Scientific American Supplement, No. 362, December 9, 1882 by Various
page 91 of 140 (65%)
page 91 of 140 (65%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
But this sliding scale of solid compounds, which we designate by the names given above, is not the only product of the natural and spontaneous distillation of plant tissue. Part of the original organic mass remains, though constantly wasting, to represent it; another part escapes, either completely oxidized as carbonic acid and water, or in a volatile or liquid form, still retaining its organic character, and destined to future oxidation, known as carbureted hydrogen, olefiant gas, petroleum, etc. Hence, in the decomposition of vegetable tissue, two classes of resultant compounds are formed, one residual and the other evolved; and the genesis and relation of the carbon minerals may be accurately shown by the following diagram: PLANT TISSUE _________________ | _Residual Products_ | _Evolved Products_ | Peat. } | } Lignite. } | } { Carbonic Acid. Bitumious Coal. } { Carbonic Oxide. | } { Carbureted Hydrogen, etc. Semi-bitumious " } { Water. | } { {Maltha. Anthracite. } { { | | } { {Asphalt etc. |
|