INVENTING THE BESSEMER AND LOSE THE STEEL: HISTORY OF A DISRUPTION COGNITIVE (1855-1875)

Abstract

The introduction of the Bessemer process has greatly affected the space of knowledge of metal: in this major historical moment, steel is become a concept. This article studies the technical, scientific and societal which then becomes involved: we see the emergence of new definitions, new players, new alliances, but also potentially new imaginaries and uses.