than this mineral but looks like a slightly altered variety. Composition according to R. Richter (Pogg. Ann., xciii, 109): Si 52.39 Al 1.21 Fe 20.46 Ča Mg The oxygen ratio for the H, R, R, Si, is 8·28: 12·58: 0.56: 27-20. The crystals are rectangular prisms, having the faces i-i, i-i large, and I small, with the basal plane 0. (Ber. Kön. Sächs. Ges. der Wiss., June 1858, p. 92.) Scheerer regards the mineral as an example of what he calls paramorphosis. Pyrgom, according to Scheerer (Ber. Kön. Sächs. Ges. der Wiss., June 1858, p. 96) is augitic in crystallization. Richter obtained: Fe Mn Ča 7.57 trace 18.98 Mg 1740-99-77 giving the oxygen ratio for R, R, Si, 14:06: 1-88: 26-89. The form is a rhombic prism I, with the pyramidal planes +1, −1, +2, −2, and occasionally some others. QUARTZ [145, II, III, IV].—A peculiar form of quartz, from different localities, and mostly the rock called melaphyre, has been named by Dr. Jenzsch (Pogg., cv, 320) Vestan, under the idea that it is a distinct species, quartz being therefore considered dimorphous. The form given is monoclinic and imperfect unequal cleavage is stated to occur in three directions. The angles are stated to be only approximative. Two of them, 95° and 133°, are very near angles in quartz (R:Ř and R: -R). RETZBANYITE, R. Hermann (J. f. pr. Chem., lxxv, 450).—This is a bismuth ore resembling telluric silver, and from Retzbanya. Color lead-gray, but externally oxydized and mixed with cerusite and bismuth ochre. In irregular pieces with no trace of crystalline structure. H.-25. G. 6.21. B.B. fumes of sulphurous acid; with soda is reduced to a globule of lead and bismuth. Afforded on analysis by R. Hermann: Bi Ag Cu S giving the atomic ratio for the oxygen, sulphur, bismuth, and other metals, 8:7:3:4, and making, according to Hermann, a compound of a sulphate and oxysulphuret, with the formula [2CuS, PbS+3BiS]+2PbS. RÖTTISITE, Breithaupt.-See Nickel-Gymnite. RUTILE [120, V].-In the vicinity of the lazulite locality, Lincoln Co., Georgia (see lazulite), occur, according to C. U. Shepard (this Jour., xxvii, 36), splendent gigantic crystals of rutile, some weighing upwards of a pound. One has six geniculations. SAPONITE-A hydrous aluminous silicate from the waters at Plombières has been analyzed by J. Nickles and designated Saponite, a name that has for some time belonged to a magnesian silicate. The mineral was found to consist of Silica 42:30, alumina 19-20, water 38-54, equivalent to AlSi3+12H, or near cimolite.-L'Institut, No. 1318, April 6, 1859. SAUSSURITE [234, II, IV, VI].-The doubts about saussurite have been well cleared up by T. S. Hunt (this Jour., [2], xxvii, 336). He shows that three species have been confounded under the name-similar in a white or a pale greenish white co'or, and a tough compact texture-viz. (1.) Labradorite or a related feldspar; (2.) Epidote; (3.) Garnet. The original saussurite of the euphotide of the Alps is a limealumina epidote, having G.=3·25—3·36. SCHORLOMITE [342, IV].-A. E. Nordenskiöld has described (Beskrif. Finland Min., &c., from Jahrb. Min., 1858, 312) a mineral having apparently the characters of schorlomite under the name of Iwaarite. Like schorlomite it is found in Elæolite, is lustrous iron-black resembling black or crystallized melanite, with the streak gray, and contains much titanium. It is either in monometric crystals or massive. The analysis is not cited in the Jahrbuch. The formula given is Ca3Si+Feŝi++TiO, Ti203, while that written for schorlomite by Whitney is Ca'Si+FeSi+CaTi2. B.B. fuses to a black glass. Comes from Iwaara in the Kunsamo Kirchspiel in Finland. SCORODITE [419, I].—Lippmann has named a mineral found in small bluish crystals at Schneeberg, Cobalt-scorodite. It occurs with hypochlorite and quartz.