156 EIGHTH REPORT 1838. 



On an Improved Method of constructing large Tables or Writing- Ca- 

 binets, adapted to save much time, and to secure a systematic arrange- 

 ment of a great number and variety of Papers. By TiioArAs Sop- 

 WITH, F.G.S. 



In the arrangements of official business, in literary and professional 

 pursuits, and in conducting an extensive correspondence, great in- 

 convenience and loss of time result from the want of method conse- 

 quent on papers being kept in various drawers, closets, boxes, &c., each 

 requiring a separate key. The principle on which the improved wri- 

 tino--tables are constructed is intended to obviate this inconvenience. 



Drawino-s were exhibited, showing various modes of constructing 

 large writing-tables and cabinets in such a manner that, by means of a 

 single key, the whole of the drawers, closets, &c., are at once opened, 

 and the whole of the partitions, drawers, &c., can be reached by any 

 person writing at the table, without stirring from the seat in front. The 

 whole, in like manner, is closed by a spring lock ; and the simplicity 

 and strength of the arrangements are such, that the movements are not 

 liable to be deranged. One of the drawings represented a writing-ca- 

 binet in Mr. Sopwith's office, in the upper part of which there are one 

 hundred divisions for papers to be assorted, besides drawers for writing 

 and drawing materials, and small shelves for colours and mathematical 

 instruments. An upright door, hinged at the bottom, falls, when un- 

 locked, upon a flat table, and forms a writing-desk ; and any papers 

 left upon it at the time of its being shut up, are of course ready to be re- 

 sumed the moment it is opened again. This door is rebated on its three 

 edo'cs, so as to overlap the adjoining doors ; and the shutting of this 

 door also forces in an iron bar, which fastens the drawers in the lower 

 part of the table by a very strong and simple mechanical movement. 



There is also an apparatus for hanging keys upon, so that when any 

 key is removed, a slip of wood, with the name of the key upon it, falls 

 down so as to prevent the door from being closed ; and the person 

 using the desk is therefore reminded of having forgotten to replace the 

 key. The facility of reference and arrangement admits of many short 

 periods of time being devoted to study or business which, but for such 

 an arrangement, would be totally lost. 



Suggestions on the practicability and importance of preserving National 



Mining Records. By Thomas Sopwith, F.G.S. fl 



The connnercial prosperity of Great Britain mainly depends on its 

 mineral productions. Whatever tends to promote economy in the 

 working of mines, and to afford increased facilities for the discovery of 

 mineral treasures, eminently deserves the attention of every enlightened 

 statesman who regards the future as well as the present welfare of the 

 country. 



The great value of, and increasing necessity which exists for, a re- 

 gular system of preserving mining records, has been repeatedly urged 



