Abstract: |
Chapters relate to types of finds likely to arise on archaeological sites : minerals and ores, native metals, origin of smelting and the design of furnaces, smelting of iron, fabrication techniques, forging and hammering techniques, slags and residues, and the coming of cast iron to Europe. A general introduction discusses the origins of metallurgy, the status of the smith, ingots, and trade, and the final chapter relates archaeological findings to 15th and 16th century writings by Agricola, da Vinci, Cellini, etc. |