The ore dressing device widely used in the 19th C patented by Brunton has
recently been described in several publications as a buddle. These include
Rick Stewart's book on ore dressing at Devon Great Consols, and reports in
the Northern Mines Research Society newsletter regarding excavations at
Killhope Mine (1980's).
Is it correct to call this device a buddle, and is it described as such in
any original source? The original adverts for it (eg Mining Journal 1847)
describe it just as a frame.
My idea of a buddle is a device where concentration occurs over a fixed
bed, circular or rectangular. The Brunton used concentration over a moving
belt, somewhat similar to the later Frue Vanner but with no lateral shake
so it presumably could not be described as either a vanner or a buddle.
I am assuming, perhaps wrongly, that there was just concentration one
device invented by Brunton in widespread use.
Any comments?
Alasdair Neill
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