lead furnace

The furnace by which the ores of lead are reduced to the metallic state. The sulphuret, commonly known as galena, is the principal source from which the pure metal is derived. The ore, having been picked, is broken and washed to separate earthy and siliceous matters. It is then roasted until about half the charge is converted into sulphate of lead, when this and the portion which remains intact are thoroughly mixed, and the heat rapidly increased, by which means sulphurous-acid is driven off, and pure metallic lead remains. lead-glance, s. Min.: The same as GALENITE (q. v.). lead-gray, s. & a. A. As subst.: A color resembling lead. B. As adj .: Of a gray color like lead; leaden gray. lead-lights, s. pl . A form of casement window in which small panes are fixed in leaden cames, which are attached to cro -bars called saddle-bars. lead-like, adv . As heavy as lead; like lead. lead-line, 8. Naut.: A sounding-line.