CHEMISTRY OF THE HUMAN BODY 59 



14. fThe organic or proximate elements of the body are 

 formed from the ultimate elements already described^ We 

 cannot explain their formation on any chemical or mechan- 

 ical laws, but refer them solely to the influence of the vital 

 forces. 



15. These proximate elements are mostly formed from a 

 combination of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and azote, and are 



jdivided into two classes, acids and oxyds) 



16. The acids found in the human system are the acetic, 

 oxalic, the benzoic, and the uri% The three first are also 

 found in the vegetable kingdom, and are composed of oxygen, 

 hydrogen, and carbon. When these organic elements are 

 made of three simple elements, they are called ternary 

 oxyds; such are sugar, resin, and the fixed and volatile 

 oils. 



17. Milk contains a considerable quantity of sugar. It 

 can be obtained from whey by evaporating it slowly to the 

 consistence of a syrup, and then allowing it to cool. It may 

 then be purified by the white of an egg, or albumen, and 

 crystalized again. It has a different taste from the sugar 

 of the cane. 



18. The bile contains a peculiar resin. Fat and the mar- 

 row of the bones contain fixed oils. Butfthe most important 

 compounds of the body are albumen, fibrin, gelatine, mucus, 

 and osmazomej 



19. tAUwmen exists in the body, both in a solid and fluid 

 formj Combined with water it forms the white of eggs ; 

 hence its name, fit exists most abundantly in the serum, 

 but is found in all the fluids of the body. It is transparent, 

 without colour, taste, or smell, and coagulates by heat, acids, 

 and alcohol; 



20. Solid albumen is also a white and tasteless substance. 

 It forms the basis of the nerves and brain, and is contained 

 in the skin, hair, nails, glands, and vessels. Tumours and 

 wens are mostly composed of albumen. It is composed of 



