Stephenson safety lamp C016 / 3684
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Stephenson safety lamp C016 / 3684
Safety lamp. A design for a miners safety lamp by George Stephenson made in 1815. This was Stephensons fourth design, intended to prevent explosions caused in coal mines by firedamp (methane). The tin outer case is punctured with numerous holes to let light. Inside there is a glass bottle. Air enters the bottle through the tube at lower left and passes over a burning wick inside the bottle. Gases leave through a perforated metal disc in the top. This arrangement restricts the volume of oxygen that passes over the flame. If firedamp is in the air, the flame burns temporarily brighter, using up more oxygen and damping itself. This object is preserved at the Royal Institution, London
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Media ID 9204005
© ROYAL INSTITUTION OF GREAT BRITAIN / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1815 19th Artefact Candle Century Coal Damp Design Exhibit Exhibition Explosion Explosive Fire Flame Flammable Institution Item Lamp Light London Methane Mine Miners Mining Museum Nineteenth Object Prevention Prototype Risk Royal Safety Test Cutouts Stephenson
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Stephenson safety lamp C016 / 3684, a remarkable invention by George Stephenson in 1815. As the fourth design of its kind, this safety lamp was specifically created to combat the perilous explosions caused by firedamp (methane) in coal mines. The tin outer case is meticulously punctured with numerous holes, allowing light to escape and illuminate the surroundings. Nestled inside is a glass bottle through which air enters via a tube at the lower left corner, passing over a burning wick within. Gases exit through a perforated metal disc on top, effectively limiting the volume of oxygen that reaches the flame. Preserved at London's prestigious Royal Institution, this historical artifact symbolizes an era when mining posed significant risks and explosive dangers were ever-present. By ingeniously manipulating oxygen levels around the flame, Stephenson's prototype provided miners with enhanced safety measures against potential disasters. The stark white background accentuates every intricate detail of this century-old object while emphasizing its significance as both an exhibit and testament to human ingenuity. This studio shot captures not only an item of immense historical value but also serves as a reminder of how innovation can revolutionize industries and safeguard lives. With its rich history intertwined with fire, coal mines, and risk prevention methods from centuries past, this photograph encapsulates George Stephenson's pioneering spirit in designing such crucial equipment for miners' protection during hazardous working conditions.
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