Modern curiosities of art & nature extracted out of the cabinets of the most eminent personages of the French court : together with the choicest secrets in mechanicks, communicated by the most approved artists of France
Lémery, Nicolas, 1645-1715.
How to melt all manner of Metals in a Nut∣shell, without burning of it.
Take Salt-peter two ounces, Sulphur half an ounce, sawings of Oak, Walnut-tree, or other dry Wood half an ounce, the said Saw-dust must be very small, the Salt-peter and Sulphur powdred to impalpable Dust; mix it altogether, and fill a Nutshell with this Powder to the Edges, then put a piece of Gold, Silver, or other Metal upon it, and co∣ver it with the said Powder, then set fire to the Powder that is under it, that Metal that shall be between the two Powders will melt, and remain at the bottom of the shell.
