of simple alimentary Substances, fyc. 105 



the water not essential to its composition at the temperature of 

 212°, or even perhaps below this point if exposed for a period 

 sufficiently long. 



It may not be deemed superfluous to notice here very 

 briefly two or three circumstances resulting from the above 

 analyses, which, though their importance may not be seen at 

 present, should be constantly borne in mind, as they will en- 

 able us hereafter to throw light on many points connected 

 with organization, which otherwise would be inexplicable. 



In the first place, the identity of composition between the 

 sugar of honey and arrow root, under the ordinary circum- 

 stances of the atmosphere, seems to show that the differences 

 among the varieties of the amylaceous principles are precisely 

 analogous to those existing among sugars, or in other words, 

 that there are low starches as well as low sugars. Whether 

 arrow root be the lowest that exists, I am unable to say ; but 

 I have met with none lower ; and have reason to believe that 

 the greater portion of the other varieties of the amylaceous 

 principle known to exist, like the varieties of sugars above 

 given, are intermediate in their composition between arrow 

 root and wheat starch. The same remarks apply to other 

 merorganized principles. 



In the second place, the identity of composition between 

 wheat starch and cane sugar, and between the sugar of honey 

 and arrow root above mentioned, seems to show that, though 

 merorganized bodies are not actually capable of assuming the 

 crystalline form, yet that the original tendency among their 

 essential elements to combine in certain proportions (and per- 

 haps to assume certain forms) still continues to operate, though 

 in a mitigated degree, and thus to exert, as it were, a feeble 

 nisus, or endeavour toward the maintenance of certain definite 

 modes of existence. 



Thirdly, and lastly, crystallized bodies usually part with 

 their water of crystallation with difficulty, and when they do, it 

 is commonly per saltum, or in definite quantities. Meror- 

 ganized bodies, on the other hand, retain water so feebly at 

 all points, that within certain limits this fluid may be readily 

 separated, or made to combine with them in every proportion. 

 And this appears to be true, not only with respect to water, 

 but with other substances capable of combining with meror- 

 ganized bodies. It may be remarked also in general, that low 

 varieties of principles resemble merorganized bodies in these 

 and some other respects ; thus, they usually part readily with 

 all the water not essential to their composition at the tempera- 

 ture of 212°, or even less (provided they be submitted to it 



New Series. Vol. 3. No. 14. Feb. 1828. P long 



