New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-03-26

The history of Iron as the b9.is of modern in
fustry is recorded in this interesting volume. In
connection with oopious biographical details con-
ssing the lives Of the principal iron-workcrs for
1e last two centuries, il presents a complete view
Of Tie progress Of invention, and tho relation Of
mechanical art to the improvement Of civilized So
elety.
The Roman eolonists the first makers OF
hon IN Britain a scale Of any magnitude. They
awaited themselves of the mineral riches of the
Try wherever they went, exploring the mines and
qnarTies, and carrying on the smelling and manu-
feature of metals in nearly all parts of the island
But their principal iron manufactures were in quar-
ters most conveniently situated FOR transportation
especially in the southern counties and on the Dor
ders of Wales. The smith was person Of the high
est consideration in the Anglo-Saxon times His
trade led him into the closest connection with Ny
which was then the principal pe:snit "a DC e"n!SS
He made the gaveocils, bills and batte-axes which
were such potent weapons at that day; he tipped
tho arrows OF the bowmen and furnished
spear-heads for the men-at-arms; he forged the
costs of mai and cuirasses ofthe chiefs; and weld
ed the swords on the temper OF which the fortune
Of battle depended. His person was protected by
double penalty. He treated an officer OF the
highest rank, was awarded the first place in prcoe-
dancy, sitting in the great hall with the king and
queen, next to the domestic chaplain, and was en-
titled 70 "a draught OF every kind OF liquor that
was brought into the hall"
The most extraordinary powers were attributed
10 the weapon of steel when first invented It's
sharpness seemed 80 marvellous when compared
aoFk tba., q IN Oh Tor
BY nothing but magic The traditions Of fairy tales
Illustrate it's megical properties. The weapon of
bronze was dull, but that of steel was bright-the
white sword Of hght'-one touch Of which de-
strvyed the force Of spells liberated enchanted prD-
sesses, and froze the marrow Of giants. King
Arthurs magic sword /" Excalibur' was regarded
- heroic in the romance Of ohvsly.
Bat the importance Of the smith was no lees dis.
cncty recognized in the ordinary affairs of rural
and industrial life. He was a nail-maker, and a
horee-shoer-forged axes, chisels, saws and ham
nqs tor the artisan spades and hoes FOR tho fGrm-
Or, bolts and fastenngs for the castle gates of the
lord, and chains for his draw-bridge. In remote
places, be was often the sole mechanic of his dis
t,et Beside being too-maker, afauier, and ag-
nerlscral implement-msker, hc dcctored cattle,
arvw teeth, prsetced phlebotomy and sometimes
vHiciated az PARISH clerk and general newsmonger
HIS tools were of many sorts, but the chief were
his hammer, pincer, chisel, tongs, and anvil. In
tho finer branches Of his trade, he was fur superior
70 the modern workman for the medieval smith
was an artist as well mechanic. Many exqu-
site specimens OF his hsndioraft still admired IN
old gateways, church doors, and altar ratings.
Beside this, he engineer. II road had TO
- made or stream embarked, or trench dug. he
ss Invariably called upon TO provide the tools, and
ofssa TO direct the work.
In course Of time, the smiths Of particular dis
sets began TO distinguish themselves Tor Their eA-
ceilence in special branches Of iron-work. Instead
n hosne merely the retancrs Of some lordy or re-
nrious establishment they worked supply the gen.
sxal demand, and gradually became manufacturers.
TINS the makers Of swords tools, bits, and nails
eonsregated at Birmingham, and the makers Of
Knives and srrow-hcads at Sheffield. Chaucer speaks
of the Miller of Trompington as provided with q
Sheffield white. The common English arrow
Assds manufactured at Sheffield were long celebrated
for their excellent temper rs Sheffield iron aid steel
plates are now.
The working in iron was carried on 10 very con-
siderable extent in the middle ages by the monks,
.arne of whom were excellent craftsmen. Thus 81.
Dunstan, who governed England in tho time OF
Fswv the Fair. wes skilled blacksmith and metal
,urgist lie is said even to have had forge in his
bedroom, whore occurred his celebrated encounter
Nth Satan. Another monk called ADketil who
sourished in the twelfth century was so famous for
his din as worker in iron, silver, gold, Jeweiry,
md gliding that he invited by the king OF DEM
mark TO be his goldsmith and banker. The abbots
az nonasteres situated in the iron districts, among
tis;r other labors, devoted themselves 10 tho manu-
Sscture OF iron from tho ore. They were well ac-
ouainted with the art of forging, and carly turned
30 account the wealth Of the IMMORAL districts.
The severe legislative restrictions upon the use
of wood in iron smelling had the effect OF almost
DESTROYING the manufacture. New furnaces ceased
70 b. erected and many Of the old ones were allowed
70 fan into decay. 1t began 70 be feared that TINS
important branch Of industry would become COM
paetely lest But the use OF iron could not be dis
psn.ed with. At length, attention was directed TO
some other description of fuel which should take
tf,e place OK tho prohibited article. There was an
abundance of coal in certain counties, and some
daring spectators finally proposed i, as asubstitute
I'm the charcoal fuel made from wood. But the
same popular prejudice which existed against the
use Of coal for domestic purposes, prevented its en-
ployment for purposes of manufacture. The project
Of smelling iron by means Of pit-coal was thought
70 be absurd. 1t was deemed impossible by tho old
manufacturers 70 reduce the ore in any other way
than by the use of charcoal Not until the wood n