The reason why : $b a careful collection of many hundreds of reasons for things which, though generally believed, are imperfectly understood. A book of condensed scientific knowledge for the million — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
The reason why : $b a careful collection of many hundreds of reasons for things which, though generally believed, are imperfectly understood. A book of condensed scientific knowledge for the million
John Stuart Mill · en
Such a supposition is highly improbable. It is probably derived
from _nitrogenised food_, just as _carbonic acid_ is derived from
_carbonised food_.
41. _What is venous blood?_
Venous blood is that which is returning through the _veins_ of the body
from the organs to which it has been circulated.
42. _What is arterial blood?_
Arterial blood is that which is flowing from the heart through the
_arteries_ to nourish the parts where those arteries are distributed.
43. _What is the difference between venous and arterial blood?_
Venous blood contains _more_ carbonic acid, and _less_ oxygen and
nitrogen than arterial blood.
44. _Will nitrogen burn?_
It will not burn, nor will it support combustion.
45. _What is the difference between "burning" and "supporting
combustion?"_
Oxygen gas will not burn of itself, but it aids the decomposition
by fire of bodies that are combustible. It is therefore called a
_supporter of combustion_. But hydrogen gas, _though it burns of
itself_ will extinguish a flame immersed in it. It is therefore said
to be a body which will _burn_, but _will not support combustion_.
[Verse: "As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a
contentious man to kindle strife."--PROVERBS XXVI.]
46. _What becomes of the nitrogen that is inhaled with the air?_
It is thrown off with the breath, mixed with _carbonic acid gas_, and
flies away to be renewed by a fresh supply of oxygen.
47. _Where does nitrogen find a fresh supply of oxygen?_
In the atmosphere. Nitrogen is said to possess a remarkable tendency to
_mix_ with oxygen, without having a positive chemical _affinity_ for
it. That is to say, neither the _oxygen_ nor the _nitrogen_ undergoes
any change by the union, except that of _admixture_. The oxygen and
the nitrogen still possess their own peculiar properties. Oxygen and
nitrogen are found in nearly the same proportions in all climates, and
at all altitudes.
48. _In combustion does any other result take place besides the union
of oxygen and carbon forming carbonic acid gas?_
Yes. Usually _hydrogen_ is present, which in burning unites with
_oxygen_, and forms _water_.
CHAPTER IV.
49. _What is hydrogen?_
Hydrogen is an elementary gas, and is the lightest of all known bodies.
50. _Will hydrogen support animal life?_
It will not. It proves speedily fatal to animals.
51. _Will hydrogen support combustion?_
Although it will burn, yielding a feeble bluish light, it will, if
pure, extinguish a flame that may be immersed in it. Hydrogen will
therefore _burn_, but will not _support combustion_.
52. _Why will hydrogen explode, if it will not support combustion?_
When hydrogen explodes it is always in combination with _oxygen_,
or with the common air, which contains _oxygen_. _Two_ measures of
hydrogen and _one_ of oxygen form a most explosive compound.
[Verse: "As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax
melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of
God."--PSALM XLVI.]