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By R. D. Springer, R. L. Wilcox, P. A. PALMARTAN, R. K. Waring, E. A. Anderson

A knowledge of the mutual liquid solubility of zinc and lead is of importance in various phases of zinc metallurgy. The determination of this solubility has been the subject of numerous investigations, but unfortunately the results vary widely, particularly at higher temperatures, and it has been impossible to decide what data are most reliable. It was decided to investigate the matter and in view of the disagreement in the published results, it was felt necessary to take rather unusual precautions to insure the reliability of the data. For this reason determinations were made by four different methods, and the procedures of several of the previous investigators were duplicated. The previously used methods can be divided into two classes: methods involving freezing the entire melt and taking samples of the lead-rich and zine-rich phases in the solid state,l,2 and methods in which the samples are taken while the bath is liquid and at the desired temperature.3,4 Data obtained by methods involving freezing the entire melt show much lower solubility of lead in zinc than methods in which the liquid is sampled at temperature. The latter method was used by Spring and Romanoff5 and by Hass and Jellinek.6 The results of these two investigations are in agreement at temperatures near the melting point but at higher temperatures Hass and Jellinek find a higher mutual solubility. The low-temperature section of the zinc-lead equilibrium diagram is given by Peirce and Anderson.7 The diagram is based on the data of Hodge and Heyer,8 Arnemann,9 and Peirce.10

Jan 1, 1934

By E. W. Felegy

THE need for improved mine communication to increase efficiency and to insure greater safety has long been recognized. General and unrestricted communication between all points underground, and between the surface and all points underground, is probably the least advanced phase of the mining industry. An ideal system of mine communication must require no fixed wire installations. The equipment must be small, lightweight, and readily portable, and the power requirements low. A system that can be used not only under normal circumstances but also in an emergency, when the continuity of wires, tracks, and pipelines may be disrupted, must function independently of any aid furnished by standard installations. Radio communication offers possibilities of meeting all the requirements necessary for an ideal communication system in underground mines. Transmission of signals must be achieved through one or both of two mediums, through the air in mine openings or through the strata. The results or lack of results obtained by early investigators showed conclusively that radio communication by space transmission cannot be accomplished effectively beyond line-of-sight distances in underground passageways. A radio system underground therefore must depend solely upon transmission through soil and strata. The application of radio to underground mine communication was investigated by many individuals and agencies at different times in the last several decades, but little success was achieved before World war 11.2-0, The results of experiments during the war, and further knowledge gained in experiments with vastly improved communication methods and equipment after the war provided the background for additional research in radio communication in underground mines. During 1950 to 1.952 the University of Minnesota sponsored an investigation to determine the possibility of developing: a system of radio communication universally applicable in underground metal mines in the Lake Superior district. The possibility of using radio equipment to determine the imminence of rock bursts in deep copper mines in that district also was investigated. The investigation supplemented previous and concurrent emergency mine communication studies of the U. S. Bureau of Mines. Testing equipment and laboratory facilities maintained by the Bureau of Mines at Duluth, Minnesota, were used in the research program, which was conducted as a mining engineering graduate research problem by the present writer under the direction of T. L. Joseph and E. P. Pfleider. The radio units used in the research program were designed and built to specification solely to conduct tests of radio communication in mines. Two identical units were used in all tests. Each unit contained a transmitter section, a receiver section, and a power-supply section, mounted on a single chassis. The entire unit was enclosed in a single 10x12x18-in. metal case provided with a leather-strap handle for carrying purposes. The front of the case was hinged to open upward and provide easy access to the single control panel on which all controls were mounted. Storage batteries supplied the operating power for all tests. Standard 6-v automobile batteries were utilized to provide adequate capacity to conduct tests for a full day without exhausting the battery. A frequency range from 30 to 200 kc was covered in eight pre-fixed steps on each unit. The carrier frequencies were crystal-controlled and amplitude-modulated. The receiver employed an essentially standard superheterodyne circuit and was sufficiently sensitive to detect signal strengths of 5 micro v. A heterodyne circuit was employed in the transmitter to obtain the low-carrier frequencies used in the units. Power output of the transmitter, usually less than 2 w, rarely exceeded 3 w in any test. Tests were conducted in mines on the Vermillion iron range in Minnesota, the Gogebic iron range in Wisconsin, the Menominee and Marquette iron ranges in Michigan, and a copper mine in the upper Michigan peninsula. All tests were conducted when the mines were operating normally, and usual mining, maintenance, and transportation activities were in progress, so that any interference caused by normal production activities could be evaluated during the tests. Tests were made between different points underground in each mine, and between underground and surface points at some mines. Test readings obtained at any one mine were calibrated in the laboratory before another series of tests were begun at the next mine. The transmitter and receiver were separated by one or more levels in each test, and generally there was no other means of communication between test points. Two 100-ft lengths of rubber-covered wire were used for antenna wires on each unit in both transmission and reception. The ends of the wires were connected to ground points in one of several methods, depending upon physical conditions at each test site. The wires were clipped to metal rods about 200 ft apart in the back, side, or bottom of the mine opening where the character of the rock permitted driving rods. Both wires were clipped to points about

