62 



INORGANIC CONSTITUENTS. 



In the preceding experiments, the solution contained only a single 

 substance. In those which follow, M. de Saussure dissolved in the 

 water two or three salts, a mixture of sugar and gum, &c., in order 

 to ascertain whether the plants would make any selection from mixed 

 solutions. 



In 25 fluid ounces of water two or three species of salt were dis- 

 solved, the weight of each species being nearly 10 grains troy. 

 Each ounce of water would therefore contain either ^ths or iths of 

 a grain of saline or soluble matter. As in the preceding experi- 

 ments, the plants were made to absorb precisely one half of the so- 

 lutions. Analysis pointed out the quantity and the nature of the 

 substances which remained in the liquid not absorbed, and conse- 

 quently the salts which had penetrated the vegetable. 



In reducing this table, which exhibits the results obtained, the 

 weight of each particular salt in the solution is represented by 100 

 parts. 



Substance* in the lolution 

 riih which the eiperiinenl waa made. 



100 p«nt by weij^hu 



Sulphate of soda eflloresced 

 Chloride of sodium 



Sulphate of soda eftloresccd 

 Chloride of potassium 



Acetate of lime 

 Chloride of potassium . 



Nitrate of lime 

 Hydrochlorate of ammonia 



Acetate of lime 

 Sulphate of copper 



Nitrate of lime 

 Sulphate of copper 



Sidphate of soda . 

 Chloride of sodium 

 Acetate of lime 



Gum .... 

 Sugar .... 



M. de Saussure confirmed 

 common peppermint, {menth 



polygonum and bident were 

 quantities by these plants. 



Weight ef (he Mveral aub- Weijrht of the lereral aub- 

 ■taiicn (a km up hj iheiiiancrt taken up bjr the 

 Polyg'cnum in imbibui^'Bitleot in iinbibuif out 

 one half of the loluiioii. halt' the solution. 



hese results in experimenting on the 

 piperita,) Scotch pine, and common 



•uniper. The substances absorbed in greatest proportion by the 



so those that were taken up in largest 



