Inaugural Address.
Delivered to the members of the
North of England Institute of Mining Engineers and Others Interested in the
Prevention of Accidents in Mines, and in the Advancement of Mining
Science Generally.
September 3rd, 1852,
By NICHOLAS WOOD, Esq.,
President of the Institute.
Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, Fellow of the Geological
Society, and Mining Engineer.
Gentlemen, - In delivering the first address to the Society at the commencement of your labours, I must beg to congratulate the members thereof, on the progress which they have made in so short a time, towards the establishment of the Society. The association together of upwards of eighty members - the appointment of officers - and the subscription of an amount of funds, which, however small, is still what may be deemed sufficient for a commencement, - all point towards success. Let us not, however, deceive ourselves. We have only cut the first sod, or laid the foundation stone; the whole of the works or the edifice has yet to be reared, the resources developed, and the ultimate objects attained.
While, therefore, you have done me the honor to select me to preside over your labours and deliberations, bear in mind that it is only by unremitting perseverance - by the continued exercise of our united and combined efforts, that we can be successful. We must each of us act as if we were individually responsible for the success of the Institution; and with such efforts, and actuated by such feelings, there can be no doubt that we shall be successful.
We have, I think, (except the funds of which I shall speak hereafter), within us all the elements of success; and supported as I have no doubt we shall be in respect of funds if we act true to ourselves, and to the objects for which we are associated together, we may hope that to-day we are entering upon an undertaking which may be of essential utility to the important interests entrusted to our charge, and which may be the means of averting some at least of those dreadful and deplorable catastrophies which have too often been felt with such disastrous consequences to the district, and to the sufferers, by their occurrence: and that it may be the means of raising the profession to a higher standard of intelligence in literature and science than it has hitherto attained.
The object of the Institution is twofold:-
First, - By a union or concentration of professional experience, to endeavour if possible, to devise measures which may avert or alleviate those dreadful calamities, which have so frequently produced such destruction to life and property, and which are always attended with such misery and distress to the mining population of the district; and
Secondly, - to establish a Literary Institution, more particularly applicable to the theory, art, and practice of Mining, than the Institutions in the locality present, or which are within the reach of the profession in this locality.
While, therefore, we propose that the Institution should practically consist of members of the profession of - Mining Engineers, and that it should be substantially of a Literary character, we have thought it advisable to extend the range of its objects and labours, and we have, consequently, opened its doors to the admission of persons interested in the prevention of Accidents in Mines, and in the advancement of Mining Science generally.
We are aware that this admits of a very extensive application, for who is not interested, if for no other object, from feelings of humanity, in the prevention of accidents in coal mines?
Our intention is, however, not to employ the terms in so extensive a meaning. We should be very glad to have the support of any individual in so desirable an object, from whatever motives or feelings he may be actuated; but we wish the principles of the Institution to be understood-it is an Institution of practical miners, associated together to endeavour by a combination of practical knowledge - by an interchange of practical experience - and by a united and combined effort, to improve ourselves in the science of our profession, and by acting together as a body, we may be the instruments of preventing as much as practicable, the recurrence of those dreadful catastrophies to which I have alluded; and at the same time, to raise the art and science of mining to its highest practicable scale of perfection, in safety, economy, and efficiency.
Our Institution is, in the first place, therefore, intimately connected with the interests of all the proprietors of coal, and all the lessees of mines of this district; or what are generally termed, the coal-owners of the north. Our claims to their support are all powerful. We are associated together for the prevention of accidents in mines. Who so interested in the prevention of accidents as coal-owners? Past experience shows that they are never behind the most energetic philanthropist in attention and care to the sufferings of the injured, or victims of those dreadful accidents, or in alleviation of the misery and distress of their relatives or families; on this ground alone, we seek to have their support. But we are also associated together for the improvement of the art of mining scientifically, practically, and economically. The coal-owner, or worker of the coal, is, therefore, on that account, likewise most materially interested in the success of the Institution. And, as one of the prominent features of the Institution is to endeavour to accomplish the best and most perfect mode of abstracting the coal, so as to produce the largest quantity of coal out of a given area of mine, the proprietor of the coal, as well as the worker of it, is no less materially interested in the success of the Institution.
Considering, therefore, that we have paramount claims upon the representatives of those interests for support and assistance, we have, consequently, opened our doors to the admission of gentlemen of both those denominations; and we humbly solicit their support and co-operation in the one or other, or in both of those characters. We should, likewise, be glad to have numbered amongst our members, or as supporters of the Institution, any literary, scientific, or practical members of other Institutions, professions, or occupations, whose labours, talents, or professional experience, can in any way aid our efforts in the accomplishment of the objects of the Institution, either in the prevention of accidents, or in perfecting the art of mining.
