The Limits of Matter: Chemistry, Mining & Enlightenment by Hjalmar Fors

The book 'The Limits of Matter: Chemistry, Mining & Enlightenment' by Hjalmar Fors explores the intersection of early modern chemistry and mining, particularly within the Swedish Bureau of Mines from the late 17th to mid-18th century. It argues that Swedish chemists integrated natural philosophy—encompassing both chemical theory and experimentation—into state institutions, influencing mineralogy and mining practices. Fors contends that this integration contributed to the modern concept of chemical elements, though this claim is critiqued for overlooking historical nuances, such as the phlogiston theory's prevalence among 18th-century chemists. The study examines key figures like Urban Hjärne and Axel Cronstedt but lacks detailed technical analysis of laboratory practices or their direct impact on mining methods, leaving gaps in understanding how chemistry shaped mining advancements.

Klein, U. (2016). The Limits of Matter: Chemistry, Mining & Enlightenment by Hjalmar Fors. Technology and Culture, 57(3), 668–670. https://doi.org/10.1353/tech.2016.0077