Chapter XIV: Part 14

“I considered the case so hard that a gentleman who had
served the country for about twelve years, ably and
efficiently, as shown by letters from the Treasury and from
yourself, should be dismissed on three months’ notice,
that I resolved to bring this case before Parliament, but
before doing so I thought it best that Mr. Ansell should
memorialise the Treasury, stating his case and past services.

“Since the Memorial was sent in, I have heard of the loss
you have sustained, and consequently have applied for the
appointment for Mr. Ansell to the office lately filled by
your brother.

“I think it right you should know this, and I am not
without hopes that my recommendation may meet with your
concurrence, as though I am aware that you had at one
time some difference with Mr. Ansell, yet he has at the
same time told me of many kindnesses he has received from
you—shown also on a late occasion, when you gave him a
very good testimonial on his being a candidate for a Gas
Inspectorship, which proves the high opinion you have of Mr.
Ansell’s qualifications.

“He has assured me that, should he get the appointment, he
will act most cordially with you, and be most anxious to
forget all that is past.

“I am prepared, on hearing from you that you concur in Mr.
Ansell’s appointment, to write to Mr. R. Lowe to tell him
that I wish the Memorial withdrawn.

“Your obedient servant,
(Signed) “KINNAIRD.

“T. GRAHAM, ESQ., F.R.S., D.C.L.,
“Master of the Royal Mint, London.”

Envelope marked “Private,”

FROM T. GRAHAM, ESQ., F.R.S., D.C.L., TO
THE RT. HON. LORD KINNAIRD, K.T.
“_4, Gordon Square, 3rd March, 1869._

“MY LORD,

“On returning from Scotland I find your letter of the 1st
instant, the receipt of which I beg to acknowledge.

“I beg to remain, my Lord,
“Your Lordship’s most obedient servant,
(Signed) “THO. GRAHAM.

“THE RIGHT HON. LORD KINNAIRD.”

On the 6th March, 1869, your Lordship wrote me to the effect that Mr. Lowe had stated that he “still entertained a belief that Mr. Ansell was never on the staff of the Mint, and he cannot force a supernumerary on Mr. Graham, but he HAS SENT THE MEMORIAL TO MR. GRAHAM TO ANSWER.” I feel that the Right Hon. Robert Lowe thus committed a singular act of injustice to me. Those who will read the Memorial cannot but be struck with the fact that my sole complaint is against Mr. Thomas Graham, yet Mr. Lowe remits the case to the accused for _his_ decision. Such an act is a remarkable comment on the promise of the Government _that those who would faithfully do their duty, irrespective of their nominal position, should be rewarded_.

This injustice induced your Lordship to take further steps, and you sent me the following letter:—

FROM THE RIGHT HON. W. E. GLADSTONE TO
HON. A. KINNAIRD, M.P.
“_March 5th, 1869._

“MY DEAR KINNAIRD,

“I am not sure whether the arrangements to be made at the
Mint will place any vacancy at my disposal, but if they
do I will carefully consider the subject of your letter
respecting Mr. Ansell.

“Ever yours sincerely,
(Signed) “W. E. GLADSTONE.

“THE HON. A. KINNAIRD.”

On the receipt of this letter your Lordship directed me to send a copy of my “Treatise on Coining” to Mr. A. West for Mr. Gladstone. Up to this date the case had been urged upon Mr. Gladstone, not only by your Lordship, but in addition by five Cabinet Ministers and five members of the House of Commons; yet there was, as in the case of Mr. Disraeli, some mysterious cause why I was defeated, and on the 27th of March, 1869, I received the following:—

FROM THE LORDS OF THE TREASURY TO G. F. ANSELL, ESQ.
(_No. 3727, 24th March_).
“_Treasury Chambers, 27th March, 1869._
“SIR,

“In reply to your Memorial of the 10th of February last,
I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of her Majesty’s
Treasury to acquaint you that my Lords have made inquiry
into the circumstances which led to the cessation of your
employment as a temporary clerk at the Royal Mint, and they
do not find that they are such as in their opinion would
justify them in awarding you any compensation in consequence
thereof.

“I am further desired to state that your removal from the
service was entirely within the discretion of the Master of
the Mint, who distinctly denies ever having held out to you
any expectation of promotion or of permanent employment; and
that your statements as to the value of your services at the
Mint are not corroborated by Mr. Graham.

“In conclusion, I am desired to add, with regard to your
application that your services may be continued in some
other department, that my Lords have no appointment at their
disposal to which they can nominate you.

“I am, Sir,
“Your obedient servant,
(Signed) “WILLIAM LAW,”
“GEORGE F. ANSELL, ESQ.,
“27, Bernard Street, Russell Square, W.C.” “Exᵃᵈ.

Whereupon your Lordship took steps, which I will explain presently; but I beg first to append a few extracts from my diary, written day by day at a time when, had my confidence in Mr. Graham been shaken, I could have induced him to make a written agreement. I instead placed in him so profound a confidence that I placed my future, _as he knew_, entirely in his keeping.

“_9th March, 1858._

“I expressed an opinion that in the event of the Master being ill, or seeing fit to resign, I should be summarily dismissed the Mint, and that the —— and —— would come into power. I also related the grounds for my opinion, and the Master said that ‘the Treasury were too much awake to all affairs to admit of my dismissal or removal, or of such a change at any time under any circumstances; and that, beside, Mr. Sterry was now just preparing his last Report of the waste per quarter, and which would effectually close —— and ——’s chance.’”

“_9th July, 1858._

“I showed the Master, and he read Mr. Halder Wood’s letter. I sought his advice, and he advised me to remain at the Mint, promising that, so soon as Mr. Brande or Mr. Buckle died, I should be placed in their position, for the Treasury would not make a place for me. I wrote this to Mr. Wood, who soon replied, offering me a place which was next to himself, and advising me ‘not to trust Graham’s promises.’”

“_September 2nd, 1857._

“A note from Mr. F. Versmann, declining a position which I had placed at his disposal under these circumstances. Mr. Corcoran offered to introduce me to Mr. Payne, who subsequently offered to engage me on the following terms: I was to attend three days a week at Farnham, where I was to have a residence and £250 a year. The other three days I was at perfect liberty to use and to spend in London, in no way tied to Mr. Payne. I consulted Mr. Graham. He promised most faithfully that I should be ‘above all,’ and advised me to decline Mr. Payne’s offer. I did decline it, and to prove to Mr. Graham that the offer was _bona fide_, I handed to him Mr. Payne’s letter, with a request that he would recommend a fit person, and I would introduce him. Mr. Graham gave the letter to Mr. Versmann, who in his note says he declines because ‘I am sorry indeed that Mr. Payne finds it necessary for the chemist to reside on the spot; but, after all, I am sure I am right in not giving up my chances in London.’ Mr. Corcoran has at this day a perfect recollection of the whole matter, and writes me ‘I believe you would have accepted, but you had a prospect of a certain position in the Royal Mint.’”

