1870.] . Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. 281 



its separation from the other metals, and an experiment made on 

 the second sample by conducting the analysis in the same way gave 

 support to this view, as by this plan only 31 5 per cent, of arsenic 

 was obtained, instead of the 37 per cent, indicated below by another 

 process. Probably arsenic had been volatilised as chloride. 



The second sample sent by Mr. O'Biley, 11 th October, was 

 similar in appearance to the first, but differed somewhat in compo- 

 sition, as will be seen presently. No particular note had been 

 taken of the physical properties of the first sample. The second 

 one was in the form of a flattened piece about -fth of an inch (or 1*2 

 centimetres) thick, with a dull, blackish, earthy looking surface. 

 When broken, it presented an uneven fracture of a laminated struc - 

 ture, somewhat cellular, of a steel grey colour with a purplish tint 

 and metallic lustre. In general appearance it is like mispickel, 

 but of a redder shade. Minute specks of brownish green matter 

 could be seen here and there on the surface, particularly between 

 the lamellae, when these presented themselves to view edge- 

 ways. It gives no streak on paper but a dark grey one on 

 unglazed porcelain. Hardness, 5*5. 

 Specific gravity at 81° F. (27° C.) 

 In small pieces, 7*343 

 In powder, 7-428 



The pieces were boiled in the bottle, but no doubt still retained 

 air in some interior cells. 



It is easily soluble in Nitric and Nitro-Hydrochloric acids with evo- 

 lution of Nitrous fumes. One portion was dissolved slowly by diluted 

 Nitric acid containing 3 per cent, its volume of Nitric acid of 1400 

 and the solution completed somewhat more rapidly by a solution 

 containing 5 per cent, its volume. Hydrochloric acid at atmospheric 

 temperature dissolved it partially by standing some time (two or 

 three days,) to the extent of about 10 or 1 1 per cent., and by repeated 

 boiling about 13 per cent, more, but there appeared no definite limit 

 to the action. Acetic acid dissolves a portion, evidently oxidised 

 matter. 



Ignited in a platinum crucible it caked together, lost its metallic 

 lustre and became of a brownish colour, but whitish at the edges 

 where it adhered to the crucible and was removed with some difii- 



