Allerfurnemisten Collection

Distillation of Nitric Acid. Also known as Aqua Fortis or Parting Acid
540742 Distillation of Nitric Acid. Also known as Aqua Fortis or Parting Acid, nitric acid was widely used in the refining and assaying of metals

Production of Salpetre (Nitre, Potassium Nitrate)
540747 Production of Salpetre (Nitre, Potassium Nitrate, or KN03). Nitre beds, heaps of manure mixed with chalky earth. These were watered with urine and manure water

Assayer testing samples of gold or silver using a balance, 1574 (engraving)
539689 Assayer testing samples of gold or silver using a balance, 1574 (engraving); (add.info.: From 1683 English edition of Lazarus Ercker Allerfurnemisten mineralischen Ertzt und Berckwercksarten)

Blast furnaces, 1580 (engraving)
534630 Blast furnaces, 1580 (engraving); (add.info.: Blast furnaces. From 1683 English edition of Lazarus Ercker Beschreibung allerfurnemisten mineralischen Ertszt of 1580. Copperplate engraving)

Preparation of copper and silver to be alloyed for production of coins
539915 Preparation of copper and silver to be alloyed for production of coins, 16th century (engraving); (add.info.: Preparation of copper and silver to be alloyed for production of coins)

Refining copper by Hungarian process, 1580 (engraving)
534632 Refining copper by Hungarian process, 1580 (engraving); (add.info.: Refining copper by Hungarian process. Cupellation cakes roasted, releasing heat. At 5: lead obtained being smelted)

Smelting of copper: making liquation cakes by reducing copper in furnaces and alloying with lead
531538 Smelting of copper: making liquation cakes by reducing copper in furnaces and alloying with lead

Crystallization of Saltpetre (Nitre, Potassium Nitrate, or KN03, 1574 (engraving)
540753 Crystallization of Saltpetre (Nitre, Potassium Nitrate, or KN03, 1574 (engraving); (add.info.: Crystallization of Saltpetre (Nitre, Potassium Nitrate, or KN03)

Laboratory for refining gold and silver
540745 Laboratory for refining gold and silver, showing typical laboratory equipment. 1, Athanor or Slow Harry, a self-feeding furnace maintaining a constant temperature. 2, 2

Washing ore to extract gold, 16th century (engraving)
540732 Washing ore to extract gold, 16th century (engraving); (add.info.: Water is fed into a sieve containing crushed ore)

Checking the quality of Saltpetre (Nitre)
540750 Checking the quality of Saltpetre (Nitre, Potassium Nitrate, or KN03). Saltpetre is the principal ingredient in gunpowder, and is still used in the preservation of some foods

Washing ore to extract gold. Water is fed into a sieve containing crushed ore. Solution containing ore in suspension is fed along collecting pans, often lined with dark woollen cloth

Blast furnaces. From 1683 English edition of Lazarus Ercker Beschreibung allerfurnemisten mineralischen Ertszt of 1580. Copperplate engraving

Refining copper by Hungarian process. Cupellation cakes roasted, releasing heat. At 5: lead obtained being smelted

Assayer testing samples of gold and silver. From 1683 English edition of Lazarus Ercker Beschreibung allerfurnemisten mineralischen Ertszt of 1580. Copperplate engraving

Preparation of copper and silver to be alloyed for production of coins. Copper melted (1) while apprentice (9) soaks birch twigs in water. When copper poured on twigs it forms grains

Athanor or Slow Harry, a self-feeding furnace maintaining a constant temperature. Centre: 1) Athanor or Slow Harry : 2) side chambers containing reagents: 3) glass receivers

Crystallization of Saltpetre (Nitre, Potassium Nitrate, or KN03. Saltpetre is the principal ingredient in gunpowder, and is still used in the preservation of some foods)

Furnace for processes where protracted heat required, such as cementation. This furnace is gravity-fed and self-stoking

Distillation of Nitric Acid. Also known as Aqua Fortis or Parting Acid, nitric acid was widely used in the refining and assaying of metals

Production of Salpetre (Nitre, Potassium Nitrate, or KN03). Nitre beds, heaps of manure mixed with chalky earth. These were watered with urine and manure water

