History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c13.s2.t5.13

v1.c13.s2.t5.13

In the author's opinion the Co-production of Pb-Ag alloy and Zn-Ag alloy is more probable because Pb and Zn have very restricted solubility and silver can alloy with both these metals. Hence, these alloys will be solidified in the condenser in two separate layers which could be easily separated. Afterwards Pb-Ag alloy could be refined by cupellation technique to produce Ag and PbO, and PbO may be treated in a separate furnace to produce lead. The surrounding area of Zawar has been also known for the production of these metals ever since pre- Harappan period. The process has been so successful that in 18th century Champion designed his vertical report on similar principles as described by Craddock(1987). It is also surmised that this as well as the Belgian report furnace (19th century A.D.) were designed after studying the Indian distillation system.