The mint office is on the left hand on entering into the Tower, and at a small distance from the gate. There is no possibility of describing the particular processes that the different metals undergo before they receive the impression. The manner of stamping is all you are permitted to see, and this is done with surprizing expedition, by means of an engine, worked sometimes by three, and sometimes by four men. The manner of making the impression on gold, silver, and copper, is exactly the same, only a little more care is necessary in the one, than in the other, to prevent waste. This engine, which makes the impression on both sides of a piece of money, in the same moment, works by a worm-screw terminating in a spindle; just in the same manner as the letter press for printing books. To the point of this spindle the head of the die is fastened by a small screw, and in a little sort of a cup directly underneath it, is placed the reverse. Between these the piece of metal already cut round, or cast to the size, and if gold, exactly weighed, is placed; and by once pulling down the spindle with a jerk, is completely stamped. The whole process is performed with amazing dexterity; for as fast as the men who work the engine can turn the spindle, so fast does another twitch out with his middle finger that which was stamped, while with his finger and thumb he places another that is unstamped. The silver and gold thus stamped, are delivered to be milled round the edges, the manner of performing which is a secret never shewn to any body. The mint is managed by several officers formed into a corporation. These are a Warden, a Master and Worker, a Comptroller, the King’s Assay Master, the chief Engraver, the Surveyor of the meltings, a Clerk of the irons, a Weigher and Teller, a Provost, Melters, Blanchers, Moneyers, &c. The Warden receives the silver, &c. from the goldsmiths, pays for it, and oversees all that belong to his office. His salary amounts to 450l. a year for himself and clerk. He has also another clerk who receives 100l. a year. The Master and Worker receives the silver, &c. from the Warden, orders it to be melted, delivers it to the Moniers, and receives it back from them again. His salary is 650l. a year for himself and three clerks. The Comptroller sees that the money be made of the just assize; oversees the officers, and controlls them, if the money does not prove as it ought. His salary for himself and clerk is 535l. _per annum_. The King’s Assay Master, takes care that the bullion is according to standard. He has a salary of 225l. a year for himself and clerk: and the Assistant Assay Master has 100l. _per annum_. The chief Engraver, engraves the stamps for the money. He has a salary of 200l. a year, and his Assistant 80l. The Surveyor of the meltings, is to see the bullion cast out, and that the metal be not altered after the Assay Master has made trial of it, and it is delivered to the melter.