With these general observations on the principles upon which the Institution is founded, I shall now proceed to point out more in detail an outline of the subjects which we shall have to consider-the range and scope of the studies embraced within our constitution-and the branches of science which it is intended to grapple with, so as to accomplish the objects for which the Institution has been established.
And first of all, as to the prevention of accidents in mines.
I think it is a source of justifiable gratification to contemplate the readiness, almost without an exception, with which the members of the profession have come forward in obedience to the wishes of those benevolent noblemen and gentlemen who thought that the establishment of such an Institution as this might contribute towards averting those dreadful accidents; and the anxiety which they have evinced in modelling the Institution, so as to accomplish the object in view.
No set of persons, certainly, can have more powerful motives to associate together for such a purpose than mining engineers; feelings of humanity towards that hardy and adventurous class of workmen who are immured in our mines, and who suffer by such calamities - the heart-rending scenes which those in charge of such works are compelled to witness on such melancholy occasions - and the distressing bereavements which are continually brought to their very doors, appeal with irresistible force to them above all others to associate together, if by such an association they can in any degree aid in preventing the recurrence of such fearful visitations.
If these considerations, and no others, operated towards the establishment of such an Institution, sufficiently powerful motives to urge us on exist; and if we succeed-if our efforts, in however slight a degree, contribute to confer additional safety to our mines - the reward - the approbation of our own consciences, that we may have been the cause of even saving the life of one of our fellow-creatures - must be a sufficient inducement to force upon us the utmost exertions of which we are capable in contributing our mite towards the success of such an Institution.
It has been stated, that we are not the proper persons to unite together for such a purpose. That we are interested persons, and that the proper persons for such an association are persons entirely unconnected with the coal-owners, or with the managers of mines. I beg most decidedly, but most respectfully, to doubt the soundness of such a doctrine. The motives of any gentlemen, of whatever class they may be, or whatever may be their pursuits in life, who unite together, or in any way contribute towards the prevention of those accidents, cannot be too highly appreciated; the miners, the coal-owners, and every one engaged in mining, owe them a deep debt of gratitude for any efforts they may make.
It is from those very feelings, emanating from persons themselves daily exposed in the mines, with those who are liable to suffer, being also individually subjected in the exercise of their duties, to the effects of such accidents - witnessing the heart-rending scenes occasioned by such accidents - and from being supposed to be the only persons, through whose assistance any preventive measures can properly be carried out, that we have deemed it incumbent upon us, and that we consider ourselves a proper class of persons to unite together, and, at least, to make the attempt to endeavour to accomplish the desired object.
At the same time, I feel assured that I speak the sentiments of every member of the profession, when I say that we do not for one moment entertain the idea that the establishment of this Institution should, in the least degree, render it unnecessary, or that we should interfere in any way whatever with the establishment of any other Institution for the prevention of accidents in mines; and particularly with the one proposed to be established in London. On the contrary, every member of the Institute, I am sure, either individually, or in connection with the Institution, would be most happy to co-operate with, assist, or in any way aid the efforts of any other institution or society, having for its object the prevention of accidents in mines; and that it will be one of the leading objects of this Institution, to consider, afford a careful and impartial trial, or carry into effect any suggestion, plan, or measure submitted to them, having for its object the prevention of those accidents.
I have thought it necessary to trouble you with those remarks, in consequence of allegations having been made, that the object of the establishment of this Society was to stifle enquiry, to interpose difficulties in the establishment of other societies, or to create obstacles to the introduction or suggestion of measures recommended by such societies, towards the prevention of accidents in mines. Whereas, our wish is, and it is our desire, and it should be clearly and distinctly understood, that our object is quite the reverse; that it is our wish to aid, assist, and carry out the views of such associations, to carefully consider any plan which may be submitted to us, bring our united practical knowledge to bear upon such consideration, and if the measure, or plan, is at all feasible, or exhibits reasonable prospect of being beneficial, or to accomplish the object for which it is proposed, to do our utmost in giving it a fair and impartial trial.
And here it may not be irrelevant to those considerations, or without its use in elucidating the objects we have in view, to glance at what has of late years been done towards the prevention of accidents in mines, induced by the frequency and serious extent of those accidents, and to see how far these enquiries have contributed to arrest the fearful visitations.
