The majority of carbide lamps were surely used in metal mines,
so text books on coal mining are not so likely to make mention
of them.
Someone mentioned Mining Journal, and I guess a trawl through
the advertisements in Mining Journal would be a good guide to
when carbide lamps were first used.
When we used them in the copper mine in India, (I was there 1958
to 1960) the main problem was in keeping one's matches dry, so
you could relight the lamp if it blew out. With wet bulb temperatures
up near 100 degrees F, I once worked out I had lost 12 pounds of
perspiration in a single shift. At that sort of rate, it was difficult to
keep things dry. Company issue, on my arrival, included a little
brass box with a tight fitting lid, to go on my belt to keep my matches
in. However, even that did not always work.... That's when you
learn what darkness is.
Another item of company issue, to keep in the home, was a clinical
thermometer. The doctor said "If you think you've got a fever, take
your temperature. If it is 100 degrees F, go and do a shift in the mine
-- it's the best cure! If it is over 100, call me."
Tony Brewis
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