| Silver by Fire, Silver by Mercury: A Chemical History of Silver Refining in New Spain and Mexico, 16th to 19th Centuries Contributor(s): Guerrero (Author) |
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ISBN: 9004343822 ISBN-13: 9789004343825 Publisher: Brill OUR PRICE: $197.60 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: September 2017 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Business & Economics | Economic History - Science | History - Science | Life Sciences - Ecology |
| Series: European Expansion and Indigenous Response |
| Physical Information: 468 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: In Silver by Fire, Silver by Mercury: A Chemical History of Silver Refining in New Spain and Mexico, 16th to 19th Centuries, Saul Guerrero combines historical research with geology and chemistry to refute the current prevailing narrative of a primitive effort dominated by mercury and its copious emissions to the air. Based on quantitative historical data, visual records and geochemical fundamentals, Guerrero analyses the chemical and economic reasons why two refining processes had to share production, creating along the way major innovations in the chemical recipes, milling equipment, mercury recycling practice, and industrial architecture and operations. Their main environmental impact was lead fume and the depletion of woodlands from smelting, and the transformation of mercury into calomel during the patio process. |