Abstract: A method for recovering a valuable substance is provided. The method includes: a thermal treatment step of thermally treating a target containing a valuable substance while supporting a target storing unit, in which the target is stored, by a supporting unit that can support the target storing unit, wherein the thermally treating includes heating a gas present in a region, in which the supporting unit is positioned, by a flame for thermally treating the target such that the target storing unit is not contacted by the flame; and a valuable substance recovering step of recovering the valuable substance from a thermally treated product of the target obtained in the thermal treatment step.

Abstract: The thin film magnetic medium of a magnetic disc, and the read/record head employed with the disc are both protected from abusive use and physical damage as well as chemical damage (including damage due to heat and/or humidity) by a polysilicate layer, formed upon the magnetic medium. Inexpensive methods of forming the protective film (which methods lend themselves to mass production) are described. These methods are a small fraction of the cost of present day techniques.

Abstract: The thin film magnetic medium of a magnetic disc, and the read/record head employed with the disc are both protected from abusive use and physical damage as well as chemical damage (including damage due to heat and/or humidity) by a polysilicate layer, formed upon the magnetic medium. Inexpensive methods of forming the protective film (which methods lend themselves to mass production) are described. These methods are a small fraction of the cost of present day techniques.

Abstract: Magnetic storage means which may be a disc having a magnetic storage layer coated with a protective layer. The protective layer, which is preferably an inorganic oxide material, protects the magnetic storage layer from corrosion. A lubricant is applied to the protective layer and serves to reduce wearing due to frictional drag between the disc and a cooperating magnetic head (or heads). The lubricant is oriented so as to make very good adherence with the oxide sublayer and thereby prevent removal of the lubricant through continued use and/or cleaning.