Ν the last book I have explained the methods of
delimiting the meers along each kind of vein, and
the duties of mine officials. In this book1 I will
in like manner explain the principles of underground mining and the art of surveying. First
then, I will proceed to deal with those matters
which pertain to the former heading, since both the
subject and methodical arrangement require it.
And so I will describe first of all the digging of
shafts, tunnels, and drifts on venae profundae ; next I will discuss the good
indications shown by canales2, by the materials which are dug out, and by
the rocks; then I will speak of the tools by which veins and rocks are broken
down and excavated ; the method by which fire shatters the hard veins;
and further, of the machines with which water is drawn from the shafts
and air is forced into deep shafts and long tunnels, for digging is impeded
by the inrush of the former or the failure of the latter; next I will deal
with the two kinds of shafts, and with the making of them and of tunnels;
and finally, I will describe the method of mining venae dilatatae, venae cumulatae, and stringers.
xIt has been suggested that we should adopt throughout this volume the mechanical
and mining terms used in English mines at Agricola's time. We believe, however, that but
a little inquiry would illustrate the undesirability of this course as a whole. Where there
is choice in modern miner's nomenclature between an old and a modern term, we have leaned
toward age, if it be a term generally understood. But except where the subject described
has itself become obsolete, we have revived no obsolete terms. In substantiation of this
view, we append a few examples of terms Which served the English miner well for centuries,
some of which are still extant in some local communities, yet we believe they would carry
as little meaning to the average reader as would the reproduction of the Latin terms coined
by Agricola.
