No. 216.] 231 



charged with the muzzle closed, and the blasting of rocks with loose 

 sand on the powder without tamping, as the bursting of Captain 

 Stockton's big gun, which was alleged at the time to be owing to an 

 interval between the powder and the wad. 



Here the circumstances of each seem to establish the analogy 

 between the explosion, viz: an interval or open space between the 

 place of generation and the covering or stoppage, no matter how 

 slight the same may be, the explosions of steam boilers, or accidents 

 to the working-gear, are never known to take place only when the 

 engine is in motion, hence the interval in the boiler as well as the 

 open space in the steam chest or cylinder. These slight covers or 

 obstructions evidently prevent the escape of the caloric which has 

 given up its combination with ihe gas, and immediately deprives the 

 surrounding metal of one of its constituents, which is part and 

 parcel of itself, thereby reducing the strength of the metal, destroying 

 its cohesive property, and causing an explosion. 



The laws of elastic fluids, gas, vapor or otherwise, have universal 

 and uniform operation, and to prevent explosions of steam boilers 

 and serious accidents to the working-gear, it does seem that a correct 

 knowledge of these elements, and the changes or metamorphoses they 

 undergo when combined with other equivalents, is a necessary requi- 

 site in the qualifications of the engineer. 



The prevention of the frequent loss of life, and great destruction 

 of property caused by explosions of steam boilers, has often occupied 

 the meetings of the scientific members of the American Institute. 

 Some two years ago. Major Mapes mentioned his intentions of 

 having a committee appointed for the purpose of considering this 

 subject, and reporting on the same. He was the first to suggest a 

 plan which met the unanimous approbation of his associate engi- 

 neers. It was their opinion, if it could be carried into effect, and 

 sanctioned by the general government, regulated by appropriate 

 laws, that explosions would seldom, if ever, occur. But should 

 such an accident happen, there could be but one opinion as to who 

 was to blame. The person in charge, for the time being, of the 

 fire-department, and the working of the engine, should alone be held 

 responsible; he, and he only, should be amenable; for to him, and 

 him only, ought to be intrusted the sole mnnagement to regulate the 

 fire for generating the required quantity and pressure of steam, and 

 the supplying the boiler with water. Major Mapes proposes that no 

 person should be entrusted with the workii-g of a steam engine on ^ 



