An example of anthropomorphism in describing a scientific process:
"…the modern practice, consists in stirring the melted pig-iron on the bed of a reverberatory furnace, so as to bring each portion of the whole mass successively up to the surface, and allow the oxygen of the air to seize upon and combine with the carbon and silicon, which become separated from the iron in the form of 'cinder', leaving the product of the operation malleable or 'wrought iron'."
Cochrane, R. (Ed.). (1897). Heroes of Invention and Discovery. Lives of eminent inventors and pioneers in science. W. P. Nimmo, Hay, & Mitchell.
Read examples of anthropomorphism in science
The notion that chemical reactions involve one active species that forces another to react seems to be a common alternative conception.
n.b. the term 'pig-iron' can be seen as due to a kind of visual metaphor, as in early production the pig iron was poured into moulds that gave the impression (to someone) of a mother pig suckling her young.
