The first comprehensive work on metallurgy, The Pirotechnia was published in 1540. Lavishly illustrated, it describes the equipment and processes of sixteenth-century mining, smelting, and metalworking. For centuries, this famous work has been a standard reference; it is especially valuable as a source of information on the state of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century technology. 94 woodcuts. Republication of the 1942 edition.
Here's a sample of other books in this Dover category
De Re Metallica by Georgius Agricola One of the most important scientific classics, and first to offer detailed technical drawings illustrating mining techniques, field research, and the earliest scientific methods. Translated by Herbert Hoover. 289 woodcuts.
A Short History of Technology: From the Earliest Times to A.D. 1900 by T. K. Derry, Trevor I. Williams Highly readable, profusely illustrated survey relates technology to history of every age: food production, metalworking, mining, steam power, transportation, electricity, much more. 354 black-and-white illustrations. 1961 edition.
