Mining for Metals in Wales
Mining for Metals in Wales By F. J. North National Museum of Wales 1962 We learn from the history of nearly all ages that very many men have been made rich by the mines. Georgius Agricola, De Re Metallica, 1556. PREFACE This monograph has been prepared by the former Keeper of Geology in the Museum, who served as Acting-Keeper of the newly established Department of Industry pending the appointment of the present head of the Department, Mr. D. Morgan Rees, M.A. It provides a brief summary of the widely dispersed literature of the subject, synthesized in the light of personal observations over many years. An adequate history of the mining industry in Wales has yet to be written, but in the meantime the bibliography here included will, it is hoped, lead those who wish for further information to the more important of the works in which it can be found. As the Department of Industry develops, and especially when the galleries in the new west wing become available, exhibits illustrating many of the operations described in these pages will play an increasingly important part, and information and objects likely to be of assistance in preparing such exhibits will be welcomed in the Department. D. DILWYN JOHN, April, 1962. Director. CONTENTS Page List of illustrations vi Introduction vii 1. The origins and distribution of ores 1 THE FIRST PERIOD From prehistoric times to the Dark Ages 11. Mining in prehistoric times 8 III. Mining by the Romans 12 IV. The Dark and Middle Ages 30 THE SECOND PERIOD From the Tudor Renaissance to the Mine Adventurers V.
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