— Kenngott's Min. Forsch. for 1856, 1857, p. 34. SERPENTINE (282, I-VI].-Antigorite, shown to be slaty serpentine by G. J. Brush, has since been analyzed by Stockar-Escher with the same result (Kenngott's Min. Forsch., 1856, 7, 72). The mean of two analyses is— Stockar-Escher regards the alumina as replacing the silica. Kenngott has described under the name of Vorhauserite, a mineral from the Fleims Valley in the Tyrol at Monzoni, having the composition of Retinalite, but impure with a little oxyd of manganese and iron. It occurs amorphous, of a brown to greenish-black color; weak waxy lustre; yellowish, pale or brownish yellow to brownish streak; H. 3·5; G.=2·45. Analysis by J. Oeilacher (Kenn. Min. Forsch., 1856-57, p. 71): Mn й 0.30 16.16, CaCl, Ca* 0·9=99.59 Si 41-21 Mg Fe 39.24 1.72 Retinalite is probably serpentine mixed with a little Deweylite. A pseudomorph after chromic iron occurs in Unst, according to Dr. Heddle (Phil. Mag., [4], xvii, 42). SMITHSONITE [447, I, III].-Smithsonite from near Wiesloch contains carbonate of cadmium. It has a citron-yellow to wax-yellow color. An analysis in the laboratory of Prof. Bunsen afforded: SPHENE [268, III].-A Vesuvian mineral hitherto referred to the species sphene (the semeline of Fl. de Bellevue) has been described by G. Guiscardi under the namie of Guarinite, after Prof. G. Guarini of Naples. (Zeit. D. geol. Gess. x, 14.) It is stated to occur in dimetric crystals, with difficult cleavage. Color honey-yellow. Translucent or transparent. Lustre subadamantine and adamantine on cleavage faces. H. 6-65. G.-8.487. Composition: Si 33.64 TiO2 Ča 28.01 Fe, Mn 95.57 The author observes that the composition is near that of the sphene of Piedmont (Greenovite, Dufr.). STIBLITE [142].—An antimony ochre occurs with antimonial nickel-glance and spathic iron near Eisern in the Siegen District, and contains, according to C. Schnabel (Pogg., cv, 146) Ni 0·17, Fe 5·56, 942, along with antimonious acid 84-85. The oxyd of iron is hydrated. SUNDVIKITE, A. E. Nordenskiöld (Beskrif. Finl. Min., and Jahrb. Min., 1858, 813). An altered anorthite. TETRADYMITE [21, 512, I].—C. U. Shepard has described (this Jour., [2], xxvii, 89) tetrady mite from Lumpkin Co., Ga. It occurs in gneiss. It is associated with gold, pyrrhotine, chlorite, ilmenite in broad curved crystals, and some allanite and apatite. He observes that it is also found at the Pascoe Mine in Cherokee Co., and at a place near Van Wort in Polk Co. Dr. C. T. Jackson has analyzed the tetradymite of Dahlonega, Georgia, and ascertained that it is the mineral, usually arranged under tetradymite, called bornite. He obtained (this Jour., [2], xxvii, 366): agreeing nearly with the analyses of the Brazilian bornite by Damour. Sp. gravity =7.868. THERMOPHYLLITE [Suppl. VI].—The thermophyllite of Hoponsuo contains, according to A. B. Northcote (mean of two analyses) Phil. Mag., [4], xvi, 263: Si 41.48 Al 5.49 Fe Mg Na 立 Ĥ expelled at 212° F. 1.59 37.42 2.84 10 58 0.30 99.70 It is stated to occur in aggregated masses of a brownish gray color and semi-translucent, in some parts micaceous, through a rock of massive thermophyllite; crystalline form not determinable. [It resembles vermiculite in appearance and action before the blowpipe.] TITANIC IRON.-See Ilmenite. TOURMALINE [270, II, IV].-A fine large pinite-like pseudomorph after tourmaline, three inches long and two in diameter, is described by Mr. Tamnau (Zeits. D. geol. Ges., x, 12). It contains some unaltered black tourmaline. The crystal is a 6-sided prism with the faces also of a 12-sided prism. It was from Rosenbach in Silesia, VAUQUELINITE [360].