Elements of the Theory and Practice of Chymistry, 5th ed.Macquer, Pierre Joseph
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Elements of the Theory and Practice of Chymistry, 5th ed.
Macquer, Pierre Joseph
Chemistry -- Early works to 1800
Then throw in as many coals as are necessary to complete the operation
entirely, and raise the fire suddenly, so as to bring the whole mixture
into perfect fusion. Keep up this degree of fire for a quarter of an
hour, which is time sufficient for the precipitation of the Regulus.
When the operation is finished, which may be known by the quietness of
the matter in the crucible, and by a bright vivid flame that will rise
from it, take the crucible out of the furnace, and separate the Regulus
from the scoria.
_OBSERVATIONS._
All Lead ore contains a good deal of Sulphur, which must be first
separated from it by roasting: and as this kind of ore is apt to fly
when first exposed to the fire, it is proper to keep it covered till it
be thoroughly heated. Another precaution to be used, in roasting this
ore, is not to give it too great a heat, but to keep the vessel which
contains it just moderately red; because it easily turns clammy, which
occasions it to stick to the vessel.
The Iron that is added, and mixed with the flux, absorbs the Sulphur
which may happen to remain, even after roasting: it helps also to
separate from the Lead some portions of semi-metal, especially of
Antimony, which are frequently mixed with this ore.
There is no fear least the Iron mix with the Lead in fusion, and
adulterate it: for these two metals are incapable of contracting any
union together, when each has its metalline form.
Nor is there any reason to apprehend lest the Iron should, by its
refractory quality, obstruct the fusion of the mixture; for though this
metal be not fusible when alone, yet, by the union it contracts with
the matters it is designed to absorb, it becomes so to such a degree as
in some measure to perform, on this occasion, the office of a flux.
The government of the fire is a point of great consequence in this
operation. It is necessary to apply but a moderate degree of heat
at first: for, when the metallic earth of the Lead, combining with
the phlogiston, acquires the metalline form, it swells up in such an
extraordinary manner, that there is great danger least the matter
should overflow, and run all out of the containing vessel. With a view
therefore to avoid this inconvenience, we direct a very large crucible
to be used. This heaving of the Lead, at the instant of its reduction,
is attended with a noise like the whistling of wind.
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