64 
EAST WING. 
Oeneral 
Collection 
MineralE. 
of 
Larger 
Mineral 
specimens. 
Meteorites. 
either belong or are closely related to the Mineral Kingdom, 
although in their formation organised matter has played a very 
important part. The most important members are Coal and 
Amber. 
Coal (41a), in most of its varieties, gives structural evidence 
of its vegetable origin : its chemical composition depends on the 
more or less complete change which has taken place, and is thus 
not so definite as in the preceding minerals. In the variety 
called anthracite all traces of the original organised structure 
have disappeared. 
Amber (41c), in ancient times regarded as one of the precious 
stones, is likewise of vegetable origin. It is a fossil resin, 
chiefly derived from trees allied to the existing pines : its 
originally viscous condition is sufficiently proved by the insects 
which are sometimes found enclosed in it. 
In the Pavilion at the east end of the gallery the visitor will 
find many specimens which, owing to their size, cannot be 
satisfactorily exhibited in the table-cases. 
Of these we may specially call attention to the magnificent 
series of minerals in the wall-cases, and to the specimens of 
galena and jade on separate tables : also the large specimen of 
gypsum or selenite, presented by the late Prince Consort, which, 
with some fine illustrations of calcite, is exhibited in a special 
case. 
Of the four table-cases in the windows, the first three contain 
a series illustrating the various kinds of pseudomorphs, and 
the fourth a set of specimens arranged by Professor Euskin to 
illustrate some varieties of Silica. 
The most important feature of the Pavilion is the Collection 
of Meteorites,* of which the smaller specimens are shown in the 
four central cases. 
The fall of masses of stone and iron from the sky, though 
observed again and again since the most remote ages, was very 
rarely credited by anyone beside the spectators themselves ; and 
till the beginning of this century no attempt to collect such 
specimens for examination and comparison was made. In the 
special guide it is shown how evidence of the actual fall of such 
* See *An Introduction to the Study of Meteorites, with a List of the 
Meteorites rcj)rcs('nte(l in tlie Collection.' Price sixpence. 
