Top 10 materials moments.

The development of the periodic table of elements by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1864 was voted the number one materials moment in history by members of the scientific community and the public at large in a poll conducted by The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS), Warrendale, Pa. The Greatest Materials Moments in History survey asked voters to rank, in order of importance, 100 landmark achievements in materials science. See where processes affecting the metalcasting industry rate in the top 10:

1 The Periodic Table of Elements. In 1864, Dmitir Mendeleev devises his periodic table, which becomes an indespensible reference tool for those in the scientific field.

2 Iron Smelting. Around 3500 B.C., Egyptians smelt iron for the first time, using tiny amounts, mostly for ornamental or ceremonial purposes. This is the first processing secret of what will become the world's dominant metallurgical material.

3 Transistor. In 1948, John Bardeen, Walter H. Brattain and William Shockley invent the transistor. This becomes the building block for all modern electronics and the foundation for microchip and computer technology.

4 Invention of Glass. Approximately 2200 B.C., northwestern Iranians invent glass. This becomes the second greatest nonmetallic engineering material (behind ceramics), according to TMS.

5 Optical Microscopy. In 1668, Anton van Leeuwenhoek develops optical microscopy, capable of magnifications of 200 times and greater. This enables study of the natural world invisible to the human eye.

6 Modern Concrete. In 1755, John Smeaton invents modern concrete (hydraulic cement), which introduces the dominant construction material of the modern age.

7 Crucible Steel Making. Around 300 B.C., metal workers in south India develop crucible steel making, which produces "wootz" steel. This becomes famous as Damascus sword steel hundreds of years later, inspiring artisans, blacksmiths and metallurgists for many generations.

8 Copper Extraction and Casting. Approximately 5000 B.C., people in the region of modern Turkey discover that liquid copper can be extracted from malachite and azurite and cast into different shapes. Extractive metallurgy is introduced.

9 X-ray Diffraction. In 1912, Max von Laue discovers the diffraction of x-rays by crystals. This creates the means to characterize crystal structures and inspires the development of the theory of diffraction by crystals.

10 Bessemer Process. In 1856, Henry Bessemer patents a bottom-blown acid process for melting low-carbon iron. This leads to the era of cheap, large tonnage steel, enabling massive progress in transportation, building construction and general industrialization.