Jan 1, 1954

By R. W. Raymond

The " law of the apex," with its vague and impracticable " extra-lateral rights," is defended—if it is defended at all— on the ground that it is required by the peculiar conditions of the mineral deposits or of the mining industry in those States and Territories in which it is operative. As I have repeatedly attempted to show, in papers read before the Institute, and most recently in an article on " The Relation of the Mining Law of the United States to the Davelopment of its Mineral Resources," published in Mr. Rothwell's Mineral Industry for 1894, there is now (whatever may have been the case formerly) no peculiarity of conditions in the regions referred to which warrants the subjection of their mining industry to a burden so vexatious and injurious as this law imposes. I have called attention to the absolute freedom from expensive litigations over mining titles enjoyed by all other States in the Union and all other regions in the world where the absurd extra-lateral right does not exist.

Jan 1, 1896

By E. W. Schilling

THE separation of hematite by hysteretic repulsion was first brought to the attention of the public in 1922, by W. M. Mordey1. Three years later another paper2 was published and after another four years a third paper3 appeared in the South African publications. Certain data were lacking in these papers. In order to continue the work intelligently a knowledge of the shapes of the hysteresis curves for certain minerals was very necessary. This information was not available until the present year4. It was known that reduction of certain ores rendered them amenable to this process of separation but definite data in the form of curves showing exactly the effect of such treatment were lacking. Prob-ably our best source of information on the separation of minerals by the use of alternating-current magnetic fields today is the reports from the U. S. Bureau of Mines 5-7. It is not the purpose of this paper to tell the reader in detail how to make a commercial separator. Experimental models have recently been made 7 and the results obtained have been so good that it is the opinion of the authors that the public will soon take an active interest in the subject and its development. The writers have constructed a separator that is considerably different in construction and operation from the two types described by Mr. Davis. This will be described, but the real purpose of this paper is to outline certain experiments and give curves showing data that have a fundamental bearing upon the practical construction of a separator of this type.

Jan 1, 1935

By George Hunt

THE first practical treatment of wood to prevent decay was devised early in the 19th century. At that time the oaken navy of England, when . the nation was fighting for its very existence, seemed doomed to annihilation by the swift ravages of decay. The acute situation inspired a desperate search for preventive measures and resulted in the development of the Burnett, Bethel and Kyan processes for impregnating wood with zinc chloride, coal-tar creosote and mercuric chloride, respectively. In the century that has elapsed, their use has spread throughout the world and the three original preservatives are used today in enormous quantities. Meanwhile, improved processes have been developed, new preservatives discovered, and the practice of impregnating wood to make it last longer has attained a position of major importance in the field of structural materials. USE OF PRESERVATIVES BY- THE RAILROADS In the application of wood preservatives in the United States the railroads have been the leaders for the past 50 years or more.. Having found, that decay is the chief cause of the early destruction of wood and that preservative treatment is the remedy, they have treated their ties and timber in increasing amounts(1) ?-in 1925 about 220,000,000 cubic feet. By preservative treatment the Santa Fe Railroad saves annually 1,500,000 ties in its 18,000 miles of track, and many other railroads effect similar savings. (2) In like manner the life of wooden bridges and trestles,(3) poles, marine piling, water tanks and other wooden railroad structures has been greatly increased, reducing the amount of timber required annually to maintain them.(5),(7)

