to 900 tons per day; the furthest off station
is 1,570 yards.
CHOPPIJSTGTOlSr COLLIERY.
A Pit. Winding Engine.—High Pressure Horizontal Single Cylinder, 38 inches
diameter, stroke, 5 feet 6 inches; four-valved; 14 feet drum; single
deck cage for two tubs. Pumping Engine at Bank.—Condensing Single Cylinder,
51 inches
diameter, stroke, 6 feet 6 inches; stroke in pit, 8 feet 4 inches; one
18 inch lifting set on each end. Fan Engine.—High Pressure Horizontal Single
Cylinder, 20 inches
diameter, stroke, 2 feet 6 inches; fan, 26 feet by 10 feet.
B Pit.
Winding Engine.—High Pressure Horizontal Double Cylinders, each 22 inches,
stroke, 5 feet; 10 feet drum; single deck cage for two tubs.
Pumping Engine at Bank.—High Pressure Vertical Single Cylinder, 51 inches
diameter, 6 feet 6 inches stroke; 8 feet 4 inches stroke at both ends in
pit; one 17 inch lifting set on each end.
Fan Engine.—High Pressure Horizontal Double Cylinders, each 20 inches
diameter, stroke, 1 foot 8 inches; fan, 25 feet by 8 feefc.
cambois colliery.
Winding Engine.—Lever Condensing; cylinder, 65 inches diameter, 6 feet
stroke; drum, 22 feet diameter; round ropes; cage for 4 tubs; iron rail
guides; Walker's safety links for prevention of overwinding.
Iron heapstead.
Steam crab.
206 PROGRAMME OP EXCURSIONS.
Underground Pumping Engine.—Horizontal, 2 cylinders, each 22 inches
diameter, 5 feet stroke; 2 feet 9 inch rams, forcing, 630 feet vertical.
Underground Haulage.—Three of Fowler's semi-portable engines.
NORTH SEATON COLLIERY.
Winding Engine.—Lever Condensing; cylinder, 60 inches diameter, 6 feet
stroke; drum, 22 feet diameter; rope counter-balance under
cages. Pumping Engine.—Condensing; cylinder, 78 inches diameter, 7 feet
stroke; malleable iron beam by Fairbairn. Underground Haulage.—
Low Main Seam; tail rope; double horizontal engine, 2 cylinders, each 20
inches diameter, 4 feet stroke; drum, 8 feet diameter; length of plane,
3,200 yards. Yard Seam ; endless rope on self-acting plane.
ashington colliery. B.~ Collieries in or about Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
KILLINGWORTH COLLIERY (Closed). This is a very old colliery, which is not
working, and is now partly dismantled. The points of interest are:—
George Stephenson's Cottage, with sun dial (constructed by the late
Robert Stephenson, C.E.) above the front door. Old Killingworth Railway.
The last of the old Killingworth Locomotive Engines, by Stephenson, the
"Billy," is now placed on the north end of the High Level Bridge,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
NORTH ELSWICK COLLIERY.
Compound Winding Engine.
Compound Pumping Engine; strain, 100 lbs. to the inch at a depth
of 130 fathoms.
SOUTH ELSWICK COLLIERY.
PROGRAMME OP EXCURSIONS. 207
BIRTLEY PATENT FUEL WORKS. Complete plant for the manufacture of patent
fuel, with coal-washers, etc., may be seen at work.
C.—Collieries situated on the Carlisle Line.
STELLA COLLIERY (Addison Pit). Direct Acting Engine. Compound Horizontal,
Underground. Coke Ovens.
THROCKLEY COLLIERY.
Compound Rotative Beam Pumping Engine, pumping 2,500 gallons
per minute per 60 fathoms. Coke Ovens.
WEST WYLAM COLLIERY.
Two Hauling Engines.—One with 2 cylinders, 24 inches diameter and 4 feet 6
inches stroke, and one with 2 cylinders, 20 inches diameter and 4 feet 6
inches stroke, working main and tail rope.
Two Fans and Engines, 30 feet and 20 feet.
Condensing Pumping Engine.—Cylinder, 42 inches diameter, 6 feet stroke;
pumps, 20 inches diameter, 4 sets lifting.
Coke Opens, etc.
PRUDHOE COLLIERY.
One Hauling Engine.—2 Cylinders, 18 inches diameter, each working a main and
tail rope.
WYLAM COLLIERY (Closed). This colliery was dismantled some years ago.
Locomotive engines were introduced by Mr. Hedley at this colliery
about the year 1812. One of these is now placed in the South
Kensington Museum. George Stephenson was born at Street House, on the north
side of the
river, east from the station.
208 PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS.
D.—South Shields and Sunderland Branches.
ST. HILDA COLLIERY.
Winding Engines.—Double Cylinders, 36 inches diameter, 6 feet stroke ;
horizontal drum, 19 feet diameter; automatic expansion gear, made by the
Grange Iron Co.; round steel ropes ; cage at present for two decks, but
arranged for four decks, with eight tubs (and double heapstead), safety
links for prevention of over-winding.
Pumping Engines.—Single Cylinder Vertical Condensing ; cylinder, 65 inches
diameter, 96 inches stroke; pumps, 12 inches diameter; sets lifting.
Hauling Engines, Underground (with Boilers at Surface).—One Pair of
Horizontal Engines; 2 cylinders, each 22 inches diameter, 36 inches stroke,
working an engine-plane, with main and tail ropes, 2£ miles long, with 100
tubs in each set.
Screening.—Belts with steel plates on ropes for screening best coals.
Ventilation.—G-uibal fan, 50 feet diameter, the largest erected.
Workings.—Board and pillar system.
Patent Fuel.—In course of erection, Yeadon's (of Leeds) system.
HARTON COLLIERY. Winding Engine.—Single Cylinder Vertical Condensing;
cylinder, 65
inches diameter, 84 inches stroke ; drum for flat steel ropes, 26 feet
diameter; cage, three decks, with six tubs. Pumping Engine.—Single Cylinder
Vertical Condensing; cylinder, 81
inches diameter, 120 inches stroke; pumps, 3 sets forcing rams, 15
inches diameter, 1 set lifting. Hauling Engines on Surface.—Main and tail
ropes; ropes in boxes
down shaft for 215 fathoms; electric signals and telephone from
surface to bottom of shafts. Ventilation.—Guibal fan at St. Hilda Colliery.
Workings.—Board and pillar system.
BOLDON COLLIERY.
Winding Engines.—No. 1 Pit.—High Pressure Horizontal Double Cylinder
Engines, 2 cylinders, steam-jacketed, each 48 inches diameter, 72 inches
stroke; conical drum, 19 feet and 30 feet diameter; cage with four decks for
eight tubs, 12 cwt. of coal in each tub; safety links for prevention of
over-winding.
programme of excursions. 209
No, 2 Pit.—High Pressure Horizontal Double Cylinder Engines, 2 cylinders,
each 40 inches diameter, 72 inches stroke ; conical drum, 16 feet and 26
feet diameter; cage with two decks for four tubs; safety links for
prevention of over-winding.
Hauling Engines Underground.—4 Double Cylinder Hauling Engines, with main
and tail rope drums; electric signals; and three Lancashire boilers
underground.
Screening.—Nine belts for cleaning coals; belt, 121 feet long, for carrying
small coals to elevators for revolving screens.
Ventilation.—Large furnace, fired at side, and underground boilers.
Workings.—Large pillars, narrow places, lifts or juds.
Hydraulic Pumps in dip workings, actuated by water from rise workings.
Hydraulic Hoists at shaft bottom for lifting tubs from low level, together
with self-acting arrangements for tubs.
MARSDEN COLLIERY.
Powerful Winding Engine, with two 48 inch cylinders. Electric light plant,
with 80 incandescent lamps. Screens and endless belts. Endless rope haulage.
Automatic ventilating doors.
WEARMOUTH COLLIERY.
Winding Engines.—Single Cylinder Vertical Low Pressure Condensing
Engines; winding from a depth of 300 fathoms. Underground Haulage.—Double
Horizontal High Pressure Engines;
long single and double way engine planes. Ventilation.—Large furnace, fired
in front and at sides.
E.—Collieries situated on the Sunderland and Hartlepool Branches. SILKSWORTH
COLLIERY.
Winding Engines.—
No. 1 Pit (Upcast).—Double High Pressure Horizontal Engines;
cylinders, 20 inches diameter, with 3 feet stroke (temporary). No. 2
Pit.—Double Horizontal High Pressure Engines ; cylinders,
48 inches diameter, 6 feet stroke ; cylindrical drums, 25 feet
210 PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS.
diameter, with counter-balances; fitted with patent automatic expansion gear
; cage, with four decks, containing eight tubs, each carrying ten cwts. of
coal; pit, 270 fathoms deep. No. 3 Pit.—Same as above, but with scroll drum,
15 feet to 28 feet diameter; pit, 290 fathoms deep.
Heapstead.—Double decked, with thirty-six screens and three circular
revolving screens for separating the small coals.
Boilers.—Six cylindrical and eighteen Lancashire.
System of Haulage.—Main and tail rope; engine and boilers underground.
Underground Hauling Engines.—
Hutton Seam.—Double Horizontal High Pressure Engines; cylinders, 30 inches,
5 feet stroke, with four drums for main and tail rope system; air compressor
attached; three cylindrical boilers underground. Maudlin Seam.—Double High
Pressure Horizontal Engines; cylinders, 18 inches and 26 inches stroke;
three drums for main and tail rope systems ; two multitubular boilers; a
pair of small engines in-bye are worked by compressed air.
Ventilation.—Furnace.
Workings.—Board and pillar system.
RYHOPE COLLIERY.
Winding Engines.—North, South, and West Pits.—Three Low Pressure Vertical
Condensing Engines, with cylinders 68 inches diameter, 84 inches stroke ;
rope roll at lift 21 and 22 feet diameter ; cages, North and South Pits, two
decks, with two tubs in each deck ; West Pit, four decks, with one tub in
each deck; 11 cwts. of coal in each tub.
Air Compressing Engine.—One Double Horizontal Air Compressing Engine, fitted
with Walker's patent air valves ; steam cylinders, 32 inches diameter ; air
cylinders, 33 inches diameter; 60 inches stroke ; supplying compressed air
to underground Hauling Engines.
Hauling Engines, Underground.—Two Horizontal Double Cylinder Hauling Engines
; cylinders, 16 inches diameter, 24 inches stroke, with main and tail rope
drums; geared 3 to 1 and worked by boilers of the locomotive type. Also
various horizontal double hauling engines ; cylinders, 14 inches diameter,
18 inches stroke, with main and tail rope drums, geared 4 to 1 ; worked by
compressed air from engine at bank; electric signals.
programme of excursions. 211
Screening.—22 screens, with endless belts for conveying small coal from
screens to apparatus. Ventilation.—Three furnaces, fired in front; area of
grate, one 112
square feet, and two each 56 square feet. Workings.—Board and pillar system;
pillars, 40 yards by 30 yards. Coke Ovens and coal washing machine ; the "
Ramsay Washer." Horse Feed.—Mixed system as carried out by Mr. Hunting.
seaham and seaton collieries. Winding Engines—
Nos. 1 and 2 Pits.—Single-acting Low Pressure Cylinders, 67 inches diameter
and 7 feet stroke, with 21 feet drums; erected in 1840-50, and raising each
850 tons a day. No. 8 Pit.— Single-acting Low Pressure Cylinder, 69
inches diameter and 7 feet stroke, with 21 feet drum; erected in 1869, and
raising 1,500 tons a day. System of Haulage.—Tail rope, with sets of 60
tubs; engines and boilers underground— No. 1 Pit.—Pair of Double-acting
Cylinders, 19 inches diameter
and 3 feet stroke; with 7 feet drums geared 8 to 3. No. 2 Pit.—Pair of
Double-acting Cylinders, 19 inches diameter and 3 feet 6 inches stroke, with
6 feet drums geared 3 to 2, an auxiliary engine being employed to bring the
coals from the face to mid distance. This auxiliary engine is worked by
compressed air of 50 lbs. pressure, and has a pair of 16 inch cylinders. No.
3 Pit.—Maudlin Seam.—This engine is at bank, with ropes carried down the
shaft in pipes, and has a pair of 26 inch cylinders and 5 feet stroke,
supplied with steam at 100 lbs. pressure. There are over 33,000 yards of
rope used for hauling purposes. Air Compressors are in course of erection
for working the No. 2 Pit auxiliary hauling engine, and nearly a score of
small pumps. The steam and air cylinders are 44 inches diameter and 6
feet stroke. Ventilation by one return air and one fresh air furnace and
numerous boilers, producing a current of 350,000 feet per minute. The
furnaces consume 20 tons of coal per day. The hanging on of the coal at
No. 3 Upcast Pit is done in fresh air, prevented from passing up the shaft
by means of automatic doors worked by the cages, which are boxed to prevent
leakage.
VOL. XXXArI.-1887.
B B
212 PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS.
Upwards of 2,300 men and boys are employed, living in nearly 1,000 houses,
and the underground men requiring over 2,100 lamps.
Electric signals and telephones are used.
The Fleuss breathing apparatus and lamp are kept ready for immediate use.
Little or no dust is seen on the engine planes owing to the use of watering
pipes, and more especially to the watering of tubs of coal before leaving
the face.
Self-registering water barometer in connection with a small sealed area of
workings is used. The variations of pressure from 1 inch to 22 inches in
this confined space presage a fall of atmospheric pressure much in advance
of a mercurial barometer. This instrument was devised by Mr. V. W. Corbett,
and the results form a continuation of his valuable paper in Vol. XXXTI.of
the Institute Transactions.
Brickworks.—Hoffmann's Patent Annular Kiln is used, having twelve sections,
each burning 18,000 bricks. The fortnightly produce is 130,000.
SOUTH HETTON AND MURTON COLLIERIES. SOUTH HETTON.
Winding Engine.—North Pit,—Vertical Condensing Engine; cylinder,
45^ inches diameter, 6 feet stroke; flat rope drum, 18 feet diameter;
cages with three decks each to hold three tubs, 10 cwts. of coal in
each tub. Winding Engine.—South Pit.—Vertical Condensing Engine; cylinder,
42 inches diameter, 6 feet stroke; flat rope drum, 18 feet diameter ;
cages with two decks, each to hold two tubs, 10 cwts. of coal in
each tub. Hauling Engines, on Surface.—High Pressure Vertical Lever Engine;
cylinder, 30 inches diameter; stroke, 4 feet; main and tail rope
drums. Ropes in boxes down shafts. Underground.— Pair of Horizontal High
Pressure Engines; cylinders,
14 inches diameter, 18 inches stroke; auxiliary cylinder, 12 inches
diameter; main and tail rope drums. Pumping Engine, Underground.—Pair of
Rotary High Pressure
Engines; cylinders, 27 inches diameter; stroke, 48 inches; rams,
8 inches diameter; head of water, 140 fathoms in one column;
rising main, 8 inches diameter. Ventilation.—Furnace in Low Main Seam.
Workings.—Board and pillar system.
PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS. 213
MURTON.
Winding Engine.—Polka Pit.—Single Cylinder Vertical Condensing; cylinder,
50| inches diameter; stroke, 7 feet; drum, 18 feet 8 inches; flat ropes;
cage four decks, four tubs. Winding Engine.—Middle Pit.—Vertical Condensing
; cylinder, 50| inches; stroke, 7 feet; drum for flat steel ropes, 18 feet 4
inches diameter; cage four decks, four tubs. Winding Engine.—East
Pit.—Vertical Condensing; cylinder, 50| inches diameter; stroke, 6 feet;
drum 16 feet 10 inches; cage four decks, four tubs; cages unloaded on
platforms. Pumping Engine at Bank.—Single Vertical Condensing; cylinder,
84|- inches diameter; stroke, 8 feet 8^ inches; pumps, 16 inches diameter; 6
sets lifting and 1 set forcing. Underground Pumping Engine.—Two Hathorn and
Davy's Double-acting Differential Condensing Engines; steam cylinders, 32
inches diameter; rams, 7| inches diameter; stroke, 5 feet; rising main, 10
inches diameter; capable of forcing 400 gallons per minute in one column
1,224 feet. System of Haulage.—Tail rope; hauling engines underground.
Main Coal Seam.—Horizontal High Pressure Double Cylinders,
26 inches diameter; stroke, 5 feet; four drums, 7 feet diameter,
Low Main Seam.—Horizontal Double Cylinders, 26 inches
diameter; stroke, 5 feet; four drums, 7 feet diameter. Middle Pit,
Hallfield.—Horizontal Double Cylinders, 18 inches
diameter; stroke, 24 inches; drums, 6 feet diameter. East Pit,
Hawthorn.—Horizontal Double Cylinder, 30 inches diameter; stroke 5 feet;
drums, 8 feet diameter ; engine plane, 2^ miles long; 52 tubs in each set.
Hydraulic Engine.—Horizontal Double Cylinder, 16 inches diameter;
stroke, 20 inches ; four drums, 5 feet diameter. Underground Boilers.
Ventilation.—Two Furnaces in Main Coal Seam; large furnace, 33 feet by 8
feet, stoked at sides and end; small furnace, 8 feet by 7 feet.
Workings.—Board and pillar and longwall. Coal Washer.—Robinson's Patent, in
course of erection.
wingate grange colliery.
Compound Condensing Pumping Engine.—Cylinders, 40 inches and 66 inches by 6
feet stroke; rams, 16 inches, forcing against a head of 810 feet; now
pumping 1,300 gallons per minute.
214 PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS.
Twibill's Patent Fuel Economiser.—At work on four Lancashire
Boilers. Temperature of feed water raised from 50 degrees to
180 degrees. Exhaust Injector attached to fan engine. Guibal fan, 36 by 12.
Schiele fan, 12 feet diameter. Winding Eope, with Electrical Cable, for
signalling out of the cage
in the shaft to engineman. Hauling Engine.—Direct acting; two 20 inch
cylinders, 4 feet stroke;
drums, 5 feet diameter.
CASTLE EDEN COLLIERY.
Winding Engine.—Old Pit.—Vertical High Pressure Engine; one cylinder, 42
inches diameter, 72 inches stroke; drum, 17 feet
diameter. Winding Engine.—New Pit.—Horizontal Engine; two cylinders, each 36
inches diameter, 72 inches stroke; condensing and air pump, worked by
independent engine; drum 20 feet diameter. Ventilation.—By Guibal Fan,
driven by engine with one cylinder 24 inches diameter and 48 inches stroke;
condensing, and worked by same air pump as winding engine. Air Compressing
Engine.—Horizontal Condensing Engine; two cylinders 36 inches diameter, and
two air cylinders 40 inches diameter, 72 inches stroke. Screening.—Jigging
Screen, 11 feet by 4 feet, with belt for cleaning-best coal, 60 feet long
and 4 feet wide, also belt for cleaning nut coal, 24 feet long and 2 feet
wide. Boilers on coke ovens, also boilers with mechanical stokers. Coal
washed for coke making by Bamsay's machine. Underground Haulage.—Horizontal
Engine; two cylinders, 18 inches diameter, 24 inches stroke, geared seven to
one, and driving about 10,000 yards of endless rope, which is carried on
rollers, each tub being attached to the rope by a clip. There are three
branch roads worked off the main rope by Fisher & Walker's clutch gear.
Underground Pumping Engine.—Horizontal Compound and Condensing; High
Pressure cylinder, 42 inches diameter; low pressure cylinder, 66 inches
diameter, 72 inches stroke, and 14 inch ram, double-acting; forcing water
from Low Main Seam to the surface, a height of 900 feet.
PROGRAMME OP EXCURSIONS. 215
F,—Collieries situated on the Leamside Line.
NEWBOTTLE COLLIERIES. HERRINGTON.
No. 1 Pit.
Winding Engine.—Low Pressure Vertical Cylinder, 54 inches diameter, 84
inches stroke; drum, 18 feet diameter; cage with two decks of 3 tubs each, 9
cwt. of coal in each tub ; total weight of cage, tubs, and coals, 7 tons.
Steel wire ropes ; safety links for prevention of over-winding.
Shaft fitted with iron rail guides.
Iron heapstead, and screens; Archimedean screw, carrying small coals to
self-loading apparatus hopper; screen for making large nuts, small, and
duff.
Two underground hauling engines, working tail rope system; endless
chain; incline near to shaft. Electric light at bank and underground.
No. 2. Pit.
Winding Engine.—Double Horizontal Air Compressing Engine, 22 inch cylinder,
36 inches stroke; diameter of larger compressing cylinder 36 inches,
diameter of smaller cylinder 13^ inches; nominal pressure of air 200 lbs.
per square inch.
Ventilating furnace at Maudlin Seam; one front fire and two side fires.
Systems of Working.—Longwall and board and pillar.
Boilers, with Young's patent fires.
LAMBTON.
D Pit.
Lishman & Young's Compressed Air Locomotives at work underground.
Air Compressing Engine at Bank.—Two 34 inch cylinders with 6 feet stroke,
working 2 air compressing cylinders, 34 inch pressing to 60 pounds, and 20
inch completing the pressure to 250 pounds per square inch.
216 PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS.
HOUGHTON COLLIERY.
Fan Engine.—Two cylinders, 36 inches diameter and 3 feet stroke; Guibal fan,
45 feet diameter, 15 feet wide.
Winding Engines.—
New Pit.—Two cylinders, 34 inches diameter, 6 feet stroke, with
18 feet drums, lifting four tubs. West Side.—One cylinder, 35 inches
diameter, 6 feet stroke* with
12 feet rolls, lifting three tubs. East Side.—One cylinder, 33 inches
diameter, 6 feet stroke, with
14 feet drums, lifting four tubs. Staple.—One cylinder, 14 inches diameter,
28 inches stroke, with
5 feet drums, lifting one tub.
Hauling Engines.—
Hutton Seam.—Two cylinders, 18| inches diameter, 3 feet stroke,
with 5 feet drums, running 70 tubs. Main Coal Seam.—Two cylinders, 24 inches
diameter, 4 feet
stroke, with 7 feet drums, running 100 tubs. Staple.—One cylinder, 14 inches
diameter, 2 feet stroke, with 3 feet drums, running 15 tubs.
Main Coal Tumping Engine.—One cylinder, 52 inches diameter, 5 feet stroke,
with two 10£ inch rams, lifting 610 feet, and two 11$ inch rams, lifting 480
feet, 680 gallons per minute.
In-bye Pump in Main Coal Seam.—Two 7 inch plungers, double-acting, 100 lbs.
pressure at pump, 360 gallons per minute, worked by endless rope from Main
Coal Seam Hauling Engine, geared 2 and 1 at engine, and 2 and 1 at pump,
situate 3,000 yards in-bye and lifting 200 feet. This rope has been five
years and three months in use, is 6,000 yards long, has travelled over
218,400 miles, and has pumped 318,998,400 gallons of water.
O.—Collieries in or about Durham.
BROWNEY COLLIERY.
Boilers fired from Coke Ovens.
Coals crushed by disintegrator, and cleaned on a travelling belt.
Ventilation by Schiele fans, placed in each seam.
Haulage, in Busty Seam, by endless rope.
programme of excursions. 217
BEARPARK COLLIERY.
Winding Engine.—Vertical cylinder, 56 inches diameter.
Revolving Screens and Poller Crushers.
Hauling Engine on surface.
G-uibal Ventilating Pan.
Pumping Engine.—Horizontal surface; 36 inches cylinder, 5 feet stroke,
and 21 sets in shaft. Underground Pumping Engine.—Pour rams, ll£ inches,
with four
cylinders, 26 inches, forcing to surface. Beehive Coke Ovens, loaded by
small narrow gauge Locomotive Engines. Boilers on Coke Ovens. Simon Carve's
Coke Ovens. G-as Plant in connection with Patent Coke Ovens. Sulphate of
Ammonia Plant.
NEW BRANCEPETH COLLIERY.
Cochrane's Patent Coke Ovens, of beehive type, which enables them to be
drawn three times a week and yields from 5 to 6 per cent, extra of coke.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5th.
EXCURSION DOWN THE RIVER.
A large party assembled at the Swing Bridge and inspected the machinery.
Special steamers (free to members) were kindly placed at the disposal of the
visitors by the River Tyne Commissioners and Mr. John Rogerson, and
proceeded down the river, stopping to allow visitors to inspect such works
as they desired, which had been thrown open to them, viz.:—
The Newcastle Chemical Works, Ld.
P. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie, & Co., Ld. (St. Peter's.)
Charles Tennant & Partners, Ld., Hebburn.
Palmer's Shipbuilding and Iron Co., Ld., Jarrow.
Addison Potter & Son's Cement Works, Willington.
The Northumberland Dock.
The Tyne Dock. (Shipping of Coals, &c.)
The Albert Edward Dock.
On the steamer arriving at South Shields, the visitors had an opportunity of
inspecting the Tyne Commissioners' works there and at Tynemouth.
218 PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS.
SATURDAY. AUGUST 6th.
This morning parties were formed at the reception room to visit the
following works in Newcastle and Gateshead, which were open for inspection
:—
E. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie, & Co., Ld., Engineering Works, Forth
Banks, Newcastle. Robt. Stephenson & Co., Ld., Engineering "Works, Forth
Street,
Newcastle. Haggie Bros., Rope Works, Gateshead. Black, Hawthorn, & Co.,
Engineering Works, Gateshead.
Many visitors attended the Animal General Meeting of the North of England
Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, at the Theatre of the
Exhibition in the Afternoon, when the Presidential Address was delivered by
Sir Lowthian Bell, Bart.
Mr. Theo. Wood Bunning also read a paper " On the Federation of the Mining
Institutes of Great Britain."
HAULAGE EXHIBITS IN THE NORTH GARDENS OF THE EXHIBITION.*
Various principles of haulage have been generally adopted in different parts
of the United Kingdom, and it was thought by the Executive Council of the
Exhibition that it would form a very interesting exhibit to the mining world
to bring together, if possible, all the leading methods that have been
successfully used. A committee was appointed to carry out this object, and
the results of their labours are seen in what is called the Haulage Exhibit.
The committee decided that none would be considered of sufficient importance
or general utility unless they could . be automatically worked round a
curve, which explains the absence of several well-known arrangements.
1.—Endless Chain.—Double way; single tubs travelling at fixed distances from
each other; self-acting arrangement of inclines at curve for both full and
empty tubs.
Erected and exhibited by the Tyne Coal Company, Limited, under the
superintendence of Mr. Charles A. Shute.
2.—Endless Rope.—Single way, with pass-byes or sidings; rope under tubs ;
tubs run in sets.
* A more minute description of the whole of the Haulage Exhibits is being
prepared by Mr. G. May, and will be printed in the next volume.
PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS. 219
A most interesting- system of haulage, consisting of a line of single way
with a siding half way along the plane. The empty tubs are drawn from the
shaft to the central siding at the same time as the full tubs are drawn from
the in-bye station to the same place. The full tubs are then attached to the
rope which hauled the empty tubs to the siding, and the empty tabs are
attached to the rope which hauled the full tubs to the same place. The
engine is then reversed, the full tubs hauled to the shaft, and the empty
tubs to the in-bye station.
