

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



In the preparation of this Manual, the author has endeavored to 

 meet a demand often urged, by making it, as far as possible, prac- 

 tical and American in character. 



Prominence has been given to the more common species, while 



others are but briefly noticed in smaller type, or are mentioned 

 only by name. The uses of minerals and their modes of application 

 in the arts have been especially dwelt upon. The value of ores in 

 mining, their modes of reduction, the yield of mines in different 

 countries, and the various applications of the metals, have been de- 

 scribed as minutely as was consistent with the extent of the work. 

 The various rocks are in like manner included. 



At the same time, the subject has been presented with all the 

 strictness of a scientific system. The classification adopted throws 

 together ores of the same metal, and associates the earthy species 

 as far as possible in natural groups. This order is preferred by ver* 

 many teachers of the science, and has advantages which for man^ 

 purposes counterbalance those of a more perfectly natural s}~stem 

 The account of the ores of each metal is preceded by a brief state 

 ment of their distinctive characters ; and after the descriptions, 

 there follow general remarks on mines, metallurgical processes, ana 

 other useful information. 



As the rarer mineral species are not altogether excluded, but are 

 briefly mentioned each in its proper place in the sj-stem, the student, 

 should he meet with th«sm, will be guided by the Manual to some 

 knowledge of their general characters, and aided in arranging them 

 "n his cabinet. 



