triple Sulphur et, of Leaf Antimony, and Copper , &c. 37 
supplied any certain information, I think it right to make a few 
remarks, upon some circumstances relating to the different 
modes of attraction that appear to influence the formation of 
mineral substances. However imperfect this sketch may be, it 
will at least serve to illustrate what I shall hereafter say, re- 
specting the various ores I have just mentioned. 
OBSERVATIONS ON THE VARIOUS MODES OF ATTRACTION WHICH 
INFLUENCE THE FORMATION OF MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 
The observations to which the study of mineralogy, which 
of late years has been pursued with particular attention, has 
given rise, seem to me to lead to the following conclusion, viz. 
that, of the two kinds of attraction which have been hitherto 
admitted to prevail in the formation of mineral substances, 
namely, the attraction of composition , and the attraction of ag- 
gregation , the latter is subject to different modes of action, all 
of which have a striking effect in the formation of mineral 
substances. 
The first kind of attraction to which mineral bodies are sub- 
ject, and which is generally known by the name of chemical 
attraction, is the attraction of composition. This kind of attrac- 
tion takes place only between the most simple or primitive 
molecules of a substance ; but, at the same time, it exists only 
between molecules that are dissimilar, or that belong to different 
substances. To its action is owing the formation of new mo- 
lecules, to which may be properly given the name of secondary 
or integrant molecules ; because they, and they only, determine 
the nature of all the compound bodies belonging to the mineral 
kingdom. These molecules are the result of the intimate com- 
