The excerpts from this book include Chapter I, which focuses on copper mines in the United States and the history of copper and brass metallurgy in the U.S.; and several pages from a later chapter in the book, called Products of the Brass Founder. Chapter I makes the point that the metals were scarce during the 18th century, as evidenced by the frequent recycling. The account covers the period up to about 1850. The pages from the later chapter in the book include a complete section called Furniture Brasses, which discusses the brass hardware used on early American furniture. It is difficult, first of all, to distinguish imported from domestic hardware. Some historic records indicate that domestic production was very limited until after the Revolution. Some details of the technology are provided.