16th century smelting of ores

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16th century smelting of ores

Illustration of blast furnaces for smelting copper- lead ores, published in De Re Metallica, 1556 by Agricola, a German minerologist & physician. The ores were roasted, then mixed with charcoal & packed into the narrow shafts of the blast furnace (A, B & C). Shaft (C) is being packed in this illustration, while (A & B) are burning. The blast was provided by water driven bellows, which are out of sight behind the brick wall. The size of the shaft was 2ft by 5ft high. When the process was working, the products ran liquid into the fore hearth (D) & the metal was separated from the slag by ladles (E & F)

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Media ID 6431049

© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Blast Furnace Copper History Of Science Lead Smelting

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back in time to the 16th century, offering a glimpse into the intricate process of smelting ores. Published in De Re Metallica in 1556 by Agricola, a renowned German minerologist and physician, this illustration showcases blast furnaces used for smelting copper-lead ores. In this particular scene, we witness the meticulous packing of narrow shafts within the furnace. Shafts A and B are ablaze with intense heat while shaft C is being carefully filled. The ores were first roasted before being mixed with charcoal and compacted into these shafts. Behind the sturdy brick wall lies an ingenious water-driven bellows system that provides the necessary blast for this complex operation. Although hidden from view, its power is evident as it fuels the flames within the furnace. The dimensions of each shaft measure 2ft by 5ft high, emphasizing both their precision and efficiency. As the process unfolds successfully, molten products flow effortlessly into fore hearth D where metal separation from slag occurs using ladles E and F. This image not only highlights historical industrial practices but also sheds light on significant advancements made during that era in refining metals. It serves as a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of technological progress throughout history.

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