214 Steam Boiler Legislation, [April, 



unsounded subject, and which, when it comes to be fairly 

 worked out in its several applications to anthropology, past, 

 present, and future, can hardly fail to transcend infinitely all 

 that mere physical science will ever be able to accomplish 

 for the final amelioration of the human race in its higher 

 attributes and ultimate destinations. Yet is it only by 

 physical science rightly applied that this ancient and mighty 

 message of old, to the present day, can be read. 



What crusade, then, is there of our times so important 

 as, that of, or for, a correct, complete, and exact Great 

 Pyramid investigation at the place ? A few individuals — 

 and by no means rich ones — have done their little in the 

 cause most heartily : but the next steps are for kings, 

 princes, and nations ; and oh ! that they would needfully 

 bear in mind that it is written, — " It is the glory of God 

 to conceal a thing ; but the honour of kings is to search out 

 a matter." 



V. STEAM BOILER LEGISLATION. 

 By Sir William Fairbairn, Bart., LL.D., F.R.S. 



QUESTION of great public interest has arisen touching 

 the prevention of Steam Boiler Explosions. The 

 desire for increased pressures of steam in order to 

 save fuel, has led to steam boilers in many cases being 

 taxed beyond their strength ; and, as under the present 

 system of obtaining motive power, these important vessels 

 cannot be dispensed with, it has become necessary that some 

 steps should be taken to protect her Majesty's subjects from 

 the danger both to life and limb to which they are now con- 

 stantly exposed. The number of fatal explosions which 

 occur from year to year, and from month to month, — one 

 explosion taking place every week, and one life being 

 sacrificed every fourth working day in the year, — has called 

 forth a spirit of inquiry into the causes of these unfortunate 

 catastrophes, and to a certain extent has led to the adoption 

 of preventive measures. 



The Manchester Steam Users' Association was founded 

 15 years ago under the original title of " The Association 

 for the Prevention of Steam Boiler Explosions, and for 

 effecting Economy in the Raising and Use of Steam." It was 

 established by a few philanthropic and disinterested gentle- 

 men connected with manufactures, and carried out by the 

 writer and owners of mills for self protection, and the 

 reduction of those calamitous e-vents, steam boiler explosions. 