Erected and exhibited by the Moresby Coal Company, Limited, Whitehaven, who
have supplied the tubs, etc.; the Lowca Engineering Company, Limited,
Whitehaven, have supplied the engine, etc., and the Moss Bay Hematite Iron
and Steel Company, Workington, have supplied the steel rails and sleepers.
3.—Endless Eope.—Double way ; rope on top of tubs run singly at fixed
distances from each other.
It is worked very successfully at Bedlington Colliery, and is exhibited to
show the application of a very ingenious method of passing the rope round
curves in forks on the top of the tubs without being disengaged. This is
done by having a number of large pulleys placed in a horizontal position
round the curve to carry the rope. A self-acting gate, with a roller on the
top, is fixed at each end of the curve to lead the rope on to the horizontal
pulleys.
Erected and exhibited by the Bedlington Coal Company under the
superintendence of Mr. J. G-. Weeks.
4.—Endless Rope.—Double way ; rope on side of tubs, and tubs run singly at
distances of about 20 yards from each other. The rope is attached to the
side of the tubs and is successful in passing round the curve.
Erected and exhibited by the Seaton Delaval Coal Co., under the
superintendence of Mr. R. E. Ornsby.
5.—Endless Rope.—Double way; tubs run in sets of 14, having a bogey with a
fixed clip for attachment to rope travelling in front of set; rope under
tubs.
Employed at South Durham Colliery, in the county of Durham, on an engine
plane about 4,000 yards long.
Erected and exhibited by the South Durham Coal Co., under the
superintendence of Mr. Eenwick Darling.
6.—Endless Rope.—Double way; rope under tubs with single tubs travelling at
fixed distances from each other.
Shows the application of clips passing round curves with the rope underneath
the tubs.
p c
VOL. XXXVI.—1887.
220 PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS.
A very ingenious arrangement for automatically disengaging the clips from
the rope is shown here.
Erected and exhibited by the Castle Eden Coal Co., under the supervision of
Mr. J. F. Lee.
7.—Endless Eope.—Three-rail way with pass-byes and sidings, rope under tubs,
and tubs run in sets.
The tubs are attached (in sets of about fourteen) to the rope by clips. The
sets are moved from siding to siding, passing each other at the pass-byes ;
they are then stopped, an empty set being disengaged and a full set attached
at the in-bye end, and vice versa at the out-bye end. It is most important
to attach the set of tubs exactly opposite the part of the rope from which
the other set has been detached.
Erected and exhibited by the Harton Coal Company, Limited, under the
superintendence of Mr. G-eorge May.
8.—Endless Eope.—Double way; rope under tubs, and tubs run singly at fixed
distances from each other.
This exhibit explains the application of clips passing round curves with the
rope underneath the tubs, and is erected by the Whitburn Coal Company,
Limited, under the superintendence of Mr. M. H. Douglas.
The Fleeting pulleys and clutch gear used and the automatic ventilation door
are worthy of close attention.
9.—Tail Eope.—Single way; rope under tubs ; tubs run in sets.
This system of haulage has attained a very high degree of perfection in the
North of England, where, until a few years ago, it was almost the only
method in use. The exhibit, erected by the Hetton Coal Company, Limited,
under the superintendence of Mr. Thomas Lishman, shows the general method of
working; the main rope being used for hauling the full tubs from the
workings to the shaft, and the tail rope for hauling the empty tubs from the
shaft to the workings.
The engine used for this exhibit has been manufactured by the Grange Iron
Company, Limited, Durham, and consists of a self-contained double cylinder
engine, having cylinders 12 inches diameter and 15 inches stroke, with two
drums, each 4 feet diameter. The drums can be run loose or fast by clutch
attachment.
10.—Endless Eope.—Double way; single tubs travelling at fixed distances from
each other; rope under tubs, attached by clips of various forms. Two lines
of rails are used, one for the empty and the other for the full tubs. The
leading feature is the slow, continuous motion of the rope, which travels
about 2\ miles an hour. The tubs are attached singly to the rope by Fisher's
patent or by Eice's patent hook, and the
programme op excursions. 221
rope can be loaded from end to end with tubs placed 6 feet apart. Under
these conditions it is capable of delivering 2,000 tubs per hour.
Exhibited by the Hodbarrow Mining Company, under the supervision of Mr.
Cedric Vaughan.
11.—Wire Eope Way.—For transport, in the case of mines separated by rivers
or ravines from the place where the mineral is used or treated.
This is shown at work by Messrs. Jordan, Son, & Commans, near to the
toboggan slide, at the north-west corner of the grounds.
12.—Air Locomotive (Lishman & Young's system).—Single way; tubs run in sets.
Successfully worked at the Earl of Durham's collieries in the county of
Durham, and may be seen in operation at the Lambton Colliery Dpit.
The Air Locomotive has four wheels, running on a gauge of 2 feet 9^ inches;
and two cylinders, each 4 inches diameter and 7 inches stroke, working at a
pressure of 400 lbs. per square inch.
The Air Compressor consists of a vertical engine, having two steam
cylinders, 12 inches diameter; and two air cylinders, 8 inches diameter. The
air is compressed in two stages, being taken in from the atmosphere on the
top of the piston, and compressed through water spaces into an annular space
on the underside of the piston: it is then delivered, through a copper coil
immersed in a water tank, to a receiver, standing on the ground from which
the locomotive receives its supply.
On leaving the compressing cylinder the air passes through a trap pipe,
where all the water is separated, and can be blown off occasionally, only
dry air being delivered into the receiver.
13.—Endless Eope.—Single way, with pass-byes or sidings; rope under tubs and
tubs run in sets.
Successfully employed at many of the Tredegar Iron and Coal Company's
collieries, and explains the method of working an endless rope on a single
line of way, with convenient places for the sets to pass each other. Both
ropes are carried, about 6 inches apart, by suitable rollers between the
rails. The set of tubs is coupled to a bogey which is attached to the rope
by clips or tongs.
Erected and exhibited by the Tredegar Iron Co., under the superintendence of
Mr. Hamilton.
The steam for working the whole of the systems is supplied by Robey & Co.'s
well-known form of locomotive boiler.
222 PROGRAMME OE EXCURSIONS.
Eight of the systems are driven by a hauling engine provided by Messrs.
Walker Bros., of Wigan.
Fisher and Walker's patent friction clutches and pulleys are attached to the
above engine and to the No. 7 exhibit.
The steel rails were lent by Mr. Edward Sisterson, of Newcastle.
The ropes are supplied by the Hartlepool Eopery Co.
With one exception electric signals are employed, provided by Messrs. John
Mills & Son, Newcastle.
Several forms of automatic tub greasers are at work.
The whole of the details have been carried out by a small committee of
mining engineers, under the presidency of Mr. George May, manager of the St.
Hilda, Harton, and Boldon Collieries.
COAL MINE AT THE EXHIBITION.
The representation of a coal mine in the North Gardens of the Exhibition is
worth inspection.
The entrance to the pit in a few yards leads the visitor to the bottom of
the shaft where one cage is shown in position.
A Fowler's Improved Compound Semi-Portable Engine and Boiler is situated
near the shaft, and is used for hauling the tubs along the engine plane.
This is arranged for one of the systems of endless rope haulage, where the
rope is suspended above the tubs by means of forks, of which several
varieties are used, but Messrs. Rutherford and Thompson's patent clip forks
(of numerous patterns) are most worthy of mention. A working model of this
mode of haulage, working automatically round a right angled curve, is shown
at Stand 601 in the West Court.
Next to the hauling engine the Union Engineering Co. show a Schiele Fan in
the pit, which in practice is usually placed on the surface.
The lighting of the coal mine is gratuitously supplied by Messrs. Clarke,
Chapman, Parsons, & Co., of Gateshead. 16 candle-power lamps are used,
placed in air-tight fittings to avoid igniting explosive mixtures of gas and
air if the connection of the lamp to the conductor should be interrupted.
The dynamo, running at the high speed of 9,000 revolutions per minute, is
driven directly by a series of steam turbines on the same bed-plate.
At the end of the engine plane " the landing " is reached, from which the
tubs are brought to and from the workings by hand-putters or pony drivers.
PROGRAMME OF EXCURSIONS. 223
Up to this point the seam is represented as being 6 feet thick, and the
visitor proceeds through a trouble into a thinner seam of coal. This is
worked on the longwall system, which consists of removing the whole of the
coal, packwalls being inserted at intervals between, and on each side of the
roads, to carry the roof.
The visitor returns through the fault into the thicker seam. This is wrought
on the board or pillar system, the boards being 15 feet wide and crossed at
right angles by walls 7 feet wide. The mode of removing the pillars is shown
in the broken or second working.
An example of post and stall work is also shown. In this system the places
are from 12 to 15 yards wide, with an equal width of coal between, packwalls
being built in the middle to support the roof, and the coals brought out on
roads left on each side of the places. When these places are carried to the
required distance the intervening ribs of coal are removed.
A large fault is here supposed to exist, which throws the Lead-Measures
against the Coal-Measures.
LEAD MINE AT THE EXHIBITION.
The visitor passes from the coal mine into one of the levels driven on the
vein and connected with the surface by means of the adit. Part of one of
these levels, owing to the loose strata, is piled on the top and sides.
By means of these levels going in opposite directions the vein is opened out
and proved, and when the " ends " are far enough advanced stopes are set off
and the ore ground above the level is worked. The stopes are pushed forward
like inverted stairs, allowing space for the respective sets of workmen on
the steps.
The shaft is shown in this and the upper levels, fitted with cages for
drawing the minerals and workmen, with pumps for raising the water, and a
ladder-way for the use of workmen.
The horse track or inclined drift, for the passage of horses, is used by
visitors as an access to the upper level of the mine.
The ore from these higher workings may be drawn at the shaft or allowed to
fall through hoppers or shoots to the level of the adit, whence it is taken
to the surface by means of wagons drawn by manual labour or ponies.
BAROMETER AND THERMOMETER READINGS. 225
BAROMETER AND THERMOMETER READINGS
FOR 1886.
By the SECRETARY.
These readings have been obtained from the observations of Kew and Glasgow,
and will give a very fair idea of the variations of temperature and
atmospheric pressure in the intervening country, in which most of the mining
operations in this country are carried on.
The Kew barometer is 34 feet, and the Glasgow barometer 180 feet above the
sea level. The latter readings have been reduced to 32 feet above the sea
level, by the addition of '150 of an inch to each reading, and both readings
are reduced to 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
The fatal accidents have been obtained from the Inspectors' reports, and are
printed across the lines, showing the various readings. The name of the
colliery at which the explosion took place is given first, then the number
of deaths, followed by the district in which it happened.
At the request of the Council the exact readings, at both Kew and Glasgow
have been published in figures.
NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE
OF
MINING AND MECHANICAL ENGINEEKS.
ABSTRACTS OF FOREIGN PAPERS.
CARBONIZATION OF OAK.
Sur des morceaux de bois de chene qui ont pris V apparence de la houille. By
— Patol. Societe de I'Industrie Minerale, Comptes Rendus, pp. 78-81, Plate
X. April, 1886.
Iu 1876, at the factory of Mieras (Spain), three rows of oak planks were
laid down n concrete for the foundations of a steam-hammer. In 1885, on
proceeding to make repairs, it was found that a portion of the wood had heen
metamorphosed into coal, and was adhering with such force to the cast iron,
that the pickaxe was used to break it off. Specimens were taken, and were
submitted to combustion and chemical analysis at the Paris School of Mines.
It was found that those portions of the wood which appeared thoroughly
metamorphosed had assumed the properties of perfect lignite, excepting that
they contained a little more oxygen.
The author examined the planks used in connexion with two other
steam-hammers, and though he observed marked changes in the wood, there was
no metamorphism resembling that which has been described above. He thinks
that heat and the action of water must have been the main agents of this
change, and that some importance is to be attributed to the peculiar
composition of the water. L. L. B,
THE SER CENTRIFUGAL FAN.
Note sur les Ventilateurs et experiences faites a Anzin sur les Ventilateurs
(Systeme Ser) de 2 m. et de 1*4 m. de diametre. By — Fbancois. Bulletin de
la Societe de Vlndustrie Minerale. SSr. 2, Vol. XV., pp. 89-103.
The Ser ventilator, 6*56 feet diameter, consists of a wheel formed of a
circular plate 6'56 feet diameter, upon eax:h side of which thirty-two
curved vanes or blades are fixed. These vanes are very small; they are only
"59 foot wide and l-38 feet long. The air, drawn in at the central inlets,
is thrown out by the rotation of the vanes, into a spiral casing passing
into an expanding chimney, where its velocity is reduced before passing into
the atmosphere.
The two inlets are connected by means of a sheet iron gallery with the
upcast pit. The fan is driven by ropes.
The following tables contain the mean results of many experiments upon two
of the Ser ventilators. The results are converted from French measures as
follows :— Square metres x 10"76458 = square feet; millimetres x -03937 =
inches; cubic metres per second x 2,119 = cubic feet per minute; travail en
chevaux x '9863 =» British horse-power.
a
Revolutions Calculation of
Eesults reduced to a Normal Speed of 240 Revolutions
It
per Minute.
_________ per
minute.____________
¦g 2
_______
Volume "
,
6B '¦
Water-
of Air. Eauiva- Volume Water-gauge.
Ratio between
.2 o Conditions of Experiments.
gauge. -----
\ml «f aYr
-------------------------------------------" observed volume
S1
Enrfne 7entl" Per
Min. 0*f?;„ ot Alr" _ .
Mano- and Volume
£
Engine. lator
Orince. — Observed. Theoret- metrical
described by
i-eriviin. 10ai. Effect.
Fan.
Ser fan, 6-56 feet diameter—
Inches- Cub-Ft si-Ft. Cub-Ft- l^hes. Inches.
1. All orifices closed ............... 5712 23878 1-811
Nil. _ 1-827 \ "60
-
Sq. Ft. _
\
2. ) ^ . . „ • mu *
i 1*18 58'80 24578 1"94'4 6,530 1-83 6,370
1-854 "61 l'O 3 I Drawing air
from mine. Ine stop- _) 2_26 B8.g4 245.n 2.000 1160()
g.12 11^.() rgi7 .gg -,.8
4. j ping m fan drift has ormce oi j 3.33
58.02 242.52 2m8 16f4SO 4.41 16 250 r964
.g5 2'6
5.-|
f 5-38 60 88 25450 2-401 27,290 678 25,740 2134
"70 41
6.
6-45 62-98 263-25 2"697 33,820 7-96 30,830
2-240 "74 4'9
7.
6-99 61-40 25666 2'638 34,800 8'18 32,540
2-307 "76 52
8. Drawing air from mine and 7'53 60
43 252-60 2795 36,550 8"39 31,730 2523
-83 5'5
9. L atmosphere, with orifice in { 8"07
5778 24150 2-519 36,850 893 36,620 2*488 3-040
"82 5-8
10. stopping of
8-60 5711 240-00 2716 41,910 979 41.910 2-716
-89 66
11.
944 57-89 242-00 2"638 42,990 10-12 42,630
2-594 -85 67
12.
9-68 5702 238-33 2795 45,620 10-44 45,940
2-834 "93 73
13. J
L10-76 59-93 250-50 2795 49,810 11-41 47,720
2-567 -85 7*6
14. Drawing air from mine alone, orifice of ...21-52 5772
241-27 2-067 57,350 15-28 57,040 2-043
-67 9-0
15. Doors at bank, opened a little to admit the air ... 5784
24177 1-896 66,320 1841 65.830 1-866
-61 101
16. Doors at bank, opened wider ......... 55"56 232'24
1732 68,880 2043 71.180 1-846 '61
11-2
17. Opened wider still........../. ... 5610 23575 1-220
73,890 25'62 75,210 1-264 12
119
18. Doors are entirely opened............ 56 28 235'25 1122
81,240 29"39 82.880 1-165 /_________"38_______131
Calculation of Results reduced to a Normal Speed of 400 Revolutions
Serfan, 4-59 feet diameter—
_____-----------------------P^Mi5H^--------------------- ------
1. All orifices closed ............ ... 74'2 445-0
3-080 Nil. 2188 \
-60
2 ^
fSl-13' 66-2 397-0 2579 6,790 1'61 6,840
2-618 -63 216
3 i
I 2-36 67-2 4030 2"976 10,950 2-47 10,880
2'933 -71 3'44
4. Drawing air from mine. The | 3*66 661
398'6 3'366 17,430 3"66 17,490 3'390
'82 5"53
5. [ stopping placed in air drift has «{ 4 95
661 398-3 3184 24,510 5'06 24,610 3-512
-85 778
6 orifice of
I 6-21 651 392-6 3"228 28,070 602 28,600
3'350 -81 9'05
7
I 917 61-3 3680 2145 31,740 775 34,500
2890 4'184 -70 1091
8 I
1^1313 61-2 367-0 2-303 33,630 8*50 36.650
2736 -66 1159
9 The stopping is removed ......... 605 363-0
2110 33.820 893 37,270 2-559 -62
1179
10. Door is slightly opened to admit the air...... 57'9 347'6
1-819 35,940 10'22 41.360 2109 "58
1308
11 Door opened wider ....... 537
3225 1-224 41,150 14-21 51,040 1-882
16 16-14
12. Door opened wider still ............ 498 299'0
-657 43,660 20-56 58.400 1177 '28
1817
13 Door is entirely opened .....
48-0 288'3 "323 43,660' 29"28 60,570 "626
/_________15_______1916
.->
The Guibal fan has the maximum manometric efficiency of "70, the Schiele
varies from '32 to "46, and the Winter, Pelzer, and other German fans,
rarely exceed -30. It will he seen from the tables of experiments upon the
Ser fan that the 6"56 feet fan yields "93 and the 4-59 feet fan yields "85
of manometrical efficiency.
The following table shows the mechanical efficiency of this fan:—
! TT
Useful Effect.
Total I Horse- Horse-
__________________________
Equivalent Revolutions Indicated Power Power
Horse-Orifice. of Engine Horse- wasted applied
to Power in Calculated Calculated per Minute. Power
^tne the Fan the Air. from from
Power Engine. Indicated
applied to Horse-Power. Fan.
Sq. Ft.
I Per Cent. Per Cent.
11-41 60 47-45 11-83 I 35-62 21-94
46 61
17-00 61 69-88 13-41 j 56-47 32"68
47 58
______ M. W. B.
TIN MINING IN PERAK (PENINSULA OF MALACCA).
Note stir la Geologie et sur VIndustrie Miniere du Royaume de Perafc et des
pays voisins (presqu'ile de Malacca). By J. De Morgan. Annates des Mines,
Ser. 8, Vol. IX.,-pp. 368 to 444, Plates VIII, IX., X.
I.—Geology.
The geology of the Malay peninsula may be provisionally arranged as follows
:— Azoic ... ...Gneiss.
Slates. Silurian... ... Quartzites.
Schists (a) coarse, brown and black.
(b) finer, reddish brown.
(c) fine, blue and green.
Upper Silurian ) T . rirn . > Limestones, or .Devonian )
Post Pliocene.....Stanniferous alluviums.
Recent ... ...Balcaos (alluvium and soil).
The series of eruptive rocks is very complex, and consists of coarse
granites, elvan, pegmatite, leptynite, diorite, porphyry, quartz, kaolin, or
decomposed granite, calcite, etc.
Tin is found in elvan at Campong Monile, and, from comparison of minerals at
this mine with those from alluvial deposits, it is probable that tin rock
occurs in the mountains of Gounong Krbou and other hills, from which the
alluviums have descended. In the mines of Tchanderiang and Kampar large
pieces of tin ore are frequently found, with adherent quartoze matrix. Gold
bearing veins will also probably exist, although none have been discovered,
the natives being content to work the placer mines of Batang Padang, etc.
Silver and lead are found associated in galena at Patani, but bave not been
discovered in Perak.
Alluvial deposits of indefinite age fill all the valleys of Perak, but as
they contain stone instruments the formation is almost within historic time.
They consist at the bottom of an argillaceous bed Jcong) covering the
Silurian rocks; this is next overlaid by beds of sand and clay, containing
tin ore in elongated pieces, whose dimensions vary according to the mining
deposits. The thickness of these deposits is about 45 feet at Pappan, at
Lahat from 15 to 35 feet, at Klian Lalang from 12 to 15 feet, etc.
The rich alluviums are not continuous, but form lenticular deposits, which
are sometimes very large and very numerous, and in other cases are very far
apart.
The proportion of tin ore varies with the localities, but the maximum does
not exceed 45 pounds per ton of earth. The richness is very irregular,
samples from the
4
same deposit, less than 10 feet apart, may vary from 2 per cent, to less
than -1 per cent. Deposits containing -6 to 1 per cent, are not rare, and in
this condition are workable to profit when the depth is not too great.
An average analysis of the prepared tin ore is :—
Tin ............ G5 1 Tin ore.
Oxygen... ... ... ... 17 '
Silica ... ... ... ••• 12) Impurities
due to
Alumina ......... 4 (imperfect washing.
Iron ............ traces.
Water ... ... ... ... 2
consequently the tin contains no impurities which would reduce its quality
or value.
II.—Industrial.
Tin Mines.— Although worked for many centuries the tin mines are far from
being exhausted. The first workings were made near Larout, but to-day, it is
found throughout the valley of the river Kinta. The richest deposits are
found on the east side of the valley of the river Kinta, especially at
Gdping, Tchanderiang, and Kampar, which are also the most regular in the
nature of the deposits.
The explorations require to be carefully conducted, as the composition of
the alluvium is most variable, and borings alone are not a sufficient test
of the value of the deposits. A boring is frequently situated between two
adjacent rich deposits. Borings only yield comparative results, their
greatest utility being in testing the thickness and depths of the deposits.
III.—Modes of Woeking.
There are two systems of working practised, the native method, used for many
centuries by the Malays and Siamese, and the Chinese system only recently
introduced.
Malay System.—The Malays employ two different methods according to the
position of the deposits. If the beds are on the side of a hill a large
cutting is made into the deposit, and the sterile portions are thrown into
the valley.
When the deposit is in the valley it is worked by small oblong pits. Three
of the sides are sustained by bark (as backing) and vertical piles, the
fourth side is worked in steps. The water is drained by buckets suspended to
long levers, with a counterbalance, which are used as often as required
during the day. The sterile beds are deposited by the side of the pits, and
require removal on extending the area of the workings.
The sluices are placed in the ditches when the mine affords sufficient
water. When the mine is almost dry the sluice is placed in some adjacent
stream, but many mines of moderate richness are abandoned, on account of the
cost of transport to the sluice being too great. When the mines are very
rich, water is brought from higher levels by means of ditches, and carried
in wooden pipes across the valleys. In general, the rich earth is placed in
the ditch near the mine, and washed the next day by the water removed from
the pit before work is resumed in the morning. If the water is insufficient,
the mineral earth is collected in heaps, and washed in the rainy season.
The washing is made in one operation at some Malay mines, but it generally
consists of cleaning and washing. The cleaning is practised in an open
ditch, in which the earth is agitated with water until the whole of the mud
is carried away, and the water runs away quite bright. The mineral is then
pushed with scoops or by the feet into the sluice. By this method the
mineral is concentrated to 20 or 30 per cent, of metal.
5
The sluice is made of a hollowed tree or piece of bark, and washing is
effected by pushing the mineral to the upper part of the box. The Malays
judge the completion of the washing by the colour of the sand, and rarely
obtain concentrates with more than 55 to 65 per cent, of metal. The sluices
are usually about 5 feet long and about 1 foot wide, whose inclination
varies according to the fineness of the tin stone. In many mines the batea
or cradle is very expertly used by the Malays.
The same workmen perform all the necessary operations about the mines and
furnaces, and the cost is obtained by considering the number of men
employed. For six mines in the Kinta district, the production per man
employed per thirty days was :—
1- 2. 3. 4.
5. 6.
Tin in pounds ...... 57'8 064 97'8 854
129-5 137'8
Value of tin ......41s. 6d. 47s. 6d. 69s. 6d. 61s. Od.
92s. 6d. 99s. Od.
Wages or cost of mining.. 31s. 9d. 31s. 9d. 31s. 9d. 31s. 9d.
31s. 9d. 31s. 9d.
Cost of smelting...... 3s. 9d. 3s. 9d. 5s. 6d. 4s. 9d.
7s. 6d. 7s. 9d.
Profits ......... 6s. Od. 12s. Od. 32s. 3d. 24s. 6d.
53s. 3d. 59s. 6d.
Chinese System.—Under this system workings are commenced at the lowest point
of the area; a deep cutting is opened, whose sides are turned against the
deposits to be worked. When this trench reaches the kong, or bottom of the
deposit, another slice is taken off, and so on. The sterile matter is placed
into the first trench. All material is carried on men's backs. Drainage is
effected by norias, driven by water wheels; but steam pumps of eight or ten
horse-power have been introduced with advantage. Work is carried on in a
regular manner, each man adhering to his own class of labour. Under these
conditions a mine of ordinary richness will produce about 5,760 pounds of
tin per month at a cost of from £27 to £45, and yield a profit of from £60
to £40 per ton of tin, taxes only excepted.
IV.—Metallurgy.
There are four kinds of metallurgical furnaces employed; they are the Malay,
Siamese, Chinese earth, and Chinese brick furnaces. These furnaces are all
of the same system, differing only in size and solidity of construction.
They consist of an internal cavity, with a hole at the bottom, and a basin
for the fused scoria and tin, and the blast is given at the back and
downwards by a piston blower; they are fed with charcoal, and work
continuously.
The following table shows the relative dimensions, cost of working, etc.:—
Description of Furnace. Malay. Siamese.
SMrth6 ^rick6
Height ............ 4 ft. ... 5 ft. ... 5 ft."
... 6 "ft.
Width ............ 3^ „ ... 2i „ ... 4 .,
... 7i „
Life, or duration......... 30 days ... 60 days ... 60 days ...
5 years.
No. of workmen employed per day 6 ... 8 ..,
6 ... 9
Weight of tin produced per day ... 550 lbs. ... 1,320 lbs. ... 2,200
lbs. ... 4,850 lbs.
„ charcoal used per day... 490 „ ...1,220 „ ...2,100 „
...4,400 „
^tifji!^^!?*011} 2>000 » •"2>080 » -2>130 » -2>°40 „
Weight of scoria per ton of tin ) infl ,-.»
,,„ _
produced ...... |" iUt> " "* Xi/ " '¦
ll4 » — 1Z1 »
Weight of tin in scoria per day ... 26 „ ... 70 ,, ...
112 ,, ... 250 ,,
Cost of constructing furnace ... 15s. Od. ... 97s. 6d. ...
131s. Od. ... 322s. 6d.
Cost of labour per ton of tin ... 45s. Od. ... 24s. 9d. ...
lis. 3d. ... 7s. 9d.
