DIVISION I. 
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF 'THE PLANT. 
CHAPTER I. 
THE VOLATILE PART OF PLANTS. 
Sf 
DISTINCTIONS AND DEFINITIONS. 
Oreanic anp Inorganic Matrer.—All matter may be 
divided into two great classes— Organic and Inorganic, 
Organic matter is the product of growth, or of vital 
organization, whether vegetable or animal. It is mostly 
combustible, i. e., it may be easily set on fire, and burns 
away into invisible gases. Organic matter either itself 
constitutes the organs of life and growth, and has a pecu- 
liar organized structure, inimitable by art,—is made up of 
cells, tubes or fibres, (wood and flesh); or else is a mere 
result or product of the vital processes, and destitute of 
this structure (sugar and fat). 
All matter which is not a part or product of a living 
organism is inorganic or mineral matter (rocks, soils, wa- 
ter, and air). Most of the naturally occurring forms of 
inorganic matter which directly concern agricultural chem- 
istry are incombustible, and destitute of anything like or- 
ganic structure. 
By the processes of combustion and decay, organic mat- 
ter is disorganized or converted into inorganic matter, 
while, on the contrary, by vegetable growth inorganic 
matter is organized, and becomes organic. 
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