20 CHE MIC COMPOSITION OF THE HUMAN BODY 



pounds of that weight will consist of water. It enters 

 into the foods and liquids we assimilate; acts as a 

 solvent for the various salts, carbohydrates, fats, 

 proteins, etc.; aids in the absorption of fresh material 

 into the blood and tissues; assists in dissolving and 

 transferring the products of disintegrating tissues to 

 the blood from which it is eliminated by way of the 

 skin (perspiration), kidneys (urine), lungs, and intes- 

 tines (feces). 



The Inorganic Salts. These are calcium phosphate, 

 fluorid and carbonate; sodium chloride, phosphate, 

 carbonate, and sulphate; potassium chlorid, phosphate 

 and carbonate; magnesium phosphate and carbonate. 



Salts enter into the formation of all tissues of the 

 body. Sodium chlorid common table salt is the 

 most important of the group. . It is the chief salt 

 found in the blood, lymph, and pancreatic juice. 

 As a seasoning for food, it adds to its relish and thus 

 promotes digestion. By a chemical process it helps 

 to form the hydrochloric acid, and produces the alka- 

 linity of the blood. Potassium chlorid is found in 

 association with sodium chlorid throughout the tissues, 

 and is a chemic constituent of muscle, nerve, and red 

 corpuscles. Calcium salts are found as constituents 

 of bones, teeth, cartilage, blood, milk, and other tis- 

 sues. All of the above combinations are to be found 

 throughout the body, but their various physiologic 

 and chemic properties are not essential to the nurse's 

 knowledge. 



Phosphorus. Phosphorus is found in the muscles, 

 bones, nerve system, and blood, in various chemic 

 combinations, as phosphates, also in both animal 

 and vegetable foods. 



Sulphur. Sulphur is found in the body in the form 

 of sulphates, which are derived from egg-albumen, 

 milk, and certain vegetables. 



Iron. Iron is an essential constituent of the color- 

 ing matter (hemoglobin) of the blood, lymph, bile, 



