MINERALOGY. 



309 



grains to fifty pounds ; it sometimes, though but rarely oc- 

 curs in this kingdom, as also in Ireland ; the Gold Coin 

 current in Great Britain, is composed of Twenty-two parts 

 of Goldj and two of Copper. 



3. Silver. In a pure state is ten times heavier than water ; 



IS soft, opake, and flexible, it is white, shining, and 

 very malleable. 



Silver is more abundant than Gold, being dispersed through 

 most countries, it occurs in a pure state, as also combined 

 with Copper, Lead, and other Metals. English coin contains 

 fifteen parts of Silver, to one of Copper ; the purposes to 

 which this Metal is applicable^ are too well known to require 

 repetition. 



4. Mercurt or Quicksilver. Mercury is thirteen times 



heavier than water ; it generally occurs in a pure state^ 

 and also combined with Silver, which it resembles in 

 colour, but the peculiarity which distinguishes it from 

 other Metals, is the fluidity it preserves at the com- 

 mon temperature of the Atmosphere. 



This is less abundant than the last, the uses to which it is 

 applicable in Medicine, the Arts, and Experimental Philo« 

 Sophy, are numerous ; and it is highly valuable In the sepa- 

 ration of Gold and Silver from their Ores, which process i& 

 termed Amalgamation. 



6. Lead. Is of a blueish grey colour ; it is upwards of 

 eleven times heavier than water; is soft^ malleable;, 

 ductile, but inelastic^ 



