> I am looking for sources dealing with medieval smelting of iron ore in to
> wrought iron and blacksmith techniques.
15-17th century is generally considered the renaissance; BTAIM may I
commend to to your attention:
"De Re Metallica" by Georgius Agricola, originally published in 1556
and available in english translation through Dover Press, isbn 0-486-60006-8
and also: "The Pirotechnia of Vannoccio Biringuccio" originally published in
1540; also in translation, Dover Press, isbn 0-486-26134-4
For medieval sources; I don't know of any of the caliber of the two mentioned
above; however "On Divers Arts" by Theophilus, originally written circa 1120
and again, in translation and published by Dover Press isbn 0-486-23784-2; has
several ironworking techniques mentioned in some detail including the oft
quoted suggestion of quenching iron in the urine of a small red headed boy,
(or that of a goat fed only ferns for 3 days).
Are you interested in more seconday or tertiary sources as well?
Thomas Powers
Columbus, OH
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|