Jan 16, 2023 07:00:00

What is the `` cage with a canary resuscitation device '' used to keep the canary in the coal mine from dying?

Canaries , which are popular as pets due to their beautiful singing, have been used as 'coal mine canaries' to detect toxic gases in coal mines, taking advantage of the fact that their barking stops when the concentration of carbon monoxide and toxic gases is high. Many people may feel sorry for the canary when they hear the story of the canary in the coal mine. case is stored.

This device was used to resuscitate canaries in coal mines – Museum Crush
https://museumcrush.org/this-device-was-used-to-resuscitate-canaries-in-coal-mines/

In the late 19th century, British physiologist John Scott Holden investigated the toxic gases that killed many miners. As a result of searching for a method to detect colorless and odorless gas before it harms humans, it was discovered that the effects of the gas appeared earlier on the bodies of small animals, which have a fast metabolism, than on humans. Ultimately, a method of 'bringing the caged canary into the mine' was created. Since canaries continue to cry as long as they have no physical problems, they not only fall off their perch when they inhale the gas, but they also stop crying and can detect abnormalities from their hearing.

Coal canaries were still used in mines well into the late 20th century, and were finally replaced in England by electronic gas detectors in 1986. Many miners like canaries entering the tunnel together, and the replacement with electronic gas detectors disappointed some workers.

Luis Pollard, curator at the Museum of Science and Industry, introduces the 'canary reanimator cage' used to help the canary in the coal mine as his favorite item in the many collections.

Below is a picture of the aluminum ``canary cage with resuscitation device'' actually stored by the Museum of Science and Industry. A grill is attached to the circular doorway so that the canary cannot escape, and when the canary shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, the doorway is closed and oxygen is released from the upper cylinder to revive the canary.

Pollard doesn't agree with the idea of using animals to detect danger, but he is happy that people have devised ways to keep canaries from dying as much as possible. “When I heard about canaries in coal mines, my impression was that they would die to warn people, so I was very relieved when I came across this cage. After investigating, I found some cages that weren't thoughtful,' he said.