subject: Gold: A History Of Its Uses [print this page] Gold has constantly been regarded of as one of the most prized human possessions to own. Since the discovery of the 'New World', cultures have seen gold as a symbolic representation of beauty, acquisition and power. It still exemplifies these symbols today with it's form in jewellery, trophies and currency.
Gold, a cherished metal, is one of the most useful natural materials on the earth. It is not only attractive on the eye, thus its use in jewellery and fine accessories, but gold is applied in such areas as electronics, computing, aerospace, financial investment and also medicinal practice too. Here are some cases of it is use in some of these areas:
Medicine - Utilised in medical exercise for centuries, gold has been used to treat various complaints across the globe. In today's practice of medicine gold is normally applied to help handle arthritis. In particular quantities, not in solid gold form, it is used to help eliminate pain and stiffness. Scientists hope that gold will be able to help deal with cancer in all forms, although currently it only helps tackle prostate cancer.
Electronics - Gold is a very reliable conductor use within a lot of electronics. It's unique properties mean that low voltage currents can be conducted without risk of interruption from tarnish or corrosion. For this reason a small quantity of gold is almost always present in the most sophisticated small electronic devises such as mobile phones. Gold is commonly used in switches, relays, connectors and wiring.
Aerospace - In much the same way that the properties of gold can be relied upon in Electronics, gold is depended on in many areas of Aerospace construction. As well as being used in circuits as a conductor and connector, Gold is used most importantly as a radiation reflector. Gold-coated polyester film is created and wrapped around many parts of spacecraft. This film reflects radiation and works to stabilize the temperature of the satellite or shuttle protecting the spacecraft from varying temperature changes in the atmosphere around it.
