4tt Lunhigton Priors. 35<j 



As the oxygenated fails arc formed by the action of hepa- 

 tic gas on the metals, it cannot be doubted that they are 

 very common. Bergman (DilFcrt. vn. 6.) obferves, "that 

 cold martial waters, when frefh, almoit always have an he- 

 patic fmcll :" it feems very probable then that this fait of 

 iron may be found in almoft ail fuch waters. I doubt not 

 that it has been frequently miftaken for muriat of lime, to 

 which in its properties it approaches very nearly. 



Though I have purpofely avoided all medical difcuffion in 

 this ellav, I cannot abftain from beftowing a moment's con- 

 fideration on one very obvious queftion. What, it will be 

 afked, are the medical properties of manganefe ? Is it uieful? 

 Is it innocent ? Is it noxious? That it is innoxious I cer- 

 tainly know. Dr. John Johnfione (Eifay on Mineral Poi- 

 fons, page J34.) has lliewn that it may be taken in large 

 dofes without injury; and he has informed me, that he has 

 mace confirmed the fame fact frequently. I wifh I could as 

 well anfwer the firft queftion ; but what the medical virtues 

 of this fub fiance may be, is a fubjcel which ftill remains in 

 it meafure unexplored. It is certainly well worth the 

 attention of men of feience. To thofe who are inclined to 

 labour in this field I take leave to fuggeft, that they fhould 

 ui\: either the carbonat or fome other fait of manganefe : the 

 black oxyde, 1 apprehend, rauft be hardly foluble in the hu- 

 man fluids. 



xix. t;ic neutral salts. 



Thefe are the fame as of the other water, but in different 

 quantities. The gallon contains of muriat of magnciia 58; 

 — muriat of foda 3303— fulphatof ibda 62 grains, 



XX. THE RESIDUUM. 



A dill larger refiduum is obtained, after the feparation of 

 tbe neutral falts, from this than from the other water. The 

 gallon leaves 146 grains. Its properties are the fame as of 

 that already defcribed (xiv.). 



Aa4 It 