„ food „ „ ... lis. 6d. ... 8s. 3d.
... 3s. 9d. ... 2s. 3d.
„ charcoal „ „ ... 81s. 9d. ... 82s. 9d.
... 85s. 6d. ... 82s. 9d.
„ sundries „ „ ... 5s. 3d. ... 5s. 3d.
... 8s. 9d. ... 8s. 9d.
materials „ „ ... 2s. 3d. ... 3s. 3d. ...
2s. 6d. ... Is. 6d.
„ inspection., „ ... 3s. 9d. ... 3s. 9d.
... 3s. 9d. ... 3s. 9d.
Total cost ... 149s. 6d. ... 128s. Od. ... 115s. 6d. ... 106s. 9d.
6
The tin ore usually sells for about £50 per ton, and if the cost of
smelting, 150s., and export duty, 180s., is added, the cost will be £66 10s.
per ton, and the smelter will realize from £12 to £20 per ton profit,
according to the price of tin.
Legislation.—The tin grounds belong to the Government. The concessions are
granted to natives and foreigners., and vary in area from 200 acres to 1.000
acres in special cases. There are two taxes, the royalty of about 42s. per
ton, and the export duty, which varies from time to time. It is usually
about £9 or £10 per cent, ad valorem.
Statistics.—The production and value of tin is as follows :—
v„„„ Districts on Perak River t.,,l ,
v,i„„
Year- Coast. District.
ToU1- Valuc' •
Tons. Tons. Tons.
£
1876 ... 1.783 ... 271 ... 2,051
... 178.850
1877 ... 2,511 ... 547 ... 3,058 ...
266.250
1878 ... 2.895 ... 739 ... 3.634
... 316,850
1879 ... 3,478 ... 848 ... 4,326
... 376,700
1880 ... 4,440 ... 1,067 ... 5,507 ...
479,600
1881 ... 5,070 ... 1.270 ... 6,340 ...
591,650
1882 ... 6,336 ... 1,468 ... 8,804 ...
766.500
1883 ... 7.944 ... 2,008 ... 9.952 ...
862,250
1884 ... 8,014 ... 2,696 ... 10,710 ...
932,500
M. W. B.
BALANCE PUMPS FOR SELF-ACTING INCLINED PLANES.
Balance Pumps for Gravity Planes. By E. Gybbon Spilbsbury, M.E.
The Engineering and Mining Journal {Netv York). Vol. XLII, p. 314.
In the working of self-acting inclined planes, in highly inclined seams,
there is a very considerable surplus of power absorbed by a more or less
powerful arrangement of brakes.
An ingenious system for the utilization of this power has been in successful
operation for eighteen months at the Rhein Preussen Colliery. At this
colliery, all the coal is drawn from the 1,020 feet level, and all the coal
mined above the 810 feet level is run down to the lower level by self-acting
inclined planes. On an average, one tub, carrying 1,100 lbs. = 9-84 cwts. of
coal, passes over this plane per minute.
The power produced by the descending tubs will be -— — = 7'0
horse-power.
A portion of this power is utilized by placing upon the drum shaft a crank
disc which
drives a double plunger pump. This pump takes the water from the 1,020
feet level
and forces it through a system of pipes (252 inches diameter) to
accumulating tanks
on the surface, a height of 820 feet. The diameter of the drum is 342
feet, or 9"80
feet circumference, therefore, the drum makes 210 + 9'80 = 21-5 revolutions
by the
descent of each tub. The crank disc is 1"31 feet diameter, and drives a
double
plunger pump, 2-36 inches diameter and 15'74 inches stroke. Each
car raises
2 x 15-74 x 21-5 x 2-362 x 7854 _n.Q .
...
----------------- w „ ----------------- = 10b8 gallons per minute, and
the power utilized is
1068 x 10 x 820 „ am .
--------33000^------- " 2'fo horse-power.
There is, accordingly, a constant pressure from the accumulator tanks of 800
feet of water, which is drawn from the pipes, for running coal-cutting
machines, small hauling engines, and for the ventilation of single drifts by
Korting's spray-blowers.
The inclined planes are all laid with double way, and in practice it is
found that a greater speed is permissible upon them since the introduction
of the balance pumps, than could be maintained under the old system of
brakes. M. W. B.
7
COPPER OF EL BOLEO.
Note surle gite de cuivre du Boleo {Basse-Californie Mexicaine). By Ed.
Ftjchs. Bulletin de la Societe Geologique de France. Ser. 8, Vol. XIV., pp.
79-92, Plate VI. {Map). February, 1886.
The district of El Boleo is situated on the Western coast of the Gulf of
California, opposite the harbour of Guaymas. It is, roughly, a plateau of
rive miles by three, bounded by the sea to the N.E., and by a wide fault,
parallel to the coast, to the S.W. This plateau dips gradually from 300
metres to 70 (1,000 to 225 feet) towards the sea. A few isolated peaks
surmount it here and there, while on the N. it merges into the slopes of Las
Tres Virgines and Santa Maria, and the lower spurs of the easternmost hill
chain of Lower California.
Four ravines, perpendicular to the coast-line, cut the district and show
.clearly its geological structure, which, from the surface downwards, is as
follows: — Tuff and conglomerates, about 40 metres (131 feet). First copper
bed, average thickness 1 metre (3'28 feet). Conglomerates and tuff, between
45 and 50 metres (148 to 164 feet). Second copper bed, thickness varying
from 80 centimetres to 2'30 metres (1J
to 7^ feet). Conglomerates and tuff, between 50 and 55 metres (164 to 170
feet). Third copper bed, thickness varying from 60 centimetres to 3 metres
(2 to 10
feet). Conglomerates and tuff. A few igneous rocks (very slightly acidic
trachytes) rise up beside the above-named sedimentary rocks, forming a
double range parallel to the coast, of which the westernmost branch marks in
that direction the boundary of the copper district. An immense sheet of
basaltic lava tops the whole, covering the peaks and invading even the
plateaux formed by the stratified rocks.
After examining in some detail the composition of the tuff beds, the report
proceeds to specify the appearance and composition of the ore. The metal is
found in little spots or veins, and sometimes in oolitic balls, irregularly
scattered over the matrix; but a marked concentration is noticeable at the
base of the bed, where the ore forms a compact layer varying from 6 to 10
inches. As regards its composition, it appears generally as cupric oxide,
associated with carbonates and sometimes hydrosilicates of copper. The
matrix is a clayey tuff of a light grey colour.
Little is said of the first bed, except that it appears to be the poorest of
the three. The second is remarkable for the large proportion of silica which
it contains, and in it are found almost exclusively the oolitic balls or
boleos already mentioned; they contain 35 to 40 per cent, of copper in some
cases. It is easy to separate them from the matrix, and to obtain an ore of
an average yield of 25 to 30 per cent.
In the third bed appear yellow clays, yielding 10 to 15 per cent, of the
metal; compounds of copper and manganese, 32 to 43 per cent. ; black copper
oxide, as much as 60 per cent. Two sulphuretted ores are found where the
lode is beneath the water level: some engineers have regarded this fact as
pointing to a gradual substitution, which would finally leave only
sulphuretted ores in the lode, but M. Fuchs does not subscribe to that
conclusion.
A table is given of analyses, made at the Paris School of Mines, of 180
specimens taken from the different workings. The general average of metallic
copper is 15 per cent. None of the precious metals have been found in the
ore.
The conglomerates and eruptive rocks are then briefly described, and the
author enters at some length into the geological history of the district.
L. L. B.
8
THE GEOLOGY OP EASTERN SIBERIA.
Notes geologiques sur la Siberie orientate, d'apres les observations faites
par M. Martin, dans son voyage d'exploration du lac Baikal, du bassin du
Jleuve Amour, et du lac Khanha. By Cil. Vblaix. Bulletin de la Sociele
Geologique de France. Sir. 3, Vol. XIV., pp. 132-1G6. Map and sections in
the text. March, 1886.
LaJce Baikal and the Salenga.—Cliffs of crystalline schist, interrupted by
massive wedges of granite and granulite, border the lake. Micaceous and
bornblendic gneiss are found at Irkutsk and on the western shores of Baikal;
in the hornblendic rock there is a large proportion of sphene.
Stavono'i.—Granulite, containing tourmaline, is the chief constituent rock
of this mountain range. Great blocks of porphyroid granite form the summits
of some of the mountains.
Amur Basin.— Fragmentary clayey red sandstone on the eastern edge of the
Stavono'i. In the neighbourhood of Wertchinsk, coal formation with workable
seams. Gneiss, augite, hornblendic granite, and granulite appear in the
district between Strelka and Khingan. Euphotide especially rich in
titanic iron is mentioned.
TJssuri and LaJce Khanka.—Mainly gneiss with micaschist.
An extremely detailed description of the specimens brought to Paris by M.
Martin, with microscopic analysis, follows.
L. L. B.
SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION OP PYRITES. Incendies dans les mines de pyrites.
By J. B. DtmAND, — Drillon, — Perissei, and—Fcmat. Societe de VIndustrie
Minerale, Comptes Bendus, pp. 102-106, 116-117, 121-123, 140-141. May,
June, July, and August, 1886.
This series of papers commences with an account of a fire which occurred in
the mines of Kef-Oum-Theboul, and which was attributed by J. B. Durand to
the oxidation by the air of masses of pyrites. But this theory was
contradicted by the manager of the mines, who explained that the fire was
due to the upsetting of a lamp over a heap of faggots. The engineer of the
mines of Sain-Bel said that there the temperature never exceeded 38 degs. O,
and that the oxidation of the pyrites, even when heaped up in the open air,
was exceedingly slow. It seems, however, that the engineers of La Grand'
Combe, and of Soulier and St. Felix, near Alais, agree with Durand, but
stress is laid on the presence, in the last-mentioned place, of marls which
are mixed up with the pyrites and are thought to be the main cause of the
gradual heating and combustion which ensues.
L. L. B.
PEBBLES IN THE COAL OF CENTRAL FRANCE. Galets des terrains houillers du
Blateau Central. By— Fayoi. Societe de VIndustrie Minerale, Comptes Bendus,
pp. 136-138, Plate XXI. August, 1886. After laying down the principle that
the process of formation of coal deposits was similar to that of river
deltas at the present day, the author proceeds to sketch briefly the history
of the coal deposits of the Plateau Central, basing his conclusions on his
study of the pebbles which are found there.
L. L. B.
9
THE GEOLOGY OF SOUTH ABYSSINIA.
Observations geologiques sur les Pays DanaMls, Somalis, le Boyaume du Choa
et les
Pays Gallas. By M. Attbry. Bulletin de la Societe Geologique de
France.
Ser. 3, Vol. XIV., pp. 201-241, Plates XI. and XII, with sections in the
text.
April, 1886.
The report commences with a brief summary of the physical features of the
French
colony of Obokh. The territory consists roughly of a plateau, 15 miles in
breadth,
rising in two successive terraces from cliffs of coral formation, and
bounded northwards
and westwards by volcanic mountain ranges. A soft limestone,
impregnated with
sodium chloride, gypsum, and magnesian salts, is the chief constituent rock;
it contains
fossils identical with species yet found living in the Indian Ocean.
Several wells have
been dug in the colony; and a hot spring, highly charged with sulphuretted
hydrogen
and other compounds of sulphur, bursts out near the western extremity of the
bay of
Obokh.
The mountains which mark the limits of the French possessions are formed
principally of trachytic and basaltic rocks, similar to those of Aden. A
kind of obsidian, which has been mistaken, both by natives and Europeans,
for coal, is noteworthy ; it yields a whitish glass when fused. Journeying
westwards from Tadjurah, the Assal Lake is reached. Half of its area of 60
kilometres is taken up by deposits of common salt and gypsum, and the latter
mineral, in a bed 50 feet thick, forms a ring round the entire lake. Between
Lake Assal and the Abyssinian Mountains intervene a volcanic range and a
vast desert (800 metres above the sea—tufa, with numerous
hot springs).
From Ankober southwards to Kaffa, the country is a plateau (altitude from 2
to 3,000 metres) of trap formation, but sandstones are found* over a stretch
of 50 miles in the southernmost portion. In the region of the river Hawash,
the high plateau is succeeded by a lower tableland, covered with tufa and
trachytic ash giving rise to calcareous rocks. These latter are worked for
lime, but with poor success, as they contain a large proportion of alkaline
carbonates. Numerous extinct craters are scattered over the whole district,
and two geysers spring up near the source of the
Hawash.
The valleys of the Zega Ouedem and the Jamma are similarly of trap rock
formation, interspersed with sandstones, calcareous rocks, and marls.
Gneiss, granite, micaschist, etc., are found in the Somali country, from
whence also specimens of galena and auriferous granite have been brought.
Fn resume, the geological constitution of South Abyssinia is very similar to
that of North Abyssinia, as described by Blanford in 1868.
The report concludes with a description of the principal fossils found by M.
Aubry.
L. L. B.
PLANTS OF THE COAL FORMATION.
Botanique Fossile.—Sur quelques Cycadees houilleres. By B. Renault
and R.
Zeiller. Societe de VIndustrie Minerale, Comptes Bendus, pp. 96-98.
May,
1886.
A detailed description is given of specimens of Noeggerathia, Pterophyllum,
and
Zamites. The specimens of Zamites were brought from Commentry, and
were
remarkable from the fact that, hitherto, the genus had only been fouud in
Secondary
and Tertiary formations.
L. L. B.
b
10
THE FLORA OF LA GRAND' COMBE.
Note sur la flore et sur le niveau relatif des couches houilleres de la
Grand' Combe (Gard). By R. Zeiexer. Bulletin de la Societe Geologique
de France. Ser. 3, Vol. XIII., pp. 131-148, Plates VIII. and XI.
March-April, 1885. The object of the report is to contribute some definite
data for establishing the relative antiquity of the systems of la Montague
Ste. Barbe, Champelauson, and Trescol. The author describes the
position of the strata and the thickness of the seams, and then reviews
briefly the opinions expressed by engineers and scientists as to their
geological chronology. This is followed by a detailed account <?f the
plant remains found in the coal. The author comes to the conclusion that
the order of antiquity of the beds is as follows:—1. Montagne Ste. Barbe; 2,
Trescol; 3. Champelauson, the oldest being numbered 1.
L. L. B.
THE COAL FORMATIONS OF THE ALLIER.
Age des couches argilo-silicieuses qui recouvrent une partie des terrains
houillers de Commentry et de Montvicq, et que Von retrouve sur beaucoup
d'autres points du departement de I'Allier. By — Fayoe. Societe de
I'Industrie Minerale, Comptes Bendus, pp. 135-136. August, 1886.
Overlying a portion of the coal formations of Commentry and Montvicq are
certain very nearly horizontal strata, 30 to 60 feet thick, composed of
sandstones and clays, and which, in Boulanger's Geological Map of the Allier
(1845), are marked as belonging to the Tertiary period.
The coloration of the rocks resembles that of kaolin, but, in the upper
portion, it becomes in some places yellow or brick red. Some of the
sandstones have a porphyritic appearance, and in the mass fragments of
chalcedony are found. The discordance of stratification between these almost
horizontal beds and the coal, which at points dips 50 degs., is very marked.
It was thought until lately that no fossils were to be found in these
so-called Tertiary formations, but the author discovered at Montvicq a
quantity of plant remains of Carboniferous or Permian age. The fossils are
not black, the carbon having disappeared under the action, it is supposed,
of hot springs—in some cases a yellowish indistinct coating replaces the
carbon. Taking into account the mineralogical composition of the deposits,
in which everywhere the action of ferruginous and siliceous springs is
traceable, the author believes that they belong to the Permian period.
L.
L. B.
THE GEOLOGY OF ASSINEE. Note sur la Geologie de la possession francaise
d'Assinie, cSte occidentale d'Afrique. By — Chapee. Bulletin de la
Societe Geologique de France. Sir. 3, Vol. XIV., pp. 105-112, Map in the
text. February, 1886.
After some preliminary remarks on the physical aspect and structure of the
West Coast of Africa from Cape Palmas to the Bay of Benin, the author
proceeds to summarise the result of observations made in the French colony
of Assinee.
Generally, the soil is either sand or clay. The sand is quartz, and is
everywhere auriferous, but the proportion of the precious metal is so small
that it could hardly be worked with advantage by Europeans. The clay is very
greasy and plastic, in some cases slightly micaceous ; on the slopes and
plateaux it becomes ferruginous, and gradually merges into compact layers
of limonite. Beneath the clays decomposed
11
micaschist and quartz veins were found. M. Chaper was at one point only able
to find masses of crystalline rock, namely, at the Falls of Aboisso.
Siliceous schist, containing hornblende, epidote. and small grains of milky
quartz, there forms a thick mass, squeezed in the fold of another rock,
which latter is a granulite, with green mica and a large proportion of
epidote.
Geological observations are extremely difficult at Assinee, on account of
the exuberant vegetation of the country, but the author was enabled to refer
the general constitution of the upper rocks to the glacial period.
The negroes wash the clays for gold, but, as with the sand, the proportion
is too small to repay an outlay of European capital, for there is at present
no mechanical means of extracting very finely divided gold from compact clay
within a reasonable time.
L. L. B.
PETROLEUM IN INDIA AND BURMAH.
Note on the occurrence of Petroleum in India. By H. B. Medhcott. Records of
the Geological Survey of India, Vol. XIX. (1886), pp. 185-210, with folding
Plate of Sections.
After discussing the nature and origin of petroleum, and describing the mode
of its occurrence in Pennsylvania, at Baku, in California, and in Galicia,
Roumania, and Transylvania, the author gives an account of the mineral oil
localities known up to the present time in India and the adjoining
countries.
1.—The Punjab.—All the Indian petroleum is found in Secondary and Tertiary
rocks. Sixteen oil-producing spots are known in and about the Rawalpindi
district, eleven gallons per day for six months from a 75 feet borehole
being the greatest yield recorded. The oil-bearing beds here belong to the
Upper and Lower Nummulitic series.
2.—Khdtan.—The Khatan oil-region is in the Mari hills of Baluchistan, and a
full report upon it by Mr. R. A. Townsend is appended to Mr. Medlicott's
paper. The oil-beds seems to be here also of Eocene age, and their
exploration by means of borings has been most successful. Oil was obtained
in large quantities at depths of 28, 62, 92, 115, 125, 133, and 374 feet.
3.—Assam.—Oil has long been known to occur in connexion with the coal-beds
of Upper Assam. Borings less than 200 feet deep and yielding, in some cases,
3,500 gallons in 35 hours, several years ago proved an abundant supply. The
rocks containing the oil are probably of Middle Tertiary age. Difficulties
of transport alone prevent these springs from being largely and profitably
worked.
4. —Aralcan.—As much as 40,000 gallons of oil a year has for a long time
been extracted by natives and exported from Kyoukpyu, in the neighbourhood
of the well-known mud-volcanoes. A large supply of petroleum is undoubtedly
present, but having been worked by European companies since 1877, by
improper means, it has not yet proved a commercial success. In 1883 the
total amount of crude oil pumped from ten wells did not exceed 234,000
gallons.
5.— Burmah.—The Burmese petroleum is the well-known " Rangoon oil." It
almost all comes from Upper Burmah, and from the neighbourhood of the
Yenanchaung, on the east side of Irrawadi, about 60 miles above Thayetmyo.
The oil-bearing beds are Lower or Middle Tertiary. In 1883-84 about one
million gallons of crude oil came to Rangoon, but it is extracted in the
rudest manner, and the supply is capable of almost indefinite extension. In
conclusion the author says:—" It is, I think, a safe prophecy that the
oil-measures of Eastern India may be supplying half the world with light
within a measurable time when the American oil-pools have run dry."
G. A. L,
12
MINING IN NEW CALEDONIA.
L'Industrie Miner ale en Nouvelle CaUdonie. By— Ceoisshjle. Annates des
Mines. Ser. 8, Vol. IX., pp. 665-668.
Gold Auriferous Copper Cobalt
Chrome-
Exported. ^n^\ „ °ret , Ore Ore.
Jfon Stibnite.
Exported. Exported. ule' Ore.
Oz. Troy. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons.
Tons. Tons.
1872 2,189
1873 1,663 ... 57
1874 280 ... 665
1875 ... ... 1,340 327 ...
35
1876 600 ... 2,622 3,406 T5
1877 901 ... 4,622 4,377 249-7
1878 1,089 ... 6,024 155 38"9
1879 18 ... 7,741
1880 ... ... 3,441 2,528 ...
500
1881 ... ... 5,208 4,070 ...
2.300
1882 ... 20 3,385 9,025 327"0 3,670
1883 ... 30 2,991 6,881 4,27l"0 2,192
48
1884 ... 35 2,060 .10,888 3,467-0 2,710
880
M. W. B.
COMPARISON OP THE COSTS OF SEVERAL SYSTEMS OF TRANSMITTING MOTIVE POWER.
Comparaison entre les divers Systemes de Transmission de Force vnotrice.
By Jt/LES Laueiol. Le Genie Civil, Vol. IX., pp. 313-5 and 343-5.
The principal agents of transmission of motive power to a distance are
electricity, hydraulic pressure, compressed air, and ropes, the less applied
systems heing coal gas, steam, rarified air, etc.
The cost of the unit of power transmitted depends upon (a) the cost of the
motor power, (&) the useful effect of the mode of transmission, and (c) the
cost of working and maintaining the system.
The cost of motive power per hour is assumed at (a) steam engines, small
4'5d., average 3d., large l'2d.; (6) hydraulic power, "2d.; and (c) gas
engine (at 7s. per 1,000 feet), 4-5d.
The following tahle shows the cost per horse-power per hour utilized of
transmitting 100 horse-power under the four chief systems:—
Distance of Transmission in Yards.
Motive Power. System of Trans-
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
mission employed.
109. 546. 1,093. 5,468. 10,936. 21,872.
d. d. d. d. d. d.
Steam ... Electric......1-87 1-92 2-02 2-36 2-96
4-80
Water pressure ... 2-36 2-46 2-72 4-20 6-03 9'97
Compressed air ... 3"30 3"36 3-47 4-22 5"47 6'66
Ropes ......1-31 1-55 1-65 3-00 5-20 13-21
Hydraulic ... Electric...... -48 -50 -55 -65
-71 1*20
Water pressure ... '48 -57 -65 1-39 2-32 3-69
Compressed air ... '75 '83 *87 1"26 T94 3-50
Ropes ...... -26 '28 -31 -83 1*48 353
13
ON EXPLOSIONS IN LAMPBLACK FURNACES.
By Peoeessoe ENaLEB. Journal fur Gas Beluchtung, 1886, p. 147. In the
Black Forest the materials used for the manufacture of lamphlack are the
residues of firwood, together with coal-tar, etc. The material is thrown
into two slightly inclined ovens, and the gases carrying the lampblack pass
first into a cooling chamber and then into a tower from which they pass into
a chimney. Tar yields 25 per cent, and the firwood refuse 20 per cent, of
lampblack.
The gases found in the cooling chamber, 3 feet from the ovens, are—¦
Carbonic acid ... ... ... 6'2 to 10'8 per cent.
Carbonic oxide ... ... ... *5 to 1'4 ,,
Oxygen ............6'2 to 13"4 ,,
Marsh gas ... ... ... ... inappreciable.
Hydrogen............ „
Lampblack and air are not explosive, but there is a possibility of the
explosion of mixtures of lampblack, air, and combustible gases.
It has been ascertained that lampblack or powdered charcoal will cause
explosions in air containing 2-5 per cent, of marsh gas or 3'5 per cent, of
coal gas; and without lampblack, explosions are produced with 5'6 per cent,
of marsh gas or about 8 per cent, of coal gas. It is evident therefore that
the explosions cannot occur from the combustion of the gases and air, either
with or without lampblack, during the ordinary working of the furnaces.
It is most probable that they chiefly occur during the lighting up of the
furnaces, or if too large quantities of material are thrown in; and the
remedy would accordingly be—more care in working, to ignite the materials as
soon as they are placed in the furnace, and to carefully regulate the supply
of materials whilst working.
M. W.B.
REMARKS UPON THE EXPERIMENTS OF THE PRUSSIAN FIRE-DAMP
COMMISSION.
Sur les Travaux de la Commission Prussienne du Grisou. By Messes. Mailabd
and Le Chateliee. Annates des Mines, Ser. 8, Vol. IX., pp. 638-664.
Plate
XVII.
1.—Coal-dust.
(a) Coal-dust alone.—The experiments show that shots placed near the floor
of the gallery are alone capable of igniting dusts, and that this effect is
not prevented by inclining the direction of the hole towards the roof. When
the hole is stemmed with coal-dust instead of clay the length of the flame
becomes greater for all the holes;
thus—
Length of Elame in Eeet. Holes.
With Clay With Coal-dust
Stemming. Stemming.
1 ......... 13-7 ... 70-7
2 ......... 26-5 ... 75-0
3 ......... 9-5 ... 75-0
4 ......... 13-7 ... 79-0
5 ......... 9-5 ... 94-4
6 ......... 62-0 ... 94-4
7 ......... 57-4 ... 79-0
u
Hansa dust v\ras strewed with the clay stemming, and Gerhard dust with
coal-dust stemming over the gallery for a length of 328 feet.
The position of the holes was as annexed. The use of coal-dust stemming has
in all cases lengthened the flame of the shot; holes near the top, and
pointing downwards, whose flame with clay stemming did not reach the floor
and could not ignite the dust, have produced this effect when their flame
was lengthened by the coal-dust of the stemming.
The most important question regarding coal-dust is whether the ignition of
dust by a shot can be compared to that of powder
fired by a fuze, and to admit that the inflammation produced at any point
can be immediately propagated indefinitely. The Prussian Commission adopt
this view, when they allege as beyond doubt that with the Neu-Iserlohn and
Pluto dusts the length of-the flame can be increased by increasing the
length of the gallery strewed with dust. Consequently if all the galleries
of a mine were covered with dust, they would all be traversed by its
ignition at any point.
The experiments of the Prussian Commission do not, however, confirm this
opinion. Thus with the Pluto dust:—
Feet. Feet.
( 32-8 ~) (¦ 113-5
When the length of dust ) 65-6 ( the length of the \ 1397
strewed in the gallery is j 98"4 t flame is about 1 177'1
(131-2; (.190-2
It is true that in the last experiment the length of the flame still exceeds
that of the dust strewed in the gallery, but if a curve be drawn with the
lengths of dust as abscissae and the lengths of flames as ordinates, it will
be seen that the length of the flame approaches a horizontal tangent and
cannot be far from 200 feet. It is evident therefore that the length of the
flame cannot be indefinitely increased by increasing the length of the
gallery strewed with dust. This is so true that for the less combustible
dusts the length of flame has been determined, beyond which the increase of
the length of the strewing produced no apparent lengthening of the flame.
