Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Brass. Any alloy of which copper and zinc are the chief constituents, but the name is frequently confined to the varieties possessing a yellow colour. It is harder than copper, is ductile, malleable, susceptible of a fine polish, and can be obtained of any shade of colour from white to orange red. It is eminently adapted for ornamental metal work, and the metal portions of scientific instruments.