Mining safety cage, 19th century
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Mining safety cage, 19th century
Mining safety cage. 19th-century artwork of the safety cage developed by Pierre-Joseph Fontaine (1810-1877) in 1849. The cage contains coal being lifted to the surface from a coal mine. The supporting ropes (top) have snapped, releasing a spring (top of cage) that has thrust levers towards the wooden beams on either side. The weight of the cage has driven the ends of the levers into the wood, leaving the safety cage suspended and awaiting retrieval. Engraving published in Mines and Miners (L. Simonin, 1868)
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Media ID 6431069
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1849 1868 Brown Coal Device Elevator Engraving Fossil Fuel French Fuel Invention Lift Mine Mines And Miners Mining Safety Shaft Simonin Under Ground Victorian Coal Mining Fontaine Mine Shaft Mono Chrome
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th-century artwork captures the ingenuity and importance of mining safety in a bygone era. Created by Pierre-Joseph Fontaine in 1849, this engraving showcases his revolutionary invention - the mining safety cage. In this monochrome illustration, we witness the intricate workings of this technological marvel. The scene unfolds deep underground, where coal is being lifted to the surface from a coal mine. However, disaster strikes as the supporting ropes snap, sending shockwaves through the wooden beams on either side. As if sprung into action by this mishap, a hidden spring thrusts levers towards these beams with tremendous force. Amidst all chaos and danger, Fontaine's ingenious design comes to light. The weight of the cage drives the ends of these levers into sturdy wood, suspending it mid-air and preventing a catastrophic collapse. This suspended safety cage now awaits retrieval while serving as a testament to human innovation. Published in "Mines and Miners" by L. Simonin in 1868, this engraving not only portrays an industrial marvel but also offers us insight into Victorian-era technology and historical mining practices. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come in terms of ensuring worker safety within hazardous environments like mines. Through its detailed depiction of equipment used during coal mining operations in France during that time period, this artwork stands as an enduring symbol of both progress and cautionary tales from our fossil fuel-driven past.
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