The formation of the high-Tc phase in the Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system has been studied in ground powder samples enclosed in silver pipes.The samples with a composition of Bi:Pb:Sr:Ca:Cu=0.9:0.2:1.0:1.0:1.6 prepared by heating at 850°C for 24h were mechanically ground for various periods, put into silver pipes and heated at 840-850°C.The formation of the high-Tc phase was found to be promoted in the samples enclosed in the silver pipes, depending upon three factors: grinding time, atmosphere in the pipe and reaction between the powder sample and the silver pipe.