The phenomenon of the ignition of coal-dust by a shot appears to be as
follows:— In the part of the gallery reached by the powder gases, moving at
a high velocity and endowed with a high temperature, the dust is violently
thrown into suspension and ignites. The gaseous mass, thus ignited
(considerably expanded by heat and increased by the partial distillation of
the dust that has been thrown into suspension by the mechanical effects of
the powder gases), expands into the gallery and extends to a distance
proportional to the mechanical effects of the powder gases, and to the ease
with which the dust in suspension is distilled. The mechanical effect of
this jet of flame upon the dust of the gallery, situated at such distances
as to escape the initial action of the powder gases, is small, and rapidly
decreases until it is destroyed at a very short distance from the shot.
This opinion is confirmed by the small values of the mechanical effects.
Thus, with a coal-stemmed shot, when the gallexy was not strewed, the
movement of the wagon (1,627 lbs.) varied between 7"8 and 15*7 inches. When
the gallery was strewed with dust the wagon was moved from 7'1 to 23-6
inches, but with the exceptional Pluto dust it reached 100'4 inches.
The mechanical effect of the ignition of dust is therefore very small, and
when it becomes greater for certain exceptional kinds of coal it is still
much inferior to that of an explosion of fire-damp. Thus, while the wagon
was moved 100-4 inches with Pluto dust, it was moved 314-9 inches (3'2 times
further) under the effects of the explosion of 706 cubic feet of mixture
containing -07 of fire-damp.
15
The experiments of the Prussian Commission entirely confirm our opinions
which follow :—Combustions of dusts are not, to speak exactly, explosions;
these combustions, indeed, only produce mechanical effects entirely
insignificant for most dusts, and always much less than those of fire-damp
explosions, even for the most exceptional dusts. The combustion produced at
any point does not extend indefinitely over the whole area covered with
dust. The length of this ignition is proportional to the intensity of the
mechanical action which has raised and ignited the dusts; this length is
always limited, and is (under the effects of blown-out shots of ^ lb. of
powder) about 65 feet for most dusts, and only reaches 200 feet in the case
of very exceptional dusts; and an explosion which extends over a
considerable distance is consequently not a dust explosion.
(b) Fire-damp and Air.—The limit of the inflammability of air and fire-damp
is somewhat difficult to determine. From the Prussian experiments upon the
length of the flame produced by a blown-out shot, stemmed with clay, passing
into an atmosphere containing variable proportions of fire-damp, it is
highly probable that explosion is produced between 6 and 7 per cent, of gas.
It is found also that the agitation of the gas connecting the unburnt and
burning gases exerts a most powerful influence in augmenting the velocity of
propagation of the ignition, and that the conditions are very variable; it
may therefore be assumed that in a large space the propagation of the
inflammation may occur, in a more or less irregular manner, in a mixture
containing "056 of fire-damp.
(e) Fire-damp and Coal-dust.—The experiments of the Prussian Commission
entirely confirm our expressed opinions that the influence of fire-damp upon
the combustibility of dusts, if it is not altogether nil, is at least much
less important than was at first assumed. It appears that so long as the
proportion of gas contained in the air is not dangerous by itself, dusts
have only a feeble influence. They only have the effect of augmenting the
length of the flame of the shot and, consequently, the quantities of gas
which may be ignited in the vicinity of its flame. The co-existence of
coal-dust and fire-damp does not create any special danger when each of
these bodies singly is not of itself dangerous.
2.—Safety Lamps.
The experiments of the Commission show that the cause of the danger arising
from an internal explosion is not great for most of the lamps in use, such
as the Davy, Boty, and Mueseler, consequently the conclusions of the
Commission, which are based upon such a standard of safety, are of no
practical value. They recommend the use of the Boty lamp, which is
notoriously inefficient, as compared with the Mueseler and Marsaut lamps,
when exposed to a mixture of air and fire-damp moving at high velocities.
3.—Influence of the Atmospheric Pressure upon the Issue of Fire-damp.
The experiments of the Prussian Commission have been carefully carried out,
but their duration has been too short, probably owing to the great attention
required in the observations.
The experiments appear to show that in working districts which are not in
communication with large exhausted areas, the influence of the pressure of
the atmosphere upon the quantity of fire-damp existing in the galleries is
scarcely apparent; and that this influence is only experienced, in a very
irregular manner, when enormous reservoirs more or less filled with gas and
air, are in immediate communication with the workings.
M. W. B.
16
ON THE PRESSURE EXERTED BY WATER IN SOIL.
By L. Beennbcke. Zeitschrift fur Bauwesen, 1886, p. 101. The results are
given of a number of experiments upon the influence of capillary attraction
in diminishing the pressure of water in sands of various degrees of fineness
and in clay.
Examples are quoted of the varying resistances of different soils. At a
colliery in Germany, when repairing the shaft under pneumatic pressure, at a
depth of 48 feet below the level of surface water in a saturated clay sand,
a pressure of § atmosphere excluded the water instead of nearly double that
pressure due to the head of water column. At another colliery the sinking
was carried with a pressure of 2J atrrtospheres, to a depth which was
calculated to require 8 atmospheres.
It is suggested that the water was in these cases partly supported by the
air pressure and partly by capillary attraction.
M. W. B.
REUMAUX'S HYDRAULIC RAMS FOR LOWERING THE CAGE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SHAFT.
Notice sur les Taquets hydrauliques. systeme Reumaux. By J. WtJilLOT.
Societe des Ingenieurs sortis de VJEcole provinciate d''Industrie et des
Mines du Sainaut. Ser. 2, Vol. XVII., pp. 72-80. Plates V., VI, and VII.
Hangings-on, situated at different levels, connected by drop-staples or
inclined galleries, afford great facilities for working, but necessitate
great cost for labour, and are not always applicable. Vertical movement of
the cage is consequently required in the pit.
M. Reumaux has invented a very simple form of hydraulic counterbalance, the
power being obtained by utilizing the vertical height of the pit.
The apparatus consists of two pairs of hydraulic rams (one pair for each
cage), which receive the cages, their descent being regulated by a "
cataract," consisting of the variable opening of a tap. A column of water in
the pit returns the ram to its initial position (ready for another cage)
-when the tap is opened. A tube of least resistance is provided, to save the
apparatus from rupture in case of a heavy shock.
The apparatus has reduced a very high speed of the cage within a length of 4
feet. The " cataract" is an effectual break for the cages, and the velocity
is reduced with such promptness and regularity that the lives of eight
workmen were once saved, when, owing to inattention of the engineman, the
cage went at ordinary working speed upon the counterbalance.
The apparatus consists of a metal cylinder, an iron ram with a head and
automatic catches to carry the cage, and a tube of least resistance. The
water working the ram is contained in a small iron tank, about 240 feet
above the hanging-on, connected with the rams by a pipe of '8 to 1*2 inch
diameter. In frosty weather, a little warm water is placed in the cistern in
the morning or the freezing point of the water may be lowered by the
addition of a suitable soluble salt.
The price of the apparatus for a two-decked cage, with four tubs on a deck,
is about £175 in France, the weight being:—Metal, 40 cwts.; bronze, 24
cwts.; and iron, 90 cwts.
The cage is stopped at any required level, by closing the tap at the proper
instant; but, to make sure, M. Reumaux has added " keps " of a novel design.
The apparatus has been applied to cages with two and three decks at the Lons
and Courrieres collieries.
• /'
In the cases of cages with four decks, the great length of the rams and
cylinders requires a rearrangement of the parts. The apparatus is then
inverted and works by traction: this reduces the dimensions of the cylinder
and the cn§t of the apparatus.
It will be seen that the hydraulic counterbalance is simple, ready, and
efficient, and considerably reduces the operation of loading the cages;
further, it greatly reduces the cost of making the hanging-on at the bottom
of the pit; and generally it presents incontestable advantages which will
make its application more extensive.
M. W. B.
VENTILATION OF MINES IN WESTPHALIA.
Sur I'Aerage des Mines dans le Bassin Houiller de la Ruhr (JVestphalie).
By L. Bochbt. Annates des Mines, Ser. 8, Vol. X.. pp. 143-199, Plate I.
I.—Intboductoky. (a) Statement of Accidents from Explosions in Coal Mines in
Westphalia :—
j m Per 1,000,000 Tons
Per 1,000
.2 § _j % Worked.
Workmen.
Year- I I 1 I r, ,
Killed
o & 14 3 Explo- and
Killed. Injured.
Q £j sions.
Injured.
1870 224 34 56 59 2"88 974
T07 1-13
1871 237 40 50 79 3"15 10-15
-78 1-23
1872 252 36 24 63 2"49 6'03
"35 -92
1873 273 57 30 92 3-47 7"43
-37 1-15
1874 281 45 25 82 2-90 6"89
"30 "98
1875 269 52 16 69 3"06 5-00
-19 '82
1876 238 43 19 66 2-40 475
23 '79
1877 223 37 20 I 39 2-09 333
-27 '53
1878 211 61 31 J 66 323 5*10
"42 -90
1879 206 83 43 ! 111 4"07 7-56
-56 F45
1880 203 62 81 | 108 276 8'40
102 F36
1881 200 76 53 120 3-21 7"32
"64 T44
1882 196 120 112 ! 159 4"64 10-47
T25 177
Average peryr. 232 57 43 86 310 | 7'09
"57 111
(b) Geology.—The Ruhr coal-field forms a belt, about 40 miles long, from
the Rhine towards Lnna, lying east and west; the width of the belt is
greatest near Bochum, where it is nearly 12 miles. The Coal-Measures, whose
thickness is about 8,000 feet, crop out on the south, and are covered on the
north by Cretaceous marls, lying almost horizontal, whose thickness reaches
800 feet at Recklinghausen. The general inclination is about 7 degs. N.N.W.
There are about 132 coal seams, of which about 74 are workable, with a mean
thickness of 33 feet. The coal seams are not much disturbed by faults or
flexures.
(c) Fire-damp.—Fire-damp is not usually found in the Ruhr coal-field.
Some
mines, however, are very dangerous, as shown by the following table:—
Dollierip<! Number of Explosions
ICiiiprl
collieries. from lg61 tQ 18g2>
Killed.
Dorstfeld............ 32 ...... 4
Consolidation .... ... ... 29 ...
... 6
Friedrich Wilhelm ...... 26 ...... 9
Germania ... ... ... ... 26 ... ...
20
Pluto ............ 26 ...... 87
Kaiserstuhl ......... 25 ...... 29
Neu-lserlohn .. ... ... 16 ... ...
155
180 310
c
18
Sudden outbursts of gas are unknown and blowers are rare, and the accidents
appear to be due to carelessness of workmen and masters, or natural causes.
The issue of gas is usually very constant and regular. The following table
shows the quantities of gas in a number of collieries:—
Percentage in the Volume produced per Cubic Foot Return Air.
of Coal Worked. Collieries.
---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Fire- Carbonic Fire Carbonic tw,>i
damp. Acid. damp. Acid. 10tal-
Cub. Ft. Cub. Ft. Cub.«Ft.
RheinElbe ......... '22 71 132 4-25
5-57
Carolus Magnus ...... '08 77 '88
8'50 9"38
Louise ......... '27 "19 5'96
419 1015
Bonifacius ......... "45 "29 6"90
4-22 1112
Tremonia ......... 17 '41 3-50
8'43 11-93
Massen ......... '25 15 7'48
4'52 12-00
Consolidation......... -23 -41 4-99 8"89
13-88
Prosper, No. 1......... '04 -89 "61 13-65
14-26
Horder ........ -24 59 410 10-81
15-21
Neu-Iserlohn, No. 2 ...... 113 -32 13-27
2"99 16-26
Dorstfeld......... '38 -38 8-67 8-67
17-34
Carl ........... '03 -85 -68 19"23
1991
Pluto.......... -53 -66 1110 11-88 23-28
Barillon ......... 1-02 "86 1717
1417 31-64
Germania ......... 14 10 16-62 15-11
31-73
Wolfsbank, No. 1 ...... '05 P84 -86
31-65 32-51
Shamrock ....... -83 74 20'95 18-68
39"63
Neu-Iserlohn, No. 1 ...... -35 -08 33-64
7"69 41-33
Kaiserstuhl ......... 1-09 "25 47"50 10-89
58"39
If a map is prepared, showing all the collieries producing more than 2 cubic
feet of gas per cubic foot of coal worked, it will be found that they lie in
four belts in the direction of N. 65° E., running respectively through
Dortmund, Heme, Horde, and Essen. It is remarkable that these gaseous zones
exactly correspond to four saddlebacks or anticlines in the Coal-Measures.
These facts would support the theory that the importance of issues of
fire-damp is more especially due to geological contortions and the resulting
compressions, than to the composition of the coal.
(d) Modes of Working.—The coal is worked by forming pillars, from 10 to 15
yards wide, and of varying lengths, which are afterwards removed by a second
working. The royalty attached to the mines varies from 120 or 150 acres to
1,700 or 1,800 acres, the average being about 560 acres. Hugo Colliery has a
depth of about 1,950 feet, a few exceed 1,000 feet, the shallowest are about
600 feet.
II.—Ventiiation.
(a) Number of Pits.—Most of collieries have only a single shaft, used for
winding, pumping, ventilation, and ladder pits, divided by suitable
partitions. The loss of air through the brattice is 67 per cent, at Carolus
Magnus Colliery, and is usually from 30 to 32 for all the collieries with
single shafts.
(b) Ascentional Ventilation.—The general rule is practised that the air
shall descend by the downcast pit, and that its distribution in the workings
shall be afterwards always in an ascending direction.
(c) Splitting of the Current.—Splitting the air is extensively carried out,
both in seams and districts of seams, but this subdivision is occasionally
pushed too far.
(d) Volume of Air.—Most of the well-arranged mines give each workman at
least 70 cubic feet of air per minute, and some 100 cubic feet, but the
majority are content
19
with 35 to 50 cubic feet. A horse is usually reckoned as equal to three men.
The dilution of the gases is shown, by a previous table, where the
proportions are not dangerous, but 714 per cent, was found in the Zollern
Colliery, and 9'75 per cent, in the Tremonia Colliery, by the Prussian
Fire-damp Commission.
III.—Direction of the Current.
(a) Air-ways.—The areas of the downcast and upcast shafts of the mines are
occasionally in the ratio of 10 to 1, the most frequent ratio being 5 to 1.
There are a few exceptions, where the upcasts are larger than the downcasts.
Similar differences are found in the areas of the air-ways, used for intakes
and returns. The average areas are—intakes, 30 to 40 square feet; and
returns, 20 to 30 square feet ; but there has been marked improvement made
in recent years. The average length of the air-currents is estimated at
3,800 yards. The average value of the equivalent orifices is about 10 square
feet.
(b) Doors and Regulators.—Wooden doors are used, one, two, or three in
number, according to the needs of each case. Cloth doors are generally used
where tho-sfrata is subject to " thrusts." Regulators are exclusively
placed in the return airvways.
(c) Airing of the Workings.—The air is exclusively led around th0 face in
both whole and broken workings. The haulage roads are all closed off by
doors, except towards the main return, consequently, they are only aired
when the do'drs are opened. Sometimes the air is coursed, in one current,
through the old workings. Brattice is used in single places to carry the air
to the face. In the case of long drifts, wooden boxes, from 36 to 100 square
inches in area, or iron tubes, from 10 to 30 square inches in area, are
employed. If large volumes are required, wood or brick brattice is used.
(d) Shaft Brattice.—The shaft brattice is usually made of planks, spiked
to buntons, the joints being carefully closed. Upon the average 3P36 per
cent, of the air is lost by the imperfections of the shaft brattice.
(e) Old Workings.—Old workings are ventilated in a few cases, but
generally they are built off.
IV.—Production op the Current.
(a) Without Ventilators.—A small number of mines are ventilated by natural
means; in others, the ventilation is produced by boiler chimneys,
underground furnaces, or by steam jets.
(b) Ventilators.—The mechanical ventilators now in use are:—Guibal.40;
Pelzer, 18: Winter, 13; Fabry, 9; Schiele, 4; Kaselowski, 2 ; Wagner, 1;
Dinnendahl, 1; or 88 altogether, excluding those kept as reserve.
The Fabry fans are all about 10 feet wide, and 10 to 12 feet in diameter,
with three wings, and run from 20 to 30 revolutions per minute.
The Guibal fans are usually about 30 feet diameter, but there are some about
40 feet, running 30 to 50 revolutions per minute. In recent installations,
they are 23 feet diameter and 6^ feet wide, running at 75 revolutions per
minute. The blades, usually eight, are now made of iron. They have usually
two inlets, and no sliding shutter. The chimney is from 20 to 30 feet high,
and its upper orifice from 6 to 8 feet square.
The Pelzer fan consists of an iron wheel, with 6 or 8 helicoidal blades,
placed in the axis of the fan drift. Part of the fan is placed in the
orifice of the drift, and part is ontside the orifice. The first part acts
as a screw, and exhausts the air in a direction parallel to its axis; and
the second throws it at right angles to the axis by centrifugal action.
The Pelzer fans are usually 8 to 10 feet diameter, and from 1 to 1£ feet
wide.
The Wagner and Winter fans depend upon centrifugal force. They are of small
diameter, without case, and rapid running. The blades are fixed, at an
angle of 20 to
20
30 clegs., to a central disc. They are made from 8 to 10 feet diameter, and
from 6 to 15 inches wide, with 12 to 16 blades. The running speed varies
from 250 to 400 revolutions per minute.
The Schiele fan runs at from 400 to 450 revolutions per minute. One is
placed at a depth of 800 feet, 3'3 feet diameter, and it runs 600 to 700
revolutions per minute.
In the Dinnendahl fan the axis is vertical, and provided with eight
helicoidal blades. The screw is 8 feet diameter, and driven by a Brotherhood
engine, at 120 revolutions per minute, the fan running at 840 revolutions
per minute.
The Kaselowski is similar to the Dinnendahl fan, the difference consisting
in the form of the wheel.
The Kley fan is similar to the Guibal; it consists of a wheel 2'3 feet wide
and about 30 feet diameter, turning upon a horizontal axis. There are 24
blades, each 4 feet deep, inclined at an angle of 5 degrees to the radius.
This wheel turns in a spiral casing, connected with an expanding chimney.
The inlet to the fan is 22 feet diameter. The peculiarity of this fan is the
mode of admission of the air. The inlet is connected with a spiral chamber
similar to that of the fan, and the air enters this chamber in a tangential
direction. The air rotates in the outer chamber in the same direction as the
fan, passes through the inlet in a helicoidal course, and continues its
rotary movement through the fan into the chimney. The inventor claims a
useful effect varying from 70 to 86 per cent.
The following table shows the useful effects of the various ventilators in
use :—
Percentage of Useful Effect.
Watergauge. Power Applied.
Guibal ...............717 ... 15"1
Winter ,..............33"6 ... 360
Wagner ...............39"4 ... 51-6
Schiele ...............49"2 ... 36-5
Pelzer ...............45"0 ... 3P4
Dinnendahl...............60'0 ... 2P4
Kaselowski...............34'0 ... 311
Kley (from the inventor) ... ... 77'8 ...
533
Fabry ............... — ... 25'1
M. W. B.
DRESSING ORE WITH AIR-JIGS.
Dry Ore Concentration. JBy John Heard, Junior. The Engineering and
Mining Journal, Vol. XLIL.pp. 7-8.
The subject of pneumatic dressing of ores (in which air is used as the fluid
medium instead of water in the jigs) is frequently considered as a Utopian
solution to an impossible problem, rather than as an established fact. It
has been frequently condemned, because all the experiments made in Europe
have proved to be failures. In America, however, good results have been
obtained. The data of the experiments are all lamentably incomplete, but
they are the only ones that can be obtained.
Three principles have been applied to pneumatic dressing of ores :—
Horizontal continuous currents. Vertical continuous currents, aspiration and
blast. Vertical intermittent currents. The objections to the practical
success of the first and second systems are that the action of the current
is too brief, the ore particles interfere with each other, and there
21
is no opportunity of correcting defective performance. In the third system,
each particle of ore is acted upon hundreds of times before reaching the
"tails" and "heads" compartments.
The intermittent puff of air was first applied for ore dressing by Chubb,
and since improved by S. R. Krom and T. H. Paddock.
The following figures should convince even the most opposed antagonists of
dry concentration that the separation of ores from their gangue, and of ores
of different densities from each other, can be effected simply, cheaply, and
thoroughly, by S. R. Krom's air-jig:—
Concentrates.
Ore ____________________________________ Granular Chamber
Totals.
Dust. Dust.
No. 1. J No. 2. No. 3. Totals
Star Canon Mill— De Soto Mixie, lbs. 66,800 1,013 1,092
515 2,620 11,998 ..
14,618
Assay £14 9 0 £144 10 10 £237 10 3 £240 18 2 .. £27
12 8
Value£482 11 3 £73 4 2!£129 13 7 £61 1 5 £26319 2 £165 15 6
.. £429 14 8
ShebaMine, lbs. 38,150 1,072 1,077 644
2,793 2,881 .. 5,674
Assay £11 611 £88 4 4 £11119 5 £156 17 .. £19 6
3
Value £216 7 9 £47 5 8 £60 511 £50 5 1 £157 16 8 £27 16 4
.. £185 13 0
Seminole Mine.lbs. 3,260 55 49 48
152 .. .. 152
Assay £019 4 £6 9 3 £17 7 6 £27 0 5 Value £111 6 £0
3 6 £0 8 6 £013 0 £1 5 0 ¦ .. ..
£15 0
Manhattan Mill—
First run, lbs, 88,151 3,456 2,584
1,322 7,362 7,353 6,484 21,199
Assay £516 10 £16 19 3 £41 9 5 £40 16 10 ..
£11 12 5 £9 14 9
Value £257 12 8 £29 6 3 £70 13 5 £31 19 10 £13119 6 £42 0
10 £31 11 5 £205 11 9
Second run, lbs. 31,823 1,550 1,309 771
3,630 3,374 2,283 9,287
Assay £5 0 6 £20 2 1 £29 6 6 £24 3 9 .. £11
8 6 £7 4 11
Value £7918 9 £1511 3 £19 2 8 £9 6 5 £44 0 4; £15 18 0
£8 5 4 £08 3 8
Third run, lbs. 102,228 5,832 I 5,413 2,967
14,212 | 13,428 7,341 34,981
Assay £16 810 £56 4 7 £82 12 6 £75 1 9 .. I £29 10
6 £21 19 10 Value £840 1 8 £163 19 4 £223 4 2 £111 7 10 £498 11 4
£193 3 11 £8115 0 £778 10 3
____________________I___________________i__________i__________|__________i__
____________________________
The capacity of each jig at Manhattan mill is 300 lbs. of ore, free from
dust, per
hour.
The most recent improvements are found in the Paddock air-jig, consisting of
an inclined, adjustable, stationary deck, over which the ore passes from an
adjustable hopper at the upper end to the discharge at the lower end. The
air is forced through the cloth surface of the deck by bellows below it,
whose blast is regulated both as to quantity of air and number of strokes.
The bellows is horizontal, and discharges into an air-chamber below the
deck. There are suitable arrangements forming an air-tight joint, by which
any lateral or longitudinal inclination can be given to the deck.
The deck consists of a cast-iron grating, through which the air passes from
the air-chamber, and over this a piece of broad-cloth is stretched, and
clamped firmly down. A grating, of T\ inch brass strips on edge, is pressed
upon the bed, parallel to a diagonal of the bed. These strips are placed
from f inch to 1^ inches apart, and are from $ to i inch high, according to
the size of material treated. There is. above this, another grating of zinc
strips, TV inch thick, 2| inches high, and from f to f inch apart, running
parallel to the other diagonal of the deck, but not quite to the opposite
side, where a 3 inch longitudinal trough guides the waste, scraped from the
top of the ore bed, down the side towards the waste discharge.
The discharge is at the open and lower end of these two gratings, and the
ore passes out and over an inclined plane, divided by two adjustable
fingers, into " heads," " middlings," and " tailings."
22
The machine is made adjustable in all its parts; the length of the ore bed,
length of stroke, revolutions, longitudinal and lateral inclination, and
width of discharge, can all be regulated to suit the ore.
One of these machines was used at the Blue Hill mines, upon a material
consisting of a chloritic slate containing copper and iron pyrites, galena,
and some silver. The ore was very low grade, and was crushed between 60 and
100 mesh. The average contents were—copper, 132 per cent., and silver, 4
ounces per ton. The ore was first separated from the gangue, and the heads
run over again to separate the galena from the other sulphurets.
Blende has been separated from galena, leaving less than 1 per cent. It is
cjaimed that any materials can be separated by its means whose difference of
specific gravity is more than 1*25.
The capacity of the Paddock air-jig varies with the closeness of the work
and fineness of the ore. Fine sizes will run at the rate of from 1,000 to
1,200 lbs. per hour, coarse sizes (up to 35 mesh) from 1,500 to 2,000 lbs.
per hour. Sizes above 140 mesh do not give satisfactory results.
M. W. B.
ORE DRESSING WITH AIR BLAST.
JJber Erzaufbereitung mittelst Gebldseluft (Luft separation). By E. W.
Neubebt. Jahrbuch fur das Berg- und Hilttenwesen irn Konigreiche Sachsen,
1886, pp. 71-83. Plates I. and II.
A system of dry ore dressing has been adopted at the Himmels Furst Mine,
near Freiberg. The ore is spread over an endless belt, and subjected to
blasts of air. The endless belt is made of india-rubber, 18"9 inches wide,
carried by rollers 93'3 inches apart, and about 16 inches diameter, and
moving at a velocity of 4-33 to 4'72 inches per second. The air pipe is
placed upon one of the long sides of the belt, with five orifices, from
which the blast is directed over the ore lying upon the belt. The orifices
are 9'84 inches long and 3-93 inches apart. The ore is delivered upon the
belt from a hopper, placed at one end of the belt, through distributing
rollers. Four leather straps, '19 inch wide, are stretched across the belt
between the blast orifices. The surface of the belt subjected to the air is
74'8 inches long. On the other side of the endless belt are five bunkers,
into which the lighter material is blown. The air is supplied from a blowing
fan. 1338 inches diameter, running at 1,250 to 1,300 revolutions per minute.
The products vary greatly; with low grade ore, containing a large proportion
of gneiss, the first and second bunkers contain ''tails," the third, fourth,
and fifth intermediate products, and the material remaining upon the belt
and thrown into the bunker at the end may be good ore or " heads." The
intermediate products are worked over again.
The system is similar to that of washing in sluices, in which mixed material
must be frequently washed to separate the valuable ores. For large works it
would be preferable to erect two or three dressers, with five blowing
orifices each, instead of a single machine with ten or fifteen blowing
orifices.
The results of twenty experiments upon various classes of ores are given,
together with analyses (if the original ore, the "heads," and the "tails."
The experiments
2?,
show that the process works efficiently with galena, which can be separated
with a mimimum of loss; but there is a difficulty in the separation of iron
pyrites and zinc blende.
The cost of the process is somewhat higher than the oi-dinary washing
systems, but crushed ore, with 5 per cent, or more of galena, can be
advantageously treated.
M. W. B.
POECH'S AUTOMATIC GATES FOR WINDING SHAFTS.