In the year 1835, a Committee of the House of Commons was appointed, of which Mr. Joseph Pease was chairman, a gentleman, from being himself an extensive coal-owner, being in daily communication with his mines, and being by his talents, application, and sound practical knowledge, every way suitable for that office. The result of the labours of that Committee, which sat hearing evidence over a period of nineteen days, and produced a Blue Book of 360 pages, did not lead to any prominent alleviation of such accidents. They reported, "in conclusion, your Committee regret that the results of this enquiry have not enabled them to lay before the House any particular plan, by which the accidents in question may be avoided with certainty, and, in consequence, no decisive recommendations are offered. They anticipate great advantages to the public and to humanity, from the circulation of the valuable evidence they have collected. They feel assured that science will avail itself of the information, if not for the first time obtained, yet now prominently 'exhibited; and that the parties for whose more immediate advantage, - the British Parliament undertook the enquiry, will not hesitate to place a generous construction on the motives and intentions of the Legislature."
In the year 1839, (resulting from a serious explosion of fire-damp at St. Hilda Colliery, near South Shields, by which fifty people were killed,) a Committee was appointed of South Shields gentlemen, of which Mr. Mather was Secretary, and which sat occasionally for three years. The result of that Committee was a Report of very great value, published in 1843. It has also been republished, as an Appendix to the Report of a Committee of the House of Commons of this year.
The conclusions to which this Committee arrived were rather numerous. With regard to SAFETY-LAMPS, they concluded that "no mere safety-lamp, however ingenious in its construction, is able to secure fiery mines from explosions, and that a reliance upon it is a fatal error, conducive to those dreadful calamities which it is intended to prevent."
With regard to VENTILATION, "that considering its power, safety, and economy, facility of execution and command, ventilation by high-pressure steam is peculiarly fitted for the present condition of mines, and adapted for them in every stage of their operations. - That it appears one of the most important and valuable suggestions, and if fully and properly applied, preferable as far as relates to its effects on the safety and healthiness of the mine to any invention of modern date." The committee recommended the use of scientific instruments, some regulation of infant labour, registry of plans and sections, scientific education of officers of mines, and Government inspection and jurisdiction.
In 1845 Sir Henry de la Beche and Dr. Lyon Playfair were appointed by Government to institute an enquiry into the causes of accidents in coal mines, particularly as regarded noxious and inflammable gases, the escape of gas into mines, and of obviating danger therefrom by proper ventilation. The labours of these gentlemen were published in 1847, and the general result appears to have been the recommendation of the appointment of Government inspectors, and to compel the use of safety-lamps in all fiery collieries.
In 1849, in consequence of the continuance of those accidents, a Committee of the Lords was appointed, of which Lord Wharncliffe was chairman, a nobleman every way qualified for such a task. This committee sat receiving evidence eighteen days, and produced a Blue Book of 615
pages. No legislative measure was recommended to Parliament by this committee. They contented themselves with reporting the evidence, with a commentary upon it in their report, directing attention to various parts of the evidence, especially as regarded the appointment of inspectors, to improvements in safety-lamps, and of ventilation generally; and directed particular attention to the precise action and power of the steam jet as a ventilating agent, compared with that of the ordinary furnace hitherto in use.
During the session in which this committee sat, an appointment was made by the Government of Professor Philips and Mr. Blackwell, to investigate and report on the ventilation of mines. These two gentlemen made separate reports:- the former of the mines in Northumberland and Durham, Derbyshire and Yorkshire; the latter in Lancashire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, and South Wales, &c.
Those gentlemen produced a valuable mass of evidence and investigation, giving the facts as regarded the system and amount of ventilation at the different collieries, and in the different districts. The conclusion they arrived at may be shortly stated, by saying that they considered superior practical and scientific knowledge was required in some of the districts, - "superior skill and unsleeping vigilance in the overlooker," - which they thought would be promoted by the establishment of provincial mining schools, and by a systematic inspection under the authority of Government.
In 1851 Government inspectors were appointed. Unfortunately, however, accidents still occurred, and in this year a Committee of the House of Commons was appointed, of which Mr.Cayley was chairman. This committee sat receiving evidence five days, and published a report of 247 pages (including the reprint of the Report of the South Shields Committee). This committee has made various suggestions, some of them of a most startling nature, both as regards the practicability of their adoption, and their utility in accomplishing the objects for which they are recommended; and certainly great doubts exist as to the propriety, as well as the efficiency, of several of their suggestions, as regards the ventilation of mines. One of the opinions they express is - " Your Committee, however, are unanimously of opinion that the primary object should be to prevent the explosions themselves: and that if human means (as far as known) can avail to prevent them it is by the steam jet system as applied by Mr. Forster; although even in such case it might be prudent in a mine especially fiery to add an inexpensive steam jet apparatus at the top of the downcast, as a means in reserve in case of explosion from neglect or otherwise; and your Committee are unanimously of opinion that the steam jet is the most powerful, and at the same time least expensive method for the ventilation of mines."
