Sketch of Bristol. 19 



The preceding experiments are submitted without 

 any observations on them. It may not be uninterest- 

 ing to observe, that in both of these springs I have 

 seen small frogs (Rana pipiens?). 



Of the medical properties of these springs, I know 

 nothing from experience. Dr. Rush observes that 

 they " are emetic, purgative, and diuretic, according 

 " to the constitution of the. patient, or the quanti- 

 " ty taken into the stomach. They likewise (he 

 says) quicken the pulse, and promote perspiration." 

 Experiments and Observations. Philadelphia: 1773. 

 The Doctor concludes, that they are proper in hyste- 

 ria, epilepsy, dyspepsia, &c. A number of cases of 

 their efficacy are published in the American Philoso- 

 phical Transactions, by Dr. De Normandie. I think 

 too much has been attributed to them. I am too 

 much of a sceptic to " acquiesce without good proofs 

 in the truth of every tale concerning the powers of 

 medicines ;" especially when we know, that one 

 quart of the water contains only one grain of iron, the 

 substance on which its activity depends. I think it 

 more rational to ascribe some of the advantages that 

 are said to have been derived from drinking these wa- 

 ters, to the change of situation, and the exercise which 

 the patients are obliged to use at the time. 



Most of the water that is used in the borough, is 

 obtained from pumps, and is called " hard water," 

 because it does not form a lather with soap. To the 

 hands, many of them feel rough. On adding to 

 them, the nitrate of silver or of mercury, a milky co- 



