VI be improved if more time had been available. If the book on lead were
to be rewritten thermochemists, electrochemists and theoreticians on
elasticity would be required, besides technologists, to support the work
of the metallurgist. In recent years the pace of research and
development has increased enormously, resulting in the evolution of
completely new technologies. In spite of the demand thereby created for
new and exotic mate- rials with special properties, industry will
continue to depend in large measure on classical materials and
conventional processes. The older metals, including lead, will therefore
always maintain their importance alongside the new materials, even in a
world of rapidly changing technologies. Brunswick (Braunschweig), .July
1965 Wilhelm Hofmann Editor's Foreword Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. WILHELM
HOFMANN, who died suddenlyon 16th November, 1965, had already completed
the manuscript of the English edition before his death, together with
the main Foreword repro- duced here. I have made every attempt to ensure
that publication should be carried out as Prof. HOFMANN would himself
have wished. This has been done with the cooperation of Frau Dr.
MARGARETE BLUTH and the support of Frau AURELIE HOFMANN. Brunswick
(Braunschweig), July 1969 Gerwig Vibrans Contents A. General I. History,
Geochemistry, Production 1 II. Smelter Production 5 Types of Lead. . .