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XV. On Welding Cast Steel. By Sir Thomas Frankland, Bart. 
F. R, S. 
Read May 21, 1795. 
The uniting of steel to iron by welding is a well known prac- 
tice ; in some cases for the purpose of saving steel, in others 
to render work less liable to break, by giving the steel a back, 
or support, of a tougher material. 
Ever since the invention of cast steel (or bar steel refined by 
fusion), it has generally been supposed impossible to weld it 
either to common steel, or iron ; and naturally, for the de- 
scription in Watson's Chemical Essays (Vol. IV. page 148) 
is just, that in a welding heat it “ runs away under the ham- 
“ mer like sand." How far the Sheffield artists, who stamp 
much low-priced work with the title of cast steel, practise the 
welding it, I am ignorant ; but though I have inquired of 
many smiths and cutlers indifferent parts of the kingdom, I 
have not yet found the workman who professed himself able to 
accomplish it. If, therefore, I should describe a simple pro- 
cess for the purpose, I may be of use to the very many who 
are incredulous on the subject. 
If any one has made the discovery on principle, he has 
reasoned thus : cast steel in a welding heat is too soft to 
bear being hammered ; but is there no lower degree of heat in 
which it may be soft enough to unite with iron, yet without 
