Mining.- Shiers (William) A Familiar Discourse or Dialogue concerning the Mine-Adventure, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition, occasional light marginal damp-staining, contemporary sheep, chipping and wear to spine ends, some surface wear, [Goldsmiths' 3641; Kress 2265; Wing S3458], 8vo, n.p., 1700.

⁂ Scarce at auction, relates to an early 18th century industrial scandal. Through his wife Sir Humphrey Mackworth had inherited an estate with coal mining rights in Wales. Following the demise of the Society of Mines Royal in 1694 he established the Company of Mine Adventures and began to smelt copper but this was declared bankrupt in 1709 and he was accused of fraud, although with a change of government the charges were dropped.