Men seem to have always taken an interest in meteorites, but not until the early nineteenth century were these objects considered worth preserving for scientific study. In the beginning, people believed that because meteorites fell from the heavens, they were either gods themselves or messages from the gods. Thus the more civilized of early men carefully kept the meteorites, draping them in costly linens and anointing them with oil. In many instances, the people built special temples in which the meteorites were to be worshiped. Meteorite worshiped was common long in the Mediterranean area, and in Africa, India, Japan, and Mexico: such worship still persists in some regions. Although many people held meteorites in reverence particularly if they were seen to fall, other practical minded individuals made good use of the durable and easily worked alloy provided by nature in the nickel-iron meteorites. They frequently used of this metal to make tools, and often pots and other utensils. Throughout history, meteoritic iron has been used in the manufacture of special swords, daggers, and knives for members of royalty. Attila and other early conquerors of Europe boasted of 'swords form. heaven'. As late as the end of nineteenth century, several swords were made from a Japanese iron meteorite at the command of a member of the Japanese court. In the nineteenth century men began to ______.