384 ESSAYS ann OBSERVATIONS > 
{pecific gravity of water. But, whatever 
may be in this, it is evidently unreafonable to 
deny that lime-water is as much fpecifically » 
heavier than common water, as the hydrofta- 
tic balance, or other accurate experiments 
fhew ; becaufe. we cannot account for this 
excefs of gravity from any thing we know of 
the contents of lime-water. This is no lefs 
unphilofophical, than if, one was to doubt of 
univerfal gravity, becaufe philofophers have 
hitherto attempted, in vain, to account for 
it. If we miftake not the matter much, the 
contrary has always been the opinion of man- 
kind, viz. that every well attefted fad is to 
be believed, altho’ we are ignorant of its 
caufe, or cannot {hew the particular way in 
which it happens. 
EnouGu, it may, perhaps, be thought 
more than enough, has been faid, to fhew 
that the ftrength of lime-water is very diffe- 
rent, according to the different quantities of 
water poured on quick-lime. However, I 
muft be allowed to fay, that this point, 
which has been difputed .by my good friend, 
is of that confequence, as to deferve to be 
fully cleared up; fince, to fuch as drink 
lime-water, with a view to the cure of the 
ftone, 
