442 
Cast SteeL 
forged into a stout flat plate, which being heated to white- 
ness, was by means of strong tongs twisted spirally until 
it formed a cylindrical tube. In this twisted state it was 
heated, hammered flat, and again welded, and alter being 
forged into a convenient form and substance, was doubled 
throughout its whole length, somewhat in the manner of 
the back of a saw. A slip of good steel was inserted, and 
another welding heat taken, which consolidated the whole 
mass. I need not say this slip of steel was intended for 
our edge. The remaining part of the process was sim- 
ple ; it consisted only in forging it into the shape of the 
blade we wanted ; which on examination proved perfectly 
sound in every part. Being eager to witness some 
proofs of excellence and beauty which my expectation 
had anticipated, I too hastily and without due considera- 
tion proceeded to harden it by heating and quenching in 
water ; and had the misfortune to see it cracking in seven 
or eight different places. I have no doubt this was occa- 
sioned by the unequal expansion and subsequent contrac- 
tion of the different parts of the mass. In my next trial I 
shall guard against this accident. Enough however remain- 
ed sound to prove it both good and beautiful ; the edge 
bears the severest trials at the same time that the whole 
blade has sufficient tenacity. I have polished a part of it, 
and by applying a weak acid, produced an appearance, 
which though by no means equal to the beauty of what 
is called the Damascus water, leaves me little reason to 
doubt of accomplishing that appearance in my next trial. 
My intention is to multiply my pieces of metal, to repeat 
the process of twisting, and certainly not again to quench 
in water. I shall take the liberty to transmit to you an 
exact account of my next experiment, and if successful, 
to accompany it with a sample of the metal formed into 
a blade of some kind or another. I am with much res- 
pect^ Your obedient servant, 
J. STODART. 
