CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE REDUCTION OF GOLD, SILVER, AND OTHER ORES
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Symonds and Thomas Mara Fell, Smelters
and Gold Ores Reducers, of Sufferance Wharf, Mill Wall, Poplar, in the
County of Middlesex, for the Invention of CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
REDUCTION OF GOLD, SILVER, AND OTHER ORES."
Sealed the 14th October 1856, and dated the 14th April 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Symonds and Thomas
Mara Fell at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 14th April 1856.
We, JOHN SYMONDS and THOMAS MARA FELL, Sinelters and Gold Ores
Reducers, of Sufferance Wharf, Mill Wall, Poplar, in theCountyof Middlesex,
do hereby declare the natureof the said Iuvention for CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE REDUCTION OF GOLD, SILVER, AND OTHER ORES, to be as follows:-
We propose to levigate prepared hard silicious matrix by a new arrange-
ment of stamping apparatus, the bed plate being placed at an angle suitable
for the delivery of the material after pounding. Stamps of the usual or
required weight are placed vertically on this inclined plane, and, by means of
the necessary and known machinery for raising weights, are allowed to fall,
pounding or levigating the material. In fine grinding, or reducing with water,
we use apparatus constructed to pass the ore through sieves of the required
fiueness. Gold ores, after having been reduced by grinding or stamping, are
generally submitted to a process of washing, and eventually amalgimation
Price 8d1

page_text: with mercury. We, however, prefer amalgimating direct, and for this
purpose, when fine grinding in the presence of water, introduce sufficient
mercury immediately into the apparatus.
For the further reduction of dry material or the tailings of the crushing
machines we construct a circular cask or cylinder having projections & par-
titions for the purpose of triturating the mass with quantities of water, which
is thus brought into a fit state for submersion in mercury, through which it is
passed either by mechanical means or pressure, the obtained amalgam being
afterwards treated for the metals and sublimed by the ordinary process of
retorting.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Symonds and Thomas Mara Fell in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 14th October 1856.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, JOHN
SYMONDS and THOMAS MARA FELL, Smelters and Gold Ore Reducers, of
Sufferance Wharf, Mill Wall, Poplar, in the County of Middlesex, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six,in the nineteenth year of Herreign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us, the said
John Symonds and Thomas Mara Fell, Her special licence that we, the
said John Symonds and Thomas Mara Fell, or our executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as we, the said John Symonds and Thomas
Mara Fell, or our executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for CERTAIN IMPROVE
MENTS IN THE REDUCTION OF GOLD, SILVER, AND OTHER ORES, upon the condition
(amongst others) that we, the said John Symonds and Thomas Mara Fell, or
our executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under our, or
their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascer-
tain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to
be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.

page_text: KNOW KNOW YE, that we, the said Jonn Symonds and Thomas Mara
Fell, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what
manuer the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
Our said Invention, the result of long investigation, observation, and expe-
rience in and of the present imperfect means of reducing various descriptions
of ores, has for its object certain improvements herein given in connexion
with the reduction of gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, and other ores, and also.
minerals, parts of which said improvements may be applicable for other uses.
In levigating or pounding hard silicious mineral, previously prepared for
reduction, we propose a new arrangement of stamping apparatus, the bed
plate being placed at any angle suitable for the delivery of the material after
pounding. Stamps of the usual or required weight are placed vertically on
this inclined plane, and, by means of the necessary and ordinary mechanism
for raising weights, are allowed to rise and fall, pounding or levigating the
material.
In fine grinding, when reducing with water, the apparatus is supplied with
sieves. through which the material is passed. Ores or minerals, after being
reduced to the required fineness, may be submitted to the process of amalga-
mation herein given, or, when in chemical combination requiring the direct
application of heat,to a wind furnace, by the combined action of a concentrated
blast of atmospheric air, hot or cold. aud steam, with a necessary quantity of
free carbon in the form of soot or other cheap carbonaceous material intro-
duced into the molten ore in a finely divided or pulverised state, thereby
better supporting combustion, and effecting a saving in the present use of coke,
wood, coal, &c. This constant and continuous introduction of a quantity of
fin-ly powdered carbonaceous material, in connexion with the jets of steam
and atmospheric air, is especially beneficial in the use of the cupola or
blast furnace with copper, lead, and iron ores, producing a better description
of metal. Gold and silver ores, after having been reduced by grinding or
stamping, are generally submitted to a process of washing, and eventually
amalgamation with mercury. We, however, prefer amalgamating direct, and
for this purpose the dry material or the tailings of the crushing machines is
introduced into a circular cask or cylinder, having projections and partitions
for the purpose of triturating the mass with quantities of water, which is thus
brought into a fit state to be acted upon by mercury, through which it is

