Davy-lamp

A few words on the Davy-lamp, which came into use about sixty years ago, may not be out of place here.

Lectures on Popular and Scientific Subjects Earl of Caithness John Sutherland Sinclair

These words were addressed in a very excited voice to a tall rough-looking collier, who, with Davy-lamp in hand, was dressed ready for the night-shift in the Bank Pit of the

Frank Oldfield Lost and Found T.P. Wilson

Upon reaching the bottom, Philip saw the party go into a kind of office, where each was supplied with a locked and lighted Davy-lamp, whose little wick burned dimly through the wire gauze; and then, as they were about to shoulder their sharp steel-pointed picks, he said aloud:

Son Philip George Manville Fenn 1870

He pointed to his Davy-lamp, inside of which the light kept burning blue, and there was a series of little sputtering explosions.

Son Philip George Manville Fenn 1870

"Now then, lads, who wants a leet?" he said; and, taking the nail, he proceeded to pick the lock of the Davy-lamp, or rather unfasten it with the improvised key.

Son Philip George Manville Fenn 1870

It turned out as he expected, for there, upon a ledge of rock about fifty yards ahead, stood a Davy-lamp, shedding its soft dull rays around, so that some fell upon a wall of coal, which glistened in the light as if it had been newly cut.

Son Philip George Manville Fenn 1870

However, the reports were contradictory, and after trying in vain to settle what was to be done, Lord St. Erme rode this morning to the collieries, to make a personal inspection, and insist on the men using the Davy-lamp.

Heartsease, Or, the Brother's Wife Charlotte Mary Yonge 1862

The workers having arrived at the pit-mouth at their proper hours -- for the pit is worked by shifts, and consequently is generally worked day and night -- the first operation is for each to procure his lamp from the lamp-keeper, receiving it lighted and locked; this is found to be necessary, as from the small light given by the Davy-lamp the men are often tempted to open them, and some are even, so foolhardy as to carry their lamp on their cap and a candle in the hand, and hence a terrible explosion may take place.

Lectures on Popular and Scientific Subjects Earl of Caithness John Sutherland Sinclair

Even as the big miner had his hand upon the gauze cover of the Davy-lamp there were tiny little explosions going on within, for in spite of the great current of air that was kept up through the pit, a draught which swept away the dangerous gas, there were places which its purifying influence did not reach, places such as this new gallery in the four-foot seam, where the vapour had been steadily increasing for hours and collecting round the heads of the men.

Son Philip George Manville Fenn 1870

"Well," he said to himself moodily, "I thought the old lad had his hands full in the old country, but it's like he's not content with that; I'd as soon have thought of the Queen of England taking pick and Davy-lamp and going down to work in the pit, as of my young mayster coming home beastly drunk.

Frank Oldfield Lost and Found T.P. Wilson