Metallica Collection (#2)

Furnace for refining copper with all the tools necessary to carry out the process. From De re metallica, by Agricola, pseudonym of Georg Bauer (Basle, 1556). Woodcut

A set of 24 touch needles. These were made of the purest obtainable gold and each was alloyed with different known amounts of silver and copper, or of both

Crane for lifting of copper / lead alloy from moulds. From De re metallica, by Agricola
Crane for lifting of copper/lead alloy from moulds. From De re metallica, by Agricola, pseudonym of Georg Bauer (Basle, 1556). Woodcut

Refining copper in a furnace. In the foreground a coating of copper is being hammered off an iron bar. This was a method of testing to see if the metal was sufficiently refined

Mine ventilation. Hollow wooden drum, top, which had two blowholes opposite each other on the circumference, C, one to suck in air and one to expel it as the drum rotated

A rag-and-chain pump powered by an overshot water wheel being used to drain a mine. On the right is a detail of the tube of the pump

Mine drainage. Man in centre left of picture is boring lengths of wood with borers and augers to form pipes. Man on centre right is working the piston rod of a suction pump to raise water from a

Draining mine workings with a bank of three suction pumps. As the men turn the shaft the cams, B, connect with tappets. A, on the piston rods, C

Three devices for ventilating mines with bellows. In the centre the horse turns the wheel and cams, I, I, work the bellows

Multiple suction pumps, powered by an overshot water wheel through a spur wheel and lantern, being used to raise water from a mine

Draining a mine using a duplex suction pump. The box ABCD, shown in detail on the right, contained the crank which operated the piston

Cross-section of a mine, showing shaft and galleries at two different levels. In the top left of the picture is prospecting for metals using divining rods (dowsing)

Suction pumps arranged in three tiers and linked by cranks. Powered by a water wheel, they are being used to raise water from mine workings

Ore which has been broken up in a stamping mill being reduced further by passing through a grinding mill. The mill is driven by a water wheel, out of the picture to right, through axle, A

Ventilating a mine using bellows. From De re metallica, by Agricola, pseudonym of Georg Bauer (Basle, 1556). Woodcut. Mining

Overshot water wheel turning the cam-shaft of a stamping mill being used to turn the crush ore to begin the process of extracting metal from the ore won from a mine

Stamping mills powered by and overshot water wheel being used to crush ore to begin the process of extracting metal from the ore won from a mine

Carpenters constructing a stamping mill for breaking up ores and extraction of metals. Men on the left are measuring up a baulk of timber, K, to form a cam-shaft

Various devices for ventilating mines. From De re metallica, by Agricola, pseudonym of Georg Bauer (Basle, 1556). Woodcut

Rag-and-chain pump being used to raise water from a mine. Two men are turning the drive-shaft on which is mounted a spur gear which transfers power to the pump by means of a lantern, D

Washing for gold by laying pieces of turf in a frame. Gold-bearing sand is placed in head of the frame at A, water is then allowed to wash over it. Gold collected on the turf at C

Ventilating a mine. Hollow drum with air holes, B, at opposite sides, mounted on an axle, C, to which are fixed fans rotating inside the drum

Mine ventilation shaft topped with a device to extract the stale air from the mine. H is a vane to make the barrel revolve so that is always facing in the optimum wind direction

Mine ventillation: Carpenters assembling a device to be fitted at top of mine shaft so that it would revolve and extract the stale air from the mine

Revolving wooden wind vanes fitted to the top of mine ventilation shafts. When they revolved they acted as extractor fans sucking stale air from the mine

Means of transporting ore which has been won from a mine. In the foreground is a horse-drawn sledge, at D dogs are being used as pack animals and at E a man is pulling full pig skins

Draining a mine by means of a suction pump. The man in the top right of the picture is operating the piston of the pump by raising

Chain of dippers (wooden buckets), powered by a water wheel being used to raise water from a mine. From De re metallica, by Agricola, pseudonym of Georg Bauer (Basle, 1556). Woodcut

Raising water from a mine using two sets of overshot water wheels and suction pumps. From De re metallica, by Agricola, pseudonym of Georg Bauer (Basle, 1556). Woodcut

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"Metallica: A Fusion of Science, Nature, and Music" In the lush rainforests of Venezuela, a rare sight awaits - the Metallic White-toed Tarantula (Avicularia metallica) takes refuge in a thatched roof. Its iridescent blue-black exoskeleton glistens under the tropical sun, captivating all who dare to gaze upon its beauty. Moving away from arachnids and into the realm of plants, we encounter the striking Alocasia x chantrieri. With its dark green leaves adorned with metallic silver veins, this botanical wonder adds an air of mystery to any garden or indoor space. But it doesn't stop there; nature's palette continues to surprise us with Homalomena metallica. This plant boasts deep purple foliage that seems almost otherworldly, making it a true gem among houseplants. As we delve deeper into history, we stumble upon Georgius Agricola - a German scientist whose groundbreaking work on mining and metallurgy revolutionized these fields. His book "De re metallica libri XII" serves as a testament to his brilliance and enduring legacy. Returning to our eight-legged friends once more, we encounter another mesmerizing species - the Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia metallica). Its vibrant pink toes contrast against its metallic blue body like strokes on an artist's canvas. Dracaena metallica joins our journey next with its enchanting purplish bronze foliage. This ornamental plant brings elegance and sophistication wherever it is placed – truly living up to its name. Venturing further into horticulture territory leads us to Begonia aconitifolia. With delicate white flowers nestled amidst glossy green leaves tinged with metallic hues, this begonia captivates hearts effortlessly. Finally flipping through pages 456-466 of Georgii Agricolae's "De re metallica libri XII, " one can't help but marvel at the wealth of knowledge contained within.