Poech's Automatische, von der Forderschale unabhdngige
ScAachtverschluss-Vorrich-tung. Berg-und Suettenmcennische Zettung.
1886. No. 50, p. 523. Plate VIII.
The arrangement consists of light iron gates, worked by means of ropes from
the axle of the winding engine. The gates are hung by ropes from a drum
placed above the level of the fiat sheets; the axle of this drum is driven
direct from the winding engine by a special rope. The slack of this rope is
taken up by a sliding pulley between the pit and the engine.
The apparatus is applied to a shaft 328 feet deep. The rope drum is 98'42
inches diameter, the axis for the motor rope is 9'84 inches diameter, the
drum for lifting the gates is 2953 inches, and its axis 11'81 inches
diameter. The gates weigh 37^ lbs., and the sliding pulley 35\ lbs.
M. W. B.
ACCIDENTS TO STRUCTURES BUILT WITH MAGNESIAN CEMENTS.
Note sur les Accidents constates dans divers Ouvrages d1 Art,par suite de
VEmploide Ciments magnesiens. By Messes. Leon Dueand-Claye and Debeay.
Annales des Ponts et Chaussees, Series 6, Vol. XL, 1886, pp. 845-856, and 1
plate.
By an official circular of July 18, 1876, the French Government, in such
works as bridges, sluices, quay walls, etc., erected in soft water or out'
of the water, as well as in those parts of constructions upon the coast
placed above the level of high tides, allowed the use of cements containing
notable proportions of magnesia.
One of these cements, prepared at Campbon (Loire-Inferieure), at various
times has been analysed as under:—
Date of Analyses. 1876. 1876. 1883.
1881. 1885.
Jan. April. Dec. June. April.
PerCent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent.
Silicious sand ... 1'05 —
"35 -80
Combined silica ... 15-00 14-80 18-30 20-70
18-20
Alumina ...... 11'15 8"00 2"95 3-35
4-60
Peroxide of iron ... 2-40 4-60 3-60 '
3-65 4-15
Lime ...... 52-65 47-30 44-80 43-30
4395
Magnesia ...... 16-20 24-30 28-15 2670
26"50
Sulphuric acid ... "45 "60 "30
-15 -45
Loss ...... 1-10 -40 1-90
1-80 1-35
100-00 100-00 100-00 100-00 100-00
This Campbon cement was used in the construction of the bridges upon the
railway from Questembert to Ploermel; but about the end of 1882 (one year
after the opening for traffic) it was found that the arches of these bridges
were being subjected to
24
abnormal movements, and fissures were produced. These continued to open
until strong centres were placed under the arches, and after examination,
the arches were taken down. The official report was to the effect that owing
to the expansion of the cement the joints of the arches were enlarged and
destroyed. There was a marked fissure at the line of separation between the
arch and the buttresses.
The same cement was used in both abutments and the left hand foundation of a
bridge, with iron arches, at the station at Nantes. This bridge was finished
in 1883, and in 1884 two fissures were found in the left hand abutment.
Since then the fissures continued to multiply until 1885. It appeared from
observations that the dislocations were all due to enlargement of the left
hand foundation and both abutments, without any settlement. The width of the
left hand abutments was increased by many inches, and the fissures had a
constant width from top to bottom. The beds remained horizontal, and the
largest fissure (1*6 inches wide) was continued down into the quay wall.
Fissures were also formed in the abutment on the right hand side, which had
been built with the Campbon cement; but the foundations (in which another
cement had been used) were sound.
Numerous examples of similar accidents produced in other structures have
been noted, in which Campbon cement had been used.
Experiments have been made in order to test whether the accidents are due to
the exceptional proportion of magnesia, or wholly due to the magnesia
itself.
Cements of well known quality were made into paste, and placed in thin glass
tubes, one series pure, and the others mixed with proportions of calcined
magnesia varying from 2 to 35 per cent. In one set the magnesia was mixed
with the cement when cold; in the second, the cement and magnesia were mixed
and calcined together. Half of the tubes were kept in the air, and half were
filled with water. In varying lengths of time, the tubes of cement and
magnesia filled with water were burst under the action of the magnesia;
whilst those in air, and those of pure cement in air or water, were all
uninjured. Similar results were obtained from cements containing magnesia
naturally, as in that produced at Campbon.
The experiments evidently prove that a large proportion of magnesia,
contained in the cements, is the cause of the accidents happening to the
structures in whose construction they had been employed. It would appear
that the magnesia (contained in the stones used for the manufacture of
cement) does not combine with the silicious matter whilst in the kiln. This
magnesia, when moistened, only hydrates very slowly; this is accompanied
with considerable increase of volume, which produces the swelling of the
mortar. Consequently, such cements should not be employed where they are
exposed to action of water or moisture,
M. W. B.
EXPERIMENTS UPON WINDING WIRE-ROPES.
*v Ergehnisse von Zerreissungs-Versuchen mit Forderseilen. By A.
Kas. Oester-
reichische Zeilschrift fiir Berg- und Hiltten-wesen, 188G, 171-175 and
192-194.
The material of the ropes tested was patent crucible steel, of English or
German manufacture, with a tensile strength between 148,500 and 193.500 lbs.
per square inch and a diameter from -074 to \L10 inches.
The experiments were made upon new wire ropes, and upon worn ropes with no
broken wires and with broken wires.
The experiments showed that the tensile strength was slightly increased by
the twisting together of the strands,
M. W. B.
25
A NEW SAFETY CARTRIDGE FOR MINES.
Siprengpatrone fur BergwerTce, gefilllst mit Schwefelsaure und Zinkstaub.
Olilckauf,
No. 16, 1886.
This invention of Dr. Kosman of Breslau depends for its action upon the
rapid evolution in the bore-hole of a large volume of hydrogen gas, the
resulting pressure of which is to be used to detach the coal or stone. The
cartridge consists of a glass bottle with a restriction or neck in the
middle, dividing it into two portions, communicating through an opening
about J inch in diameter. The volume of the lower and larger space is to the
volume of the other space as four to one. The larger space is filled with
commercial sulphuric acid diluted with an equal volume of water; the inner
neck is closed with a cork, and it is then handed to the miner for use. The
hole having been bored in the coal or stone is well clayed over in the
inside, so that all leakage of gas through fissures and cracks is prevented.
The upper part of the cartridge is then charged with zinc, and an iron
pricker laid in, passing through the zinc, and touching the cork in the
inner neck. The outer neck of the cartridge is closed with clay, and it is
then placed in the hole, which is carefully stemmed with clay, leaving one
end of the pricker projecting.
The shot is fired by striking the pricker with a hammer, so as to drive in
the cork or to break the glass at the inner neck; the result is that the
acid and zinc are mixed, and accompanied with formation of large volumes of
gas.
The pricker is tapered, so that when driven in it keeps tight in the clay
stemming, and prevents the escape of gas. The zinc used is the bluish-grey
powder collected in the condensing flues of zinc distilling furnaces.
Dr. Kosman claims that a cartridge 7 inches (180 millimetres) long and 1
inch (25 millimetres) diameter charged with 3 cubic inches (50 cubic
centimetres) of diluted sulphuric acid and 185 grains (12 grammes) of zinc
dust will produce 119 cubic feet (3-37 cubic metres) of hydrogen gas; the
production of this volume in a space of 5J cubic inches (90 cubic
centimetres) would create a pressure of more than 37,000 atmospheres.
*[This enormous pressure cannot, however, be produced. According to the
well-known formixla—
Z» + H2S04 = ZwS04 + H2, 65'2 grains of zinc will produce 2 grains or 1*358
cubic inches (65*2 grammes of zinc is the equivalent of 2 grammes or 22*32
litres) of hydrogen ; 185 grains (12 grammes) of zinc dust will contain 154
grains (10 grammes) of metallic zinc, and the volume of hydrogen produced
will be 209*13 cubic inches (3*423 litres). If this volume be compressed
into a space of 52 cubic inches (90 cubic centimetres) the pressure will not
be 37,000, but only about 38 atmospheres, which cannot possibly be
exceeded.]
M. W. B.
WATER CARTRIDGES.
Zur Frage der Schiess arbeit. Gluckauf, No. 90, 1885.
Experiments have been made at the Bonifacius and Zollvereia Collieries for
the prevention of explosions of gas or coal-dust due to shot-firing. The
conclusions deduced from them were :—That the use of dynamite and blasting
powder in the presence of fire-damp and coal-dust is dangerous, until some
certain means is invented for preventing the production of flame. The very
simple water cartridge does not afford, unfortunately, a sure remedy for
this purpose. M. W. B.
* Note of Translator.
d
26
THE HEAT OP COMBUSTION OP COAL.
Sur la Chaleur de Combustion de la Souille. By Messes. Scheueee-Kestnee
asd Mettniee-Dollfits. Annales de Chimie et de Physique, Ser. 6, Vol.
VIII., pp. 267-281. In 1870 attention was drawn by the authors to the fact
that it was impossible to compute (even approximately) the heat of
combustion from the chemical composition of coal. Calculations made in
accordance with Dulong's formula, which makes allowance for the presence of
oxygen in the fuel, are found to be less than experimental results.
•
In the former experiments the fuel was reduced to powder, and various
precautions adopted to secure complete combustion of the coal. In the
present experiments the calculations are based upon the results given by the
purely combustible matter, allowances being made for moisture and ash, and
pieces of coal were used. It was found that pure coal from the same colliery
possessed the same heat of combustion, irrespective of the ash.
The gases used in the experiments were either pure oxygen, or mixtures of
oxygen and nitrogen or air, and were quite dry.
The coals used were of varied character, ranging from—
Per Cent.
Carbon ............76-87 to 96-66
Hydrogen ............ 1-35 to 510
Oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur ... 1*99 to 18-45
The following results are extracted from their numerous experiments:—
Composition. Heat of Combustion.
Description of Coal. ,--------------"-------------->
(Centigrade Units.)
C. H. C+N+S. Experiment. Calculated.
French—
Eonchamp IV. ... 8719 510 710 8,946 8,552
Creuzot ...... 8818 411 Ml 9,623 8,431
Blanzy ...... 87-02 472 8'26 9,111 8,404
German—
Louisenthahl ... 76-87 168 18-45 8,215
7,575
English—
Bwlf ...... 91-08 3-83 5"09 8,780
8,473
Powel ...... 92-49 4-04 3*47 8,949
8,649
Russian—
Groucheski...... 96"66 1-35 1*99 8,259 8,203
Gralouhosski...... 82-67 5-07 12'26 8,021 8,154
M. W. B.
THE VELOCITY WITH WHICH A GAS PASSES PROM ONE PRESSURE TO A LOWER PRESSURE.
Mecherches Experiment ales sur la Limit de la Velocity que prend un Gaz
quand il passe d'une Pression a une autre plus faible. By G.-A. HlEt*.
Annales de Chimie et de Physique, Ser. 6, Vol. VII., pp. 291-349. Plate
II.
Prom an examination of the classic formula V = k */ 2gh, the author
concludes that it should be verified by experiment, as he considers it
probable that it ceases to be an approximation under certain conditions.
The apparatus employed is very fully described and illustrated by a plate;
it consisted essentially of a small gasometer. All the experiments were
made upon common
27
air at atmospheric pressure augmented by the pressure upon the gasometer.
The orifices experimented upon were two obtuse cones in thin plate, two
converging conical mouthpieces, and another consisting of a converging cone
with a glass mouthpiece.
The results of the experiments are fully detailed and compared with four
empirical formulae based upon theoretical views.
The conclusions of the author are that the true law of the issue of gas, for
any difference of pressure, is unknown. It would be possible to deduce an
empirical formula, which would be a close approximation to the experiments,
but the author has not made one.
He, however, points out that the theoretical velocity of atmospheric air
passing into a vacuum is 1,591 feet per second, whilst by experiment against
a small pressure a velocity of about 20,000 feet was obtained.
M. W. B.
---------
WALCHER MINING WEDGE.
Kohlenbrech apparat, patent Watcher. By Eugen Rittee von Wr/EZIAK.
Oester-reichische Zeitschrift fur Berg- und Muttenwesen, 1886, pp. 283-87,
and Plates VI. and VII.
This machine wedge, weighing about 200 lbs., consists of two parts—the
wedge, which is placed in a hole bored in the coal, and a hydraulic pump
with a pressure cylinder. The wedge, worked by two men, requires a hole 4'6
inches diameter and 39 inches long, which is bored in about ten minutes, by
a double-ratchet drilling machine, weighing about 110 lbs.: the drill used
is about 48 inches long.
The wedge has three parts—the two feathers and square central bar, with six
hard cast steel studs, which open the parts of the wedge when the central
bar is drawn out by the pressure cylinder.
This wedge is employed at the Archduke Albert's Collieries, near Teschen,
and has received general approval. It is claimed that mining is not rendered
more costly by its use.
M. W. B.
HELLHOPPIT AND CARBONIT.
Versuche mit den Sprengstoffen Hellhoffit and Carbonit. By —. Mabg-EAE.
Zeitschrift fur das Berg-, Hiitten-, u. Salinen-Wesen. Vol. XXXIV., pp.
59-72.
Heilhofeit.
This explosive, the invention of Captain Albert Hellhoff, has two
components, and is prepared from one part of dinitrobenzene C6H4(N02)2, and
1J parts of nitric acid HN03, or of one part of mononitrobenzene C6H5N02,
and 2| parts of nitric acid HN03, in all cases by weight. Hellhofnt is a
dark red or brown coloured liquid, which is ready for use when absorbed by
kieselguhr, etc.
When prepared in this manner hellhoflit is said to have the following
advantages over dynamite:—(1) cheaper in price; (2) may be harder and more
closely stemmed into the hole; (3) it does not explode coal dust or
fire-damp if there is less than 10 per cent, of gas, whilst dynamite
explodes 4J per cent, of gas; (4) it does not sweat out of the cartridge,
and if it did there is no danger, as it is not explosive by percussion; (5)
its use produces more round coal; and (6) the products of explosion are not
unpleasant to the lungs.
Caebontt.
This explosive is formed from nitrobenzene, but the process is not
described. It is of a greyish brown colour, and plastic like dynamite, with
a specific gravity of 1'3. It is said to have all the advantages of
hellhoffit, without being subject to spontaneous decomposition.
M. W. B.
28
PRICES OP COAL AND COKE AT THE RIVE-DE-GIER.
Prix-courants des charbons et cokes a la IUve-de-Qier. Bulletin de la
Societe de VIndustrie Minerale, Sir. 2, Tome XV.. p. 529, and Sir. 3, Tome
I., p. 345.
Price per Ton of 2,204 Lbs.
Aug. 1st, 1886. Jan. 1st, 1887.
s. s. s. s.
Large hard Land-picked ... ... 25'6 ...
25"6
Smaller ............ 192 to 216 ... 19'2 to 2P6
Nuts ......... ,..... 16-0 to 20-8 ... 16-0 to 20-8
------ (?) (Malbroug)......... 12*8 to 18"4 ... 12-8 to 17'6
»
Small ............... 10-4 to 16-0 ... 10-4 to 15"2
Patent fuel (agglomeres) ...... 12'8 to 15"2 ... 12"8 to 15*2
Coke, washed............ 24'0 ... 22-4
„ unwashed ......... 14-4 to 15-2 ... 14'4
J. H.M.
THE KLEY VENTILATING PAN.
Ventilator Kley. Zeitschrifl fiir das Berg-, Hiltten-, u. Salinen-Wesen
im Preus-sischen Staate. Vol. XXXIII., pp. 241, 242.
3 Horse-power.
.2 "Volume -wntpv_ _____________________ TTspfnl
Colliery. Fan. g of Air per fato
------------------------------- TTstful
o Minute. Inthe 0f
S, Air. Engine.
P3
Cubic Ft. Inches. Per Cent.
( Guibal: ) 40 45,130 1-574 12 29"4
40
Heinitz 1 32' 9" diam. r
60 71,100 3-346 38 85'5 44^
V 9' 10" wide;
2
Schmidt- I ^ I 40 37,040 1-259 7"45
13-82 54
-J 29' 6" diam. \
Manushall nl ... ., 62 57,410 2-283 20-95
37'44 56
V 3 7 wide )
M. W. B.
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE AND THE ISSUE OF FIRE-DAMP.
Berich iiber Versuche betressend den Einfuss des wechselnden Luftdruckes auf
die JSntwickelung des G-rubengases. By C. Hilt. Zeitschrift fur
das Berg-, Hutten-, u. Salinen-Wesen im PreussiscTien Staate. Vol.
XXXIV., pp. 72-90. Plates in text, f, g, h, i, Tc, I. These experiments were
made for the Prussian Fire-damp Commission, and are said to show the
following conclusions:—That an increase or decrease of pressure is followed
within twenty-four hours by a decrease or increase respectively in the issue
of firedamp or carbonic acid gas from the coal.*
M. W. B.
* See " Influence of the Atmospheric Pressure upon the Issue of Fire-damp,"
p. 15 of Abstracts in this volume.
29
AN INQUIRY INTO THE CONDITION OF THE BELGIAN MINERS.
Enquete sur la condition des Ouvriers Mineurs en Belgique. Tract No. 45,
published by Paul Dutilleux of Douai, October, 1886,^. 514-522.
This tract is founded on the documents presented by the Belgian Coal Trade
Associations to the Commission appointed in April, 1886, to inquire into the
coal trade crisis.
The Charleroi and Sambre Association are of opinion that the depression of
trade is due to an excess of production over demand, and has affected
capital more than labour, as is shown by the following Table :—
Average Yearly Wage Receipts per Ton.
Years Selling Price. per
Workman.----------------------------------------------
Capitalist. Workman.
Frs. Frs. Frs.
Frs.
1850 8-31 477 1-26
3-76
1855 12-78 785 2-39
6-63
1860 11-56 755 1-35
5-99
1865 10-69 787 1-28
5-34
1870 11-07 878 085
5-93
1875 15-80 1,179 0'93
8-67
1880 10-15 917 0-22
5-58
1885 8-88 796 0-43
4,'U
From which it will be observed that whilst the capitalist received about 1
franc per ton from 1850 to 1875, since the latter date he has only obtained
from 0-22 to 0'43 franc. The workman, on the other hand, is now receiving
more than he did in 1850. Omitting 1872-76—an abnormal period—M. Pirmez
shows that in Hainaut—
From 1860-71 the average yearly profits were ... 10,000,000 francs. „
„ „ wages „ ... 52,000,000 „
Total ............ 62,000,000 „
1877-83 average yearly profits were ... ... 2,000,000
francs.
„ ,, wages „ ... ...
71,000,000 „
73,000,000 „
In other words, capital has suffered much more than labour from the
depression in the Belgian coal trade.
All the Coal Trade Associations seem to be of opinion that the miserable
condition of the men is in part due to their drinking habits, and propose
alterations in the laws affecting public houses.
J. H. M.
STONE TUBBING.
Wasserdichte Schachtmauerung mit Steinernen KeilTcranzen. Zeitschrift fur
das Berg-, Hutten-, u. Salinen-Wesen im PreussiscTien Staate. Vol. XXXIII.,
pp. 224, 225.
Stone tubbing has been employed in a deep sinking at the Osterwald Colliery.
A ring consisted of ten segments, all the joints being wedged with wood.
M. W. B.
*
30
THE MINING CRISIS IN BELGIUM.
La Mine aux Mineurs. Analyse et lExtraits de la Brochure de E. Havel "La
Crise Oharbonniere Belyique." Tract No. 46, published by Paul Lutilleux of
Douai, November, 1886, pp. 526-531.
Belgium is placed at a disadvantage when compared with other countries from
the
thinness of its seams of coal. During the three years 1881-83 the
production per
person employed per annum was:—
Tons. Belgium ............... 169
France ............... 190
North and Pas de Calais ......... 207
Prussia ............... 273
Rhur.................. 287
England ............... 311
And the production per person employed below ground was :—
Tons. Belgium ... ... ... ... ...
244
North and Pas de Calais ... ... ... 264
Rhur.................. 372
The coal trade has had its periods of prosperity, the most brilliant being
that following the Franco-German war. During the three years 1872-74 the
Belgian colliery owners made a profit of 152,000,000 francs, wages amounted
to 380,000,000 francs, giving each workman 1,199 francs per annum. The value
created was more than 787,000,000 francs, which was divided as follows :—
48'20 per cent, in wages, 3 2 "49 „ in other working expenses,
1931 „ to the coal owners.
1875 was a year of transition, and during the last ten years the coal trade
has been in a depressed condition.
From 1876-84 (nine years) the profits (about
half the collieries have made profits) were ... 92,375,000 francs.
The losses ............... 73,471,000 „
Net profits ...... 18,904,000 „
Equal to a profit of about 2,100,000 francs per annum. The value created was
1,505,981,000 francs, of which the workmen received 800,000,000 francs, or
920 francs per man per annum. This 1,506,000,000 was divided as follows
:—
56*64 per cent, in wages, 42-13 „ in other working expenses,
1"25 „ to the capitalist.
The small profits realised by the coal owners have resulted in the
investment, during recent years, of much smaller sums in new work than
formerly. Thus there was spent
in—
Francs.
1876 ............... 27,000,000
1880 ............... 17,000,000
1885 ............... 12,000,000
The author finally discusses the state of the working classes generally, and
asks if these numerous disturbances occurring not only in Belgium, but in
other parts of the world as well, are due to the industrial depression only,
or if they are not the prelude to a violent anarchical movement throughout
the world. J. H. M.
81
PRICES OF COAL AND COKE AT ST. ETIENNE.
Prix-courants des Charbons et Cokes a, St. Etienne. Bulletin de la
Societe de VIndustrie Minerale, Sir. 2, Tome XV., p. 529, et Ser. 3, Tome
I., p. 345.
Price per Ton of 2,204 Lbs. Aug. 1st, 1886. Jan. 1st, 1887.
s S. s. s.
Large hard hand-picked, first quality ... 26"4 to 28"8 ...
23-2 to 24"0 Large tender ,, good quality ... 216 to
24'0
„ „ ordinary quality.. 20-8 ...
21"6
Treble nuts, first quality ......... 168 to 18'4 ... 17"6 to
20"4
second quality ...... 152 to 16*0 ... 16'0 to 16'8
Nuts, washed ............ 13-6 to 16-0 ... 14-4 to 17-2
„ unwashed ............ 10'4 to 12-8 ... 10-4 to 12-8
Peas (?) (grenettes) ... ...... 9'6 to 11*2 ...
11-2 to 12-0
------(?) (Malbroug) ......... 14"4 to 16"0 ... 14'4 to
16'0
Gas coal, first quality ......... 14-4 to 16-0 ... 14'4 to
160
„ second quality ... ... ... 12'0
... 12-0
Blacksmith's coal, first quality ...... 17'6 to 20-0 ... 17'6
to 20"0
„ „ second quality...... 152 to 160 ... ]5'2 to 16-0
„ „ washed ...... 14*4 to 15*2 ... 14*4
to 15-2
House coal, first quality ......... 10'4 to 1P2 ... 10'4toll'2
„ second quality ... ... ... 8'8 ...
8"8
Small coal for large forgings ... ... 8"8 to 9'6 ...
8'8 to 9'6
„ „ lime burning ...... 6-4 to 7'2 ... 6"4
to 7"2
„ average quality......... 7-2 to 8-0 ... 7"2 to 8-0
Patent fuel (agglomeres)......... 12-8 to 152 ... 12-8 to 15'2
Washed coke, first quality......... 20*8 to 24-0 ... 20'8 to 24'0
„ second quality ... ... 20'0 to 20-8 ...
19*2 to 20'0
Coke for blast furnaces ... ... ... 14*4 to 15'2
... 14'4
Small coke of good quality for house ... 15-2 to 16'0 ...
15-2 to 16-0 Small coke............... 7*2 to 8-0 ... 7'2 to
8'0
J. H. M.
THE SALT MINES OF ROUMANIA.
Etude sur les Salines de Roumanie. By Maxime Pelle. Annates des Mines.
Ser. 8, Vol. X., pp. 270-310. Plates III. and IV. 1.—Historical. These
mines have been worked from very remote times, which is proved by the
numerous sites of abandoned workings. The Government have a monopoly of
the salt mines, which were and are still worked by convicts. The old mode
of working was by sinking a pit through the clay, which was gradually
enlarged in the salt until it might reach a diameter of 60 yards.
2.—Geology.
Little is known of the geology of Roumauia, and examinations have never
extended beyond particular districts. There are, however, three distinct
regions.
The plains consist of alluvium and Pliocene formations.
The hills of Miocene formation are in three groups. Congeries beds, marked
by thick beds of yellow sandstone and sands, containing blocks of hard
sandstone, and conglomerates containing chlorite, mica, quartzite, and
gneiss. The chief fossils are:—
32
Vivipara concenna, V. raichaeli, V. sphoero'idalis, Valvata piscanalis,
Melanopsis acicu-laris, Congeria porumbari, etc. Paludine beds form the
higher hills, comprising grey or yellow clays, marly and sandy schists, fine
sandstones, either coloured yellow with sulphurets or black by impregnations
of hydro-carbons. Petroleum is chiefly found in these paludine beds, most
abundantly in four horizons, the lowest of which is richest in gas and oil.
The chief fossils are:—Vivipara Sadleri, V. grandis, V. bifarcinata,
Bithynia croatica, Melanopsis Sandbergeri.
The argillaceous salt formation is found below the paludine beds, and will
be described separately.
The mountains are of Eocene and Cretaceous age. The Eocene beds-are
generally fine sandstones and conglomerates, and are greatly contorted. The
Cretaceous beds are thick sandstone, corresponding to the middle chalk, and
contain traces of ammonites.
The argillaceous salt formation is always found under the paludine beds; it
is very thick and highly contorted. All the beds are more or less
impregnated with salt and gypsum. They can be divided into two series.
The lower series is formed of greenish argillaceous shales covered with
micaceous sandstones or sandy schists. The upper series consist of reddish
clays, with occasional thin sandstones; they are often contorted, and
occasionally are absent.
The workable beds of salt are usually of lenticular form, covered by the
upper clay of the series. They are very thick and have never been pierced,
although workings have reached a depth of 650 feet.
The mineral salt of Roumania is of variable composition, as shown by the
following analyses of specimens from the four salt mines:—
Slanio. Doftana. Tirgu-Ocna.
Grandes-Salines.
Best. Ordinary. Best. Ordinary. Best. Ordinary.
Best. Ordinary.
NaCl ... 99-830 97163 99-378 97-020 99-040 96-920
99-878 94-844
MgCl ...... -007 -002 -008 -003
-006 ... -004
CaO, S03 ... -013 1-536 -234 745 '375
1159 -046 -924
NaO, S03...... -277 "310 -965 "484
"536 ... 2-329
HO...... -089 '162 -074 -106 -089
-120 -074 -118
Silicaandclay ... -359 ... 1140 ...
