The production of metals from their ores. By mixture with carbide and subsequent exposure to gentle heat, the ores of copper and lead can be readily reduced, but whether the method is an economical one or not can only be shown by experience. Carbide can also be used for the production of steel and for the surface hardening of armour plates. Lampblack is now being manufactured from acetylene in Germany with considerable success, the product being of exceedingly good quality. It is probable also that the use of acetylene for gasengines will obtain considerable importance, while the facility with which the gas can be converted into various organic substances may lead to important industries in the synthetical production of such substances on a commercial scale. For further information on the subject of carbide of calcium and acetylene, the reader should refer to Professor Vivian Lewes' Acetylene. |