BOOK V.
In 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 under
ground 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 cumu
latae, and stringers.
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 under
ground 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 cumu
latae, and stringers.