(meteorobs) Off Topic 1887 Chapter in the History of Meteorites

[drobnock]

Hi
Currently researching what appear to be terrestrial native iron found in
central Pennsylvania. Terrestrial native iron has the characteristics a
meteorite, but has no nickel. Heavier than surrounding rocks, dark
surface. So far the research has lead to the possibility that some
native iron  ( within the samples found the iron content is 85% to 98%
of elements  in the chemical composition) are found near coal beads or
related to sandstone deposits. During the literature search for early
recognition of native iron (iron-nickel composition) came across an 1887
book by Walter Flight entitled  Chapter in the History of Meteorites.
Establishes research on meteorites beginning after 1868. The work has an
interest in finding fresh falls.

One section has a short description of a paper describing the discovery
of organic material in a meteorite (1880-1882 time period). A follow up
was conducted by others a year or so later, the original work was found
to be faulty. The conclusion that meteors do not carry organic stuff.

George John Drobnock