Steel : $b a manual for steel users

by William Metcalf

"Steel: A Manual for Steel Users" by William Metcalf is a technical publication written in the late 19th century. The book serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals engaged in the production and application of steel, including blacksmiths, machine builders, and engineers. It details various methods of steel manufacturing and its properties, aiming to bridge a gap in practical knowledge about steel that is not readily available in existing literature. The opening of this manual establishes Metcalf's extensive experience in the steel industry and highlights the various challenges and inquiries he has addressed during his career. He acknowledges the evolution of steel manufacturing techniques, particularly the advancements in processes such as Bessemer and open-hearth steel production. The early chapters outline the different types of steel categorized by their manufacturing methods, such as cemented or converted steel and crucible-steel, setting the groundwork for a more in-depth exploration of the characteristics and ideal applications of each type as the manual progresses.