Analytical Essay on Asparagus. 115 
the manner in which it is scattered amongst another sub- 
Stance, and blended with it, have not allowed of more qua- 
lities being determined, but I apprehend these to be sufh- 
cient to establish its nature. 
This native minium seems to be produced by the decay 
of a galena, which I suspect to be itself a secondary pro- - 
duction from the metallization of white carbonate of lead 
by hepatic gas. This is particularly evident in a specimen 
of this ore, which I mean to send to Mr. Greville as soon 
asIcan find an opportunity. In one part of it there is a 
cluster of large crystals. Having broken one of these, it 
proved to be converted into minium to a considerable thick- 
ness, while its centre is still galena. 
Iam, &c. 
Cassel in Hesse, JAMES SMITHSON, 
March 2, 1806. 
XXIII. Analytical Essay on Asparagus. By M. Rost- 
QUET junior, Apothecary at Vale de Grace. 
{Concluded from p. 38.] 
Perna what has been stated, we cannot conclude, with 
M. Antoine, that the acid obtained from asparagus by the 
process pointed out is malic acid. The difference is very 
remarkable. The latter forms with barytes, strontian, and 
lime, salts a little soluble; while those of the former are very 
insoluble, We may be convinced of this by taking equal 
proportions of these two acids, supposed to be of the same 
degree of concentration, and afterwards diluted with a great 
quantity of water. If we pour into these two liquors, drop 
by drop, a solution of lime for example, a precipitate shows 
itself with the acid obtained from asparagus ; but the malic 
acid does not give any trace of one, provided always that 
the liquors be sufficiently diluted. The same thing takes 
place with barytes or strontian. A character still more 
marked is that of decomposing the sulphate of iron, 
the acetates of iron and of copper, which the malic acid 
does not. Besides, as I have formerly recalled to the reader’s 
recollection, the, malate of lead is soluble in vinegar; but 
He! the 
