Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Bronze, an alloy in which copper and tin are the essential components. It was known to the ancients, and was largely used by the Greeks and Romans for statuary, coins, swords, bells, etc. Small quantities of phosphorus improve its quality for many purposes, and phosphor bronze, containing 3/4 per cent. phosphorus, 90 per cent. copper, and 9 per cent. tin, is a very hard alloy used for axle-bearings, cog-wheels, etc.