1873 - Old Forge Coal Mines

INSPECTORS OF MINES. . 67
it melts at 230° to a yellow liquid, and at 450° changes to molasses color
substance, which, if quenched in cold water, becomes elastic like india rubber,
but from this allotropic condition it gradually returns to its original
state.— Youmans.
The subject upon those gases common to coal mines has been extracted
from the works of modern authors, who have labored long and diligently
for the enlightenment of humanity and to ameliorate their condition. The
miner, for whose principal benefit we have penned the foregoing subject, may
become more acquainted with his principal enemy in the mine should he
study this subject carefully, and consult his own and his co-laborers' interest.
In connection with this information we will also explain the uses of
the different instruments which science has brought to aid him in his dangerous
calling. The miners, in modern times, are next i» importance to
the army of a nation, and to discipline and diffuse knowledge amongst them
would be an act of pure philanthrophy.
The American miners of this day are, as a body, very far in advance of
the miners of any other country. The wholesome constitutional liberty
granted to the people, and the superior system of our common schools elevates
them above any others in the same calling. But, comparatively speaking,
our mining is but in its infancy, comparably so. Then to become acquainted
with the uses of mine instruments for detecting gases, and knowing
the constituent elements of which these different gases are composed,
would enable the miner, in nineteen cases out of twenty, to protect himself
from falling a victim to these dangers that momentarily seek their victim.
Instruments used in Mines.—Amongst which are : 1st. The safety-lamp,
of which there are many patterns. 2d. The anemometer or air meter, the
casella and biriam. 3d. The thermometer, for measuring tne temperatures.
4th. The barometer, for ascertaining the weight of the air. 5th. The hygrometer,
for ascertaining the quantum of vapor. 6th. The clinometer,
for measuring the dip of the seams.
With a proper knowledge of the real uses of these different instruments
the person using them ought to know the fundamental principles of arithmetic
to enable him to make the different calculations correctly, and be
guided in conformity with the laws under which they are governed ;
and,
indeed, our experience with these tests clearly demonstrates the truths
which these scientific guides have so clearly established, that we beg the
liberty of recommending their use in all the large collieries as a measure
of safety.
Safety Lamps.—Sir Humphrey Davy, in his scientific researches, happily
discovered and invented his safety lamp. Davy discovered that flame
would not readily pass through a closely woven wire gauze, and constructed
a tube-like covering—the result of several experiments. This covering is
placed over the light, securely fastened to an oil stock, through which a wire
picker passes tc the wick. Its office is to force up or draw down the wick
as required, or to extinguish the flame all together if found necessary.
The gauze arrests the passage of the flame and prevents its communication
with the surrounding gas, as the air which enters the lamp to support its
light expands in the lamp, and must force its way through the upper part
of this covering. This creates a draught within the gauze. Should the
air be charged with fire-damp it readily takes fire in the lamp, and is prevented
from exploding by coming in contact with the metal gauze, and for
a time is arrested, when the wick is carefully withdrawn and the lamp permitted
to cool. But should the flame be permitted to continue to burn for
a longtr period, the heated gauze would yield to the force of the expand-