“_October 5th, 1859._

“In a conversation about my position, which had arisen from the opposition offered to me, the Master said, ‘Yes, that is the difficulty, you see the Treasury will not give you a position while we have so much old lumber in the way of officers who do nothing.... And in truth I will tell you I had hoped that the Act of last session would have rendered retirement at sixty-five compulsory, and then I would have placed you in a far higher position in the coining department; but that clause was unwisely withdrawn, and here I am, still encumbered by people utterly useless.’ I said, ‘Is it probable that I shall have to wait for my promotion till the death or retirement of one of my so-called ‘superior officers,’ or shall I now stand a chance of a more immediate position of safety?’ He replied with great earnestness, ‘It is a year since anything was done for you, so I will do something for you before the end of early winter, and you stand a far better chance now that Sir Charles Trevelyan is gone from the Treasury, for he always stood in your way, because his own nominations had turned out so very disastrously to this place; but I will promise you I will set you firmly directly the men return to London—directly the Ministers are in town.’”

_22nd April, 1869._

Being determined to find the reason why I failed to be appointed, you, as stated in your Lordship’s letter, called on Mr. Graham, at the Mint. Mr. Graham spoke of his desire to serve Mr. Ansell, and offered “to appoint him to the position from which Mr. C. W. Goodwin was to be retired with an increased salary.”

I had in writing begged your Lordship to allow me to decline this offer, because I saw through the malevolent malice which induced it, and enclosed a statement with extracts from my diary.

Four days later, it appears that your Lordship called again on Mr. Thomas Graham, in the Mint, where he was in consultation with Dr. Lyon Playfair, M.P., and Mr. C. W. Fremantle, when you, as stated in your letter, read and heard read Mr. Graham’s letter to the Treasury, and your Lordship wrote to Mr. Lowe in relation to this interview with Mr. Graham, and sent me Mr. Lowe’s reply.

“_Downing Street, Whitehall, April 29th, 1869._

“DEAR LORD KINNAIRD,

“Had Mr. Graham consulted me, I should have advised him not
to produce any documents to you and Dr. Lyon Playfair, for
the simple reason that I have already decided the case, and
that it ought not to be opened without my consent. That
consent I feel myself bound to withhold. I cannot permit
any one in this office to act as a Court of Appeal on what
I have decided. I have already given to your Lordship such
explanations as the case seemed to require, and I have
nothing to add to it.

“I am, my lord,
“Faithfully yours,
(Signed) “ROBERT LOWE.

“THE RIGHT HON. LORD KINNAIRD.”

THE RIGHT HON. LORD KINNAIRD, K.T., TO
THE RIGHT HON. ROBERT LOWE.

“_Rossie Priory, Inchture, N.B., May 4th, 1869._

“DEAR MR. LOWE,

“The only explanation in re Ansell which I received from
you, was that Mr. Ansell’s Memorial, which complained of Mr.
Graham’s conduct, had been remitted to that gentleman for an
answer, and that, after receiving it, you considered further
inquiry was unnecessary.

“I then asked to see the answer, and was refused, though, at
the same time you _assured me_ that it did not reflect
in the least on Mr. Ansell’s character. When I did see Mr.
Graham’s answer, I was struck with the animus which pervaded
its tone, and can hardly understand how such a difference
‘between us’ can exist as to what _does_ and _does
not_ reflect on a man’s character. That the impression
conveyed to my mind by the document is the natural one,
is corroborated by the declaration of Dr. Lyon Playfair
on reading it; for he declared, ‘most strongly, that if
published, it would prevent Mr. Ansell obtaining, not only
any official, but any other employment.’ And certainly,
if the statements therein be true, such a result would be
deserved; however, the document bears on the face of it
so manifest a perversion of facts, and exhibits such a
malevolent feeling towards Mr. Ansell on the part of Mr.
Graham, on _whose word alone_ you have ‘decided the
case,’ that I am satisfied that the publication of this
document would rather tell in Mr. Ansell’s favour than
otherwise. I pointed out to you that the appointment by Mr.
Graham of his brother, whose unfortunate habits were well
known, to a position of great responsibility in the Mint,
and the peculations and losses which, by Mr. Graham’s own
admission, had taken place, demanded a special inquiry into
the management, and however much I might wish to screen a
man of Mr. Graham’s scientific acquirements, I do not feel
inclined to follow your advice and ‘ask Mr. Gladstone to
give Mr. Ansell another appointment,’ instead of exposing
the mismanagement of the Mint, and I cannot understand how,
if you believe Mr. Graham’s answer to be reliable, you could
recommend me to take such a course.

“Yours faithfully,
(Signed) “KINNAIRD.

“THE RIGHT HON. ROBERT LOWE, Downing Street.”

THE RIGHT HON. LORD KINNAIRD, K.T., TO
THE RIGHT HON. W. E. GLADSTONE.
“_Rossie Priory, Inchture, N.B., May 4th, 1869._

“DEAR MR. GLADSTONE,

“Since I saw you on the subject of Mr. Ansell’s appointment
to the vacant office at the Mint, I have seen Mr. Graham’s
answer to Mr. Ansell’s Memorial, and I earnestly hope that
you will not think of filling up the vacant office without a
full inquiry into the management of that Department, which
I consider is imperatively called for, and I do not think
that in making that appointment you would be justified in
being guided by the advice of the Master of the Mint, who
formerly appointed to that office his brother, whose drunken
habits were so notorious as to render him quite unfit to be
continued in such a charge.

“I see no reason to doubt Mr. Ansell’s statements that great
peculations did take place at the Mint, as well as waste
in coining. This is admitted by the Master himself, and
clearly brought out in the Memorial of Mr. Ansell, who was
employed for twelve years as supernumerary, and received
an acknowledgment more than once from the Treasury in
consequence of the saving he had effected. Mr. Graham, it is
true, denies the facts, and endeavours to blast Mr. Ansell’s
character, and thus to throw discredit on the evidence Mr.
Ansell could give.

“Mr. Graham further states in his answer that Mr. Ansell
was dismissed on the complaint of his brother, while the
letter of dismissal following immediately on Mr. Ansell’s
application to Mr. Disraeli to be put on the permanent staff
bears, that it was in consequence of the ‘coining department
being so partially occupied,’ though at the same time a new
coinage had been ordered.

“Mr. Graham’s answer bears on the face of it such a
perversion of facts that it appears to me an inquiry is
absolutely necessary, and I hope you will not oppose a
Motion for a Committee of Inquiry into the management of the
Mint, unless some other mode of inquiry is adopted.

