£86 Reflections on some Mineralogical Systems. 



entered in combination, and which in my opinion would 

 be in a very condensed state in it*. 



To conclude : — During the whole operation, hydrogen is 

 extricated, alkali not metallized, and radical prussic gas. I 

 have collected this last product in particular in great quan- 

 tities. 



These results tend, therefore, to prove either that hydro- 

 gen is one of the constituent parts of the alkalis, and the 

 disengagement of which is favoured by charcoal, or rather 

 that the charcoal itself is a compound of which hydrogen 

 is one of the principles. We must choose between one or 

 other of these hypotheses. 



fc .... .,,,,., j i 



LVI. Reflections on some Mineralogical Systems. By 

 R. Chenevix, Esq. F.R.S. and M.R.I.A., &c. Trans- 

 lated entire from the Frejich, with Notes by the Trans- 

 lator f. 



FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND GENERAL EXAMINATION 

 OF THE WERNERIAN SCHEME. 



INature has given to all bodies properties which are either 

 immediately or mediately sensible. This is the basis of all 

 systems of mineralogy. One mean of rendering our learn- 

 ing useful is by establishing unities, to which every thing 

 may be referred, and which we afterwards adopt either 

 wholly or in part. We seek a principle the most general 

 and least variable possible, to employ it as a basis for the 

 determination of these unities : in natural history, it is 

 agreed to call the latter by the name of species. In the ve- 

 getable and animal kingdoms, the faculty of reproducing 

 individuals fecund and similar to their parents constitutes 

 a species. 



This principle of specification has been received as law- 

 ful ; but it is not applicable to the mineral kingdom. Does 

 there exist any other? If we consult the ancient works on 

 mineralogy, we are tempted to believe that it is totally 

 wanting. In more modern times, M.Werner is engaged in 

 seeking and noting in minerals every niing that immediately 



* The opinion expressed in this paragraph has been since retracted by 

 the French chemists. — Edit. 



f As the learned author has not thought proper to publish these ingenious 

 and scientific reflections in his native language, a circumstance much to be 

 regretted, the translator has, for the sake of perspicuity, taken the liberty of 

 classing them under different heads, according to the subject discussed: he 

 has also ventured occasionally to introduce in [ ] the real or approximate 

 synonyms of the various minerals mentioned by the author, in order to 

 enable the English reader to form more precise notions of the different sub- 

 «ance6, and feel the force and justice of the author's reasoning. B. 



strikes 



