1815.) of Dunblane and Pitcaithly.. = 257 
tain how far it may be diluted with water from the surface, or from 
other springs. The water from the lower, or what for distinction 
may be named the south spring, is weaker in taste than the water 
of the north spring ; and from the subsequent experiments is proved 
to contain rather less foreign matter. ‘The ingredients, however, 
are the same; and the difference therefore probably arises from the 
water of the lower spring being farther diluted in its course. This 
difference led to the analysis of the water of both springs. It is 
proper to remark, that both have been submitted to examination 
after a season unusually dry. 
Analysis of the Water of the North Spring. 
The taste of this water is saline, with some degree of bitterness. 
As procured from the principal poo! at which it issues, it is free 
from smell; procured, however, from some other pools, at the 
distance only of a few feet, its smell is slightly sulphureous, pro- 
bably owing to impregnation trom matter at or immediately under 
the soil. Its sensible operation on the system is that of a diuretic 
and purgative. ‘The former effect is usually obtained when a quan- 
tity is taken by an adult, from an English pint to a quart; the 
latter, when more than a quart is taken. ‘The specific gravity of 
the water is 1:00475. It suffers no change in its sensible qualities 
from exposure to the air. 
The state of the spring is at present such, that any gaseous im- 
regnation of the water cannot be determined with precision. 
Bubbles of air frequently rise from the bottom of the pool, but this 
is merely atmospheric air: transmitted through lime-water, it pro- 
duced no sensible milkiness; nor does the water appear to contain 
apy free carbonic acid. 
The usual re-agents present with the water the following appear- 
ances :— . 
1. The colours of litmus, violet, and turmeric, are not sensibly 
affected. 
2. Muriate of barytes produces an immediate turbidness, and 
rather copious precipitation, which is. very slightly, if at all, re- 
moved by nitric acid. 
3. Nitrate of silver gives a very dense and abundant precipitate. 
4. Water of potash produces a turbid appearance, not very con- 
siderable. 
5. Carbonate of potash throws down an abundant precipitate, 
which disappears with effervescence on adding nitric acid. 
6. Lime-water causes no change. 
7. Ammonia does not cause any precipitation, nor does it even 
impair the transparency of the water. 
_ 8. Oxalate of potash, or of ammonia, occasions a copious pres 
cipitation. ; 
9. Tincture of galls has no immediate sensible effect ; but after 
an hour or two a purplish tint is exhibited, which deepens from ex- 
posure to the air, and inclines to olive-green, 
R 
Vox. VI. N° IV. 
~ 
