PROCEEDINGS 
OF THE 
GEOLOGICAL & POLYTECHNIC SOCIETY 
AT THE FORTY-FOURTH MEETING, HELD IN THE PHILOSOPHICAL- 
HALL, HUDDERSFIELD, ON THURSDAY, APRIL 15TH, 1852. 
The Rev. Josiah Bateman, Vicar of Huddersfield, in 
the Chair. 
R. Dudley Baxter, Esq., of Doncaster; 
H. W. Ripley, Esq., Holme House, Lightcliffe ; and 
Richard Solly, Esq., Field Head, Sheffield, 
were proposed and elected Members of the Society. 
The Chairman, after announcing the titles of the com- 
munications to be submitted to the meeting, called upon 
George Bodington, Esq., M.D., of Sutton Coldfield, to 
read the first paper — 
ON A METHOD OF EVACUATING COAL MINES OF INFLAM- 
MABLE GAS. 
Dr. Bodington commenced by observing, that his only 
object in appearing before them was to endeavour, if pos- 
sible, to render some service in ameliorating the condition of 
the miner, as far as his safety was concerned ; and this he 
did without any practical knowledge of the working of coal 
pits ; and if he failed in effecting any good, he trusted the 
attempt would be excused on the ground at least of good 
intentions on his part. He then proceeded as follows : — 
The plan I have to recommend for your consideration, 
consists of an Arterial Ventilating Apparatus ; that is, one 
resembling in some degree the arterial or venous system of 
Q 
