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By John B. Hastings

THE origin of the watery vapors of vulcanism has always been an object of interest and speculation to the seismologist, and as theories of the genetic origin of ore-deposits have of late years been pretty well narrowed down to the expiring forces of plutonic action, the same question has had a lively interest for mining engineers and geologists, as is well shown by the discussions of the subject in our Transactions. The important part taken by volcanic emanations in the origin of pegmatites and quartz-veins, described in my paper, Origin of Pegmatite,1 and their latent power to concentrate into useful deposits such scattered gold as occurs in the Hartsel granite, make a discussion of their derivation but a natural third and final step. It is conceded that enormous amounts of vapor accompany volcanism, though perhaps we are apt to forget that steam has 1,700 times the volume of water, besides which the column seen over Vesuvius and other volcanoes is greatly mixed with air; the immensity of such volumes compared with solids and liquids is shown by the experiment of Gautier, who, by heating dessicated granite to 100° C., evolved from it uses 20 times, and steam 90 times, its own volume. Dana appraised the average amount of water left in ordinary rocks as 2.5 per cent. T. M. Read estimated that the Mississippi river carries to the sea annually 150,000,000 tons of rock material. If these Mississippi sediments, as deposited, contained 20 per cent. of water, it would be 600,000,000 cu. ft., or 4,500,000,000 American gallons, annually. Allowing the vapor suspended over a volcanic cone to be mixed with 80 per cent. of air, this amount of water converted into steam would replenish anew, every 9 min., a column 15,000 ft. high, 2,000 ft. in diameter at the base, and 10,000 ft. at the top. Read's estimate is only half of the amount given in a more recent and probably correct one .2

Jan 5, 1908

By Orville R. Lyons, A. C. Richardson

F. X. Ferney—We are pleased that this paper was presented at this meeting and thank Mr. Richardson and Mr. Lyons for their effort and work in preparing it. We agree with the authors that it was unfortunate that more comprehensive data were not available when the paper was prepared, this being particularly true since we had no knowledge that the paper was being written and could not make available data which were in our process files. Further, it is our opinion that because the data are not sufficiently comprehensive the results which are presented are erratic and will lead to false conclusions. As we see it, there are three Specific reasons why the data which are presented cannot be considered accurate. 1. The preparation plant was not at equilibrium while the samples were being taken. This is indicated by the fact that the percent of solids in the circulating water varied from 3.9 pct to 10.7 pct during the period when the plant was sampled. 2. We do not believe that the samples of Bird feed which were taken were representative and could indicatc the true feed to the filter. Evidence of this is shown in the data where the dewatered product leaving the centrifuge contains more coarse material than the feed to it, that is, material which is +6-mesh in size. 3. We question if the data concerning screen analysis in the fine sizes is accurate and would conclude (from the data) that these tests were made by a dry-screen method. We have found that wet screening is always necessary to obtain a true picture of the quantity of —200-mesh fines which is present. The test work described in the Lyons-Richardson paper was conducted some time ago and the tests were carried on during a period when the preparation plant had not ironed out all of their start-up problems. Since that time most of these problems have been corrected and now this is a smooth running, well-operated prep-

Jan 1, 1951

By Orville R. Lyons, A. C. Richardson

F. X. Ferney—We are pleased that this paper was presented at this meeting and thank Mr. Richardson and Mr. Lyons for their effort and work in preparing it. We agree with the authors that it was unfortunate that more comprehensive data were not available when the paper was prepared, this being particularly true since we had no knowledge that the paper was being written and could not make available data which were in our process files. Further, it is our opinion that because the data are not sufficiently comprehensive the results which are presented are erratic and will lead to false conclusions. As we see it, there are three Specific reasons why the data which are presented cannot be considered accurate. 1. The preparation plant was not at equilibrium while the samples were being taken. This is indicated by the fact that the percent of solids in the circulating water varied from 3.9 pct to 10.7 pct during the period when the plant was sampled. 2. We do not believe that the samples of Bird feed which were taken were representative and could indicatc the true feed to the filter. Evidence of this is shown in the data where the dewatered product leaving the centrifuge contains more coarse material than the feed to it, that is, material which is +6-mesh in size. 3. We question if the data concerning screen analysis in the fine sizes is accurate and would conclude (from the data) that these tests were made by a dry-screen method. We have found that wet screening is always necessary to obtain a true picture of the quantity of —200-mesh fines which is present. The test work described in the Lyons-Richardson paper was conducted some time ago and the tests were carried on during a period when the preparation plant had not ironed out all of their start-up problems. Since that time most of these problems have been corrected and now this is a smooth running, well-operated prep-

