Analysis of the Chalybeate Spring at Thetford. 361 
‘¢ It was my intention, respected sirs! in the following ana- 
lysis, so to investigate the contents of your admirable spring, 
and to establish its virtues on the principles of sound science, that 
no one should, henceforth, presume to refuse them his assent. 
This analysis has, happily, succeeded beyond my utmost expec- 
tations ; having most clearly proved these waters to abound in 
all those mineral substances required for the cure of ‘chronic 
complaints, and consequently to be fully equal to any mineral 
waters either in this or any other country. 
“| should not therefore think [ had fully discharged my duty, 
without recommending them to your protecting care, &c. ! 
‘¢ The bason itself of the spring, as well as the broken pave- 
ment, and decayed foundations of buildings around it—but co- 
vered over with soil, and not long since accidentally discovered 
by workmen on the premises,— indisputably prove that ‘this 
spring was in frequent use in times long past. But if those who 
were unacquainted with the specific qualities of these waters, 
appear, by these works, to have paid such regard to the preser- 
vation of their sick; how much more attentive ought you to be, 
to whom these points have, after so long an interval, been as- 
certained by my labours and expense! 
‘© A regard indeed for the general good, as well as of this place, 
has been my sole reason for publishing an analvsis of these waters ; 
which, if duly fostered by your protecting care, may assuredly 
contribute largely to the future opulence and respectability of the 
town of Thetford—to which | once more most heartily recom- 
mend them, and bid you farewell. 
‘* MatrHew Manning, M.D.” 
This analysis is closed by a detail of some cases, in which 
these waters were eminently successful. 
Dr. M. Manning’s analysis displays mueh chemical knowledge. 
He determined the most predominant constituent parts of the 
water with accuracy; but the science of chemistry at the time 
the analysis was made, was not sufficient to enable him to trace 
their true combinations. For it is particularly in such subjects 
as these, that the science of modern chemistry claims a prece- 
dence over the labours of our. predecessors ; in giving us a clear 
and accurate information as to the nature and quantities of all the 
foreign matters, the presence of which constitutes the difference 
between a common and a mineral water. 
There is no department of analytical chemistry to which a 
greater acquisition, in point of real matter of fact, has been gained 
during our own times; and in proportion to this acquisition of 
knowledge, has the chemist been able to throw much light on the 
true constitution of mineral springs,—a subject which has always 
attracted a very large share of attention, and exercised the abi- 
lities 
