Magnetic weapons

[Rivkin]

Attached is a numerically simulated magnetization in 15x2cm FeNi sample, rapidly cooled from Curie temperature.

a. The magnetization is parallel to the local direction of the magnetic field, therefore the paper and iron dust would procuce a similar picture if placed on top of this sample.

b. Equilibrium configuration is a result of such things as a competition between exchange and dipole-dipole interactions for a given shape.

c. The loss of precise magnetization is more or less a smooth function of temperature. Since Fe has Curie temperature of about 1000K (700C) it is not that noticable at the room temperature, but becomes an essnetial issue when you heat any sample to 500-600C. Initial magnetization, i.e. whether magnetized or unmagnetized iron has been used, becomes at this point mostly irrelevant.

d. The attached simulation was performed in the absence of external fields. Earth's magnetic field is truly irrelevant since it is extremely small; on the other hand the presence of other magnets like magnetized anvil and so on could have made the magnetization to be more uniform.

[Rivkin]

Richard Burton in his "book of the sword" tells us that ancient greeks believed magnets to posess healing properties and weapons, made from magnets to be extremely deadly.

[Jens Nordlunde]

Hi Rivkin,

I just saw your last two mails. No 114 I only understand part of, but that is not your fault, and what I understand is interesting. The last mail made me remember something from my childhood – I was told that if someone were cut with a magnetic knife, the wound would heal very slowly, if at all. The Indians seemed to mean that weapons made of lodestone, had a special meaning/force, as did many of the other peoples living in the area.

[Rivkin]

Thank you very much,

Here is what I found rereading my books:

Adzhaib Ad'Dunia "The miracles of the world"
"Indians have a miracle steel... Magnets do not attract it...If you make a sword out of it and kill someone with it, no blood will spill, the arrows made from it can penetrate stone, it does not get hot in fire... It is used to make swords of indian rulers... they do not export it, searching all the traders for it when they leave..."

[Jens Nordlunde]

I tried a search for the book, but without any result. Can you tell more about the book?

Sounds like a strange metal, I wonder what he was referring to?

[Ann Feuerbach]

All very interesting. Thanks Rivkin for the reference...I will try to get it.
I am presently further looking into the "receipes" used for crucible steel production and the symbolism of the ingredients (rather than the strick material science of the ingredients). The use of magnetic ores, meteorites etc are all interesting additions. I am currrently trying to find out the symbolism of coral, as it is sometimes an ingredient.

[Jeff D]

From The Complete Dictionary of Symbols in Myth, art and Literature by Jack Tresidder
"Coral
Linked with healing power - an association based on tree, water and blood symbolism. In Classical mythology, the Mediterranean red coral grew from the blood of the Gorgan Medusa; after Perseus had rescued Andromeda from Cetus, the sea monster it is said that he laid the Gorgan's head down and immediately the sea weed turned into coral. Vasari illustrates this on a cabinet door of the studiolo of Francesco I (Palazzo Vechio, Florence) to indicate the precious contents. Coral was also thought to be a protection against evil. In Roman times, amulets of coral were thought to stem bleeding and protect children from illness or the fury of the elements, and coral necklaces were also popular medieval talisman for children. At one time, coral decorated Celtic weapons and helments. It was prized in India where jet black coral was used to make sceptres."

This is Eurocentric but maybe of some use to you.

All the Best
Jeff