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420 METALS—THE NOBLER.
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by
the capture of another of Nature's secret forces." These words
certainly suggest that if it were found that the mysteries of the "
divining rod " have a scientific explanation, this same explanation
will be one which concerns metals fundamentally.
PLATINUM.
The metal
Platinum, obtained from native Platina, though but seldom used by the
jeweller, possesses a just claim to our attentive consideration because
of its special curative virtues. It was first eliminated as a distinct
metal by the famous chemist, Dr. W. H. Wollaston, in 1805.
Platinum
has the highest specific gravity of all metals. Spongy platinum, and
platinum black, are its two chemical forms. As a curious, and
interesting proceeding, if a platinum wire, turned in a spiral form,
is placed over the flame of a spirit-lamp, whilst lighted, and the lamp
be then extinguished, the wire will continue to glow after the flame is
blown out. And if the lamp be then fed with eau de Cologne, or tincture
of benzoin, and a small glass tube be inserted in the wick, carrying a
platinum wire, (which is supporting a ball of mixed platinum, or clay),
then the lamp will continue to distil delightful odours into the room
until the spirit is exhausted. The metal Platinum taken experimentally
in material quantities by provers for ascertaining its medicinal
effects, when pushed to a degree of almost poisonous toxication, has
brought about a tendency to sensific paralysis, with marked mental
depression ; also torpor of the intestinal canal, with chronic
constipation ; and again a premature monthly flux with women. It is
found by practitioners of medicine that each of
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