216 FIRESIDE SCIENCE. 



pliorus and calcium exist in the bones ; the other 

 minerals, in the juices of the flesh and in the blood. 

 Of course the statements as given are but a rude 

 approximation to the truth, but they are, neverthe- 

 less, sufficiently exact to afford a tolerably correct 

 idea of the nature of the substances, and the 

 amounts which enter into the human organization. 

 From this presentation it will be seen that the 

 body holds sufficient water at all times (about 14 

 gallon's) to drown the individual, if it were con- 

 tained in a suitable vessel. Under ordinary cir- 

 cumstances six pints of this water leave the system 

 each day. If we drink largely, of course an in- 

 creased quantity is eliminated through the excre- 

 tory organs. This liquid finds its way into the 

 system through the food and drink. Considerably 

 more than half the bulk of all the bread, meat, 

 and vegetables used as food is water. There is 

 no other substance but water which remains un- 

 changed after entering the body. Under the 

 terribly destructive influence of vital chemical ac- 

 tion, all other agents and bodies are torn asunder, 

 and from their elements are formed new com- 

 pounds of most strange and complex natures ; 

 water flows through our life, as it flows from 

 mountain cataracts and meadow springs, unchanged 

 and unchangeable, save in its physical aspects and 

 condition. It is made capable of holding in solu- 



