163 
greater bulk of the vegetative body, either disposing the 
foundation, and conducting the base or root, governed by 
the unfolding organs of the seed, to descend in due order ; 
or the other parts to grow and ascend, helping the arrange- 
ment by a sort of natural union, and guiding the necessary 
particles to build the wonderful fabric. Since Water has 
been found to consist of three elements, viz. Hydrogen, 
Oxygen, and Calor, it has also been found to be soluble in 
the common air, in various proportions; in which case it 
is capable of acting either by itself, or in conjunction with 
the common air; so that the effects and changes to be 
wrought upon substances where this fluid comes in contact 
with them must be mnumerable. Thence the many ap- 
pearances that are otherwise unaccountable may be the 
more easily comprehended. 
Water often contains various substances in solution, 
such as salts, earths, and even metals. Thus Epsom Salt, 
or Sulphate of Magnesia, Sulphate and Super-carbonate of 
Lime, Carbonate of Iron, or Sulphate of Copper, &c. are 
numerous varieties, and are commonly called Mineral 
Waters; but as they do not properly constitute different 
species of Water, one figure is sufficient in this work, unless 
the varieties of form in the crystals of Snow should warrant 
more. 
