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ARTHUR CROWFOOT, Morenci, Ariz. (communication to the Secretary*).-In order to set at rest any doubts in regard to the reasons for selecting the Callow pneumatic flotation process for use in the concentrators of the Arizona Copper Co., Ltd., at Clifton and Morenci, I am presenting the following facts gained from the results of test work carried out on the Callow and Cole-Bergman types of flotation machines at Morenci. Prior to the comparative test of merit between the Callow and Cole-Bergman machines, many months' time and a large amount of money had been expended in the development and testing of the Cole-Bergman machine, and it was necessary to decide quickly what make of machine was best to install. The Callow pneumatic flotation process was recommended for installation in our concentrators for the following reasons: The results indicated: 1. That the Callow system made the highest extraction of copper values from the feed treated. 2. That the Callow system was simpler to operate and could he operated it a lower cost. 3. That the Callow system operated with a lower air pressure. (The question of the actual power consumption of the two types of machines was not definitely settled at this time.) During the official test period the Callow flotation apparatus showed an additional recovery of from 1 to 1.5 lb. of copper per ton more than the Cole-Bergman machine, this difference being maintained by further treatment of the tailing from both machines. The simplicity of the operation of the Callow flotation system is one of its notable features, two operators per shift being able to handle 90 standard cells and blower equipment.

Jan 7, 1917

INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE This chapter is intended as a brief review of the mathematics of compound interest and of the meaning of time equivalent money. In order to make valid economic evaluations of various investment alternatives, it is important that they be analyzed on an equivalent basis, taking into account the time value of money. Compound interest has been said to be one of the eighth wonders of the world. Certainly compound interest is a fact of life in today's economy. Whenever we deal with money over time-investments, earnings, savings, loans, etc.-we are immediately confronted with the principles and effects of compound interest. In such an environment it is necessary to be able to determine time value equivalence of various sums of money received or paid at different dates. It follows that all future payments or series of payments that would repay a present sum with interest at a stated rate can be said to be equivalent with each other. Equivalence, then, is a function of the interest rate. MATHEMATICS OF COMPOUND INTEREST FACTORS In order to develop mathematical formulas for various time value equivalence of compound interest we will use symbol designations: P is Present or principal sum of money; usually refers to value at time zero. F is a single sum of money at some designated future date. R is The amount of each payment in a uniform series of equal payments made at the end of each period. n is Number of interest compounding periods (may represent annual, semiannual, quarterly, or even daily periods). i is the period compound interest rate. Figure 20-1 illustrates the increase of princi-

Jan 1, 1980

By Richard Dunmore

Tests of the MRDE firedamp prediction method have been carried out in a number of longwall districts with different conditions. The method itself and its development have been described previously At many test sites the prediction has been good, i.e. the calculated gas emission levels have agreed with measured values, averaged over a period of many weeks, within a few percent. In other cases, where there have been larger discrepancies between calculation and measurement, investigations have shown that these may be attributed to particular conditions of mining or geology. Recognition of these conditions in advance of mining is clearly desirable to improve the accuracy of the initial prediction. It has been shown that variations in gas emission rates depend largely on coal production in terms of the weekly advance of the coal face. Although there appears to be a random element present, variations in gas emission levels calculated from changing face advances agree well with measurement. The accuracy of prediction therefore depends on how well face advance can be forecast and needs to be updated as the working proceeds in the light of the face performance actually achieved. Continuous monitoring of the mine environment provides the information necessary to compare actual gas emission with predicted levels, and computerised systems make it possible to carry this out in real time. Predictions can thus be adjusted to take account of emission levels measured in previous weeks These adjustments, whether they are made after the first few weeks or subsequently during the district life, would also be used to alert management to particular abnormalities or significant changes in gas emission.

