Engineering History of Metallurgy: Smil & Smith Books

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The discussion centers on recommendations for books on the history of metallurgy, highlighting two notable titles: Smil's "Still the Iron Age" and Smith's "A History of Metallography." Participants also suggest "De Re Metallica" by Agricola and "Metallurgy for the Non-Metallurgist" by Chandler, which provides a blend of history and technical details. Additional recommendations include "Mining and Metallurgy in the Greek and Roman World" by Heally and "A History of Metallurgy" by Tylecote, both praised for their depth and thorough footnoting. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accessing reliable resources, especially during the challenges posed by COVID-19.
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Likes vanhees71 and Frabjous
Timing is everything!

Just giving this very subject a hit!

I am about halfway through _Metallurgy for the Non-Metallurgist_ by Harry Chandler. Second edition. (c)1998 ASM International, Fourth printing (2006).

Lots of history (from about 1900) and lots of science. Very fact laden and doesn't spare the technical details. I am really enjoying it. I know that there is a much expanded third edition, but you work with what is available. :)

Two books that I have just borrowed from the library (after over a year of non-access... what a relief!) are:

_Mining and Metallurgy in the Greek and Roman World_ by John F. Heally,
(c) 1978 Thames and Hudson, London. This book is part of the _Aspects of Greek and Roman Life_ series H.H. Scullard General Editor.

This book not only details history of metallurgy itself but includes such subjects as sources of ore minerals, mining, mine administration, uses and applications of metals over time.

and

_A history of Metallurgy_ by R.F. Tylecote, Second edition, (C) 1992 The Institute of Materials

This book starts off with neolithic metallurgy and brings things through to the present.

I have just started these two, and am only a handful of pages into either.

Both are very detailed and appear to go into meaningful depth, and are very fully footnoted I am really looking forward to getting hip deep into these.

--diogenesNY
 
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Likes Lnewqban, Frabjous and Baluncore
Thanks. I guess I get to see see how fast interlibrary loan is working in the age of COVID.

One always has to beware of greatly expanded editions. Sometimes it merely dilutes the charm of the earlier edition.
 
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Many years ago, as the internet was coming of age, I burned over 500 pounds of technical manuals. I realized I can look things up on the internet faster than I can find something in a technical manual. And just about anything I might need could be found online. But letting go of my several shelves worth of college text and other science books is another matter. I can't bring myself to get rid of them but there is very little if anything I can't find online now. Books are heavy and a pain...

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