On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 19:57:18 -0700, Simon Jester wrote:
Is there a web page that covers the history of metal from its beginnings
on up thru modern steels? I like to see a timeline of who had what metal when
and who developed what when?

The book you want for a classical look at metalworking technique is
"De Re Metallica" by Georgius Agricola. Written in 1556, it covers all
the metalworking processes known up to that time. Still in print, and
available from Amazon.com.

Next up, read James Nasmyth's autobiography at
http://www.anvilfire.com/21centbs/stories/ for a look at the invention
of machine tools and the rise of the British metalworking industry.
(This online book is a good read. Nasmyth apprenticed to Maudslay,
invented the milling machine, etc.)

Then you might hunt up a copy of "Steelmaking in America" to bring
you up to date.

If you want something short and sweet, with pictures and graphs,
look in the World Book under "steel".

Gary