Hydrate of Magnesia

This mineral was discovered forming veins in Serpentine at Hoboken in New Jersey, by Dr. Bruce of New York. It somewhat resembles Talc, but has more transparency; it is soft enough to yield to the pressure of the finger nail, but feels harsh to it when compared with Talc: by exposure to the air it loses a great part of its pearly lustre: its solubility in acids at once distinguishes it.

The free access every scientific person is allowed to the British Museum, and the polite attention of the Professors there, has enabled me to procure drawings of many choice minerals for publication, among which is the present, presented to the Museum by the discoverer.