Looking at the evidence produced before those committees at the various periods - the information elicited by the labours of the scientific gentlemen employed to report upon the subject-the conclusions, and recommendations which those committees and gentlemen have from time to time arrived at or made ; and more especially looking at the conclusions and recommendations which the committee of this year has made to the Legislature, I need scarcely say how incumbent it is upon the proprietors and managers of mines to carefully, minutely, and impartially study and consider such a mass of evidence, and the important conclusions to which those gentlemen have arrived at, or measures which they have recommended.
And here I may again perhaps be permitted to state that the Institution which we are now engaged in establishing, is probably the most proper tribunal to enter upon such an investigation.
It has always been felt that individual collieries, or individual coal owners, were not able or capable of undertaking such extensive experiments as would be required to test some of the suggestions made, or schemes proposed by those committees, or by scientific gentlemen or others; and thus on the principle that what was everybody's business was nobody's business - those voluminous reports, those various, and in some instances probably useful or valuable suggestions have lain dormant - or have been placed upon the shelves of the colliery offices without notice or attention.
Now, however, we have no such excuse open to us, being associated together for the express purpose and object of proving and investigating every thing connected with the subject of mining; however crude, inapplicable, or even however ridiculous the proposition or plan may be, it is just as incumbent upon us to give it a fair and impartial investigation as if it were the most perfect or valuable suggestion.
Acting as a body, every plan brought before us will have at least a careful and impartial investigation, and if we unitedly find that any subject requires practical elucidation, or if, in order to enable us to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion, it is necessary that any plan or suggestion should become the subject of experiment, I feel assured we shall be readily met by our employers, to place their pits at our disposal, and enable us to test, by practical experiment or experience, any plan, mode, or suggestion, which may be offered to our notice on so important a subject - provided we are unitedly of opinion that such experiments or trials can in any way conduce to lessen the number of accidents in mines, or tend to advance the science and economy of mining.
Apart, however, from the suggestions resulting from the labours of these committees, and from the investigations of professors and others, we have the subject generally of ventilating - and lighting of mines open to us, and calling upon us for investigation and discussion; and looking at the variety, importance, and intricacy of these subjects, there can be no apprehension that the Institute will be at a loss for materials to discuss, and looking also at the anxiety evinced by the members in the outset, no reasonable assumption can exist that any part of the subject will not undergo the requisite investigation and consideration.
Within the last forty years, to my knowledge, and to the experience of some of my colleagues, mighty and important changes and improvements have been made in the ventilation of collieries. It is true we still retain the furnace as a means of ventilation - some say as an old friend - some from prejudice - still we retain it. We have had, as a substitute, during that period, innumerable plans and suggestions, few of which have stood the test of time and experience: we have had the application of machinery suggested in almost every variety of form to produce a current of air through the mine by pumping the air out of the upcast shaft; and we have had some to force the air down. All these appear to have given way to three modes by machinery now in use, one by Mr. Brunton, acting by centrifugal force, in the compartments of a wheel of large diameter; one by Mr. Struve, of a direct pumping action; and one by Mr. Naysmith, of a fan-blast. Then we have the steam jet (strongly recommended by the committee of this year), originally proposed by Mr. Goldsworthy Gurney to the Committee of the House of Commons of 1835, and more particularly described and illustrated in the Report of the South Shields Committee in 1840, but which was not brought into operation until 1848.
These different modes of ventilation ought to form the earliest subjects of our investigations, they have been brought before us in a shape which makes it incumbent upon us to proceed to their investigation with the utmost care and impartiality, and without loss of time; but still in such a way as fully to test their relative capabilities, and their applicability in all or any of the cases in mining. With the resources within your reach, or which I feel confident will be placed within your reach, it is incumbent upon you to set the question at rest in a practical point of view.
Besides the enquiry as to which of the various modes of ventilating exhibits the greatest power of abstracting the air up or down the shaft, there is a great deal to investigate in the shafts themselves. The effects on ventilation with shafts of greater or less diameter, the comparative effect with shafts of different depths, and other modifications, all will, or ought to occupy your attention, and perhaps all the requisite data can only be obtained by an accumulation of facts such as will now be afforded you by this Institution.
