Chapter XI

Collieries of the North of England.--Fire-damp.--The dreadful
explosion at Felling Colliery described.--Letters from the Bishop
of Bristol to the Author.--A Society is established at Bishop-Wearmouth
for preventing accidents in coal mines.--Various projects
for ensuring the miner's safety.--The Reverend Dr. Gray, the present
Bishop of Bristol, addresses a letter to Sir H. Davy, and
invites his attention to the subject.--Sir H. Davy's reply.--Farther
Correspondence upon the possibility of devising means of security.--Sir
H. Davy proposes four different kinds of lamp for the purpose.--The
Safe-lamp--The Blowing-lamp--The Piston-lamp--The
Charcoal-lamp.--His investigation of the properties of fire-damp
leads to the discovery of a new principle of safety.--His
views developed in a paper read before the Royal Society on the
9th of November 1815.--The first Safety-lamp.--Safety-tubes superseded
by Safety-canals.--Flame Sieves.--Wire-gauze lamp.--The
phenomenon of slow combustion, and its curious application.--The
invention of the Safety-lamp claimed by a Mr. Stephenson.--A
deputation of Coal-owners wait upon Sir H. Davy, in order to
express to him the thanks of the Proprietors for his discovery.--Mr.
Buddle announces to Dr. Gray (now Bishop of Bristol) the intention
of the Coal-trade to present him with a service of plate.--The
Resolutions are opposed, and the claims of Stephenson urged,
by Mr. W. Brandling.--A dinner is given to Sir Humphry, at which
the plate is presented to him.--The President and Council of the Royal
Society protest against the claims still urged by Mr. Stephenson's
friends.--Mr. Buddle's letter in answer to several queries
submitted to him by the Author.--Davy's Researches on Flame.--He
receives from the Royal Society the Rumford Medals.--Is
created a Baronet.--Some observations on the apathy of the State
in rewarding scientific merit.--The Geological Society of Cornwall
receives the patronage and support of Sir Humphry 58