Ixii PROCEEDINGS. 



workmen probably operating successfully with some ores and other workmen re- 

 alizing success from other ores, as their experience had taught them. But in- 

 modern times the Bessemer and the Siemens-Maitin processes bring about the 

 desired results in a similar although in a more refined manner and with a know 

 ledge of the rationale of the processes involved. It seems rather surprising that 

 the extraction and use of the metal in its malleable character was known for so^ 

 long a period before its usefulness in the molten and fluid state were recognized. 

 It would seem from the records that among the first uses for which cast iron was 

 found suitable was in the production of cannons, which is stated to have been 

 accomplished in the thirteenth century. 



But it seems to have been much later than this before it was learned that the 

 best way to obtain the metal in its malleable condition was to first arrange for its 

 combination with carbon and run it out of the furnace in the shape of pig or 

 cast iron, and then get the purer metal by burning off the carbon by a plentiful 

 supply of oxygen under a forced blast of atmospheric air, and it is, we think, an 

 interesting reflection that for probably thousands of years those engaged in the 

 operations of iron extraction had been frustrated in their efforts by the accidental 

 coiiversion of the metal into a state which was useless to them, but which really- 

 formed part of the correct process for its economic recovery. 



Perhaps it may be well quite briefly to re-state some facts in connection with 

 the matter, viz. : There are two general processes by which the metal may be 

 revived from its ores ; one is called the direct process, and consists in subjecting 

 the ore to the action of incandescent fuel in connection with a free supply of air, 

 the air being forced in and among the mass by some means for maintaining a 

 continued blast under pressure. This direct process requires that it is shall be 

 discontinued as soon as the ore has given up its oxygen to the carbon of the fuel, 

 at which stage the particles of the metal cohere in a pasty mass of malleable iron. 



If now, instead of stopping the operation at this stage, the process is continued, 

 a result will follow which constitutes the first stage in what may be termed the 

 second or indirect process. This result is, that the metal takes up a portion of 

 carbon from the fuel and becomes more easily fusible and thus passes to a molten 

 state, and becomes what is known as pig iron. 



If now, a further continuation of the process is maintained, and a constant 

 stream of air is forced over and amongst the mass of molten metal, the oxygen 

 from the air will combine with the carbon in the iron and the metal will again 

 assume the plastic condition of a highly heated mass of malleable or decarbonized 

 iron. The ancients, as before stated, were only acquainted with the uses of the 

 metal in its malleable condition and so of course aimed at its production by the 

 direct process, but, doubtless accidents at times occurred when their aims were 

 frustrated either by too much fuel or too prolonged a continuance of the operation, 

 and so cast or pig metal was the result ; but, although probably things were 

 taken for granted with greater readiness than now, yet it is not, we think, 

 attributing too much intelligence to the smiths and metallurgists of old to 

 imagine them as asking themselves how such and such a result could come about, 

 and when, as probably occurred, it was found that the fuel becoming exhausted 

 and the supply of air being kept up the pasty condition of the metal again 



