The Mineral Topography of Great Britain. By A. W. Tooke, M.A., F.G.S., &c. 241 Mineralogy. By George Abbot, Esq. 237 Abstract of Act for the Winding-up of Joint-Stock Companies Miscellanea Glossary of Mining Terms :: :: Life of Richard Trevithick, C.E. By Hyde Clarke, Esq... Life of George Stephenson, C.E. By Hyde Clarke, Esq. Rules and Regulations for Working the Gales, &c. in the Forest of Dean On the Laws and Customs relating to Mining, and the Decisions thereon. Abstract of an Act for the Registration, Incorporation, and Regulation of INTRODUCTION. THE exalted patronage and the very liberal support received since the announcement of the present volume, as manifested in the lengthened list of subscribers which accompanies the work, is a source of twofold congratulation; first, as an evidence of the kindly feeling towards the compiler on the part of so many friends, and next, as a proof of the importance which is attached to a publication confined to mining enterprise. The extent to which the work has been carried, although far exceeding that contemplated in the onset, will yet be found not sufficiently capacious to embody much useful and interesting matter, which must necessarily be reserved for the next year. The object of the author, in compiling the present work, was that of rendering it one of reference as a record of proceedings connected with science associated with mining industry; and although, not having fully to his own satisfaction carried out the object in view, yet he trusts the arrangement made in the division of its contents will meet with general approval. It has been observed by many that the title does not sufficiently convey an idea of the importance of the subjects treated on, upwards of 300 pages being occupied by a series of original papers, treating on mineralogy, metallurgy, and practical mining, with the several reports of proceedings in the courts of law and equity, a résumé of the laws affecting the Stannaries Court, as well as Tin Bounds, and the collection of other important papers, including abstracts of Acts of Parliament bearing on mining, or the management of joint-stock companies; it is necessary, therefore, to state that the work has extended far beyond its original limits, and thus become rather a manual of science than a mere almanack. The lists of the members of scientific bodies, which have been drawn up with extreme care and attention, including the names of the several officers made up to the time of publication, present a novel feature, and will, we trust, meet the approval of the subscribers as well as the scientific world generally. The statistical and tabular matter will speak for itself, embracing many original calculations, with a series of useful tables for reference ;-and here it may be well to offer our expressions of regret that such are not more perfect; as it will be seen, we have mainly confined ourselves to the produce of our coppermines, and the imports and exports of ores and metals; not having been able to complete tables touching on the iron trade and collieries, as also other points, including tin and lead mines; these, however, will form an additional feature in our second volume, which we hope to have perfected at the close of 'the present year, giving a careful report of the proceedings of the several mining companies in the interval, and adding thereto such useful matter as may present itself. In the department devoted to the Almanack will be found many useful observations to the merchant and miner; while that of the directory, which closes the work, we have no hesitation in stating, is most perfect and complete, containing more information than conveyed in any similar publication, and as a work of reference, it is presumed will be estimated valuable in itself, without those important adjuncts to which we have previously directed the attention of our readers. In the "Miscellanea" are many interesting facts, treating on different subjects, thereby giving a variety to other points of interest and science. To the contributors of the original papers we have to express our obligations, among whom are several eminent gentlemen, whose talents are universally recognised by the scientific community at large; while it is with regret we have been compelled to omit many interesting papers, from the late period at which they came to hand, or the length of the communications themselves,-to the writers of which, however, our thanks are no less due. As forming a considerable bulk of the volume, we may refer to the papers on Mineral Topography, Mineralogy, and the Glossary, to the latter of which, in addition to the several terms used in the various home mining districts, those employed abroad have been added, thus rendering it perfect as a "dictionary" of mining terms, |