666 Transactions of the American Institute. 



Tin (called in chemical works by its Latin name, stannwn) is one 

 of the seven metals used by the ancients. In the form of bronze 

 (an alloy of copper and tin) it was known to the Egyptians, Hebrews 

 and Greeks, who probably bought it in India. The Phenicians, at 

 a later period, brought tin from the British Isles. 



Tin is a white metal of high luster. It melts at about 450° F. 

 At the temperature of boiling water it is very malleable, and may 

 be rolled into sheets not exceeding one-thousandth of an inch in 

 thickness. At ordinaiy temperature it is not readily tarnished by 

 oxidation, but at a high heat it rapidly combines with the oxygen 

 of the air, and burns with a brilliant white light, forming, as the 

 product of combustion, binoxide of tin. 



The chief value of tin consists in the power of resisting ordinary 

 atmospheric changes, and remaining more inert than other common 

 metals, under the action of water. For domestic purposes, tin 

 ranks in utility next to iron. In fact, the combination of these 

 metals, in the form of tinned iron plate or sheets, makes the mate- 

 rial from which is manufactured the tin ware found in every Ameri- 

 can kitchen. Copper vessels coated with tin are also important 

 implements in the culinary department. Tinned iron is largely 

 used, especially in cities, for roofing. 



One of the most valuable applications of tin is for making water 

 pipes. Pure tin does not bend easily, and is found less valuable 

 for tubes than its combination with lead in the form of tin-lined 

 lead pipe. 



The ordinary tin foil now used as wrappers, in place of paper, 

 is a union of very thin sheets of lead and tin. 



Tin takes part in many valuable alloys. It is a component of 

 britannia ware, pewter, common solder, gun metal, bell metal, and 

 bronze. With about twice its weight of copper it forms the spec- 

 ulum metal employed in making reflectors for telescopes. With 

 mercury it gives an amalgam much used in "silvering" mirrors. 

 The chlorides of tin are of great service to the dyer and calico 

 printer. Binoxide of tin has been used in making enamel. 



With regard to the extent and precise value of the tin ores of 

 Missouri, we have as yet but little reliable information. Several 

 mineralogists of acknowledged ability are now making explorations, 

 from whom we may soon expect more precise statements. The 

 percentage of tin is not probably large, if we may judge from the 

 yield of a single specimen; but the quantity of the ore and the 

 ease of working it, may make up for its leanness. 



