As the Dtlure of the dismand is so extensiTely singular

lUeeoed descrring of further examination, and it will ap-

pwr from the fallowing experiments, that it consists entirely

s'cbarcoal, differing from tho Dsoal state of that substance

sol) by its ohrystallized form. From the extreme hardness

of (he diamond, astronger degree of heat is required to !n-

tiOe it, when exposed merely to air, than can easily be

•pplied in close vessels, exoept by means of a strong bnrn-

blg lens i bnt with nitre its oombnstioa may be effected in

• ooderate heat. To expose it to the action of heated

siire free from extraneona mattcm, a gold tube wii pro-

eDrtd, which by baring one end closed might aervo (be

imfose of a retort, a glass tnbe being adapted to the

open end for collecting Uie air produced. To be certain

Ibat the gold vessel was perfectly closed, and that it did

Sot oootain any iinperoeiTed impurities which could oe-

'.le production of Gxed air, some nitre vaa healed

It became alkaline, and afterwards dissoWed out

ky water; but the solution was perfectly frer^coQl fixed

•tr. a* ii did not affect the tri " -<t <- ""Siter

Wb«o the diamond waa destroyed '**>&,

Ulii tubitanee which remained prett

•il*r, aad with acids afforded nitioV



\





^^^ 40 OADINBT O




^M appearad solelj to consist of oil




V of urttsd tlkili.
