OF THE ASBESTINE EAftTH. 



355 Ib. being cxpofed to a white heat for two 

 hours in a crucible, was found, when thorough-' 

 ly cold, to weigh no more than 333 Ib. fo that 

 in this operation a lofs was fufhiined of 22 Ib. 

 which accounted for feveral pounds of humidi" 

 ty as well as aerial acid. 



The whole of it became white, and though 

 fomcwhat harder than before, yet could flill be 

 fcraped with the nail. 



In a fevcrc fire of many hours, it changes .1 

 little from yellow to a darkifh colour, and ac- 

 quires a degree of hardnefs capable of ftriking 

 fparks of fire from a flint. If a folid piece of it 

 could be obtained free from chinks, of a proper 

 fi7.c, nothing would excel it for the purpcfc of 

 fculpturc, and efneciully for the carving of heads 

 and fmail figures. For it may be eafily wrought 

 with a chi/.cl ever fo blunt ; and when finifhecl, 

 being properly hardened in the fire will defy the 

 kccneft tooth of time. 



To melt it requires the ftrongeft pofilblc de- 

 gree of heat. 



Exr. 14. The powder of ftcatitcs roafted in 

 a pneumatic apparatus gives out about 6 llh of 

 aerial acid in. a centenary . 



Exp. 15. In the flame of a blow-pipe it be- 

 comes white, but is not melted j unites with 



cftervcfcenee 



