Page:Walks in the Black Country and its green border-land.pdf/163

Rh of Iron with Pit-cole and Sea-cole for the Preservation of Wood and Timber of Great Brittain so greatly then consumed by Ironworks; This Invention was by King James' command to be at large put in Print, which Book did contain near a quire of paper in quarto, called Simon Sturlevant. His Metallica, Anno 1612, May 22. Printed by ''George Eld. Cum Privilegio''.

"After Simon Sturtevant could not perform his making of Iron with Pit-cole or Sea-cole, according unto his engagement. King James and Prince Henry caused him to render up his Pattent, and a new Pattent was granted unto John Rovenson. Esq., who was also Enjoyned to write a Book of his Inventions, called Rovenson's Metallica. Printed for Thomas Thorp. Cum Privilegio; May 15, An. 1613.

"After John Rovenson, Esq., had often failed with his Inventions and great undertakings,—Gombleton, Esq., a servant of Queen Ann's, undertook to perform the Invention of making Iron with Pit-cole and Sea-cole; but he being as confident as others did Erect his works at Lambeth, which the Authour viewed; and Gombleton failing, the Learned and Ingenious Doctor JORDEN of Baths, the Authour's Acquaintance, and sundry others obtained Pattents for the making of Iron and smelting of Mines with Pit-cole and Sea-cole, for the Preservation of Wood and Timber, all which Inventions and endeavours to Effect and perfect the said Works have been by many heretofore well known, to have worthily attempted the said Invention though with fruitless success."

"Having seen many of their failings, I held it my duty to endeavour, if it were possible, to Effect and Perfect so laudable and beneficial, and also so much desired Inventions as the making of Iron into cast Works and Bars; and also the Melting. Extracting. Refining, and Reducing all sorts of Mines. Minerals, and Metals, with Pit-cole, Sea-cole, Peat, and Turf, for the preservation of wood and timber, so much exhausted by Iron Works of late."

"Having former knowledge and delight in Iron Works of my Fathers, when I was but a youth; afterwards at 20 years old, was I fetched from Oxford, then of Bayliol Colledge, Anno 1619, to work and manage 3 Iron Works of my Fathers, 1 Furnace and 2 Forges in the Chase of Pensuet, in Worcestershire; but Wood and Charcole growing then scant, and Pit-coles in great quantities abounding near the Furnace, did induce me to alter my Furnace, and to attempt by