or ASSAYING, in Chemistry and Metallurgy, signifies the examination of a small quantity of any ore or mineral by fire, in order to discover the quantity of metal it contains. This is very necessary for those who intend to deal largely in metallurgical operations, in order to avoid unnecessary expense, by becoming previously acquainted with the nature of the ore. See Chemistry Index; and ORES, Reduction of.

Essay-Hatch, is the miners term for a little trench or hole, which they dig to search for shoad or ore.