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constant circulation would be kept up. As more space was 
made in the mine by the removal of coal, more pipes would 
be constantly added, as branches to those already fixed. 
Thus the extension of the arterial ventilating apparatus 
would be equal with the advance of the works and the exten- 
sion of the mine. 
As a very prominent subject with the public just now, 
perhaps I may be permitted here to allude for a moment to 
the somewhat analogous question of the ventilation of the 
House of Commons. Much money appears to have been 
unnecessarily expended. It certainly appears to be simply a 
question of exhaustion or rarefaction of the atmosphere of 
the House. And that process would probably be more con- 
veniently and effectually carried on in the upper regions 
of the room, and, as it were, out of sight, and on the 
simple principle which I have here suggested for the evacua- 
tion of the foul air of mines. It is evident the renewal of 
the atmosphere of the House, as in mines, must come spon- 
taneously from the common atmosphere ; and it might be 
warmed as it approaches by being brought into contact with 
pipes circulating hot water in the passages and lobbies. I 
had the presumption (it may be) to direct public attention to 
this subject in a letter which appeared in the Morning Post, 
of 24th February last ; and I only mention it here from its 
analogy to the subject of this discourse. 
I would remark, that there is probably yet much to be 
acquired that may be useful to man, by a more diligent study 
and observation of animal or natural mechanism, and adapting 
the principles of a perfect standard to the more imperfect 
science and artificial mechanical contrivances of man. To 
the weaver, a microscopical and minute investigation of the 
various membranes and tissues of animal structure, might 
possibly suggest some novel idea. The dyer might inquire, 
how does nature colour or dye her various fabrics? The 
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