Checking the quality of Saltpetre (Nitre, Potassium Nitrate, or KN03). Saltpetre is the principal ingredient in gunpowder, and is still used in the preservation of some foods

Laboratory for refining gold and silver, showing typical laboratory equipment. 1, Athanor or Slow Harry, a self-feeding furnace maintaining a constant temperature. 2, 2

Washing ore to extract gold. Water fed into sieve (2) containing ore. Muddy solution fed along wooden collecting troughs, often lined with dark woollen cloth: gold separated out on the way

Assay laboratory for gold and silver. 1) Furnace: 2) Sheet of iron onto which assays are poured: 3) Parting flask: 5) Assay by water displacement

Purification of silver in a muffle furnace. From 1683 English edition of Lazarus Ercker Beschreibung allerfurnemisten mineralischen Ertzt- und Berckwercksarten originally published in Prague in 1574

Refining gold: furnaces, 2, 2, and operator, 9. The man near 4 is gradually heating a crucible surrounded by a ring of burning coals: to increase the heat coals were be raked into a smaller circle

Assay laboratory with various forms of furnace including and athanor or Slow Harry, 7, self-stoking furnace for cementation, 9, and barrel-shaped furnace, 3

Roasting gold ore in order to recover the precious metal. From 1683 English edition
Roasting gold ore in order to recover the precious metal

Assaying of silver: 1&3, moulds for making cupels: 2&4, the cupels: 8, man moulding cupels

Refining of silver, showing (2) a test put into the furnace and (3) burning the silver in a test. A test warming (8) and a roaster for making burnt silver dry (9)

Assaying copper: Furnaces (1, 4), ore (3), bellows (5), and aeolipile (6) to supply draught to furnaces. Pot in which flux is prepared (8)

Recovery of gold from amalgum. 7) chamois leather bag for separating amalgum from excess mercury. 6) Operator with wooden pestel and mortar for purifying mercury with salt

Assaying copper and lead: prepared and weighed ore (1) and assay oven (2). From 1683
Assaying copper and lead: prepared and weighed ore (1) and assay oven (2)

Assaying: Various muffles used in assay ovens for assaying gold and silver 1, 2, 3: 4, 5, 6, stopples, bottom plates and covers: 7, wooden mould for forming muffles: 11, 12

Smelting copper. From a 1683 English edition of Lazarus Ercker Beschreibung allerfurnemisten mineralischen Ertzt- und Berckwercksarten originally published in Prague in 1574. Copperplate engraving

All products are expertly crafted, using premium materials, tailored to your specifications and promptly shipped

"Journey into the World of Allerfurnemisten: Unveiling Ancient Techniques and Processes" Step back in time to witness the marvels of allerfurnemisten, as depicted in the 1683 English edition of Lazarus Ercker's Beschreibung allerfurnemisten. Explore the intricate world of blast furnaces, where copper is refined through the Hungarian process. Cupellation cakes release intense heat, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Witness an assayer meticulously testing samples of gold and silver, ensuring their purity before they are transformed into precious artifacts. Marvel at the preparation of copper and silver for coin production as they are melted together to form alloys that will stand the test of time. Behold Athanor or Slow Harry, a self-feeding furnace that maintains a constant temperature with remarkable precision. This ingenious invention revolutionized many processes requiring protracted heat such as cementation. Delve into the fascinating crystallization process of Saltpetre (Nitre) - Potassium Nitrate or KN03 - unveiling its stunning formations under careful observation. Observe how water is skillfully used to wash ore and extract gold from its rocky confines within sieves filled with crushed ore. Discover the artistry behind distillation techniques employed in producing Nitric Acid - also known as Aqua Fortis or Parting Acid - unlocking its potent properties for various applications. Witness Nitre beds forming heaps during production, revealing secrets hidden beneath their seemingly ordinary appearance. Finally, join us on a journey to check the quality of Saltpetre (Nitre), ensuring its purity meets stringent standards. Experience firsthand how this vital ingredient has shaped history through its diverse uses across industries. Embark on this captivating voyage through allerfurnemisten – an ancient world brimming with ingenuity and scientific prowess – where each step reveals new wonders waiting to be explored.