Q. Why do very old people lose the power of volition, sensation, and thought?
A. Because their brain ossifies; and as the “cerebrum” (or front of the brain) goes, they lose the power of sensation and reason; and as the “cerebellum” (or posterior part of the brain) goes, they lose the power of volition.
Q. Why are old people unable to walk?
A. Because their muscles become rigid.
GLOSSARY.
Acetic Acid, commonly called Distilled Vinegar.
Citric commonly called Juice of Lemons.
Nitric commonly called Aqua Fortis.
Oxalic commonly called Salt of Lemons.
Sulphuric commonly called Oil of Vitriol.
Sulphate of Lime called Plaster of Paris.
Sulphate of Magnesia called Epsom Salts.
Sulphate of Soda called Glauber Salts.
Sulphate ofZinc called White Vitriol.
Nitrate of Silver called Lunar Caustic.
Acetate of Copper called Verdigris.
Muriate of Soda called Table Salt.
Tartrate of Potash called Tartar Emetic.
Carbonate of Ammonia called Smelling Salts.
Carbonate of Lime called Chalk, Marble, &c.
Super-acetate of Lead called Sugar of Lead.
Oxide of Lead called Goulard.
Sublimates are chemical preparations, the basis of which is quicksilver. In corrosive sublimates, the quicksilver is extinguished, either by vitriol, potter’s clay, or some other ingredient.
Sublimation is a similar process to distillation; only solids (such as metals) are employed, instead of liquids.