Competition for Raw Materials

Abstract

I AM asked to consider the subject of the supply of the most important raw materials and the demand for them. At once the question arises which materials are the most important? The vital necessities of a nation at one time are the incidentals of another day. The progress of research often creates a demand for a new material which was before unknown but soon may be essential. Again, we must think for what purpose the materials are wanted. Are quinine, camphor, or iodine more or less important than chromium, nickel, or vanadium? All these are raw materials which we do not produce but for which there is constant demand. The discussion of our needs of raw materials is confused and no broad information concerning the whole subject is easily available. Little seems known of the actual facts, though they are of public record. Statements from serious sources are often published which are at variance with each other. Let us look at some of them.