Do you ever feel overworked, over-regulated, under-leisured and
underbenefited?   Take heart, this notice was found in the ruins of a
London office building.  It was dated 1852:

1.   This firm has reduced the hours of work, and the clerical staff will
now only have to be present between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays.

2.   Clothing must be of sober nature.  The clerical staff will not
disport themselves in raiment of bright colors, nor will they wear
hose unless in good repair.

3.   Overshoes and topcoats may not be worn in the office, but neck
scarves and headwear may be worn in inclement weather.

4.   A stove is provided for the benefit of the clerical staff.  Coal and
wood must be kept in the locker.  It is recommended that each member
of  the clerical staff bring four pounds of coal each day during the
cold weather.

5.   No member of the clerical staff may leave the room without
permission from the supervisor.

6.   No talking is allowed during business hours.

7.   The craving for tobacco, wine, or spirits is a human weakness,
and as such is forbidden to all members of the clerical staff.

8.   Now that the hours of business have been drastically reduced, the
partaking of food is allowed between 11:30 and noon,  but work will
not on any account cease!!!

9.   Members of the clerical staff will provide their own pens.  A new
sharpener is available on application to the supervisor.

10.  The supervisor will nominate a senior clerk to be responsible for the
cleanliness of the main office and the supervisor's private office.  All
boys and juniors will report to him 40 minutes before prayers and
will remain after closing hours for similar work.  Brushes, brooms,
scrubbers, and soap are provided by the owners.

11.  The owners recognize the generosity of the new labor laws, but will
expect a great rise in output of work to compensate for these near
Utopian conditions.