Gems Notes and Extracts Augusto Castellani, Mrs. John Brogden 1871

100 GEMS.THE ARTIFICIAL DIAMOND.From the days when, under the name of alchemy, thatscience arose which, still progressing, and established ona new basis, is called chemistry, people tried to produceartificial diamonds. The studies and experiments whichalchemists made on this subject were all thrown away,for it was impossible that the diamond should be manufacturedby those who were ignorant of the true componentparts of that gem.But when chemistry succeeded in discovering thatthe diamond is nothing but pure carbon vitrified, thehope was indulged in of obtaining it by making commoncarbon pass through different states by means ofIt was necessary first to melt thechemical operations.carbon, or dissolve it into its elements in some solution,so that the result might be a crystallization, from whichshould be obtained directly, or by condensation in theusual manner, pure vitrified carbon.To the first of these two operations, not a few naturaliststurned their best attention in trying experiments.But the constant study and noble perseverancewith which they unceasingly pursued the desiredaimwhich would have been a step in advance and asplendid triumph of sciencehave hitherto resulted infailure.On the contrary, it has been proved to a certain extent,that with any instruments, or by any means hithertoknown, it is not possible to melt or dissolve carbon, inwhatever state found.