The platinum metals

"The Platinum Metals" by Arthur Douglas Lumb is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This monograph focuses on the occurrences, characteristics, and uses of the platinum metals, providing insights into their extraction and significance, especially within the context of the British Empire and beyond. It aims to describe the sources of these metals and their commercial applications, likely informed by the rising demand and strategic importance of platinum following the disruptions caused by World War I. The opening of the text introduces the reader to the Imperial Institute and its series of monographs on mineral resources. Lumb sets the stage for an in-depth investigation of the platinum group metals—platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, ruthenium, and rhodium—highlighting their natural occurrences and production lineage. The narrative also addresses historical shifts in global production, particularly the effects of the war on resource availability, mainly focusing on findings from Russia and Colombia. The opening lays the groundwork for a deeper exploration of the methods used for the extraction and refinement of these minerals and their emerging uses in various industrial applications.