On a new Analysis of the Lucan Sulphur Spa, 261 



Again, I find that the late Dr. William Higgins, in 1822, re- 

 cognised the true character of this water, and even made a rough 

 estimation of the amount of sodium carbonate obtainable from it.* 

 Two gallons of the water afforded him 70 grains of " crystallized 

 carbonate of soda," or 35 grains per gallon. This is equivalent 

 to 18-3 grains per gallon of the bicarbonate. This estimation 

 was necessarily but a rough approximation. 



These results are of special interest, as serving to show that 

 the spring has preserved its main characters for more than a 

 century. 



Amongst the pamphlets relating to the Lucan Spa is one which 

 was written in 1818 by Dr. Heron of Lucan, and contains this 

 interesting passage : — " It may appear strange from the analysis 

 of Lucan water that so small a quantity of the active material as 

 appears to be contained in the water should produce such bene- 

 ficial effects on the constitution, as we daily witness in those who 

 go to Lucan. apparently on the verge of the grave, but whose 

 strength and vigour become so rapidly re-established as to give 

 just reason for the idea of some unknown agent of great activity 

 being diffused through the spring which has resisted our chemical 

 researches." Can it be that the alkaline sulphydrate and traces of 

 lithium found in the water contribute to the effects recorded by 

 this observer ? 



Having determined the nature of the Lucan water it seemed 

 desirable to compare it with the important sulphur spa at 

 Lisdoonvarna, county Clare. Such a comparison has been 

 facilitated by the comparatively recent publication of a careful 

 analysis of the water referred to by Messrs. Studdert and 

 Plunkett.j On comparing the analyses it appears that the 

 waters agree in general characters — that is to say both are 

 sulphuretted and alkaline spas — that of Lisdoonvarna contain- 

 ing 5*55 cubic centimeters per liter of sulphuretted hydrogen, 

 and the equivalent of only 11-35 grains of sodium bicarbonate, 

 while the traces of lithium were found in it — which can be de- 

 tected in almost any natural water with the aid of the spectroscope. 



It is evident, then, that the Lucan sulphur spa is very nearly 

 double the average strength of the water of Lisdoonvarna. 



* See Lucas's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, imder "Lucan." 

 T Koj'al Irish Academy Proceedings, Vol. ii., s.s. page 91. 



