Scientific Serials

Abstract

Americait Journal of Science, August.—Tamiobatis vetustus, a new form of fossil skate, by C. R. Eastman. The only remains of this fish are a skull found in Powell County, Kentucky; exact site unknown. It is embedded in a greenish-grey limestone of a talcose structure, probably Middle or Upper Devonian. The skull presents some features that are shark-like, and differs notably from the skulls of existing rays. It indicates a very generalised condition, and it is impossible to assign it to any known genus or family, but there are resemblances to the Rhinobatidæ.—The Florencia formation, by O. H. Hershey. This is an ancient stream gravel of North-western Illinois, consisting largely of galena limestone derived from Pleistocene rock gorges.—Native iron in the coal measures of Missouri, by E. T. Allen. Native iron was found at Cameron, Weanbleau, and Holden, Missouri. It was found in every case at such a depth from the surface, and under such conditions, that there can be no doubt as to its terrestrial origin. Besides, the specimens contained no nickel, which is always associated with meteoric iron. In Cameron, Clinton Co., it was found as a vein five or six inches thick, embedded in sandstone at a depth of fifty-one feet.—On Bixbyite, a new mineral, and on the associated topaz, by S. L. Penfield and H. W. Foote. The mineral is found very sparingly on the edge of the desert, about thirty-five miles south-west of Simpson, Utah. The crystals, which are brilliant black, and of metallic lustre, are implanted upon topaz and decomposed garnet and rhyolite, and have, evidently been formed by fumarole action. The composition is essentially FeO.MnO₂.—The separation of alaminium and beryllium by the action of hydrochloric acid, by F. S. Havens. This method is based upon the fact that the hydrous aluminium chloride AlCl₃.6H₂O is practically insoluble in a mixture of strong HCl and anhydrous ether saturated with HCl gas. The beryllium is determined by weighing as oxide after conversion to the nitrate and ignition.