526 [Assembly 



phosphate of lime, that we then have a mineral identical in com- 

 position with a calcined bone, which is also phosphate of lime. 



Should the sulphate of magnesia after having been obtained in 

 the crystalline form be frequently re-melted and re-crystalized, 

 it will arrive at a condition having different properties from those 

 belonging to the original crystals, although by analysis they will 

 seem to be of the same composition ; the one used as a medicine 

 will cause great pain, while the other will produce the same 

 medicinal effects without pain; and, indeed, all the inorganic 

 constituents as taken from rocks may, under certain combinations, 

 form crystalizable substances, which, by repeating the process of 

 crystalization, are rendered more fit for appropriation in organ- 

 ized nature. But when these substances are incorporated, as in 

 a plant, or in an animal, they seem to form a homogeneous mass, 

 having none of the character known as crystalline, not even when 

 examined by the microscope; still, from some microscopic exami- 

 nations, it is fair to infer that peculiarities of configuration conse- 

 quent upon composition, do exist. Thus much as a platform for 

 thought. 



The chemist tells us by analysis, that blood is composed of cer- 

 tain materials and water. All these materials exist in rocks, and 

 may be separated from them. 



Now, let us suppose ten square yards of soil to be fertilized by 

 10 lbs. of bullock's blood, and another ten square yards of soil to 

 be fertilized by the constituents which analysis shows to exist in 

 ten pounds of blood, and that these constituents shall not only 

 undergo the greatest degree of mechanical division by grinding, 

 but they shall absolutely be placed in solution and applied to the 

 soil, still, notwithstanding this great mechanical sub- division, the 

 ten yards fertilized by the blood will yield double the amount of 

 crop of that fertilized by the same constituents taken from the 

 rocks. 



As another instance. Should we fertilize one piece of land 

 with the bones of an animal, previously heated to redness, so as 



