Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Dover Publications (1950), Paperback
Description
One of the most important scientific classics of all time, this 1556 work on mining was the first based on field research and observation and the methods of modern science. 289 authentic Renaissance woodcuts. Translated by Herbert Hoover. Reprint of English (1912) edition.
User reviews
LibraryThing member all4metals
Translation of the original text. This is a reprint of Herbert Hoover's translation. Very interesting reading. We have certainly come a long way from the processes described in this book.
LibraryThing member hsifeng
REENACTORS VIEW: 1556 (translated from the original Latin) 638 pages: Everything you've ever wanted to know about the making of metals in our period. From finding the correct ore to smelting and foundry work. But dddddrrrrrryyyyyyy read. This was one of the first 'illegal' texts that gave away
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Guild secrets (in this case, the miners guild) by printing them and selling them to the public in book form. However, there are many images - mostly of tools and machines - that I have never seen presented in any other format. Show Less
LibraryThing member nemontemi99
I agree with the description in hsifeng's review, but the book in my opinion is far from "dry". It starts with an amazing account by Agricola of why mining is a virtuous activity, one he explcitly compares to agriculture and many others. It also has some of the earliest "industrial health"
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information ever published, when it discusses the toxicity for workers of mercury and other metals. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
1556
1912
Physical description
672 p.; 10.69 inches
ISBN
0486600068 / 9780486600062