"Discusses metals as a material, including historical uses, current uses, mining and manufacturing, and recycling."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 45) and index.

What are metals? -- Material times -- Metals and machines -- How we use modern metals -- Mining metal ore -- Making steel -- Mixing metals -- Shaping metals -- Precious metals -- Metals for strength and beauty -- Recycling tins and cans -- Scrap metal -- Metals in the future.