Originally published in 1887, this comprehensive study of the metallurgy of precious metals is a valuable resource for historians, chemists, and mining professionals alike. Egleston thoroughly covers the processes of extraction, refining, and assaying used in the United States at the time, and includes detailed descriptions of the equipment and techniques involved. This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the mineral processing industry in the late 19th century, and provides a starting point for research into more modern methods of extraction. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.