1913] on Recent Advances in Scientific Steel Metallurgy (515 



have a cutting power four times as great as the l)est steel then on 

 the market. The skilful application of vanadium bj Sheffield steel- 

 makers has practically fulfilled that forecast, and the world-wide 

 sensation and publicity created by the announcement has left Great 

 Britain supreme in this very important branch of scientific steel 

 metallurgy. 



An aspect of iron and steel metallurgy already demanding atten- 

 tion is the diminishing quantity of the world's iron ore supply. To 

 a great extent the latter could be strongly reinforced from the huge 

 deposits of iron sands now lying useless, if a simple, economical, and 

 direct process of reduction could be devised. That metallurgical 

 science and art will do this eventually seems certain, and I hold an 

 opinion, founded on practical data, that the solution of this hitherto 

 baffling problem is nearer than most metallurgists suppose. 



In conclusion, it may be pointed out that the skeleton history of 

 early Sheffield steel metallurgy sketched in this discourse is in some im- 

 portant points in conflict with the somewhat disparaging historical 

 outline written by Lord Macaulay ; but in this particular connexion 

 there seems to be a modicum of truth in the answer of the school-boy 

 who, when asked to mention his favourite work of fiction, unhesi- 

 tatingly replied, " Macaulay's History of England." 



[J. 0. A.] 



