26 



which traverse the parenchyma in bundles, and subjected each 

 of these four substances to separate analysis, which, remarkably 

 enough, have given results exactly corresponding to the ex- 

 pectations. I may be excused, however, for giving my own 

 opinion repecting the division of the flower into these four 

 substances. It would I think be impossible to obtain such 

 quantities as would be necessary for the analysis, even were 

 the division to be made under the microscope and a whole 

 year devoted to the purpose. And if the substances for ana- 

 lysis have not been employed perfectly separated, it does 

 not attain its end. Above all, however, the antithesis in the 

 composition of cellular membrane and spiral fibre, which is 

 said to be indicated by predominant hydrogen and oxygen, 

 is inadmissible. 



In support of some of the above-mentioned suppositions, I 

 will notice some elementary analyses which Prof. Mitscherlich 

 has instituted with the greatest accuracy ; flax fibres, pure cel- 

 lular tissue from the interior of the pith of the elder, and pure 

 spiral fibres from the flower of a Musa were employed. All 

 these substances were previously cut small, then purified in 

 every respect from foreign ingredients, and constantly tested 

 with the microscope, so that no doubt might remain as to the 

 substances which were to be subjected to analysis being as pure 

 as possible. According to these analyses, the flax fibre con- 

 tained in 100 parts 45*98 carbon ; the pure spiral fibre of the 

 Pisang 48-88, and the cellular tissue of the elder pith 50-65 

 carbon. Hydrogen and oxygen were present in the same 

 proportions as in water ; yet, unfortunately, all the analyses 

 indicated some superfluous hydrogen, which proved less the 

 more accurately the analysis was made. Nothing was ob- 

 served of any superfluous oxygen or nitrogen. The perfect 

 combustion of the substances had to be effected by passing a 

 current of oxygen, as an accurate mixture of them with the 

 oxide of copper could not be effected ; and probably the oc- 

 currence of superfluous oxygen is to be ascribed to this me- 

 thod, which it is intended to ascertain by further experiment. 



In a second paper* Mr. Reade has endeavoured to prove 



* Further observations on the structure of the solid materials found in 

 the ashes of recent and fossil plants. Loud, and Edinb. Philosophical Ma- 

 gazine, vol. xi. p. 413. 



