The complex of cultures which developed in what later became known as India had numerous products that were greatly desired by the outside world. One was the steel that was used to make the famous Damascus swords. Metallurgists in India developed a way to carbonize iron and thus turn it into steel. Small disks (5 inches in diameter) were heated in contact with charcoal for an extended period of time. The iron and carbon formed ferric carbide, a much harder substance than pur iron. The steel makers of India did not want their secret discovered so the steel was not identified as being from India. It was thus identified with Damascus.

(To be continued.)