Bog Butter

Bog Butter (BUTYRITE or BUTYRELLITE of mineralogists), a very peculiar mineral substance, which is found in some of the bogs of Ireland. It is evidently of vegetable origin, and has been formed by the decomposition of the peat amidst which it is found. In composition and qualities it exhibits a general agreement with bitumen, asphalt, amber, and the other mineral resins; all of which are not improbably supposed to resemble it also in their origin, although perhaps it is the most recent of them all. It contains about 74 per cent. of carbon; its remaining constituents being oxygen and hydrogen in nearly equal proportions. In colour and consistency it much resembles butter, and at 124° F. it becomes liquid. It is not soluble in water, but is readily soluble in alcohol or ether.