T246 ... T739
99932 99-504 99-998 99-984 99"991 99"987 99"998 99-958
- _____ _________________________|_________________
Traces of protoxide of iron, strontian, bromine, and hydro-carbons are also
found. The best salt from Slanic is very white, and is used for domestic
purposes; the other qualities are used for salting, cattle, and vine
culture, etc.
3.—Modes op Woeking.
The salt mines have been worked by two systems.
The ancient method was by bell pits, now entirely abandoned.
The modern system produces more salt from the deposits, and consists of
driving galleries in the upper part at right angles to each other, leaving
pillars between them. These galleries are driven 10 feet wide and 12 feet
high, and form the upper part of the workings, the floor is then removed and
a lateral inclination given to the sides until the galleries attain the
required width, below which the sides are kept vertical. The roof of the
galleries is kept about 130 feet below the top of the bed of salt to avoid
irruptions of water. A balcony is placed in the upper part of the galleries,
about 6 feet from the top, to allow of its constant inspection. Below this
the sides have an inclination of about 60 degrees, until the galleries are
about 160 feet wide. The result is to leave pillars of salt about 150 feet
by 200 feet square.
33
4.—Hewing.
The floor of the gallery is arranged in steps, whose upper surface depends
upon the cleavage of the salt. The hewers are provided with steel picks,
weighing about 8 lbs., one end pointed, and the other with a chisel 3 inches
wide, the handle being from 12 to 18 inches long. A block on the edge of the
step, 1 foot wide and 2 to 4 yards long, is then nicked round to a depth of
about 1 foot. A larger number of workmen then begin to strike the face of
the step, at the base of the block to be removed, with 5Hb. hammers, until
they know by sound that the block is ready for removal by wedges driven into
the face of the step. The prices paid are:—Is. 3d. per ton where the mines
are lighted by electric means, and Is. 5d. per ton where the men find their
own light. The sides are dressed by special men at the rate of 4d. per
square yard.
In the narrow galleries the centre is nicked out and the sides wedged off,
until the full width is attained by the final dressing of the sides, costing
in all about 4s. per ton.
Mechanical cutting machines are also employed, which cut the mineral salt
into cubes about 1 foot on the side. They are made by Messrs. Frank Reska,
of Prague, and are used in Austrian salt and coal mines. Two machines
are used at the Slanic
salt mines. One machine, with two vertical saws, makes — the cuts a and b to
a depth of 1 foot, and 1 foot apart. The second machine, with a horizontal
saw c, moves along the face of the step, and detaches the first prism, which
is broken up by picks into lengths of 1 foot, weighing from 110 to 130 lbs.
each. The remaining;
prism is removed by the second machine in the same manner. A third machine,
with vertical saw, has also been introduced for cutting the prisms into
cubes of 1 foot in the side. All the machines are run on rails along the
step in course of working, and are driven by compressed air.
The cost of working with the machine is :—
2 men at air compressor and boilers, and
B. a.
6 underground, to attend to machines, lay the way, etc. ... 10
8
Hand work below first step ............... 17
Wood fuel........................ 25 0
Stores ... ... ,,, ... ... ...
... 6 9
Repairs, etc. ..................... 12
Total ......... 45 2
The produce will be about 30 tons of salt, at about Is. 6d. per ton.
The total cost of the machine-cut salt, including redemption of cost of
machines, is about 2s. 2d. per ton. The extra cost above hand work is more
than compensated by the decreased waste in working and the handy form of the
salt cubes.
5.—Caeeiage and Winding. The salt is carried on small trams, running on
rails, and is drawn to the surface by horse gins or steam engines. Rope
guides are fitted into some of the shafts. Tramways are used upon the
surface.
6.—Stjndeies.
Ventilation.—The natural ventilation is usually excellent.
Pumping.—Small pits are sunk and levels driven in the upper clay, for the
purpose of keeping the water out of the mines.
Lighting.—Oil and tallow are usually employed, but the Slanic salt mine is
lighted by electric means.
34
7.—Statistics.
The production for a few recent years has been :—
Tons. Tons.
Tons.
1864 ... 45,400 1876 ... 73,000 1882
... 78,754
1868 ... 51,400 1880 ... 80,000 1883
... 86,644
1872 ... 65,000 1881 ... 79.029 1884
... 70,408
The total cost of working per ton for the four mines has been:—
1881. 1882. 1883.
1884.
s. d. s. d. s. d.
s. d.
Management ... 1 10 ... 1 8£ ... 17
... 2 0
Hewing, etc. ... 3 1 ... 3 2J ... 3
5 ... 3 8£
Sacks ...... 11 ... 14 ... 7 ...
10
Sundries ...... 9 ... O ...
8 ... 9£
New plant...... 2 11$ ... 1 9| ... 1 Hi ...
2 3
Totals ... 9 8£ 8 9| 8 2\
9 7
The selling prices vary from 55s. to 70s. per ton at the mines, but the salt
is sold at reduced prices to certain industries.
The number of workmen employed is about 600, of whom one-half are hewers.
Ten hours are a day's work. Free men are paid Is. to Is. 7d. per day;
convicts are paid from 6d. to lOd. per day.
M. W. B.
TELLIER'S SYSTEM OF SUPPORTING STONE DRIFTS.
Modes de Soutenement mobile pour Galeries souterraines, By Leon Texlier.
Societe des Ingenieurs sortis de I'JEcole Provinciate d'Industrie et des
Mines du Hainaut. Ser. 2, Vol. XVII., pp. 105-118. Plates IX., X, and
XL
This system of supporting stone in drifts consists of two beams of H-iron,
curved to a radius of 9 feet, and hinged together at one end by a bolt,
round which they turn like a pair of callipers. When the gears are erected,
the two long arms form a pointed arch. The short arms carry a longitudinal
balk. The upper part of the system is then locked together with two punch
props and two wedges, one on each side. The two legs rest upon sills of old
timber. Their circumference is then covered with backing deals, carrying the
dry stone packing which takes the immediate pressure off the surrounding
rocks. The wooden soles are placed upon dry walls, which give more or less
under the first pressures.
The iron arches are bound together by the use of small iron bars "4 inch
square, with a hook at each end. They are of such a length as to extend over
three arches, and by breaking joints the whole is flexibly connected
together.
This system will yield under pressures to a certain point, without
deformation of its chief parts.
The costs of various sizes of this system, with iron at £5 12s. 6d. per ton,
are:—
Each. ( Hinged arches 6 feet long, Single way, open space 7'2 feet by 5'2
feet < 29 pounds per yard ... 14s. Od.
I 16 „ „ ... 12s. 6d.
_.,. *.o * i -v «.* * ^ I Hinged arches 7'2
feet long,
Double way, open space 7'2 feet by 6"o feet } ^pounds per yard .
18s. Od.
.. . „ „ . , _ a „ , ( Hinged
arches 4-6 feet long,
Airways, open space 4-6 feet by 62 feet ... j 2cf pounds per yard *
Ufc od.
Airways, open space 4'3 feet by 52 feet ... j Hi"|ed arc,hes 4"° ff *'
a _.
J L J I Id pounds per
yard ... 8s. 6d.
M. W. B.
35
SINKING A SHAFT THROUGH QUICKSANDS BY COMPRESSED AIR
Schachtahteufen im Schwimmsan.de mit Hulfe von comprimirter Luft.
Zeitshcrift filr das Berg-, Miltten-. u. Salinen-Wesen im
Preussischen Staate. Vol. XXXIII, pp. 221, 222. The Maria Colliery near
Aix-la-Chapelle has been recently sunk by means of iron tubbing and
compressed air through a quicksand 121 feet thick. The air had a pressure
of 32 atmospheres. The workmen worked eight hours in three portions, with
intervals of half hours of rest, during which they came to bank. The
air in the chamber had a temperature of 52° to 56° Fahr. The work was
completed in 228 days, during which time the men working in the compressed
air experienced no ill effects.
M. W. B.
METALLIC LININGS FOR GALLERIES.
Blindage des Galeries aux Houilleres de Mochebelle. By — Gerrard. Bulletin
de la Societe de Vlndustrie Minerale. Ser. 2, Vol. XV., pp. 391-448. Plates
XXI. and XXII.
1.—Geology. The geological features of the Rochebelle Collieries are
described.
2.—Types oe Frames.
The first frame tried consisted of two pieces of f\_ form, connected at
their summit by a sleeve and wood key, the upper part being semi-circular,
the straight sides resting upon iron shoes placed upon wooden soles. These
frames were made of rails M'eighing 28 lbs. per yard. The uprights were
deformed by lateral pressure, and the soles by the heaving of the bottom and
pressure of the sides.
In the second type the frames were made of two pieces (united by sleeves),
and are made of oval form, resting upon iron shoes, with a short wooden
sole; these have stood pretty well with the exception of occasional rupture
of the sole.
The third type was made of elliptic form 0 m two pieces, united by iron
sleeves and wood keys at top and bottom. This construction was subject to
unequal strains; it was of difficult construction and use, and was
consequently abandoned.
The final arrangement consists of two pieces of circular shape Q, connected
by iron sleeves and wood keys, either at top and bottom or at the sides.
These have been very successful; they are made of iron and steel rails,
varying from 28 to 44 lbs. per yard. The diameter of the circles of the
framing varies from 4 to 6 feet, inside measurement.
As old rails are not always at hand of convenient lengths, they have been
occasionally replaced by U and T iron, weighing 22 lbs. per yard, which are
found to be as efficient as rails weighing 28 lbs.
Fishplates are unsuitable for joining the sections together, being too rigid
and requiring costly screws and nuts. The sleeve and wood key make an
elastic connection and is of cheap construction; it has frequently been seen
that the ends hold together by friction when the sleeves are broken. The
principal use of the sleeve is to hold the parts together until the pressure
brings them into intimate contact.
3.—Examples op Use op Iron Frames. Costs of various applications of iron and
wood frames are compared, showing a marked saving of cost by the use of iron
frames,
36
4.—Advantages of Ikon Feames.
The most important advantage is the small space occupied by the frames.
Thus, comparing three systems :—
Total Area Useful t?oH«
of Drift. Area. Katla
Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Per Cent.
Walling, 2 feet thick ...... 77"5 ... 28'9
... 37
Timber balks, 16 inches...... 73 ... 38 ...
52
Iron frames ......... 314 ... 25"4 ...
80
Or, in other words, for one foot of available area of drift the area
excavated will be :— For iron frames 123 square feet, timber 192 square
feet, and walling 2-70 square feet. Consequently the cost of drifting will
be greatly decreased if iron frames are used.
In gassy mines the iron frames offer great security against falls due to
explosions. This has been shown experimentally in the drift at Neunkirchen.
5.—Maintenance of Ikon Feames.
Of 2,000 iron frames in use less than 2 per cent, have been replaced.
Iron hoops have been successfully used instead of planks for backing deals.
Various sections have been employed:—2"36 x '20, 1*77 x "08, "79 x "12, '31
x -31, and round rod *24 inches. But no definite conclusions can yet be
given as to their use.
These rods have been made about one yard long, with hooks at their ends, but
it might be an advantage to make them five or six yards long. Old wire ropes
might be employed for this purpose.
6.—Manufactf/ke of Feames. Details are given of the necessary furnaces and
appliances for bending the iron to the sections of the drifts.
M. W. B.
THE GEOLOGY OF EASTERN TONQUIN.
Note complement aire sur la Geologie de VJEst du Tonkin. By E. Jottedy.
Bulletin de la Societe Geologique de France, Vol. XIV., Serie III., pp.
445-453. Map and Sections in the text.
In the delta of the Song-Cau, west of Haiphong, is the so-called Elephant
Mountain, consisting of huge blocks of sandstone and a mass of black
carboniferous limestone (fossil bearing), with thin intercalated siliceous
beds. Opposite this mountain, east of Haiphong, there is another massif of
limestone; and the coal-field is found on the shores of the bay of Hone-Gay.
The characteristic rocks are, besides the limestone, quartzite with iron and
antimony ores, and shales with numerous casts of plants. These shales
generally split the coal seam in two—the double seam (without the shale)
being, on the whole, about 3g yards thick. At the island of Hone-Gay it is 8
or 8j yards thick. The coal is very shiny, it disintegrates easily, and
appears to be of rather mediocre quality. It resembles somewhat anthracite;
and marine engineers state that it is of no use as fuel unless it be mixed
with an equal quantity of bituminous coal. Workings have been begun in an
experimental way, but up to the last advices no other quality of coal had
been found.
This report is followed by a detailed note by R. Zeiller, on the casts of
plants found in the shales of the above-mentioned coal-field. Among them are
one or two new species of ferns and cycads. (See Plates XXIV. and XXV.)
L. L. B.
37
THE DIAMOND-BEARING PEGMATITE OF HINDUSTAN.
Note sur une Pegmatite diamantifere de VSindoustan. By — Chafer. Bulletin de
la Societe Geologique de France, Vol. XIV., Serie III, pp. 331-345.
The author of this report was sent to India by the French Government in
1882, and he here gives an account of his researches in the district of
Bellary, in the extreme west of the Presidency of Madras. He describes
briefly the geological characteristics of the country—rocks exclusively
crystalline, none of recent sedimentary origin; very little humus, the
arable soil being chiefly made up of the products of decomposition of the
underlying rocks; springs scarce.
The chief rocks of the diamond region (Wudjar Curroor, Goondacul, Bellary)
are: 1st, a dark grey hornblendic rock; 2nd, a pegmatite, consisting of
orthoclase, oligo-clase, quartz, and epidote, without a trace of mica or
hornblende; 3rd, a metamorphic rock, consisting mainly of felspar and
quartz, with muscovite or biotite; 4th, a granulite. A remarkably large vein
of milky quartz is found 5 miles to the south of Wudjar Curroor in the
first-named rock. Specimens of all the preceding have been placed in the
collections of the Paris School of Mines and of the College de France.
To the east of Wudjar Curroor, chiefly after a storm, the natives go about
in rocky and uncultivated places looking for diamonds. The heavier the
rains, the greater chance there is of finding some precious stones in the
rainwash ; but, according to M. Chaper, even when the search thus made is
successful, the measure of success is so small as hardly to repay the amount
of time consumed in it.
The natives stated that they generally found precious stones in the
pegmatite and metamorphic rock. Chaper had diggings made at different points
in these rocks, and he found two diamonds, two sapphires, and three rubies,
and this before washing and sorting the material. Nothing was found after
washing and sorting. The diamond is crystallised in octahedra; its faces are
less smooth, and its intersection angles less sharp than those of the
Griqualand West diamond. It is accompanied by corundum of various shades of
blue and red, but having no crystalline form. None of the other minerals
usually found with diamond (rutile, garnet, zircon, sahlite, hematite, etc.)
have here been traced.
The author discusses the question of possible fraud, but dismisses, as
highly improbable, the supposition that the precious stones, found by his
colleagues and himself, had been previously placed in the disintegrated rock
by some person or persons unknown. He admits, however, that, under the
circumstances, fraud would not have been easily detected. No encouragement
can be found in his report for the expenditure of capital or labour on "
diamond diggings" in the above-named district.
L. L. B.
THE SILVER MINES AT MARIENBERG.
Der Amandus Flache im Grubenfelde der Marienberger
Silberbergbau-Gesellschaft. By R. Wengieu. Jahrbuch fur das Berg- und
Huttenwesen im Konigreiche Sachsen, 1886, pp. 93-113. Plates IV. and V.
The report is preceded by a brief historical sketch of the workings known as
the Amandus Flache. They occupy an undulating plateau 3,000 feet above the
sea-level, dipping N.N.W. The chief constituent rocks of the district belong
to the gneiss formation, with here and there outbursts of syenite and
diorite. Briefly, the mineral-ogical composition of the above rocks may be
described as follows :—
Gneiss.—Quartz, in light grey irregular granules; felspar, generally
orthoclase, varying from white to grey and light flesh-colour. Plagioclase
is also found often enough. Mica, very dark biotite and silver-white
muscovite. Tourmaline and rutile not yet found.
88
Syenites—Generally light grey in general tint; consist of orthoclase,
decomposed light green hornblende, mostly decomposed biotite, and quartz
porphyritically dispersed through the mass in small quantities. Apatite,
microcline, augite, and ilmenite are sometimes found as accessory minerals.
The general strike of the Amandus Flache is S.E. to N.W., and cuts the
gneiss at a horizontal angle of 63°. There is no essential disturbance to
note, as the workable lode is rarely faulted by more than its own thickness.
General dip, 65° N.E. Thickness of the metalliferous deposit varies from 4
inches to 10 feet, and the proportions do not seem to change as the workings
are pushed deeper (1,070 feet in the direction of the dip). The vein stuff
consists mainly of heavy spar and decomposed gneiss. Where veins cross each
other, silver ores and, in a subsidiary way, cobalt and nickel ores are
found. These latter become, however, very prominent at certain points.
Well-formed crystals are rarely observed.
On this follows a detailed description of the chief minerals constituting
the ores and vein stuff. Their chronological order is thus tabulated :—
I.—Hornstone, quartz, agate ') ^ ,
,,
l i t,t a I Occur also together.
11.—Amethyst, red heavy spar, bine fluorspar j
III.—White heavy spar, dolomite, blue fluorspar, yellow fluorspar, lead
glanee.
pyrargyrite, iron pyrites, smaltite.
IV.—Ankerite, chalybite (arsenical), pyrargyrite, iron pyrites, polybasite,
mar-
casite, calcspar, lead glance, lautite.
V.—Calcspar, chalybite, argentite, arsenic silver, acanthite.
VI.—Copper pyrites, xanthocone, thraulite.
VII.—Cobalt and nickel ore, ferrous sulphate, calc sinter, iron sinter,
silver ore.
But the minerals were in many places so irregularly mingled that their
chronology could not be safely determined.
The percentage of the yield, and various local circumstances are then
discussed at some length. The workings have been giving less favourable
results year by year since 1880, and the falling off would have been more
conspicuous but for the application of improved methods of extraction. A
table is appended with statistics from 1836 to 1884 inclusive.
IJ- U. B.
THE METALLIFEROUS DEPOSITS OF THE WESTERN PYRENEES.
Note preliminaire sur les gisetnents metalliferes des Pyrenees occidentales.
By P. W. Stttart-Menteath. Bulletin de la Societe Oeologique de France, Vol.
XIV., Serie TIL. pp. 587-607.
The author discusses in some detail the general geological constitution of
the district. He states that to the north of St. Jean Pied de Port he found
several plant remains of the Coal-Measures, and he refers certain
conglomerates to Permian age.
The district of Haya is remarkable for lead containing silver; the district
of Aldudes is rich in copper with silver; dolomitic limestones passing into
quartzite, and both impregnated with copper, are frequent in the last-named
region. The general direction of the lodes is, in the first case, N.W. to
N.E., in the second case E.N.E. to N.N.W. The iron ores in the rocks of Haya
follow, as a rule, a N. to S. line) and in the rocks of Aldudes a N.N.W.
line. The few exceptions noticed are attributable to local causes, which are
indeed found to influence considerably in some cases the direction of the
lodes.
The author states that the empirical rule, enunciated by him in 1881, that a
faulted fragment of Trias amid Palajozoic rocks was in this region a good
guide to productive lodes, has been confirmed by further observation.
L. L. B,
39
MINING PRODUCE OF THE DISTRICT OF DORTMUND (HANOVER
WESTPHALIA, AND RHENISH PRUSSIA) IN 1886.
ProduMions-VlersicM der im Olerlergamtslezirh Dortmund im Jahre 1885,
inBetreb
gewesenen Bergioerke und Salinen. Gliiclcauf, No. 14, 1887.
A.—Coal Mines.
District
^N,?-' °? Produce Persons.
-> r, ,
Collieries. in Tons. Employed.
l.-Osnabruck ............ 7 n9056 9Q9
2,-Hamm ............ 5 613472 2 2gg
3.-Dortmund, East ...... ... 13 i;764j895
7[U1
4.— Do. West ......... 15 2,163,270
8,655
5,-Wxtten ............ 9 lj622,i47
5,767
6.-Sprockhovel ............ 25 514,698 2,171
7.-Dahlhausen ............ 15 1,905,666 7,326
8.-Bochum ............ n 2)8i7)223 9,414
9.-Herne ............ 7 2,168,417
7,349
10.—Recklinghausen............ 10 2,044,612 6,842
ll.-Gelsenkirchen ... ......... 9 3,221,358
10*758
J?'~^Tv ............ 8 2'725'595 8-145
13.-Frohnhausen ............ n 2,379,091 7 418
14.-Oberhausen ............ i5 2,904,669 9 783
^•-fJtefOTf ............. 16 1,020,421 ^418
16.~Werden ........... 10 352222 1>m
Private mines in 1886 ...... 186 2^336,812 98,664
Government mines in 1886 ... 2 160.505
1123
Grand total of 1886...... 188 28,497,317 99,737
I)o- 1885...... 197 28,970,323 101,829
B.—Iron Ore Mines.
District.
jE?-°f Produce Persons
i /-v , „ ,
Mines. in Tons. Employed.
l.-Osnabruck ............ 9 192j483 ^
3.—Dortmund, East............ 4 144 477 516
6—Sprockhovel ............ 3 48j638 239
7.-Dahlhausen ............ 1 167460 682
15.-Altendorf ............ 1 im
2Q
16.-VVerden............... ± 7fi82 gg
Total of 1886 ......... i9 561j837 ~g
Do- I885 ......... 20 551,778 2^230
C—Zinc Ore Mines.
District.
£?¦ °f Produce Persons
5_Wittpn
M"fS- lnTons- Employed.
6.—Sprockhovel ............ 2 x 332 ^
16.-Werden ... ............ 2 nm ^
Totalofl886 ......... 5 1^7 1^1"
Do- 1885 ......... _5 33,140 1,024
40 D.—Lead Ore Mines.
- ¦ No. of Produce Persons
District.
Mines. in Tons. Employed.
5.—Witten ............... 2 109
8
16.—Werden............... 2 930 104
Total of 1886 ... ...... 4 1,039
112
Do. 1885 ......... 4 1,091 105
E.—Coppeeas Mines.
No. of Produce Persons
District.
Mines. in Tons. Employed.
1.—Osnabruck ......... ... 1 243
2
4.—Dortmund, West ......... 2 770
7
6.—Sprockhovel ............ 1 13,732
72
16.—Werden............... 1 84
1
Total of 1886 ......... 5 14,829
82
Do. 1885 ......... 3 19,252 114
F.—Salt Woeks.
No. of Produce Persons
District.
Works. in Tons. Employed.
1.—Osnabriick ............ 2 1,245
36
2,-Hamra ............... 3 18,485 195
Private works in 1886 ...... 5 19,730
231
Government works in 1886 ... 1 1,418
25
Grand total in 1886...... 6 21,148 256
Do. 1885...... 6 19,904 243
M. W. B.
THE ZINC BLENDES OP FREIBERG.
Tjber den Zinngehalt und ilber die chemische Zusammensetzung der
schwarzen Zinkblende von Freiberg. By A. W. Stelzner and A. Schertel.
Jahrbuch fur das Berg- und Huttenwesen ini Konigreiche Sachsen, 1886, pp.
52-70. One Plate in the text. The chief object of the researches narrated
in the above report seems to have been the determination of the average
amount of tin compounds known to exist in the zinc blendes of Freiberg.
Specimens were taken from eight different workings and submitted to
mineralogicai and chemical analysis. Results may be summarised as follows—
Percentage composition—Zinc 50 per cent., iron 13. per cent., sulphur 33 per
cent., tin (soluble) 0'35 per cent. The tin was present in the form of
sulphides and oxides; manganese, copper, and cadmium were found in slightly
larger proportions, as also slight traces of silver. One specimen
contained 1\ per cent, lead and 0-7 per cent, silver. The authors compare
the Freiberg blende to the Cornwall christophite analysed by J. H. Collins.
A few crystallographical details are then given, and it is observed that the
tin ore, which is almost always found mechanically mixed with the blende, is
sometimes embedded directly in the latter, sometimes in the quartz of the
lode. L. L. B.
41
A NEW SILVER ORE.
ZJber die JEntdeckung eines neuen Silbererzes (Argyrodit) bei Himmelifiirst
Fund-grube bei Freiberg. By E. W. Neebert. Also Miner alogisclie
Mittheilungen. By A. WeisbACH. Jahrbuch fur das Berg- und Hiittenwesen im
Konigreiche Sachsen, 1886, pp. 84-85, 89-92. Plate III., and a drawing in
the text.
In September, 1885, a new ore, which received the name of argyrodite, was
discovered in the Himmelsfiirst mine near Freiberg. Chemical analysis gave
the following results:—Silver 75 per cent., germanium 7 per cent., sulphur
17 per cent., traces of iron and zinc.
Germanium is supposed to be a new element, possessing properties akin to
those of arsenic and antimony. Argyrodite has metallic lustre, is of a steel
grey colour on its crystalline surfaces, but on fractured surfaces of a
purplish violet hue; streak, dark silver grey: opaque, hardness 2\ ;
specific gravity 6; crystals very small, monoclinic system, often twinned.
When sublimed it appears as a shining black substance, closely resembling
cinnabar. The ore was specially tested for bismuth, but none was found. At
the time of the manager's report, the lode extended only over 45 feet,
thickness varying from 2 to 15 inches.
L. L. B.
THE ELEMENT "GERMANIUM."
Mitthellungen iiber das neue Element " Germanium." By Cl. Winkxee.
Jahrbuch fur das Berg- und Huttenwesen im Konigreiche Sachsen, 1886, pp.
163-166.
The discoverer of the new element, and author of this report, thinks that in
" Germanium " he has found the missing element " Ekasilicium," whose
existence was predicted by Mendelejeff in 1872. The great similarity between
one of the germanium sulphides and antimony sulphide had at first led to the
conclusion that both germanium and antimony were to be classed in the same
group, but the author now speaks of classing it as a tetratomic element with
silicium, titanium, and tin.
Two oxides of germanium are supposed to exist; one only has as yet been
determined with certainty ; two sulphides—an iodide and a chloride—are
formed by its combination with the corresponding elements. On reduction it
separates out in small grey octahedric crystals. Experiments were yet
proceeding at the time of the report.
L. L. B.
EXPERIMENTS UPON THE IGNITION OF COAL GAS AND FIRE-DAMP
BY SPARKS.
(1) Yersuche ilber die FntzundlichTceit der Qrubengase durch Funlcen,
ivelche lei Bearbeitung harter Gesteine mit Stahhverkzeugen, exentuell
dur-qh Beibung solcher Gesteine an einander enstehea. By Johann Mayek.
Oesterreichische Zeitschrift fur Berg- und Huttemvesen, Vol. XXXIV.. 1886,
pp. 379-382, 398-401.
This paper contains a summary of experiments made to ascertain the
conditions under which fire-damp may be ignited by sparks produced by steel
tools used in mining hard rocks, or by the friction of hard rocks.
