against its introduction to any great extent. It is to Dr. Wollaston we are indebted, not only for suggesting the trial of rhodium, but also for a liberal supply of the metal, as well as much valuable information relative to fuel, crucibles, &c.; this liberality enables us to continue our experiments on this alloy; these, with whatever else may be worth communicating, will be given in a future Number of this Journal. The proportions we have used are from 1 to 2 per cent. The valuable properties of the rhodium alloys are hardness, with sufficient tenacity to prevent cracking either in forging or in hardening. This superior hardness is so remarkable, that in tempering a few cutting articles made from the alloy, they required to be heated full 30° F. higher than the best wootz, wootz itself requiring to be heated full 40° above the best English cast steel. Thermometrical degrees are named, that being the only accurate method of tempering steel.
Gold forms a good alloy with steel. Experience does not yet enable us to speak of its properties. It certainly does not promise to be of the same value as the alloys of silver, platinum, and rhodium.
Steel with 2 per cent. of copper forms an alloy. Steel also alloys with tin. Of the value of these we have doubts. If, on further trial, they, together with other combinations, requiring more time than we have been able to bestow on them, should prove at all likely to be interesting and useful, the results will be frankly communicated.
Our experiments have hitherto been confined to small quantities of the metals, seldom exceeding 2000 grains in weight, and we are aware that the operations of the laboratory are not always successful when practised on a large scale. There does not, however, appear to be any good reason why equal success may not attend the working on larger masses of the metals, provided the same diligence and means are employed.
From the facility of obtaining silver, it is probable that its alloy with steel is the most valuable of those we have made. To enumerate its applications would be to name almost every edge-tool. It is also probable that it will prove valuable for making dies, especially when combined with the best Indian steel. Trial will soon be made with the silver in the large way, and the result, whatever it may be, will be candidly stated.