page_text: passed by mechanical pressure, as herein described, the obtained amalgam
is afterwards heated for the metals, and sublimed by retorting.
In order that these our said several improvements or invention may be
fully understood and readily carried into effect, we will now proceed parti
cularly to describe the same, and for that purpose refer to the several Figures
on the Sheets of Drawings hereunto annexed, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts.
Figures 1 and 2, vertical and side elevation of our improved plan of
stamping or reducing minerals previously or after calcination, as may be
preferred. A, stamps, of any required weight, placed on the inclined iron bed
(B); A1 and A. 2, other stamps pounding on the gratings (C, C); D. lifters;
E, framework and lifting gear of the ordinary construction of endless chain,
as shewn, or for this purpose may be used the most convenient of the many
other known appliances; F. fly; G, rigger wheel; H, feeding hopper; I, trap;
K, water trap; L, sieve; and M, casing, enclosing or surrounding stamps.
The operation and utility of this apparatus is as follows:-The mineral or ore
or other hard substance requiring crushing is supplied at the hopper (H). and
is first reduced by the stamp A 1 to small pieces, which by opening the trap
(I) may be had in this state. The trap being closed, as shewn in the Figure,
the partly reduced material, either by its own gravity, motion of the machine,
or by water supplied through the hopper H, passes to and under stamp A 2,
and next to the series of stamps on the bed plate (A 3, A 4, A 5, and A 6).
By this equitable and consecutive plan of crushing on the form of bed and
head of stamp (see Figure 2). presenting at all times the atom of mineral to
the direct action of the whole force or weight, the substance is more readily
and economically reduced to powder, being delivered in a wet or dry condition
by simply using or dispensing with the water (trap K).
Many ores, especially those of gold and silver, contain the metal in a very
finely divided state; in fact the atom is so minute that, for the successful
extraction thereof, the ore requires to be produced for amalgamation as fine
as possible, or in an impalpable powder (without grit), which no sieve, how-
ever fine, is capable of producing; for such description of ore we use our
atmospheric separator or blowing apparatus, a description of which is given
in Figures 3 and 4, vertical and side elevation. A, room or receiving chamber,
of any convenient size, divided by a partition (B); C, hopper; 1), regulator;
E, feeding apparatus, worked by the crank wheel (F); G, G, series of iron
plates arranged under each other; H, frame; I, floor of same; K, lifting
button; L, lifting apparatus or snail eccentric wheel; M, refuse hopper; N,
sliding board; O, communicating pipe with blast of atmospheric air; and P,

page_text: driving shaft with necessary rigger; R, exit apparatus for condensed air.
The operation is as follows:-Mineral, ground or pulverised as fine as possible,
in a dry state, is introduced into the hopper C, and supplied to the plates G
through the opening E 1 by the feeder E, the quantity being regulated by D,
at the same time motion being given to the snail eccentric wheel (L), the
frame H having the wi.ole of the plates attached, moving on the fixed centre
H 1, is rapidly caused to rise and fall by the button K, thereby jerking for.
ward the ore or mineral from the first plate to the second, and so on to the
third, fourth, and fifth, the bottom or floor of frame (1) constituting a sixth
or the last fall; the supply of atmospheric air entering by the pipe () is dis-
charged through or between these plates, the pressure of which isso regulated
that all mineral sufficiently ground is carried forward by the blast and
deposited in the receiving chamber (A) according to its degree of fineness,
from which it is afterwards collected, the coarse particles or unreduced
mineral accumulating in the refuse hopper being returned to the mill for a
further reduction or regrinding, when the operation of blowing is repeated.
The apparatus R, placed on the top at the extreme end of the chamber A,
consists of a pipe of any diameter, into which is placed the spindle R 1,
attached to a disc of wood with a circular opening, over which is fastened
a blanket or other fine material, through which the excess of atmospheric air
escapes without allowing fine particles of ore to pass. Should the density
within the chamber interfere with the free current or blast by an accumulating
of fine particles on the surface of this blanket, the spindle R 1 will raise the
disc, allowing the excess to escape, which at the same time falling removes
the obstruction by the peculiar jerk or reaction of the spindle. The plan of
blowing herein described is especially adapted for fining barytis or other
substance requiring a winnowing process.
Sulphurets or other ores, after crushing, or in an impalpable powder,
requiring preparation, calcination, or desulphuring, we submit to the fol-
lowing plan -Figures 5, 6, and 7, side elevation, front elevation, and enlarged
sectional view or mode of construction of our improvements in calcining
furnaces. A, calcining chambers or circular barrels or cylinders of iron, lined
or luted with any material capable of resisting the effects of fire, sulphur, &c.
We prefer an equal mixture of pounded cotel, fire clay, burnt slag, bone
ash, and cow dung, well beaten together with a small proportion of water."
B, communicating pipe with the condensing chamber (C); D, exit for
sulphurous acid gas; E, brick or exterior casing surrounding the cylinders,
forminga furnace for heating the same; F, flue or chimney in connection with