Jan 1, 1951

By Alvinus Brown Wood

THE ancient copper-mines of Lake Superior, having been destroyed or covered by-modern mining-dumps, are not accessible to the present inhabitants of that region, and, since no more are likely to be found, some account of those already discovered, from one who has seen them, may be acceptable to the Institute. Early in May, 1855, 1 took a party of men to open an ancient pit on the Quincy mine-location. Mr. C. C. Douglas was the Agent.," as mine-managers were then called on Lake Superior. The Quincy Co. had previously done work on a fissure-vein, several hundred feet west of the Amygdaloid lode (afterwards called the Pewabic lode), on which was the ancient pit herein described. It was at this pit that the Quincy' main shaft was subsequently stink. The ancient pit showed an apparent depth of about 4 ft., but when cleaned out it was shown to be 14 ft. deep, having been filled up by the sliding-in of material composed largely of broken rock, taken out in sinking the ancient shaft, and left near its mouth. Midway of the shaft, and below water-level, was found a scaffolding, of white-birch poles,- which had been used as a landing, to assist in removing the excavated rock. The shaft was 7 ft. in diameter. The excavation had been done by first building fires in order to disintegrate the rock, as was proved by the abundance of charcoal found; then breaking the softened rock with hammers of diorite, such as is found in the greenstone range on Keweenaw point. These hammers had about. the size of large paving-stones. Only broken ones were found, the whole ones having been doubtless carried away for other work, such as could be traced on the lode for a hundred feet or more to the south. At the place where this shaft was stink, barrel-copper (i.e.,

Mar 1, 1906

By Joseph W. Richards

THIS method of briquetting flue-dust, or flue-dust mixed with fine ores, or, in a few exceptional cases, coke-dust, has come into large commercial use in Europe, and a small plant is already in operation in the United States. It promises to become of such great importance to the iron industry of the United States that the following description will certainly interest the majority of our pig-iron producers. Discovered in 1908, the process rests upon the observation of Dr. Schumacher that blast-furnace flue-dust, while possessing of itself no binding or cementing properties, acquires strong cementing properties if mixed with a very small amount of certain salt solutions, the amount of which is so small that the resulting cementation appears to be rather by catalytic action of the salts added than by the mass-action of such chemicals. To be more specific, fresh blast-furnace flue-dust mixed with from 5 to 10 per cent. of its weight of magnesium chloride or calcium chloride solution-that is to say, with from 0.25 to 2 per cent. of its weight of magnesium chloride or calcium chloride-acquires the property of setting within a short time, from 15 to 60 min., and forming a hard cemented briquette. Alkaline solutions appear to have no action such as described, and they even interfere, if present, with the action of the magnesium and calcium solutions. When treated in this way the flue-dust briquette sets very hard, apparently from pure excess of cementing- and setting-power. It is, therefore, possible to . mix with the flue-dust a considerable proportion of inert ore or like material, which has no setting-power by this process, and thus to make a compound briquette containing large quantities of ore mixed with flue-dust, but in which the flue-dust may be regarded as the cement or binding-material. A particularly strongly cementing flue-