When, however, we have investigated and arrived at the conclusion, as to which plan produces the greatest current of air down the shaft, we have only arrived at the threshold of ventilation. One of the parts of the subject which has undergone the least investigation, and which is decidedly the most important, is the principle, or application of the conveyance of air through the workings of the colliery; - or from its entry into, to its exit out of the mine. We have found that passing one single current of air through the workings of a mine, from its entry to its exit, is attended with considerable resistance, such as to render it impracticable in a very long current to produce other than a very moderate velocity, or in mining language a small current of air. And experience has shown that, by what is called splitting the air, or by dividing it into a greater number of currents, with corresponding shorter runs, a greater aggregate quantity of air is obtained, or a greater quantity than would be measured by the number of divisions into the quantity obtained by a single current. That, in fact, if a single current of air is divided into four currents, you obtain in each current, a much greater quantity of air than one-fourth of the original quantity in the single current; but we have not, to my knowledge, arrived at any tangible principle or rule by which this is regulated.
The conveyance of the air through all the workings of a colliery is even, therefore, in 1852, a subject requiring serious investigation. And probably it has been the very want of such an Institution as this, that such and other investigations of a like nature have not been made before,
as such investigations could not be gone into with complete and accurate effect, except by bringing together a variety of instances and facts, attainable only by an association, when each member can contribute his quota of materials towards a general result.
Then, I think that we may safely say, that much yet may be learned as to the emission or discharge of the different gases found in the mines, which may be useful in a practical point of view, both with regard to the guarding against the sudden discharges of gases, as well as how to deal with them when evolved.
We come now to the lighting of the mines; and it will be found that a great part of the labours of the Parliamentary Committees and others employed to investigate the subject of accidents in mines, has been taken up with enquiries as to the relative merits and safety of the different lamps.
It may be necessary to ask you to revert to the period before the invention of any safety-lamps at all - when the only lights used were naked candles; and in parts of the mine which were explosive, steel mills, or flint and steel. The latter gave, as may be supposed, a very imperfect and uncertain light, dependent upon the dexterity of the operator or mill-player, producing or not, a continuous succession of sparks. The steel mills were, consequently, only used in exploring the old workings or waste.
All the mines may then be said to have been worked with candles until the year 1815, when the safety-lamps were introduced.
We find that since the Invention of the safety-lamp in 1815, there have been more accidents than when the mines were entirely worked with candles. This would, at first sight, appear paradoxical, but the reason is obvious. Coal is worked now which could not then be worked. Mines which yielded large quantities of gas could only be partially worked in the whole mine, and in such mines pillar-working could not be attempted; hence a large proportion of the coal in the district was either unworkable or unworked. Since the use of safety-lamps these mines have been worked, and the pillars which were then left, are now in the course of working with safety-lamps. It is, therefore, in those mines, and in the pillar-working, that the use of the safety-lamps are rendered necessary; and it is in some of those mines, in pillar-working, and in the vicinity of goaves, that it is impossible to keep the workings free from gas; hence the liability to explosions, and hence also, if an accident does occur, the reason why it is much more disastrous than when the mine was worked with candles, and when such of the mine only was worked as could be freed from the presence of inflammable gas, or reduced below the inflammable point. The number of accidents or deaths from explosions in the counties of Northumberland and Durham, we find, for sixty years previous to 1815, or when candles were used, was 734; while in thirty years afterwards the number was 968, with the use of the safety-lamp; and we have the more appalling fact, that since November, 1850 (the commencement of the Act for the appointment of Government Inspectors), the number of deaths by explosions has been at the rate of 250 per annum. These results urge upon us, with awful force, the question of whether anything can be done, under such a system of working the mines, as would, to any degree, avert such dreadful consequences.
The subject of safety-lamps will, therefore, no doubt form the subject of your early and anxious investigation, and no part of the subject will require more serious or careful attention. It is now, I may say, almost impossible to conduct the mining operations of this district without having some collieries or parts of collieries subject to be overloaded with inflammable air at times, and it is, therefore, of the utmost importance that those parts of the mine should be approached with a perfectly safe lamp, if such a desideratum is attainable.
The opinion given, before the Committee of the Commons which has just issued their Report, of the insecurity of the Davy-lamp, and the fact that thousands of those lamps are daily used in an inflammable atmosphere, render this an inquiry of vital importance to the safety of the miner, and the security of the property of the coal owner; and I feel, therefore, assured that you will approach such enquiry with that anxiety and interest which the importance of the subject demands.
I think I have now exhausted what I have to say on the first part of the duties of this Institution, and I fear I have exhausted your patience also. I must, however, beg to say a few words on the second part of the object of this Institution, viz.,- that part which is more purely of a scientific, practical, and professional character, and which may be generally summed up in that part of mining which applies to the theory and practice of the winning and working of collieries.
In the Winning of Collieries the first process is that of boring. I feel assured that it would be a very useful work in the archives of our proposed Institution, if we possessed detailed plans of the different boring instruments used here and on the Continent.
