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._