WATER. 295 



CHAPTER XII. 



CHEMICAL PHENOMENA. 



Water Its Constituents Oxygen Hydrogen Peroxide of Hy- 

 drogenPhysical Property of Water Ice Sea Water- 

 Chlorine Muriatic Acid Iodine Bromine Compounds of 

 Hydrogen with Carbon Combustion Flame Safety Lamp 

 Respiration Animal Heat The Atmosphere Carbonic 

 Acid Influence of Plants on the Air Chemical Phenomena 

 of Vegetation Compounds of Nitrogen Mineral Kingdom, 

 &c. &c. 



WITHOUT attempting anything which shall approach 

 even to the character of a sketch of chemical science, 

 we may be allowed, in our search after exalting truths, 

 to select such examples of the results of combination as 

 may serve to elucidate any of the facts connected with 

 natural phenomena. In doing this, by associating our 

 examination with well-known natural objects or con- 

 ditions, the interpretation afforded by analysis will be 

 more evident, and the operation of the creative forces 

 rendered more striking and familiar, particularly if at 

 the same time we examine such physical conditions as 

 are allied in action, and are sufficiently explanatory of 

 important features. 



A large portion of this planet is covered by the waters 

 of the ocean, of lakes and rivers. Water forms the best 

 means of communication between remote parts of the 

 earth. It is in every respect of the utmost importance 

 to the animal and vegetable kingdom ; and, indeed, it 

 is indispensable in all the great phenomena of the in- 

 organic world. The peculiarities of saltness or freshness 