In the borings for coal, and in the borings for artesian wells, there are a great variety of boring apparatus. I trust ere long we shall have from some of the members of our body a paper on the subject, accompanied with the requisite plans and drawings.
The next subject which presents itself is sinking pits; and here there is a vast store of knowledge scattered about in the trade, lying in unprofitable obscurity in the drawers, and in the archives of the profession. I trust that their anxiety to support the character and utility of the Institution will induce them to bring those documents to day-light, and that they will impart their experience to their brethren. There is nothing so important, nothing so useful, when unsuccessful, than that we should have communicated to us the causes of failure; and it is equally important and useful to have the experience of successful efforts in overcoming dangerous and difficult undertakings.
This district more than any other, yields instances of the most expensive and difficult sinkings for coal. It will be of the greatest value to have records of them, and detailed plans and correct descriptions of the works of extensive sinkings. We have had, only recently, two very important and extensive sinkings, of great depth, and in one of the instances, of extraordinary difficulties. It would be of great utility to the rising members of the profession, and probably to some of more experience, if we could have placed in our archives correct records of the means practised to overcome such difficulties.
The two instances to which I allude are the Murton and Seaton Winnings, within two miles of each other. One an instance of the largest quantity of water probably ever overcome at so great a depth, I believe about 8,000 gallons a minute, or upwards, from a depth of seventy or eighty fathoms. The other, within that short distance, a case of having passed through precisely the same strata or measures without having ever met with, at one time, more than 500 gallons per minute. I trust, ere long, we shall see amongst our papers and plans, the experience and all the details of those two important undertakings. Having, myself, had charge of one of them, I undertake to furnish the Institution with the details of the Seaton Winning; and I have no doubt my friend Mr. Potter will be equally ready to furnish an account of the more difficult and extensive one of Murton.
Besides these cases there have been many others, from a record of which much information and instruction may be gained. Then we have the consideration of the different kinds of tubbing suitable for all the variety of sinkings. Something, also, of the preservation of that tubbing exposed to the smoke in upcast shafts, or to other destructive gases or water, all important questions for discussion and elucidation.
The different descriptions of engines, machines, machinery, pumps, and all the variety of apparatus for raising water when it does find its way into the shafts, all form subjects, likewise, on which the Institution might be profitably occupied for a long period of tine, and on which much valuable information and instruction, derived from records of what has been done, and from the experience of those gentlemen through whose supervision and direction such works have passed, or by whom they have been executed, may be obtained. And, allow me to say, that no doubt whatever can exist, that the information - the dissemination of the knowledge and experience of those gentlemen who have executed such works - brought out in the discussion of this Institution, will be duly appreciated by those to whom such information must be invaluable, viz., the young members of the Association.
And, I trust I may also be allowed to add, that it is equally clear and certain, that such information must be of the utmost value to those to whom we look for support, viz., our employers, as enabling us to bring to bear upon the execution of such works as we may be entrusted with in future, the accumulation of all the experience of the trade, elicited by the papers presented, and from the discussions which will arise thereupon.
Next comes the Working of the Coal and the machinery connected therewith, and here a wide field is open to us. When we look back to no very distant period, little beyond the last generation, we find that a very large portion of the coal now in working was utterly unapproachable. The machinery then in use was not capable of combatting the difficulties attendant upon its increased depth, and other circumstances. What has since been done? What revolutions have we not passed through, in all the concomitants of mining and locomotion ? The pumping of water and drawing of coals by water-wheels, will be in the recollection of some of our members, and it is only very recently that one of the old engines, with the cylinder upon the hay-stack boiler, the steam passing between them through a slide valve only, has given way to the modern improved engine. And we have had, within our own times, the invention and introduction of the locomotive engine which now performs such wonders.
What has been the condition of mining operations through all these variety of changes and improvements? Coal once considered unapproachable is now worked and brought to the surface with as much ease as if it were only a few yards deep. The range of the workings o£ some of the large collieries now extends over a space which required several pits some years ago. I took the opportunity of stating, on a recent occasion, that in the Hetton Colliery there were forty miles of single railway underground. Improved modes of working the coal and conveying it underground have also been adopted, or have become necessary. All these, however, imply a constant and continual succession of improvements, alterations, and adoption of new systems, or modes of working the mines, and in the conveyance and raising of coals, induced by the progress made in the improvement of machinery and advancement of science, and rendered more imperatively necessary to meet the increased cost and expense of working the coal. And do not let us entertain the idea that we have arrived at perfection-we are yet in a state of progression-in a state of transition and improvement-and in the ratio of what has been done, so much the more is required of us. Our predecessors have succeeded in raising the standard of intelligence in the art of mining, and in the use of machinery, much beyond that of former times; what they have done, in raising the standard up to its existing scale, let us emulate, improve, and raise it further, so as to keep pace with the increasing wants, intelligence, and requirements of the age.
