194 



ESSAY XVI. 



fire air, viz. nine-thirty-thirds, which is a very remark- 

 able fact ; and to assign the cause of it seems difficult, as a 

 quantity of pure air, in supporting fire, daily enters into a 

 new union ; and a considerable quantity of it is likewise 

 corrupted, or changed into aerial acid, as well by plants as 

 by respiration ; another fresh proof of the great care of our 

 Creator for all that lives. 



