Chemical Composition of Bone

Dried bone consists of organic and inorganic matter in the ratio of 1 ∶ 2 approximately. The animal matter gives toughness and elasticity, the mineral matter hardness, to the bone tissue. Removal of the organic matter by heat does not change the general form of a bone, but reduces the weight by about one-third, and makes it very fragile. Conversely, decalcification, while not affecting the form and size of the bone, renders it soft and pliable. The animal matter when boiled yields gelatin. The following table represents the composition in 100 parts of ox bone of average quality:

Gelatin 33.30

Phosphate of lime 57.35

Carbonate of lime 3.85

Phosphate of magnesia 2.05

Carbonate and chlorid of sodium 3.45

100.00