Bearing all these in mind, what does it suggest to us? First, to inform ourselves of all that has been done; and, when all this is made patent to us, to unite together in heart and mind, and endeavour, by our combined efforts, to keep pace with, or, if possible, to outstrip our predecessors in the field. And, allow me to say, if we accomplish as much in our time as our predecessors have done within the last forty years, we shall be no mean contributors to science and the arts. Let us at least make the attempt. There is no finality in science. We must progress, and, availing ourselves of the opportunity which the establishment of this Institution will, I trust, afford us, let us put our shoulders to the wheel, and prove ourselves no degenerators from our predecessors.
Acting up to those principles and examples, we ought to set ourselves to work and fill our shelves with plans and information of all the labours of our predecessors; from this we shall, no doubt, acquire a great deal useful to us as a guide in our subsequent investigations. The different modes o£ working coal, and the applicability of all those different modes of working to the various descriptions of coal, or under different circumstances, all require elucidation. We have recently had introduced the long-wall mode of working, a mode of working which has been practised in other districts for years back. It has been often introduced into this district, and as often rejected as inapplicable to the seams of coal in this locality; it has, however, now obtained such an ascendancy as to require the serious attention of all concerned in mining, how far its use can be extended, and under what circumstances it can be adopted, or under what modifications it ought to be practised. Need I say that this is a subject peculiarly appropriate for discussion in our Institution. And, when we consider the ramifications into which this subject will spread, we have no cause to apprehend a want of matter, even under this branch of knowledge, to occupy our labours.
This is, it may be stated, the subject above all others in which the proprietor of the coal is most deeply interested. Any measure which has the effect of producing the largest possible quantity of coal out of a given area of royalty, and that in the best possible condition, is of the greatest importance to the lessor. Let me then venture to hope, that in the proportion in which he is interested will he contribute his quota towards the support of the Institution.
Having some consideration for your patience, I shall leave the subject of working the coal, however important it is, and shall ask you to allow me to say a few words on the conveyance of the coals both underground and on the surface. Considering that almost every day the distance is increasing from which the coals have to be conveyed from where excavated to the shaft, it becomes of the greatest importance that the best and most economical modes of conveyance should be adopted, and, therefore, latterly, the attention of the viewer has been more particularly directed to the application of engine-power underground than heretofore.
Consider, therefore, that the subject is yet in its infancy - that there yet remains much to be done -that the application generally is scarcely yet commenced; much may, therefore, be learnt by a free and practical discussion on the details of such applications - the experience of those who have used such machinery - the result as regards cost of erection, cost of working, and the useful effect produced - or practical performance of those machines, all require to be investigated and discussed, and which would be extremely useful to the profession.
The conveyance of coals and other minerals above-ground is not a less important subject of an enquiry.
The different description of carriages used both below and above-ground should also undergo investigation; and their relative amount of friction, wear and tear, &c.
The shipment of coals, the saving of breakage of the coals, their conveyance and delivery to the consumer, have all become, of late, subjects of some importance to the coal-owners. It will not be irrelevant, therefore, to the object of the Institution that these should become subjects of
investigation and discussion. And even the question of the comparative cost, utility, and applicability of the screw colliers in the conveyance of coals, might be a subject of some interest in the proceedings of this Society.
I have, I fear, at too extended a length, occupied your attention with the consideration of those portions of the constitution of our Society which relates to accidents in mines, and to the practical or operative part of mining. We must not, however, neglect a most important branch, indeed, the mainspring of the Society, that of the advancement of the science of mining, or the cultivation of those branches of science which more particularly appertain to our profession. The study of geology and all its concomitant branches of science, mineralogy, chemistry, mechanical philosophy, pneumatics, and mechanics, are all subjects which would occupy the time and attention of all the individual members of the Institution, and the meetings, likewise, of the Institute collectively, very usefully and profitably.
Papers upon any of these subjects would be extremely acceptable, and the discussion which might arise out of them would, I have no doubt, be very instructive. I have already, on a recent occasion, in an inaugural address on the establishment of a School of Mines, ventured to point out that all these sciences ought to enter into the education of a mining engineer. I feel assured that their investigation and discussion in afterlife, must be equally instructive and useful in his profession.
Without, therefore, entering into detail on this part of the subject, it must be apparent to all that there is in those branches of science ample matter for a large portion of the time of the Institution. I would beg to refer to the work above alluded to for any further explanation on this head, though, I have no doubt, each individual member is quite as deeply impressed as I am of the importance of the study and of the knowledge of those branches of science to a mining engineer.
