RETURN FROM PITTSBURG 309 



octacdra), of which I saw a few specimens later at 

 Philadelphia. 



And now for the famous water itself. This is 

 known by no other name than that of the Warm 

 Springs; but it is far from warm, not more than 14-16 

 degrees above temperate, or between 70 and 72 degrees 

 of the Fahrenheit thermometer. Thus I found it in 

 the morning at 10 o'clock when the sun was shining, 

 and in the evening after sunset. That it does not 

 freeze in winter is remarked as a great curiosity, and 

 this may be the reason why the name was given. The 

 water tastes and feels cool. It has no especially marked 

 taste ; closely observed, something like that given a 

 quart of water by a few drops of tartar emetick. It 

 contains no air or gas, is bright and clear, and shows 

 neither in the springs themselves nor in their outlets 

 any conspicuous deposit giving metallic constituents. 

 In short, but for its reputation it would be taken for 

 nothing more nor less than common smooth water. 

 It is said to have been tested by a Dr. Thomas who 

 found only about 4 grains sulphur to 4 quarts. The 

 water does not foam readily with soap. There are 

 8-10 different springs, which rise near together from 

 the foot of the above-mentioned hill. Of their efficacy 

 I can say little more than of their constituents. The 

 waters are recommended for old rheumatick com- 

 plaints, and for accumulations of the gall, and are 

 thought to be harmful in pulmonary diseases. The 

 patients who resort hither drink as much as they like. 

 It cannot be said that this water has any further effect 

 on the body than what would follow from any other 

 water taken in quantity, increasing the excreta. It 

 appears that force of habit and the mode, and the pro- 



