Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 7.2 Map depicting the district around Montbard, showing the
location of Buffon's chateau and some iron forges (from Buffon, E
´
poques
(1819), facing p. 421).
There, marked close to Montbard, are four forges which drew on small
deposits of iron ore for their rawmaterial and timber from the adjacent
forests for their fuel. One of these was constructed on his estate by
Buffon in 1768, and to provide the required power to fuel the work-
ings of the bellows he made his workforce divert a tributary of the
Arman ¸on River.
Buffon had begun experimenting with iron in 1767, most prob-
ably in a local forge, but obviously enjoyed the experience enough
to want his own premises (Figure
7.3
). The structure was well built,
and amazingly it still stands today (its present owners rent it out to
holiday-makers). The best description in English of the structure
and ancillary buildings is given in Roger's 1997 biography of Buffon
(page 356):
The blast furnace is remarkable. It is approached by an 'imposing
facade,' and a porch surrounded by two alcoves on either side, as if to
