That of inducing fermentation in a new solution of sugar: it therefore has the name of Ferment. From what is it produced? From azotized constituents of the grape juice, which have been termed gluten or vegetable albumen. What is Ether? The lightest and most volatile part of alcohol. Mention one of its properties. It never freezes. Mention a third sort of fermentation. 3. Acetous. Why is it so called? Because the product is Vinegar; (acetum.) Express in general words, how this is effected. Fermented liquor exposed to the atmosphere imbibes oxygen, which oxidizes the alcohol, and replaces it with acetous acid. What do you account the Putrid Fermentation? The last step in reducing organized bodies to their first elements. Do all plants, when deprived of life undergo this? Yes; if there be sufficient heat, moisture, and air. Describe Eremacausis briefly. A process of oxidation or slow combustion: oxygen is Of what are all bodies in a state of decay capable? Do organic substances undergo change spontaneously? Mention a powerful agent in the process of decomposition. Can you state the contrary agency of oxygen? In one state of things it is the strength and health of organized bodies: In another state, it is the instrument or means of their dissolution. What solid substances did you say that decaying vegetable matters produce? Carbon and earth. If air be excluded, but heat, moisture, and pressure be present, what will be the result? They are subject to a peculiar change, by which they are converted into a new class of compounds, called Bitumens. Can you mention any of these compounds? The various sorts of Coal. What do you suppose respecting these vegetables? That they are buried in the sea, or in the earth, where, for want of air, they cannot undergo putrid fermentation. CONCLUSION. What have we examined in these conversations? The Vegetable Kingdom. Mention the several subjects which we have had before us. 1. The Structure of a plant: from the seed to the full grown plant. 2. The arrangement of Vegetables in Classes and Orders. 3. The elements and substances of which vegetables are composed. 4. Their support and growth. 5. Their Decay, or reduction to first elements. Can you now look upon a plant with indifference, or only account a flower a beautiful thing? I can do neither. What must you say of the smallest plant? It is a system full of wonders. What do you acknowledge in it. The power, wisdom, and goodness of the Creator. What do you call unpleasant plants? Weeds, briers, brambles. What are wicked men like? Unpleasant plants. With what should we adorn ourselves? With all true and substantial virtues. Quote 1 Peter i. 24, 25, and 1 John ii. 17. "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth for ever:"-" but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." TABLES. 1. Analysis of Grain. The Table will only give a general notion of the subject; for the varieties of the same grain give different results; and much also depends on the nature of Silica....... acre. 5.63 69.36 32.73 49.44 59.92 9.22 84lbs. Phosphoric acid 43.98 5.24 31.69 21.53 6.26 39.92 20. Sulphuric acid 34.51 11.79 20.77 13.97 13.12 33.83 23. 1.87 0 4.56 1.50 4.06 .39 1. Potash Soda Chloride of Sodium 0 0 0 0 1.24 0 By a table of this sort, we see what a plant requires for its support, what it takes from the soil, and what must be supplied to the soil in the form of manure. 272 CHAPTER VII. ANIMAL KINGDOM. I. ANIMALS. What do you mean by the Animal Kingdom? All creatures endowed with sensation and voluntary motion. What have we to examine? Animals themselves, their Elements, and their Structure. Express these three subjects in other words. Classification, Chemistry, Anatomy. How does Moses divide the animal creation; Gen. i. 20-25? Into five classes of creatures. Mention them. 1. Fish: all the inhabitants of the water. 2. Fowl: all creatures with wings to fly in the air. 4. Creeping things: all kinds of reptiles. 5. Beast of the earth: wild beasts, which lead in general a solitary life. Where does Moses place Man? He stands alone, "Let Us make Man." How are Animals now divided by scholars or men of science? Into two sorts: Vertebrata and Invertebrata. |