Iron * 
87 
ties : It adheres to the magnet in the greatest abundance* 
but not in confused clusters like iron-stone simply torre- 
fied or roasted : a manifest indication to become attach- 
ed in the form of fibres is visible ; and the quantity taken 
up is equal in point of bulk to the effect produced with 
iron filings. 
2. Iron-stone in this state pulverised , when strewed in 
the flame of a fire or candle, gives out metallic sparks, 
like the combustion of iron-filings when strewed in the 
same manner. When the flame of the blow-pipe is di- 
rected upon it, a considerable inflammation takes place, and 
the metallic particles again become oxydated. 
3. In this state, iron-stones possess the property of 
effervescing violently with the sulphuric and muriatic 
acids. The iron and lime are instantly dissolved, without 
the production of heat. This is only peculiar to iron- 
stones at this period of de- oxygenation * In no other state 
either raw or roasted, does iron-stone possess this pro- 
perty, unless highly united to lime ; but remains lindissol- 
ved till it has attracted a portion of the oxygen from the 
acid with which it is in contact. 
From these confirming circumstances I conclude, that 
the particles of metal exist in a highly disengaged state ; 
that they are partially malleable, yet so much combined 
with oxygen as to be easily precipitated, in fusion, for the 
production of cast-iron, with a sparing proportion of fuel, 
and a proper application of solvents. So far, therefore, 
as this experiment leads us, the practical analysis of this 
ore may be thus stated : 
In the assay-furnace 100 parts of this iron-stone yielded 
a button of super-carbonated crude iron e- 
qualto - • - - 3 9° 5 parts* 
Water, carbonic acid, and sulphur, lost 
in simple distillation - » 33 ° 6 
Oxygen taken up by the charcoal 9*0 
