On sinhalese iron and steel of ancient origin

Abstract

Abstract The use of iron has without doubt existed from a time dating back to a very early period in the world's recorded history. Owing, however, to the avidity of the oxygen present in the air for this metal, it has been most difficult to obtain ancient specimens of iron. We have therefore but little definite evidence regarding its early manufacture and use. It is for this reason the author throught that the present description of some interesting Sinhalese specimens of this nature which came under his notice during a recent tour in the East would be of interest to the Royal Society. This in not the first time that the Royal Socity has had presented to it papers on the subject. One hundred and sixteen years ago-to be exact, on June 11, 1795-Dr. George Pearson, a Fellow of the Royal Society, read a paper entitled "Experiments and Observations to Investigate the Nature of a Kind of Steel, Manufactured at Bombay, and there called Wootz, with Remarks on the Properties and Composition of the Different States of Iron."

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