A set of 24 touch needles. These were made of the purest obtainable gold and each

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A set of 24 touch needles. These were made of the purest obtainable gold and each

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. The sample of gold to be tested was rubbed on a hard dark stone, and the colour and thickness of the trace left was matched by one of the touch needs and the value of the sample obtained. From De re metallica, by Agricola, pseudonym of Georg Bauer (Basle, 1556). Woodcut

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Media ID 9752553

© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group

1556 Agricola Basle Bauer Colour Control Copper Dark Georg Gold Hard Left Metal Metallica Metallurgy Needles Obtained Pseudonym Quality Sample Silver Stone Touch Trace Woodcut Amounts Matched Rubbed Tested Thickness

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a set of 24 touch needles, crafted meticulously from the purest obtainable gold. Each needle in this set was skillfully alloyed with varying amounts of silver and copper, or both, to create distinct properties. The purpose of these touch needles was to assess the quality and purity of gold samples through a meticulous process. Intriguingly, the sample of gold to be tested would be rubbed on a hard dark stone, leaving behind a trace that revealed its color and thickness. To determine the value of the sample accurately, one of these touch needles would then be used to match the characteristics observed on the stone's surface. Dating back to 1556 and featured in Georg Bauer's renowned book "De re metallica" this woodcut image sheds light on an essential aspect of metallurgy during that era. Agricola (Bauer's pseudonym) delves into great detail about these touch needles' significance as tools for quality control in assessing precious metals like gold. The historical context surrounding this image adds depth and intrigue to its visual appeal. It serves as a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with precious materials and our relentless pursuit of understanding their properties through scientific exploration.

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