ABSTRACT
The history of joining with the metals lead (Pb) and tin (Sn) as well as their alloys dates back several thousand years [1]. Unfortunately, archeological evidence of the use of Pb and Sn is lacking for largely two reasons. First, these elements are degraded by corrosion under long-term exposure to groundwater and soil. Therefore, actual artifacts are rare. Second, there is an absence of written records of Pb and Sn use because such practices were generally performed by slaves and the lower-class artisans. Therefore, istorians or upper-class individuals having the ability to read and write had very little interest in these materials and associated processes [1].
