Robert Bald
He combined two qualities vital for colliery direction: a deep practical knowledge with a respect for scientific enquiry (he contributed to the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal among other learned publications).[8] Bald seems to have begun his consultative work around the turn of the century, by 1805 his advice was in great demand throughout Scottish coalfields, and he was called upon by both parties of dispute in court and by judges.[10] He returned to the country in 1826 when he was invited by the Swedish councillor of state, Baltzar von Platen, to survey the Skanian coal fields, which he did in the company of Sven Nilsson.[14] In 1812 David Brewster commissioned Bald to write the 'mine' entry for the 'Edinburg Encyclopaedia', a task that involved visiting the colliery at Killingworth where George Stephenson had introduced a steam-powered machine for raising coal from the pit face.[28] For much of his life, Bald was employed by the Earls of Mar to manage collieries in Alloa, he used his position to try to improve the harsh working and living conditions of the miners and their families.Additionally, Bald supplied wine as an alternative to the whisky he thought was so damaging, had watchmen patrol the streets looking out for drunkenness, and introduced prayer meetings Alloa, New Sauchie and Collyland collieries.Bald's employer, John Francis Miller Erskine, 25th Earl of Mar, was forced to appeal to his zealous manager, who offered to either resign or take full responsibility for the running of the collieries when the lease expired in 1835.Nasmyth mentions Bald in his autobiography: “His sound judgment and long practical experience in regard to coal-mining and the various machinery connected with it, rendered him a man of great importance in the northern counties, where his advice was eagerly sought for.
John Watson GordonCulrossScotlandClackmannanshireRoyal Society of EdinburghSociety of Antiquaries of ScotlandGeological Society of LondonInstitution of Civil EngineersHighland and Agricultural Society of ScotlandWernerian Natural History SocietyRoyal Caledonian Horticultural SocietyRoyal Scottish Society of ArtsGöta CanalAlexander BaldJames HoggEdinburgh Philosophical JournalThomas TelfordMälarenVänernVätterncouncillor of stateBaltzar von PlatenSkanianSven NilssonDavid BrewsterGeorge Stephensonwet dockswivel bridgePatrick NeillGeorge Walker-ArnottJohn Buddlecoal dustWilliam Baldmining engineeringpalaeontologyarchaeologymarine steam propulsionmetallurgyEarls of MarJohn Francis Erskine, 23rd Earl of MarFriendly SocietiesJohn Graham-GilbertcholeraMines and Collieries Bill of 1842The Gentleman's MagazineLord AshleyWest ChurchLord ProvostJames NasmythEdinburghAdam Smitheconomic historyFriedrich Ludwig KnappMizuta, HiroshiBloomsburyCaledonian MercuryWayback MachineArt UK