1866. | Annual Retrospect. 139 
we are steadily advancing towards the conversion of iron directly 
into cast steel, by other and more, strictly speakmg, chemical pro- 
cesses than those now im use. 
Puddling, although a mechanical process, is in its results, ag 
nearly every metallurgical process is, a chemical one. The applica- 
tion of machinery, to produce the proper oxidation of the carbon in 
the iron, has been extended and improved. We hear, however, of 
large experiments which promise results superior to any which 
have yet been obtained, in the production of merchant iron. 
One of the most important improvements which have been in- 
troduced, is the utilization of the copper-smoke of the great copper- 
smelting establishments of Swansea. That which has been for 
many years a great nuisance to the neighbourhood, and by which 
vegetation has been destroyed for many miles around the works, is, 
at the establishment of the Messrs. Vivian and Sons, now converted 
into sulphuric acid, an article of commercial value. 
Metallurgy is directly dependent, for the material upon which it 
operates, on Mining. Our journal shows that science has been 
called in to aid in removing those evils which surround a life of 
subterranean toil, and by which the miner perishes in the prime of 
life. The Mines Commission in their Report have proved, upon the 
evidence of the most accomplished experimentalists, that the air of 
our metalliferous mines is seldom in such a state as will ensure the 
continuance of health. An attempt was made by Lord Kinnaird 
to pass an Act to regulate the conditions under which our metal 
mines are worked. His lordship was induced by the Government 
to withdraw the bill which he introduced, but this was followed by 
the production of a second bill, somewhat modified, which will come 
under the consideration of the House of Lords early in the ensuing 
session. 
The application of the law of the diffusion of gases to the 
detection of fire-damp in collieries has been experimented on, upon 
a large scale, in the Hetton collieries.* The instrument invented by 
Mr. Ansell, of the Royal Mint, has answered most completely. We 
* While these pages have been passing through the press, the chief proprietor 
of these collieries, Mr. Nicholas Wood, F.R.S., has been removed from among us. 
Mr. Nicholas Wood has ever been the promoter of scientific applications to the 
necessities of colliery operations, He belonged to a group of superior men, being 
the friend and associate of Stephenson and of Buddle. His loss is a severe one to 
the Newcastle district. 