(a) The sparks produced by steel tools were similarly produced by the use of
a grindstone of coal-measures sandstone, 15-7 inches diameter and 3-l inches
thick, running at
f
42
250 to 300 revolutions per minute, against whose periphery two or four
pieces of pointed steel were placed, with a pressure of 8"8 to 132 lbs. A
continuous stream of sparks was produced of varying intensity. The ignition
was produced by forcing a current of coal gas or fire-damp against the
sparks, or by producing them in an explosive mixture. The report of the
French Fire-damp Commission gives the temperatures of ignition of the
following gases : —
Degs. Fahr. Heavy carburetted hydrogen, C2Ha ... ...
... 1,022
Hydrogen, H .................. 1,076
Carbonic oxide, CO ............... ,1,202
Marsh gas, CH4 .................. 1,436
The report of the Prussian Commission gives ajinuch higher temperature of
ignition for fire-damp, as silver and copper wires were fused without
igniting it.
The experiments were made with coal gas and with mine gas of the following
composition :—
Marsh gas, CH4 ............... 96-00
Carbonic acid gas, C02 ... ... ... ...
1*10
Oxygen, O ... ... ... ... ...
... '10
Other gases, N ............... 2"80
When the stone was dry ordinary coal gas was regularly ignited after the
grindstone had made a few revolutions. With a sprinkling of water on the
stone the sparks were less numerous, but the coal gas was fired four times
in half an hour's trial of the grindstone.
It was found to be exceedingly difficult to ignite fire-damp, and only one
ignition was produced during the long series of experiments, and it is
probable that the use of water would entirely obviate the danger.
(b) The pieces of steel used in the first experiments were replaced by hard
sandstones, some of which were the same as that of the grindstone, and the
pressure was increased to 22 lbs. Ordinary coal gas could be ignited after
the grindstone had made a few revolutions with a piece of hard sandstone
pressed against it. When shale was pressed against the grindstone the
ignition was produced with difficulty. When shale was pressed upon a shale
grindstone no sparks were produced. When fire-damp was employed it was
regularly ignited, when both of the stones were of sandstone, with a
pressure of 22 lbs. The ignition did not take place so quickly as when coal
gas was used, in some cases only after 10 to 15 seconds elapsed.
Instances are quoted where heavy falls of stone were accompanied by an
intense flash of light, which suggests the conclusion that fire-damp may be
occasionally ignited by such means.
(2) TIeber Feuerscheinungen leim Yerbruche von Abbauen. By Julius von
Spbingee. O ester reicTiische Zeitschrift filr Berg- und Huttenivesen, Vol.
XXXIV., 1886, p. 469.
In order to cause a fall of roof in the Liebe-Gottes Colliery, near
Zbeschau, twenty-six dynamite cartridges were used to remove the standing
props, all lights were blown out, and the three men in charge observed that
the fall of roof was accompanied by an intense flash of light, no sparks
being seen. It may be noted that the operation was carried out at a depth of
870 feet, in a thick seam, lying at an angle of 45 degrees. The roof was of
hard sandstone, and no gas was present in the district.
M.W.B.
43
CAMBESSEDES MINING SAFETY LAMP.
Lampe de Surete Cambessedes. By — Cambessedes. Comptes-Rendus mensuels
de Societe de V Industrie Miner ale, pp. 26-31 and Plate IV., February,
1887.
The principle developed in this lamp is that of a central supply of air. It
consists essentially of a Marsaut lamp, save that the air is only admitted
through tubular pillars to an annular space in the bottom of the lamp,
whence it passes through a central cone to the flame of an argand form of
burner. The oil is contained in an attached reservoir, the supply being
regulated by a Marriotte tube, placed a short distance below the level of
the flame.
It consumes half the oil and produces four or Ave times more light than an
ordinary lamp; it is capable of yielding a light equal to seven or eight
ordinary safety lamps when required, and produces a light of uniform
intensity during the course of many hours.
M. W.
B.
SAFETY MINING LAMPS. Lampes de s4rete et grisou. By — De Castelnau.
Ibid., page 73, March, 1887.
An overman, whose lamp had been accidentally extinguished, used one of the
workmen's lamps to test for gas. This lamp, which was of the ordinary
Marsaut type, fired the gas and burnt the experimenter. On examination after
the accident it was found that one of the internal gauzes had been omitted.
A Marsaut lamp with a single gauze may be compared to a bonnetted Clanny,
which is very safe in testing for gas in still atmospheres.
By trials it was found that the defect was due to a play of about ^ inch
when the internal gauze was absent.
It is therefore important that safety lamps must be carefully constructed,
so as to ensure the close and perfect adjustment of the various parts when
screwed together; and the examination of the lamps should be performed under
experienced supervision, so as to prevent the misplacement or omission of
any of the parts.
M.W.B.
INFLUENCE OF SEISMIC MOVEMENTS UPON THE EVOLUTION
OF GAS.
Influence des mouvements Sismiques sur let Degagements de Grisou. By —
Cleemont. Ibid., pp. 34-37.
It is known that earthquakes accompanied by earth motions, occasionally
produce abundant escapes of gas at the surface, modifications of the course
of subterranean streams, etc., and it is highly probable that a reservoir of
gas in the immediate vicinity of these occurrences may be similarly effected
by the fissures accompanying such motions.
But this is not the complete question; it is to enquire if the micro-seismic
motions, the minute pulsations of our planet, which leave no visible traces
and whose effects
44
are only discovered by very sensitive forms of apparatus, are related in any
way with abnormal issues of fire-damp.
The writer then proceeds to recite the experiments now being prosecuted by
the French Government.*
It is evident on observing figure 2, Plate VI., that the proportions of
fire-damp contained in the air of the mine and the variations of the
proportions are very small. The greatest does not exceed 1 per cent., the
least is not under £ per cent., and all the variations are between these
limits.
It is apparent therefore that observations of this description can only
yield sure results after great difficulties have been overcome, and it is
scarcely probable that seismic movements have any influence upon abnormal
issues of fire-damp.
The results are difficult to observe at first, as it must be admitted that
an extensive mine, part in course of working and part abandoned, is always
in an explosive state at one or more points, the spark being alone wanted.
Falls of roof occur at frequent intervals, and may connect these centres
with the working places, without the aid of seismic movements, and produce
abnormal proportions of fire-damp.
Again, in order that issues of gas may be produced by terrestrial forces,
these forces must be so violent as to produce fissures in the roof or floor
of the seams, and it is not apparent, without falls, that simple undulations
can produce them.
It is known that earthquakes diminish in intensity with depth, and are
unfelt in the interior of mines, and also that the imperfect pack walls used
in longwall workings stop fractures and protect the workmen. It must be
necessary therefore to have a true earthquake to produce fissures in the
mass of the earth.
Fortunately these phenomena rarely occur, and their first effects would be
to render the mines inaccessible, owing to the heavy falls which would be
produced.
M. W. B.
THE SONORA EARTHQUAKE (U.S.). By G. E. Goodfellow. Science, May 20th,
1887, pp. 483-4.
A series of earthquakes occurred at Tombstone, A.T., on May 3rd, 1887,
beginning at 306 p.m., local time. No damage was done, but water gushed from
the beds of old streams, which were located under U.S. water laws within one
hour. Boulders were rolled down the hills. The railroad track of the
Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Road was bent 4£ inches out of line for a
length of 300 feet. Men working at a depth of GOO feet felt the vibrations
very strongly; some said they were made sick, and all said that the bottom
of the shafts or drifts seemed to rise. Men working at 150 feet did not
notice it very much, and some did not feel it. No damage was, however, done
in the mines, the deepest workings being about 700 feet.
At Sonora and the Fronteras Valley, in Mexico, the first shock was felt at 3
p.m. on May 3rd. Several houses were thrown down, and fissures varying in
width from a few inches to 10 feet, running north and south, were formed
over the entire length of the
Vallej-
M.W.B.
* See Transactions, pages 43, H.
45
WATER CARTRIDGE.
Patented in Germany by Messes. Richard and ChAkles Sxeinau, of Brunswick.
B.B.P., No. 38,000, May 16th, 1886.
This cartridge consists of a glass bottle filled with water and containing a
glass flask of sulphuric acid which is inserted into a perforated sheet-iron
case filled with quicklime. This is dipped in water, placed in the
shot-hole, and stemmed in the ordinary way. The fractures of the rocks
should ensue after the moistened lime, water, and acid become heated, the
flask broken, and a higher heat produced, converting the water into steam.
M. W. B.
SOTTTAUX'S COAL-CRUSHER-CLEANER.
Broyeur-Bpurateur. By A. Sottiattx. Publications de la Societe des
Ingenieurs sortis de VEcole provinciate d'Industrie et des Mines du Bainaut.
Ser. 2, Vol XVII., pp. 133-136.
A description of this machine appears on pages 68 and 69 of Abstracts in
Volume XXXV.
The results of the working of several of the machines are as follow :—
They crush the materials in proportion to their friability, and separate the
useful coal from the sterile matter.
Coal treated by these machines produces 1"73 per cent, more coke than the
ordinary crushed coal; and the coke is in addition more homogeneous, denser,
and better and more merchantable.
The loss of coal, passed away with the sterile materials, is, for some
coals, about 5 lbs. per ton treated.
The quantity of stones removed varies with the purity of the coal and the
difference of friability of the materials treated. 5 per cent, has been
removed from coal containing 12 per cent, of stone.
The power of the apparatus is very great, as it can treat 50 tons of coal
per hour ordinarily it treats about 35 tons per hour, with a motor of about
15 horse-power.
A washer for treating the same quantity of coal would cost about £4.000, and
the loss of coal would vary from 8 to 30 per cent, or more.
Under ordinary conditions, one of these machines, to treat 300 tons per 10
hours, would cost about £200.
The machine cleans and pulverises the coal irrespective of the amount of
moisture.
The apparatus requires little or no attention, and receives pieces of wood,
iron, etc., without damage to itself.
M. W. B.
SAFETY CATCH FOR TUBS RUNNING UPON INCLINED PLANES.
Parachute pour plans inclines. By A. Lisbet. Publications de la Societe des
Ingenieurs sortis de VEcole provinciate d'Industrie et des Mines du
BLainaut. Ser. 2, Vol, XVII., p. 132. Plate XIII
This catch consists of a plate with a pair of bent claws projecting from one
end. It is fitted with two holes, one of which carries a hook to attach to
the tub and the safety chain attached to the top of the tub. The rope is
attached to the other hole.
As soon as the rope breaks, the claws (which are held up by the tension of
the rope) fall to the ground and fasten themselves to the sleepers.
M. W. B.
9
46
USE OF MINERAL OILS FOR FUEL.
Emploi des huiles minerales comme combustible. Comple Renins de la
Societe des
Ingenieurs Civils. 1886, Vol. II, p. 231.
The following are the results of experiments upon the evaporating power of
various oils :—-
Water at 100°.
Petroleum, at the Brooklyn Arsenal, 1886 ...... 13-44
» Woolwich Arsenal, 1866-7 ...... 13-66
Creosote—Sadler, in 1885 ... ... ... ,., ...
* 13-00
Fish oil—Scotland,in 1885 ... ... ... ... ...
15-50
Astatki, Fraissinet Co., on land, in 1885......... 15-29
» „ on S.S. "Aude," in 1885 ...
14-10
„ Grazi-Tzaritzin Railway, in 1884 ... ...
14-00
M. W. B.
THE ALEXANDRE FAN.
Du Ventilateur a force centrifuge considere comme ventilateur a reaction. By
Louis THIBATTT. Publications de la Societe des Ingenieurs sort-is de'VEcole
provinciate d'Industrie et des Mines du Ilainaut. Ser. 2, Vol. XVIII. pp.
43-71.
The writer gives a critical review of the conditions to he observed in
reducing as much as possible the power remaining in the air on leaving a
fan.
The Alexandre centrifugal fan has curved blades, with the following special
features:—The exit channels are turned opposite to the direction of rotation
of the fan, and the re-entries of air are considerably diminished, if not
completely suppressed, by the arrangement of the tips of the blades. The
blades are broken off at about 12 inches from the external circumference,
where they are duplicated, and their tips are rapidly bent towards the
circumference. This arrangement appears to greatly reduce the volume of
re-entering air.
The following experiments have been made upon one of these fans 78£ inches
in diameter:
Revolutions per v ,
E&ri MinUtC- W:lter- of At?
Horse- Indicated Ugeful
iixperi- _________________ ™..„
power Horse- iV« *
ments. °au°e- »"
iuAir. power. Effect.
Engine. Fan. Mmute.
Inches. Cub. Ft. Per Cent
1 46| 139 -512 5,040 -406
-817 497
^ 65 195 -945 7,100 1-055
1-912 54'3
The following experiments were made at various velocities:—
Water-gauge Revolutions.
Observed.
Inches.
139 ............ ...... -512
180 .................. -772
195 .................. -945
339 .................. 2362
M. W. B.
47
UTILISATION OF FIRE-DAMP.
Captage et Utilisation du Orison. By — Hilt. Comptes-Bendus Mensuels
de la Societe de VIndustrie Minerale, 1886, pp. 100-102.
The inquiries of the Prussian Fire-damp Commission have proved two important
points, upon which our installation was based.
The exact determination of the time required for the diffusion of fire-damp
with common air. It was found that if a volume of lire-damp was passed by
the floor into a gallery, the same volume was afterwards found at the roof,
and only gradually mixed with the atmospheric air. When 36 cubic feet of gas
were placed in a chamber of 360 cubic feet, nearly the whole of the gas was
found in about an hour at the top, and complete diffusion only took place
after more than three or four hours.
It is different when the air is in motion; but as the velocity of the air in
the working places is not great, it appeared possible to find the greater
portion of the gas near the roof and not mixed with air.
The second point is that gas is almost solely produced from freshly-wrought
coal, or from recently-exposed coal surfaces ; that the issue occurs in the
first few hours, and ceases at the end of a few days. Consequently the
largest volume of gas is found at the working faces, and, except for
blowers, the old workings contain very little gas. The plant for the capture
of the gas would comprehend a series of pipes going into the face of all the
working places, connected with a main leading to a powerful exhausting
machine upon the surface.
A favourable opportunity for the economical realisation of our ideas
occurred at the Koenig Colliery, where a large air-compressing engine was
lying idle. The compressors were converted into exhausting machines, and the
requisite pipes were laid into the working places in a district opened out a
few years previously.
The district had an output of 100 tons per day, with less than 100 workmen,
and from 21 to 28 cubic feet of fire-damp per minute were exhausted, forming
with the air a mixture containing 6 to 8 per cent, of gas. The air current
of the district only contained \ per cent, of gas.
The mixture exhausted did not vary greatly in its composition during the day
: the safety lamp showed that it was explosive. Two analyses were made
daily.
The experiments had no influence upon the ventilation of the district or of
the mine. The district was ventilated by 7,000 to 7,800 cubic feet of air
per minute. Part of the gas was carried away by the air, but the exhausted
mixture accounted for 60 per cent, of the gas given off. The machine
exhausted 360 cubic feet at atmospheric pressure per minute, and as it was
only working at about one-fourth of its power, it would be possible to
obtain 90 to 100 cubic feet of gas per minute.
A gaseous mixture containing 9 to 10 per cent, of gas is explosive, and
before burning it means must.be adopted to prevent the explosion extending
into the pipes or gasometers. The gasometers should be isolated by hydraulic
locks, and wire gauzes should be placed in the pipes.
The gaseous mixture was applied to two boilers, and 15 lbs. of water were
evaporated per lb. of gas, supposing that the mixture contained 8 to 10 per
cent. If all the gas in the mine had been collected there would have been
650 cubic feet per minute, which would have evaporated 350,000 lbs. of water
per 21 hours.
The explosive mixture would be most suitable for gas engines, more
especially as it burns without smell. With gas at 2s. 4d. per thousand feet,
the captured gas equal to about 580,000 cubic feet per day would be worth
£67 13s. 4d., or £24,000 per annum.
Even if these figures are exaggerated it seems possible that the dangerous
enemy may be made a source of revenue.
M. W. B.
48
RELATIVE POWER OF EXPLOSIVES.
Puissance relative des Substances Explosives. By — Bertholet.
Eevue Industrielle, November, 1886.
The following table shows, in column a, the quantity of heat produced by the
combustion of a gramme of the substance; and b, the volume in litres of the
gaseous products of combustion. It is assumed that the explosive force may
be represented, approximately, by the products of the numbers in columns a
and b, which are shown in
column c.
_ , . Heat
Volume .. Explosive
Explosives. Produced. of Gas.
Force.
(a.) (b.) (c.)
Mining powder ............ 509 ... "173 ... 88
Military powder........... 608 ... -225 ... 137
Sporting powder ............ 641 ... -216 ... 139
Powder (nitrate of soda)......... 764 ... -238 ... 190
Powder (chlorate of potash) ...... 972 ... -318 ...
309
Gun-cotton............... 590 ... -801 ... 472
• Picric acid............... 687 ... 780 ... 536
Picrate of potash............ 578 ... "585 ... 337
Gun-cotton, mixed with chlorate of potash 1,420 ... "484 ...
680
Picric acid „ „ 1,424
... '408 ... 582
Picrate of potash „ „ 1,422 ...
'347 ... 478
Nitro-glycerine ............ 1,320 ... 710 ... 939
Nitro-glycerine is evidently the most explosive. Theoretically, only one
substance can exceed it, protoxides of nitrogen, liquefied or mixed with
carburetted fluids, but it is difficult to use.
M. W. B.
THE IRON MINES OF BILBAO.
Mines de Fer de Bilbao: Resume historique de Vlndustrie siderurgique dans
les Provinces Basques. By Alexandre Pourcel. Le Genie Civil, Vol. XL, pp.
70-74.
The iron ores of Cantabria, and especially those of Somorrostro, near to
Bilbao, have been worked from the earliest times. Native historians allege
that they were mined by Tubal, the grandson of Noah. Pliny no doubt referred
to the Triano deposit, when he described a mountain upon the sea coast as
formed of an immense block of iron ore.
No local record is found until the beginning of the sixteenth century, when
the historians relate that in the tenth century the valuable vena dulce was
exported from Bilbao to French and Spanish ports. At the same time iron was
exported to England, France, and the Netherlands.
Traces oi ferrerias (hearths), slag heaps, etc., bear witness to the old
iron industry of Bilbao. These rudimentary methods were succeeded at an
early date by the more economical Catalan system. This process is described
in " Grandesas y cosas notables de Espana," written by Don Pedro de Medine
in 1595, and shows that it has continued with slight variations up to the
present day. This writer says that there were at that period in Biscay and
Guipuzcoa 300 ferrerias, each producing about 1,000 cwts. of iron and steel
per annum, a total of less than 15,000 tons. Of this quantity one-third was
used in naval construction, one-third was used in the construction of
fire-arms, tools, nails, and agricultural implements, and the remaining
third part was exported as bar iron.
49
In 1658 the finished products were about 5,000 tons. In the eighteenth
century Biscay alone produced 12,000 tons from 245 furnaces.
The only ore used at these ferrerias of the Basque provinces was the vena
dulce, a red hematite almost free from gangue, tender, oily to the touch,
and easily mined. It is not found in pockets, but in veins crossing the vena
dura or campanil, and more abundantly (encased in clay) in the large
deposits of rubio.
The iron produced from vena dulce is free from every impurity; it is very
tenacious, malleable, and easily converted into steel by cementation. The
reputation of the iron is immortalised by Shakespeare in the term Bilbo, so
frequently applied by him in his plays to lethal weapons forged from Spanish
iron.
The most celebrated forges were situate at Guipuzcoa. Thus in 1785 there
were eighteen anchor manufactories. About the same time there were 154
ferrerias at work in the lordship of Bilbao, producing 7,300 tons of iron
per annum.
In the early part of the nineteenth century the industry began to decay,
owing to foreign competition, although protected by prohibitive decrees,
until it did not exceed 4,000 tons per annum. It fell during civil wars to
1,000 tons, and from 1840 to 1859 it only averaged 3,200 tons per annum.
The supply of ore to the ferrerias seems scarcely to have touched the
enormous deposits until the large iron works of Europe commenced to draw
supplies from them. In the beginning of the present century the output was
about 40,000 tons per annum, which might be exceeded when the production of
iron in Biscay alone was 12,000 tons.
The first blast furnace was erected in 1848 at Santa Ana de Bolueta, near
Bilbao. The old ferrerias fought a hard fight for many years against the
indirect process for the manufacture of wrought iron, and at the present
time the produce of the ferrerias is profitably applied in the manufacture
of horse shoes, nails, culinary and other domestic utensils.
In 1854' the Ibarra Brothers erected at their Baracaldo works a Chenot
furnace for the production of spongy iron. The experiments gave satisfactory
results, and in 1859 there were eight furnaces at the Baracoldo works, which
produced, up to 1871, 32,000 tons of spongy iron, equal to about 18,000 tons
of finished iron. The process was abandoned in 1876.
The Tourangin process was adopted in 1860 at the Gastaca and six other
works. This reducing furnace is a kind of stuckofen or vertical blast
furnace, producing spongy iron like the Chenot, but of cheaper construction
and simpler working. The process has been improved by Don Jose Juan
Juaregui, and is employed at his works for the manufacture of soft iron.
Four of these furnaces yielded 1,850 tons of finished iron in 1883, and the
gross produce by this system from 1860 to 1883 has been 46,750 tons.
The Ibarra Brothers erected a second blast furnace at the Guriezo works in
1849, and at the same time the Santa Ana works erected refineries to treat
their own pig iron and to attempt the manufacture of iron equal to that of
the Catalan process. These refineries were stopped prior to the erection of
another blast furnace in 1854. A third blast furnace was erected at the
Santa Ana works in 1860, and gave a short trial to the Tourangin process.
They adopted the Siemens-Langlade process in 1873, and produced iron similar
to that produced by the direct processes.
The first coke furnace and puddling furnaces were erected by the Ibarra
Brothers at Baracaldo works in 1858. This furnace had a capacity of 3,500
cubic feet, and was blown with hot blast. A second coke furnace was blown in
in 1878, and had a capacity of 5,700 cubic feet, but was not provided with
regenerative hot-blast stores. At this time the output of the Ibarra
Brothers' works would be about 30,000 tons of coke pig iron, 10,000 to
12,000 tons of rails, etc., and 600 to 800 tons of castings per annum.
50
In 1882, a limited company, the Sociedad de Altos Hornos y fabricas de
hierro y acero de Bilbao, took over the business of the Ibarro Hormano y Ca,
with the intention of erecting steel works and rolling1 mills, served by two
large blast furnaces. These blast furnaces were started in 1885. The steel
works contain two converters, two large cupolas, three small cupolas for
fusion of spiegel, two reheating furnaces on the Bochum system, into which
the ingots are placed when the moulds are removed, a furnace for reheating
blooms, a large reversible cogging mill with hot shears, and a roughing and
finishing mill, driven by the same engine. The converters make 13 to 15
charges per 12 hours, or from 112 to 125 tons of blooms. The mills are
capable of producing about one-third more when rolling 60 pound rails,
without intermediate heating.
The San Bartoleme works at Miravalles have a blast furnace, puddling forge,
and a balling furnace upon the Langlade system, and produced 1,200 tons of
merchant iron in 1881.
The San Juan works at Usansola, now abandoned, produced a similar quantity
from one charcoal furnace, three puddling furnaces, and one balling furnace.
The Santa Agueda works sold 1,700 tons in 1884, and the four puddling
furnaces are treating pig iron from the San Francisco blast furnaces.
In the province of Guipuzcoa, the San Martin works near Beasain were erected
in 1866, with a rolling mill and two balling furnaces, and produce 3,000
tons yearly. Two of Langlade's puddling furnaces were erected in 1880-1, and
a balling furnace in 1883.
The charcoal blast furnace at the San Pedro works, near Elgoibar, was blown
in about three years ago, with a daily production of about 12 tons.
The Galindo works were started in 1882, and comprise four blast furnaces,
furnished with twelve Whitwell stoves, producing from 220 to 240 tons of pig
iron per 24 hours upon a consumption of 19 to 20 cwts. of coke.
The Viscaya Company, with a capital of £500,000, was established in 1883, to
rival, at the very least, the celebrated Cockerill works in Belgium. At
present the plant is limited to two blast furnaces.
The three large modern works (Altos Hornos, San Francisco, and Viscaya) can
produce about 225,000 tons of pig per annum, of which two-thirds would be
available for exportation. In 1886 the exports were 57,999 tons, and the
coast and railway sale was 42,629 tons.
These furnaces should compete with English hematite furnaces; in fact, the
Durham coke (6 to 9 per cent, of ash) is delivered at the furnaces at 19s.
per ton, and the ores, which yield more than 50 per cent., seldom cost more
than 5s. 6d. Limestone (free from phosphorus) costs 2s. 9d. to 3s. 3d. per
ton. With these data, and with labour averaging 3s. per ton, the cost cannot
exceed 40s., and will jirobably be from 35s. to 38s. per ton.
The production of the Bilbao mines for some recent years has been: —
Year. Tons. Year. Tons,
Year. Tons.
1860 ... 69,816 1869 ... 164,800
1878 ... 1,305,656
1861 ... 54,869 1870 ... 250,337
1879 ... 1,262,671
1862 ... 70,460 1871 ... 403,142
1880 ... 2,683,627
1863 ... 70,720 1872 ... 402,000
1881 ... 2,620,626
1864 ... 120,470 1873 ... 365,340
1882 ... 3,855,000
1865 ... 132,360 1874 ... 10,821
1883 ... 3,627,752
1866 ... 89,912 1875 ... 34,296
1884 ... 3,216,321
1867 ... 136,075 1876 ... 432,418
1885 ... 3,311,419
1868 ... 154,120 1877 ...1,040,264
1886 ... 3,185,228
51
The production of ore has decreased since 1882, and at the same time the
mines in the hands of private owners are being gradually exhausted. It would
be possible to produce 4,000,000 tons in 1888 and 1889, but the output would
be afterwards reduced to 3,000,000 tons, which could not be maintained for
more than a further four or five years.
The two principal mining companies of the district, the Orconera Iron Ore
Company and the Societe Franco-Beige des Mines de Fer de Somorrostro, have
determined to limit their output, the first to 800.000 tons and the second
to 350,000 tons per annum. This foresight assures the output of the Orconera
Company for 20 years and the Frano-Belge Company for 25 years, and an
assured output of 1,150,000 tons for 20 or 25 years for the works
interested, viz., the Altos Hornos, Consett, Dowlais, and Krupp in the one,
and the Altos Hornos, Denain, Montataire, and Seraing in the other.
The Luchana Mining Company has 1,000,000 tons in reserve.
Senor Martinez de Las Rivas requires for his San Francisco works 150,000
tons out of the 320,000 tons raised from his chief mines, La Union and
Amistosa, which still contain more than 6,000,000 tons, whilst his other
royalties are nearly exhausted.
The Viscaya Company is supplied from the Galdames mines, and will leave
their own royalties at Ollargan untouched until the last moment.
