Part 30 (1/2)

The art of obtaining , refining, s isan ore orto its nature, so as to discover not only what metals and what proportions of metal may be obtained from it, but also what other mineral substances or earthsand S thefurnace, in order to separate the metallic parts from the sulphur, arsenic, and the earthy and stony substances hich they may be combined

What is Sulphur?

An inflammable, fossil substance, of a dry, solid, friable nature,with a s almost entirely aith a blue flame and noxious vapor It is abundantly diffused in many places, especially where metallic minerals are found; but more particularly in those districts where subterranean fires and volcanoes exist It is also found combined with many different substances

Describe the nature of Sulphur, and the places where it is in sulphur, is found in volcanoes and grottoes, in the forreatest quantity which exists naturally is combined with metals in ores Sulphur is both fusible and volatile,--which qualities enable us to procure it from those minerals by the process of sublirees, with all old, platina, and zinc

_Subli a solid substance into the state of vapor by heat, and condensing it again by cold

Are not its uses very extensive?

Yes, both in the arts and in cheredient in the preparation of gunpowder and fire-works; it is also used for whitening wool, straw, silk, &c; many other , quickly lose their color, which no other substance had been able to destroy

Sulphur is also frequently found in reatest quantities of Sulphur brought?

The largest quantities are brought froular masses, which are afterwards melted and cast into small rolls There are about four species of sulphur; namely, the yellow native sulphur, which in its purest state is clear, and of a pale straw color, found in the gold reen native sulphur, which is harder than the other, is found in small crust-like masses; this sort is chiefly confined to Mount Vesuvius: and the grey native sulphur, common in Iceland and many other places

Native sulphur is also found at the coal inia; in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and other parts of the United States

Which is the most rare and beautiful of all the kinds?

The red native sulphur; it is ht and transparent; it is found, like the first-old mines of Peru Common sulphur, such as is used in trade and the arts, is of a pale yellow color; and possesses a peculiar and disagreeable smell, particularly when heated or rubbed This is mostly extracted from the metallic sulphurets, and is co matches

Is there not another substance also employed in the manufacture of matches?

Yes: Phosphorus, a peculiar substance, chiefly of aniin It is mostly procured by the decomposition of the phosphoric acid which is found in bones It was accidentally discovered at Hah, in 1669, by an alchemist named Brandt

_Alchemist_, one skilled in Alchemy[15]

[Footnote 15: See Chapter XVIII, article Chemistry]

What is the nature of Phosphorus?

It is a solid, inflammable substance, which burns when in contact with atmospheric air It is used in various che matches; for various kinds of fire-works, &c It will coold and zinc; and also with soloorm, possess very peculiar phosphorescent qualities