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The acid obtained from Amber, called Succinic, is pe- 
culiar to it, the origin of this name being obvious. 
_ Amber is said by Woodward to be found in the clayey 
or aluminous rock, and on the shore, at Whitby, in three 
states or varieties. He names the three varieties, Rock, 
Washed, and Fat Amber. It is found in many of the 
northern parts of Europe as well as in Great Britain, in 
which it occurs on the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts, chiefly 
at Lowestoft, sometimes in great variety. Some authors 
speak of two varieties, white and yellow, but the white is 
generally described as of a light or straw yellow. 
Some parts of the upper figure are so perfectly white that 
it will not allow of any other denomination: it is opaque, 
and forms a great contrast to the yellow or redder parts, 
which are transparent. 
The lower figure is taken from a specimen with which I 
was favoured by Dr. J. E. Smith. It is such as is com- 
monly called Fat Amber, and does not unaptly resemble 
some sorts of fat, having a mixt and clouded appearance. 
Some pieces more nearly resemble Mineral Tallow, such 
as is found in Ireland, by some considered as butter pre- 
served in the bogs of that country. 
I have specimens of this, and mention it here, as suffi- 
client, not at present considering it as a truly mineralogical 
substance, although mentioned by the excellent Kirwan. 
It is certainly the spermaceti-like remains of some animal. 
I have also the kernel of a common nut of a whitish fat or 
greasy appearance, exactly resembling the Mineral Tallow. 
It was found in the Thames with its shell entire. 
Amber is much esteemed when large, and free from flaws, 
specks or blotches, either for curiosity or for ornamental 
purposes, and sells for a proportionate price. It is supposed 
to have preceded the use of ornamental jewels ; which seems 
very natural, as the ruder people would manage it better 
than hard stones. Accordingly we find in the tumuli * of 
* These, according to the observations of my friend, the experienced 
Mr. Cunnington, are the most antient Tumuli; and although they somes 
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