‘B72 O. Loew on Wheelerite, a new Fossil Resin. 
which is yellowish in color, was frequently found in the Creta- 
ceous lignite beds of northern New Mexico, filling the fissures 
of the lignite, and even interstratified in thin layers with the 
same. ore of this substance was seen in the vicinity of Naci- 
miento than in any other locality. The strata of lignite, slate 
and clay, in the numerous sandstone mesas of this region, are 
plainly to be seen in passing by. The behavior of this resin 
with reagents and the analysis made proves this to be a new 
compound, heretofore undescribe 
On treating the resin with alcohol, the principal enka is 
readily dissolved, while a small part remains inso he 
hot alcoholic extract of the resin deposits, on cooli sige a few 
yellow floceuli. After the separation of the solution from these 
flocculi, there cre ser after evaporation, a yellowish resin, 
which is very brittl and becomes strongly electric on friction. 
This resin melts at “14° C. Ata higher temperature it emits 
an aromatic odor, burns with a smoky flame, and leaves a vol- 
uminous coal behind. 
It is soluble in pri ee less so in bisulphide of carbon. It dis- 
solves readily in concentrated sulphuric acid, producing a dark 
brown solution. From this solution water precipitates i it. It 
forms a compound with potassa in aqueous solution, and is pre- 
cipitated by acids unchanged. Strong nitric acid readily oxi- 
dizes it, with the evolution of nitrous fumes. 
0°106 grm. gave 0°284 carbonic acid and 0°076 water. 
0°101 grm., gave 0.270 carbonic acid and 0°071 water. 
The data give the formula C,H,O. 
Theory. Experiment. 
hie a 
Carbon, 73°11 73°07 72°87 
Hydrogen, 7°31 7°95. 7°88 
Oxygen, 19°58 
The true molecule of the resin is probably 5-6 times larger 
than the above formula expresses. Many fossil resins have 
been ary me but none identical with the above, so far as 
own, has been described. 
The pond acid of Johnston, which he obtained by extract- 
ing the retinasphalt of Bovey with alcohol, is the me com- 
bination that bears a resemblance to the substance under dis- 
cussion. This has the formula C,,H, sO re slightly soluble 
in alcohol, readily so in ether, and melts at 120° C 
I have taken the liberty of naming this new mineral after 
ae Lieutenant George M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, U.S. 
» the: honored and energetic leader of the expedition to 
which ‘Tam attached. fs 
— ee Water, D. ©., March, 1874. 
