222 Dr. Andrew Steel [March 



Now, we may consider this as equivalent to 



26*37 atoms of silica 

 9* ,, lime 



2-4 ,, soda 

 •5 ,, magnesia 

 or, considering a portion of the soda replaced by magnesia, 

 we should have nearly 



9 atoms silica 

 3 ,, lime 

 1 ,, soda 

 equivalent to 3 atoms bisilicate of lime 

 1 atom tersilicate of soda, 

 and expressed by the symbol 3 C S 2 + N S 3 ; or we may 

 consider the magnesia replacing the lime, which would 

 make the composition of the mineral 



4 atoms bisilicate of lime 

 1 atom tersilicate of soda 

 with the formula, 4 C S 2 + N S 3 . Whatever view we 

 adopt, we see that the mineral differs essentially from table 

 spar, which consists of one atom of lime united to two of 

 silica, answering to the formula C S 2 . 



Article VI. 



On Spirits. By Andrew Steel, M. D. # 



Of all the numerous manufactures which this country 

 possesses, and which have contributed so materially to* her 

 wealth and influence, there is scarcely one which has 

 attracted less the attention of men of Science, or in which 

 the progress of Chemistry has been the means of intro- 

 ducing so little improvement, as that of Spirits. Whilst 

 others have been more or less perfected as the nature and 

 properties of the materials employed or products obtained 



* The death of this excellent young man, in December, 1832, from disease 

 contracted in India, deprived Science of a most promising supporter, society of an 

 amiable member, and the Editor of an affectionate friend. In order to account 

 for some allusions which occur in the present article, it is necessary to observe, 

 that it constituted the first of a series of' papers, which he was preparing to draw 

 up from original investigation, when the checquered scene of life closed on him 

 for ever. — " Laevius fit patientia quicquid corrigere est nefas." 



