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

In article ,
Gary Coffman wrote:
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.

Another from about the same period (first edition was apparently
in 1540) is _Pirotechnia_ (_De La Pirotechnica_) by Biringuccio. It
covers a lot about metal ores and smelting, and casting of things such
as cannon and bells, as well as fireworks, and how to bring down a
castle wall with a mine.

It was reprinted in English in 1942, and again in 1959, which is
the edition which I have.

I don't know whether there have been any more recent reprints.

Good Luck,
DoN.
--
Email: | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564
(too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html
--- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero ---