METALLURGY

Some learned men of the nineteenth century thought the prehistoric Americans were a strong-age people. The Book of Mormon, however, told the world a different story when it was published in 1830. Here is a sample of numerous statements found in the book:

And we multiplied exceedingly, and spread upon the face of the land, and became exceeding rich in gold, and in silver, and in precious things, and in fine workmanship of wood, in buildings, and in machinery, and also in iron, and copper, and brass, and steel, making all manner of tools of every kind to till the ground, and weapons of war.—Jarom 1:19.

J. B. Baldwin says of ancient American metallurgists:

They had great skill in the art of working metals, especially gold and silver. Besides these precious metals, they had copper, tin, lead, and quicksilver. . . . Their goldsmiths and silversmiths had attained very great proficiency.

Specimens of metallic plating had been found. The only way we could duplicate this work is by electroplating. How the ancient Americans accomplished it is unknown.

Clark Wissler says:

Metal work was praiseworthy, especially at Cartago (Colombia). Skillful casting . . . has been noted, and good examples of soldering, plating, and even gilding have been collected. Different colored alloys were produced of gold, silver, and copper.

In the “treasure room” of the Mexican National Museum in Mexico City and in the state museum at Oaxaca, there are dazzling displays of jewelry and necklaces of gold, silver, and precious stones found at Monte Alban.

The Book of Mormon says the ancient people wore all manner of gold and silver jewelry and even pearls (III Nephi 1:27).

Dr. Alfonso Caso found more than five hundred articles from tomb seven (Monte Alban), including necklaces of gold, pearl, and turquoise composed of hundreds of beads each.