016 TERNARY AND QUATERNARY COMPOUNDS. 



calcium, sodium, potassium &c., it makes al- 

 kalies that are also binary combinations, which, 

 on uniting with the above acids, form neutral 

 salts, that must be regarded as double binary 

 compositions ; while the union of the same acids 

 with simple bodies, such as the pure metals, 

 gives a third order of binary compounds, accord- 

 ing to Berzelius. 



But in the formation of the simplest plant, it 

 has been found that at least three elements, 

 oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon, are united 

 together in a direct manner, without any pre- 

 vious binary combination ; and that the various 

 tissues of all animals (if we except the very 

 lowest species of zoophytes, the real character of 

 which is doubtful,) are formed by the immediate 

 union of the same elements with nitrogen. From 

 the ternary and quaternary combinations of 

 these active principles in various proportions, 

 are generated all the diversified organizations 

 that make up the living world, as shewn by the 

 analytical researches of Thenard, Gay Lussac, 

 Berzelius, Prout, Thomson, Saussure, Berard, 

 Chevreul, Ure, and others. (Tiedemann's Com- 

 parative Physiology, p. 6, 7.) 



about j-rd of the solid earth. But as in the latter case it is 

 chained down in a state of chemical combination with metallic 

 and other gross matters, its active powers are kept in abeyance. 

 It also forms about ths of animal bodies, and above ^.rds of 

 plants, as may be readily ascertained by a reference to their ele- 

 mentary composition, and the relative quantities of water in each. 