page_text: the main shaft; H. fire-place; I, ash-pit; K, cold air plug; L, bearing rollers
supporting cylinders; M, door; N, feeding, and O.exit slides,for charging and
discharging cylinders; !', a small vessel, into which is placed a mixture of
manganese and potash, or any substance or chemical capable of supplying
oxygen to the vapour fumes, thereby converting the same into sulphuric acid.
The plan of luting or lining will be better understood on reference to Figure 7,
the cylinder being cast with a number of projections R, between which the
luting is held. The operation is conducted as follows:-Each cylinder is con-
structed to carry a charge of 1 ton, and when loaded is about three-fourths
full, as shewn in Figure 7; motion being given by means of the rigger
wheel (S), driven by steam or other convenient source of power, the cylinders
rotate or perform a necessary number of revolutions, the effect being to keep
the mass in a constant state ofagitation, and to allow each atom on arriving at
the point or surface marked R 1 to discharge or allow the sulphur or volatile
matter to escape with greater certainty and facility than by the ordinary
method of hand puddling in the common furnace. The sulphurous acid in
dense vapour passes out by the small exit tube D into the stationary com-
municating pipe B, in which it is intimately brought in contact with the
necessary supply of oxygen, condensing in the chamber C as sulphuric acid.
The operation lasts usually from four to eight hours, thus shortening the usual
time abont one-half, and effecting a saving in labour and fuel fully 75 per
cent. Gold and silver ores after calcination generally contain the metal in its
metallic state, that is, the metallic gold (native), and metallic gold from the
sulphurets, should chloric acid be prevalent in the ore, forming chlorides of
gold or silver, we use in the above process 10 to 15 per cent. of carbonate of
soda, mixed dry or in solution. The above furnace is applicable for many
purposes of drying, &c., affording an equitable and constant heat.
Figures 8 and 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15,sectional elevations, side elevations,
plau, and details of our plan or process of amalgamation; Figures 8 and 9
constituting the triturator, and Figures 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, the amalga-
mator proper. A, A, four or more circular chambers, bolted at their circum-
ferences, and having a number ofpartitions or ribbed plates, with a pipe running
through the centre of each (C); D, plates of iron or stops; E, hopper; F, feed
pipe G, exit pipe; H, conical sieve; I and K, troughs; L, see Figures 11,
12, 13, 14, and 15) receiving hopper; M, M, two single-acting downwards
forcing pumps, worked by means of the crank shaft (N), the plunge O being
cast hollow and having small perforations in the bottom; these pumps terminate
by a blange in a chamber P, the large area portion thereof forming the recep-

page_text: tacle for mercury. R, circular plates, having rings projecting from the under
surface, with a deliveryor hole in the centre, through which thevertical shaft T
passes; S,other similarplates attached to shaft (T); U,guide, forming a stuffing
box; V, large exit pipe; V 1, spout; W, X, and Y 1, plugs; Y, mercury
feeding tube; Z, connecting crank rods, joined to the plungers by the ordinary
arrangements for that purpose; Z1, a pair of mitre wheels, driving shaft(T);
Z2, rigger; Z 3, hearings; and Z4, cradle, used for bisecting the tailings,
worked by hand or attached to the machine, as preferred. The mode or plan
of operation bythis apparatus is as follows:-The material is introduced with
a quantity of water into the feeding hopper (E), passing down the pipe F into
the first chamber of the circular triturator (Figures 8 and 9) marked B2
(Figure 9). The machine being in motion, the mixture is lifted and allowed.
to fall over andalong the ribbed surfaces into the next chamber or department,
and so on until finally passed out of the series through the pipe G, all return
being prevented by the stops D. The mass now thoroughly triturated,mixed,
and thinned, is run into the circular sieve H, through which the fine particles
pass bythe spout 1 to the hopper L of the amalgamator, the spout K carrying
off all unreduced ore for regrinding, &c.
Figure 10 is a modification of the plan of triturator, having four short rows
of bar iron (a) in addition to the circular ribbed surface, but having no parti-
tions whatever, may be used when less mixing is required. The amalgamator
being charged with quicksilver to the dotted line (Figure 12) in the three
apparatus, and the hopper (1) charged from the spout 1, the material or orc is
passed alternately by the plungers (0) through the ports I. 1 into and through
the mercury in chamber P, from whence it escapes by the large exit pipe
and spout V and V 1, after passing through the large extent of lateral surface
presented by the stationary and revolving plates R and S, the circular rings
intercepting or preventing any sudden exit, and at the same time keeping the
material to be amalgamated in a thin or divided condition. For unloading
the chambers P the plug X is removed,all matter or coarse material collecting
on the top plate S being periodically discharged through the plug Y 1. The
spouts V 4 prevent any waste by an overflow of the receiving hoppers L con-
ducting the surplus to the next amalgamator, the last ( 2) communicating
with a reservoir or collector, from which the material is afterwards removed
for amalgamation. By this treatment the metallic portion of the ore is
thoroughly cleansed from all impurities by the immense triturative surface
over which it is passed, thereby removing all adhering matter, exposing or
polishing the surface thereof, and in this prepared condition is subjected to a

