Part 49 (1/2)

Not a particle; the story of a stone having the property of converting the baser h the pursuits of Alchemy were the most preposterous that can be conceived, the ardor hich they were followed, and the a number of experiments made in consequence, led to the discovery of hly indebted

_Preposterous_, absurd, foolish; contrary to nature or reason

You inform me that Chemistry enables us to discover the properties of bodies by means of _analysis_ and _combination_: what do these terms imply?

If a chemist wishes to examine the properties of a compound body, he proceeds by analysis--that is, by a separation of the substance to be examined into its constituent parts The che a change in the _nature_ or _state_ of the body under exaht about by the addition of some _other_ substance which forms a combination with a part of the substance examined, and leaves the remainder in a detached state

By what _e in the qualities or states of natural bodies?

It is generally effected by means of _heat_, which has a tendency to separate the particles of bodies from each other; or by the _mixture_ or _combination_ of some other matter with the matter intended to be examined The mixture of two or more compounds often produces a decomposition by means of chemical _affinity_, a property which different species of matter have to unite with each other; and which is sometimes called _elective affinity_ Thus it may be observed, che natural bodies, but of producing by combination various other substances, such as are not found in the kingdom of nature

What do you e, it means the separation of a compound body into its simple elements

Give me an exaen and hydrogen,--both of them simple substances incapable of further decomposition

Is not the work of deco forward?

Yes; and _coents in this work By it anietable substances are converted into water and carbonic acid, by the union of their hydrogen and carbon with the oxygen of the air These, in tiain decoen at liberty to produce fresh co substances, Hydrogen and Carbon?

These are appropriated by the vegetative organs to their growth and nourishen hich the carbon was coiven off to purify the air and render it fit for the respiration of animals

Give me an idea of the mode in which Che an experiar of lead in water, and pour the clear solution into a decanter or large glass bottle Then take a small piece of zinc, and twist round it some brass or copper wire, so as to let the ends of the wire depend froreeable form Suspend the zinc and wire in the solution which has been prepared; in a short ti the wire This is a beautiful illustration of chemical affinity; the acid, which constitutes a part of the sugar of lead, has a stronger affinity for the zinc than for the lead, and, consequently, will combine with the zinc, and form a compound which remains in solution, while the lead is precipitated on the zinc and wire in the form of a brilliant tree of metal

_Affinity_, in chemistry, that attraction which takes place between the elements of bodies, and fornify?

In the above sense, the system of the universe; the creation, the works of God By the kingdos in it: nature is divided into three kingdoetable, and mineral

What are the different states of natural bodies?

All bodies are either solid, liquid, or aeriform By solid bodies are meant those whose parts unite so firmly as to resist the impression or penetration of other bodies; by liquid, those substances whose parts do not unite fir the the for more than solids converted into liquids by heat, a certain increase of which would convert the liquids into vapor

What other naiven to Liquids?

They are likewise called fluids: we call the air, also, a fluid, because it flows like a fluid, and light substances will float in it