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Mercury. Extracting mercury from ore by placing ore covered by sand and ashes in
Filename: 917_05_009672.jpg
Size: 3570 x 1811 (2.6MB)
Date: 26th March 2014
Source: Universal Images Group (UIG)
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Universal Images Group (UIG)
Mercury. Extracting mercury from ore by placing ore covered by sand and ashes in
Mercury. Extracting mercury from ore by placing ore covered by sand and ashes in an eartheware pot on stand with a fire underneath. The mercury was retrieved from the bottom of the pot after cooling. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540)
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Media ID 9752529
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1540 Biringuccio Bottom Cooling Covered Extracting Fire Mercury Metal Metallurgy Pirotechnia Placing Sand Stand Underneath Vannoccio Venice Ashes Retrieved
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from Universal Images Group (UIG) takes us back in time to Venice in 1540, where the art of extracting mercury from ore was a fascinating process. The image showcases an intricate method employed by metallurgists during that era. In the foreground, we see an eartheware pot placed on a sturdy stand with a fire burning underneath. The pot is filled with sand and ashes, covering the precious ore within. This technique aimed to separate mercury from its rocky host material through heat and chemical reactions. The skilled craftsmen carefully monitored the temperature as they patiently waited for the magic to happen. As time passed, the intense heat caused the mercury to vaporize and rise above, leaving impurities behind. Once cooled down, anticipation grew as they retrieved their prized possession – pure liquid mercury – collected at the bottom of the pot. Its mesmerizing silver hue shimmered under Venetian sunlight. This remarkable scene captures not only a moment in history but also highlights Vannoccio Biringuccio's groundbreaking work described in his book "De la pirotechnia". His contribution to metallurgy paved new paths for future generations of scientists and engineers alike. Let this print transport you back centuries ago when alchemy met innovation; it serves as a reminder of humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and our ability to harness nature's elements for progress.
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