May 1, 1912

By D. J. Jr. McAdam

RESULTS of investigation of corrosion-fatigue of metals at the U. S. Naval Engineering Experiment Station have been presented by the author in four papers. 1,2,3,4 In those papers references were given to the work of Haigh in 1917.5 The investigation at Annapolis included a variety of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. The experiments showed that even slight corrosion simultaneous with fatigue may cause failure at stresses far below the ordinary endurance limit. The experiments also showed that, for most metals, severe stressless corrosion prior to fatigue is much less damaging than even slight corrosion simultaneous with fatigue. The term "corrosion-fatigue" was restricted to mean the simultaneous action of corrosion and fatigue. The combined effect of corrosion followed by fatigue was called "prior-corrosion fatigue." A stress-cycle graph representing corrosion-fatigue is a curve approaching a horizontal asymptote, the ordinate of which may be called a "corrosion-fatigue limit." To avoid confusion in later discussion, the term "endurance limit" will be restricted to mean the fatigue limit obtained by tests in air with specimens as free as possible from stress concentration and from corrosion. The endurance limit as thus obtained presumably represents an inherent property of the metal.

Jan 1, 1929

Charles H. Fulton, Rapid City, So. Dak. (communication to the Secretary*): Professor Lodge takes issue with Mr. Crawford and myself on results obtained by the scorification-method of assay on " zinc-box precipitates," which we published in a paper on the subject in the publication named below.' In our work we found that the normal seorification-method, employing only test-lead and a very little borax-glass as a flux, gave results on cyanide precipitates which mere invariably very low, loss having taken place by slag-absorption and volatilization, as repeated slag-assays failed to bring up results similar to those obtained by other methods. Professor Lodge anil his students made a large number of what he terms " scorification-assays," but which, I would like to point out, have claim to that name only in that they are made in a scorifier, for the charge consists of test-lead, a very considerable quantity of borax-glass (10 grams), at times also of litharge and even charcoal, so that the assays are in reality crucible assays. A scorification-slag proper is an oxide-slag to all intents and purposes, while the slags made by Professor Lodge are borates, certainly acid-slags. It has been our experience since our paper, The Assay of Cyanide Precipitates, was published, that the nature of the assay slag in the crucible assay has a great influence on the result. A " basic " or oxide-slag invariably causes high slag-losses, while an " acid " slag gives very fair results on material containing much zinc. This has also been the experience of a mellknown cyanide chemist with whom I have corresponded on the subject, who found that acid crucible-slags gave good results on zinciferous material, but that the scorification-method, as ordinarily employed, gave high slag-losses. I believe that if the conditions are such that the zinc can be

Jan 1, 1904

CHICAGO SECTION CHARLES H. MACDOWELL, Chairman, Luther V. DICE, Vice-Chairman, HENRY WT. NICHOLS,. Secretary-Treasurer, 164.5 E. 68 St., Chicago; Ill. ALEXANDER K. HAMILTON-, HENRY P. HOWLAND, GEORGE P. HULST, FREDERICK 1. SNYDER. There were 32 members present at the dinner of the Chicago Section which was held at the Chicago Engineers' Club on Friday Evening, December 22. At the meeting after the dinner, the Chairman called attention to the work of Mr. Hoover in Belgium and spoke briefly of the assistance which' could be given him through the Belgian Kiddies, Ltd. Mr. Alonzo Kinyon read a paper on "Burring Powdered Coal" which so interested the members that many of them participated in the long discussion which followed. Prof. Harry B. Pulsifier then described the metallurgical plants about Chicago. He mentioned briefly the equipment and interesting features of 30 metallurgical plants of importance and stated that there were also 200 foundries in the district. He said that when number, size, quality and diversity of the plants are considered, the Chicago District is justified in calling itself the greatest metallurgical center on earth. The paper was followed by a brief discussion in Which attention was called to some smaller and incipient plants of an interesting character. HENRY T. NICHOLS, Secretary.

