IN SIMPLE MINF.RALS. .j77 
When we have in this manner traced back all 
kinds of mineral bodies, to the first and most 
simple condition of their component Elements, 
we find these Elements to have been at all times 
regulated by the self-same system of fixed and 
universal laws, which still maintains the me- 
chanism of the material world. In the operation 
of these laws we recognize such direct and con- 
stant subserviency of means to ends, so much of 
harmony, and order, and methodical arrangement, 
in the physical properties and proportional quan- 
tities, and chemical functions of the inorganic 
of one system of combinations to another system, under which 
every individual crystal has been adjusted by laws, acting cor- 
relatively to produce harmonious results. 
Every crystal of Carbonate of Lime is made up of millions of 
particles of the same compound substance, having one invariable 
primary form, viz. that of a rhomboidal solid, which may be 
obtained to an indefinite extent by mechanical division. 
The integrant molecules of these rhomboidal solids form the 
smallest particles to which the Limestone can be reduced without 
chemical decomposition. 
The first result of chemical analysis divides these integrant 
molecules of Carbonate of Lime into two compound substances, 
namely. Quick Lime and Carbonic Acid, each of which is made 
up of an incalculable number of constituent molecules. 
A further analysis of these constituent molecules shews that 
they also are compound bodies, each made up of two elementary 
substances, viz. the Lime made up of elementary molecules of 
the metal Calcium, and Oxygen ; and the Carbonic Acid, of 
elementary molecules of Carbon and Oxygen. 
These ultimate molecules of Calcium, Carbon, and Oxygen, 
form the final indivisible atoms into which every secondary crystal 
of Carbonate of Lime can be resolved. 
GEOL. p p 