Jan 1, 1982

By Frederick Laist

The ores received at the Washoe Smelter come almost entirely from the mines in Butte and contain the following minerals : Chalcocite, Cu2S; covellite, CuS; chalcopyrite, CuFeS2, (trace); bornite, Cu3FeS3; enargite, Cu3AsS4; malachite, Cu2CO4 + H2O (trace); pyrite, FeS2; sphalerite, ZnS; rhodo-chrosite, MnCO3, (less than 1 per cent.); rhodonite, MnSiO3, (less than I per cent.). The country-rock of Butte is of the granite family and is a quartz-monzonite containing a little less silica than typical granite. It is made up of the following rock-minerals in approximately the proportions indicated: Minerals. Composition. Per Cent. Quartz SiO2 20 Andesine 1/2 NaAlSi3O8; 4 CaAI2Si2O8 42 Orthoclase KA1Si308 23 Hornblende 1/2 Ca(MgFe)3Si4O12; & (MgFe)2(AlFe)4Si2O12 6 Biotite (HK)2(MgFe)2A12Si3O12 9 Titanite CaTiSiO5 0.1 Apatite (CaF)Ca4(PO4)3 0.05 Magnetite (FeO)(Fe2O3 0.15 Pyrite FeS2 0.02 99.32 The main country-rock (quartz-monzonite) is cut by dikes of aplite, a granite having the following composition: Quartz, 30; andesine, 20; orthoclase, 45; ferro-rnagnesian minerals, 3; pyrite, 0.1; total, 98.1 per cent. Closely associated with the copper-deposits are dikes and bodies of " Modoe" porphyry, technically known as quartz-

Jan 1, 1913

By G. F. Tagg

Earth-resistivity measurements are often of service in obtaining information regarding geological formations, particularly when applied to structural problems. In such problems the masses of the various bodies are large, and have a corresponding effect on the average resistivity of the soil. Much work has been done using such measurements, but in general the method of interpretation employed is empirical. Since certain simple cases can be investigated mathematically, it appears to be quite sound to endeavor to apply the mathematical solutions to the practical results, in order to deduce from the latter such unknown quantities as depth. This paper deals with such a method of interpretation for the simple case of a single horizontal stratum. In the method described by Wennerl for measuring earth resistivity, four stake electrodes are driven into the earth in a straight line as shown in Fig. 1. A current I amperes is passed between the two outer stakes and the potential difference V volts between the two inner stakes is measured. Then if a is the electrode separation, the specific resistance of the soil, which is assumed to be homogeneous, is given by the formula P = 2?v/1 [1] v or if v/1 is called a resistance R ohms, p = 2?aR [2] If a is in inches, p will be in ohms per inch cube, or ohm-inches, and if a is in centimeters, p will be in ohms per centimeter cube or ohm-centimeters. As stated above, this formula is true only if the earth is homogeneous, and when this is not the case an application of one of these formulas

Jan 1, 1934

By Earl R. McMillan

Though much has been written during the past several years about the Russian success in using hydraulic jets for coal mining, little or none of the published information, in so far as this writer has observed, has been of any use or practical application in this country. It is true, according to their published reports, that the Russians were pioneers in the use of high-pressure water jets in the mining of coal. They report the use of water jets for this purpose as early as 1936. However, according to a survey of foreign literature on the subject made by the U.S. Bureau of Mines1 a few years ago, water jets in the USSR, as well as in other nations including New Zealand, Poland and West Germany, were used principally to sluice the loosened coal after it had been previously drilled and blasted, rather than to cut or break it from the solid face. The interest of the Northern Pacific in the potential application of a high-pressure water jet to the actual extraction of coal, particularly in steeply dipping beds, originated in a visit by this author to the operations of the American Gilsonite Co. at Bonanza, Utah, in March 1958. After seeing the extraction, on a commercial basis, of gilsonite from a 22-ft wide vertical vein of this solid material with a 3/8-in. diam stream of water under approximately 2200 psi, it was felt that, with some modifications, water jets were the solution to the problem of economically mining the steeply dipping (i.e., steeper than 20º) coal beds in the State of Washington.

Jan 6, 1962

By Albert H. Chester

During the summer of 1875 I visited some of the iron mines of Houghton County, Mich., and was quite interested to observe the progress made there within a few years. Working in open pits is gradually giving place to underground work in most of the mines where this system is practicable. In some cases, as in the Lake Superior Mine, the body of ore is so irregular, and the deposit so liable at any time to be pinched out, or nearly so, that it. has been found impractical, if not impossible, to lay out any plan for systematic underground work. But in many other mines the deposit is so regular in character, that the work can be laid out in shafts at regular intervals, and a series of 60 feet levels. The Michigammi Mine, opened in 1872, and first worked in 1873, is arranged on this plan, though some quarrying is still done. But the men are being put at overhead stoping as fast as it can be got ready for them, and before long it will all be worked in this way. The New York Mine is undergoing a similar change to the pillar system, and several others have either been changed, or it is about to be done. My principal object in visiting this region was to obtain samples from some of the important mines, so as to be able to answer the question: "What is the average percentage of iron in the Lake Superior ores?" Most iron furnaces work on mixtures of ore, so that it is impossible to tell, from their records, just the percentage in each one.