Jan 2, 1917

By L. W. Rowe, W. R. Opie

A brief history of TiCI, production and purification is given. Chlorinator feed materials for the production of TiCI4 are classified. The thermodynamics and kinetics of Ticl4 production by chlorination of TiO2 are discussed. Problems encountered in the chlorination and purification steps are outlined in detail. MOST of the current processes for the production of titanium metal require the use of TiC14 as a source of titanium values. This material can only be produced by a dry chlorination process, since it is immediately hydrolyzed in the presence of water. When pure, the tetrachloride is a colorless liquid boiling at 136°C. It fumes readily in moist air, reacting immediately with the moisture to form TiO, and HC1. History The tetrachloride was prepared as early as 1826 by DumasL who chlorinated a red hot mixture of carbon and TiO,. Since then, numerous other mixtures have been used including rutile, ilmenite, beneficiated ilmenites, titanium pigment, slags, and the various titanium metalloids such as TiN, TiCN, TiOC, and TiS2. S2Cl2, phosgene, and CC14 have been substituted for chlorine and CO has been used in place of carbon.

Jan 1, 1956

By William E. Ford, Edward Salisbury Dana

1. Normal Class (6) Zircon Type 2. Hemimorphic Class (7) Iodusuccinimide Type 3. Pyramidal Class (8) Scheelite Type 4. Pyramidal- Hemimorphic Class (9) Wulfenite Type 5. Sphenoidal Class (10) Chalcopyrite Type 6. Trapezohedral Class (11) Nickel Sulphate Type 7. Tetartohedral Class (12) Mathematical Relations to the Tetragonal System THE TETRAGONAL SYSTEM includes all the forms which are referred to three axes at right angles to each other of which the two horizontal axes are equal to each other in length and interchangeable and the third, the vertical axis, is either shorter or longer. The horizontal axes are designated by the letter a; the vertical axis by c (see Fig. 166). The length of the vertical axis expresses properly the axial ratio of a : c, a being uniformly taken as equal to unity. The axes are orientated and their opposite ends designated by plus and minus signs exactly as in the case of the Isometric System. Seven classes are embraced in this system. Of these the normal class is common and important among minerals; two others have several representatives, and another a single one only. It may be noted that in four of the classes the vertical axis is an axis of tetragonal symmetry; in the remaining three it is an axis of binary symmetry only.

Jan 1, 1922

By W. H. Emmons

INTRODUCTION THE deposition of metalliferous lode systems takes place at considerable depths and no one may observe the process. We see only the end results of the process and from these we seek to construct a theory that will account for them. Because there is an obvious relation between many lode systems and intrusive igneous masses, it is a natural inference that they have formed by fluids that were expelled from such masses. The metalliferous lode systems have been deposited by ascending thermal fluids that have risen mainly from great irregular bodies of intruding magmas which are called batholiths. Probably 95 per cent of such lode systems have formed in connection with acidic or "granitic" batholiths and probably less than 5 per cent have formed in connection with basic intrusives. The study of lode ores, therefore, should include the study of the intrusion and differentiation of the batholith. It was noted long ago1 that certain tin-bearing deposits are commonly associated with small stocks. That small stocks are cupolas of larger intrusive masses has generally been recognized. Butler,2 in his studies of the ore deposits of Utah, showed that the chief deposits in Utah are in and near the stocks; that is near the "apically truncated

Jan 1, 1933

By E. S. Grumell

THE correct sampling of coal and coke is becoming important to an ever increasing number of producers and consumers. This, therefore, may be an opportune moment to examine where we stand with regard to existing and proposed methods. In this paper an attempt will be made to review, as briefly as possible, some of the considerable amount of painstaking research which has been done in the last 10 years, and which has unquestionably led to a much better understanding of the subject. In so doing we shall try, on the one hand, to make clear where substantial progress has been made, and on the other hand, to draw attention to points that require further investigation. The paper is divided into sections in order to emphasize the major divisions of the subject; further, in order to retain this emphasis, detailed consideration of some of the points has been relegated to appendixes. No attempt has been made to give a complete survey of the literature, as this has already been done by L. A. Bushell.2 The following abbrevia-tions will be used: A.E., average error; P.E., probable error; S.W.R., size-weight ratio; B.S.I., British Standards Institution.

