CHAPTER III
CHEMISTRY OF THE HUMAN BODY.
42. An ULTIMATE ELEMENT is the simplest form of matter with which we are acquainted; as gold, iron, &c.
43. These elements are divided into metallic and non-metallic substances. The metallic substances are Po-tas´si-um, So´di-um, Cal´ci-um, Mag-ne´si-um, A-lu´min-um, I´ron, Man´ga-nese, and Cop´per. The non-metallic substances are Ox´y-gen, Hy´dro-gen, Car´bon, Ni´tro-gen, Si-li´-ci-um, Phos´phor-us, Sul´phur, Chlo´rine, and a few others.
44. Potash (potassium united with oxygen) is found in the blood, bile, perspiration, milk, &c.
45. Soda (sodium combined with oxygen) exists in the muscles, and in the same fluids in which potash is found.
46. Lime (calcium combined with oxygen) forms the principal ingredient of the bones. The lime in them is combined with phosphoric and carbonic acid.
47. Magnesia (magnesium combined with oxygen) exists in the bones, brain, and in some of the animal fluids; as milk.
48. Silex (silicium combined with oxygen) is contained in the hair and in some of the secretions.
49. Iron forms the coloring principle of the red globules of the blood, and is found in every part of the system.
Observation. As metallic or mineral substances enter into the ultimate elements of the body, the assertion that all minerals are poisonous, however small the quantity, is untrue.
42. What is an ultimate element? Give examples. 43. How are they divided? Name the metallic substances. Name the non-metallic substances. 44. What is said of potash? 45. Of soda? 46. Of lime? 47. Of magnesia? 48. Of silex? 49. What forms the coloring principle of the blood? What is said of mineral substances?
50. Oxygen is contained in all the fluids and solids of the body. It is almost entirely derived from the inspired air and water. It is expelled in the form of carbonic acid and water from the lungs and skin. It is likewise removed in the other secretions.
51. Hydrogen is found in all the fluids and in all the solids of the body. It is derived from the food, as well as from water and other drinks. It exists in the greatest abundance in the impure, dark-colored blood of the system. It is removed by the agency of the kidneys, skin, lungs, and other excretory organs.
52. Carbon is an element in the oil, fat, albumen, fibrin, gelatin, bile, and mucus. This element likewise exists in the impure blood in the form of carbonic acid gas. Carbon is obtained from the food, and discharged from the system by the secretions and respiration.
53. Nitrogen is contained in most animal matter, but is most abundant in fibrin. It is not contained in fat and a few other substances.
Observation. The peculiar smell of animal matter when burning is owing to nitrogen. This element combined with hydrogen forms am-mo´ni-a, (hartshorn,) when animal matter is in a state of putrefaction.
54. Phosphorus is contained in many parts of the system, but more particularly in the bones. It is generally found in combination with oxygen, forming phosphoric acid. The phosphoric acid is usually combined with alkaline bases; as lime in the bones, forming phosphate of lime.
55. Sulphur exists in the bones, muscles, hair, and nails. It is expelled from the system by the skin and intestines.
56. Chlorine is found in the blood, gastric juice, milk, perspiration, and saliva.
50. What is said of oxygen? 51. Of hydrogen? 52. What is said of carbon? 53. Of nitrogen? How is ammonia formed? 54. What is said of phosphorus? 55. What is said of sulphur? 56. Of chlorine?
57. Proximate elements are forms of matter that exist in organized bodies in abundance, and are composed chiefly of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen, arranged in different proportions. They exist already formed, and may be separated in many instances, by heat or mechanical means. The most important compounds are Al-bu´men, Fi´brin, Gel´a-tin, Mu´cus, Fat, Ca´se-ine, Chon´drine, Lac´tic acid, and Os´ma-zome.
58. Albumen is found in the body, both in a fluid and solid form. It is an element of the skin, glands, hair, and nails, and forms the principal ingredient of the brain. Albumen is without color, taste, or smell, and it coagulates by heat, acids, and alcohol.
Observation. The white of an egg is composed of albumen, which can be coagulated or hardened by alcohol. As albumen enters so largely into the composition of the brain, is not the impaired intellect and moral degradation of the inebriate attributable to the effect of alcohol in hardening the albumen of this organ?
59. Fibrin exists abundantly in the blood, chyle, and lymph. It constitutes the basis of the muscles. Fibrin is of a whitish color, inodorous, and insoluble in cold water. It differs from albumen by possessing the property of coagulating at all temperatures.
Observation. Fibrin may be obtained by washing the thick part of blood with cold water; by this process, the red globules, or coloring matter, are separated from this element.
60. Gelatin is found in nearly all the solids, but it is not known to exist in any of the fluids. It forms the basis of the cellular tissue, and exists largely in the skin, bones, ligaments, and cartilages.
57. What are proximate elements? Do they exist already formed in organized bodies? Name the most important compounds. 58. What is said of albumen? Give observation relative to this element. 59. Of fibrin? How does albumen differ from fibrin? How can fibrin be obtained? 60. What is said of gelatin?
Observation. Gelatin is known from other organic principles by its dissolving in warm water, and forming “jelly.” When dry, it forms the hard, brittle substance, called glue. Isinglass, which is used in the various mechanical arts, is obtained from the sounds of the sturgeon.
61. Mucus is a viscid fluid secreted by the gland-cells, or epithelia. Various substances are included under the name of mucus. It is generally alkaline, but its true chemical character is imperfectly understood. It serves to moisten and defend the mucous membrane. It is found in the cuticle, brain, and nails; and is scarcely soluble in water, especially when dry. ([Appendix C.])
62. Osmazome is a substance of an aromatic flavor. It is of a yellowish-brown color, and is soluble both in water and alcohol, but does not form a jelly by concentration. It is found in all the fluids, and in some of the solids; as the brain.
Observation. The characteristic odor and taste of soup are owing to osmazome.
63. There are several acids found in the human system; as the A-ce´tic, Ben-zo´ic, Ox-al´ic, U´ric, and some other substances, but not of sufficient importance to require a particular description.
How is it known from other organic principles? 61. What is said of mucus? 62. Of osmazome? To what are the taste and odor of soup owing? 63. What acids are found in the system?