Metals in the American Economy

Metals have had a profound influence on the course of civilization from the earliest times. In the conduct of military campaigns, the use of metals has often decided the outcome of crucial struggles. This paper traces the history of the development and utilization of metals, and the relation of these materials to the world's economic structure. Particular attention is paid to the growth of metallurgy in the United States, and the men responsible for the increase in knowledge. Each of the broad classes of metals—ferrous, nonferrous, and radioactive—is discussed and evaluated. The paper includes a brief resume of the possible future trend in the application of metals.