I. On the fire-damp of coal mines, and on methods of lighting the mines so as to prevent its explosion

Abstract

The accidents arising from the explosion of the fire-damp or inflammable gas of coal mines, mixed with atmospherical air, are annually becoming more frequent and more destructive in the collieries in the North of England. A committee has been for some time formed at Sunderland for the benevolent purpose of investigating the causes of these accidents, and of searching for means of preventing them. In consequence of an invitation from the Rev. Dr. Gray, one of the most active members of this committee, I was induced to turn my attention to the subject. I went to the North of England, and visited some of the principal collieries in the neighbourhood of Newcastle, for the purpose of ascertaining the condition of the workings, and the state of their ventilation. I found the greatest desire to assist my enquiries in the gentlemen acquainted with the northern collieries, as well as in the inspectors or viewers of the mines; and I have particular obligations on this point to the Rev. Dr. Gray, Cuthbert Ellison, Esq. M. P., the Rev. John Hodgson, Mr. Buddle, and Mr. Dunn. Dr. Fenwick, Dr. Clanny, and Mr. Fenwick, likewise kindly offered me their assistance.