Jan 1, 1939

By W. B. Jamison

Man's material advance from one level of civilization to the next has involved the development of new, more useful tools and the utilization of energy greater than he alone could produce. These two essentials for material progress have developed at an ever increasing rate in the last century. While the first really successful use of mechanical energy derived from burning fuel was in James Watt's steam engine which pumped water from coal mines in Cornwall about 1770, there was still very little use of mechanical energy in mining by 1900 except for pumping and hoisting. Compressed air, having some of the characteristics of steam and which operated engines not unlike steam engines or steam hammers, powered the first attempts to mine coal with energy greater than human muscle could provide. When direct current-powered traction cars replaced horse-drawn transportation cars on city streets, it was natural that direct current locomotives should begin to replace animal and human power in mine haulage. Slowly, trolley and battery locomotives were developed and introduced. With d-c systems being established for haulage, it was natural that improved cutting machines should be developed and powered by d-c motors. Thus began the years of

Jan 1, 1961

By J. E. Johnson

Discussion of the paper of Bradley Stoughton, presented at the Cleveland meeting, October, 1912, and printed in Bulletin No. 71, November, 1912, pp. 1245 to 1275. J. E. JOHNSON, JR., Ashland, Wis. :-Is it true that titanium reduces the chill in chilling iron? If so, as I think Mr. Stoughton has stated elsewhere, then I do not see how titanium is beneficial in car-wheel mixtures. One of the most difficult things to do is to get a proper chill and a proper degree of toughness, and the goodness of an iron of the given composition for charcoal-iron purposes is denoted by the chill which it will take as compared with its composition. If titanium reduces that chill, then it does not seem to me as good for car-wheels as its absence would be, and I should like to have it explained what effect titanium has on the chill of a given iron. MR. STOUGHTON : It is true that titanium reduces the chill of iron quite noticeably, yet, at the same time, if I am correctly informed, 90 per cent. of all chilled-iron rolls are made to-day with the titanium treatment, and a great many car-wheels, but one has to make changes in the silicon added and also, if I am correctly informed, in the manganese. The advantage of titanium is that when the proper changes are made, so that we get the same depth of chill with the titanium as we otherwise would without, the chill is much harder than before, and also the body of the roll or wheel is tougher and somewhat stronger, especially under shock. JAMES F. KEMP, New York, N. Y.:-This subject is obviously one of great importance to the iron industry, in that if we call find a method of using titaniferous ores, we will prolong the life of our iron reserves. Fifteen or more years ago, primarily from the study of the ores in the Adirondacks, I be-

Dec 1, 1912

INDEX TO TRANSACTIONS After a delay of many months, which is very much regretted, but which, it is hoped, will be one means of insuring a volume of accuracy where accuracy is very important, the Institute now has for distribution copies of the index of Volumes XXXVI to LV, inclusive. This is more than a mere index off names of authors and titles of papers. Every important topic under consideration by author or discusser is introduced under such key-word as will enable an engineer to locate the desired information with the minimum expenditure of time. This index sells for $5* in half morocco binding and $4*. in paper covers. With the index of Volumes II to XXXV (which sells for $5 in half morocco and $4 in paper covers), it forms a complete index of the first fifty-five volumes of the Institute's Transactions. These collective indexes are very valuable to members of the Institute, enabling them to look up matters in their own library; if they have the volumes to which the indexes refer, they can get the information at once, and, if not, they can readily determine whether or not a visit to a nearby public library is desirable.

Jan 7, 1918

The United States Civil Service Commission announces open competitive examinations for the positions of valuation engineer, assistant valuation engineer, and valuation aid for the Income-tax Unit of the Internal Revenue Bureau. The duties of these positions will involve the estimating of: (1) The quantity of mineral, oil, and gas or timber; (2) the theoretical and market values of mineral, or oil and gas in place, standing timber, and their products; (3) the value of equipment ordinarily used in discovery, exploitation, and utilization of such natural resources; (4) the cost of development, exploitation, and utilization of such natural resources. The entrance salary for each grade, within the range stated, depending on the qualifications of the appointee, is: Valuation engineer, $3600 to $4800 a year, though in exceptional cases higher salaries may be paid; assistant valuation engineer, $2500 to $3600 a year; valuation aid, $1200 to $2500 a year. Applications for valuation aid must have had a bachelor's degree from a college of recognized standing, graduation from a four years' high-school course, or education equivalent to that required for such graduation, and at least four years' experience in the technical branches of one of the industries mentioned in positions tending to qualify them for the duties outlined above.

