A letter to Thomas Trotter : occasioned by his proposal for destroying the fire and choak damps of coal mines; containing chemical and general strictures on that work / by Henry Dewar.

  • Henry Dewar
Date:
[1805?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A letter to Thomas Trotter : occasioned by his proposal for destroying the fire and choak damps of coal mines; containing chemical and general strictures on that work / by Henry Dewar. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    substances. Do not suppose me ignorant that the fire damp of mines often ascends to the roof of the pit. This fact I believe, and I consider it as subversive of your doctrine of the slow, constant, and general formation of that gas. Besides, you do not recollect that even when it ascends to the roof it is not only in contact, but thoroughly mingled with at- mospheric air, otherwise it could never burn with a sudden explosion. These loose details do not prepare the rea- der for receiving with sanguine expectation your practical proposal; and it is with some degree of distrust that he peruses your flou- rishing transition: “ With this preliminary knowledge, we “ are now in some measure enabled to turn “ our attention to such prophylactic measures “ as may be necessary for securing the work- “ men.” Still, however, the candid reader would listen with attention to any valuable hint for the attainment of an object so important, and a small degree of practical utility would ex- piate
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