172 



at the analyses. The first is of a sample of water which afford- 

 ed of matter dried at 212° F. 3 ^Vl? grains from an imperial 

 gallon. Therefore, 100.000 parts afforded 4 y^^'^g- parts. Among 

 the constituents, carefully stated, we find no mention of mucilage 

 and albuminous matter — the water was tasteless. The second 

 sample has " the flavor of water in which cucumbers have been 

 soaked, but has not any perceptible odor." This sample afforded 

 4 Y^jPij grains from 100,000, and among the substances found are 

 chlorophyl, wax, and oil ninety-three one thousandths of one 

 grain ! no mucilage or albuminous matter. This sample was 

 drawn 19 feet below the surface of the lake. Another sample, 

 49 feet below the surface, " a little more charged with the cucum- 

 ber taste," afforded 4 y^g- grains from 100,000 ; " and was, in 

 all respects, like that obtained at the depth of 39 feet." Another 

 analysis of water, recently from the pipes, showing " an oily 

 film on the surface of the water," afforded 4 -^^^^ of dry sub- 

 stance, but no mucilage or albuminous matter; on the contrary, 

 we have the statement that it consists of " the usual vegetable 

 matters of the water." On another page, it is stated that " the 

 veg^etable matter consists of the usual organic acids of the soil, 

 which are combined with the earthy bases, lime, &c." In vain, 

 therefore, do we look for the mucilage and albuminous matter in 

 the analyses ; but it is a significant fact in this connection, that 

 the cucumber taste, which the analysis started with, nowhere 

 appears in the results. 



Failing to find in the analyses any support for the conviction 

 expressed, we turn to the " researches." First, it is distinctly 

 asserted, that myrica wax " found in the water " is, with the oil 

 contained in it, and associated chlorophyl, an indication of " mu- 

 cilage and albuminous matter "...." that we find the matters con- 

 taining the oil in the deep waters of the lake." The oil extracted 

 from the Cochituate water " is identical with the oil which alco- 

 hol dissolves from myrica." Then follows a quotation from Ber- 

 zelius, Traite, tome VI. p. 504-5, to prove that myrica wax is 

 heavier than water, " which will account for the fact, that xoefnd 

 it in the water near the bottom of the lake.'*'' " Nothing has yet 

 come to prove this oil found in Cochituate water to be other 

 than the oil usually found with the wax of myrica." 



