Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 9.djvu/45

Rh observers unless they exercise great caution. Rock crystal and diamond, for example, may resemble each other so as to make it difficult for even an expert to tell which is which from a visual or tactile examination. Chemical analysis, or more exact physical examinations, however, at once reveal the difference. In the present case it is a matter of distinguishing between the well known substance, beeswax, and ozokerite, the latter, in its natural state being a waxy material varying in color from creamy white through many shades of yellow, brown, green-brown, to black. The external resemblances between the two substances may be very close, although the chemical characteristics are distinctly different, as are also those physical differences which can be numerically gauged, such for example, as the temperature of melting. This matter is well illustrated in the table given below, showing the characteristics of a number of different waxes used for identifying them. From this it may readily be understood, it is hoped, how one who might depend upon mere external appearances to decide this matter might be mistaken. It is a case where the chemical properties of the substance must be depended upon, the determination of which can be made only with expensive appliances and with a considerable expenditure of time. A hasty examination not accompanied by chemical tests is certain to be unreliable, and yet the reports of analyses offered in support of the ozokerite idea have every appearance of being that very sort. It will take but a moment to pass them in review in order that they may be fairly compared with the painstaking work of the government scientists already given, and with the results of some other work done right here in Oregon which will follow immediately.

A review of the statements of authority under consideration should begin with the opinion rendered by the Austrian commissioner at Chicago and the paper by Hiscox, both of which have been discussed above. The Dearborn Drug and Chemical Company, of Chicago, made a report