2AG6 EF). Uricoechea’s Chemical Examinations. 
Which leads us to the formula C2 *H1305 ; 
Calculated. Mean of I. and IL. 
Carbon, - - 24 43,09 73°02 
Hydrogen, - - 13 659 | 641 
Oxygen, - - 5 20°30 20°57 
: 100-00 100-00 
proving it to be a new body. For want of material, I have 
not studied the products of decomposition, which, no doubt, are 
analogous to those of Olivile, and no other reactions except its 
solubility in ether and alcohol, insolubility in water, melting 
point at 133°, and its non-volatilization were noticed. I hope af- 
plant, so much used and apparently so beneficial at home. This 
first result obtained by me, is that Oloba contains a volatile oil, 
a fixed one, myristic acid in combination with glycerine, and 
Olobile. 
2. Analyses of two Gold Idols of the Aborigines of New Granada. 
My studies on the antiquities of my country, the result of 
which I have laid before the public,* gave me occasion to 
analyses of the’ gold idols in my possession. 
It is impossible to tell their age; yet it is certain they were 
made before the Spaniards conquered the country. The exact 
locality also is unknown, although they were sent to me from Bo- 
gota; but there is very little doubt that they were made by the 
Chibcha nation (called also Muiscas) and among them, the tribe 
which was known under the name of Guatavita, and whose 1n- 
habitants were renowned for working in gold. 
now of the lake Guatavita, that for ages, millions of gold 
idols were thrown into it as offerings to the gods in time of need. 
We also know that a powerful cacique every year entered the 
lake, bathed in turpentine and gold dust, and in the middle of it, 
after throwing in the largest amounts of gold, he himself followed 
the gold into the waters where they had disappeared, and bathed ; 
which story gave the name “El dorado” to ourcountry. The 
dians of this nation then, were the gold sculptors, and the alloy 
they mixed was the one I examined. 
The external color of the metal of these idols is different; 
some are light yellow and others copper-red. On heating We 
alloy it blackens at a red heat, becoming covered with the black 
oxyd of copper. On washing it with hydrochloric acid, the color 
becomes yellowish white, probably by the formation of chlorid 
of silver; for by washing it again with ammonia it becomes cop- 
per-red. 
aepaemoria sobre Jas Antiguedades Neo-granadinas, Berlin, F. Schreiber & Co» 
é 
