Beverage, drink, liquor for drinking.

In how many states do we find Water?

In four:  1st, solid, as in ice, snow, hail, &c.; 2d, fluid, as in its common form; 3d, aeriform, as in steam; and 4th, in a state of union with other matter.  Its most simple state is that of ice, which is water deprived of a certain portion of its caloric:  crystallization then takes place, and the water becomes solid and is called ice.

Crystallization, the process by which the parts of a solid body, separated by solution or fusion, are again brought into the solid form.  If the process is slow, the figure assumed is regular and bounded by plane and smooth surfaces.

     Solution, the diffusion of a solid through some liquid.

     Fusion, melting, or rendering fluid by heat.

From what cause is the Water deprived of its caloric?

From the coldness of the atmosphere:  underneath the poles of our globe it is mostly solid; there it is similar to the hardest rocks, and may be cut with a chisel, like stone or marble.  This great solidity is occasioned by the low temperature of the surrounding air; and in very cold countries ice may be ground so fine as to be blown away by the wind, and will still be ice.

Poles, the extremities or ends of the axis, an imaginary line, supposed to be drawn through the centre of the earth; or when applied to the heavens, the two points directly over them.

Is ice the only instance of Water existing in a state of solidity?

No; it is found in a solid state in many minerals, as in marble, &c., and is then called water of Crystallization.  It is essential, in many cases, to their solidity and transparency.

     Essential, necessary.

     Transparency, clearness, the power of transmitting light.

Does Nature decompose Water in any of her operations?

Yes:  every living vegetable has the power of decomposing water, by a secret process peculiar to itself.  Fish, too, and all cold-blooded amphibious animals are gifted with the same power.

     Decomposing, separating a mixed body into its several
     parts.

     Amphibious, able to live both in water and out of it.

Of what use is this power to vegetables?

The water which they decompose affords them nourishment for the support of their vital juices, and enables them, by combining the fluid gases which compose it with those of the air and the soil, to form their different products; while the superfluous gas is abundantly given out by their leaves, to refresh the spent air, and render it wholesome for the animals that breathe it.

     Vital, belonging to life, necessary to existence.

     Superfluous, unnecessary, not wanted.

What is Rain?