Page:On the economy of machinery and manufactures - Babbage - 1846.djvu/236

202 without subsequent instruction, to work at any other branch. The watch-finisher, whose business is to put together the scattered parts, is the only one, out of the hundred and two persons, who can work in any other department than his own.

(252.) In one of the most difficult arts, that of Mining, great improvements have resulted from the judicious distribution of the duties; and under the arrangements which have gradually been introduced, the whole system of the mine and its government is now placed under the control of the following officers.

1. A Manager, who has the general knowledge of all that is to be done, and who may be assisted by one or more skilful persons.

2. Underground Captains direct the proper mining operations, and govern the working miners.

3. The Purser and Book-keeper manage the accounts.

4. The Engineer erects the engines, and superintends the men who work them.

5. A chief Pitman has charge of the pumps and the apparatus of the shafts.

6. A Surface-captain, with assistants, receives the ores raised, and directs the dressing department, the object of which is to render them marketable.

7. The head Carpenter superintends many constructions.

8. The foreman of the Smiths regulates the ironwork and tools.

9. A Materials-man selects, purchases, receives and delivers all articles required.

10. The Roper has charge of ropes and cordage of all sorts.