THE ARTIFICIAL DIAMOND.
From
the days when, under the name of alchemy, that science arose which,
still progressing, and established on a new basis, is called chemistry,
people tried to produce artificial diamonds. The studies and
experiments which alchemists made on this subject were all thrown away,
for it was impossible that the diamond should be manufactured by those
who were ignorant of the true component parts of that gem.
But
when chemistry succeeded in discovering that the diamond is nothing but
pure carbon vitrified, the hope was indulged in of obtaining it by
making common carbon pass through different states by means of chemical
operations. It was necessary first to melt the carbon, or dissolve it
into its elements in some solution, so that the result might be a
crystallization, from which should be obtained directly, or by
condensation in the usual manner, pure vitrified carbon.
To
the first of these two operations, not a few naturalists turned their
best attention in trying experiments. But the constant study and noble
perseverance with which they unceasingly pursued the desired aim—which
would have been a step in advance and a splendid triumph of
science—have hitherto resulted in failure.
On
the contrary, it has been proved to a certain extent, that with any
instruments, or by any means hitherto known, it is not possible to melt
or dissolve carbon, in whatever state found.
