In order to know the meaning of the term crucible, it is necessary, in the first place, to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can establish that it is a word that derives from the Catalan “cresol”, which is used to define a type of clay bowl. Word that came from the vulgar Latin term “cruceolum” and this from “crucibulum”, which was a cross-shaped bowl.
A crucible is a container that is made of refractory materials, used for melting certain substances at high temperature. They are usually produced with graphite and clay.
Metals such as gold and nickel are usually melted in crucibles, which are capable of withstanding temperatures of more than 1,500ºC in some cases. By extension, laboratory devices that resist fire are called crucibles.
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Different elements can be mixed in crucibles. In this way, the term also acquires a symbolic use that refers to a mix or a combination of different factors, issues or properties.
In the same way, the term melting pot of cultures is also used. This is used to refer to societies where people belonging to different religions, cultures and ethnic groups coexist. It must be established that this expression was created by the British writer of Jewish origin Israel Zangwill in his 1908 work entitled “The Melting Pot”.
With this term it comes to indicate that people, regardless of their beliefs, their traditions or their origins, coexist in a harmonious way and having as main values respect for others and tolerance. However, it is often complex and there are even episodes of violence.
In this way, a society that is a melting pot of cultures is clearly opposed to what is racial segregation or even ghettos.
“Crisol”, on the other hand, is the name of a Spanish newspaper that was published in Madrid. The publication circulated between 1931 and 1932. Authors such as José Ortega y Gasset and Ramón Pérez de Ayala, among others, wrotein “Crisol”.
The term crucible also appears in the title of movies (such as the Argentine film “Crisol de Hombres” ), theater plays ( “El crucible”, also known as “Las Brujas de Salem”, whose original title is “The Crucible” ). and other artistic proposals.
In the same way, in 1996 there was the premiere of a film entitled “El crucible” which is based on a work by Arthur Miller. It comes to tell that in the city of Salem, in the year 1692, a group of women is accused of practicing witchcraft, among whom is Abigail who will not hesitate to reveal the reason for her accusation, having had a relationship with the husband of the marriage that indicates it.
