Millstone is one of the most ancient inventions of mankind. It is possible that it appeared even earlier than the wheel. What do millstones look like? What functions do they perform? And what is the principle of operation of this ancient mechanism? Let's figure it out!
Millstone - what is it?
According to scientists, our ancestors began to use this simple device in the Stone Age (10-3 millennium BC). What are millstones? This is a primitive mechanical device, consisting of two rounded blocks. Its main function is to grind grains and other vegetable products.
The word comes from the Old Slavonic "zhurnve". It can be translated as "heavy". The unit really could have a fairly solid weight. Millstones are mentioned in The Tale of Bygone Years. In particular, in the chronicles you can find the following phrase:
"Krupiasche zhito and izml with his own hands."
The word is often used in a figurative sense. Suffice it to recall such phrases as "millstones of war" or "millstones of history". In this context, these are cruel and fatal events in whicha person or an entire nation.
The image of millstones can be found in heraldry. For example, on the coat of arms of the small town of Höör, in southern Sweden.
A bit of history
In ancient times, people grinded grains, nuts, shoots, rhizomes in millstones, and also ground iron and dyes. Once they could be seen in almost every rural house. Over time, flour-grinding technologies improved, water mills appeared, and even later - windmills. Difficult and exhausting work was shifted to the shoulders of the forces of nature - wind and water. Although the work of any mill was based on the same millstone principle.
Earlier, in the villages there was a special caste of artisans who were engaged in the manufacture of millstones, as well as the repair of individual parts. During constant work, the millstones were worn away, their surfaces became smooth and ineffective. Therefore, they had to be sharpened periodically.
Today, millstones are history. Of course, few people today use these bulky units in everyday life. Therefore, they gather dust in museums and at various exhibitions, where curious tourists and lovers of antiquity can stare at them.
Design and principle of operation of millstones
The design of this mechanism is extremely simple. It consists of two round blocks of the same size, laid on top of each other. In this case, the lower circle is immobilized, and the upper circle rotates. The surfaces of both blocks are covered with a relief pattern, due to whichgrain grinding process.
Stone millstones are driven by a special cross-shaped pin mounted on a vertical wooden rod. It is very important that both units are properly aligned and adjusted. Poorly balanced burrs will produce poor quality grinds.
Most often, millstones were made from limestone or fine-grained sandstone (or from what was "at hand"). The main thing is that the material is hard enough and durable.
