Description:

The Most Principal

Mineral Ores and Types of

mining, and how the same, and each one in particular, according to its nature and properties, shall be assayed for all metals and tested in the small fire Assaying or laboratory-scale testing used to determine the purity of a sample., with an explanation of several noble and useful smelting processes in the large fire Industrial-scale smelting in large furnaces., also the parting of gold, silver, and other metals; together with a report on copper liquation A process of separating silver from copper using lead., brass making original: "Messing brennens", and saltpeter boiling, as well as all salty mineral tests, and everything pertaining to them, contained in five books. The like of which has never before been printed. For the benefit of all lovers of the fire-arts, young assayers, and miners; faithfully and diligently brought to light with beautiful figures and drawings of the instruments.

Lazarus Ercker.

A large woodcut illustration depicts a busy 16th-century metallurgical laboratory or assay house. Several workers are shown engaged in various technical tasks. On the left, a man works with vessels and barrels. In the center, multiple distillation setups (alembics on cylindrical furnaces) are being monitored, with smoke rising into a large hood or vent above. On the right, another worker sits at a low bench tending to containers. The room features architectural elements like a large brick furnace with a chimney in the background and a muffle furnace built into the right wall. Various crucibles, jars, and tools are arranged throughout the workspace.