on some ancient metallic Anns and Utensils. 447 
gaz as an equal quantity of our steel affords. During the dis- 
solution the mixture became black, and a black froth appeared 
on its surface ; and, after repose, there was a deposit of black 
matter. The solution, made boiling hot, was poured upon a 
paper filter ; and being filtrated, the filter was edulcorated, 
by repeatedly pouring upon it pure water. The paper filter 
was stained black by the solution, and there was a small de- 
posit of black matter in the apex of the cone of the filter. This 
black matter was carbon, in about the same proportion as our 
steel affords by the same treatment. The filtrated solution, on 
evaporation, was found to contain nothing but sulphate of iron. 
(e) A little nitric acid being dropped upon the polished sur- 
face of the blade; and also on the pommel and guard ; a black 
spot was produced on the parts wetted. 
(/) The tinned part of the pommel being just wetted with 
nitric acid, it became white. 
n. The Axe, fig. 2. Tab. XV. (a) Being polished, it appeared 
of almost a silvery whiteness. — It was harder than malleable 
iron, but was not so hard as hard steel, for it was easily filed, 
and bored through with the drill. It was also cut through, 
and the cut surface was smooth and uniform, and close, as if 
made of the purest metal. It bent a little, notwithstanding its 
form and thickness ; and required a very smart stroke with a 
heavy hammer to break it. The grain of the fractured part was 
like that of close-grained steel.— It was malleable both in its 
cold and ignited state. — It was almost as sonorous as bell-metal. 
( b ) By quenching in cold water when ignited to whiteness, 
it became harder, more brittle, and open-grained ; but it 
could not be made so hard as the sword, fig. 1. By igniting 
the piece so hardened, and letting it part with its fire gra- 
dually, it was rendered much less hard than it was originally. 
MDCCXCV I. g M 
