96 On Idiotism. 
interrupted through the whole of this great 
space by few hills or even rising grounds.” 
We have equal reason to deny the origin of 
these diseases in the use of snow-water, since 
goitre 1s found in the island of Sumatra where 
snow never falls; whilst among the Indian tribes 
ata distance from the Saskatchawan the dis- 
ease is unknown, although melted snow forms 
their only drink for nine months of the year ; 
the same exemption is enjoyed by the inhabi- 
tants placed at the foot of the Glaciers of the 
Alps.(a) Ithas been stated that water hold- 
ing mineral bodies in solution was a source 
of these appearances, but these substances 
are easily detected in the waters of any dis- 
trict, and the action of individual minerals 
upon the animal ceconomy are well known, 
and are different from the appearances pre- 
sented in the derangements we are consider- 
ing. That the whole of these affections are 
produced by earthy matter contained in the 
water, has gained a very popular acquies- 
cence; it is alluded to by Watkins and Sir 
Richard Clayton as well as by the generality — 
of travellers. Coxe has been at some pains 
to confirm the impression, and his statement 
(a) See Coxe and Fodere. Saussure also, on ne voit des Cretins, ni 
dans les hautes vallées, ni dans les plaines ouvertes de toutes parts 
Chap. 48 § 1033. 
