One of the craft records originally included by Ewyn has a list of materials used by goldsmiths in the 16th century, giving some idea of their use of technology and technique, "hanmilling of all cuilouris [enamel] to be sett under the staines of ringis, subleim argiston, antemonium sublimatum, tent, sandesier, haloume [alum], caperowes [copperas], salpeiter [saltpetre], verdegris, aqua fortus [acid], symound [solder], winstaine, brounstaine [brimstone], saigbanis, croithes, quicksilver, hormalaye.
Ewyn, speaking on behalf of the Deacons of the Crafts, discussed finances for the event at a meeting of the burgh council on 27 August 1561.
Ewyn produced documents including an Act of Parliament of James III and a grant made by Mary of Guise which he contended showed how the Crafts should be involved in the council elections.
Ewyn wanted it put on record that he had voted for Thomas McCalzean as Provost of Edinburgh, on account of his ability and qualifications, and would otherwise have according to the queen's direction, if she had preferred a candidate.
[8] In 1548, Ewyn produced a manuscript copy of a key Scottish legal text, the Regiam Maiestatem, now kept at the University of St Andrews.