Identity of Edwardsite with Monazite. 253 
for two hours, the insoluble matter was reduced to 1 gr. which 
still retained, however, a pale tinge of red, evincing that it was 
not wholly deprived of the oxide of cerium, or lanthanium, or of 
both. 
This powder was now treated with concentrated sulphuric acid, 
diluted with its weight of water. A solution was effected with 
some difficulty, requiring for its completion a digestion of at least 
two hours. Nothing remained behind, save a feeble trace of titanic 
acid. The color of the fluid was yellow. 
It exhibited the following properties: ammonia threw down a 
white hydrate, which absorbed carbonic acid from the air, and 
was readily soluble again in hydrochloric acid, with effervescence. 
The hydrate is almost wholly soluble in carbonate of ammonia. 
Ferro-cyanide of potassium threw down a precipitate when ad- 
ded to the neutral sulphate, which it does not do in the case of 
zirconia alone. From these facts, I think it safe to infer, that 
the solution in question contained, principally, thorina. 
~The nitro-hydrochloric solutions of cerium above mentioned, 
‘Were mingled and precipitated by ammonia. The precipitate was 
dissolved in nitric acid, and the solution evaporated to dryness. 
It assumed a rose red, and had a decided astringent, but metallic 
taste. A solution of hydrochlorate of ammonia was added, and 
on the application of heat, the insoluble oxide was dissolved with 
the evolution of ammoniacal gas. I feel fully authorized, there- 
fore, to announce the existence of the oxide of lanthanium in the 
Edwardsite ; but as to the ratio which it bears to the oxide of 
cerium, I was unable to determine any thing satisfactorily. 
Whenever I am able to procure a sufficient quantity of the 
mineral, I shall renew the research into its composition ; but in 
the mean time I am sufficiently satisfied of its relationship to 
Mengite to withdraw the claim I at first advanced to its distinct 
Specific character. 
By the above investigation, new elements are added to those 
already known in the State of Connecticut. Mr. Rose detected 
tin also by the blowpipe in Edwardsite. I may add that I have 
the same metal from two other places in the state, an account of 
which, together with a notice of selenium which accompanies 
the tin atone of its deposits, I reserve for a future occasion. The 
list of our elements has therefore been augmented to the number 
of four, within a short period of time. 
ol. xxx1x, No. 2.—July-September, 1840. 33 
