280 



NOTE ON THE DISCOVERY 



difficulty in again separating the metals. Platina cannot be purified by 

 cupellation like gold, on account of its infusibility, which causes the alloy 

 to solidify before the whole of the lead has been oxidized and driven off. 



Having expressed a desire to obtain some of the native mineral in 

 grains, Mr. Lane was so kind as to send a specimen which he had with 

 difficulty procured in the course of the following year : but he was never 

 able to send a second supply ; so, being unwilling to consume the whole 

 specimen in an analysis, I have contented myself with a rough examina- 

 tion of a small portion. 



Before giving the results, however, it may be useful to bring together 

 into one view the whole of the observations of the discoverer, and of Major 

 BuRNEY, on the locality and mode of extraction of this precious mineral, 



Mr. Lane's first announcement was expressed in the following terms : 



" 'Mixed with the gold dust, found to the northward of Ava, are a 

 quantity of grains of metal, having every appearance of iron ; they are 

 easily corroded, and are also affected by the magnet : by melting these 

 grains, and keeping them in fusion, until the metal is no longer observed 

 to scorify, the enclosed button of metal is left at the bottom of the 

 crucible. 



This metal, when mixed with gold, is found to increase its brilliancy. 

 The King's ear-rings are made of a small quantity of it, mixed with pure 

 gold ; it is very brittle, and all our attempts have hitherto failed in making 

 it malleable.' " 



In addition to this information, Mr. Swinton received the following 

 particulars from Major Burney in January 1832. 