By Joseph Singewald

I. THE GENESIS OF THE DEPOSITS THE ore deposits at Firmeza have been worked continuously since 1884; those at Daiquiri since 1895. It is surprising, therefore, that they have not been the object of careful geologic study until quite recently. It is true that considerable attention was paid to these deposits by A. C. Spencer, in 1901, in the report on the geology of Cuba, by Hayes, Vaughan, and Spencer,1 but this was only incidental to a hasty general reconnaissance of the Island. As far as the Daiquiri deposits are concerned, this gap has been filled by the appearance of the two papers by Prof. James F. Kemp2 and by Prof. Waldemar Lindgren and Clyde P. Ross respectively.3 Max Roesler, first holder of the Emmons fellowship, made a detailed study of the Firmeza deposits during the past summer, so that soon we can expect a full description of them. Consequently, there is no. demand at the present time for a description of the deposits from other sources, rind that is not the purpose of this paper. The papers on Daiquiri, however, leave unsolved problems in regard to the age of the rocks of the district and certain phases of the genesis of the deposits, and it is with the. hope of aiding in the solution of some of these problems that this contribution is offered. Kemp, and Lindgren and Ross agree in assigning these deposits to the type of contact metamorphic deposits. They disagree in part on the question of their localization. The deposits occur in an extensive area of diorite which includes numerous blocks of limestone, and some-

Jan 3, 1916

By Robert H. Richards

My first paper, read at the Cobalt Meeting of the Institute,' July, 1907, dealt with the behavior of a small Wilfley table when collceiltrating galena from quartz, the table being fed with natural products, with sized products, and with classified products. Since galena, having a specific gravity of 7.5, is among the heaviest minerals ordinarily concentrated by Wilfley table, it was desirable that a similar set of tests upon a mineral of lighter weight should be made. Chalcopyrite, of a specific gravity of 4, would have been the best mineral for this purpose, on account of its great importance as an economic mineral, but in carrying out the test I was obliged to content myself with a cupriferous pyrite, the specific gravity of which was 4.68 and the content in copper 8.80 per cent. Through the kindness of H. 0. Cummins, this material was obtained from Shasta, Cal., in very pure, clean, homogeneous condition. It was broken by rolls to 2 mm. in size, taking care to make a minimum of slimes. The quartz used to mix with it was pure, white, New England quartz, broken in the same way to the same size. In studying the accompanying tables, it should be borne in mind that the material concentrated was of low copper-content, and in many cases the quantity fed to the machine was 1 kg. or less. As a consequence of the smallness of the quantity treated it was very difficult to adjust the table and get it in condition to do its best work before the feed became exhausted, and for this reason many results were obtained which appear irregular.

Jan 1, 1909

By Marius R. Campbell

Does mine-sampling show the commercial value of a coal, and if so, how should it be done ? This question is often asked, but seldom answered. During the past summer, while engaged in securing coal for the Government coal-testing plant at St. Louis, I had an excellent opportunity to obtain information on t,his subject, and the results seem to furniih an answer to the question propounded above. Sampling for the U. 8. Geological Survey Coal- Testing Plant. In organizing the work of the testing-plant, it was decided that coal, in car-load lots only, would be accepted for testing; also that this coal should be loaded under the immediate supervision of a representative of the plant, so as to be certain that the car-load sample would be representative. As an additional check on the work, two mine-samples were to be collected from each mine visited, and these samples, as well as the sample from the car when it was received at the testing-plant, were to be carefully analyzed at the chemical laboratory established in connection with the plant and operated under the direction of Prof. N W. Lord of the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Mine-Samp1ing.—Mine-samples were collected with great care by me and my assistants, Messrs. J. Shober Burrows, John W. Groves and Frank W. De Wolf. The dominant idea in the regulations adopted for mine-sampling mas, that it should be done in such a manner that the sample would have the same composition as the commercial output of the mine.

