106 ONTOLOGY. 



tions, as the acids and alkalies, which are obviously only 

 moieties, and taken in a strict sense are not true mi- 

 nerals. 



b. Genetic Division of the Classes. 



516. The total division only is genetic and conse- 

 quently correct. 



517. As the classes have originated through that 

 which directly preceded them, namely, the elements ; 

 so must the divisions of the classes be determined by 

 the other classes. Such divisions are called orders. 

 Every class necessarily divides into four orders. 



Order 1. Earths. 



2. Salts. 



3. Inflammables. 



4. Ores. 



CLASS I. 

 EARTHS. 



518. There must be therefore pure earths, haloid or 

 salt-earths, inflammable earths and metallic earths or ores. 



1. The Earth-earths must have neither saline, nor 

 inflammable nor metallic properties, and thus also be 

 insoluble in acids. Such is the case with the Silicious 

 earths. 



2. The Haloid-earths must have saline properties, dis- 

 solve in acids, but not fall to pieces when exposed to air 

 and fire. Such is the behaviour of Argillaceous earth ; 

 it admits besides of combining with water, that antetype 

 of the salts. 



3. The Inflammable earths must be soluble in acids 

 and exhibit electric or aerial properties. Such is the be- 

 haviour of the Talcose earths ; its minerals are unctuous, 

 fall when exposed to the air into electric lamellae, and 

 burn brittle. 



4. The Metallic earths must undergo change in acids, 

 air and fire. The calcareous earth dissolves in all acids, 



