OCCURRENCE OF PRECIOUS STONES IN N.S.W. 281 
Mr. Smith—“ There is nothing gained by publishing results or 
data collected that do not somewhat advance our scientific know- 
ledge, by enabling us to arrive at a just decision, as to the actual 
(sic) molecular constitution of the mineral.” 
Reply—If anyone is able to reach a “just decision as to the 
actual molecular constitution” of a mineral it may be said that 
the blue ribbon of science is assuredly his. An insight into the 
“actual molecular constitution” of minerals would of course 
enable us to express the functions of the aluminates in mineral 
formule. No analyst ever hoped for such a possibility in the 
present state of our knowledge. Indeed if Mr. Smith’s views on 
this matter were commonly accepted, not a single analysis of a 
mineral would have been published during this century. 
Mr. Smith—“The Rev. J. M. Curran will remember that some 
months ago I stated to him, that from rough tests ] found that 
these stones were not pyrope.” 
Reply—I do remember. The information however could not 
affect my results. My paper was at the time in the possession 
of the Royal Society, and in any case the statement would not be 
of service to me as I do not rely upon rough tests. Tf a rough 
test satisfied Mr. Smith that the stones were not pyrope, he is 
now arguing fora foregone conclusion. 
Mr. Smith—« Taking the recognised classification of the garnet 
group we find that pyrope is a subdivision where magnesia pre- 
dominates over the other protoxide bases . . . or that Mg 
(sic) equals the other protoxides, or the ratio is as 1 to 1.” 
Reply—I understand Mr. Smith to mean that a standard for 
Pyrope is, that the MgO must be related to the other protoxides 
asl to 1. Almost in the same breath he says the ratio is at 
least 1to1. Let us therefore take some analysis of pyrope, and — 
See if they will mould themselves to Mr. Smith’s standard. The 
figures are based on Fe 56, O 16, Mn 55, Mg 24°3, Ca 40. 
1. Protoxides from an analysis of a pyrope by Knap, vide 
Dana’s Descript. Mineralogy, Sixth Ed. p. 441. 
