Molybdenum
Mo, a metal discovered by Scheele in 1778, belonging to the group of metals which impart special properties to steel when added to it in very small amounts. Occurs as the sulphide (molybdenite), as lead molybdenate (wulfenite) and the oxide (molybdic ochre), and although widely distributed is not abundant. It is gray in color, has a specific gravity of 8.56, is softer than steel, malleable and capable of being forged and welded. The addition of a small amount of molybdenum to steel increases its tensile strength, toughness and fineness of grain.
MOMBASA (-bä'sä), or MOMBAS, a sea-port and the seat of administration of British East Africa, on the N. side of a small island 3 miles by 2½ miles, close to the coast, 150 miles N. of Zanzibar.
Trade in (exports) ivory, gum, copal, copra, ochella weed, maize, and grain; carried on by natives of British India.
Island and port mentioned as early as 1331. It was visited by Vasco da Gama in 1497, held by the Portuguese from 1529 to 1698, and by the English from 1824 to 1826. Pop. estimated at 30,000, mostly Arabs and Swahili.