200 Intelligence and Miscellanies. 



colorless when cold. Comparative experiments were made 

 with the asparagus stone attended by similar results. 



Several small angular fragments were put into a tlask, 

 to which colorless nitric acid was added; and a slight heat ap- 

 plied for nearly an hour, when their complete solution was 

 effected. 



I was the more particular in my examination of this sub- 

 stance, not being aware that phosphate of lime had ever 

 before been detected in these siones ; and I regret that the 

 smallness of the quantity prevented me from making still 

 farther experiments, by means of which, my conclusion con- 

 cerning its nature might have been rendered quite certain. 



4. Meteoric Iron. 



This hitherto nearly invariable ingredient of meteoric 

 stones is not wanting in the prevent instance. Its propor- 

 tion however is very small, as may be judged of from the fact, 

 that I did not find above eight grains in breaking down near- 

 ly half a pound of the stone. 



Its form was for the most part that of rounded grains 

 slightly flattened, the largest of which did not exceed a mus- 

 tard seed in size. It also existed in little hook-shaped mass- 

 es, as well as in the most delicate filaments, resembling the 

 finest wire, and capable of being straightened out in single 

 pieces, to a length exceeding half an inch. Its color was of 

 a silvery whiteness, except in those instances where the frag- 

 ment was situated in a large cavity, when it was partially in- 

 vested by rust, and in some cases by a thin coating of the 

 proto-sulphuret of iron. 



Chemical Examination. 



1. Upon a portion of the meteoric iron, rendered as free 

 as possible from foreign matter, was poured nitro-muriatic 

 acid. A brisk action ensued, and every thing was taken up 

 except a few grains of earthy matter. 



2. To the solution was added ammonia in excess ; and af- 

 ter a few moments' simmering, to effect the complete de- 

 composition of the muriate of iron, the precipitate was al- 

 lowed to subside. The supernatant liquid was withdrawn 

 by the dropping tube. It exhibited a very distinct blue color, 

 indicative of the presence of nickel. 



3. The ammoniacal solution (2.) was evaporated to dry- 

 ness in a platina capsule. The residue presented an apple- 



