On the Alloys of Steel. 325 



metais were found perfectly combined, but less malleable, being 

 disposed to crack under the hammer. The colour when polished 

 had a yellow tinge. A piece of this alloy has been exposed to 

 moist air for a considerable time, together with a piece of pure 

 iron ; they are both a little rusted, not, however, to the same ex- 

 tent ; that with the nickel being but slightly acted upon, com- 

 paratively to the action on the pure iron ; it thus appears that 

 nickel, when combined with iron, has some effect in preventing 

 oxidation, though certainly not to the extent that has at times 

 been given to it. It is a curious fact, that the same quantity 

 of the nickel alloyed with steel, instead of preventing its rust- 

 ing, appeared to accelerate it very rapidly. 



Platinum and rhodium have, in the course of these experi- 

 ments, been alloyed with iron, but these compounds do not 

 appear to possess any very interesting properties. With gold 

 we have not made the experiment. The alloys of other metals 

 with iron, as far as our experience goes, do not promise much 

 usefulness. The results are very different when steel is used ; 

 h is only, however, of a few of its compounds that we are pre- 

 pared to give any account. 



Together with some others of the metals, the following have 

 been alloyed with both English and Indian steel, and in various 

 proportions; platinum, rhodium, gold, silver, nickel, copper 

 and tin. 



All the above-named metals appear to have an affinity for 

 steel sufficiently strong to make them combine ; alloys of pla- 

 tinum, rhodium, gold and nickel, may be obtained when the 

 heat is sufficiently high. This is so remarkable with platinum, 

 that it will fuse when in contact with steel, at a heat at which 

 the steel itself is not affected. 



With respect to the alloy of silver, there are some very curious 

 circumstances attending it. If steel and silver be kept in fusion 

 together for a length of time, an alloy is obtained, which appears 

 to be very perfect while the metals are in the fluid state, ImiI 

 on solidifying and cooling, globules of pure silver are expressed 

 from the mass, and appear on the surface of the button. If an 

 alloy of this kmd be forged into a bar, and then dissected by 



