Page:Swedenborg, Harbinger of the New Age of the Christian Church.djvu/87



As Assessor Extraordinary Swedenborg received no salary except when in actual service, of which little was required after the death of Charles XII; and accordingly in June, 1720, he presented a petition to the Royal College of Mines stating that he had spent all his time and money in perfecting himself in what would be of service to his country, and therefore begging the College graciously to provide him with some salary or other support by virtue of his appointment. A year later he wrote to the President and College—

"As I am about to undertake a new journey abroad, it is my duty to make it known to your Excellency and to the Honorable College in writing; especially as my only object is to collect more minute information respecting the condition of the mines abroad and the processes which are followed there, and also to make inquiries respecting commerce, so far as it relates to metals."