766 EDITORIAL 



leader of the chief American movement chose for the investigation 

 of the signal disasters in Pennsylvania and West Virginia an 

 expert in explosives, an experienced inspector of mines, and a 

 specialist in rock-gases. These worked co-operatively and yet 

 in measurable independence. Less than two months after the 

 inspection of the chief disasters, the specialist in rock-gases reported 

 progress (February 15, 1908) of which the following is an extract: 



Some Specially Suggestive Results 



Another line of attack upon the problem which now looks as though it 

 might lead to results of much importance was opened up last Tuesday when I 

 made comparative analyses of the fresh coal, the uncharred dust, and the charred 

 dust from a single room in No. 8 Mine at Monongah. In room No. 3 on the 

 3d right off the 2d north in Mine No. 8 we found the props heavily plastered 

 with charred dust on the inby sides, while adhering to the outby sides of the 

 same props was a thick deposit of uncharred dust. These dusts were in such 

 quantities that cans were filled with samples of each which were collected with 

 much care. At the same time a third can was filled with fresh coal taken from 

 the rib a few feet away. This was ideal material for a comparative study. 

 My analyses show the following results: 



Fresh Coal 



Moisture 1.24 



Volatile matter 35-28 



Fixed carbon 59-88 



Ash 3 . 60 



100.00 

 Uncharred Dust 



First sample Second sample 



Moisture 2.30 2.34 



Volatile matter 24. 13 23.43 



Fixed carbon 45 • 01 45 • 19 



Ash 28.56 29 . 04 



100.00 100.00 

 Charred Dtjst 



First sample Second sample 



Moisture i . 13 i . 20 



Volatile matter 24. 78 24.36 



Fixed carbon 58.11 59-33 



Ash 15-98 15 -11 



100.00 100.00 



An inspection of these analyses shows a striking difference in the percentage 

 of ash. While a slight increase in the percentage of ash necessarily results 



