MINERAL > SYSTEM, CLASS II. FOSSIL SALTS. T HE faline fubftances included under this clafs, are thofe only which are found in a na tural ftate: the numerous artificial falts de tailed in feme fyftems of mineralogy, are conse quently excluded. The greater number of thefe natural falts appear to be formed by the agency of air, water, &c„ and are therefore more properly atmofpheric than terreftrial products. Natural rock fait is perhaps the only exception, it^ being found in the anterior of the earth. The characters by which the fubftances of this clafs are diftinguilhed from thofe of the other clafies, are principally theiri tajle and eafy falli bility. The different fpecies refemble each other fo Much in many characters, that Werner, to avoid unneceffkry repetition in defcription, ufes the term Saline Conjijlence to exprefs all thofe characters which have a reference to hardnefs, tenacity, and frangibility. 1 hus, all faline foflils are foft, and very foft; often even friable, brittle, and eafily frangible ; and thefe characters are termed Saline Conjijlence. Vol. II. A first