2* 



pretty universally understood to include a knowledge of stones 

 and metals ; among the latter of which we place this pro- 

 duction, and feel much gratified in adding so great a ra- 

 rity to the British catalogue. But we ought, in charity, to 

 wish such may still continue to be rare, as otherwise the 

 consequences might be dreadful. It is particularly to be 

 noted that the same substances are only found under similar 

 circumstances. Many of these stones haves fallen abroad 

 in different places, but only two are known to have fallen in 

 Great Britain ; the first in Yorkshire, part of which is here 

 figured; and the other in Scotland. 

 They have been found to contain 



1. Silex. 



2. Iron in a malleable state. 



3. Magnesia. 



4. Martial Pyrites. 



5. Nickel. 



The silica is lightish grey, in some parts rather vitreous, 

 with rectangular yellowish fragments : — see the left hand 

 figure. It is in very numerous but minute particles, which 

 require the aid of a magnifier to be distinguished. — The iron 

 is grey, much dispersed in particles of different sizes, mostly 

 very small, often in rows, and sometimes in veins. — The 

 magnesia seems combined with the silica, and the nickel 

 chiefly with the iron. — The pyrites are dispersed in particles 

 among the whole, some enclosing malleable iron, and some 

 looking, when magnified, like particles of quicksilver; others 

 are more distinct, and tarnished like common pyrites. They 

 emit a blue blaze if projected on red-hot charcoal, and are 

 easily fusible, becoming magnetic. The coating appears to 

 be fused together, is very thin, and somewhat less magnetic 

 than the rest; in some parts entering and forming veins 

 within the stone. The whole is in texture like a compact 

 sandstone, and may be crumbled into little pieces by the 

 nail. The fracture is irregularly conchoidal, sandy or 



