| Description | (This item is a small hardback notebook with a green cover. On the cover is written the preceding inscription. The notebook contains observations, calculations and diagrams related to mining. There are detailed accounts of individual mines, which include calculations as well as descriptions of the mines and engines. One page of notes is dedicated to 'Wheal Virgin pumps and mines.' Boulton writes; 'The iron pumps are eat away by the marine acid of ye mine water one inch and more in thickness, but there is a coat of something which I take to be plumbago as it cuts easily with a penknife, does not dissolve in acid and has the appearance of black lead. This is such an evil in the mines as requires immediate remedy.') |