Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1888-11-06
USES or ALUMINIUM,
Facts About n Substance Which Has Bee
Called the Metal Of the Future.


Called the Metal OF the Future.
Aluminium, the commonest, the
hardest, the lightest and the most
durable OF metals, is yet Of recent dis
covery, comparatively speaking, and
but little used. Thousands Of. dollars
have been spent in the metallurgy OF
this metal, without, apparently. any
very satisfactory results; and though
vast strides have been made within the
past few years, the use OF aluminium is
still in its infancy.
Aluminium, the metallic base OF
hlumina, and "the metal OF the future"
as il has been called, Is whitish
metal much resembling silver. Very
little OF II Is made In this country, the
largest quantities being made In En-
gland, Germany and France. The
pure metal Is very difficult to work,
and can not be soldered, consequently
1t can only be used to limited extent
where II can be riveted, or employed
in solid pieces. and this renders II only
suitable for making certain pieces OF
jewelry and articles for table use or for
ornament. When chased or made TO
look dull or frosted 1t quickly soils,
but watch case simply polished will
wear for twenty years without change
or tarnish, even II touched by acid. A
Broadway joweler shows some very
pretty rings In this metal set with
diamonds. A set OF after-dinner coffee
spoons has repousse design on the
handles and gilded bowls. They are
very handsome and are much lighter
than silver spoons OF tho same size,
which Is certainly n recommendation.
Bangles are also very effective when
made OF this metal. Mr.. George Loril-
lard. approaching the lghtness OF
aluminium, had Shoes made for one OF
his favorite horses. 1t is used for
making cigarette eases and frames OF
opera glasses. Bookbinders use II. and
tho lettering on lead pencils is fire..
quently made OF it. 1t also makes very
excellent pens, and will not corrode in
any ink.
The pure metal may be purchased In
this city Mt Sl5 pound, and the alloy
at s. but 1t Is expected that the price
will be even lower before long.
But the chief uses OF aluminium are
In tho forms OF alloy, which seem des-
tined to take the place OF steel. iron
and other metals whore they are ex-
posed TO heavy work, its tensile strength
being far greater than that OF steel.
The chief alloys are copper and anti
mony, but alleged with brass it gives
out a clear. ringing sound when struck
and makes an excellent metal for bells.
aluminium bronze is used In making
propeller screws. IL not being affected
by water, and neither does it corrode.
Aluminium iron holds its color. gives a
finer grain and prevents sand holes in
the casting. Alloyed with zinc, cop
per and nickel IL has u pale, yellow
tint, while with per cent. aluminium
and the rest copper II takes rich yel.
low similar TO brass. These alloys are
used for harness, or wherever yellow
metal is desired. They are rapidly
taking the place OF brass, being fal
less apt TO tarnish aud much more
easily cleaned. Tho new steamers now
being made In England arc being fitted
with this metal in preference to an,
other. There would also seem TO be
large field for 1t In the manufacture o
musical instruments that are now mad,
OF brass.
Tho alloys are also used in small
household articles. Agents for an En-
glish firm show samples of almost over,
article necessary for table use --castors
cups, spoons, knives. forks, nut-erack
ers. tea-pots and candlesticks~-in al
alloy that closely resembles silver
The advantages that 1t boasts ovei
silver are that it Is cheaper, and doe
not tarnish easily nor corrode, and tn,
advantage over plated silver is that /
Is the same metal all the way through
there being no outside plate TO wea
Oft. And II has been suggested tina
cooking utensils be made OF one Of tn,
alloys, Us 1t is not acted upon by acids
An attempt is TO be made to introduc,
IL into the manufacture OF the fame,
braids and dress trimmings now 8,
much tho fashion, as II can be draw
out into fine, thin wire and does no
taruish.
In fact, II seem as II IL might be uset
wherever metal Is required, In what
eyermanner, whether for beauty, light
ness, strength or durability.-M y
.