Materials are inputs to production[?] or manufacturing. They are often raw - that is unprocessed, but are sometimes processed before being used in more advanced production processes. In general, in technologically advanced societies, the materials are not finished consumer goods.
... January 18 - Cary Grant, actor (+ 1986)
January 22 - George Balanchine, choreographer (+ 1983)
January 26 - Ancel Keys, scientist
February 1 - S. J. ...