Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1856-03-21
The New Metal. aluminium.

The fact of the production of
pure metal from common clay, in
considerable quantities, is now dem
onstrated beyond dispute. The
process is carried on in Paris to con-
siderable extent, and quite a respect
able quantlty--some thirty ounces
has been imported by Messrs Bailey
81 Co., Of this city, which we have
had the opportunity of inspecting -
In the small ingots in which II is i'm
ported, it is greyish white metal,
with considerable lustre even in lis
uotutul unuo-Lod state II is much
lighter than the other melals-scarce-
ly heavier than the heavier kinds of
wood. 1t Is susceptible of the most
brilliant polish. At first, when poll
ished, it is a dark grey color, but it
grows lighter by use or handling 1t
is probable that a process will be
discovered Of making it of a color
more nearly resembling silver.
Experiments made with aluminium
here proves 1t to be very ductle aud
very tough. 1t yields readily to the
hammer, but in working ii, it is nee
cssary to anneal il onen-not be-
cause it is brittle, or otherwise un-
manageable, but hammering appears
to soften it. The great superiority of
aluminium over silver and other net
ais is that it ressts the action of eve
ry acid, none Of them producing any
effect upon it whatever. To this
valuable quality if we add its great
strength, llghtness, ductillty and
toughness, it will be seen that the
new metal promises to be of very
great value in the arts. Many Of the
articles that are now made OF silver
can be made OF aluminium. Even
with the small quantity of IT in this
country, we have heard of several
articles, such as pickle forks or things
likely to be put into vinegar, being
made of it, and if 1t can ever be pro-
duced ia large quantities it will,
doubtless, be used for a great many
purposes in which silver or even gold
are now required.
1t is now stated that there is about
twenty-five per cent. of aluminium in
the common clays. The process of
extracting is an electrical one, which
we do not feel qualified to explain
fully. As at present manufactured,
the metal is too costly 10 come into
very general use, being worth in this
country about nine dollars an ounce.
But 1t is reasonable to anticipate that
there will be means found of pro-
ducing it in larger quantities and at
much reduced cost, in the course Of
few years, and after men of sci
ence in all parts Of the world have
experimental upon it. We can see
no reason why the new metal should
not be used in coinage, for dental
purposes, for ornamental purposes,
for medals, and for nearly every pur-
pose Tor which silver is now used
If there is ever simple mode dis
covered of extracting the metal, it
may, indeed, supercede silver in Il
great measure. The supply of il
will be unlimited, for every clay bed
will become mine of aluminium.
But it is not likely, from present APP
pearances, that the metal ever will
become cheap and abundant, for the
reason that troublesome and costly
chemical process is required to pro.
duce it.-Phiia. BuiietiH
YouNG SAN AT HIS MEALs-A-
mong the staluary at the palace there
is a g ioup in marble or plaster, by
JONES, Of London, labelled "Ptole-
my Lugus, nourished by an eagle"