Identity of Edwardsite with Monazite. 253 



for two hours, the insoluble matter was reduced to 1 gr. which 

 still retained, however, a pale tinge of red, evincing that it was 

 not wholly deprived of the oxide of cerium, or lanthanium, or of 

 both. 



This powder was now treated with concentrated sulphuric acid, 

 diluted with its weight of water. A solution was effected with 

 some difficulty, requiring for its completion a digestion of at least 

 two hours. Nothing remained behind, save a feeble trace of titanic 

 acid. The color of the fluid was yellow. 



It exhibited the following properties : ammonia threw down a 

 white hydrate, which absorbed carbonic acid from the air, and 

 was readily soluble again in hydrochloric acid, with effervescence. 

 The hydrate is almost wholly soluble in carbonate of ammonia. 

 Ferro-cyanide of potassium threw down a precipitate when ad- 

 ded to the neutral sulphate, which it does not do in the case of 

 zirconia alone. From these facts, I think it safe to infer, that 

 the solution in question contained, principally, thorina. 



The nitro-hydrochloric solutions of cerium above mentioned, 

 were mingled and precipitated by ammonia. The precipitate was 

 dissolved in nitric acid, and the solution evaporated to dryness. 

 It assumed a rose red, and had a decided astringent, but metallic 

 taste. A solution of hydrochlorate of ammonia was added, and 

 on the application of heat, the insoluble oxide was dissolved with 

 the evolution of ammoniacal gas. I feel fully authorized, there- 

 fore, to announce the existence of the oxide of lanthanium in the 

 Edwardsite ; but as to the ratio which it bears to the oxide of 

 cerium, I was unable to determine any thing satisfactorily. 



Whenever I am able to procure a sufficient quantity of the 

 mineral, I shall renew the research into its composition ; but in 

 the mean time I am sufficiently satisfied of its relationship to 

 Mengite to withdraw the claim I at first advanced to its distinct 

 specific character. 



By the above investigation, new elements are added to those 

 already known in the State of Connecticut. Mr. Rose detected 

 tin also by the blowpipe in Edwardsite. I may add that I have 

 the same metal from two other places in the state, an account of 

 which, together with a notice of selenium which accompanies 

 the tin at one of its deposits, I reserve for a future occasion. The 

 list of our elements has therefore been augmented to the number 

 of four, within a short period of time. 



Vol. XXXIX, No. 2.— July-September, 1840. 33 