Jan 2, 1927

By A. G. H. Anderson, Eric R. Jette

A few years ago, while the writers worked on the constitution of ternary and quaternary alloys consisting mainly of iron, chromium and siliconl,2 some information on microstructures and hardness, not incorporated in the published work, alas obtained. It has not been possible to do any further work on the properties of the alloys. The information possessed is hereby presented for the interest it may have in connection with the constitution of the alloys. Microstructures Referring to the iron-chromium-silicon diagram,' the regions that received most attention were those in which the sigma phase appears. It was found that the mode of occurrence of this phase varied much with the condition under which it mas formed, and the mode influenced considerably the hardness of the alloys. In some slowly cooled alloys, well within the alpha + sigma-phase boundary, sigma occurs in pabterns suggesting a eutectic. The structure of such an alloy is shorn in Fig. 1, showing it to be partly coarsely laminated and partly globular mottled. In other annealed and slowly cooled alloys, the lanlinated structure is entirely absent, and sigma appears in an irregular distribution of sharply cornered elongated areas (Figs. 2 and 3). These areas all possess a more or less mottled structure. A carbide phase is also visible in these two photomicrographs; it is represented by bright white arras of various shapes, sometimes apparently enveloping the sigma. Quenched and aged specimens, whose compositions arc: located near the phase boundary between alpha and sigma + alpha regions, have structures not unlike martensite (Figs. 5 and 6). Fig. 4 shows the structurc of alloy No. 35 as quenched from 1100" C.; it is a typical solid solu-

Jan 1, 1938

By Eric R. Jette, A. G. H. Anderson

A few years ago, while the writers worked on the constitution of ternary and quaternary alloys consisting mainly of iron, chromium and siliconl,2 some information on microstructures and hardness, not incorporated in the published work, alas obtained. It has not been possible to do any further work on the properties of the alloys. The information possessed is hereby presented for the interest it may have in connection with the constitution of the alloys. Microstructures Referring to the iron-chromium-silicon diagram,' the regions that received most attention were those in which the sigma phase appears. It was found that the mode of occurrence of this phase varied much with the condition under which it mas formed, and the mode influenced considerably the hardness of the alloys. In some slowly cooled alloys, well within the alpha + sigma-phase boundary, sigma occurs in pabterns suggesting a eutectic. The structure of such an alloy is shorn in Fig. 1, showing it to be partly coarsely laminated and partly globular mottled. In other annealed and slowly cooled alloys, the lanlinated structure is entirely absent, and sigma appears in an irregular distribution of sharply cornered elongated areas (Figs. 2 and 3). These areas all possess a more or less mottled structure. A carbide phase is also visible in these two photomicrographs; it is represented by bright white arras of various shapes, sometimes apparently enveloping the sigma. Quenched and aged specimens, whose compositions arc: located near the phase boundary between alpha and sigma + alpha regions, have structures not unlike martensite (Figs. 5 and 6). Fig. 4 shows the structurc of alloy No. 35 as quenched from 1100" C.; it is a typical solid solu-