A record of the mining operations of this county has long been felt as a great and important desideratum, so much so as to cause it to become the subject of Parliamentary investigation. Let us hope that the establishment of this Institution may present an opportunity, or an inducement for the production of a record of mining operations of this district. I am aware the obstacle has been the supposed exposure of private property, and the apprehension that such exposure might be injurious to the interests of those in possession of such documents. There may possibly be much prejudice in this. There are, however, a very great many cases to which such an objection could not possibly apply, and the production of such plans and papers being, of course, voluntary, and in all probability through the hands of the professional adviser of the person possessing them, no harm, but, on the contrary, in my opinion, a great deal of good might ensue by an attempt to combine a local record of the mining operations of this district with this Institution.
I need only instance one case where no real objection can possibly exist, and where the deposit of such plans would be very valuable. The High Main Seam, (from whence, up to a comparatively recent period, all the Wallsend household coals were produced,) is in the course of being entirely and irrecoverably filled or drowned up with water on the south side of the Great Dyke to the level of the Tyne. It will shortly be one of the things that hath been. Surely there can be no objection to the production and deposit of the plans, or copies of the plans of such a seam, in so extensive and important a district. The opportunity of doing so is now within our reach. But, if it is not now done, time will scatter the materials into so many hands and places, that the opportunity may be lost.
It is to be hoped, likewise, that a collection of the borings, specimens of the strata generally, specimens of the different beds of coal, and of the minerals produced in the district, will be contributed or obtained. We shall, also, to render the Institution more efficient, and to enable us to carry its objects into full and useful effect, require models to illustrate the different subjects within the extensive range of our duties and researches. It would be necessary, also, to have a library to refer to on all the subjects within the range of mining, engineering, and the different branches of science which we shall have to cultivate. And lastly, we shall require suitable rooms to meet in for our discussions, and for the deposit of our models, plans, books, and papers. And may I venture to hope that our funds may enable us to give rewards, or medals, or in some substantial mode to mark the approbation of the Institution for papers of merit, experiments made to promote the objects of the Society, or for important communications to the institution, which may tend to lessen the number of accidents, or promote the economy or efficiency of mining.
In conclusion, I have endeavoured, so far as I have been able, and within the limits of an address, to point out to you a, faint outline of the constitution of this Society-its objects, and the important duties which it will be expected to fulfil. I need scarcely add how important they are, not only to the literary and professional character of the members of the Society, but to the extensive and important interests comprised within the scope of its labours. We have not confined ourselves to members of the profession, or have made it purely of a literary or scientific character. We have extended the sphere of our labours to all those studies and researches of an economical, practical, and useful character, in all the ramifications into which they are susceptible, and which can by possibility bear upon the safety, success, and prosperity of the staple commodity of the district.
We have opened our doors to the admission, as I have previously stated, and as our title points out, to all persons "interested in the prevention of accidents in mines, and in the advancement of mining science generally," and we, therefore, seek for support from all those persons.
But besides those gentlemen who are interested from feelings of humanity in the prevention of accidents, we rely for support from those noblemen, and gentlemen who are, in addition to those feelings, personally interested in the mining operations of this district. We have amongst them learned bodies of great wealth and importance-corporations, noblemen, and gentlemen of the first rank and respectability in the kingdom. We have advisedly abstained from soliciting patrons, when there are so many who would do honour to the Institution; we have thought it advisable that such support should be voluntary, when the object of the Society is pointed out to them. And we trust that such support will flow upon us in proportion as the importance and usefulness of such an Institution is weighed and considered by them. It would, however, be misleading those learned bodies, those noblemen and gentlemen, and the public generally, if we were to hold out expectations that the Institution could be completely successful, or that we could accomplish what it must be apparent to all would be extremely desirable, without the patronage and support of those most materially interested in the success of the Institution - the lessors and lessees of the coal mines of this district. Without the requisite funds to provide us with tools the edifice cannot be reared, or become useful, or accomplish the objects expected from it.
Allow me, last of all, to state, that in the proportion in which we are supported - in the proportion in which the requisite implements are put into our hands, or placed within our reach - in a like proportion ought our exertions to be increased, to accomplish, so far as our abilities, assiduity, and attention, will enable us to accomplish-the objects in view by the establishment of this Institution. And, that we may make a full and adequate return for the confidence placed in us, and for the support which we may receive, let us, as I have previously stated, each and every of us, consider and act as if we considered ourselves individually responsible for the success of the Institution, and I have no doubt that our efforts will be successful.
From: The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers Transactions, Volume I (1852-53), p 13-32