Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-01-08

element of rocks, of course of soils, as it
vas Of the alkalies, potash and soda. The
other elements in the earths and alkalies,
with oxygen, were found by
the same great chemist to be metals very
peculiar in character.
1t hence appears that oxygen is an ele-
ment in air, earth and water, existing
in solid, liquid, and aerial
forms. In the whole it constitutes near
ly half our globe. 1t is, of course, the
most abundant clement in the material
world. 1t is also the most important
agent in producing changes in matter es-
sential to human existence. It is very
appropriately called vitaJ air, as neither
animal life nor any life can exist with
out it. 1t is no less essential to combus-
ton than to life. 1t also acts with great
energy upon metals and other solid sub
stauces. In this action it produces three
important classes of bodies-oxides, ac-
ids, and salts. Iron rust is the oxide Of
iron; the dross of lead, oxide of lead
burnt lime, the oxide Of calcium; pure
potash, the oxide Of potassium; pure So
da, the oxide Of sodium; sick or flint,
the oxide Of silicum. The combination
of one part oxygen and four of nitrogen
constitutes the atmosphere; three parts
oxygen and one nitrogen form nitric acid
I-aquafortis. Combined with other sub
stances, it forms numerous acids-saltpe-
] ter is the nitrate of potash. The large
quantity of oxygen it receives from the
nitric acid fits it for a material in gun
powder-giying to that powerful agent
its principal power.
A plate, tumbler, and scrap of paper,
with q little water, will enable any teach
er or parent to perform an experiment on
oxygen equally simple, instructive, and
interesting. Ina deep plate pour some wa
ter. On the water place a scrap of thick
paper, piece of cork, or other light sub
stance; on that another piece of paper
or cotton moistened with oil On light
ing the paper or cotton, place over it q
large empty lumber. The combustion
continues for a few seconds, and when il
is extinguished the water occupies about
one fifth Of the space in the tumbIer
r showing the necessity of oxygen for com
: bustiop, and that it constitutes about ont
, fifth the air we breathe. What man
woman, or child would not Ike to be ia
} miliarly acquainted with an element s.
abundant-an agent SO active as oxygen
o especially when such an acquaintance
! equally simple useful, and delightful?
: ELEMENTS OF SOILS.
e FeIspar is composed of four oxides
# slick, alumina or clay, iron, and potash
). slick predominates. OF quartz, in all ii
0 varieties, it is almost the entire elemer
e of felspar, it is the principal; aluminou
It or clay soils contain frequently twice q
much slick as alumina the quantity
e iron and potash in felspar is small, not O.
: ten over two or three Der cent.
d 1t appears, then, that sand is compose
: Of two oxides or chemical combination
0 again combined by the same agency
n Felspar or clay is composed of four OF
], ides, also combined by chemical affinity
/ to form compound still more compile
IF than quartz or sand. The quartz an
lie felspar are combined by mechanical mix
9 lures to form rocks and soils.
Il 1t hence follows, that in these tw
clements of soils, quartz and felspar, {
+. sand and clay, are not less than six con
Of binations Of ultimate principles, or OK
n. gen and metals, all by chemical affinit,
l. and two combinations al least of tho:
e, compounds forming those two element
- These six chemical compounds, aga
compounded by chemical agency, are the
ty united by mechanical mixtures to for
le rocks and soils.
N Quartz and felspar are not only esseI
d lial elements of soils, but also among ii
most important materials in the arts
civilization. The principal material
glass is quartz; that Of porcelain, felsps
The presence of potash, soda, or some
kaline substance acting as fux, is indie
'h pensable in the manufacturing of each
n these important articles of domestic eco
l. omy.
After performing the important age
cy Of producing vegetation-furnishir
j. our wheat, corn, beef, and pork-uuar
ce Of porous character constitutes t
d. French burr, for changing grains in
rs flour. Pulverized quartz, cemented
tic IRON into sandstone, forms our grin
. stones, for sharpening the axes and ch
a. els Of the mechanic and the knives a.
nc scissors of tho bOusaknapar For CO.