949 Description of a portable Mineralogical Laboratory. 
metallic bodies, the concentration of saline and other li- 
quids, the desulphurations of metallic ores, the multifarious: 
processes of distillation by the naked fire, or the sand-bath ; 
the production of gases with the pneumatic apparatus ; and 
even the fusion of earthy fossils with alkalies for analysis, 
may be accomplished, on the table, by means of this appa- 
ratus alone, with much neatness and ata trifling expense. 
And as the knowledge of chemistry is founded on prac- 
tical research, we cannot hope to pursue the study of it 
with advantage, without performing such processes as verify 
most of the capital generalities of the science, and also such 
as reasoning, analogy, and a laudable desire of experi- 
menting, never fail to suggest to those whose taste and 
talents lead them that way. This mode of study is the 
more essential, because, in the most common operations of 
experimental chemistry, a vast number of small facts oc- 
cur, which are not mentioned in books, but are essential 
to be known: if they were described as eften as they present 
themselves in practice, a great loss of time would follow, 
because they are too numerous and too minute, and no ad- 
vantage would be gained in perspicuity. It is the know- 
ledge of these facts which distinguishes the expert operator 
from the bungler, and this knowledge can only be acquired 
by actual practice or manual application; and not from 
reading, nor public lectures, or other means. 
To give effect to operative researches, the most celebrated 
philosophers have furnished collections of instruments of 
experiment to facilitate the attainment of practical know- 
ledge. The bare mentioning of some of them will be a 
sufficient proof of what has been stated. The blow-pipe 
apparatus of Bergman; the pocket laboratory of Cronstedt ; 
the travelling chest of chemical re-agents of Géetling; the 
ceconomical “Jaboratory of Guyton Morveau ; ; the mineralo- 
gical chest for the analysis of soils and manures, lately re- 
commended by the illustrious Professor of the Royal In- 
stitution*; and many others, are too well known to render 
further observations concerning the utility of the above 
statement necessary. 
‘Emboldened by these proceedings, I presume it cannot 
be thought foreign to the views of a journal which pro- 
fesses to be consecrated to the diffusion of chemical know- 
ledge, to lay before the public a sketch of a Portable Mi- 
ineralogical ‘Laboratory, which is designed chiefly for those 
cultivators of mineralogical science, whose means of in- 
* Davy’s Memoir on the Analysis of Soils. 
dulgence 