Jan 6, 1919

The American Federation of Labor adopted 'the following resolution at its Atlantic City convention: "WHEREAS, scientific research and the technical application of results of research from a fundamental basis upon which the development of our industries, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and others must rest; and WHEREAS, the productivity of industry is greatly increased by the technical application of the results of scientific research in physics, chemistry, biology; and geology, in engineering and "agriculture, and related sciences; and the health and well-being not only of the workers but, of the whole population as well, are dependent upon advances in medicine and sanitation; so that the value of scientific advancement to the welfare of the nation is many times greater than the cost of the necessary research; and WHEREAS, the increased productivity of industry resulting from scientific research is a most potent factor in the ever-increasing struggle of the workers to raise their, standards of living, and the importance of this factor must steadily increase since there is a limit beyond which the average standard of living of the whole population cannot progress by the usual methods of re-adjustment, which limit can only be raised by research and the utilization of the results of research in industry;. and

Jan 8, 1919

Four generations ago, the Mount Morgan ore deposit sustained the hurly-burly of frantic development common to the finding of a rich discovery. In this case, it was gold discovered in gossan capping on one of the hills of the Dee Range. The bonanza ore, like the flush of youth, has been spent. Today, one recognizes in this operation the orderly manner of the senior citizen, keeping up with the times and husbanding resources. As mining towns go, Mt. Morgan has an enviable situation. The approach is from Rockhampton, Qld, a peaceful, affluent agricultural and cattle center near the sea. To reach the mine, one goes 22 miles, first across farming country, passing orange groves and occasional children on horseback. The ascent into the Dee Range is winding and rapid. In the winter, the hills are green and Bougainvillaea and flowering yellow bracken grow wild on the hillsides. Around a bend, the brown waste terraces of the mine come into view, rising above the surrounding country. The top of the mountain has been sawed off and a deep pit sunk into the core. A little further on, around a few more curves, the town of Mt. Morgan is seen nestling comfortably in the hollows, reaching up the slopes.

Jan 10, 1964

Pursuant to notice duly given in accordance with law and the constitution, a special business meeting of the members of the Institute was held at the office of the Institute on June 27, 1919, at 8.30 P.M., 1573 members were present in person or by proxy. On resolution duly made and seconded, the change of name to American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, Incorporated, was authorized and the officers of the corporation were instructed to take the necessary steps to accomplish this result. The votes were 1565 in favor of the resolution and 7 against. It was then moved and seconded that the certificate of incorporation be amended to define the purposes for which the corporation was formed as follows: "To promote the arts and sciences connected with the economic production of the useful minerals and metals, and the welfare of those employed in the industries by all lawful means, " etc., etc.-the remainder of the article reading the same. The purpose of this change was to allow the Institute to take any legal means it desires to accomplish the objects mentioned above instead of restricting it within narrow limits. The vote was 1573 in favor of the resolution and none against.

Jan 8, 1919

By Thomas V. Falkie, Robert Stefanko

Previous articles in this column have defined the manpower situation as it. applies to the coal industry. There is at present a shortage of experienced managers, mining engineers, technicians and skilled workers. The extent of this shortage is controversial, but it is sufficiently important to have received the serious attention of coal industry people at all levels. It has also been discussed by union officials, educators, government agencies and trade publications as well as other communications media. Discussion is not enough, however. A plan of action is needed. Some suggestions for such a plan are presented here. First, the coal industry must interest itself in government training programs. The U.S. Government (primarily the Bureau of Mines and HEW) is planning to spend or is spending millions of dollars to educate and train technicians, inspectors, engineers and miners. The new Federal Health and Safety Academy at Beckley, W. Va., for example, will involve an expenditure of $20-30 million for the physical plant alone. There are encouraging signs that the present hierarchy in the Bureau of Mines intends to seek the advice of mining educators on some of these projects, but industry should also demand a voice in the policy to be followed in making these expenditures.

Jan 1, 1971