120 Explanation of the Terms used. 



Phlogiston, the principle of inflammability. 



Mephitic, ill savoured, noxious, poisonous air. The sweet- 

 est flowers and fruits, always exhale this mortal poison. 

 Hence the danger of laying in close apartments, wherein 

 even an inconsiderable number of flowers are placed. Sudden 

 deaths are not rarely the consequences of such mistaken 

 gi'atifications ; to which many persons have fallen sacrifices : 

 thereby fatally depriving Mr. Pope's ridicule of its sting ; 

 by proving that the strongest man, as well the most delicate 

 of the sex, may — 



" Die of a rose— of aromatic pain.'' 



See Ingenhausz experience sur les vegetaiix. Pages 67, 68. 