Jan 1, 1938

By J. Parker

As a practicing mining engineer, I face many rock mechanics' problems daily and would like to mention one or two examples to illustrate the current gap between laboratory investigations and actual field problems. I would like to endorse Dr. Obert's suggestion that more field measurements and observations should be undertaken. There is an ever-increasing body of data beginning with Hast's results in Sweden,l then measurements at Elliot Lake, Canada, and so on, including our own measurements at White Pine, which clearly indicate that the horizontal stresses underground. are often at least as large as the vertical stresses. Visual observation of the deformation of roof and pillars (including failure due to horizontal compres- sion) also demonstrates that the horizontal stresses are often most important: Yet almost every laboratory investigation begins with the assumption that the only stresses acting are vertical. Roof spans in layered formations. for example, are calculated on the assumption that the rock behaves as a gravity loaded beam. This is all too often unrealistic.

Jan 1, 1967

By D. R. Mitchell

This paper discusses some of the fundamental physical and chemical characteristics of coal in Illinois that affect its preparation for the market. At the present time preparation consists almost entirely of sizing and hand-picking. The washing of coal has almost entirely disappeared from the state. This is a rather startling fact when one considers that in the year 1908 Illinois outranked all other states in the quantity of coal washed and a few years later, in 1912, 85 washing plants were reported. Two reasons are apparent for this change. One, which is probably the most important, is that immense areas of comparatively clean coal were opened; the other is that many of the early washing plants were inefficient, so that washed coal was looked upon with disfavor in many trade centers. Objectives of Operators Some of the outstanding preparation aims being given due consideration by operating men are: 1. The greatest possible production of lump and domestic sizes which bring in the market at least $1 per ton more than the fine sizes or screenings. 2. Efficient screen sizing with as little breakage as is consistent with economical operation. 3. The removal of extraneous ash and sulfur. 4. Utilization of low-priced screenings. 5. Suppression of dust in domestic coal shipments. Preparation Underground To get the greatest possible production of the larger sizes, preparation must start at the face. Improvements in blasting and loading have increased the sizes larger than 2 in. by as much as 20 per cent. at some mines. Tiffany and McKitterickl report the results of an investigation they made at a mine in southern Illinois in which, by a carefully controlled

Jan 1, 1931

By P. LaRochelle, K. Y. Lo, A. L. Tamuly Phukan

In many civil or mining engineering works, the stresses and deformations of natural or excavated slopes due to the combined effect of self-weight and initial stresses are of interest. Because of the mathematical complexities of this problem, however, no complete exact solution exists for the simplest case, that of assuming the stress-strain relation of the rock to be perfectly elastic. Efforts have therefore been directed toward numerical and experimental technique. The stresses within an elastic slope have been obtained by LaRochelle,1 using the photoelastic and finite difference method to determine the difference and sum of principal stresses. Subsequently, Finn,2 Hoyaux and Ladanyi,3 and Duncan and Dunlop4 attempted to solve the same problem by using the finite element method. The problem was also investigated by Brown and Goodman5 and Brown and King6 who emphasize the importance of the effect of loading or unloading procedure on the stress distribution within the slope. Although the geometry of the slope and the boundary conditions involved are identical or similar, the results obtained by these various authors by no means agree. It is therefore necessary to review briefly the results of elastic analysis in order to lend credence to the methods used in the solution. Although the stress-strain behavior of some rocks may be reasonably approximated by the elastic modrl, other rocks generally exhibit an elasto-plastic behavior with strain hardening or strain softening as shown in Fig. 1. Experiments show that for most rocks, the stress-strain relationship is approximately linear from the origin to the point P (neglecting the small concave region under low stresses). At P, the curve deviates

