iron. 295 



muriates, by mucilage, gum, and by the greater number of soluble 

 vegetable principles. This solution is limited to its external appli- 

 cation ; when properly diluted with distilled water, in the propor- 

 tion of 5i or 3ii to the ounce of water, it forms a very valuable 

 astringent and sedative lotion, in some cutaneous eruptions, burns, 

 excoriations, phlegmons, and in almost all cases of external in- 

 flammation. 



Genus IX.— IRON. 



Fer. Fr. : Ferro, It.; Hierro, Sp. ; Eissen, Ger. ; Hcdeed, Arab, j Lo/ui, Hind., 



Sans. ; Tee, Chin. 



No metal occurs more universally diffused than iron ; it enters 

 into the composition of a great variety of mineral substances, and 

 even entire mountains are formed of iron ore. It is found in 

 almost every part of the globe, either in veins or associated with 

 the ores of other metals. Its ores are very numerous ; the follow- 

 ing are the most important. 



Sp. 1. Native Iron. — This species is divided into two sub- 

 species, viz. Terrestrial Native Iron, and Meteoric Native Iron. 

 Terrestrial Native Iron is of a steel-grey colour. It occurs 

 massive, in plates, and in leaves. Internally, it is glistening with 

 a metallic lustre. It contains, iron 92*50, lead 6, copper 1'50. — 

 Klaproth. It is found in Saxony. Meteoric Native Iron is of a 

 pale steel-grey colour. It occurs ramose, globular, and dissemi- 

 nated in meteoric stones. It contains, iron 96, nickel 3'5. This 

 sub-species falls from the air in various parts of the world. 



Sp. 2. Iron Pyrites, or Sulphuret of Iron. Pl. XLI. fig. 

 1 . — Gemeiner Schwefelkies, Werner ; Fer sulphure, Uauy. — Its 

 colour is brass-yellow. It occurs massive, disseminated, globular, 

 and crystalized, in cubes and octahedrons, variously modified. 

 Internally, it is shining and glistening, and the lustre is metallic. 

 The specific gravity is from 4'6 to 4*8. It is very hard, and even 

 gives sparks, with steel . Before the blow-pipe it emits a sul- 



