§6 Iron » 
I* I used a fine argillaceous iron-stone, in small pieces* 
weighing - - 1750 grs* 
After a proper distillation of 8 hours in a de- 
gree of heat equal to 30° of Wedgewood*, I 
obtained a fine purple- coloured fibrated iron- 
stone, which, when cold, weighed - 1160 
Loss of water, acid, and sulphur, equal to 
33*6 per cent. - - - - 590 grs. 
The influence which the magnet possessed over this 
stone was considerable ; the adhesion to the tongue was 
however great. 
I next introduced into a proper vessel, in contact with 
charcoal- dust, some pieces fractured from the same origi- 
nal mass ; they also weighed - - 1750 grs* 
After exposure for 14 hours to a degree of 
heat equal to 120° of Wedge wood, the iron- 
stone, being carefully separated from the char- 
coal and dried, weighed - - 1002 
Loss of water, acid, sulphur, and oxygen 7 48 grs< 
Lost by simple distillation - 590 
Oxygen taken up by the charcoal, equal to 
9 parts in 100 - - - 158 grs. 
This must not, however, be taken as the total measure 
of oxygen combined with the iron, but only that portion 
taken up in the first stage of the operation ; which, as it 
possesses the following properties, fully entitles it to this 
distinction ; 
1. The iron-stone, from being firm and compact, pos- 
sessing specific gravity from 3 to 3*5, now becomes com- 
paratively light, friable, and pulverulent ; specific gravity, 
from 2*1 to 2*5. It now moulders with a slight pressure, 
and is easily reduced to fine powder of a whitish grey co- 
lour, which again possesses the following distinct proper- 
* Wedge wood’s pyrometer. 
