i ; comp. Plin. Hist. Nat. xxxvii :47 ; Ezek. xxii :18-2o). The dross separated by this process is called sigim, although this word also applies to metal not yet purified from its dross. For the actual or chemical separation other materials were mixed in the smelting, such as alkaline salts, bor (Is. i :25), and lead (Jer. vi :29 ; comp. Plin. H:st. Nat. xxxiii:31). (2) The casting of images (Exod. xxv :12; xxvi :37; Is. xl :19) ; which are always of gold, silver, or copper. The casting of iron is not mentioned, and was perhaps unknown to the ancients (Hausmann, in Comnientatt. Soc. Goett. iv:53; sq.; Arckaol. p. 371.) (3) The hammering of metal and making it into broad sheets (Num. xvi :38; Is. xliv :12; x1:19). (4) Soldering and welding parts of metal together (Is. xli :7). (5) Smoothing and polishing metals 0 Kings vii :45)• (6) Overlaying with plates of gold and silver and copper (Exod. xxv Kings Vi :20 ; 2 Chron. :5 ; comp. Is. xl The execution of these different metallurgic oper ations appears to have formed three distinct branches of handicraft before the exile ; for we read of the blacksmith, by the name of the 'worker in iron' ls. xliv :12); the brass founder
(1 Kings vii :t4) ; and the gold and silver smith (Judg. xvii :4 ; Alal. iii :2).
The invention of the metallurgic arts is in Scripture ascribed to Tubal-cain (Gen. iv:22). In later times the manufacture of useful utensils and implements in metals seems to have been car ried on to a considerable extent among the Is raelites. if we inay judge from the frequent allu sions to them by the poets and prophets. But it does not appear that, in the finer anci more elabo rate branches of this great art, they made much, if any, progress during the flourishing times of their commonwealth ; and it will be remembcred that Solomon was obliged to obtain assistance from the Phcenicians in executing the metal work of the temple ( t Kings vii I4)• The Hebrew workers in iron, and especially such as made arms, were frequently carried away by the different conquerors of the Israelites 0 Sam. xiii :19; 2 Kings xxiv 15; Jer. xxiv ; xxix :2) ; which is one circumstance among oth ers to show the high estimation in which this branch of handicraft was anciently held.