-Occurs, according to W. J. Taylor (Proc. Ac. N. Sci. Philad. Aug. 1858), at the Pequa Lead Mine, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, in minute crystals with acute terminations, often in radiated aggregations incrusting quartz and galena. The color varies from siskin to apple-green. Small crystals of cerusite occur in the cavities of the galena. VORHAUSERITE, Kenngott.-See Retinalite under Serpentine. WAVELLITE [423, IV].-A compound approaching wavellite in composition, occurs, according to A. Gages (Jour. Geol. Soc., Dublin, viii, 73), forming the cement of a conglomerate found as a boulder near Loughhill, county of Limerick. It is composed of small emerald-green crystals mingled with some white ones and forming namillary concretions. Analysis by A. Gages: P ΕΙ Fe Ni Fl Ĥ Si 30-88 36.16 1.81 0.33 tr. 23:56 361 apatite 1·58, quartz 1·00—98·94 The formula deduced is (Al, Fe) P3+18, but it is stated to be proposed merely as an expression of a single analysis. On the formula of Kapnicite by Städeler.—Liebig's Ann., cix, 305. WHITNEYITE, Genth (this Jour., [2], xxvii, 400).— Whitneyite is an arseniuret of copper containing about 12 per cent of arsenic, or 1 equivalent of arsenic to 18 of copper copper 88-37, arsenic 1163=100. Structure massive crystalline, fine granular. H. 35. G. 8408 (at 16° C). Lustre metallic; color pale reddishwhite; tarnishes readily, becoming yellowish and changing to brown and finally to brownish-black; sometimes iridescent. Somewhat malleable. Composition according to F. A. Genth: As 11.81 11:41 Cu 88.07 Ag and insoluble 0.33=100·21 B.B. fuses readily, giving off fumes of arsenic. Insoluble in chlorhydric acid; soluble in nitric. Found coated with red copper in Houghton Co., Michigan. One boulder weighing 40 pounds was found at the Pewabic Mine. Stated to occur in a vein four inches wide, about one mile from the Cliff Mine, at the Albion location; also found at the Minnesota mine. Named after Prof. J. D. Whitney, author of the "Mineral Wealth of the U. States." XENOTIME [401, I, II, III].-The Castelnaudite of Damour, according to a recent analysis (Bull. Géol. [2], xiii, 542, Kopp's Jahresb. for 1857, 686), is xenotime. An analysis afforded Damour P 3164, y 60-40, Ti and Zr 7:40, and Fe 1.20=100-64. ZINC.-Native zinc has been announced as occurring on the Mittamitta river, Australia, 160 miles northeast from Melbourne. It contains a little cadmium.-Jahrb. Min., 1857, 698. ZINO-BLOOM [460, 513].-The zinc-bloom of Santander near Cumillas in Spain has been analyzed by T. Petersen and E. Voit (Ann. d. Ch. u. Pharm., cviii, 48). The following are their results: (1A) the interior of a mass and (1B) the same after a slight alteration; and also other analyses (2, 3) of the Spanish mineral by Mr. Braun (loc. cit.): 11.8 =100 The constitution deduced from 1A, is 8Źn, 3C, 6Ĥ; from 1B, ZnC+2ŹnĦ. SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. I. PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY. 1. On the oxyd of ethylene.-A. WURTZ has found that when glycol, C4H4O2+2HO, is saturated with muriatic acid gas and heated in a closed tube water is set free and a new ether formed. The reaction is represented by the equation C4H6O4 + HCl=C4H5CIO2 + 2HO. The new ether is a colorless neutral liquid soluble in water and boiling at 128°. The author considers this body as between glycol, C4H6O4, and the Dutch liquid, C4H4Cl2. A solution of potash decomposes the new ether giving chlorid of potassium and the oxyd of ethylene, C4H4O2. The oxyd of ethylene-the true ether of glycol-is isomeric with aldehyd. It is a colorless liquid which boils at 13°.5 under a pressure of 746·5: aldehyd boils at 21°. The oxyd of ethylene is soluble in water in all proportions, and gives with bisulphite of soda a crystalline compound. It forms no crystalline compound with ammonia. Perchlorid of phosphorus converts it into Dutch liquid. We have, namely, the equation C4H4Cl2 + PO2Cl3. C4H4O2+PCl5 By a similar process Wurtz has prepared the oxyd of propyl-glycol, C6H6O2. The relations between the diatomic ethers and aldehyds are best exhibited by the formulas 2. On the chemical constitution of lactic acid.