3S6 
Scientific Intelligence.- 
lie plate on the neck of the spirit-lamp (if of glass), to save it 
from the fracture which would ensue from contact of the fused 
globule. In using zinc., some caution is necessary ; the ignition 
is exceedingly fierce, accompanied sometimes by a 'projectile la-^ 
terdl force imparted to the new alloy. In one instance, it struck 
me on the breast with considerable power, and perforated my coat, 
which happened to shield me. In combining the earths with pla- 
tinum and other metals, I employed the process adverted to, and 
succeeded. I shall confine myself at present to those of platinum 
and antimony. It is by no means a question with me, that the 
difference observable in steel is attributable to the species and 
quantity of earthy matter that enter into the combination ; and 
a series of experiments on the fusion of iron, and the various 
earths, particularly lime and silica, might lead to conclusions of 
great practical value. Perhaps, also, our other alloys might in 
like manner be improved. As ail may not have at every mo- 
ment the command of a wind-furnace, when the mind suggests 
an experiment for trial, the simple method recommended may 
enable the experimentalist to examine, with little trouble, an ex- 
tensive list of the alloys of platinum at any rate. 
It seems to be an interesting inquiry, whether the earths 
combine in the form of oxides^ or unite by their metallic bases, 
From the earths in my experiments being shut up and closely 
surrounded by the platinum-foil (allowing no exit for expelled 
oxygen), it should seem that the former is the case ; while, on 
the other hand, it may be considered absorbed in the ignition 
which ensues. 
Platinum, Antimony, Charcoal (fine levigated, from the be- 
tel-nut) and Silica, gave a button impressed with difficulty by 
the knife, and granular. Crushed in a steel-mortar, it was re- 
duced to powder, the particles of which were very brilliant. 
Platinum, Silica and Antimony, nearly similar. Parts ca- 
pable of imperfect extension by the hammer ; and sometimes on 
the edge so hard (perhaps from an imperfect combination of the 
silica) as to scratch glass : less bright than the preceding alloy. 
Platinum, Antimony and Zirconia. The ignition here was 
extremely beautiful, and the fusion of the whole was more com- 
plete than any tried. It was crushed by the steel-mortar, and 
presented brilliant facets. The fused globules were exteriorly 
