In message <eci9j0t32mqofktsm4sj10vbnig3cv4ven_at_...> Stephen Tempest writes:
>"Paul" <kax_at_...> writes:
>
>>I could see if he's still got any blades left. He doesn't have access
>>to the sealed-atmosphere workshop at uni any more... Seealed suit,
>>sealed workshop, external air supply, being really careful. But
>>lovely results. ;)
>
>This really begs the question: how did the ancient Egyptians and Picts
>make such weapons? Did their bronzesmiths regularly die (of
>poisoning, I presume) at a young age?
It's only a century since hatmakers routinely died of mercury
poisoning because of the production process and half that since
the dangers of working with asbestos were formally recognised.
Even if the bronzesmiths recognised the dangers it doesn't follow
that they'd stop doing socially important work.
--
Donald Oddy
http://www.grove.demon.co.uk/