Scientific Intelligence. 309 
viewer adds, * We should be glad to see it reprinted exactly up- 
on the plan of the original ; and we have no doubt that it would 
be found the most useful work of mineralogy in our language.” 
More need not be—more scarcely could be said. 
8. A new alkalis. 
A new alkali has recently been discovered in Sweden, by M, 
Arfwedson. It is found in the petalite, a mineral from Utoe, 
in Sweden, in a proportion not over 5 pr. ct, ; also in the triphane 
or spodumene, in the proportion of 8 pr. ct. and in what is call- 
ed crystallized lepidolite, in the proportion of 4percent. In its 
general properties it very nearly resembles the other alkalies. 
When heated in contact with platinum it acts on it. In the gal- 
vanic circuit it was decomposed “with bright scintillations, and 
the reduced metal being separated, afterward burnt.” ‘This met- 
al resembles sodium. ‘The new alkali has been called lithia. 
(Jour. of science of the Roy. Inst.) 
9. Ignited Platinum Wire. | : 
Tn our last we mentioned the lamp without flame, the ignition 
of platinum wire being sastained by means of the vapor of alco- 
ol. ’ 
Sir H. Davy has discovered that the vapor of camphor an- 
swers the same purpose: “If a piece of camphor, or a few small 
fragments in a heap, be placed in any convenient situation, as on 
ashilling, the bottom of a glass, &c. and a piece of platinum wire, 
either coiled or pressed up together, be heated and laid upon it, 
the platinum will glow as long as any camphor remains, and will 
frequently light it up in aflame.” Jour. Roy. Inst. 
10. Red Rain. 
A red rain fell in Naples, (March 14, 1818,) the common peo- 
ple were much alarmed, and called it blood or fires : 
Anearthy powder was collected, which when dry was yellow, 
wnctuous, and of an earthy taste ; its specific gravity 2.07. 
Its analysis presented silex 33.—alumine 15.5—chrome 1. iron 
14,.5-—carbonic acid 9., and a combustible substance of a carbo- 
haceous nature. 
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