CHAPTER VII.. Decomposition and Metamorphosis of Animal Beings--Influence They

Decomposition and metamorphosis of animal beings--Influence they exercise over the soil as a habitation for man--Disposal of the excreta and remains of animals and vegetables--Danger of these when accumulated--Immunity of savage tribes--Scurvy amongst the white troops at the Cape of Good Hope, the healthiest climate in the world--Metamorphoses of organic remains--Influence of oxygen, of nitrogen, and ammonia--Source of the inorganic principles--Fluate of lime in fossil bones--Danger to man of putrescent sea-water--Man’s incessant struggle with nature--Fatality of the climate of Rio pp. 55–65