Retread Resources Ltd.
The More Things Change The More They Remain The Same
Retread Resources > History > The More Things Change
In 1556 one the first and most important books on mining and natural resource extraction, De Re Metallica by Georgius Agricola was published. The science of Geology had not yet been invented. Natural resources had been utilized and recovered from the earth for thousands of years but this was the first comprehensive publication. We have gained much knowledge about the earth since. Humanity has learned to mine and recover natural resources that were unrecognized in 1556. The activities of miners, geologists, mining and petroleum engineers since that time have been critical in making modern society what it is today.
We are proud to present copies of a few of the wonderful Wood cut illustrations that are found in De Re Metallica. It is our hope that you will enjoy looking at them and reading this brief extract from De Re's opening section. Copies of Dr. Re Metallica can be found in many libraries around the world, and it is available through book sellers. We invite you to seek out a copy, if for nothing more then the enjoyment of the art and the music of the prose. I was struck by how true today this brief quotations from 1556 still is.
"Many persons hold the opinion that the metal industries are fortuitous and that the occupation is one of sordid toil, and altogether a kind of business requiring not so much skill as labor. But as for myself, when I reflect carefully upon its special points one by one, it appears to be far otherwise. For a miner must have the greatest skill in his work, that he may know first of all what mountain or hill, what valley or plain, can be prospected most profitably, or what he should leave alone; moreover, he must be thoroughly familiar with the many and varied species of earths, juices, gems, stones, marbles, rocks, metals, and compounds. He must also have a complete knowledge of the methods of making all underground works. Lastly, there are the various systems of assaying substances and of preparing them for smelting. Furthermore, there are many arts and sciences of which a miner should not be ignorant.
First there is Philosophy, that he may discern the origin, cause, and nature of subterranean things; for then he will be able to dig out the veins easily and advantageously, and to obtain more abundant results from his mining.
Secondly, there is Medicine, that he may be able to look after his diggers and other workman, that they do not meet with those diseases to which they are more liable than workmen in other occupations, or if they do meet with them, that he himself may be able to heal them or may see that the doctors do so.
Thirdly follows Astronomy, that he may know the divisions of the heavens and from them judge the direction of the veins.
Fourthly, there is the science of Surveying that he may be able to estimate how deep a shaft should be sunk to reach the tunnel which is being driven to it, and to determine the limits and boundaries in these workings, especially in depth.
Fifthly, his knowledge of Arithmetical Sciences should be such that he may calculate the cost to be incurred in the machinery and the workings of the mine.
Sixthly, his learning must comprise Architecture, that he himself may construct the various machines and timber work required underground, or that he may be able to explain the method of the construction to others.
Next, he must have knowledge of Drawing, that he can draw plans of his machinery.
Lastly, there is the law, especially that dealing with metals, that he may claim his own rights, that he may undertake the duty of giving others his opinion on legal matters, that he may not take another man's property and so make trouble for himself, and that he may fulfill his obligations to others according to the law."
From: De Re Metallica by Georgius Agricola, translated by Herbert Clark and Louise Henry Hoover.
Mr. Agricola wanted his miners to be true renaissance men and women (I suspect he never thought of female miners, who are among the best I have ever worked with) Today no one of us could fill the knowledge shoes he laid out. Many of our tools and some of our methods would be known to him. We work in teams all with some knowledge of the others areas of specialization but dependent upon each other for expert knowledge and experience. At Retread Resources we pride ourselves on being just such experts. We also pride ourselves on knowing the limitations of our individual expertise, therefore the right team member(s) are always available to the client. The berth of knowledge and experience he articulated has not changed only the depth has increased. The more things change the more they truly remain the same. -- dn
B.C. Archives "Time Machine" Caribou Gold Rush: http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/
B.C. Archives "Time Machine" Resource Development: http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/
We are proud to present copies of a few of the wonderful Wood cut illustrations that are found in De Re Metallica. It is our hope that you will enjoy looking at them and reading this brief extract from De Re's opening section. Copies of Dr. Re Metallica can be found in many libraries around the world, and it is available through book sellers. We invite you to seek out a copy, if for nothing more then the enjoyment of the art and the music of the prose. I was struck by how true today this brief quotations from 1556 still is.
"Many persons hold the opinion that the metal industries are fortuitous and that the occupation is one of sordid toil, and altogether a kind of business requiring not so much skill as labor. But as for myself, when I reflect carefully upon its special points one by one, it appears to be far otherwise. For a miner must have the greatest skill in his work, that he may know first of all what mountain or hill, what valley or plain, can be prospected most profitably, or what he should leave alone; moreover, he must be thoroughly familiar with the many and varied species of earths, juices, gems, stones, marbles, rocks, metals, and compounds. He must also have a complete knowledge of the methods of making all underground works. Lastly, there are the various systems of assaying substances and of preparing them for smelting. Furthermore, there are many arts and sciences of which a miner should not be ignorant.
First there is Philosophy, that he may discern the origin, cause, and nature of subterranean things; for then he will be able to dig out the veins easily and advantageously, and to obtain more abundant results from his mining.
Secondly, there is Medicine, that he may be able to look after his diggers and other workman, that they do not meet with those diseases to which they are more liable than workmen in other occupations, or if they do meet with them, that he himself may be able to heal them or may see that the doctors do so.
Thirdly follows Astronomy, that he may know the divisions of the heavens and from them judge the direction of the veins.
Fourthly, there is the science of Surveying that he may be able to estimate how deep a shaft should be sunk to reach the tunnel which is being driven to it, and to determine the limits and boundaries in these workings, especially in depth.
Fifthly, his knowledge of Arithmetical Sciences should be such that he may calculate the cost to be incurred in the machinery and the workings of the mine.
Sixthly, his learning must comprise Architecture, that he himself may construct the various machines and timber work required underground, or that he may be able to explain the method of the construction to others.
Next, he must have knowledge of Drawing, that he can draw plans of his machinery.
Lastly, there is the law, especially that dealing with metals, that he may claim his own rights, that he may undertake the duty of giving others his opinion on legal matters, that he may not take another man's property and so make trouble for himself, and that he may fulfill his obligations to others according to the law."
From: De Re Metallica by Georgius Agricola, translated by Herbert Clark and Louise Henry Hoover.
Mr. Agricola wanted his miners to be true renaissance men and women (I suspect he never thought of female miners, who are among the best I have ever worked with) Today no one of us could fill the knowledge shoes he laid out. Many of our tools and some of our methods would be known to him. We work in teams all with some knowledge of the others areas of specialization but dependent upon each other for expert knowledge and experience. At Retread Resources we pride ourselves on being just such experts. We also pride ourselves on knowing the limitations of our individual expertise, therefore the right team member(s) are always available to the client. The berth of knowledge and experience he articulated has not changed only the depth has increased. The more things change the more they truly remain the same. -- dn
B.C. Archives "Time Machine" Caribou Gold Rush: http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/
B.C. Archives "Time Machine" Resource Development: http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/