SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONS. 169 



from the system, and a diminution is accompanied by certain 

 indefinite disorders in the general processes of nutrition. 



The alkaline carbonates have a tendency to preserve the 

 fluidity of the fibrin. 



Some of the inorganic salts, such as \hs phosphate of lime, 

 are important elements entering into the constitution of the 

 various tissues. They are most abundant in the solids and 

 semi-solids, of the body ; and when their introduction with 

 food is prevented, we have certain definite changes in the 

 constitution of some of the tissues, as softening of the bones 

 in animals deprived of the phosphate of lime. 



As already remarked, the inorganic principles are neces- 

 sary to, and participate in the performance of the vital func- 

 tions of organic principles. 



In addition to these elements, the blood contains large 

 quantities of carbonic acid, which is eliminated by the lungs, 

 and small quantities of other excrementitious matters, such as 

 urea, the urates, cholesterine, creatine, creatinine, and am- 

 monia (which is perhaps an excretion), their proportion being 

 kept down by their constant removal by the proper eliminat- 

 ing organs. Their increase in the blood from any cause 

 produces toxic effects, which, as regards some, urea and cho- 

 lesterine for example, are easily recognized. 



