148 



tissues. The forms of sugar are G ycogen of the Hver, Lactose or sugar 

 of milk, Glucose (grape sugar) and Inosite or sugar of muscle. 



Fats and Oils — Palmitin, Olein and Stearin. These are really salts 

 of the alcohol Glycerins with the fatty acids Palmitic, Oleic and Stearic. 

 The fat of the body is made up chiefly of Palmitin and Stearin (solids) 

 with small quantities of Olein (liquid). 



The fatly acids require no special discussion heie. Mention of 

 the three principal ones has already been made. These with Butyric 

 acid in milk and Propionic acid in sweat, exist in combination with 

 certain bases, e.g., Potassium, Calcium and Sodium in various parts of 

 the body. 



Alcohols: — Glycerine, a true alcohol has already been spoken of 

 under ''fats;" it is also produced during digestion; Cholesterine, a 

 crystallized uncombined alcohol, is present chiefly in bile. Ordinary 

 alcohol has been detected in the body — probably the result of a 

 fermentation in the digestive tract. Under normal conditions, however, 

 it is doubtful if it is produced. 



Inorganic or Mineral Compounds. — The chief of these is 

 Watek (Oxygen and Hydrogen), present to a very large extent in ever)' 

 fluid and tissue. Its great importance and function will be spoken of 

 later on. Calcium phosphate (phosphate of lime), another essential 

 couipound, is the basis of bones and teeth, but also found in other 

 parts. Chloride of Sodium (common salt) is to be met with in all 

 tissues and fluids. Iron m minute quantities enters into the com- 

 position of haemoglobin, the colouring matter of the blood. It is also 

 to be detected in many of the body tissues. 



The foregoing outline may serve as an enumeration of the moie 

 important body substances. Their origin and physiological function 

 will be discussed when speaking of the nutritive ingredients of foods 

 and the processes of digestion and assimilation. A knowledge of the 

 relative amounts of the chemical elements and of the compounds already 

 alluded to, as they exist in the body, will be found to be of 

 interest and value. I, therefore, subjoin the following admirable tables 

 compiled for the United States National Museum, Washington, by 

 Messrs. Welch and Pomeroy. 



