1-158-969 - Oxford Science Archive/Heritage Images

Early 19th century coal miner working a narrow seam, c1868. The miner, stripped to the waist, is lying on his side and, with a pickaxe, is holing out or scuffling coal. This work is being done by the light of a naked flame which could cause an explosion by igniting coal dust or fire damp (methane). From Mines and Miners by L Simonin. (London, c1868).