Title

Checking the quality of Saltpetre

Caption

Checking the quality of Saltpetre (Nitre, Potassium Nitrate, or KN03), 1574. [1683]. Saltpetre is the principal ingredient in gunpowder, and is still used in the preservation of some foods. In medicine it was used internally as a diuretic, but now is only used externally for a number of conditions, such as asthma. From 1683 English edition of "Beschreibung allerfurnemisten mineralischen Ertzt", Lazarus Ercker, (Prague, 1574). Copperplate engraving.

Info+

Photos12.com - Ann Ronan Picture Library

Credit line

Photo12/Ann Ronan Picture Library

Reference

ARP07104_460001058

License type

Rights managed

Available size

29,1Mb (2,4Mb) / 11,8in x 9,6in / 3543 x 2867 (300dpi)