13 
three centuries ago. Nor can we wonder that this should be the 
case, when we regard the peculiar difficulties by which the sub- 
ject is beset. Not only is the progress of the operations so slow 
that the observation of one set of phenomena may extend over 
many years, but the examination of some points, unless made at 
the time of first opening, is precluded by the discolourations of 
water and powder smoke, or by the means adopted to secure 
the works. Then, according to the conditions under which the 
lode is placed, a combination of problems, geological, physical, 
and chemical, are presented for solution, and the thoughtful 
mining agent, left to consider them only by the light of a partial 
experience and natural shrewdness, is commonly led to see them 
through a peculiar medium, and to fall into the numerous errors 
resulting from unsound premises. Copious stores of knowledge 
have, it is true, been acquired by many of the captains and 
tributers in Cornwall and elsewhere ; but besides the difficulty, 
according to the various views of individuals, in collating them, 
they have generally, from want of early educational opportunity, 
been accumulated upon an unsafe basis ; and finally, the ex- 
periences perish with the men, leaving society no richer for their 
acquisition. 
Nowhere is there more room than in the study of this sub- 
ject for accurate mineralogical observation,- — nowhere is the 
prize offered more inviting ; for the resolution of some of these 
questions must tend to acquaint us with the probability of finding 
remunerative ores in certain directions, either in depth or on the 
course of the lodes, and must, therefore, be instrumental in 
discovering untold sources of wealth. Nor need we despair, when 
we remember the confused state of all the natural sciences 
little more than a hundred years since, that at some future day 
a more systematic cultivation, by rigorous induction, founded on 
close observation, will clear away the weeds, and cover with 
plenteous crops this hitherto barren field. 
We are thus naturally led, by the contemplation of the 
objects to be sought for, to the second part of our subject, the 
Art of Mining : and here it will be necessary to dwell at greater 
length on the character of the studies Avhich it is desired to 
embrace, inasmuch as no course of instruction in them has yet 
