C aoo 3 



XXIV. On the Means of procuring a steady Light in Coal Mines 

 without the danger of Explosion. By William Reid Clanny, 

 M. D. of Sunderland. Communicated by William Allen, Esq, 

 F.R.S. 



Read May 20, 1813. 



1 HE many dreadful explosions of fire-damp, or inflammable 

 air, which have occurred in the extensive and well regulated 

 coal mines of this district, in the course of the nine years during 

 which I have resided in the county of Durham, have often ex- 

 cited my most serious attention ; and latterly these explosions 

 have caused the death of so many industrious people, that no 

 individual, possessed of common humanity, can look on the 

 subject with indifference. 



Though the improved methods of ventilation have been 

 attended by many solid advantages to the proprietors of coal- 

 mines, it is nevertheless worthy of remark, that the increased 

 frequency of explosions clearly demonstrate, that ventilation, 

 in this case, has been no preventive. 



Ventilation undoubtedly supplies atmospheric air; but it 

 cannot obviate those inundations of inflammable air, (if I 

 may be permitted the expression,) which, rushing from 

 the old workings and caverns of the coal mine, overwhelm 

 every thing before them. It is evident that ventilation, even 

 in its improved state, has afforded no relief whatever ; and 

 here the apparatus, which, in the first instance, I have the 



