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developed in a paper read before the Royal Society on the 9th of November 1815.--The first Safety-lamp.--Safety-tubes superseded by Safety-canals.--Flame Sieves.--Wire-gauze lamp.--The phenomenon of slow combustion, and its curious application.--The invention of the Safety-lamp claimed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