88 
to the transparent blue may be exactly repeated by treating 
pure Aniline blue with alcohol. The alkali metals are then 
copper-red in reflected light, and by transmitted light blue. 
In this connection, the fact that the salts of Copper are blue, 
is, perhaps, of some significance. 
The solution of metals without definite chemical action, 
is almost a new idea in chemistry. Faraday made the first 
approach to it by showing that the color of ruby glass is due 
to metallic Gold ; and it received a final and definite shape in 
a demonstration of the solvent properties of anhydrous 
liquid Ammonia, which I made at the late Troy meeting of 
the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 
The tinctorial power of metals appears to be vastly greater 
than that of any known dye-stuff, and the colors they should 
yield are very brilliant. There is reason then to hope that 
these facts about metals may some day receive some useful 
application. 
November 7th, 1870. 
The President in the chair. Twenty persons present. 
Mr. A. R. THompson exhibited several specimens of 
Minerals, including fine prisms of Topaz with perfect termi- 
nations, from Brazil, and crystals of Quartz and Spinel. 
Mr. J. Hyatt exhibited specimens of Minerals, as Serpen- 
tine of the kind known as “Noble,” from Pennsylvania, 
Cryolite from Greenland and Blende. 
On motion of Pror, C. A. SEELY, it was decided, for the 
present, to distribute the printed Proceedings of the Lyceum, 
gratuitously to the members. 
