Saltpetre Collection

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

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)

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

Scene of the fire at Dockhead, Bermondsey, sketched on Saturday morning, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Scene of the fire at Dockhead, Bermondsey, [London], sketched on Saturday morning, 1864. 'a great fire broke out in the waterside premises of Messrs

Ruins of the Late Fire at the London Docks, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Ruins of the Late Fire at the London Docks, 1858. The fire...originated in the South Stack Warehouse on the South Quay building, several floors high, each filled with gutta percha, saltpetre, sugar

Gunpowder invented, 1320 AD (engraving)
2788229 Gunpowder invented, 1320 AD (engraving) by Moreland, Arthur (1876-1951); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gunpowder invented, 1320 AD)

Chromatic polarisation (colour litho)
3630288 Chromatic polarisation (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Chromatic polarisation in crystals)

Sacking Nitrate, 1911. From Chile, by G. F. Scott Elliot, M.A. F.R.G.S. [T. Fisher Terrace, London, 1911]

Ship Awaiting Cargoes of Nitrate at Iquique, 1911. From Chile, by G. F. Scott Elliot, M.A. F.R.G.S. [T. Fisher Terrace, London, 1911]

Loading Up With Nitrates, 1911. From Chile, by G. F. Scott Elliot, M.A. F.R.G.S. [T. Fisher Terrace, London, 1911]

Crystallization of saltpetre (nitre, potassium nitrate, or KN03), 1683. Saltpetre is the principal ingredient in gunpowder, and is still used in the preservation of some foods

Checking the quality of saltpetre (nitre, potassium nitrate, or KN03), 1683. Saltpetre is the principal ingredient in gunpowder, and is still used in the preservation of some foods

Production of saltpetre (nitre, potassium nitrate, or KN03), 1683. Nitre beds, heaps of manure mixed with chalky earth. These were watered with urine and manure water

Method of refining saltpeter for making gunpowder
Method of refining saltpeter (potassium nitrate) for making gunpowder. circa 18th century

Saltpetre Mining
Saltpetre mining in Chile

Manufacture of gunpowder, illustration from the Encyclopedie by Denis Diderot
XIR241594 Manufacture of gunpowder, illustration from the Encyclopedie by Denis Diderot (1713-84) 1751-72 (engraving) by French School

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)

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

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"Unearthing the Power: The Journey in History" From its humble beginnings as a method of refining saltpetre for making gunpowder to its pivotal role in shaping empires, it has left an indelible mark on human civilization. In 1320 AD, the invention of gunpowder revolutionized warfare forever, and this engraving captures the momentous occasion. Fast forward to 1600 when the East India Company was founded, with saltpetre playing a crucial role in their success. This lithograph showcases the vibrant history behind this iconic institution. But it wasn't just about power and conquest; it also had artistic applications. Chromatic polarisation brought forth mesmerizing colors through this lithograph, reminding us that science and beauty can intertwine. In 1911, we witness the bustling activity surrounding sacking nitrate. A ship eagerly awaits cargoes of nitrate at Iquique while others load up with nitrates - a testament to how vital these minerals were for various industries during that era. The crystallization process depicted in a stunning illustration from 1683 reveals the intricate formation crystals (nitre or potassium nitrate). Quality checks were diligently carried out during production to ensure purity and effectiveness. Delving deeper into history takes us to saltpetre mining scenes where laborers tirelessly extracted this precious resource from nature's depths. Their efforts fueled not only warfare but also agriculture and medicine throughout centuries. Finally, we glimpse into Denis Diderot's Encyclopedie which sheds light on the manufacture of gunpowder using saltpeter. This illustration encapsulates both scientific knowledge and practical application within one captivating image. Saltpetre's journey is one intertwined with humanity's quest for power, innovation, artistry, and progress. Its impact spans across continents and generations – an enduring symbol of our relentless pursuit for advancement.