DR. WOLLASTON ON THE WATER OF THE MEDITERRANEAN. 



31 



water by a certain factor, which will vary with the temperature that we may 

 select for drying. 



At 212° this factor is about .144, and the product will then represent the 

 saline contents + a quantity of water retained by the deliquescent salts. At 

 300°, and upwards, the factor is only .134, on account of a nearer approach 

 to perfect desiccation. 



But as the leading question considered in this paper does not turn upon 

 the estimate or actual weighing of any small differences in quantity, I have 

 not thought it necessary to spend much time in endeavouring to obtain as 

 precise a determination as resulted from the more careful manipulation of 

 Dr. Marcet himself 



Table. 



