The Council of the Mining Institute of Empress Catherine II, having considered the establishment of an additional course in exploration for mining engineers at the institute, could not help but draw attention to the fact that persons engaged in this work for practical purposes need a detailed familiarity with our laws relating to prospecting, exploration and acquisition of rights to develop mineral deposits. In order to facilitate detailed acquaintance with the above mentioned section of our mining laws, the Council of the Mining Institute decided to publish this “Index”, which would provide prospectors and practitioners a guideline for reference (see article).