This is probably close enough - it's a discussion of proof testing.

In England, these tests are obligatory, they are done in London since 1802 and Birmingham since 1813. Bristol, although a center of manufacture does not have bench tests. In Belgium, a bench tests was also installed in 1810. America does not have obligatory testing. France has marks d' special tests in Paris and Saint-Etienne; instituted in 1717, was regulated in 1782.

Last edited by revdocdrew; 05/16/09 07:06 AM.
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