Derivations of Mineral Names. 21 
Finally, the sun burst through the primeval shroud, or swad- 
dlings of the new-born Earth, and began to lend its heat, to warm 
up the tender young bosom of Earth, and to fecundate her 
developing powers. Ever since that beginning, the sun has not 
failed for an instant, to pour in his genial warmth over some 
portion of Earth’s surface. This warmth, in the form of organic 
bodies, has constantly been sinking into the same surface; and, 
though we take little note of it, this amounts to a vast quantity, in 
geologic ages. 
I believe the foregoing is a fair summary of the case I under- 
took to investigate. It is only a summary. 
ON SOME INTERESTING DERIVATIONS OF 
MINERAL NAMES.’ 
BY F. M. ENDLICH. 
P bestowing a name upon any hitherto unknown substance, two 
factors mainly contribute to determine its character: The cir- 
cumstances attending the discovery, and the facts which have 
become known in relation to such substance. The basis upon 
which the new name has been formed may, in a general way, afford 
an indication of the scientific standard of its sponsor or of the period 
during which it became known. 
Probably the first thought which the sight of a new mineral, for 
instance, may occasion, will refer to its geographical origin or physi- 
cal appearance. ‘The second question might, appropriately, refer to 
its composition ; the third, to special characteristics and to its uses. 
We find, in point of fact, that a number of minerals were named by 
1 As any dissertation upon a subject like the derivation of 
mineral names must, of necessity, largely be a compilation, I have 
refrained from making citations which would uselessly cumber the 
article. I have principally utilized the publications of Theophrastus, 
Dioscorides, Pliny, Agricola, Beudant, Ceesius, J. D. Dana, Domeyko, 
Estner, Gessner, v. Kobell, Linnæus, Matthesius, Naumann, Pape, 
Quenstedt, Wallerius, Weigand, and Werner, besides various lexico- 
graphic and poetical works. The manner in which I have presented 
the subject is essentially original, and a number of suggestions have 
been introduced which may throw light upon some doubtful points or 
furnish hints for further elaboration.—E. 
