Ertzt Collection

Distillation of Nitric Acid. Also known as Aqua Fortis or Parting Acid, nitric acid was widely used in the refining
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, or KN03). Nitre beds, heaps of manure mixed with chalky earth
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)

Preparation of copper and silver to be alloyed for production of coins, 16th century (engraving)
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)

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. 1683 English edition of Lazarus Ercker Beschreibung allerfurnemisten mineralischen Ertzt und

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, showing typical laboratory equipment
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, Potassium Nitrate, or KN03). Saltpetre is the principal ingredient in
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

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. From 1683 English edition of Beschreibung allerfurnemisten mineralischen

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 of Lazarus Ercker Beschreibung allerfurnemisten mineralischen Ertzt- und Berckwercksarten originally published in

Assaying of silver: 1&3, moulds for making cupels: 2&4, the cupels: 8, man moulding cupels. From 1683 English edition of Lazarus Ercker Beschreibung allerfurnemisten mineralischen Ertzt- und

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 English edition of Lazarus Ercker Beschreibung allerfurnemisten mineralischen Ertzt- und Berckwercksarten

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

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"Unlocking the Secrets of Alchemy: From Copper to Gold" Step into the fascinating world of alchemy, where ancient techniques and intricate processes transform ordinary metals into precious treasures. In this captivating journey, we witness the preparation of copper and silver for their ultimate destiny as coins, through a meticulous alloying process. The mesmerizing sight of molten copper evokes a sense of awe at the power hidden within these elements. Enter the realm of Athanor or Slow Harry, an extraordinary self-feeding furnace that maintains a constant temperature. This remarkable invention becomes our guide as it orchestrates various alchemical transformations with unwavering precision. Witness the crystallization of Saltpetre (Nitre, Potassium Nitrate), also known as KN03 - a vital ingredient in numerous alchemical concoctions. Behold the majestic Furnace designed specifically for processes requiring protracted heat like cementation. Its fiery embrace breathes life into countless experiments aimed at unraveling nature's mysteries. Once again, we encounter Athanor or Slow Harry, tirelessly maintaining equilibrium amidst intense reactions. The quest for gold takes us to ore-washing rituals; water cascades onto crushed ore within sieves, extracting its elusive essence drop by drop. A muddy solution emerges from this transformative dance between water and earth - a testament to man's unyielding pursuit of wealth beyond imagination. Witness the distillation process behind Nitric Acid – Aqua Fortis or Parting Acid – revealing its potent properties while leaving us in awe of its potential applications in alchemy and beyond. We delve deeper into production methods for Salpetre (Nitre) - heaps upon heaps forming Nitre beds that hold secrets waiting to be unlocked. Quality control becomes paramount as we meticulously examine each batch of Saltpetre (Nitre). Scrutinizing every detail ensures only perfection is allowed on this path towards enlightenment and transformation.