Engineering Science and Materials Commons^™

Gold, the first metal used by man, has a special place among metals. It plays an important role in society and in world economics. It caused unprecedented mass migrations on three continents, and at least one war. It was responsible for creating many large cities, is highly prized, has been the inspiration of numerous myths, was the ultimate goal of alchemists, stored in the vaults of banks, widely on display in oriental bazaars, and is generously used in decorating churches and temples. The present volume is composed of two parts: a collection of selected papers published by the author on …