The Second Provincial Meeting of the Iron and Steel Institute

Abstract

THE Institute bearing the above name was originated about two years ago, chiefly by the North of England ironmasters, among whom there are many gentlemen who combine in themselves great practical skill and a large amount of scientific knowledge. It was not formally launched into existence till the month of June, 1869, when the inaugural address was delivered to a meeting of the members, held in the Hall of the Society of Arts, by the president, the Duke of Devonshire, who is intimately and extensively connected with the iron and steel trades through the great works of Barrow-in-Furness, perhaps the greatest Bessemer steel works in the world. The aim of the Institute is to hold two meetings annually—one in London, in the spring, and the other in the country in the autumn. The first provincial meeting was held, about a year ago, in Middlesborough, the capital of the Cleveland district, the greatest and most scientific iron-making district either in this or any other country. In May last the second metropolitan meeting was held; and now the second provincial meeting has just been held at Merthyr Tydvil, in South Wales. At all these three meetings there have been read pipers of very great interest and importance, both from a scientific and a practical point of view. Then, taking the experience of the two provincial meetings, the members not only have the benefit of hearing the papers read and of taking part in the discussions to which they give rise, but they also have the opportunity of visiting the numerous works that are thrown open for their inspection, where they can see scientific theories put to practical tests, and where they can compare notes with each other upon the subjects which deeply concern them as practical and professional men. It is well known that “iron sharpeneth iron:” and in these country meetings of the Iron and Steel Institute this wise saw has many apt illustrations. Examples to imitate are seen in abundance; many points are observed that are suggestive and that excite to further improvements in other hands; and in numerous instances things are seen which impart lessons of a totally different sort, inasmuch as they show what errors of commission are to be avoided. Both successes and failures can give instruction to thoughtful minds.