“Believe me,
“Yours faithfully,
(Signed) “KINNAIRD.

“THE RIGHT HON. W. E. GLADSTONE.”

Your Lordship will perhaps allow me to bring to your remembrance that Mr. Thomas Graham died on the 16th of September, 1869, many months after you had made great exertions in my favour. This is the more necessary because some have thought that Mr. Graham was not aware of my charges against him, whereas he had a full knowledge of all that was passing, and his removal made it more difficult for me to prove my statements or to obtain justice. It had been, I believe, your Lordship’s intention to allow “my case,” as it has been called, to go into abeyance till, on the occasion of your motion in the House of Lords for a Committee to inquire into the management of the Mint, others gratuitously attacked me, instead of replying to your Lordship exact statements made on the 18th July, 1870, when you once more brought the subject of the Mint before the House of Lords. As that debate became of personal interest to myself, I beg to quote your Lordship’s concluding speech.

“LORD KINNAIRD: I am quite ready, as far as Professor Graham is concerned, to acquit him individually and personally from anything improper; all I have to say with regard to Professor Graham is that he was not a fit person for the office, as he continued the jobbery which he found in existence, and which had prevailed there ever since the Mint was a Government office. He appointed his own brother, a calico printer, to an office for which he was entirely unfit, not only on the ground of general incompetence, but from his well-known habits of intemperance. I am quite ready to admit that the bulk of the information I possess upon the subject is obtained from Mr. Ansell, who was for many years employed by the Master of the Mint, and who, as the returns show, succeeded in making even the gold coinage a paying department, as it should be, instead of a losing department, as it is; but my statements are also founded on, and confirmed by, returns presented to both Houses of Parliament. Mr. Ansell also put a stop to peculation, and made himself very unpopular among the officials in consequence. Mr. Ansell gave up very valuable appointments in order to fulfil his duties at the Mint, under the repeated promise of promotion when a vacancy should occur; and I am afraid I am responsible for what is called his dismissal, for, when I applied to the late Prime Minister for his promotion, Mr. Graham, who, in common with the other officials, feared an exposure from Mr. Ansell’s promotion, wrote him a letter of dismissal as follows:—

‘_Royal Mint, September 28, 1868._
‘DEAR SIR,

‘I regret to have to inform you that it is not in my power
to continue your present engagement as an extra officer in
the coining department, while the Mint is only so partially
occupied as it has been for some time past. Your assistance
will not, therefore, be required beyond the 31st of December
next.

‘I remain, faithfully yours,
‘THO. GRAHAM.

‘G. F. ANSELL, ESQ.’

“After this dismissal the profit ceased and the loss recurred. I accordingly applied to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer for an inquiry, but I was treated rather summarily, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer said he deprecated any inquiry. Only two or three months, however, after giving him that notice, and while he was still engaged in the Mint, Mr. Graham warmly recommended him for the office of Gas Inspector to the Corporation of London, stating that he was a well-informed practical chemist, and ‘a man of tried integrity’—‘a man of _tried integrity_!’ Now, within three months after the Master of the Mint dismissed this officer—who, as the returns will show, had saved the country some thousands—he writes this testimonial:—

‘I beg to express the very favourable opinion which I
entertain of Mr. G. F. Ansell’s qualifications for the
office of Inspector of Gas to the Corporation of London. Mr.
Ansell is a well-informed practical chemist, and has given
much attention for several years to gas. He is the inventor
of an ingenious instrument for indicating the presence of
fire-damp in the atmosphere of mines, which is much admired
by scientific and practical men. Mr. Ansell is also a man
of tried integrity and great energy. From what I have seen
of him at the Mint I would say that he would devote himself
entirely and conscientiously to the work of the new office,
if appointed.’

“THE DUKE OF ARGYLL: Who signed that letter?

“LORD KINNAIRD: Thomas Graham. And, notwithstanding this high testimony to the value of his services, this man was dismissed because he knew too much of what was going on in the Mint. I challenge the Mint authorities to prove a single statement in his book to be false. If they can, why do they not contradict him? They dare not. Mr. Ansell’s book has been some months before the public, and if the Mint could have challenged his statements, which are very damaging, they would certainly have done so. I challenge contradiction. I am very glad the noble Lord has given me the opportunity of making this statement with regard to Mr. Graham, a talented man, but quite unable to cope with the clever men about him, unaided by Mr. Ansell. Now that Mr. Ansell has been dismissed, you see what is the result. The noble Lord has told your Lordships of reforms which have been made at the Mint; but I can assure him I expect little good to result from those reforms, for the very men who then had charge of these departments, and who permitted the peculations and mismanagement which Mr. Ansell stopped, are the men who are now promoted to the chief management of the operative departments of the Mint. I hope, therefore, the matter will not be allowed to drop, for I am sure there is no department in this or any other country more corrupt than the Mint.”

“Motion (by leave of the House) _withdrawn_.”—
(_House of Lords, Monday 18th July, 1870._ Hansard’s Report)

I beg to express my great obligation to your Lordship for
so complete a determination to obtain justice for me as
you have exhibited, and which has required not only labour
given ungrudgingly, but time, which I am sure would have
been of inestimable value to others. My power to thank is
weak, but I am entirely grateful. I am also obliged to your
Lordship for sending me a copy of Hansard’s Report, which
I, in accordance with your Lordship’s permission, print
elsewhere, but reserve its conclusion as a fitting finish
to this statement, which I submit as a true epitome of my
unfortunate—for myself—connection with the Royal Mint.

I have the honour to remain,
My Lord,
Most gratefully your Lordship’s obedient and obliged servant,
GEORGE F. ANSELL.

THE RIGHT HON. LORD KINNAIRD, K.T., F.R.G.S.
Lord-Lieutenant of Perthshire, &c., &c., &c.

INDEX.

