Letter from Léon Brun, director of the Forges et Aciéries de la Marine, to Schaeffer on the chemical analyses of samplesLéon Brun

Printed: LÉON BRUN

Printed: DIRECTOR

Printed: OF THE NAVAL FORGES AND STEELWORKS

Printed: HOMECOURT

Printed: (MEURTHE-ET-MOSELLE)

Homécourt, 1 October 1930.

Handwritten: signature

Dear Sir,

I am still studying the two samples you sent me. The chemical analyses carried out show:

- For one: a "mineral" very rich in iron and sulphur, containing a little copper.

If this "mineral" were an iron ore, the examination, in my opinion, would lose much of its interest. But I am fairly convinced that I am dealing with a treatment slag from a copper and iron ore. If so, it would indeed be a very interesting thing; perhaps I shall be able to prove it?

- For the other, which was adhering to a piece of crucible (?), a "mineral" which must have been reduced to powder and which the analysis shows to be a copper carbonate.

As the metallurgical treatment of the first sample may require the use of an oxide which is obtained very easily by roasting a carbonate, this, as you think, is of the greatest interest and would suppose that the metallurgists of that age were most skilful. But one must be very cautious and I need to work on the question further in order to be more affirmative.

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