A sort of ALUMINOUS Earth, found near the River Patomach in Virginia. 'Tis soft and very light; of an ashcolour, and acid-astringent Tast, almost like that of Alum. Whether the people there make Alum of it, or use it in Deying, we have no account.

Of the Nature of Alum, see a very good Discourse in (d) N. 103. and continu'd, N. 104. the Philosophical Transactions. (d) Of the English Alum- Works an accurate Account, communicated by Daniel Colwal Esq; and by Me published in the same Transactions. (e)(e) Num. 142. The Alum-Stone (of a blackish colour, and flaky, like Cornish Slate) is found in most of the Hills between Scarbrough and the River of Tees in York-shire. As also near Preston in Lancashire. Of these Stones calcin'd, is made a Lee; and of the Lee, Alum. The Lee after the first shooting of the Alum; is called Mothers. In which, certain Nitrous and other parts call'd Slam, being predominant; to precipitate the same, they add the Lees of Kelp; made of Tangle, a Sea-Weed commonly among Oysters. And then, a certain proportion of Urine, both for the same purpose, and to keep the Kelp-Lees from hardening the Alum too much. The Mine, before it is calcin'd, being exposed to the Air, will moulder in pieces, and yield a Liquor whereof Copperas may be made.

Fallopius's Aq. Aluminis Magistralis, is of good use against untoward Ulcers. Deyers boil their Cloaths, or Yarn in Alum- Water, that they may take both a better, and more durable colour. It is used, likewise, for the making of a Leather soft and white, or fit to take a clear colour, which the Tan'd, will not do. And I little doubt, but that to wash the Skins of Beasts or Fowls herewith on both sides, or perhaps on the Feathers, only strewing Alum in fine powder, would be a good way to keep them from the Moth, and growing dank in moist Weather, and so to preserve them for ever.