106 Scientific Intelligence. 



wants of the science. The unnatural complications of atoms 

 which present themselves to the chemist in the usual mineral ogi- 

 cal formulas, suggest that we are yet far from the simplicity 

 of nature. In accordance with the unitary system on the con- 

 trary, M. Laurent has shown, that by considering the ratio be- 

 tween the oxygen of the silica and that which is contained in 

 the bases present, and keeping in view two simple principles; 

 first, that in their peroxyds, the metals replace hydrogen in two- 

 thirds their ordinary equivalent, and second, that the molecules 

 of a compound are divisible to an unlimited extent, we may re- 

 duce all the mineral silicates to a few simple forms.* 



In the calculation of a formula like the above, it is necessary 

 to keep in view this divisibility of molecules and also the fact 

 that H, Mg, A15, Fe, Fe0, K, and other metals, may replace each 

 other to any extent. The Fef?0 and MgO, which in the calcu- 

 lation are for convenience represented together, supply in the 

 mineral the deficiency which appears in the quantity of water, 

 as well as the fractional equivalent assigned to the alumina. 



The mineral above described, from its hardness and specific 

 gravity is evidently to be referred to the order zeolite. In its 

 density it approaches datholite and prehnite, to which it is much 

 inferior in hardness, while from the rare species, edingtonite, to 

 which in hardness and density it is closely allied, it is distin- 

 guished by its crystallization. Under these circumstances, I offer 

 it as a new mineral species which will take a place by the side 

 of edingtonite ; and to connect with his favorite science, the 

 name of one who is among its most successful cultivators, 1 

 propose for it the designation of Algerite. 



Montreal, C. E., May 5th, 1849. 



SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. 



I. Chemistry and Physics. 



>/ 



(Chem 



Gazette for Feb., 1848 ; from Liebig's Ann., Ixiv, p. 108.)— The author 

 has submitted to examination the products of the saponification of cas- 

 tor oil, and has corrected the results of Bussy and Lecanu, pointing out 

 the probable sources of error in their investigations. According to 

 him, the oil yields beside glycerine, a mixture of a fluid fatty acid with 

 a crystalline one which may be separated by cold. When purified, so 

 as to burn without residue, it had the melting point and composition of 

 stearic acid. Another specimen of the oil furnished a solid acid which 



* Compt. Rendus de l'Acad., t. xariii, p. 1050, et t. xxiv, p. 94. See also Am 

 of Science, vol v, p. 405. 



