2 9 o 
Mr. Watt’s Observations 
of a common iron furnace flag. But it appears not very obvious 
to common apprehension, that the species of arrangement re- 
quisite to form this intermediary substance, could be compatible 
with any fluidity permitting farther motion of the molecules of 
the mass ; yet, immediately after the completion of this arrange- 
ment, they receive a new disposition, and the radiated fibrous 
structure commences. Sometimes this pervades even the unal- 
tered glass ; but I presume this only to happen where the minute 
globules first formed were scattered so far asunder, that their 
centres became fibrous, before their peripheries came into contact 
This view of the subject is justified by the analogous operation 
of the formation of crystals, similar to those described, in the 
heart of the radiated spheroids, while their exteriors still retained 
the fibrous texture. 
If it be considered as extraordinary, that a change should be 
effected, converting an apparently solid and homogeneous mass 
into an accumulation of radiated spheroids, and that these radii 
should lose their fibrous structure, and assume the texture, 
aspect, and tenacity, of a compact, hard, and homogeneous stone, 
it is certainly much more extraordinary, that this stone should 
permit farther arrangement to proceed, and should enable the 
crystalline molecules which it contains in a state of confused 
aggregation, to arrange themselves, and to form crystals, which, 
although minute, are equal in the perfection of their forms, and 
in the brilliancy of their natural polish, to the most precious 
products of crystallization. It is also well deserving of observa- 
tion, by how regular a march the magnetic influence of the 
substance keeps pace with the perfection of its arrangement, till, 
it becomes so powerful, that fragments of the regenerated stone 
are suspended by the attraction of a magnet. 