Jan 1, 1970

By G. R. Speich

RECENT studies by Smith and Olney,1,2 Olney,3 Greifer and Salli,4 Rys etal., and Olney and smith 6 have established that graphite is the first decomposition product to format the surface of hypereutectoid plain-carbon steels when they are austenitized in a vacuum or inert atmosphere and slowly cooled. This graphite evidently forms directly from the austenite and only at the surface of the specimen. The interior of the specimen is found to be free of graphite. The graphite layer can almost completely cover the specimen surface and the rate of its formation is markedly sensitive to the orientation of the austenite. The present work was undertaken to study this phenomenon further, especially with regard to the effect of temperature and austenite orientation. The material studied in this work was a high-purity iron-carbon alloy containing 0.88 pct C, 0.005 pct Mn, 0.016 pct Si, 0.005 pct S, and 0.002 pct P. Specimens were heat-treated in a commercial hot stage modified for rapid quenching.7 This permitted direct observation of the formation of the surface graphite. A vacuum of 10"" to 10-5 mm of Hg prevented oxidation or decarburization of the specimens. Specimens were austenitized for 30 min at 1100°C and quenched to a series of lower temperatures where they were isothermally transformed. Surface graphite was observed to form at 700°, 750°, and 780°C but not at 825°, 900° or 1000°C. Since the maximum solubility of austenite for graphite is 0.88 pct C at 800°C,8 surface graphite only forms at tem-

Jan 1, 1962

By Webster Hodge

MALL generators and motors are required to Soperate, in some critical applications, at temperatures where cold-worked silver-bearing copper re-crystallizes. Copper containing up to 30 oz Ag per ton has been used for many years to build the highest grades of commutators and slip rings. With failure of commutators impending because silver-bearing copper cannot withstand the stresses imposed at these higher temperatures, Cr-Cu was tried as a substitute with varying degrees of success. Cr-Cu proved difficult to fabricate because a critical heat treatment was necessary to obtain sufficient ductility. Besides, its rupture strength was shown to be low at operating temperatures, its electrical conductivity lower than desired, and its cost high. Furthermore, it often contained hidden flaws. The Nippert Electric Products Co. set out to find a better material by undertaking a research project with the stated objective of providing a material suitable for commutators that would have 1) a softening temperature above 750°F (400°C), 2) a minimum electrical conductivity of 90 pct of that of pure copper, 3) a strength not less that that of cold-worked silver-bearing copper, and 4) a materials cost of not over 1.5 times the cost of copper containing 25 to 30 oz Ag per ton. No commercial alloy met these specifications. However, it was found that copper containing from 0.18 to 0.35 pct Zr could be produced quite easily in the laboratory, and promised to fulfill the major requirements noted above. Interest naturally centered in the lower part of this composition range, since such alloys gave somewhat better electrical conductivities, and were lower in

Jan 1, 1958

By R. A. David, D. J. Vink, D. L. Katz

A phase diagram showing boundary curve and quantity of liquid in the two-phase region was determined for a mixture of natural gas and natural gasoline in the region of its critical conditions. The temperatures and pressures of phase measurements were in the range of 85 to 212 F. and 1300 to 2600 Ib. per sq. in., respectively, with the critical conditions at 169.5 F. and 2615 Ib. per sq. in. abs. Color phenomena were observed in the region of the boundary curve from 102' to 192 F. Approximate densities of the single-phase and two-phase regions and analysis of the system are included. Boundary curves between the single-phase and the two-phase regions have been determined for several binary mixtures containing hydrocarbons. 2,3,4.6,7,10,11,12,14 These investigators did not report the relative amounts of liquid and vapor within the two-phase region. The equilibrium values obtained from the dew-point and bubble-point data can be used to compute the lines showing percentage of liquid on the pressure-temperature phase diagram8 but the positions of the lines near the critical temperature and pressure are uncertain. Relative amounts of vapor and liquid were obtained for a gasoline and a naphtha1 within the two-phase area but not in the region of the critical temperature and pressure. The bubble-point and dew-point lines, as well as the percentage liquid lines within the two-phase region, were determined by visual observations in glass apparatus. Apparatus An arrangement of the apparatus is given in Fig. 1, showing the Jerguson gauge A with glass windows B. Pressure was supplied by the

