Stuart, Donald, E & FN Spon, Spon & Chamberlain, 1894, HB, 103pp

A detailed examination of the causes of an explosion that occurred at Camerton Colliery near Bath on November 14th 1893, in which two men died while engaged in blasting the roof of a seam in order to facilitate the movement of coal trams. Camerton was known to be a non-gaseous mine and therefore firedamp was ruled out as a cause of the explosion and although coal dust was present in the mine, at this point it was thought to be harmless. Stuart's subsequent survey of the area surrounding the explosion indicated that the only possible explanation for the accident lay in the increased quantities of coal dust found in the tunnels brought about by greater and more efficient coal production. This coupled with advanced ventilation and the speed with which coal trams travelled from the coal-face to the down-shaft resulting in the drying-out of the dust turned it into a highly sensitive and potentially explosive agent. After a series of trial explosions Stuart asserted that the only effective way of minimizing the risk of explosion was to dampen thoroughly the seams which were being worked upon. Includes 11, advertisements, 7 folding partly coloured plates. (Average condition)