A collection of articles on the history of extractive metallurgy originally published in History of Technology between 1954 and 1958. The articles were edited and indexed to form a coherent textbook for educational purpose, with an introduction by the editor. 330 pages, 123 Figures. Table of Contents: 1. Introduction 2. From Early Times to the Fall of Ancient Empires 3. The Mediterranean Civilizations and the Middle Ages 4. From the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution 5. The Industrial Revolution 6. The Late Nineteenth Century