40
THE
NATURAL
HISTORY
II°. Such as we find in a solid form, with a large admixture of saline particles, and a moderate portion of earth. Diaphanum citrinum, sive 1°. ELICTRUM 1. Succinum officinarum. Amber. Yellow amber. Though I am satisfied that this body has been once a softer vegetable substance hardened by time, and a long continuance under ground ; and, only in succession of years, so remarkably impregnated with the mineral acid : I have been induced to give it a place among the native Fossils, on account of its peculiar electrical quality, and the concreated form of its salts ; as well as its singular nature, and common bed. 1. Nudum diaphanum. Transparent sulphur. 2°. SULPHUR
2.
Farinaceum flavum.
Powder sulphur.
3.. Subviride solidum. Brimstone. 4. Florale, sive flores naturalis sulphuris. Native flowers of sulphur.
These two genera of bitumens, though equally impregnated with salts, are very different both in nature and appearance. The amber is distinguished by its agreeable smell, electric quality, subacid grateful volatile salt, and more difficult solubility. The sulphur is of another nature, flows with a more easy heat, and sublimates into flowers when pushed ; but when exposed to the more vigorous action of the fire, yields a vast quantity (a) of an acrid or corrosive acid. The native flowers differ but little from those obtained by art ; they are, however, more pure and shining, and found in the natural state about most hot baths, where the heat is any thing considerable near the surface : they are formed into hollow cones, and appear, in some measure, as if made up of small crystals, irregularly disposed in the mass, the exact resemblance of a sugar loaf, but of a more shining lustre and yellow colour. III°. Such as have a more abundant admixture of terrene particles, with few salts ; and are found in a solid form.
1°. AMBRA
1. Grisea odorata, colore uniformi. Ambergrease. 2. Subfusca, levis et variegata. English amber, or brown bitumen.
Mr. Baker has a piece of this last substance among his curious collection of Fossils : Both the smell and appearance oblige me to range it in this class. 2°. ASPHALTUM
1. Subfriabile atrum. Jew’s Pitch.
This is a light, solid, inflammable substance ; of a black colour, and shining when fresh broke : It has a saint smell, and breaks with equal ease in all directions ; but of no apparent grain. It melts very easily, and is a principal ingredient in all the varnishes now used by the engravers. 1. Schisti nitens friabilis atra. Coal. 3°. LITHANTRAX 2. Solida nigra nuda. Jett. 3. Marmoris fætidi. (a) Sulphur yields about fourteen ounces in the pound.
These