In reply to MINT00511 (Mint 19/2/458), suggests it would be preferable and cheaper for Wood's pyx to be brought to London for testing, though he will send a man to Bristol if the Treasury prefers

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To the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of his Majesties Treasury.

May it please your Lordships

In obedience to your Lordships Order signified to me by Mr Scrope in his Letter of 10 Apr. instant, concerning the trial of the Pix of copper moneys coyned by Mr Wood at Bristoll, I humbly represent that the moneys there reserved for a trial are kept locked up in a box or Pix under the keys of Mr Wood & the Comptroller of that coynage or of their Deputies. And that in my most humble opinion the trial thereof may be more authentic & satisfactory & something cheaper if the Box before opening be brought up to London & the moneys be tried in his Majesties Mint in the Tower by his Majesties Assaymaster before such person or persons as your Lordships or his Majesty in Council shall appoint to see the triall performed & report the event to your Lordships, & before the Officers of the said Mint, & before the parties concerned vizt Mr Wood & the Comptroller of that coinage who are both in town & their Deputies & one or two Gentlemen of Ireland whom your Lordships may think fit to give leave to be present if Desired. And at that same time any other parcel or parcels of copper moneys old or new may be tryed there before the persons & the weight & value ascertained & compared with the value of copper moneys now coined at Bristol & the trial reported to your Lordships.

But if your Lordships had rather that the copper Pix be tried at Bristoll, I will look about for a man to do it, & treat with him & see him instructed & furnished with necessaries with all convenient speed.

All which is most humbly submitted to your Lordships great wisdome

[1]

Isaac Newton