294 M. Stift't on the Origin of Mineral Springs. 



municate to this water a greater solvent power or capabiKty of 

 taking up the different mineral naatters which they may meet in^ 

 their course. 



In my opinion, the two last theories are most in accordance 

 with facts, but as one only can be the Correct one, the many con- 

 tradictions to which the theory of solution is subject, are so many 

 negative proofs in favour of considering mineral springs as direct 

 products of the common focus, with this similarity, that upon 

 either view the water penetrates from above. The following are 

 therefore a few of the considerations which appear to me to op- 

 pose the theory of lixiviation. 



It is now an established fact in the history of mineral waters, 

 that their impregnation is generally nearly the same at all times 

 even after very long intervals. But, as the water does not per- 

 colate through the whole mass of the rocky strata, but takes its 

 course through the different fissures and canals by which they 

 are traversed, it is evident that its solvent power can act only 

 on the wails of these canals, and even supposing it to extend 

 farther, it must always find a limit at no great distance. When- 

 ever, therefore, the solution of all the soluble matter within these 

 limits is completed, the impregnation of the spring must gradu- 

 ally decline, and finally disappear altogether ; which is directly 

 the reverse of what is observed. 



On the other hand, this uniformity is easily explained on the 

 theory of sublimation. The conducting channels of any water 

 remaining the same, as well as the focus from which it derives 

 its foreign constituents and the capacity of the water itself, the 

 impregnation of the spring must necessarily continue the same 

 also. 



Bichof has answered in a satisfactory manner the objection 

 ivhich has been made to the theory of solution, on the ground 

 of the prodigious amount of the solid ingredients of mineral 

 waters, by shewing that the quantity contained in the rocks is 

 more than sufficient for their fullest supply during the longest 

 periods. But to make use of this superfluity, it is necessary that 

 the water do not merely traverse the conducting channels, but 

 have free access to the interior of the rocky masses, for otherwise 

 they would have no influence on the process of solution. 



But if, in spite of this contradiction, the water should be sup- 

 posed to have free access to every part of the mass, then, in con- 



