1G2 On the- Effect {if Madder Root 



sidcred as a test of t-lie quantity of colouring 

 matter, v/hich the phosphate attracts at the 

 time it is separated from the blood, it forms 

 another strong argument against the theory, 

 which Dr. Rutlierford, and all preceding phy- 

 siologi^U:s liave adopted , for, consistent with 

 this fact, the bones should never exhibit more 

 than a slight blush. When explained upon the 

 principle of chemical attraction, we see that the 

 phenomena, exhibited by the bones of an 

 animal, by giving or withholding madder root, 

 give no support to the opinion that the 

 ■various parts of the body continually undergo 

 an imperceptible change ; and I consider it a 

 fortunate circumstance for that doctrine, that 

 80 simple an explanation of the effect of madder 

 can be given. For whilst so specious a fact 

 has been considered, by the highest authoriliesy 

 as complete proof of the imperceptible renova- 

 tion of parts; the rapid change in the con- 

 stituent element? of . the bones, wdiich the 

 communication and disappearance of the colour 

 'indicates, mus1^_^havc appeared astonishing to 

 every physiologist. Of this I cannot give you a 

 stronger instance than in the w^ords of Mr^ J. 

 Bell.^^ ''Nothing," sayshe, "can be more curious 

 " than this continual renovatiiDn and change 



'' Anatomy of ihc bones, &c. p. 13. 



