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
Yet, if it should be observed that the pyrites which accompany the Lead
ore are arsenical, then, as such pyrites contain but a small quantity
of ferruginous earth, iron filings must be added; which are, on this
occasion, so much the more necessary for absorbing the Arsenic, as
this mineral remains in part confounded with the ore, is reduced to
a Regulus during the operation, unites with the Lead, and destroys a
great deal of it by procuring its vitrification.
The Lead obtained from such pyritose ores is commonly not very pure; it
is blackish and scarce ductile; qualities communicated to it by a small
mixture of Copper in the pyrites, which always contain more or less
thereof. We shall presently shew the method of separating Lead from
Copper.
Lead ore may also be reduced by melting it amidst coals. For that
purpose first kindle a fire in the furnace in which you intend to melt
your ore; then put a layer of your ore immediately upon the lighted
coals, and cover it with another layer of coals.
Though the melting furnace used for this operation be capable of giving
a considerable heat, yet it is necessary further to increase the force
of the fire by the means of a good pair of perpetual bellows, which
will produce an effect like that of a forge. The ore melts, the earth
of the Lead unites with the phlogiston of the coals, and so is reduced
to metal, which runs through the coals, and falls into an earthen
vessel placed at the bottom of the furnace to receive it. Care must be
taken to keep this vessel well filled with charcoal-dust, to the end
that the Lead may be in no danger of calcination while it continues
there; the charcoal-dust constantly furnishing it with phlogiston to
preserve its metalline form.
The earthy and stony matters that accompany the ore are scorified by
this fusion, just as they are by the other which is performed in a
close vessel. With regard to the Sulphur and Arsenic, they are supposed
to have been first accurately separated from the ore by roasting. This
is the method commonly employed for smelting Lead ore at the works.
PROCESS II.
_To separate Lead from Copper._
With luting earth and charcoal-dust make a flat vessel, widening
upwards, and large enough to contain your metalline mass. Set it
shelving downwards from the back towards the fore-part; and in the
fore-part, at the bottom, make a little gutter communicating with
another vessel of the same nature, placed near the former and a little
lower. Let the mouth of the gutter within side the upper vessel be
narrowed, by means of a small iron plate fixed across it, while the
loam is yet soft; so as to leave a very small aperture, in the lower
part of this canal, sufficient to discharge the Lead as it melts. Dry
the whole by placing lighted coals around it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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