I

:M5 NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.

and sometimes also of sulphuret of iron. The present! ofthese substances in coal is manifested by the analysis wdichhas been made of this substance. Monsieur Fourcrovhasascertained that the ashes of coal contain the sulphal* ofiron, of magnesia, of lime, and of alumine; and even inasphaltum, both the sulphuric and muriatic acids were fountby Du Ble in union with calcareous earth. That the pre-sence of water has been also evident, in its original forma-tion, is seen from the frequent appearance of calcaneusspar in the interstices and cavities of coal.

“ By such an arrangement of the bituminous particles, indby the frequent interposition of pellicles of incombustblematter, as just described, not only is the combustion of <oalmoderated, but it is likewise so regulated, that in its em-ployment for common domestic, or other purposes, the iner-nal parts of even small portions of coal are so protected,from the too rapid access of the oxygen, that only theexternal part is exactly consumed and reduced to an jsh ;whilst the other part is rendered coke or cinder, anc iscapable of being again employed; and even with increasedadvantage, in many culinary and chymical operations. Here,then, are we presented with one of the many instances innature's works, of the obtaining the most important ends bya contrivance not less remarkable for its simplicity, than forthe certainty with which it accomplishes the desired effect.It also serves to show that, in every investigation of theoperations of nature, the more minute are our inquiries,the more will our admiration be excited by the discoverieswe make. A superficial examination of any of the worksof the creation must be suflicient to excite our wonder; butan inquiry, successfully employed, in ascertaining the meansby which one, even of the least important purposes ofnature, is effected, cannot fail to excite a reverential awe,and dispose to the adoration of the Supreme.”

By this means, we look rationally through nature up tonature’s God ! and patient investigation alone is calculatedto attain this great, this important end of our being, and,perhaps, the very occasion for our existence.

Thus we have brought the scientific and very rationaldisquisitions of this intelligent author, on the article of coal,to a close: in this place we do not forget what obligationsare due for the very kind indulgence of his generous per-mission to take the advantage his judicious works affordedus; being most pertinent to our purpose, and his conclusionscongenial to our disposition, at the time they developerational truth.