The notebook is 167 pages. The first 75 pages are travels to various mines in Germany recorded by Bridgman in German (using Roman and not Gothic script). These notes and small text drawings detail the various smelting furnaces and processes at the mine head of different mines in Germany. One of the detail drawings at page 7 of the manuscript is an open hearth smelter similar to the one credited to Bridgman for first stage copper refining in the 1890s. These notes and sketches of German mines reveal a high level of knowledge on industrial and chemical processes as well as practical mining information. The second part of the manuscript is in English and is illustrated with color pen and ink drawings of mine sections and mining machinery and technology. It opens with an account of Bridgman’s arrival at the Iron Silver mine of Stevens & Leiter at Leadville in April 1879. This is within a year of the original 'strike' that started the rush. The mine was also the site visited by western photographer W. H. Jackson who recorded the diggings in a photograph. The text immediately moves to a description of the mine accompanied by a detailed sectional drawing of Iron Hill and the various claims associated with it plotted on the sketch. There is a detailed discussion of the geological formation along with a description of the silver vein. The text then records the basis of competing claims. All competing claims against Stevens & Leiter were similar and dismissed. Bridgman then begins to record details of the mining and smelter technology, e.g., the water jacket furnaces. Both were located at Leadville. After successful adjudication of the Stevens & Leiter suit he moved to Salmon City, Idaho (1883) and the Ranger Mine and Mill. Here he recorded the design and use of Michigan (so named) mine sled sand, a mine car. There is an elaborate analysis of the Ranger Mill with sections, floor plans and construction details. This is accompanied by a 20 page description of the free milling of gold ore and mercury amalgamation of gold at the mill.