Iron * 
m 
fix most of the oxygen combined with the metal, and af- 
ford the iron nearly in a disengaged state. Both these 
methods, however, at the present time, want the sanction 
of approving practice, on an extensive scale, to render 
them useful, or worthy of universal attention. 
De-oxygenation of Iron-stones . This process has 
been long known in part, and its principles (so far as un- 
derstood) applied by the metallurgist to deprive the ore, 
subjected to the assay-furnace, of its oxygen, in order 
that the metal might become revived. Its operation is 
hojwever much more extensive than what has hitherto 
been conceived ; and its results afford the most beautiful 
and interesting phenomena known in the art of manufac- 
turing iron. 
De- oxygenation in the case of iron-stones will admit of 
being divided into three distinct stages, all of which tend 
to the same final result. 
1. That wherein iron-stone is found to have lost its wa- 
ter of crystallisation and continuity of fracture ; to have 
assumed a greyish white colour, soft and pulverulent ; 
and greatly specifically lighter than formerly, having lost 
from 2-5ths to 9-20ths of its original weight. 
2. That stage wherein the pieces have assumed the state 
of malleability, and have again become firm and connect- 
ed-; wherein they brighten under the file; and, when 
subjected to the hammer, under various degrees of heap 
receive impressions at pleasure, and draw into shape. 
3. That stage wherein, by prolonging cementation, the 
pieces of iron-stone are found to have passed into the state 
of steel ; possessing all its properties, though difficult to 
separate from the earthy parts, and preserve its quality ; 
but which may be precipitated from the steelified ore by 
fusion, in the state of cast-steel, by means of the assay- 
furnace. 
* This plan had been adopted, and Jars has given a plate of thp 
#yen, T. C. 
