PHILOSOPHICAL 
TRANSACTIONS. 
I. On the fire-’ damp of coal mines, and on methods of lighting the 
mines so as to prevent its explosion. By Sir H. Davy, LL. D. 
F. R. S. V. P. R. I. 
Read November 9, 1815. 
The accidents arising from the explosion of the fire-damp 
or inflammable gas of coal mines, mixed with atmospherical 
air, are annually becoming more frequent and more destruc- 
tive in the collieries in the North of England. 
A committee has been for some time formed at Sunderland 
for the benevolent purpose of investigating the causes of 
these accidents, and of searching for means of preventing 
them. In consequence of an invitation from the Rev. Dr. 
Gray, one of the most active members of this committee, 
I was induced to turn my attention to the subject. I went to 
the North of England, and visited some of the principal col- 
lieries in the neighbourhood of Newcastle, for the purpose of 
ascertaining the condition of the workings, and the state of 
their ventilation. I found the greatest desire to assist my 
enquiries in the gentlemen acquainted with the northern col- 
lieries, as well as in the inspectors or viewers of the mines ; 
mdcccxvi, B 
