THE VOLATILE PART OF PLANTS. 73 



easier to understand since it takes place by the loss or 

 gain of several molecules of watei-. 



The formulae given are the simplest that accord with 

 the results of analysis. In case of many of the amyloses 

 it is probable that the above formulae should be multi- 

 plied by 2, 4, or 6, or even more, in order to reach the 

 true molecular weight. 



Isomerism,.— BoAies which — like cellulose and dextrin, or like levu- 

 lose and dextrose— are identical in composition, and yet are character- 

 ized by di£Eerent properties and modes of occurrence, are termed Uom- 

 erie ; they are examples of isomerism. These words are of Greek deri- 

 vation, and signify of equal measure. 



We must suppose that the particles of isomeric bodies which are com- 

 posed of the same kinds of matter, and In the same quantities, exist in 

 different states of arrangement. Tlie mason can buUd, from a given 

 number of bricks and a certain amount of mortar, a simple wall, an 

 aqueduct, a bridge or a castle. The composition of these unlike struc- 

 tures may be the same, both In kind and quantity; but the structures 

 themselves differ immensely, from the fact of the diverse arrangement 

 of their materials. In the same manner we may suppose starch to dif- 

 fer from dextrin by a difference in the relative positions of the atoms 

 of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the molecules which compose 

 them. 



By use of " structural formulEe " It Is sought to represent the different 

 arrangement of atoms in the molecules of isomeric bodies. In case 

 of substances so complex as the sugars, attempts of this kind have but 

 recently met with .success. The following formulse exhibit to the 

 chemist the probable differences of constitution between dextrose and 

 levulose. 



Dextrose. Levulose. 



H H 



H— C— O H H— C— O H 



H— C— O H C— O 



i C— H H— C— O H 



H— C— O H H C— O H 



O H— C— O H H C— O H 



I C— H H C— H 



To those familiar with advanced Organic Chemistry the foregoing 

 formulae, to some extent, "account for" the chemical characters of 

 these sugars, and explain the different products which they yield 

 imder decomposing Influences. 



APPENDIX TO THE CAKBHTDKATES. 



Nearly related to the Carbhydrates are the following substances i— 



