a mineral Substance from North America. 65 
and, as they do not appear to fade when exposed to light and 
air, they might probably be employed with advantage as 
pigments. 
I am much inclined to believe, that the time is perhaps not 
very distant, when some of the newly-discovered metals, and 
other substances, which are now considered as simple, primi- 
tive, and distinct bodies, will be found to be compounds* Yet I 
only entertain and state this opinion as a probability ; for, until 
an advanced state of chemical knowledge shall enable us to 
compose, or at least to decompose, these bodies, each must be 
classed and denominated as a substance sui generis. Consi- 
dering, therefore, that the metal which has been examined is so 
very different from those hitherto discovered, it appeared proper 
that it should be distinguished by a peculiar name ; and, having 
consulted with several of the eminent and ingenious chemists 
of this country, I have been induced to give it the name of 
Columbium. 
POSTSCRIPT. 
It appears proper to mention some unsuccessful attempts, 
which I have lately made to reduce the white oxide. 
Fifty grains were put into a crucible coated with charcoal ; 
and, being covered with the same, the crucible was closely luted, 
and was exposed to a strong heat, in a small wind-furnace, 
during about one hour and an half. When the crucible was 
broken, the oxide was found in a pulverulent state ; and, from 
white, was become perfectly black. 
In order to form a phosphuret, some phosphoric acid was 
poured upon a portion of the white oxide ; and, being evaporated 
mdcccii. K 
