History of Metallurgy: Smil & Smith Books

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the history of metallurgy, with participants sharing recommendations for books that cover various aspects of the topic, including historical context, technical details, and applications. The scope includes both theoretical and practical perspectives on metallurgy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests two books: Smil's _Still the Iron Age_ and Smith's _A History of Metallography_ as interesting resources.
  • Another participant recommends _De Re Metallica_ by Georgius Agricola, highlighting its historical significance and availability as an eBook.
  • A different participant mentions _Metallurgy for the Non-Metallurgist_ by Harry Chandler, noting its historical content and technical details, and expresses enjoyment of the book.
  • This participant also shares about two additional books borrowed from the library: _Mining and Metallurgy in the Greek and Roman World_ by John F. Heally, which covers various aspects of metallurgy, and _A History of Metallurgy_ by R.F. Tylecote, which spans from neolithic times to the present.
  • Another participant raises a caution about expanded editions of books, suggesting they may dilute the original content.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share various book recommendations without reaching a consensus on a single preferred resource. There are differing opinions on the value of expanded editions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the depth and quality of the expanded editions compared to earlier versions, indicating a potential limitation in their recommendations.

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Likes   Reactions: 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   Reactions: 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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