A Treatise on the Blasting and Quarrying of Stone

This technical manual offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century industrial practices, detailing the precise methods and chemical formulations used for stone extraction during the Industrial Revolution. Burgoyne's work serves as both historical document and practical guide, covering everything from geological surveys to explosive placement with meticulous attention to detail. The reprinted 1874 edition preserves the original technical drawings and explosive recipes that would have been cutting-edge during the peak of quarrying expansion. Readers encounter a comprehensive system of stone removal that predates modern safety regulations, revealing the dangerous ingenuity of Victorian engineering.

Modern readers in industrial archaeology and engineering history will find this treatise particularly compelling for its unvarnished portrayal of pre-regulatory industry practices. The manual's value lies in its preservation of obsolete techniques and materials, offering contemporary researchers a baseline against which to measure technological progress in mining and demolition. While the safety procedures are understandably dated, the fundamental principles of rock mechanics and controlled blasting remain surprisingly relevant. This historical artifact ultimately bridges centuries of industrial development, connecting today's engineered demolitions with their explosive origins.