Note 1 — BOOK VIII.

[Pg 267][1] As would be expected, practically all the technical terms used by Agricola in this chapter are adaptations. The Latin terms, canalis, area, lacus, vasa, cribrum, and fossa, have had to be pressed into service for many different devices, largely by extemporised combinations. Where the devices described have become obsolete, we have adopted the nomenclature of the old works on Cornish methods. The following examples may be of interest:—

Simple buddle=Canalis simplex

Divided buddle=Canalis tabellis distinctus

Ordinary strake=Canalis devexus

Short strake=Area curta

Canvas strake=Area linteis extensis contecta

Limp=Radius.

The strake (or streke) when applied to alluvial tin, would have been termed a "tye" in some parts of Cornwall, and the "short strake" a "gounce." In the case of the stamp mill, inasmuch as almost every mechanical part has its counterpart in a modern mill, we have considered the reader will have less difficulty if the modern designations are used instead of the old Cornish. The following are the essential terms in modern, old Cornish, and Latin:—

StampStamperPilum

Stamp-stemLifterPilum

ShoesStamp-headsCapita

Mortar-boxBoxCapsa

Cam-shaftBarrellAxis

CamsCapsDentes

TappetsTonguesPili dentes

ScreenCrateLaminae foraminum plenae

Settling pitCatchersLacus

Jigging sieveDilleugherCribrum angustum