The Council of the Mining Institute of Empress Catherine II, which proposed to establish an additional course in exploration at the institute for mining engineers, could not help but draw attention to the fact that persons engaged in this matter for practical purposes need a detailed familiarization with our laws relating to prospecting, exploration and obtaining the right to develop a mineral deposit. In order to facilitate a detailed acquaintance with the above part of our mining laws, the Council of the Mining Institute decided to publish this “Index”, which would give the researcher and practitioner a guide for reference (see article).