page_text: series of amalgamators (2, 3, or more, as may be found beneficial), each
presenting a large surface of mercuryand consequentlymoreeffective facilities
for extracting the metal.
The obtained mercurial amalgam may be at once subjected to the process
of distillation; we, however, use an apparatus, of which Figures 16 and 17
represent vertical elevations. A, amalgam chamber or tube; B, mercury
reservoir; C, air pump and valves; D, crank and rod; E, pinion and spur,
connected by the small axle F; G, bearings; H, frame; I, any material
supported by the piece of metal (K) capable of straining mercury; we,
however, prefer a piece of wood, slightly porous, 1 inch in thickness;
L, plug; and M, floating apparatus, indicating the level of mercury, and con-
sequently the progress of the operation. Amalgam being introduced into
the chamber A, capable of holding any requisite quantity, by removing the
head or top plate (A 1), which is afterwards screwed or bolted down,
atmospheric air is forced into the space above the dotted lines, as shewn,
thereby pressing or straining the free or liquid mercury from the thick or
solid amalgam, which is obtained on again removing the pump and flange A1.
From the plug L the mercurymaybe had, in the course of a few minutes, freed
from metal and in a fit state for further use.. The perforations Bl allow an
escape of any excess of compressed air in the lower or collecting chamber (B).
The above atmospheric strainerwill greatlycconomise, facilitate, and improve
the use of the retort, the bulk of mercury being greatly reduced, thereby
effecting a saving in time and in the expense of evaporation.
Figures 18 and 19, our improved plan of retort, or last process in conver-
sion with amalgamation,adescriptionof which is as follows:-A,a tubeof iron,
with flange end, and set in or surrounded by brickwork or flues terminating
in the chimney B; C, fire-place; D, ash-pit; E, mercury trough of iron,
supported legs, preventing contact with the tube (A); F, moveable cover,
luted and kept on by the screw and clamp G; H, dome; I, guard; K, exit
tube; and L, receiving vessel. The operation is conducted as follows:-
The tube and apparatus having been increased to a temperature necessary
for the sublimation of quicksilver, and vessel L filled with cold water,great
caution is required. to preserve a constant and equitable heat of about
1,500 degrees Fah', the trough receiving by radiating from 700 to 800 degrees.
The mercury fumes, in the form of vapour, pass through the dome H, and
condense in the tube K, falling into the receiving vessel L. To provide
against the evil of a too sudden accession of temperature or overheating,
thereby causing portion of the mercury to pass mechanically over without

page_text: sublimation, the hood or guard (1) is placed about a quarter of an inch below
the dome (H), being made to overlap the mouth of the same at least one
inch. This operation of retorting is improved by adding a small piece of
metallic lead to the mercury, which is found to collect the precious metals in
one piece or bar, which is easily removed from the retort.
Having now fully described and ascertained the nature of our said improve-
ments, and the mode or plan of realizing the same, we would have it clearly
understood that we do not confine ourselves to the exact details as herein
described, as such are susceptible of many modifications; but what we more
particularly claim as our Invention consists,―
1st, the general system or arrangement of our said several improvements,as
herein described, as a process for the reduction of auriferous ores.
2nd, the said several and respective improved plans,as herein described, for
stamping, blowing, calcining, amalgamating, retorting, and the application of
compressed air for separating the amalgam from mercury, so far as the same
are applicable for the reduction of ores or minerals.
And, 3rd, for ores requiring the direct action of heat, the improvements, as
herein exemplified, in the furnace process of reduction, which is especially
adapted for iron, lead, and copper ores, namely, a combined blast of atmospheric
air and steam, and with carbonaceous substances in powder introduced with
the same, as lierein-before explained.
In witness whereof.we, the said John Symonds and Thomas Mara Fell,
have hereunto set our hands and seals,this Thirteenth day of October,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.