p.11

For the benefit of such of the readers of three reports as
have not made themseles familiar with chemical
subjects we propose to say a few words in regard to the
nature of these elements and their powerful compounds.

1 — Elementary bodies of the Grammeae

Oxygen. Symbol O. Equivalent 8. This element is known only as a gs. It constitutes a considerable share of [all the] water[s], the air, and most of the mineral substances, and may therefore be regarded as the most abundant as well as the most essential of all the elementary bodies now known. No plants or animals as now constructed could exist without oxygen. It is heavier than atmosphere air in the proportion of 1000 to 1111. It is essential to allmost all combustion, and by combining with organic matters restore them to their original condition of soils &c.-thus preparing them to enter new organisms and keep up the perpetual succesion of plants and animals. About 1/3 of the constituent matter of plants is oxygen.

Hydrogen, (H-1) is also an abundant element, being found in water, and thus enters into the composition of nearly all animal and vegetable substances; It is much lighter than atmosphere air, the proportion being 1000 to 69.4, and hence is [and to] when liberated it immediately ascends, to the upper regions of the air. Water, everpresent, affords an abundant supply of this element for all vegetable life. Without it plants droop and soon die.-Hydrogen constitutes about [5 for] 1/20 th of the bulk of plants, estimated when dry.