Furnace

(fürnas.) [Fr. fourneau, from L. fornax, & vault.] (Metall) An apparatus for melting metals, ., variously constructed, according to the use for which it is intended. It consists of a suitable fireplace, and receptacles to contain the substances to be operated upon; and is sometimes supplied with a dome, so as to reverberate the heat and flame. [s. 390] Zell's Condensed Cyclopedia