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264 A GENERAL FORMULA FOR THE 
sentially the same in the subsequent steps of its analysis as a 
water purely saline; the precaution only being observed of 
these principles being removed, and of no new ingredient be- 
ing introduced by the methods employed. 
The salts usually contained in mineral waters are Carbo- 
nates, Sulphates, and Muriates, of Lime, of Magnesia and of 
Soda. In proceeding to the analysis, a general knowledge is 
of course first to be gained of the probable composition by the 
application of the usual tests ; the presence of sulphuric and 
carbonic acids being detected by nitrate of barytes, of muriatic 
acid by nitrate of silver, of lime by oxalic acid, of magnesia 
by lime-water or ammonia, and of any alkaline neutral salt by 
evaporation. It will also be of advantage to obtain the pro- 
ducts of evaporation, and ascertain their quantities, without 
any minute attention to precision, the object being merely, by 
these previous steps, to facilitate.the more accurate analy- 
sis. 
Supposing this to be done, and supposing the composition 
of the water to be of the most complicated kind, that is, that 
by the indications from tests, or by evaporation, it has afford- 
ed carbonates, sulphates, and muriates of lime, magnesia and 
soda, the following is the general process to be followed to as- 
certain the ingredients, at their proportions. 
Reduce the water by evaporation, as far as can be Mae 
without occasioning any sensible precipitation or crystalliza- 
tion ; this, by the concentration, rendering the operation of the 
re-agents to be employed more certain and complete. Tt also 
removes any free carbonic acid. 
Add to the water thus concentrated a saturated solution: of 
muriate of barytes, as long as any precipitation is produced, 
taking care to avoid adding an excess. By a previous experiment, 
let it be ascertained whether this precipitate effervesces:or not 
with 
