I am aware that part of the theory here propounded as to the probable mode of formation of the immense sedimentary beds of the Archaic or Azoic period is not altogether orthodox—­i.e., that the origin of these beds is largely due to the ejection of mud, sand, and ashes from subterraneous sources, which, settling in shallow seas, were afterwards altered to their present form.  It is difficult, however, to believe that at this very early period of geologic history so vast a time had elapsed as would be required to account for these enormous depositions of sediment, if they were the result only of the degradation of previously elevated portions of the earth’s surface by water agency.  Glacial action at that time would be out of the question.

But what about the metals?  Whence came the metallic gold of our reefs and drifts?  What was it originally—­a metal or a metallic salt, and if the latter, what was its nature?—­chloride, sulphide, or silicate, one, or all three?  I incline to the latter hypothesis.  All three are known, and the chemical conditions of the period were favorable for their natural production.  Assuming that they did exist, the task of accounting for the mode of occurrence of our auriferous quartz lodes is comparatively simple.  Chloride of gold is at present day contained in sea water and in some mineral waters, and would have been likely to be more abundant during the Azoic and early Paleozoic period.

Sulphide of gold would have been produced by the action of sulphuretted hydrogen; hence probably our auriferous pyrites lodes, while silicate of gold might have resulted from a combination of gold chlorides with silicic acid, and thus the frequent presence of gold in quartz is accounted for.

A highly interesting and instructive experiment, showing how gold might be, and probably was, deposited in quartz veins, was carried out by Professor Bischof some years ago.  He, having prepared a solution of chloride of gold, added thereto a solution of silicate of potash, whereupon, as he states, the yellow colour of the chloride disappeared, and in half an hour the fluid turned blue, and a gelatinous dark-blue precipitate appeared and adhered to the sides of the vessel.  In a few days moss-like forms were seen on the surface of the precipitate, presumably approximating to what we know as dendroidal gold—­that is, having the appearance of moss, fern, or twigs.  After allowing the precipitate to remain undisturbed under water for a month or two a decomposition took place, and in the silicate of gold specks of metallic gold appeared.  From this, the Professor argues, and with good show of reason, that as we know now that the origin of our quartz lodes was the silicates contained in certain rocks, it is probable that a natural silicate of gold may be combined with these silicates.  If this can be demonstrated, the reason for the almost universal occurrence of gold in quartz is made clear.