the Analyses of M. Klaproth. 81 



account of it almost at the same time. But their results ex- 

 hibit very considerable differences : 



For melilite, according to Mr. Lampadius, is composed 

 of 



Carbon - - - - 85-5 

 Oil of petroleum - - 13-5 



Silex - - . " " 2'^ 



Water of crystallization - 5*0 



96-0 



According to Mr. Abich, it contains 



Benzoic acid _ _ _ 5 



Carbon _ _ _ - 40 



Water of crystallization - 28 



Carbonate of alumine - - 16 



Benzoate of alumine - - 5 



Oxide of iron - » _ 3 



Ecsin ----- 2 



100 



The striking diflference between these two analyses in- 

 duced M. Klaproth to repeat them. He made his experi- 

 ments on a pretty large quantity of melilite. The details 

 are as follows : 



Preliminary Trials. 



1st. Melilite placed on burning coals, or well exposed to 

 the flame of a taper, loses its transparency and yellow co- 

 lour. It becomes white, punctured with black, and at 

 length altogether white, like clialk. In this operation nei- 

 ther smoke nor sensible light is perceived. 



2d. If mehlite, reduced to a powder, be boiled with a 

 sufficient quantity of water, this fossil becomes decomposed j 

 the water acquires the properties of an acid, and suffers to 

 be deposited a gray flaky earth. 



3d. The entire crystals of melilite immersed in nitric acid 

 dissolve completely, without heat, in the course of a. few 

 minutes. The liquor always remains clear till they are 

 entirely dissolved. This process exhibits a sure and easy 

 means of distinguishing real melilite from adulterated sub- 

 stances with which it might be confounded. 



4tli, If the crystals be put into muriatic acid, the acid 

 <loes not remain clear like the nitric acid j it becomes whitish 

 Vol. XVII. No. 65. F and 