Jan 1, 1940

By R. A. David, D. L. Katz, D. J. Vink

A phase diagram showing boundary curve and quantity of liquid in the two-phase region was determined for a mixture of natural gas and natural gasoline in the region of its critical conditions. The temperatures and pressures of phase measurements were in the range of 85 to 212 F. and 1300 to 2600 Ib. per sq. in., respectively, with the critical conditions at 169.5 F. and 2615 Ib. per sq. in. abs. Color phenomena were observed in the region of the boundary curve from 102' to 192 F. Approximate densities of the single-phase and two-phase regions and analysis of the system are included. Boundary curves between the single-phase and the two-phase regions have been determined for several binary mixtures containing hydrocarbons. 2,3,4.6,7,10,11,12,14 These investigators did not report the relative amounts of liquid and vapor within the two-phase region. The equilibrium values obtained from the dew-point and bubble-point data can be used to compute the lines showing percentage of liquid on the pressure-temperature phase diagram8 but the positions of the lines near the critical temperature and pressure are uncertain. Relative amounts of vapor and liquid were obtained for a gasoline and a naphtha1 within the two-phase area but not in the region of the critical temperature and pressure. The bubble-point and dew-point lines, as well as the percentage liquid lines within the two-phase region, were determined by visual observations in glass apparatus. Apparatus An arrangement of the apparatus is given in Fig. 1, showing the Jerguson gauge A with glass windows B. Pressure was supplied by the

Jan 1, 1940

By Harry Seltz, J. C. DeHaven

InteRmetallic compounds are formed in many binary metal systems. Some compounds are stable to their melting points, and others decompose at lower transition temperatures. Even those of the first class are dissociated in the liquid state, as indicated by the continuous form of their solubility curves at their melting points1. While the lattice structures of some of these compounds have been determined, their thermodynamic properties have not been investigated. In this paper is described the determination of the free energy and heat of formation of the compound CdSb, which is of the first class mentioned above, melting congruently at 455' C. This compound shows a rhombic structure, and the lengths of the edges of the elementary cell containing four molecules are: a = 6.52, b = 8.60, c = 4.16 A.' There are three possible methods of determining the free energy of formation of a compound of this type. The first method, applying the third law of thermodynamics, requires the measurement of its heat capacity preferably to liquid hydrogen temperatures, and a calorimetric determination of its heat of formation. The second method involves the study of the equilibrium of the compound in some gas reaction, such as: CdSb + CO² = CdO + CO + Sb From the known free energies of formation of CdO, CO² and CO the free energy of formation of CdSb could be calculated. The third method measures the electromotive force of a galvanic cell in which the cell reaction is the reversible formation of the compound from the elements. The first method is generally applicable, but requires elaborate experimental equipment. The second method can not be used for compounds melting at low temperatures, owing to the difficulty in establishing equilibrium. The electromotive force method, therefore, seemed to offer

Jan 1, 1935

By J. C. DeHaven, Harry Seltz

InteRmetallic compounds are formed in many binary metal systems. Some compounds are stable to their melting points, and others decompose at lower transition temperatures. Even those of the first class are dissociated in the liquid state, as indicated by the continuous form of their solubility curves at their melting points1. While the lattice structures of some of these compounds have been determined, their thermodynamic properties have not been investigated. In this paper is described the determination of the free energy and heat of formation of the compound CdSb, which is of the first class mentioned above, melting congruently at 455' C. This compound shows a rhombic structure, and the lengths of the edges of the elementary cell containing four molecules are: a = 6.52, b = 8.60, c = 4.16 A.' There are three possible methods of determining the free energy of formation of a compound of this type. The first method, applying the third law of thermodynamics, requires the measurement of its heat capacity preferably to liquid hydrogen temperatures, and a calorimetric determination of its heat of formation. The second method involves the study of the equilibrium of the compound in some gas reaction, such as: CdSb + CO² = CdO + CO + Sb From the known free energies of formation of CdO, CO² and CO the free energy of formation of CdSb could be calculated. The third method measures the electromotive force of a galvanic cell in which the cell reaction is the reversible formation of the compound from the elements. The first method is generally applicable, but requires elaborate experimental equipment. The second method can not be used for compounds melting at low temperatures, owing to the difficulty in establishing equilibrium. The electromotive force method, therefore, seemed to offer

