240 CHEMICAL TRANSFORMATIONS 



gen is consequently evolved, as well as carbonic 

 acid, both of which compounds have an analogous 

 composition (CH2, CO2). 



Thus also in that transformation of sugar, which 

 is called fermentation, its elements are divided into 

 two portions ; the one, carbonic acid, which contains 

 f of the oxygen of sugar ; and the other, alcohol, 

 which contains all its hydrogen. 



In the transformation of acetic acid produced by 

 a red heat, carbonic acid which contains f of the 

 oxygen of the acetic acid is formed, and acetone 

 which contains all its hydrogen. 



It is evident from these facts, that the elements 

 of a complex compound are left to their special 

 attractions whenever their equilibrium is disturbed, 

 from whatever cause this disturbance may proceed. 

 It appears also, that the subsequent distribution of 

 the elements, so as to form new combinations, al- 

 ways takes place in the same way, with this differ- 

 ence only, that the nature of the products formed is 

 dependent upon the number of atoms of the ele- 

 ments which enter into action ; or in other words, 

 that the products differ ad infinitum, according to 

 the composition of the original substance. 



ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF BODIES 

 CONTAINING NITROGEN. 



When those substances are examined which are 

 most prone to fermentation and putrefaction, it is 

 found that they are all, without exception, bodies 



