An X-ray study of diamonds artificially prepared by J. B. Hannay in 1880 (With Plate X.)

Abstract

During the course of a general investigation by one of us (K. L.) of diamonds from various sources, using X-ray analytical methods, the inquiry arose as to whether so-called artificial diamonds had ever been examined in this way. It was found that there was, in the Mineral Department of the British Museum, a glass slide bearing 12 minute specimens, labelled as being diamond, artificially prepared and presented by Mr. J. B. Hannay in 1880, presumably the remainder of those investigated by Prof. N. Story-Maskelyne, and referred to in a letter to the Editor of The Times which appeared in that paper on February 20, 1880, as follows:Sir,—A few weeks since I had to proclaim the failure of one attempt to produce the diamond in a chemical laboratory. To-day I ask a little space in one of your columns in order to announce the entire success of such an attempt by another Glasgow gentleman.