Working in Metals by Charles C. Sleffel

When I was young (in the 1950's and 60's) we had a library of science series geared for children and young adults that was probably produced by the same folks as these books. One of the features that was interesting to me was the endpaper artwork that illustrated many of the areas covered by the series. In the endpaper illustration above the only items that might apply to this book are the work bench and vise. The other items are from the books on electricity, woodworking and gardening.

Working in Metals is one book out of a series that included Electricity, Housekeeping, Outdoor Work, Needlecraft, Home Decoration, Carpentry, Outdoor Sports, Gardening and Farming, Mechanics - indoors and out.

An object that most people today will not recognize are the two large 1.5 volt dry cells (center left next to the pliers). These "batteries" date from the 1890's and were available until the 1960's. They were large zinc shelled single cells with a large carbon center electrode and small screw terminals to attach wire. These were the staple power supply for learning about and experimenting with electricity for over 60 years. Prior to commercial electrical distribution many early door bells and servant messaging systems were powered by these big 1.5 volt cells.