Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1829 edition. Excerpt: ...beds of mineral coal, as water into a well, they proceed to lade it into buckets, which are drawn to the surface by machinery. The oil thus obtained, is of a dingy green colour, and fragrant odour; the natives apply it to many uses; it is too thick to burn in lamps, and hardens by long exposure to the air. In the Duchy of Modena, in Italy, are springs of fragrant mineral oil, similar to petroleum. There is a spring of water in the same duchy, upon which swims such quantities of oil, that ten or fifteen pounds may be collected from its surface weekly. And what is still more wonderful, oil is frequently found to rise upon the surface of the water, near the coast of Naples; this, we are told, is carefully collected by the boatmen, and sold at Naples to considerable profit. D. Are there no springs in America which yield oil, mother? M. Yes, many have been found in different parts of the United States, but little is now known of their properties. There is one in the northern partof Pennsylvania, upon which constantly floats oil resembling petroleum: which being considered efficacious in rheumatic complaints, is collected for druggists; little other use is made of it. D. What more have you to tell me of oils, mother? M. Nothing to-night, my daughter. Go to bed, and in your prayers to your heavenly Father, forget not to thank him for the invaluable treasure with which he has endowed you--a thinking and improvable mind. PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. How many kinds of oil are there? What are vegetable oils? From what animals is oil obtained? What are mineral oils? Describe the'palm tree. What are the uses of the sun-flower plant? What is naptha? What is petroleum? Where is it found? 13 CONVERSATION XVI. DAUGHTER. MOTHER, I was thinking when I went with you...
