NATIVE ELEMENTS AND SULPHIDES. 
63 
Entering the gallery tlie visitor will find, in the first window- Introductory 
case on the left-hand side, a series of specimens selected and ^0^®°^°^^' 
labelled to serve as an introduction to the study of minerals. 
Beginning with a definition of what is meant by a mineral, it 
shows how essential characters were gradually recognised, and 
how minerals have been distributed into kinds and classified. 
In the next three window-cases specimens are arranged to 
illustrate the characters of minerals and the various terms 
used in their description. 
In the remaining six window-cases on the same side of the Eocks. 
gallery, a corresponding series of specimens illustrative of the 
characters of rocks is exhibited ; and the eleven window-cases 
on the opposite side contain a collection illustrating the various 
kinds of rocks.* 
In the table-cases of the gallery are exhibited specimens of General 
every mineral species and variety preserved in the Museum. Minerals! 
The cases containing this general collection are numbered from 
1 to 41, and the eight panes of each case are distinguished by 
the letters a to h. For the use of the student there is pub- 
lished an Index to the names and synonyms of all the 
mineral species and varieties represented in the collection, with 
references to the table- cases in which specimens are placed, f 
The system of classification, which includes not only ores, 
but all known minerals, is not easy for a general visitor to 
follow, and it is thus convenient to indicate here the positions 
in the gallery of those minerals — as, for instance, precious and 
ornamental stones, and metallic ores — which have an interest 
for all ; for details, reference must be made to the Departmental 
Guide. 
I. In cases 1 and 2 are the native metals, as Copper, Silver, Native 
Gold, and Platinum ; and non-metals, as Sulphur, Graphite, Elements, 
and Diamond. The large symmetrical crystal of Diamond, 
weighing 130 carats, presented by the late Professor Euskin, 
is worthy of special attention (case Ig). 
II. The next six cases contain minerals which have mostly a Sulphides, 
metallic lustre and consist of metals in chemical combination 
with elements of the sulphur or arsenic groups. 
* ' Introduction to the Study of Rocks.' Price sixpence. 
t ' 'I'lie Student's Index to the Collection of Minerals.' Price twopence. 
