The hardening power of fire, a hellish inferno, tamed by humans. Crackling tension and calm activity. Hard work in scorching embers. Red-hot abysses, dancing tongues of fire. Then – ‘By God, men – salt it!’ Pious faith? Incantation? Anxiety about success, now – acrid smoke. Transformation into glass, salt glaze. Days of waiting. Restlessness and doubt. Has it worked? The kiln rests, the fire dies down. Finally – anxiety turns to joy. The old cycle. The life of the Euler! – Reineck, 1986 Over t...