FIRST FLOOE. 
55 
case on the left-hand side, a series of specimens selected and 
labelled to serve as an introduction to the study of minerals. 
Beginning with a definition of what is meant hj a mineral, it 
is there shown how essential characters were gradually recog- 
nised, and how minerals have been distributed into kinds and 
classified. 
In the next three window-cases specimens are arranged to 
illustrate the various terms which have been found useful in 
the description of minerals. 
Eecently acquired specimens are shown for a time in the fifth Recent 
window-case. acquisitions 
The remaining window-cases in the gallery contain models of Pseudo- 
crystals and pseudomorphs, and are intended for the special 
student. The general visitor will now do well to return to the General 
entrance of the gallery and begin the examination of the table- Minerals! ^ 
cases in Avhich are exhibited specimens of every mineral species 
and variety in the possession of the Museum. The cases are 
numbered from 1 to 42, and the eight panes of each case are 
distinguished by the letters a to Ji. 
For the use of the student there is published a complete 
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.* 
The system of classification, which is necessarily constructed 
to include, not only ores, but all known minerals, is not very 
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 detail, reference must be 
made to the Departmental Guide. 
In cases 1 and 2 are the native metals, as Copper, Silver, Gold, 
and Platinum ; and non-metals, as Sulphur, Graphite, and Dia- 
mond. The large symmetrical crystal of Diamond, weighing 
130 carats, presented by Professor Paiskin, is worthy of special 
attention (case Ig). 
The next six cases contain minerals which have mostly a 
metallic lustre and consist of metals in chemical combination 
with sulpliur or arsenic. 
* * The Student's Index to the Collection of Minerals.' Price twopence. 
