72 INTRODUCTION. 



AVlicn these had hardened in process of time, and liad 

 become solid stratified rock, by great convulsions they were 

 upheaved and kindly brought within the reach of man. 

 Since it is evident, thought she, that both animal and vege- 

 table matter must be copiously mixed in the soft mass 

 converted into rock, may not such substances be in a 

 manner necessary in such formations ? And if I can hit 

 on the right proportions, may I not, in my little laboratory, 

 form miniature resemblances of those mighty masses, fabri- 

 cated in the great laboratory of nature ? She set to work 

 with characteristic zeal, mixing carbonate of lime, now with 

 one proportion of marine vegetable and animal matter, and 

 then with another, till after numerous failures she at last 

 discovered the right proportions, by which, in the course of 

 a few days or at farthest a few weeks, she can form artificial 

 rocks of the firmest structure. She saw that her discovery 

 could be turned to excellent account in manv wavs, but 

 cliiefly by forming a cheaper and a superior substitute for 

 lath and plaster and ornamental cornices in dwelling-houses. 

 She has taken out a patent for it under the name of Into- 

 nacOy and, as it harbours no vermin, is impervious to damp, 

 and lessens greatly the risk of destruction by fire, it is be- 

 ginning, I believe, to yield her a well-merited remuneration. 



