The Powder Mills of Argyll

Abstract

Through the use of documentary sources the author traces the development of the charcoal producing industry in Argyll and its use both for iron smelting and for the production of black powder during the Crimean War. The Melfort gunpowder works are studied in detail and the hazardous nature of black powder production is demonstrated by the explosion record. The industrial archaeology at Melfort is described in an appendix by Alan Crocker.     

Obituary: Harry R. G. Inglis,F.R.S.G., F.S.A.Scot.

During the late 1970s a new aggressive strain of Dutch elm disease became established in parts of southern and central Scotland and it is continuing to spread in many areas. This paper outlines the geography of the disease within Scotland and explores the way in which the Regional Councils have responded to the threat to the elm population.     

Chan, Alan K.L.,and Yuet-Keung Lo, eds., Philosophy and Religion in Early Medieval China

The terms "philosophy" and "religion" sometimes arouse the suspicion of Orientalism.Fortunately,the editors and authors gathered here do not engage in controversies about whether China did or did not have religion and/or philosophy.Instead,they delve right into the thick of things.The volume comes neatly accompanied by a second one on Interpretation and Literature,which includes an article by Poo Mu-chou蒲慕州,the title of which,"Justice,Morality,andSkepticism in Six Dynasties Ghost Stories," points to the great volatility of our concepts of literature,philosophy,and religion.     

Douglas Alexander Allan,C.B.E., LL.D., D.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.S.G.S., F.R.S.E., F.H.W.C., F.M.A.

The function and expansion of skiing in Scotland are discussed in relation to the changing climatic conditions of the last few decades.     

The library of Philip the Bold and Margaret of Flanders,first Valois duke and duchess of Burgundy

Dukes of the Valois Burgundian race in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries provide an instructive chapter in the history of book making and book collecting. Starting with the books of Philip the Bold (Philippe le Hardi), the Burgundian library reached an impressive size through the efforts of Philip the Good, whose love of books, as of all else in the realm of art, made it one of the most remarkable collections of the fifteenth century. To the interests and influence of the dukes in the expansion of the library were added those of the duchesses, who were naturally affected by the activities of their husbands and, in the cases of Isabel of Portugal and Margaret of York, were equally responsible for new developments in the trends in the making, gathering, and reading of books. This study, based principally upon printed sources, will treat of the acquisition of books and some of the uses of them by the first Valois duke and duchess, Philip the Bold and Margaret of Flanders.     

The library of Philip the Bold and Margaret of Flanders,first Valois duke and duchess of Burgundy

Dukes of the Valois Burgundian race in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries provide an instructive chapter in the history of book making and book collecting. Starting with the books of Philip the Bold (Philippe le Hardi), the Burgundian library reached an impressive size through the efforts of Philip the Good, whose love of books, as of all else in the realm of art, made it one of the most remarkable collections of the fifteenth century. To the interests and influence of the dukes in the expansion of the library were added those of the duchesses, who were naturally affected by the activities of their husbands and, in the cases of Isabel of Portugal and Margaret of York, were equally responsible for new developments in the trends in the making, gathering, and reading of books. This study, based principally upon printed sources, will treat of the acquisition of books and some of the uses of them by the first Valois duke and duchess, Philip the Bold and Margaret of Flanders.