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only, for many a jeweler who cannot be deceived on diamond, ruby
or sapphire, will be doubtful about emerald, and fall down completely
before the less familiar objects, such as spinel, zircon, yellow beryl,
green garnet, and even true topaz, whose name has been borrowed
by citrine.
With the aid of these tests, all problems can be solved, for it is
simply a question of cold fact, about which there can be no dispute,
though the more ways in which a conclusion can be reached, the
more certain it will be, as compared to a single trial.
The very latest practicable test, which is said to be simple and
absolutely sure, comes through the microspectroscope, by means of
light alone. This instrument has been brought to perfection by Dr.
Edgar T. Wherry, assistant curator of the Division of Mineralogy in
the United States National Museum, and it is claimed that the
instrument makes all others unnecessary. A pamphlet recently published
by the Smithsonian Institution describes the system worked
out by Dr. Wherry in a technical manner which appeals to the scien-
tific student particularly.
By this method the spectrum plays the star part, all precious
stones and their counterfeits are amenable to its influence, and that
they can be tested without removal from their settings is interesting
to say the least.
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