Methods of Tin and Copper Dressing in Cornwall: From the Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, 1858

When James Henderson presented his paper 'On the Methods Generally Adopted in Cornwall in Dressing Tin and Copper Ores' in 1858, by his own admission it was to update the classic paper 'On the Manipulation to Which the Ores of Tin and Copper are Subjected in the Central District of Cornwall' by W. J. Henwood, of 1832. He not only described new processes and methods in great detail, but included carefully observed and beautifully executed drawings of both the equipment used, and their operators. Transcribed here, his paper gives a rare insight into the operations at surface of the tin, copper and lead mines of the mid 19th century. For the mining historian or engineer there is much to glean from the text and illustrations. We are also reminded of the important role and skill of the ore dressers; usually a combination of women, children and miners no longer fit enough to work underground.

About the Author :
James Henderson was born in 1821 in Aberdeen, the son of Colonel George Henderson. Following in his father's footsteps, he joined the Royal Engineers. He travelled to South Australia with the newly appointed Surveyor-General, Captain Charles Edward Frome, in 1839, and led surveying parties in the area of the Murray River. In 1843, he and Frome explored areas north of Adelaide. During this expedition he made pencil sketches, of considerable skill, which he later used as a basis for water-colour paintings. (These illustrations included mining scenes). On return to England, he accompanied his father on tours of mine inspections in Cornwall. Over the next few years it seems that he was involved in various aspects mining, as well as returning, briefly, to Australia. A significant number of surviving Cornish mine plans were drawn by him. In 1855, he established the Truro School of Mines, which offered training in mining engineering, surveying, and assaying. (This was the forerunner of the Camborne School of Mines). In 1858, he presented his paper on ore dressing to the Institution of Civil Engineers, in London. The fine drawings with which he illustrated this paper were to be subsequently reproduced in various other classic mining publications of the 19th century. After a long association with various aspects of the mining industry, James was appointed Mayor of Truro in 1902. He died in 1903 and there is a memorial plaque to him in Truro Cathedral.