606 APPENDIX. 



Page 60. 



On this subject I append four letters, one from Dr. Percy, F.E.S., 

 two from Messrs. Jenkin and Lefeaux, the highly experienced 

 assayers to Messrs. P. Grenfell and Sons, and one from Mr. (now 



Sir) H. H. Vivian : 



November 11, 1868. 



MY DEAR SIR JOHN LUBBOCK, 



I have paid considerable attention to the subject of ancient 

 bronze, and all the information I have gathered respecting it is 

 directly opposed to Mr. Wibel's view. The remarkable uniformity 

 in the composition of ancient bronze is in itself sufficient to refute 

 that view. When I speak of uniformity, I should add that there 

 is some variation in the composition according to the uses for which 

 bronze implements were intended. Thus, where greater hardness 

 was needed, more tin was added. It is impossible to conceive that 

 anything approximating to uniformity in the composition of ancient 

 bronze could have been produced from the smelting of accidental 

 mixtures of copper and tin ore. Moreover, in remains of ancient 

 bronze foundries, blocks of copper have been found which were, 

 doubtless, used in making the alloy by the direct fusion of the t\vo 

 metals together. I could enter at greater length into the subject if 

 necessary. Mr. W.'s views have, so far as my knowledge extends, 

 nothing to stand upon. Yours very faithfully, 



Sir John Lubbock, Bart., F.R.S. JOHN PERCY. 



DEAR SlR London, 23rd December. 



In answer to Sir John Lubbock's inquiry, I beg to say 

 that I do not think bronze can ever have been produced for com- 

 mercial purposes by fusing a mixture of copper ore and tin ore. 

 I have not much doubt that this could be accomplished in the 

 laboratory, but not, I think, in the usual mode of smelting on a 

 large scale. Ores containing naturally both copper and tin are 

 extremely unusual. Yours truly, 



C. S. Grenfell, Esq. JOHN LEFEAUX. 



EESPECTED FRIEND, Redruth, nth Month, 14, 1868. 



I have received thy favour of the 12th inst., and in reply 

 I beg to inform thee that I do not think there are any Cornish 

 ores which can be so smelted as to produce a mixed metal consist- 

 ing only of copper and tin, and in such proportions as to form 