Accounts of the Royal Mint, 14-15, 36, 83, 84,
85, 94, 102, 103,
104, 106, 107, 115,
136, 142, 149, 155, 173.
Acts of Parliament relating to the Coinage, 3, 36, 56, 71,
72, 73, 109, 124,
150, 157, 159, 166.
Adjusting of Fillets, 9, 19, 20, 22,
23, 25, 27, 29,
31, 32, 42, 112-113.
Alloy, Copper is used as, 4, 6, 7, 8,
13, 21, 31, 46,
48, 49, 53-56, 58,
82, 86, 87, 138,
141, 142, 143, 157-159.
” Extra, 49, 136, 137, 138, 141.
” Impurities contained in, 6, 13-14, 81.
” The best, for Coinage purposes, 49, 81, 157, 158.
” ” Coining Dies, 81, 157.
Analysis of Bullion, Advantages attending, 13-14, 81, 157-158.
Annealing and Blanching, Debases Standard of Coinage, 31, 48, 49,
50, 53-56,
57, 58.
” Furnace, 21, 48, 49,
57, 62, 74.
” Loss occasioned by, 9, 21, 22, 31,
48, 49, 53-56, 57,
86, 92, 138, 161,
162.
Ansell, George F., Diary of, 194-195.
” Fire-damp Indicator, 182-183, 187, 193, 198.
Ansell’s Standard Gauge, 23-25, 35.
Antimony in Standard Gold attacks Iron, 19.
Argyll, Duke of, ix., 166, 171, 198.
Artists as regards Dies for Coining, 64, 67, 158, 168.
Arts, Journal of the Society of, 66.
Assay Pieces taken, 4, 7, 9, 10, 53-56.
” ” Weight of, 10, 56.
” Proofs, 12, 13.
” Reports, preservation of, 14, 54, 146.
” Unreported Fractions, 127, 130, 142, 143.
Assayers, Two Resident, suggested, 14, 81.
Assaying Apparatus, Messrs Matthey, Johnson, and Co.’s, 12-13.
” Cost of, 3, 13, 120-121, 122, 149.
” Explanation of Process of, 10-14, 56.
” Loss by, 53, 56, 102, 103, 149.
Ayrton, Right Hon. A. S., 148, 152, 154, 165.

Balance, Cotton’s Automaton, described, 16, 37-42, 48, 124.
” ” Bradshaw’s Improvements in, 40-42.
” ” Pilcher’s Improvements in, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42.
” Napier’s, for Mint Office, 15, 16.
” Short’s Improved, for Bullion, described, 16-18.
” Testing the Accuracy of a, 16.
Bank of England, v., 3, 36, 37, 51,
54, 55, 64, 65,
66, 70, 71, 101,
102, 103, 109, 110,
122, 123, 126, 150,
155, 156, 176, 185.
” ” ” Imports Gold for Coining
and makes profit thereby, v., 3, 4, 126-127, 170.
Bars, by Assay below standard fineness, 49, 53-56, 168.
” Ends sheared from, 20, 92, 112, 113,
116, 136, 160, 161.
” Proportion of Coined Money obtained from, 84, 92, 111, 112,
113, 114, 115, 117,
160, 161.
” Rolling of, 18-25.
” Used for Coining, Dimensions of, 9, 31, 74, 75.
” ” ” Uniformity of, desirable, 9, 31, 49, 53.
Barton, Sir John, 29, 31, 32.
Barton’s Draw-Bench, 27-33.
Barton, Mr. W. H., xvi., 29, 30, 56, 63, 86-87, 106, 172,
175, 182, 183, 184, 191.
Becker, Mr. C., 25.
Blanching and Annealing Blanks debases Gold Coinage, 31, 48, 49,
50, 53-56, 57, 58.
Blanching, Effects of, 2, 48-49, 53-56-57, 58,
74, 75, 86, 92, 138, 143, 161.
Blanks, Annealing and Blanching, debases
standard of Coinage, 31, 48, 49, 50,
51, 53-56, 57, 58.
” Drying of, by sawdust, 57-58.
” Dumb, 46, 61-62.
” Examination of, 35, 41, 42, 46, 50, 61, 70.
” Filing the heavy, 42-46.
” Weighing of Individual, 23, 31, 35-36, 37-42, 43, 108-110.
” Weighing of Gold, 37, 42-44, 46.
Boulton, Mr. Matthew, 61, 69, 169.
Boulton’s Coining Press described, 59-61, 68, 69, 80, 169.
Bradshaw, Mr. William, 40, 41.
Brande, Mr. W. T., xv., 83, 120, 172,
176, 182, 195.
Britt.—Brit., 75-76.
Brittle Gold, Coining of, v., 6, 49-53, 98, 112, 176,
180, 181, 185, 190.
” ” Coins from, Distinctively Marked, 50.
Brockages Imperfect Coins, 68-69, 70, 92, 161.
Bronze Coinage, 9, 33, 64, 68, 73, 74-76, 93, 94, 118,
121, 129, 147, 162-165.
” ” Loss of Profit on, 129, 147, 162-165.
” ” Weight and Value of, 163, 164, 165.
Bullion, Analysis of, 13-14, 81, 157-158.
” necessity for Analyses of, 13-14, 81.
Bumping, Prevention of, 12.

Chancellor of the Exchequer,
as regards the Coinage, 3, 104, 120-121, 122-123-125,
126, 127, 145, 146, 150-151,
163, 164, 170, 188, 193, 196.
Charcoal, its use when Melting Gold and Silver, 6, 8, 138-139.
Chimney Chambers to _Condense_ volatilized
Gold and Silver, 83, 88, 103, 104-105,
128, 145, 147, 162, 166-167.
Clipping Coins (the edges of), 59, 62, 64, 125, 141.
Coinage, Integrity and Accuracy of the, 14, 42-44, 53-56,
70, 71-72, 123-126, 127, 157-159.
Coinage, a Free, 3, 169.
” Debasement of the, 31, 48, 49, 50, 53-56, 57, 58, 120-121,
122-123, 157-159.
” Debates on the, 52, 72, 105, 106, 146-148, 149.
” International, Commission on, 36, 117, 120.
Coined Money, Annealing of, 50, 51, 52.
” ” Rate per cent. obtained from Bars, 20, 30, 44, 84,
89, 92, 107-115,
117, 140, 161,
176, 179.
” ” Weight and Value of Bronze, 68, 73, 162-163, 165.
” ” Weight and Value of Gold, 3, 36, 56, 68,
70, 73, 90, 91,
92, 96, 97, 111,
112, 114, 117, 119,
121, 123, 124.
” ” Weight and Value of Silver, 3, 56, 65, 68,
71, 73, 132, 133,
134, 135, 146, 147,
149, 150, 154, 155,
156, 161.
Coining, Article on, vii., 4, 71.
” by Contract, v., 127, 128.
” Cost of, 42, 43, 44, 51,
70, 92, 115, 117,
118-120, 121-123,
130, 141, 149-150,
155, 161.
” Early Methods of, 1-2.
” Gold, Gain in weight by, 86, 87, 88, 89,
90, 91, 92, 93,
94, 95, 98, 99, 100,
101-104, 145, 168,
169, 173, 175, 178,
184, 189, 190.
” Gold, Loss of Weight by, 9, 16, 21, 22,
31, 49, 51, 53,
56-57, 82-83, 84-86,
87-88, 89, 90, 91,
92, 94, 95, 98, 99-104,
117, 119-120, 122, 125,
126, 129, 145, 173, 174,
175, 176, 177-179, 180,
184-189, 190.
” Press, Description of Boulton’s, 58-61, 68,
69, 80, 169.
” Press requires improvements, 58, 61, 69-70, 169.
” Proposal to fix the rate of Cost of, 115-123.
” Royal Prerogative, 149, 150, 166.
” Silver, Gain in Weight by, iv., 3, 95, 130, 131,
146-148, 151, 160.
” ” Loss of Weight by, v., 16, 21, 22, 74,
82, 95, 105, 106,
126, 130, 131-134,
139-140, 141, 142,
143, 145-148, 149,
151, 155, 161, 162,
175, 184, 189.
Coins, Amount of Legal Tender in, 68, 76, 151, 162, 166.
” Cause of Cracked, 46, 61-62.
” Diameter of, 63, 68.
” Edges of Crenated, Milled, Grained, 2, 48, 59,
61-62, 64, 80.
” ” Lettered, 2, 62-63.
” Examination for Imperfect, 46, 62, 70.
” Imperfect, Brockages, 68, 69, 70, 92, 161.
” Incused, how produced, 69.
” Pounding of, 35, 49, 53, 71-72, 73, 125, 167.
” Protecting Edge is necessary to, 2, 46, 48, 62,
64, 67, 158, 159.
” Ringing of, 46, 62, 70.
” Sweating of, 59, 125, 141.
” Weighing of, after Coining, 39, 43, 45,
70, 108-110.
” Weight of Current and New, 36, 39, 66, 68,
70, 71, 72, 73,
123, 124, 167.
Collar for Coining Milled, Lettered, 48, 59, 60, 61-62,
63, 64, 67-68.
Comber, Mr. P. F., 74.
Copper Moneys, 68, 76, 157, 162, 164.
Copper on Gold, Influence of Oxide of, 6, 49.
” is used as an Alloy, 4, 6, 7-8, 21, 46,
48, 49, 138.
Corcoran, Mr. Bryan, 195.
Corry, Mr. Montagu, 186.
Cotton, Mr. William, 16, 37, 39,
41, 42, 124.
Cotton’s Automaton Balance, 16, 37-42, 48, 124.
Crenated or Milled Edge on Coined Money, 2, 48, 59,
61-62, 64, 80.
Cutting-out Press described, 2, 33-35, 169.

Dies for Coining, 1, 50, 57, 59, 60,
64, 68, 76-81, 157,
158, 167.
Differences in Weighing Bullion, 14-16, 89, 92, 104,
127, 137, 138, 143,
160-161, 176, 184.
Difficulties in introducing Improvements, 9, 15, 40,
44, 46, 51.
Disraeli, Right Hon. B., 183-186-187, 191.
Draw-bench, Description of the, 27-33.
” Opposition to use of, 29-30, 31-32.
” Proper mode of using, 32-33.

Edge-Compressor, 46-48.
Edge, Protecting, to Coins, necessity for, 2, 46, 48, 62,
64, 67, 158, 159.
Edinburgh, H.R.H. the Duke of, 183.
Ends sheared from Bars, 20, 92, 112, 113,
116, 136, 160, 161.
Engravings, Initial Letters to Illustrate, 5.
European Mints, Reports upon, 9, 30, 34, 42, 44,
55, 61, 74, 83, 99-100,
105, 106, 125, 147,
148, 168.
Evelyn, John, 62.
Exchequer, Chancellor of the,
as regards the Coinage, 3, 104, 120-121, 122-125,
126, 127, 145, 146, 150-151,
163, 164, 170, 188, 193, 196.

Fairbairn, Mr. W., xvi., 172.
Fenton, Mr. William, 33.
File, Pilcher’s, for reducing Heavy Blanks, 42-46, 176, 179, 180.
Fillets, Adjusting of, 9, 19, 20, 22,
23, 25, 27, 29,
31, 32, 42, 112-113.
” of uniform thickness, 25, 30-31.
Fillets, Dumb, 46, 61-62, 89, 92, 112, 116.
” Flatted, 25, 26, 27.
” Rate per cent. of, obtained from Bars, 20, 92, 108,
112-113, 116, 160-161.
” Testing accuracy of, 22, 23-24.
Fire-damp Indicator, 182, 183, 187, 193, 198.
Flat end, explanation of term, 27.
Flatting Mill described, 25, 26.
Forbes, Mr. George, 64, 155.
Fourpenny-pieces, Coinage of, required, 10.
Fremantle, Mr. C. W., iii., iv., v., vii., 9, 14, 15, 30, 31,
55, 56, 59, 72, 91,
97, 99, 100, 102, 106,
118, 125, 127, 128, 129,
133, 135, 144, 147, 152,
153, 154, 155, 164-165,
168, 187, 191, 195.
French War Indemnity, Weight of the, 71.
Furnace, Annealing, 21, 48, 49, 57, 62, 74.

Gauges used in Coining, 22, 23-25, 35.
Gauging Mill, Description of, 22-24, 26-27, 30-31.
Gausby, Mr. Robert, 93.
Gibson, Mr. E. S., 37, 62.
Gladstone, Right Hon. W. E., iii., viii., 76, 101, 115,
187, 188, 192, 194.
Goodwin, Mr. C. W., iii., 195.
Gold, Annealing of, 22, 31, 48, 49, 50, 53-56, 57-58, 74.
” Assay of Standard, described, 10-14, 53-56, 81, 122.
” Brittle, Coining of, 6, 49-53, 98, 105, 112,
176, 180, 181, 185, 190.
” Coin, when worn, invariably below standard, 48, 49,
53-56, 168.
” Coinage, Statement showing details of, 89, 92.
” Coining, Authority for, 3, 158, 166.
” Coins, Weight and Value of Worn and Light, 53-56, 66, 67.
” Copper is used to alloy, 4, 6, 7-8, 21,
46, 48-49, 53-56.
” Gain by Coining, 86, 87, 88-89, 90-91,
92, 93, 94, 95, 98,
99, 100, 101-104, 145,
168, 169, 173, 175, 178,
184, 189, 190.
” Loss by Annealing, 21, 22, 31, 48,
49, 53-56, 57,
86, 92.
” ” Coining, 9, 16, 21, 22,
31, 49, 51, 53,
56-57, 82-83, 84-86,
87-88, 89, 90, 91,
92, 94, 95, 98, 99-104,
117, 119-120, 122, 125,
126, 129, 145, 173, 174,
175, 176, 177-179, 180,
184-189, 190.
” ” Melting, 86, 87, 96, 97,
98, 99-104, 105,
106, 145, 178, 184,
190.
” Melting of, described, 5-7, 46, 53, 56,
129, 144.
” Price of Standard, 3, 55, 66, 67,
70, 73, 84, 120,
122, 130.
” Refining of, 14, 49, 50, 52,
53, 81-82, 104, 108.
Gold Standard, 3, 4, 36, 53-66,
70, 73, 84, 120.
” ” affected by Antimony, 14, 19, 49, 50,
51, 176, 180,
181, 185, 190.
” ” affected by Arsenic, 14, 49, 50, 51,
176, 180, 181, 185, 190.
” ” affected by Lead, 6, 14, 49, 51, 81.
” ” ” Mercury, 14, 81.
” ” ” Osmium-Iridium, 81.
” ” ” Oxide of Copper, 6, 49.
” ” ” Palladium, 81.
” ” ” Platinum, 81.
” ” ” Tin, 14, 81.
” ” ” Zinc, 6, 14.
” Sweep recovered after Coinage of, 82, 83, 86,
88, 90, 91, 93,
98, 106-107.
” ” ” Melting of, 96, 97, 98, 106-107.
” Weight and Value of Coined, 56, 84, 90, 91,
92, 96, 97, 106,
111, 114, 121, 167,
178, 190.
” and Silver Refining of, 81-82, 104, 138, 160.
” while at the Mint bears no interest, 126.
Graham, Mr. John, 15, 44, 71, 94,
98, 108, 112, 163,
182, 185, 187, 191,
196, 197.
” ” Thomas, iii., iv., vii., viii.,
ix., xi., xv., xvi.,
50, 51, 54, 71,
83, 93, 118, 119,
144, 153, 154, 155,
164-165, 170, 172,
174, 180, 182, 183,
187, 193, 194, 195,
196, 197, 198.
Graphite Pots for Melting, 5, 129.
Granville, Right Hon. Earl, 166.