Jan 1, 1906

By Leo L. Van Sambeek

An understanding of the creep and yield behavior of salt is required for the rock mechanics design aspects of solution mining. Most previous studies of salt behavior have been performed on small specimens of salt under homogeneous stress conditions; i.e., uniaxial and triaxial tests on specimens <0.002 m3. The corejacking test is a larger scale test (-0.75 m3) with inhomogeneous stress conditions that provides data on the structural response of salt. Interpretation of the responses from eight such corejacking tests provides verification of the requisite constitutive parameters required to predict salt behavior at different levels of stress and temperature. These constitutive parameters are not those studied in the usual laboratory test. Corejacking test results show almost inseparable elastic and plastic closures simultaneous with the corejack pressurization. Very rapid closure (on a relative basis) continues for a period of time after the pressurization. This rapid closure is shown to be both continuing yield deformation and creep deformation. After the period of rapid closure, the closure rate approaches a constant value. Numerical modeling of the corejack tests using a creep law containing both transient and steady-state creep functions does not provide results that agree with the responses measured in the corejack tests. Using an experimental design technique plus additional numerical modeling that includes yielding of the salt, results in identification of the significant parameters which allow agreement. The significance of the results from the study is demonstrated by comparing the postulated stability and creep response of a solution-mined cavern using the previous understanding of salt behavior and the understanding developed from this study.

Jan 1, 1985

By C. Goldberg, R. H. Wynne

WHEN using an optical goniometer to determine crystal orientation&apos; it is advantageous to use a preferential etchant so that the etch pits have plane faces which are parallel to crystallographic planes, all of which are of the same "form." "Westinghouse Silver Etch" (WAg), a preferential etch for germanium, is made up as follows: 40 ml of 49.7 pct hydrofluoric acid, 20 ml of 70.7 pct nitric acid, and 40 ml of distilled water containing 2.0 g of silver nitrate. Examination of metallographs of WAg etched surfaces (Fig. 1, for example) indicates that, regardless of crystal orientation, the faces of the etch pits are (111) surfaces. Optical goniometer examination of these WAg etched surfaces also indicates that the faces of the etch pits are (111) surfaces, i.e., all bright reflections are from (111) planes. When using an optical goniometer of the type described by Barrett,&apos; not only (111) reflections from a WAg etched germanium surface but also other reflections of lower intensity will be observed. These latter reflections can cause confusion. We have used an optical goniometer made from a war surplus astrocompass and a galvanometer lamp. The reflections are observed by using the goniometer in a darkened room and letting the reflected light be in- cident upon a piece of white paper. The resulting decrease of goniometer sensitivity enables (111) reflections only to be observed. This in turn permits the crystal orientation to be determined in a matter of minutes, since only two measurements are necessary. The authors wish to acknowledge the help received from R. E. Davis who assisted in making the metallographs and aided the authors in the interpretation of the metallographs.

Jan 1, 1954

By Ralph Arnold

SOUTH of Havana, there is a geanticline that extends from Madruga to Bejucal. The older formations outcrop in the. east and gradually go under until in the Bejucal region the entire geological column lies below the surface, with the Nazareno formation at the top. The well we are now drilling is located at the deepest part of the section. I think there is a good chance to obtain oil, for the conditions are like those in the Santa Maria field in California. In both places asphalt occurs in the upper shales in the form of dikes that break through the older formations. The drilling in the Santa Maria field was brought about by the evidence offered by the asphalt deposit, which overlaid the oilfields. Detailed geologic work in both fields discloses pretty well defined domes with minor faults. Between Madruga and Bejucal, the San Francisco formation has come, to the surface in a dome and still farther east there are other domes near the base of the formation in which the Madruga chalk is the surface rock. The Bejucal dome was selected for drilling because, it gave the greatest evidence of petroleum in the form of asphalt and because it offered three chances of striking oil in the three possible oil horizons below the top of the Nazareno formation. The hole is now 2600 ft. deep and has shown considerable gas and some oil. The lowest gas sand will probably yield from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 cu. ft. per day. Very heavy mud has been used in drilling this hole and this has held back gas and oil indications.

