In 18th century France, verdigris (the copper acetate formed by the action of acetic acid on copper) was produced almost exclusively by women. Although the major focus of this article is the economics and sociology of 18th century verdigris production, Benhamou describes the Montellian process of manufacture (based on the fermentation of grapes in an urn containing strips of copper) and the required equipment in detail and notes late 18th century modifications of the process. -- AATA