Hatchett, Experiments of, 49, 157.
Hatchett, Mr. C., 49, 157.
Hawkins, Mr. Edward, 62.
Herschel, Sir J. F. W., 54, 167.
Hofmann, Dr. A. W., xv., xvi., 172, 189.
Holland, Mr. P. H., 183.
Hubbard, Mr. J. G., 55, 121.
Hunt, Mr. Robert, 182, 183.

Imperfect Coins, Brockages, 68, 69, 70, 92, 161.
Importation of Ingots for Coining, 3, 4, 127, 170.
Improvements, Difficulties attending introduction of, 9, 15, 40,
44, 46, 51.
Indemnity, Weight of the French War, 71.
Indenture, Weight and Fineness of each Coin
was fixed by Mint, 36, 71, 108, 166.
Indicator, Fire-damp, 182, 183, 187, 193, 198.
Ingots, “Potting” of, 4.
Integrity and Accuracy of the Coinage, 14, 42-44, 53-56,
70, 71-72, 123-125,
127, 157-159, 166-167.
International Coinage, Report of Commissioners on, 36, 119, 120.
Italy, Bronze Coinage of, 64.

Jones, Mr. Meredith, 47, 179, 180.
Journey, Weight a, 36, 70.

Keys of Strongholds, 173.
Kinnaird, Right Hon. Lord, iii.-v., vii., ix., xiii.,
51, 52, 54, 56, 91, 97,
100, 101, 102, 105, 106,
108, 126, 133, 135, 145-147,
148, 149, 151, 152, 153,
163, 164, 171, 183, 186,
188, 192-199.
” Hon. A., M.P., 192, 194.

Lansdowne, Marquess of, iv., ix., 52, 99,
100, 104, 105, 106,
146, 147-148, 149,
152, 171.
Legal Tender, Amount of Coins in, 68, 76, 151, 162, 166.
Loss by Annealing, 9, 21, 22, 31,
48, 49, 53-56, 86,
92, 138, 161, 162.
” by Coining Bronze, 129, 147, 162-165.
” ” Gold, 9, 16, 21, 22, 31, 49, 51, 53, 56-57, 82, 83,
84, 86, 87-88, 90, 91, 92, 94, 95, 98, 99-104,
117, 119, 120, 122, 125, 126, 129, 145, 173,
174, 175, 176, 177-179, 180, 184-189, 190.
” ” Silver, v., 16, 21, 22, 74, 82, 95, 105, 106, 126,
130, 131-133, 139-140, 141, 142, 143, 145-148, 149.
” by Melting Gold, 86-87, 96, 97, 98, 99-104, 105, 106,
145, 178, 184, 190.
” by Melting Silver, 131, 134-135, 136-142, 143, 144, 184, 189.
” of Profit on Silver Coinage, v., 129, 130, 146, 147,
148-151-156.
Lowe, Right Hon. Robert, iii., v., ix., 104, 120, 127, 150, 151,
164, 166, 171, 188, 192, 193, 196.
Lowndes, Mr. W., 2, 159.
Lowry, Mr. J. W., 37.

Marking Machine, Jones’s, 46-48.
Martin, Mr. John, 30.
Mathison, Mr. Gilbert F., 99.
Melting Gold, Loss by, 53, 86, 87, 96, 97, 98, 99-104,
105, 106, 145, 178, 184, 190.
Melting Gold, Process of, described, 5-7, 46, 53, 56, 129, 144.
Melting Silver, Process of, described, 7-9, 46, 129, 138-145.
Melting Silver, Gain by, 134-135, 136, 137, 142, 143.
” ” Loss by, 131, 134-135, 136-142, 143, 144, 184, 189.
” Value of Sweep recovered from Gold, 96, 97, 98, 106-107.
” Value of Sweep recovered from Silver, 106, 107, 131, 134,
135, 138, 139, 140,
144.
Metals, Annealing of, _see_ Annealing.
Miller, Mr. John, 66.
” ” Wm., 64, 65, 67, 155, 156.
Mint Indenture formerly fixed Weight and
Fineness of Coins, 36, 71, 108, 166.
Mint Notes, Issue of, for Bullion, 170.
Mint premises, building of New, v., 127, 128.
Money, Hammered and Milled, 1, 2, 159.
Moneyers, The Company of, 82, 87, 99, 112.
Monteagle, Lord, 166.
Murray, Mr. John, 31.

Napier, Mr. James M., 15, 16, 34, 37,
40, 42, 44, 59,
61, 74, 108, 147,
148, 169.

Oakes, Mr., 182.
Oil on Scissel, 29, 32, 33, 35,
86, 87, 98, 99,
131, 136, 139,
140, 174, 175, 176.
” to Lubricate Fillets, 32, 33, 176.
Orders, “Circulating,” 94.
Office, System of Promotion to, v., viii., 15, 52,
56, 94, 108, 115, 128,
153, 169, 171, 173, 175,
176, 177, 182.