Jan 3, 1925

By Thomas MacFarlane

IN smelting copper, lead, and silver ores, it is scarcely possible in every case to make analyses of the various parcels of ore, with the view of combining these and the fluxes so accurately as to yield, in the furnace, slags of exactly the most favorable composition. This is even more difficult with ores which require previous calcination, or with mattes which have been roasted in heaps. Even in cases where the greatest pains have been taken and the most elaborate calculations made beforehand, it frequently happens that variations in the working of the furnace interfere with the result so much desired. Generally, the practical metallurgist must be content with ascertaining the average composition of his ores and fluxes, making a calculation once for all as to the most advantageous mixture, and leaving slight changes in its composition to be taken care of as it is passing through the furnace. The various products then afford him the best material whereon to base his judgment as to the manner in which his smelting mixture is working. Of course the character of the slag is one of his chief guides, but it is not always possible from its outward characters alone to form a correct judgment as to its composition. Neither would it be possible or practicable to apply chemical analysis for this purpose, as it would be impossible to wait for its results while working a furnace. Abich was, I believe, the first to point out the relation existing between the composition of volcanic rocks and their densities, and to show that, the latter being ascertained, very correct conclusions

Jan 1, 1880

By Thomas MacFarlane

In smelting copper, lead, and silver ores, it is scarcely possible in every case to make analyses of the various parcels of ore, with the view of combining these and the fluxes so accurately as to yield, in the furnace, slags of exactly the most favorable composition. This is even more difficult with ores which require previous calcination, or with mattes which have been roasted in heaps. Even in cases where the greatest pains have been taken and the most elaborate calculations made beforehand, it frequently happens that variations in the working of the furnace interfere with the result so much desired. Generally, the practical metallurgist must be content with ascertaining the average composition of his ores and fluxes, making a calculation once for all as to the most advantageous mixture, and leaving slight changes in its composition to be taken care of as it is passing through the furnace. The various products then afford him the best material whereon to base his judgment as to the manner in which his smelting mixture is working. Of course the character of the slag is one of his chief guides, but it is not always possible from its outward characters alone to form a correct judgment as to its composition. Neither would it be possible or practicable to apply chemical analysis for this purpose, as it would be impossible to wait for its results while working a furnace. Abich was, I believe, the first to point out the relation existing between the composition of volcanic rocks and their densities, and to show that, the latter being ascertained, very correct conclusions

Jan 1, 1880

By R. B. Gilmore

It has been the custom of the Railroad Commission of Texas to hold hearings each month with respect to existence and imminence of waste of oil and gas in Texas and its prevention, and to issue orders restricting the production of oil to the reasonable market demands and allocating production to the various fields in Texas. The practice of designating the actual days during the month on which wells are to be shut down was discontinued in the order for November 1942, and orders issued thereafter contain only the number of shut-in and producing days for the month. Orders issued by the Railroad Commission are divided into two main subdivisions, the first a general shutdown order of all oil wells in the various fields in Texas, and second, the exception of certain fields to this general order. Table I shows the producing days for all of the fields in Texas for 1944 under the first of these classifications : The fields that have producing schedules varying from the general order may be divided roughly into three subdivisions, as follows: Table 2 shows the producing days for certain fields that were prorated as a group throughout 1944. Other fields which were occasionally included with this group were also prorated under the general order and by special orders. The producing days for these irregular fields are shown in Table 4. In Table 3 are listed fields that were exempted from any shutdown days during December 1944, the majority retaining this exception throughout 1944. Certain fields included in the general order were added to this group on the first day of the month shown.

Jan 1, 1945

No. 345.-Assayer. A man 35 years old, or over, experienced in general mineral assaying, particularly of tin and tungsten ores. To locate in Bolivia with a strongly established house. No. 346.-A firm of consulting and managing engineers, having charge of certain coal-mine properties in Illinois, requires the services of the following: (a) Mine transitman, who has had underground experience and is capable of making accurate surveys. Salary $150 per month to start. (b) Mining engineer, possessing strong personality, and experienced both in surface and underground work, who is capable of taking complete charge of several coal properties. Salary $175 per month. (c) Four rodmen for mine surveying. Salary $85 per month to start. Candidates for the above positions should be able to report to the company&apos;s Illinois office at once. No. 347.-A South African development company will shortly require the services of a mill superintendent, who has :a general knowledge .of concentration, particularly of flotation, and is able to take charge of a copper concentrator treating 15,000 tons per month and employing 200 natives and a small number of white men. Salary is £60 per month to start, and the company supplies an unfurnished room or house, including free light, free water and free sanitary service, together with one native house servant. I A contract will be made for six months, and notice of three months by either party will be required to terminate the engagement after six months. An allowance of £75 for travelling expenses will be paid on arrival in South Africa to a single man, or £125 to a man who brings his family. Salary begins upon arrival

