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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Paper, 'Of the mineral called by Dr Merrett Zaffora: A paper found amongst Dr [Robert] Hooke's by Mr Waller'

Reference number: CLP/20/95

Date: 17th century

Description

Discusses a stone called cobalt (here 'Kobalt') which was dug out of the earth by miners. Then describes a baking process which calcifies the cobalt, which is then mixed with other minerals and becomes hard again. It is then sold and is called zoffloer or zaffora by miners.

Subject: Mineralogy, Chemistry

Reference number
CLP/20/95
Earliest possible date
17th century
Physical description
Ink on paper
Page extent
2 pages
Format
Manuscript

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Citation

Paper, 'Of the mineral called by Dr Merrett Zaffora: A paper found amongst Dr [Robert] Hooke's by Mr Waller', 17th century, CLP/20/95, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/clp_20_95/paper-of-the-mineral-called-by-dr-merrett-zaffora-a-paper-found-amongst-dr-robert-hookes-by-mr-waller, accessed on 10 December 2025

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https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/clp_20_95/paper-of-the-mineral-called-by-dr-merrett-zaffora-a-paper-found-amongst-dr-robert-hookes-by-mr-waller

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  • Classified Papers

    The 'Classified Papers' of the Royal Society are papers from British and international natural philosophers and scholars categorised according to subject areas.

    Dates: 1592 - 1741

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