How did Robert Forester Mushet use manganese to improve Bessemer steel?

Robert Forester Mushet significantly improved the quality of steel produced by the Bessemer process by introducing an alloy of carbon, manganese, and iron after the air-blowing stage was complete.1

This addition served two critical functions:
* Restoration: It restored the necessary carbon content to the steel, which was often depleted during the oxidation process.1
* Neutralization: It neutralized the negative effects of remaining impurities, particularly sulfur, which otherwise compromised the integrity of the metal.1

By incorporating manganese, Mushet enabled the steel to better withstand the stresses of rolling and forging at high temperatures. This contribution was essential in making the Bessemer process a viable method for the mass production of high-quality steel, which subsequently revolutionized industries such as railroad construction and building development.231