Chapter I: Preface

This is not and is not intended to be a thoroughly complete explanation or discussion of the allotropic theory of iron and steel, but rather a brief outline of a few of the great principles of metallurgy written primarily for the layman. If without leading him astray from the real scientific understanding of the subject we have succeeded in briefly but satisfactorily answering the old familiar question, “Why do steels harden?”, we will in a large measure, have accomplished our purpose.

Besides the personal observations which the writer has made from time to time in the metallurgical laboratory, he has availed himself freely of the works of many and eminent authors dealing with this subject and where disputable conditions have arisen in regard to certain theories, uses, etc., has attempted to adopt the most logical consensus of opinion.

G. W. H.

CONTENTS.

A FEW SECRETS OF THE METALLURGIST SIMPLY TOLD.

Page

INTRODUCTION 17

CHAPTER I.

≈A Slight Test of the Imagination≈ 19

CHAPTER II.

≈Comparison Between Conditions
Which Exist in the Iron and
Steel Family to Those Which
Exist with More Familiar Elements≈ 22

CHAPTER III.

≈An Experiment Performed with
a Piece of Pearlitic Steel≈ 29

CHAPTER IV.

≈High Speed Steel≈ 51