We have stated that the discovery and applica tion of metals is really the basis of the mechanical arts, for it puts into the hands of man proper tools, whereby he is enabled to overcome difficul ties which he could not possibly overcome without them; and indeed all advancement begins with improved tools; we will therefore, in the first place, consider the different metallic arts of which we have indications in ancient history, and then refer to some of the manufacturing arts that are of a chemical character, such as dyeing.