Publications
The Introduction and Early Spread of the Blast Furnace in Europe, by Alex den Ouden, published 1985 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 5, article, pp.21-35, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16400] & The Keep [LIB/506559] Download PDF
Abstract:The classical hypothesis that the blast furnace originated in the Walloon part of present-day Belgium in the 13th or early 14th century is incomplete. It is now postulated that (independent) indigenous developments in Sweden, Italy and Belgium took place almost simultaneously. The spread of the new technology from these centres was governed by various technical and economical factors and a rather complex pattern evolved. Matters are further complicated by the adherence, in some areas, to the direct process. This article traces, and tentatively explains, the development of the earliest blast furnaces and their adoption.