Tin is very malleable, moderately ductile, and tenacious, being fifth on the list for malleability, eighth for ductility, and eighth for tenacity. The Egyptian mark or symbol for tin (sign of “Jupiter”) was the same as is represented in [Fig. 15], and related to the planet of that name, one remarkable for its brightness. In mythology it is understood as representing the supreme deity of the Greeks and Romans. The modern scientific name for tin is Sn. Tin loses over one-seventh, or 4/29ths, of its weight in water from its absolute weight in air. In the next chapter we shall treat of the mixing of silver alloys, &c., and in order to make our information regarding the various metals so employed as complete as possible, we shall conclude this one with the following tables, each of which will no doubt be found useful:—

Table of Metallic Elements.

Names of Elements.Symbols.Specific Gravities.
PlatinumPt21·40to21·50
GoldAu19·25”19·50
MercuryHg13·56”13·59
LeadPb11·40”11·45
SilverAg10·47”10·50
BismuthBi9·82”9·90
CopperCu8·89”8·96
NickelNi8·50”8·60
IronFe7·77”7·80
TinSn7·25”7·30
ZincZn6·80”7·20
AntimonySb6·75”6·80
ArsenicAs5·70”5·90
AluminumAl2·56”2·60

Melting-points of the Principal Metals.

Names of Elements.Fahrenheit.Centigrade.
Platinum{ Infusible, except by the oxyhydrogen blow-pipe.
Cast Iron2786°1530°
Nickel2700°1482°
Gold2016°1102°
Copper1994°1090°
Silver1873°1023°
Aluminum1300°705°
Zinc773°412°
Lead612°322°
Bismuth497°258°
Tin442°228°
AntimonyFuses a little below red heat.
ArsenicVolatilises before it fuses.

Physical Properties of the Principal Metals.

Malleability.Ductility.Tenacity.
GoldGoldIron549
SilverSilverCopper302
CopperPlatinumAluminum300
AluminumIronPlatinum274
TinCopperSilver187
PlatinumAluminumGold150½
LeadZincZinc109½
ZincTinTin34½
IronLeadLead27½
NickelNickel[A]

[A] The above weights were lbs. sustained by 0·787 of a line in diameter, in wires of the various metals.