Improve your understanding of lime mortars and calcareous cements with an 18th‑century classic
Discover how a pioneering chemist explored the science behind lime stone, chalk, sand, and water to create stronger, longer‑lasting cement for buildings, stucco, and decorative stone. This edition compiles experiments, observations, and practical conclusions aimed at cheaper, durable cement and better mortar.
In these pages you’ll find a systematic look at how different lime materials, sands, gravels, clays, and additives affect setting, strength, and weather resistance. The author compares antique and modern approaches, explains failures and remedies, and offers tested methods that practitioners can apply to construction and restoration work. The work blends theory with hands‑on testing to illuminate the factors that make cement endure longer.
- How lime‑stone, chalk, and other calcareous materials behave under heat and exposure
- The impact of sand types, gravel purity, and clay on mortar durability
- Practical approaches to mixing, setting, and protecting fresh mortar from rain and heat
- Historical context and insights into ancient cement practices, with modern relevance
Ideal for builders, masons, students of materials science, and readers curious about the science behind durable construction.