240 AN ANALYSIS 
Of the different views which may be taken of the state of 
combination of the elements, I have already inferred, that the 
one which supposes the sulphuric acid to exist in the state of 
sulphate of soda, is the most probable ; and as the mode of 
analysis by re-agents is the most accurate, the last table may 
be considered as that. which exhibits the nighest approxima- 
tion to the real composition of sea-water, both with regard to 
its ingredients, and their proportions. 
I had proposed to add a few observations on the analysis 
of salt brines ; but as they are merely applications of the prin- 
ciples already illustrated, it is sufficient to state them briefly, 
or to notice those which present rather striking results. 
Krarrotu has given a laborious investigation of the nature 
of these brines ; in the greater number of them, he states as in- 
gredients, muriate of soda, muriate of magnesia, muriate of 
lime, and sulphate of lime. It is obvious, that there are no 
just grounds whence this composition can be inferred ; it is 
much more probable, that sulphate of soda is the ingredient, 
and. 
Lime - - 2:9 grains. 
Magnesia, - - 13. 
Soda, - - 97.6 
Sulphuric Acid, - 15.2 ; 
Muriatie Acid, - 96.9 
225.6 grains. 
The principal difference here, is the proportion of magnesia being somewhat 
smaller, evidently owing to its precipitation by the carbonate of ammonia, even 
with the aid of the methods employed to promote it, being imperfect. 
ay 
x 
; 
