404- Rev. W. D. Conybeare on M. de Beaumont's Theory 



defects unamended. It is not worth while to alter the names 

 till we can construct them so as to indicate the constitution of 

 the salt in reference to water as well as to soda. Now here 

 Ave find our present system of nomenclature at fault. Such 

 combinations as we have to name were never contemplated, 

 and are not provided for. The function of water in the 

 constitution of the salts has been hitherto almost entirely 

 overlooked. I am now prepared to show that its interference 

 is not confined to the phosphates; that it discharges an equally 

 important function in other classes of salts. It modifies the 

 constitution, likewise, of many metallic peroxides, — of the per- 

 oxides of tin, for instance, — and supplies the explanation of 

 many cases of apparent isomerism. 



It is certainly one. great advantage of chemical formulae 

 that they may be made to compensate to a certain extent for 

 the increasing deficiencies of the nomenclature. From new 

 light thrown upon the constitution of some familiar salt, its 

 name ceases to indicate its received constitution, or even be- 

 lies it. In such cases, where it may be inexpedient to change 

 the name, it may be qualified when used by subjoining in 

 parentheses the correct formula of the salt. 1 confess that 

 I underrated the advantages of chemical notation till its use 

 was forced upon me in the study of the phosphates. But 

 now I am satisfied that to neglect it would be voluntarily to 

 forgo a most valuable aid in the conception and exhibition 

 of chemical relations. 1 remain, Dear Sir, 



With much respect, yours truly, 



Glasgow, April 9, 1834. Thomas Graham. 



LXV. Inquiry how far the Theory of M. Elie de Beaumont 

 concerning the Parallelism of Lines of Elevation of the same 

 Geological JEra, is agreeable to the Phenomena as exhibited 

 in Great Britain. By the Rev. W. D. Conybeare, M.A., 

 F.R.S. V.P.G.S. Instit. Reg. Soc. Paris. 



[Concluded from vol. i. p. 126.] 



Supplement T^LEVATIONS during the interval between 

 to III. — ■*- i the close of the aera of the carboniferous 

 formations and the commencement of that of the new red 

 sandstone and dolomite, which may be shortly called the An- 

 tedolomitic aera. 



If we examine our principal coal-fields, e.g. (proceeding 

 from S. to N.) the Bristol coal-basin, that of the Forest of 

 Dean, that of South Wales, the coal-fields of Shropshire and 

 Flintshire on the eastern edge of the transition chains of 



