28 Pi'ofessor Apjohn on a Meteoric Stone 



The other point of discrepancy between us, is one, at least in a theoretical 

 point of view, of greater consequence. I have already stated, that according to 

 my experiments, the matrix of the Limerick stone is augite, or a mixed bisilicate 

 of magnesia and protoxide of iron. Berzelius finds the earthy base of the 

 aeroliths he has analysed to be composed of bisilicates and silicates of the same 

 bases, or, in fact, to be a mixture of augite and olivine, the former of which is 

 insoluble, and the latter soluble in the diluted mineral acids. On this head it 

 might be considered sufficient for me to observe, that the hypothesis I have made 

 will alone represent my own results, and that as olivine alone occurs in some 

 aeroliths, e. g. the meteoric mass of Pallas, so pyroxene, unmixed with olivine, 

 may exist as the base of others. It would, however, be uncandid in me not to 

 state my suspicion that the matrix of the stone I have examined, is in reality com- 

 posed of two earthy minerals, differing, if not in composition, at all events in the 

 circumstance of the one being soluble, and the other insoluble in acids. This 

 circumstance I observed in my preliminary experiments upon the stone, and I 

 have in more than one place alluded to it in the course of my analysis. Not- 

 withstanding, therefore, the perfect correspondence of my theory with my quan- 

 titative results, I would wish, finding myself in opposition to such high authority, 

 to be understood as propounding the theory with some degree of diffidence. I 

 am indeed at present engaged in further researches, which will, I trust, shortly 

 enable me to speak with more confidence on the subject. 



The following analysis has since been made, and the results, it will be seen, 

 are in accordance with the views of Berzelius. 



72.76 grains of the meteorite, carefully deprived of all magnetic parts, were re- 

 solved, by a prolonged digestion with nitro-muriatic acid, evaporation to dryness, 

 solution in acidulous water, and filtration, into two portions, A and B, the former 

 being dissolved by the acid, and the latter left behind. The soluble portion A, 

 analysed in the ordinary way, gave 



Sulphuret of iron 4.34 



Protoxide of iron 7-38 



Oxides of nickel and cobalt . . . 0.24 



Magnesia 13.38 



25.34 