It is very probable, therefore, that after 1891 the supply of ore available
for the market will be greatly reduced, and the annual output will fall in
less than ten years to about 2,000,000 tons. The result will probably be a
rise of prices, should the present demand continue, and it is possible that
some of the mines of the Pyrenees near to the sea or the Mediterranean may
be re-opened. M. W. B.
THE SILVER MINES OF ORURO IN BOLIVIA.
Ueber die Silberminen oon Oruro 'in Bolivia. A. Webner. Berg- und
Huetten-moennische Zeitung, Vol. XL VI., p 157.
The Cerro de San Cristobal, near Oruro, standing about 13,000 feet above
sea-level, has been known since the times of the Incas for its rich silver
mines. For several years the Bolivian mines have been the prey of bubble
companies, and many of them have failed or are now in difficulties. Owing to
remote situation, difficulties of transport, and bad management, many rich
in ore are not paying, and the only ones now making large profits are those
of Huanchaca and Colquechaca. The Oruro mines are prospering, and an
amalgamation of the different mines is expected shortly to materially
improve their prospects. The silver occurs partly in strong veins of pyrites
and partly iu veins of its own. The rock-formations are mostly of porphyry
or slate. Besides the silver ores proper, are worked tinstone and antimony
glance, the latter only for the sake of its silver. Rich pockets of pure
silver are also found, especially in the slate.
As markets for their products the mines depend chiefly on the works in the
neighbourhood, as ores containing less than 6 per cent, of silver will not
repay the cost of exportation.
The method of working is wasteful, but is controlled by local circumstances.
Drifts with about 3 per cent, rise lead up to points suitable for the
sinking of shafts, from which at vertical intervals of from 10 fathoms to 30
fathoms passages lead to the veins, these being generally worked in step
fashion. The firm nature of the surrounding rock renders very little walling
or propping necessary, only some dry stone arching being used at the
entrances to main drifts. The shafts are about 160 fathoms deep,
52
and owing to scarcity of fuel are worked by horse gins. Surveying is carried
on in very primitive fashion and is not controlled by Government, and in
consequence, if a rich vein be struck, its owner has to endure considerable
litigation with his neighbours.
The ores brought to the day contain about 1 per cent, of silver. They are
crushed and sorted, in which work women and children are employed, and in
some cases the ores are washed. For exportation they are ground into fine
meal; but those for the local works are brought down to the size of nuts.
The working is very wasteful and much ore is stolen. Most mines have their
own silver works situated at distances of five or six miles off, where water
power is obtainable, to which the ores are brought by carts or llamas. The
silver works employ the process of amalgamation exclusively, and work in an
extremely costly manner. The cost ranges from £6 10s. to £9 per ton and the
loss of silver in the process amounts to about 30 per cent. The ores are
ground in machines driven by water power; then, collected in boxes and mixed
with salt, they are roasted in a furnace and finally amalgamated in copper
vats. Only one company possesses an amalgamation mill, the rest resorting to
sth'ring by hand with rods. The amalgam is washed with water, filtered in
cotton bags, and then melted. The loss of quicksilver is from 4 oz. to 6 oz.
per lb. The cylindrical bars of silver obtained have a weight of about 1
cwt. each.
About 2,000 persons are employed in the mines. A shift lasts about twelve
hours, the time actually worked being about eight hours, and the wage of a
hewer is about 2s. lOd. per day. The miners are chiefly Indians.
A. II. L.
MINING SCHOOLS.
American Mining Schools. By Propessor E. H. Richards. Transactions of
American Institute of Mining Engineers, Vol. XV., pp. 309-340, 809-818.
ftraflmtps Mining Weeks
\Ttxttxt,' o™nnTa Age of Length of
^ra(™«es Students of
Mimng Schools. Admission. Course. „.™
now in Actual
Mining. College Lecturing.
American— Years.
Years. Per Year.
Columbia College ......... 18 4 316
87 32
Lafayette University ...... — 4 33
12 37
Lehigh University......... 10 4 25
G8 36
Massachusetts Institute of Technology ............ 17
4 88 30 30
University of—
California ......... 16 4 31
23 34
Illinois ............15 4 5
3 36
Michigan............ 16 4 (?) 8
36
Pennsylvania ......... — 5 (?)
17 30
Wisconsin............ 15 4 15 3
38
Washington University ...... 16 4 28
7 40
Foreign—
Aachen K. Tech. Hochschule ... 19 3 or 4 181
43 38
Clausthal K. Bergakademie ... 19 3 or 4 1002
100 37
Freiberg ,, ...... 18 3
2003 163 36
Liege ............ 18 5 678'
36
Stockholm K. Tek. Hogskolan ... 19 4 5005
17 32
(1) Since 1874. (2) Since 1860. (3) Since 1872. (4) Since 1838. (5)
Since 1821,
INDEX TO VOL. XXXVI.
" Abs." signifies Abstracts of Foreign Papers at end of the Proceedings.
" App." Appendix.
Abstracts of Foreign Papers, end of Proceedings.
Abyssinia (South); the geology of, abs. 9.
Accidents : to structures built with mag-nesian cements, abs. 23.
Accounts, x.
Address; President's. (See President's Address.)
Advertisement, lx.
Air-blast; dressing ore with, abs. 22.
Air-jigs; dressing ore with, abs. 20.
Alexandre fan, abs. 46.
An account of experiments in France upon the possible connection between
movements of the earth's crust and the issues of gases in mines, by M.
Walton Brown, 43.—Discussion postponed, 86. —Discussed, 120.
Plate.—6. Diagrams illustrating the paper.
Analyses : coal from the " Faro " mine, 35.- Seo de Urgel coal, 36.
Apparatus : for the rapid determination of specific gravities of bodies.
(See Form of apparatus.)—For laying dust in mines, 99.
Archer and Robson's " Sprayer " for laying the dust in mines, 99.—Discussed,
100.
Plate.—15. Section and end view of the apparatus.
Assinee; the geology of, abs. 10.
Associate members, xxix.
Atmospheric pressure and the issue of firedamp, abs. 28.
Automatic gates for winding shafts (Poech's), abs. 23.
Balance pumps for self-acting inclined planes, abs. 6.
Balloting list, lv.
Barometer readings, 225.
Belgian miners, inquiry into the condition of the, abs. 29.
Belgium; mining crisis in, abs. 30.
Bell, Sir Lowthian ; reception of visitors, 125.—Presidential Address, 131.
Bilbao; iron mines of, abs. 48.
Blasting compound. (See Securite.)
British Association; conference of the delegates of corresponding
societies.— Prof. Lebour's report, 61.
Broomhill colliery; transmission of power by steam at, 13.
Brown, M. Walton; an account of experiments in France upon the possible
connection between movements of the earth's crust and the issues of gases in
mines, 43. — On a form of apparatus for the rapid determination of specific
gravities of bodies, 95.
Browne, Sir B. C.; at reception of visitors, 126.
Bunning, T. W.; On the federation of Mining Institutes, 167.
Burmah; petroleum in, abs. 11. Bye-laws, xliii.
California; copper in El Boleo, abs. 7. Cambessede's mining safety-lamp,
abs. 43. Canal; underground at Orbo, 119. Carbonisation of oak, abs. 1.
Carbonit and bellhoffit, abs., 27. Cartridge; new safety, for mines, abs.
25.
—Water, abs. 25, 45. Catalonia; coal-measures of. (See Notes
on, Sfc?) Cements; accidents to structures built
with magnesian, abs. 23. Charter, copy of, xxxvii. Coal ; pebbles in, in
Central Prance, abs. 8.—Heat of combustion of, abs. 26.— Exhaustion of,
143.— Substitutes for, 144. Coal and coke at the Rive-de-Gier, prices
of, abs. 28.—At St. Etieime, abs. 31. Coal-crusher-cleaner; Sottiaux's, abs.
45. Coal-fields : Catalonia, 61. Coal-formation; plants of the, abs. 9.—
Of the Allier, abs. 10. Coal-measures of Catalonia. (See Notes
on. Sfc.) College of Physical Science, 158. Combustion of coal; heat of,
abs. 26. Compressed air; sinking a shaft through
quicksands by, abs. 35. Conference of the delegates of corresponding
societies; meeting of the British Association, 1886; Professor Lebour's
report on, 61. Contents of volume, iii. Conversazione, 127. Copper in El
Boleo, abs. 7. Council report, v. Coxon, S. B.; On securite, 79. — Schan-
schieff's electric safety-lamp, 89. Cuvelier's lock for safety-lamps, by E.
L. Dumas, 51.—Description of the accumulator, 52.
Plates.—7. Showing arrangement
adopted in practice for the application of the system to miners' safety
lamps. —8. Showing the accumulator in use.
Diamond-bearing pegmatite of Hindustan, abs. 37.
Dortmund; mining produce of in 1886,
abs. 39. Dressing ore with air-jigs, abs. 20.—With
air-blast, abs. 22. Dumas, E. L.; On Cuvelier's lock for
safety-lamps, 51. Dust in mines ; Archer and Robson's
Sprayer for laying, 99.
Earthquake at Sonora, abs. 44.
El Boleo, copper in, abs. 7.
Election of Members, 2,31,65,87,123,129.
Electric safety-lamp for miners; On an improved, by J. Wilson Swan :
Description of the lamp and fire-damp detector, 3.—Different forms of
indicators, 6.—Experiment showing action of gas indicator, 7.—Discussed, 8,
55.
.Plate.—1. Drawing showing construction of lamp and mode of charging.
Electric safety-lamp, with Schanschieff's primary single liquid battery.
(See Miner's neiv electric safety-lamp.)
Element, Germanium, abs. 41.
Excursion down the river, 127.
Exhibition; meetings at, 123,167.—Haulage exhibits, 218. — Coal mine, 222.—
Lead mine, 223.
Experiments : Swan's improved electric safety damp, 7.—Transmission of power
by steam, 13.—Upon the possible connection between movements of the earth's
crust and the issues of gases in mines, 43.—Of the Prussian Eire-damp
Commission, Remarks on, abs. 13.— Upon winding wire-ropes, abs. 24.— Upon
the ignition of coal-gas and firedamp by sparks, abs. 41.
Explosions : In lamp-black furnaces,
abs. 13. Explosives; relative power of, abs. 48.
Pan; Ser centrifugal, abs. 1.—Kley, abs.
28.—Alexandre, abs. 46. Pederation of Mining Institutes. (See
Mining Institutions.) Pinance Committee's report, viii. Fire-damp; issue
of, and atmospheric pressure, abs. 28. — Ignition of, by sparks,
abs. 41.—Utilisation of, abs. 47. Fire-damp Indicator, by Sir W. T. Lewis
and A. H. Maurice, 73.—Principle on which the instrument is based, 73.—
Description of the indicator. — The gauge, 74. — The battery. —
Results of trials, 75.—Discussed, 76.
Plate.—-12. Drawings illustrating the paper. Flora of La Grand' Combe,
abs. 10. Food: importation of, 150. Foreign papers, abstracts of; end of
proceedings. Form of apparatus for the rapid determination of specific
gravities of bodies, by M. Walton Brown, 95.—Definition of the specific
gravity of a body.— Methods commonly in use for determining specific
gravities, 95.—Description of the apparatus and mode of using it,
96.—Discussed, 97.
Plate.—14. Drawing of the apparatus. Forms, 1,
France; experiments in, upon the possible connection between movements of
the earth's crust and the issues of gases in mines, 43. — (Central) pebbles
in the coal of, abs. 8.—Flora of La Grand' Combe, abs. 10.—Coal-formations
of the Allier, abs. 10.—Prices of coal and coke at St. Etienne, abs.
31-Freiberg; zinc blendes of, abs. 40. Fuel; use of mineral oils for, abs.
46.
Galleries; metallic lining for, abs. 35.
Gas; velocity with which it passes from one pressure to a lower pressure,
abs. 26.
Gas; ignition of, by sparks, abs. 41.
Gases in coal-mines; issues of, and movements of the earth's crust, probable
connection between, 43, abs. 43.
Gates (automatic) for winding shafts; Poech's, abs. 23.
General statement of accounts, xiv.
Geology: Of Eastern Siberia, abs. 8.— Of South Abyssinia, abs. 9.—Of the
Assinee, abs. 10.—Of Eastern Tonquin, abs. 36.
Germanium, abs. 41.
Halse, Edward; On the occurrence of manganese ore in the Cambrian rocks of
Merionethshire. (See Occurrence of
4-o.)
Haulage exhibits, 123, 218.
Heat of combustion of coal, abs. 26.
Hellhoffit and carbonit, abs. 27.
Hindustan; the diamond-bearing pegmatite of, abs. 37.
Honorary members, xvi.
Hydraulic drills; working ironstone by. (See On the system of, Sfc.)
Hydraulic ram for lowering the cage at the bottom of the shaft (Reumaux's),
abs. 16.
Ignition of coal-gas and fire-damp by
sparks, abs. 41. Inclined planes; safety-catch for tubs
running on, abs. 45. India and Burmah; petroleum in, abs. 11. Influence of
seismic movements upon the
evolution of gas, abs. 43. Inquiry into the condition of the Belgian
miners, abs. 29. Iron; improvements in manufacture of,
148. Iron mines of Bilbao, abs. 48.
EE
Ironstone; system of working by hydraulic drills at Lumpsey mines. (See On
the system of, Sfc.)
Kley ventilating fan, abs. 28.
Lamp-black furnaces; explosions in, abs. 13.
Lamps. (See Safety-lamps.)
Lebour, Prof. G. A.; notes on the coal-measures of Catalonia. (See Notes on,
Sfc.)—Report on the conference of the delegates of corresponding societies
at the meeting of the British Association, 1886, 61.
Lewis, Sir W. T.; fire-damp indicator, 73.
Life members, xvi.
Lightning at West Thornley Colliery, 47, 86.
Lining (metallic) for galleries, abs. 35.
Lock for safety-lamps. (See Cuvelier's.)
Lumpsey mines; working ironstone at. (See On the system of, Sfc.)
Magnesian cements; accidents to structures built with, abs. 23.
Malacca ; tin mining in Perak, abs. 3.
Manganese ore in the Cambrian rocks of Merionethshire, by Edward Halse. (See
Occurrence of manganese ore, Sfc.)
Margraf, Herr; report on Securite, 81.
Marienberg; silver mines of, abs. 37.
Marley, John, on the Catalonia coal-field, 117.
Marsaut safety-lamp, abs. 43.
Maurice, A. H.; fire-damp indicator, 73.
May, George; haulage exhibits, 123, 218.
Mbmbees : Honorary and Life, xvi.—Original, xviii.—Ordinary,
xxviii.—Associate, xxix.—Students, xxxiii.—Subscribing firms, &c, xxxvi.
Merionethshire; manganese ore in the Cambrian rocks of. (See Occurrence of
manganese ore, Sfc.)
Merivale, Prof. J. H.; on the transmission of power by steam. (See
Transmission.)
Metallic linings for galleries, abs. 35.
Metalliferous deposits of the Western Pyrenees, abs. 38.
Mineral oils for fuel, abs. 46.
Miner's new electric safety-lamp, with Schanschieff's primary single liquid
battery, by S. B. Coxon, 89.—Advantages of a primary battery, 89.—The
exciting solution, comparison of weights of different lamps, construction of
the batteries, their advantages, 90.—Description of the lamp, arrangement of
carbons, &c, 91.—Discussed, 92.
Plate.—13. Sectional drawings showing construction of the lamp.
Mining : In New Caledonia, abs. 12.
Mining crisis in Belgium, abs. 30.
Mining Institutions of Great Britain, by Theo. Wood Bunning; reasons for
proposed amalgamation. — Output of the various districts represented by
Mining Associations. — Members and income, 167.—Central offices in London,
170.— Colonial centres, 171.—Probable expenditure.— Subscriptions, 175.—
Publication of papers and discussions, 176.—Income.—Number of
members.—Present cost of publication, 177.—Preliminary expenses, 178. —
Appendix. —- Balance sheets of the various institutes referred to,
181-194.—Statistics of the various societies, with reference to their
position with regard to the districts they represent, 195.—Table showing
number of members that are in more than one association, 196.—Summary of the
mineral produce of Great Britain for the year 1886, 197.—Discussed, 198.
Mining produce of the district of Dortmund in 1886, abs. 39.
Mining schools, abs. 52.
Motive power; comparison of the costs of several systems, abs. 12.
Movements of the earth's crust and the issues of gases in coal-mines;
probable connection between, 43, abs. 43.
New Caledonia ; Mining in, abs. 12.
New safety cartridge for mines, abs. 25.
New silver ore, abs. 41.
Nomination of members; forms for, 1.
Notes on the coal-measures of Catalonia, Spain, by Professor G. A. Lebour,
M.A., 33.—Introduction, geographical position, 33.—Coal-measures of Ogassa
and Surroca, 34.—Of Seo de Urgel, 36.— Rocks beneath and above the
coal-measures, 37.—Unconformities and their results, 40.—Conclusion,
discussed, 41. —Further discussion postponed, 86.— Further discussion,
117.—Remarks by Mr. John Marley, 117.
Plates. — 2. Sketch map of the Surroca coal-field; sketch map of the
peninsula showing the relative positions of the northern coal-fields.—3.
Sketch section from San Juan de las Abadesas to the mountains of Surroca;
diagram showing the unconformable transgression of the secondary beds over
the coal-measures between Surroca and the Col de Jou.—4. Sections of
strata.
Oak; carbonisation of, abs. 1.
Occurrence of manganese ore in the Cambrian rocks of Merionethshire, by
Edward Halse, 103.—Geological description of the rocks, 103.—Nature of the
deposits, 104.—Position of the deposits, 105.—Description of the deposits,
107. —Comparative table of the different outcrops, 112.—Composition of the
ore, 113.—Working cost and output, treatment, origin of the beds,
115.—Section of strata near the Hafodty mine, 117.— Discussed, 116.
Plates—-16. Map of West Merionethshire, showing outcrops of beds of
carbonate of manganese, 17.—Horizontal
section from Harlech through Rhinog-fawr, 18.—Horizontal section showing the
portions of the outcrops west of Upper Moelfre.—19. Sections showing
contortions at the Moelfre mine.
Officers, xvii.
On the system of working ironstone at Lumpsey mines by hydraulic drills, by
A. L. Steavenson, 67.—Walker drills referred to, utilisation of water behind
the tubbing, 67.—Description of the machinery, 68.—Work done, repairs, &c,
70.—Discussed, 71,121.
Plates.—9. Side elevation of the drill.—10. Plan of ditto.—11. End
elevation.
Ordinary members, xxviii.
Ore; dressing with, air-jigs, abs. 20.— With air-blast, abs. 22.—New silver,
abs. 41.
Original members, xviii.
Oruro; silver mines of, abs, 51.
Patrons, xv.
Pebbles in the coal of Central France, abs. 8.
Pegmatite; the diamond-bearing, of Hindustan, abs. 37.
Perak ; tin mining in, abs. 3.
Petroleum in India and Burmah, abs. 11.
Plants of the coal formation, abs. 9.
Poech's automatic gates for winding shafts, abs. 23.
Power of explosives, abs. 48.
President; Sir Lowthian Bell, remarks on his election, 1.—Presidential
Address, 131.
President's Address, by Sir Lowthian Bell, 131.—Introductory.—50 years'
progress of local industry.—Progress dependent on cheap fuel, 131.—Railways
50 years ago.—Neighbourhood of Newcastle the birthplace of railways.—
History of railway development, 132.—Tools and appliances 50 years ago.—Work
turned
out now and 50 years ago, 134.—Cheap fuel and cheap iron led to construction
of railways.—Railways on the Continent.—Railways in the United States of
America, 135.—Steam navigation a consequence of railways.—Former opinions
respecting ocean steamers. — British shipping, 136.—Modern navigation
dependent on coal and iron, 137. — Improved carrying capacity of iron
ships.— Compound engines, 138.—Heat evolved by combustion of fuel, 139.—Loss
of heat in products of combustion, 140.— Percentage of heat utilised at
boiler, 141.—Heat in steam at various pressures.—Loss by latent heat in
steam, 142.—Loss by friction, &c.—Air Engines. — Value of coal in the arts.—
Exhaustion of coal, 143.—Substitutes for coal, 144.—Natural gas and oil.—
Importance of economising coal.—Value of iron, 147.—Recent improvements in
manufacture of iron, 148.—Basic process.—Phosphorus in basic process as a
manure, 149.—Origin of improvements in manufacture of iron.—Effect of steam
power on trade of world.—Pood importation, 150.—Effect of Corn Laws on
prices.—Cost of living abroad and in the United Kingdom.—Imports of food,
151.—Table showing weight of material imported and retained in the United
Kingdom for human food and for feeding cattle.—Food consumed in United
Kingdom, 152.—Consumption per head of imported articles in the years since
1855, &c.—Effect of improved transit in United Kingdom and other countries,
153.—Skill of British artisan, 155.— Foreign competition, 156.—Education in
northern coal-field of England, 157. —College of Physical Science in
Newcastle, 158.—Remarks by Mons. V. Daix, 160.—Discussed, 163. Pressure
exerted by water in soil; on the, abs. 16.
Prices of coal and coke at the Rive-de-
Gier, abs 28.—at St, Etienne, abs. 31. Prussian fire-damp commission;
remarks
on the experiments of the, abs. 13. ; Pumps (Balance) for self-acting
inclined
planes, abs. 6. Pyrenees (Western); the metalliferous
deposits of, abs. 38. Pyrites; spontaneous combustion of,
abs. 8.
! Quicksands; sinking a shaft through, by compressed air, abs. 35.
Railways; development of, 132.
Ram (Hydraulic) for lowering the cage
at the bottom of the shaft, abs. 16. | Reception of visitors, 125. I
Relative power of explosives, abs. 48. j Remarks on a further discharge of
lightning at the West Thornley Colliery,
by Henry White, 47. Repobts : By Herr Margraf on Securite,
81.—Council, v.—Finance, viii. Reumaux's hydraulic rams for lowering
the cage at the bottom of the shaft,
abs. 16. Rive-de-Gier; prices of coal and coke at,
abs. 28. Robson & Archer's Sprayer for laying the
dust in mines, 99. Ropes (Wire); experiments upon, for
winding, abs. 24. Roumania; salt mines of, abs. 31. Royal Charter, xxxvii.
Rules, xliii. Russia; geology of Eastern Siberia, abs. 8.
Safety cartridge for mines, abs. 25.
Safety-catch for tubs, abs. 45.
Safety-lamps : Swan's improved electric lamp, 3.—Cuvelier's lock for. (See
Safety-lamps.)—Cambessede's, abs. 43. —Marsaut, abs. 43.
Salt mines of Roumania, abs. 31.
Schanschieff's electric safety-lamp. (See Miner's new electric safety-lamp.)
Schools; Mining, abs. 52.
Scrutineers appointed, 129.
Sections : Sketch section from San Juan de las Abadesas to the mountains of
Surroca, Plate 3.—Sections of strata in the coal-measures of Catalonia,
Plate 4. —Horizontal section from Harlech through Rhinog-fawr, Plate
17.—Horizontal section showing the portions of the outcrop west of Upper
Moelfre, Plate 18.—Sections showing contortions near the Moelfre mine, Plate
19.
Securite, On; a new blasting compound, by S. B. Coxon, 79.—Variations in the
mode of preparing the powder, 79.— protection against moisture; its
advantages, 80.—Report by Herr Margraf, 81.—Discussed, 82.—Further
discussion postponed, 121.
Seismic movements; infiuence of, upon the evolutions of gas, 43, abs. 43.
Ser centrifugal fan, abs. 1.
Siberia (Eastern); geology of, abs. 8.
Silver mines of Marienberg, abs. 37.—Of Oruro, in Bolivia, abs. 51.
Silver ore; new, abs. 41.
Sinking a shaft through quicksands by compressed air, abs. 35.
Sonora earthquake, abs. 44.
Sottiaux's coal-crusher-cleaner, abs. 45.
Spain; notes on the coal-measures of Catalonia. (See Notes on, Sfc.)—Iron
mines of Bilbao, abs. 48.
Specific gravities of bodies; form of apparatus for the rapid determination
of. (See Form of apparatus.)
Spontaneous combustion of pyrites, abs. 8.
Sprayer for laying dust in mines; Archer and Robson's, 99.
St. Etienne; prices of coal and coke at, abs. 31.
Statistics : Importation and consumption of food, 152. — Mining
Institutions,
number of members, subscriptions, &c, 195.—Mineral produce of Great Britain
for the year 1886, 197.
Steavenson, A. L.; On the system of working ironstone at Lumpsey mines by
hydraulic drills. (See On the system of Sfc)
Stone drifts; Tellier's system of supporting, abs. 34.
Stone tubbing, abs. 29.
Students, xxxiii.
Subscribing collieries, xxxvi.
Subscriptions, xii.
Swan, J. W.; On an improved electric safety-lamp for miners. (See Electric
safety-lamp.)
Tellier's system of supporting stone-drifts, abs. 34.
Tin mining in Perak, abs. 3.
Tonquin (Eastern); the geology of, abs. 36.
Transit; improvements in, 153.
Transmission of power by steam, by Prof. J. H. Merivale, 13.—Extension of
the system at Broomhill Colliery, 13.— Problems to be solved by the mining
engineer in steam transmission.—Loss by radiation, 14.—Table showing
pressure, temperature, weight, volume, &c, of saturated steam, 15.—Loss by
contact with air, 17.—Loss by friction, 19.— Experiments upon the loss due
to condensation, 20.—Experiments upon the loss due to friction, 22.—The
design of a steam transmission. — Experiments with Wormald's composition,
24.— Practical details, 25.—Useful effect, 26. —Discussed, 27.
Transmitting motive power; comparison of the costs of several systems, abs.
12.
Treasurer's accounts, x.
Tubbing; stone, abs. 29.
Tubs; safety-catch for, abs. 45.
Tunnel; underground canal at Orbo, 119.
Underground canal at Orbo, 119. Use of mineral oils for fuel, abs. 46.
Utilisation of fire-damp, abs. 47.
Velocity with which a gas passes from one pressure to a lower pressure, abs.
26.
Ventilation : Ser centrifugal fan, abs. 1.— Of mines in Westphalia, abs.
17.—Kley fan, abs. 28.—Alexandre fan, abs. 46.
Visit of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, 125.— Programme of excursions, &c,
201.—Haulage exhibits described, 218. —Coal mine at the exhibition, 222.—¦
Lead mine, 223.
Walcher mining wedge, abs. 27. Water in soil; on the pressure exerted by,
abs. 16.
Water cartridges, abs. 25, 45.
Wedge ; Walcher mining, abs. 27.
West Thornley Colliery; lightning at, 47, 86.
Western Pyrenees; the metalliferous deposits of the, abs. 38.
Westphalia; ventilation of mines in, abs. 17.
White, Henry; on lightning at West Thornley Colliery, 47, 86.
Winding wire ropes; experiments upon, abs. 24.
Wire ropes for winding; experiments upon, abs. 24.
Zinc blendes of Freiberg, abs. 40.