This cabinet explores how three chemical elements – silicon, copper and iron – have been used to develop human society and civilisation. For example, it shows how silicon and copper were used to develop communication technology. Copper was used at the conductor in the first transatlantic telegraph cable laid between Britain and USA in 1866. This project was managed by Belfast-born scientist William Thompson, known later as Lord Kelvin. The Cabinet also shows how silicon, as found in flint and quartz, was used by stone-age men to make tools and weapons and how metalworking with copper and bronze brought objects that replaced them being sharper and more durable (above).