Volatilized, made to fly off by evaporation.

In what state is Silver usually found?

It is rarely found in a state of purity, being generally mixed with other metals, as gold, lead, &c.  Masses of native silver are of no determinate form; being found sometimes in small branches, sometimes in threads, or very frequently in leaves, as in the Siberian mines.  Native, or pure silver is chiefly found in the mines of Potosi.  Silver was used as money in commerce 1100 years before the foundation of Rome.

     Commerce, trade of one nation with another, or different
     persons, &c. with each other.

What is Tin?

A white metal, softer than any other excepting lead, more elastic, and more sonorous.  Though tin is the lightest of all metals, its ore is, when rich, the heaviest of all metallic ores.  It has both smell and taste; is less ductile than some harder metals, though it may be beaten into very thin leaves; and it fuses so quickly, that it requires a heat much less than is sufficient to make it red-hot.

Was not the use of Tin very early known?

Tin was found in Britain from the earliest ages; the Phenicians traded to Cornwall for this metal 600 years before Christ.

Where are the principal Tin Mines?

In Saxony, Cornwall, and Bohemia.  Tin is also found in Spain, Sumatra, Siam, Mexico, and Chili.  A few specimens have been found at Goshen, in Massachusetts.

     Specimens, samples.

In what state is Tin generally found?

Tin is sometimes found native or pure, but most frequently alloyed with other metals:  the working of tin mines is attended with much difficulty, on account of their great depth, and the hard rocks which obstruct the progress of the miners, who are often obliged to cut through them.  This metal is very useful in the making of domestic utensils, for coating the inside of copper and iron vessels, and for various other purposes.

     Obstruct, to stand in the way.

What is Lead?

A coarse, heavy metal, of a bluish grey color:  it is so soft and flexible, that it is easily cut with a knife, and rolled out into sheets, &c.; it is very fusible and inelastic, but less ductile and sonorous, than any other metal.  Next to gold, platina, and mercury, it is the heaviest of the metals, being eleven times heavier than an equal bulk of water.  This metal loses its malleability in proportion as it is heated:  as soon as it melts it calcines, and greyish-colored ashes are formed on its surface; when returning from a fluid to a solid state, it is easily divided into small grains or powder, or formed into shot, &c.  Lead was in common use among the ancients.

     Flexible, yielding, easily bent.

     Sonorous, giving sound when struck.

Where is Lead found?