Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-06-28


which are applicable to agriculture, are
neither numerous nor complete. They
are, however, to be found only in works
on general chemistry, in which they are
intimately associated with laws and phe-
nomena of a more abstruse descri ption,
and in connection with which they consti-
tute science of which the most learned
are still students, and to attain which in its
existing form may require years OF close
and attentive study. The language, too,
of chemistry, which, to those who study it
in a regular course, serves as an artificial
memory, and single words Of which call up
long trains of thoughts and experiment.
presents the uninitiated all the difficulties
of foreign tongue.
Yet it cannot be doubted, tina, the prac-
tical farmer may derive important benefit
from acquiring so much of this language
as will enable him 10 understand the chem
ical explanation of the numerous changes
which are continually taking place in the
natural actions which it is his high privI-
legc to call into his service, to direct in
part, and modify in degree. So also GER
tain chemical elements and compounds,
with the properties of which he ought to
be acquainted if he wish TO be able to d.
rect his practical skill with more effect,
even in circumstances familiar to him,
but which may be absolutely necessary, or
will at any rate save waste Of labor and
loss oftime, when the knowledge acquired
by practice in one place is to be employed
in new situation, and under change OF
circumstances.
1t is the object of this introduction to
exhibit, in such a form as may be intcllisi-
bic TO those who have not made general
chemistry an object of study, a concise
view of such of the laws and and facts OF
that science, as are absolutely necessary
for the aericulturist who may wish to inn
prove his practice, and which are more
particularly required by those who wish
TO avail themselves fthe knowledge con-
tained in the subjoined essay. To do tins
has been found no easy task. 1t twould be
in itself difficult, but to the author OF tins
introduction has been more particularly So
as he has for years been in the habit OF Im'
parting instruction to those whose habits
Of life and thoughts are as remote as pos
sible from those of the practical farmer
persons to whom the peculiar language o1
chemistry is an aid instead Of an impedl,
mcut, and who, with ample time at theil
command, have an opportunity of pursuing
the study of the science step by step
Fully aware of these difficulties, both gen.
cral and peculiar, this attempt would no
have been made, and certainly not per-
sisted in, had i, not have been for the in
stances of an intelligent scientific and sue
ccssful farmer, who has urged the compile
ton of the task an an object likely to be
beneficial to those, who, with perhaps
equal zeal and native powers OF mind
have not enjoyed, like himself, advanta
ges of scientific education.
The atmosphere which surrounds cu
earth is the first object to which our atten
ton should be directed. This is the vchi
Gle of the moisture, which, whether it fal
in the form Of rain or dew, run in stream
or issue from springs, is absolutely essen
tial to the success of the farmers labor
! 1t is also, as we shall presently sec, imPor
tant 10 him on other accounts.
| The greater part of the atmosphere
made up Of a mixture of substances, eac'
of which has the same mechanical proper
ties as the whole mass. These air-lik
substances are known 10 chemists by tn
name of Gases. :.
OF these gases, two make up by far tn
greater portion of atmospheric air, an
exist in it in the proportion of about 4 t
]. That which is the largest in quantlt
and makes up nearly 4-5ths Of the Who'll
atmosphere, is called, in the Essay Of NJ
Puvis, by the name of Azot, but is NOR
usually known in English by the name
Nitrogen.
This substance, although in the larges
proportion, is the least important OF tn
gases in its chemical effects. 1t does nc
aid in supporting the life Of animals. no
in maintaining the burning (eom6ust'on
of inhammable bodies.
The part of the atmosphere which
absolutely necessary for these purposes
called by the name of orygen, and nearl
makes up the remaining fifth part OF al
mospheric air. In its support oflife 1t a
ways, and in maintaining combustion o
ten, unites with chemical element, whIc
/ is called carbon. This is tamiliarl
known as forming the principal part
charcoal. In IFS union with carbon, oxy
zen forms. peculiar gas known by til
name of carbonic acid.
Carbonic acid is always found in sma