wood decays, the carbon in it oxidizes (unites with oxygen) and carbon dioxid gas is formed. When wood burns, the oxidation is more rapid. When iron oxidizes, iron rust is formed. When hydrogen is oxidized, water is formed. Kerosene oil contains hydrogen, and water is formed when it is burned. Almost every one has noticed the cloud of moisture which collects on the chimney when the lamp is first lighted. By using a chimney which has been kept in a cold place, the moisture becomes apparent; soon the chimney becomes hot and the water no longer collects, but it continues to pass into the room as long as the lamp burns. Fats also contain hydrogen. Hold a piece of cold glass or an inverted tumbler above the flame of a tallow candle. Does water collect on it?
Oxidation may be said to be the basis of all life processes for this reason: oxidation gives rise to heat and sets free energy, and all living things need heat and energy in order to grow and live. The heat of animals is very noticeable. The oxidation in plants also forms a slight amount of heat. In both animals and plants oxidation is much slower than in ordinary fires. That heat is formed even in slow oxidation is shown by fires which arise spontaneously in masses of decaying material. The rotting of wood is not only accompanied by heat but sometimes by light, as when "fox fire" is emitted. Rub the end of a match on your finger in the dark. Explain the result. Strike a match and notice the white fumes which rise for an instant. These fumes are not ordinary smoke (particles of carbon), but they are oxid of phosphorus. Why will water (oxid of hydrogen) not burn? Sand is oxid of silicon. Explain how throwing sand on a fire puts it out. [See also experiments with candle and breath, in Introduction to Human Biology.]
