inquartation

American  

[in-kwawr-tey-shuhn] / ˌɪn kwɔrˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. (in assaying) the addition of silver to a gold-silver alloy in order to facilitate the parting of the gold by nitric acid.

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Etymology

Origin of inquartation

1880–85; perhaps < French inquartation. See in- ², quarter, -ation

Example Sentences

It has the further advantage, that, if the quantity of silver necessary for inquartation is known, the right quantity may be added here, so as to save a subsequent operation.

From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius

The next operation in either case is parting either with or without a previous inquartation.

From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius

If our conclusions are correct that the first of these began to appear at about 1510, then they give the first description of inquartation.

From De Re Metallica, Translated from the First Latin Edition of 1556 by Agricola, Georgius