VII. Experiments and observations on certain stony and metalline substances, which at different times are said to have fallen on the earth; also on various kinds of native iron
The concordance of a variety of facts seems to render it most indisputable, that certain stony and metalline substances have, at different periods, fallen on the earth. Whence their origin, or whence they came, is yet, in my judgment, involved in complete obscurity. The accounts of these peculiar substances, in the early annals, even of the Royal Society, have unfortunately been blended with relations which we now consider as fabulous; and the more ancient histories of stones fallen from Heaven, from Jupiter, or from the clouds, have evidently confounded such substances with what have been termed Ceraun, Bætilia, Ombria, Brontia , &c. names altogether unappropriate to substances fallen on our globe. Indeed some mislead, and others are inexpressive.