Jan 1, 1935

By C. E. Mendenhall

FOR the purpose in hand, pyrometry may be taken to include all temperature measurements from, say, 200° C. to the highest attainable, especially when considered from the technical or applied side. It will be convenient first to consider the entire content of a course of study grouped under the headings of the various methods of measurement, which are quite distinct in principle and involve different equipment. Brief suggestions will be given under each heading, and the summary will be followed by comments on the purpose of such a course and methods of conducting it. 1. Expansion and pressure methods: mercury thermometers (glass and quartz), liquid, gas, and vapor-pressure thermometers, especially recording instruments. Especial attention should be given to the limitations of these methods, which, particularly in high-temperature mercury thermometry, are often overlooked. Range approximately to 700° C. 2. Resistance thermometers: both bridge and potentiometer methods, of indicating and recording. Calibration; lead compensation; design of thermometers for special purposes. Range to 1200° C. 3. Thermoelectric pyrometers: potentiometer and deflection methods indicating and recording. Calibration, leakage errors, contamination errors, base and noble couples. Range to 1500° C. 4. Total radiation methods: thermoelectric, resistance, and expansion indicators, mirror and lens collectors, calibration, permanence of characteristics, absorption errors. Range, to highest attainable temperatures. Methods of producing perfect radiators-true, and virtual or "black body" temperatures. 5. Partial radiation methods: absorption and spectroscopic methods of getting partial radiation, various comparison sources, polarization, electric, sector, and absorption methods of controlling intensity (Morse, Lummer, and Wanner types). Calibration, permanence of calibration, absorption errors. Methods of producing perfect radiators -improvised methods; true, and virtual or black-body temperatures.

Jan 9, 1919

By Kenneth Robertson

ALL, strangers visiting this district are struck with the peculiar manner in which the pig-iron is graded. There are eleven regular grades, besides which, when gray forge is ordered, one-half of Nos. 1 and 2 Mill are shipped. Occasionally there is another grade Known as Silver Mill, which is made so seldom that I cannot describe it, and have no sample to exhibit. Most of you have found it difficult to grade properly and uniformly under the simpler system which obtains elsewhere, and can consequently readily imagine the increased difficulty with us. Each furnace employs an " expert," and even with this precaution, the system is not conducive, at all times, to amicable relations between buyers and sellers. I am told that it was adopted at the time Southern irons were seeking a market; but it still remains, although the time has come when our iron is sought for and has obtained for itself a place in the markets of the country. The grades are as follows:

Jan 1, 1889

Charles Catlett, Staunton, Va. (communication to the Secretary*):—Mr. Chance's suggestions that the brown hematite-ores of the Potsdam formation are due to the alteration in place of iron sulphide, and that their extension may reasonably he expected to contain valuable deposits of unaltered sulphide, are interesting; hut the facts marshaled by him are too limited

Jan 1, 1909

By J. S. FINLAY

OPERATING a "muck stick" never appealed to me. It always seemed a terrible waste of energy to "put rocks in the box" by hand-particularly when my own personal energy was involved. But during the past forty years, there have been periods-more or less extended when I was compelled, against my finer instincts, to muck or quit eating. For about the same length of time, I have devised schemes to make mucking faster and more painless. There was always something mechanically wrong with these designs-too many;" parts to wear out and need replacement, and excessive cost incidental to a complicated mechanism. The idea of a shovel unit comprised of a single, rigid assembly which would roll from a digging to dumping position solved the problem of simplicity and durability. Ingersoll-Rand's utility engine provided a splendid power plant, small enough and powerful enough for the job. In the machine finally developed, known as the Eimco-Finlay loader, roller chains are preferred to gears for power trans-

Jan 1, 1935