Subsequent observations have shown, that the opinion of Mr, 

 Reaumur, in favour of the agency of a silicious fluid, is established 

 on a much firmer foundation, than was for a long time supposed. 

 The celebrated Bergman first determined the solubility of silex in 

 simple water; ancl demonstrated its existence, in a state of solu- 

 tion, in the Geyser, and other boiling springs of Iceland. Mr. 

 Klaproth, in the year 1789> first ascertained the existence of sili- 

 cious earth in the boiling mineral waters of Carlsbad, in Bohemia ; 

 his experiments proving, that in 1000 cubic inches of the main 

 spring, 25 grains of silex were contained, in a state of actual solu- 

 tion. The quantity of silex contained in the water of the Geyser, 

 is even in a much larger proportion, than that which is found in the 

 waters at Carlsbad. Mr. Klaproth found, on subjecting the water 

 of the boiling spring at Rykum, in Iceland, to his analysis, that a 

 hundred cubic inches of it contained, 



Gr. 



Carbonate of soda . . . . 3 

 Sulphate of soda .... 5 



Muriate of soda 8.50 



Silicious earth 9 



25.50 

 Being the powder left after evaporation. 



Dr. Gibbes has discovered*, that 10 pints and a half of the Bath 

 waters contain about 20 grains of silex, being in the proportion of 

 about 15 grains and a quarter to the gallon. This discovery of 

 silex, where it was not expected, is shown, by Dr. Saunders, in his 

 excellent Treatise on Mineral Waters, to be of great importance, in 

 explaining some apparent errors in former calculations respecting 

 these waters. 



* Nicholson's Journal, vol. iii. p. 403. 



