On the Metallurgical method of Whelpley and Storer. 307 
and glass furnaces, for the working of iron, and even for the 
generation of steam. Solid combustibles are by this method 
practically volatilized, and broken and refuse fuel is made avail- 
able. . 
The calcination of sulphuretted ores, however, requires but a 
comparatively low temperature, and an abundant supply of oxy- 
gen. The fire-tower of the water-furnace, being heated to red- 
ness, the ore, with or without addition of pulverized fuel, is 
driven by asmall fan into the great current of air down the 
tower; the sulphur and the base metals are rapidly oxydized 
and the calcined material falls into the water-tank beneath, while 
the current of air passes through successive chambers, built 
over this tank, and open to it beneath. This movement is aided 
by a large fan-wheel placed at the end of the series, which being 
furnished with paddles dipping into the water, produces in the 
final chamber a great amount of spray, serving alike to precipi- 
tate the suspended dust, and promote the absorption of the sul- 
phurous acid gas, The escape of the excess of this into the air, 
provided it is not required for farther use, is prevented by a sec- 
ond spray-wheel beyond, supplied with milk of lime or some 
other absorbent. 
of chlorid of calcium, one of sulphurous acid, a  cu- 
pric oxyd, and giving rise to one equivalent of sulphate of lime, 
The caleined and oxydized ore falling into the 
extends sixty feet or more beneath the furnace and its chambers, 
carried forward, with constant agitation, by means of a sub- 