-KOLBE has brought forward a new view of the constitution of lactic acid which connects this body in a very interesting manner with the acids homologous with formic acid. The author in the first place refers to the fact that the researches of Perkin and Duppa may be regarded as proving that glycosine is amido-acetic acid. By the action of nitrous acid upon glycosine, alanin, &c., a series of acids is obtained homologous with lactic acid, and of which glycolic acid is the first term. Kolbe regards these acids as resulting from the acids of the formic series by the replacement of one equivalent of hydrogen in the radical by one of peroxyd of hydrogen HO2. Thus acetic acid being C4H3O3 + HO glycolic acid is C4H2(HO2)O3+HO and may be termed oxy-acetic acid. In like manner lactic acid is oxy-propionic acid and so on. Considered as amido-acetic acid glycosin has the formula C4H2 (NH2)O3+HO. To test the correctness of Kolbe's view Ulrich has instituted experiments to determine whether the acids of the formic series can be prepared from those of the glycolic series, and has succeeded in transforming lactic into propionic acid by a simple process. This consists in acting upon lactate of lime by perchlorid of phosphorus by which the chlorid of chloropropioxyl is formed. Brought into contact with water this gives chloropropionic and muriatic acids, according to the equation. C6H4CIO2. Cl+2HO C6H4CIOS, HO+HCI. = By the action of nascent hydrogen chloropropionic acid may be converted into propionic acid. By the action of perchlorid of phosphorus upon lactate of lime Wurtz obtained a liquid which he termed chlorlactyl and to which he gave the formula C6H4O2Cl2. The true constitution of this liquid appears however from the above. Wurtz's view that lactic acid with the formula C6H6O4 is bibasic also falls to the ground, if lactic is really oxypropionic acid. Kolbe further denies that glycol and its homologues and glycerin and its homologues are really alcohols, and prefers to confine this term exclusively to the hydrates of monatomic radicals. According to his view the glyoxylic acid of Debus is dioxyacetic acid, so that we have the series Acetic acid C4H3O3, Ho Glyceric acid is then dioxypropionic acid. In like manner anisic acid may be regarded as oxytoluic acid. Kolbe suggests that the alcohols and aldehyds of the oxy-acids are derived from the alcohols and aldehyds of the primitive acids by simple replacement of hydrogen by HO2, exactly like the oxy-acids themselves. It must be admitted that his views, to say the least, are very ingenious and suggestive.-Ann. der Chemie und Pharm., cix, 357. 3. On the Compounds of Valeral with Acids.-GUTHRIE and KOLBE have obtained combinations of valeral-the aldehyd of valerianic acid— with acetic and benzoic acids. Both of these compounds contain two equivalents of acid to one of oxyd, but are not identical with the isomeric acetate and benzoate of amyl-glycol. Guthrie had already obtained a biacid acetate of common aldehyd. These results all go to prove distinctly that the ethers of the glycol series are not identical with the aldehyds, and fully confirm the results of Wurtz as above stated, (1). They further show, moreover, that the aldehyds in their relations to acids are referable to the type of two equivalents of water and not of two equivalents of hydrogen. SECOND SERIES, VOL. XXVIII, No. 82.—JULY, 1859. |