Jan 10, 1918

The John Fritz Medal was awarded in January, 1916, to Dr. Elihu Thomson, "For -Achievements in Electrical Inventions, in Electrical Engineering, and in Industrial Development, and in Scientific Research." The medal will be presented to Dr. Thomson at a meeting, to be held in Boston on Friday evening, Dec. 8, 1916, in the Central Lecture Hall of the new buildings of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The program of the evening will include adresses by John J. Carty, Chairman of the Presentation Committee of the Board of Award, E. W. Rice, Jr., President, General Electric Co., and Dr. Richard C. Maclaurin, President, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The presentation will be made by Dr. Charles Warren Hunt, Chairman of the Board at the time the award was made, and the ceremonies will conclude with the response of Dr. Thomson. The John Fritz Medal is awarded from time to time for notable scientific or industrial achievement, and was provided for in a fund subscribed in memory of the great engineering pioneer, John Fritz. The award of the medal is made by a permanent board composed of four members from each of four American National Engineering Societies, namely, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Institute of Mining Engineers and the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. The members of the 1916 Board are: CHARLES WARREN HUNT, Representing the A. S. C. E., JOHN A.. OCKERSON, GEORGE F. SWAIN, CHARLES D. MARX. JOHN R. FREEMAN, Representing the A. S. M. E., AMBROSE SWASEY, JOHN A. BRASHEAR, FREDERICK R. HUTTON. ALBERT SAUVEUR, Representing the A. I M. E., E. GIBBON SPILSBURY, CHARLES F. RAND, CHRISTOPHER R. CORNING.

Jan 12, 1916

The Institute conducts jointly with the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and American Institute of Electrical Engineers, certain activities as listed below, and is joint owner with them of certain properties. United Engineering Trustees, Inc. When Mr. Carnegie made his gift which made possible a home for the engineering societies, a separate corporation was organized to act as a holding company and to manage the common property. This was long known as the United Engineering Society, but the name has now been changed to one which more nearly reflects the real function of the corporation. It holds title to . the Engineering Societies Building and to various funds placed in its charge and is managed by a Board of Trustees, of which three are chosen by each of the four societies, American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Institute of Electrical Engineers and American Society of Civil Engineers, which have equal and undivided interests in the property. The land and building cost two million dollars. During the year 1934, the Constitution and Bylaws of The United Engineering Trustees, Inc., were thoroughly revised and a better organization of its functions was affected: The Engineering Foundation and the Engineering Societies Library were made "departments" of the United Engineering Trustees. The Founders Societies share in the property which it holds, and estimated at the present time, as follows: Real estate, $1,987,793; Depreciation and Renewal Fund, $336,992. The U.E.T. has endowment funds-&apos; amounting to $1,107,677. The A.I.M.E. trustees are W. D. B. Motter, Jr., A. L. .Queneau and Albert Roberts.

Jan 1, 1937

By William P. Blake

THE use of diamonds upon a large scale in drilling rocks, and the substitution to a certain degree of rotary diamond drills for the ordinary steel percussion drills, marks a new era in the art of mining. Since the invention by Leschot of the diamond drill, it has steadily advanced in its utility and range of application, and in the appreciation of miners and engineers. It must be claimed as one of the many gifts of science to the arts ; and it is, in particular, one of the fruits of the scientific education given at the Ecole Centrale, at Paris. Members are all, doubtless, more or less familiar with the construction of the drill and of the machinery by which it is applied in boring. It is, therefore, my present purpose only to direct your attention to some recent marked improvements, made by the American Diamond Drill Company, by which the economy and efficiency of the machines have been increased. Form of Bit. The annular or ring form of the drill-head or bit was, I believe, the earliest; and it is still in use, without essential modification, wherever it is desired to obtain a sample "core" or specimen of the rock traversed. But for mere drilling, regardless of the preservation of a test-core, a solid-head bit is preferred, except for very large holes. Until recently, these solid-head bits were made with a pointed cutting face shaped like an obtuse cone. This form was assumed to be the best, being most in accordance with the experience obtained with percussion drills. It is found, however, that the exact reverse

Jan 1, 1873