874 An Analysis of 



The proportion of iron T have stated as similar to that of the 

 North Spring:, from the colour produced by the tincture of galls 

 being nearlv tlie same. 



From tht? almost perfect similarity in the composition of the two 

 waters, with regard to the proportions of their ingredients, there 

 is every reason to conclude that they are from the same spring; 

 the weaker being either mixed with surface-water at the pool, 

 or being diluted in its course. 



The determination of the composition of this water suggests 

 the question, whether this is such as to account for the medicinal 

 effects it produces. It acts, as has been stated, as a diuretic, 

 and in a larger dose, as a cathartic. This water, and the mi- 

 neral water of Pitcaithly, present, in some respects, a peculiarity. 

 The greater number of saline waters which have a purgative 

 quality, contain magnesian salts, to which, as they are known 

 to act as cathartics, the effect is obviously to be ascribed. Ofc 

 the ingredients of the Dunblane and Pitcaithly springs, muriate 

 of lime is scarcely known to have any purgative power in its 

 pure form, and if muriate of soda possess it, it is only in an in- 

 considerable degree. Still, there can be no doubt, that it is to 

 this impregnation that their operation is owing, and they afSord 

 a proof, therefore, of what is indeed sufficiently established, that 

 the powers of mineral waters are often much greater than could 

 be expected from the nature and quantity of their ingredients, 

 and that the action of saline substances is increased, and con- 

 siderably modified, when they are in a state of great dilution. 



Independent of its purgative operation, and its adaptation to 

 the treatment of diseases in which this is advantageous, its com- 

 position may probably render it a remedy of efficacy in some con- 

 stitutional affections, particularly in scrofula. Muriate of lime 

 has attained some celebrity in the treatment of this disease ; it 

 is a substance of considerable activity in its effects on the living 

 system ; and it will probably operate with more effect, and more 

 advantage, in the state of dilution in which it is presented in a 

 mineral spring, than when given in a more concentrated fonn. 

 The muriate of soda may coincide with it in efficacy, and will 

 be of advantage from its grateful taste, and its stimulant actioa 

 on the stomach. And the chalybeate impregnation will com«> 

 municate some degree of tonic power. When employed in such 

 cases, it probably ought to be given in smaller doses than when 

 the advantage to be derived from it depends on it« purgative 

 operation ; and it may even prove more advantageous, if given 

 in a state of greatc; dilution. I shall in the sequel have to state 

 a view of its composition, which connects it with some mineral 

 springs of great celebrity, and particularly with the Bath watens. 

 Punblane, as a watering-place, would be possessed of consi- 

 derable 



