GSG Transactions of the American Institute. 



wounded, 218. .Many of the smaller explosions are not included. 

 Id a list, published by the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and 

 Insurance Company, of boiler explosions for the months of October, 

 November, December, January and February, forty-five explosions 

 are enumerated, beginning with that of the steam boiler in operation 

 at the State fair, at Indianapolis, on the 1st of October, by which 

 twenty-seven persons were killed, and forty-six wounded, many of 

 them dangerously. The whole list represents eighty-one killed, and 

 a, very large number wounded. In one of these explosions, the boiler, 

 which was nearly new, was thrown 300 feet ; in another the boiler 

 was thrown 300 yards. The buildings, in several instances, were 

 totally demolished. Last February (1870), was especially prolific 

 in these disasters ; there were eighteen explosions, forty-seven persons 

 killed, and sixty-seven wounded ; and it is remarkable that eight of 

 these boilers had been supervised by inspectors, legally appointed and 

 charged with that duty. 



The London Engineering, published May 7, 1867, states that 

 " during the last ten years at least 500 boiler explosions have occurred 

 in the United Kingdom, and nearly 8,000 lives have been sacrificed ; 

 while a far greater number (the wounded ) have been struck down by 

 the sudden catastrophe, more merciful to those who were killed out- 

 right." 



Many associations have been organized in England for inspecting 

 and insuring steam boilers. During the last ten years the Midland 

 Boiler Insurance Company alone inspected and insured 16,411 boilers 

 in England and Scotland. In this country, also, such associations have 

 been formed, and have been for several years in operation. They 

 claim to be able, by skillful inspection and instruction, to save those 

 who employ them from the danger and loss attendant upon the use 

 of steam power ; and yet the explosions continue to occur, and even 

 to multiply and increase in number, notwithstanding their caution 

 and advice. 



These associations insist that the terrific explosions, of which we 

 so frequently hear, are simply attributable to two causes : defective 

 boilers, and ignorant and careless engineers. Tbey regard steam 

 power as a generous steed, perfectly safe when handled by the skill- 

 ful and discreet, and ridicule the notion of any occult force, beyond 

 their ken, which may contribute to the explosion. It is only (they 

 reason) when the force or pressure of the steam exceeds the strength 

 of the boiler that any danger need be apprehended. The boiler being 

 of the required strength, and due care being exercised in regulating 