Parliament, Acts of, relating to the Coinage, 3, 36, 56, 71,
72, 73, 109, 124,
150, 157, 159, 166.
Palmerston, Lord, xv., 140, 171.
Pepys, Samuel, Diary of, 158, 159.
Percy, Dr., 6, 52.
Pilcher, Mr. Richard, 37, 39, 42, 44,
47, 177, 179, 180.
Pilcher’s File, 42-46, 176, 179, 180.
Playfair, Dr. Lyon, iii., iv., 195, 196.
Pounding of Coins, its use and abuse, 35, 49, 53, 71-72,
73, 125, 167.
Proclamations relating to the Coinage, 68, 76.
Promotion to Office, System of, v., viii., 15, 52,
56, 94, 108, 115,
128, 153, 169, 171,
173, 175, 176, 177, 182.
Pyx Pieces, Weight of, 56, 92, 112, 113, 114, 161.
” Suggestions as to the Trial of the, 53-54, 56.
” The Trial of the, 49, 56, 70, 123-124, 166-167.

Queen, Her Majesty the, 166, 168, 183.

Rejected Blanks, 30, 32, 35, 42-44,
46, 92, 107-110, 161,
170, 179, 184, 189.
Rejected Coins, 42-44, 46, 107-110.
” explanation of term, 44.
Remedy allowed, 32, 39, 43, 108.
” explanation of term, 39, 167.
” practically used, 32, 71-72, 108-110, 112.
Rennie, Mr. G., xvi., 172.
Reports on Mint, 14, 118-119, 127, 147.
Roberts, Mr. W. C., v., 52, 53, 55,
56, 57, 74, 99, 100,
105, 129, 144, 147,
153, 154.
Rolling Mill, 18-20, 22-23, 26-27, 30-31.
Rolling Mills, Accuracy to be obtained by, 23, 25, 27, 30-31.
Rollers, Steel, 26, 27, 30, 31.
Rossie, Lord, _see_ Kinnaird, Lord.
Ryan, Sir Edward, 166.

Scissel, Meaning of the word, 2, 35.
” Melting of, 8, 136-137.
” Oil upon, 29, 32, 33, 35,
86, 87, 98, 99,
131, 139, 140, 174,
175, 176.
Seyd, Mr. Ernest, 54-55, 130.
Shears, Description of, 19, 20, 21,
25, 30, 31.
Short, Mr. S. R., 16.
Silver copper used to alloy, 7-8, 46, 49.
Silver, Annealing of, 2, 31, 72-74, 143,
161, 162.
” as an Alloy for Gold, 13, 53, 81.
” Assaying of Standard, 13.
” Authority for Coining, 3, 166, 167.
” Coinage, Loss of Profit or Seigniorage on, v., 129-130, 146,
147, 148-151-156.
” ” Profit or Seigniorage derived from, iv., 3,
146-148, 151, 152,
153, 154-156, 157-159.
” ” Tabular Statement showing details of, 159, 160,
161, 162.
” ” Weight and Value of, 65, 132-135, 146,
149, 150, 151, 152,
154, 156, 160,
161, 167.
” Coining of, 7, 67, 72, 74,
116, 118, 121, 129,
143, 159-161.
” Coins, Weight and Value of Worn and Light, 64-65, 66, 67,
130, 146, 152, 155, 156.
” Gain by Coining, 95, 130, 131, 160.
” ” Melting, 134-135, 136, 137.
” Loss by Annealing, 31, 72-74, 143, 161, 162.
” ” Coining, v., 16, 21, 22, 74,
82, 95, 105, 106, 126,
130, 131-133, 139-140,
141, 142, 143, 145-148, 149.
” ” Melting, 131, 134-135, 136-142,
143, 144, 184, 189.
” Melting of, 7-9, 46, 129, 138-145.
” Standard, 3, 8, 73, 129, 130, 142, 157.
” Sweep recovered from Coinage, 82, 83, 86, 106-107,
131, 132, 133, 144.
” Sweep recovered from Melting, 106-107, 131, 134, 135,
138, 139, 140, 144.
Simon, Thomas, Petition Crown of, 62-64.
Smith, Colonel J. T., 140-141, 142-143.
” Dr. Angus R., 183.
” Mr. Richard, 6.
Soap for Lubricating Fillets, 32, 33.
Sovereign, Legal and Current Weight of, 39, 66, 68, 70,
73, 120, 122-123, 124.
” Sweating of, 59, 125, 141.
Steel Rollers, 26-27, 30-31.
” Used for Dies, 76-81, 157-158.
Sterry, Mr. Charles, 194.
Strongholds, the Keys of the, 173.
Supply, or Scrap Bullion, 86, 98, 161, 162.
Sweep, explanation of term, 86, 106, 140.
” recovered from Gold Coinage, 52, 82, 83, 86,
88, 90, 91, 93,
98, 106-107.
” ” ” Silver Coinage, 82, 83, 86, 106-107,
131, 132, 133, 144.
” ” ” Gold Melting, 96, 97, 98, 106-107.
” ” ” Silver Melting, 106, 107, 131, 134,
135, 138, 139, 140, 144.

_Times_ newspaper, Letters in the, 37, 52, 54-55, 72.
Tomlino, Colonel, 169.
Tomlinson’s Cyclopædia, article on coining, viii., 4, 71.
Trevelyan, Sir Charles, 195.
Trier, Duties of the, 26, 31, 33, 35-36.

Value of Gain, _see_ Gold, Silver, Gain by Coining.
” Loss sustained, 31, 65, 67, 83,
84, 86, 89-91, 96-97,
98-99-100, 101, 102,
104, 105, 125, 128,
129, 131-135, 137, 143,
144, 145-149, 150, 151,
153, 154, 155-156, 161,
163, 164, 165, 174, 178,
179, 190.
” Money Coined in each Coinage, _see_ Coined Money.
” Standard Gold, _see_ Gold, price of Standard.
” Sweep recovered, _see_ Sweep recovered.
Versmann, Mr. F., 195.
Volatilization of Gold and Silver in
Coinage operations, 83, 88, 103, 104-105,
128, 145, 147, 162.

Wages System, Suggested new one, 115-119, 121-123.
” ” under which paid for Coining, 46, 115-119.
” ” under which paid for Melting, 46, 116-117.
Warington, Mr. Robert, 81.
Waste, _see_ Coining, Loss by.
Weighing Bullion, Differences made in, 14-16, 89, 92,
104, 127, 137,
138, 143, 160-161,
176, 184.
” ” System of, 14-16, 136, 137, 138.
” Machines, Cotton’s Automaton, 16, 37-42, 48, 124.
” ” ” Bradshaw’s Improvements in, 40-42.
” ” ” Pilcher’s Improvements in, 37, 39-40, 42.
” ” Napier’s, for Mint Office, 15, 16.
” ” Short’s, for Bullion, 16-18.
Wellington, Duke of, 54.
Westbury, Lord, 166, 167.
Wilson, Mr. C. Rivers, 14, 127, 147.
Wood, Mr. Halder, 195.
Worn Coins below Standard by Assay, 48-49, 53-56, 57.
” ” Weight and Value of Gold, 53-56, 66, 67.
” ” ” ” Silver, 64-65, 66, 67,
130, 146, 152, 155-156.
Worn-out Melting-Pots, 139, 140.

