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170 =On the Blast Furnace in the Manufacture of Iron. 
Arr. IL—Observations on the more recent researches concern- 
ing the operations of the Blast Furnace in the Manufacture of 
Iron ; by Dr. J. L. Surrn. _ 
Tue great difference existing between metallurgic operations of 
the present day, and those of a former period, is owing chiefly to 
the ameliorations produced by the application of the science of 
chemistry to the modus operandi of the various changes taking 
place during the operations, from their commencement to their 
termination. 2 
Copper and some other metals are now made to assume forms 
in the chemist’s laboratory, that formerly required great artistical 
skill for their production—the chemist simply making use of such 
agents and forces as are at his command, and over which he has, 
by close analytical study, acquired perfect control. Our object at 
present, is only to advert to the chemical investigations more re- 
cently made on the manufacture of iron, treating of those changes 
that occur in the ore, coal and flux that are thrown in at the mouth 
of the furnace, and in the air thrown in from below. For most 
that will be said on this subject, we are principally indebted to 
the recent interesting researches of M. Esenman. - 
The importance of a knowledge of the facts to be brought for- 
ward in this article, will be apparent to every one in any way ac- 
quainted with the manufacture of iron. It will be seen, that the 
time is not far distant, when the economy in the article of fuel, 
will amount in value to the present profit of many of the works. 
The consequence must be, that many of those works that are 
abandoned, will be resumed, and others erected in localities for- 
merly thought unfit. 
The daily increase of the demand for this article, in the construc- 
tion of rail-roads and machinery, and the supply of this country 
falling short of its demands, are directing a large amount of eapi- 
tal towards the construction of furnaces, rolling-mills, and other 
ron works. The time is not far distant, when the silent influ- 
ence of our extensive mineral resources will tend more to lay 
aside one of our great congressional bones of contention, than 
all the oratory of our statesmen. 
_ It is well known, that the blast furnace is the first into which 
the ore is introduced for the purpose of converting it into mallea- 
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