Abstract: The production of a ferrous body including reacting an iron compound in a gaseous state with a reducing gas, and depositing iron produced thereby on a former which is maintained at a temperature and under conditions such that the iron is deposited as a solid body.

Abstract: An arrangement for analysing the metal content of a metal article which includes a portable probe assembly adapted for application to the article to be analysed, a discharge electrode carried by the probe assembly, means for initiating and maintaining an electrical discharge between the electrode and the article, a radiation spectrometer, and a radiation guide connecting the probe assembly to the radiation spectrometer and providing a radiation path from the discharge to the spectrometer to enable spectroscopic analysis by the spectrometer of radiation emitted from the discharge. The probe assembly includes a casing having a mount for facing to the article to be tested, and a spacing member disposed at the mouth of the casing for contacting the article and locating the assembly in relation thereto, the assembly being so disposed and arranged that in operation with the spacing member contacting the article, the electrode is at an optimum discharge spacing from the article.