SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.— G. 361 



and many interesting experiments carried out. The proposition offers 

 considerable advantages in many directions. The greatest difficulty, 

 undoubtedly, is the provision of a perfectly satisfactory transmission and 

 power unit at a price which makes the problem a feasible one from an 

 economic standpoint. Many experiments have been and are being carried 

 out in various parts of the world, and the matter is receiving increasing 

 attention from all interested. 



Mr. F. Lydall. — -Electric power. 



The paper deals with the use of electrical energy for the propulsion of 

 trains. The energy may be transmitted to the trains from an external 

 source by means of track conductors, or may be derived from storage 

 batteries carried on the trains. Both alternatives are distinguished from 

 other forms of traction by the absence of steam or gases resulting from 

 combustion ; electric traction is, therefore, practically indispensable for 

 underground railways. 



On the subject of battery traction, reference is made to the Drumm 

 battery and its application to railway work on the Great Southern Railways 

 of Ireland. The possibility of using similar batteries for other service 

 conditions is considered. 



The justification for electrical operation of surface railways depends upon 

 either an increase in the net revenue, such as results from the electrification 

 of suburban railway systems, or a reduction of the working expenses, as in 

 main line schemes. The special features of suburban electrification are 

 well known. The reduction of working expenses in main line operation is 

 dependent upon a number of factors, the three principal items, which 

 together make up fully 75 per cent, of the working expenses, being (i) fuel 

 or electrical energy, (2) wages of drivers and firemen, (3) maintenance of 

 locomotives. Each of these three items is discussed in some detail. 



Afternoon. 



Excursion via Northallerton to Darlington for an inspection of 

 permanent way, rolling-stock, rail-cars and track-widening operations of 

 the L.N.E. Railway and of the Works of the Cleveland Bridge and 

 Engineering Co. Ltd. 



Tuesday, September 6. 



Joint Discussion with Section A (Mathematical and Physical Sciences, 

 q.v.) on The theoretical and practical aspects of the control of humidity 

 in industrial processes. 



Prof. W. Cramp. — A new system of lighting at the coalface. 



Modern mining conditions involve the use of much complicated machinery 

 at the coal face. Such machinery cannot safely and efficiently be worked 

 without adequate light. The usual illumination is far too small, yet the 

 only satisfactory way of augmenting it is to supply lighting circuits from 

 the power mains — an arrangement hitherto precluded in gassy pits because 

 of obvious dangers. The present proposal is an attempt to render such 

 a supply safe, flexible and convenient. The system, which may be 

 demonstrated, is arranged as follows : 



N 2 



