filled with metal.  Tin gives smoothness and toughness. The precise
formula used by the leading English founders is a trade secret but
analysis of the types of four foundries gives results that show the use
of 50 to 69 per cent lead, 25 to 29 per cent antimony, 25 to 9 per cent
tin, and a maximum of one-and-a-half per cent copper.
Steel, iron, platinum and even brass (though employed to some extent for
bookbinders use) are impractical for ordinary type, but I have always
found it an interesting study that silver might make a very satisfactory
type, if it were ever to lapse from the money market, though I confess
that this is a prospect upon which no one should rely with any confidence.
It touches my fancy that we should read books, or even newspapers, which
have been set with silver type, and I have no doubts that I could
immediately distinguish such a typeface from any other.
