1\IINERALOGICA4L CHEMISTRY. 43 Mineralegical Chemistry. Origin of Naphtha. K. W. CHARITSCHKOFF (J. Russ. Phys. Chem. Soc. 1904 36 1091-1096).-The author discusses the bearing of the results of Rakusin (Abstr. 1904 i 641) on the “organic” and ‘‘ inorganic” theories of the origin of naphtha (see also Charitschkoff Abstr. 1904 ii 180). He gives also analyses of gases evolved from the marshy volcanoes of the Caucasus. T. H. P. Investigation of the Canon Diablo Meteorite. HENRI MOISSAN (Cornpt. reclad. 1904 139 773-730. Compare Abstr. 1893 ii 288).-A block of the meteoric iron weighing 183 kilograms was cut through. Whilst one half of the section (area = 625 cm.2) appeared to be homogeneous and had the colour and brilliancy of iron the other half revealed the presence of five large elliptical nodules and three smaller ones.The nodules are of a grey or black colour and ext’remoly hard ; under the microscope they have a markedly crystalline appear- ance. Insol. in Pe. Ni. Co. Mg. S. F’. Si. C. h o t HC1. I. 95.37 3.945 - - trace 0’144 trace not det. 0.260 66.95 1.93 trace trace 22.15 2.37 trace 1.96 - Analyses of (I) the matrix (11) the nodules gave 11. { 67‘51 1.77 - trace 19.91 2.30 trace - - From the residue insoluble in hydrochloric acid crystals of iron phosphide Fe3P2 have been separated. Amorphous. carbon graphite diamond (black and transparent) and carbon silicide were also found in this residue.44 ARS'I'RACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. The authors suggest that the nodule; mere originally nodules of cementite which have been acted on a t a later period by the sulphur with separation of carbon. According to Le Chatelier and Ziegler's experiments suIphide of iron can diffuse readily through masses of iron. H. M. D.