This article was originally published with the title “Great Crucible-Clay Deposit in Missouri” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 12 No. 25 (June 1865), p. 387 doi:10.1038 ...

The crowd gathered at the Hinsdale Mining Co. on Oct. 7, 1899, held its breath as the hammer fell upon the clay crucible in the center of the room. It cracked, splinters flying into the air, as a ...