Abstract

SummaryAmong the several remarkable properties of mercury is that it dissolves many of the metals (but not iron), forming amalgams. It was the recognition of the ready formation of gold and silver amalgams that led to the extraction of precious metals by the amalgamation method. In this article I trace some of the historical aspects associated with the development of the European amalgamation process, first devised by Ignaz von Born in the 1780s. In particular, I describe an international gathering of experts in mining and metallurgy which was held at Skleno in Slovakia in 1786, and the founding there of a society for mining sciences called ‘Die Societät der Bergbaukunde’.