An Investigation into the Nature of Black Phthisis / or Ulceration Induced by Carbonaceous Accumulation in the Lungs of Coal Miners

A clinical and pathological account examines progressive carbonaceous accumulation in the lungs of coal miners, attributing lesions to inhaled coal dust, lamp smoke, gunpowder fumes, and poor ventilation. It describes a course of chronic cough with dark expectoration, wasting and feeble cardiac action, and ultimately excavated pulmonary cavities filled with carbonaceous material found at postmortem. Microscopic and gross observations report carbon in pulmonary tissue and sometimes in the blood, and note that heavy carbon deposition often coexists with an absence of tubercular lesions. The paper surveys contemporary reports, discusses diagnostic and occupational implications, and urges improved investigation and recognition of this miners' pulmonary disease.