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experiments with which were perfectly successful. The 
quantity of air which passed through the fan was (approxi- 
mately) indicated by an anemometer, and the number of 
cubic feet per minute was found to be very large. 
In the course of the discussion which followed the com- 
munications of Mr. Nasmyth and Mr. Biram, the Chairman 
took occasion to express his opinion that the importance of 
this mode of working mines could not be too highly appre- 
ciated. There was one difficulty, however, connected with 
this mode of ventilation, which was, to regulate the velocity 
of the air which was made to pass through the mine so as to 
make it compatible with the working of the seam of coal. 
In case of accident in a mine, and the ventilation becoming 
suspended, the fan was calculated to be of great advantage, 
as considerable time must elapse before the furnaces could 
be lighted. He had been pleased with both the papers. 
They referred to a subject intimately connected with the 
commercial interest and prosperity of England. Our very 
existence as a commercial nation depended upon our mineral 
wealth, and every effort made to diminish the risks run by 
the miner ought to be received with gratitude and respect. 
Mr. Nasmyth pointed out another advantage likely to 
accrue from this mode of ventilation, in diminishing the 
high temperature which was known to prevail at great 
depths; thus promoting the health and comfort of the miner 
and the productiveness of the mine. 
Mr. Biram suggested the adoption of a lamp for use in 
mines, having an opaque back, with a reflector, for the 
purpose of throwing the light to the point where it was 
required. 
Mr. Theodore West was glad to find the opinion 
gaining ground that the safety lamp was imperfect, and 
thought it desirable that this should be increasingly im- 
pressed on the miner, that every other precaution might 
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