512 



OF MAIZE OR INDIAN CORN. 



titles. It is probable, however, that tlie nitrogenous constituents of rice 

 are stated too low in the analyses of Braconnot, and that it contains albu- 

 men or casein, or some analogous substance, which has been passed over 

 by this chemist. A scries of carefully repeated analyses of different 

 varieties of rice, if it did not modify, would at least fix our present opin- 

 ions in regard to its theoretical value as food for man.* 



Two samples of rice examined by Braconnot, were found by him to 

 be composed of — 



• Carolina. Piedmont. 



5-0 7-0 



4-8 4-8 



3-6 3-6 



85-07 83-8 



0-3 0-05 



0-7 0-1 



0-13 0-25 



0-4 0-4 



100 100 



2®. Maize or Indian corn is celebrated for the large return of focxl 

 which it yields from a given extent of land, and for its remarkably fat- 

 tening qualities when given to poultry, pigs, and cattle. Buckwheat 

 is also a very nourishing grain. They consist respectively of — 



Dry maize (Payen). Buckwheat (Zenneck). 



5-0 26-9 



1-2 10-7 



7-1 52-3 



0-5 8-3 



8-9 0-4 



5-05 — 



1-8 ? 



Husk 



Gluten, &c. 



Starch 



Sugar and gum 



Fatty matter 



Colouring matter 



Salts 



24-53f 98-6 



The above analysis of maize must be incorrect, as it supposes the fatty 

 matter to amount to nearly 36 per cent, of the weight of the corn. 

 Dumas has lately stated it at 8-9 per cent. — instead of 8-9 in 24-55 parts, 

 as found by Payen — and Liebig denies that Indian corn contains more 

 than 5 per cent, of fatty matter. New analyses, therefore, are required 

 of this grain also. Indeed it may be said in general of all the substances 

 used, especially in feeding animals, that we have not yet the requisite 

 knowledge to enable us to reason accurately in regard to the special ope- 

 ration of each in sustaining the body or in promoting the growth of fat.J 



• Five varieties of rice, as it is sold in the shops, examined in my laboratory, lost of water 

 and gave of ash per cent, respectively— 



Water. Ash, Water. Ash. 



Madras rice .... 13 5 58 I Carolina rice . . . 130 0-33 



Bengal rice .... 131 0-45 Do. flour . . 146 035 



Patna rice .... 131 0-36 | 



The water in these samples is very much greater than in those examined by Braconnot. By 

 exposure to the air the rice in a few days re-absorbed nearly all it had lost by drying. The 

 ash of rice contains more alkaline matter than that of wheat, and is very diflScuft to bim white. 



t Dumas, Traite de Chitnie, vi., p. 394. 



t A sample of Indian corn examined in my laboratory, lost of water 13-6 per cent, and 

 leA of white earthy ash 1-3 per cent. 



