Man, Metal and Magic
The article discusses about the history of metallurgy as it relates to man. It was during the latter part of the Stone Age that evidence of man’s intelligence and crude tools made of stone or metals were discovered. Metal was defined in the original article as any metallic compound found in the earth’s crust. The metallurgical process was marked out from the bronze manufacturing in the East, The Roman’s influence on mining and alchemy, iron making the Middle Ages, America’s dominating metal production, machine age and steel making, and lastly the birth of metallurgical science.
What is the relationship between metallurgy and human civilization? In the beginning, the discovery of metals led to manufacture and utilization of metal tools. Now, suitable metals and alloys are being invented because there is a specific need. Research studies and tests are being done in the laboratory to make suitable engineering materials that are in demand in the present and the future. Metallurgical scientists use metallurgical microscopes as part of their work. Metallurgical microscopes magnify and compare different metal sources and materials. Progress in the field of Metallurgy is a product of alternating necessity and invention. Metallurgical microscopes have helped in this progress.
Metals like copper, bronze, gold, silver, tin, and iron have intertwined history with human civilization. The story of mankind was made colorful by the colorful and funny narrative of the original article. Each of the metal or a metal product’s or theory’s discovery has an interesting story behind it.
The history of metallurgy started with the use of stones, copper, silver and gold as tools and weapons. The manufacture of copper began with crudely hammering it to shape, then it was heated and then smelted. The discovery and development of bronze and tin in different areas and civilization in the world differed and its use varied. No one knew who first discovered these metals. But, the Egyptians were responsible for introducing the method of casting called “lost wax” where it allows metal articles to be made in exact replica of a model. Metal makers during this time were called “smiths” and were revered as magicians or wizards. Their knowledge on metals made them powerful and sometimes as made advisors to kings or rulers.
Iron, according to the article, was the deadliest fruit of human ingenuity. Over the years, method of shaping and designing iron and other metals have been made. The classic method of solid diffusion was made possible by clamping together a flat surface of copper and gold. Steel is an alloy of iron which is made up of 1.5% carbon. Centuries later, it was discovered that steel and iron can be hardened by case hardening by heat. A lot of discoveries and wars were made and won during the Iron Age up to the present including bullets and cannons.
Metallurgy throughout the ages have helped humans in their quest for discovery and gold. Explorers were tasked to conquer other countries and of course bring riches (in gold, metals, goods) to their ruler. This period of colonization and discovery have helped nations rise and dominate others. Read the entire article
