LINN^US. 301 



The salts, which are sapid, polyhedral, transpa- 

 rent, multiplicative, soluble into infinitely minute 

 particles, although always retaining the same form, 

 and again becoming concrete so as to form larger 

 particles of the same figure, generate various mi- 

 nerals by crystallizing. 



Nitru7h, which is aerial, by covering over in- 

 creases sand. 



Muria, which is marine, by corroding attracts c^^. 



Natrutn, which is of animal origin, by deliquesc- 

 ing coagulates lime. 



Alumen, which is of vegetable origin, by ramify- 

 ing produces earthy soil. 



These are the Fathers of minerals. 



The Earths, which are powdery, drying, soluble, 

 fixed, primitive, are generated or reproduced by 

 crystallizing, precipitating, fermenting, or putrefy- 

 ing. From them, by crystallization or attraction, 

 minerals are reformed, and these again are resolved 

 into earths and regenerated. 



Clay is the precipitation of the viscid water of the 

 sea; and is opaque, plastic, friable, capable of harden- 

 ing, and fireless. 



Sand is the crystallization of turbid rain-water ; 

 and is transparent, juiceless, giving sparks, durable, 

 and capable of being vitrified. 



Mould is the decomposition of fermenting vege- 

 tables ; and is black, bibulous, powdery, and com- 

 bustible. 



Lime is the decomposition of putrescent animal 

 substances ; and is whitish, absorbent, mealy, pene- 

 trable, and effervescent. 



Clay, the earth of sea- water, is hardened into tak, 

 when redissolved is regenerated in the form of as- 



