Lagrange's Memoirs. 97 



A fresh bottle of the water was taken, in order to determine the 

 quantity of carbonic acid gas, which it contained. 5,000 grs. of 

 the water were introduced into a small retort, which it nearly filled, 

 and it was then connected with a graduated receiver, and heat ap- 

 plied to the retort. Carbonic acid gas passed over abundantly. 

 When it was entirely extricated from the water, it was found to ex- 

 ceed iis bulk in the proportion of 6 measures of gas to 5 measures 

 of water. 



This mineral water is of a remarkable character, containing car- 

 bonates of iron and soda in solution, with silicic acid. It is a valua- 

 ble tonic and antacid remedy. The silicic acid is in combination 

 with a portion of the soda in the state of silicate of soda. I do not 

 know whether the presence of this substance will influence the ac- 

 tion of the water on the system, but it is probable the silica is de- 

 posited in the stomach, and becomes inert the moment the gastric 

 fluid acts on the water. I have not been able to detect iodine or 

 bromine in this spring. I should think it expedient to send the 

 Aqua Azeda to this country and to England for medicinal use. 



When I read the above papers before the Boston Society of Nat- 

 ural History, I had occasion to exhibit a specimen of this water, 

 which was drunk by the members, all of whom agreed that it was 

 superior to the Seltzer water, or common soda water of commerce. 

 It is surprising to observe the tonic effects of a minute proportion 

 of carbonate of iron contained in a mineral water. The presence of 

 carbonate of soda and free carbonic acid no doubt assists in its salu- 

 brious action. 



Boston, May 20th, 1836. 



Art. VI. — Notice sur la Vie et les Ouvrages de 31. le Comte 

 Lagrange ; par M. la Chevalier Delambre, Secretaire Perpetuel 

 de 1' Institut Royal de France. (Lue le 3 Janvier, 1814.) 



(Translated and communicated for this Journal by F. Furber, Boston, Mass. 

 Concluded from Vol. xxx. No. 1. page 80.) 



M. Laplace had arrived, by induction, to that important theorem 

 of the invariability of the major axis, and of the mean motions. It 

 insured the stability of the planetary system, and dissipated forever 

 the fear that some had entertained, viz. that the planets being con- 

 tinually attracted towards the Sun, must finally be precipitated on 



Vol. XXXL— No. 1. 13 



