Transactions of the New York Academy of Sciences Volume 1-3 (Paperback)

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. 1882 edition. Excerpt: ...of a white purified form, which had been treated by sulphuric acid. Specimens from Utah had already been shown before the Academy. There was no mystery as to its genesis in either region, as it had been shown to be the result of inspissation of a thick and viscid variety of petroleum. The term "petroleum " includes a great variety of substances, from a limpid liquid, too light to burn, to one that is thick and tarry. These differ widely also in chemical composition: some yielding much asphalt by distillation, resembling a solution of asphalt in turpentine; some containing so much paraffme, that a considers ble quantity can be strained out in cold weather. The asphalt in its natural form is a solid rock, to which the term "gum beds" has been applied in Canada. These differences in constitution have originated in'the differences in the bituminous shales from which the petroleum, ozokerite, etc., have been derived. In Canada, as excavations are sunk through the asphalt, this becomes softer and softer, and finally passes into petroleum. This is also the case in Utah. Mr. Lay has become interested in the material, has visited all the localities of its occurrence, and is best acquainted with them. A paper was then read by Dr. John S. Newberry, on THE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH COAL WAS FORMED. Published in School of Mines Quarterly, 1883. Discussion. Dr. B. N. Martin enquired whether any graduation has been recognized in the types of plants, in passing through the Coal-measures from below upwards. Dr. Newberry replied that differences existed, but the types were largely interlocked by insensible changes. Some floras prevail throughout the series: while, on the other hand, other types, e.g., the sigillaria, are abundant below, ...