Zinc causes difficulty in Coining Bronze, 75.
” ” ” ” Gold, 6, 14.

“THE ROYAL MINT.”—THIRD EDITION

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

Especially worthy of official attention, and is accompanied by suggestions for an amended system.—_Times._

According to Mr. Ansell, who is every way entitled to credit, great loss has frequently arisen through the promotion of incompetent men who cannot handle properly the fine instruments employed.... The whole subject is of special interest at the present time, and Mr. Ansell’s contribution to the facts of the discussion will be frequently appealed to.—_Economist._

From an extensive knowledge of the practical working of the Royal Mint, Mr. Ansell has given the educated world a very clear and comprehensive account of the operations of that institution, and has endeavoured to show—and, we are convinced, has succeeded in showing—the nature of the defects through which it has for a long period proved no inconsiderable burden to the country. The writer was elected to his post through his known scientific and technical attainments; and the work now before us is worthy of his reputation.... The practical aim of the book is to prove that the Royal Mint should no longer be a burden to the country, and that the losses now entailed could, by a better system of management and supervision, be reduced practically to _nil_.—_Money Market Review._

Mr. Ansell enters fully into the very interesting details of the various processes involved in coining for the Bank; from the reception of the ingots to their conversion into the circulating medium of the realm. The text is much assisted by numerous well-executed woodcuts and steel engravings, which serve to explain the internal economy of the Mint, and the various pieces of elaborate machinery required to produce the enormous quantity of money which must be kept in use in a country having the extended commercial interests of England.... Mr. Ansell’s book is extremely opportune, and deserves careful perusal.—_Examiner and London Review._

The author of this book is, unquestionably, thoroughly versed in the metallurgical, chemical, and mechanical details of the subjects treated therein.—_Morning Advertiser._

Mr. Ansell having been employed in the Mint, is well qualified to speak on the subject of which he treats. At this juncture, when discussions with regard to that establishment and the coinage are before the Legislature, the book will be well worthy of the perusal of those taking part in the controversy.—_Standard._

An interesting work relating to the operations of that establishment.—_Daily News._

Those interested in the subject may investigate the alleged shortcomings of the administration by its light, and ascertain if the Bill of Mr. Lowe will effect any of the needed reforms, and to what extent. The contents of the book are of an important character, and merit careful consideration.—_Bullionist._

Mr. Ansell has at command a thoroughly practical, official, and scientific knowledge of his subject; and from the position which he occupied, is entitled to speak with authority. His opinions, therefore, on the economical bearings of the coinage discussion, both social and political, are of real interest.... The chief value of the work is that we are here shown, by one who for a long time held responsible office, what he considers to be the faults of the existing system.... Now that the Mastership of the Mint has become vacant, and the question is before the country how it shall be filled, the interest of the book, great in itself, is enhanced.—_Financier._

We wish to direct attention to a very valuable work entitled “The Royal Mint,” by Mr. G. F. Ansell. The whole question of coinage is under the consideration of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is expected to make several changes in the organisation and management of the Mint, therefore Mr. Ansell’s work will no doubt be carefully perused by Members of the House of Commons, as it throws much light on every branch of working up the gold and silver into coins.—_London Mercantile Journal._

This work will be read with much interest as public attention has so recently been drawn to the management of the Mint. The author writes from his own personal experience, having been engaged as an authoritative member of the staff under the late master, Mr. Thomas Graham. The author asserts that each of his statements is the result of his actual experience, and capable of proof. The work is amply illustrated with some very fine engravings, which are fully explained in the text. Mr. Ansell’s suggestions for the better scientific and official management of the Mint should command serious attention.—_Public Opinion._

This is a most important work, and it has been published opportunely.... We cannot even indicate the many points of importance to which Mr. Ansell draws our attention, but while giving the work general commendation, we heartily advise its perusal by all who are in any way interested in the subject.—_Civil Service Gazette._

The present position of affairs at the Royal Mint, and the interesting service which has been rendered by Lord Kinnaird in the discussion in the House of Lords on the Coinage Bill, cannot fail to secure for Mr. Ansell’s skilfully prepared book more than an ordinary amount of attention.... The management of the Mint is a matter of national importance, and the practical experience and thorough knowledge of mechanics possessed by Mr. Ansell have enabled him to produce a comprehensive and valuable book of reference.—_Dundee Advertiser._

We receive with much satisfaction so lucid an account of the working of the Mint, and the highly important suggestions for its better management, as set forth in Mr. G. F. Ansell’s excellent treatise.... The book now under notice, which is dedicated to Lord Kinnaird, will tend very much to enlighten all who may take an interest in this very important subject.—_Court Journal._

Mr. Ansell frequently pauses to point out how, according to the conclusions formed from his personal observations and mechanical knowledge, the processes of manufacture might be simplified or cheapened. He insists that if the mechanical improvements suggested by him were followed out “the result would be a clear saving of £4,000 a year.”—_Echo._

No one needs any longer to complain of want of information as to the manner in which the coinage of the country is prepared, or what are the duties of those who are entrusted with the important duty of supervising its mintage. In a comparatively small compass this book tells all that can be said on these heads, besides giving other details, the purpose of which is as practical as the manner of description is precise and positive.—_Bell’s Weekly Messenger._

In addition to the information to be found in the book regarding the coining of money, those interested in mechanical details will doubtless read with pleasure the minute description of the whole of the machinery in use in the Mint. The book has done and will do good service.—_South London Press._

Mr. Ansell’s book is cleverly written, and will probably lead to enquiry.—_City Press._

This is in many respects a remarkable work, for it displays both scientific and technical knowledge on the subject of the coinage to an extent that at the present time can scarcely be surpassed.... The book is full of interest, for the facts are carefully marshalled, and the illustrations with which the volume is enriched are apposite and excellent. We can, therefore, unhesitatingly recommend the work to such of our readers as take an interest in such subjects.—_Scotsman._

We will close with two quotations from this really valuable book, containing, as it does, so much that is interesting, and showing so intimate an acquaintance on the author’s part with the subject of which it treats.—_Edinburgh Evening Courant._

It is clear, however, that the evils proverbially connected with money are in full force at the Royal Mint: anxiety weighs down the higher authorities, heart-burnings prevail amongst the lower, irregularities exist amongst the subordinates. It is probable that some change has taken place in the management of matters since the author was in the position of an eye-witness; but the general value of his work is not likely to have been much diminished thereby.—_Illustrated London News._

LONDON: EFFINGHAM WILSON, ROYAL EXCHANGE.

PRINTED BY VIRTUE AND CO., CITY ROAD, LONDON.