Conversations on Common Things; Or, Guide to Knowledge. With Questions. for the Use of Schools and Families. by a Teacher. - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1828. Excerpt: ... 9 M. Metals are dug from excavations iri the earth, called mines. There are fortytwo metals. I shall describe to you only the principal, or primary, as they are sometimes called, viz. Gold, Platina, Silver, Quicksilver or Mercury, Copper, Iron, Lead, and Tin/ together with several which are artificiall/ prepared. J D. Will you tell me if I am right in supposing South America, the richest country in the world for gold? M. Yes, and the most productive gold mines are in the province of Peru; yet the t finest and richest ores are in the northern I provinces of the island of Niphon, a depen-/ dency of Japan. You must not suppose however, that these countries alone yield gold; it is found in every quarter of the globe The chief places where it is found in Asia are China, Thibet, Hindostan, and Japan Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Dalmatia, Cremnitz, and Norway, in Europe, are known to yiel it. Passing south to Africa, we find gold in the kingdoms of Guinea, Mozambique, M nomotapa, and Sofala. Crossing the Atlai tic, we arrive at South America, where it found in almost every province: advancing still to North America, we find it in the oncj prosperous empire of Montezuma. In th' United States, Iron seems to take the place of Gold, and is far more useful. 'the latte, mineral, however, is found in some of the States: the richest ores have been dug in the Carolinas. D. What are some of the uses to which gold is applied? M. It is coined into money, differing in value, according to its weight or nominal estimation. This metal is wrought by goldsmiths into cups, vases, &c. also into various ornaments, such as chains, rings, &,c.; it is greatly alloyed for many purposes; the gilding on looking-glasses and picture frames, is not gold, as you suppose, any more than the leaf, ...