238 Gases, Acids, Salts, <^c. 



quantity in the waters of Saratoga county, are produced from 

 argillite. In both cases the borings of Disbrovv have proved 

 the fact. The argilhte of both places (which are forty miles 

 apart) contains large quantities of fine granulated pyrites, 

 and finely disseminated calcareous spar. It is a well known 

 fact, hereafter to be treated at large, that this variety of py- 

 rites produces sulphuric acid by the aid of water. Being in 

 immediate contact with the spar, gypsum is produced, and 

 carbonic acid is disengaged at considerable depths in the 

 earth, and under great mechanical condensation. This con- 

 densation causes its combination with water in such large 

 proportions ; which principle is demonstrated daily at soda- 

 water fountains. The other materials found in these waters 

 are referable to similar, or analogous principles. When the 

 water issues from the earth, the pressure which forces it up 

 to the surface being taken off, it parts with that portion of 

 the carbonic acid which is combined by the eflfect of pres- 

 sure. The solution of carbonate of lime, which is caused by 

 the carbonic acid, can no longer be continued ; consequent- 

 ly it is deposited in the form of tufa. Such is the origin of 

 what is called the High Rock at Saratoga. 



5. Sulphuric Acid. 



This acid is produced by the decomposition of water and 

 sulphuret of iron, in numerous localities ; but the quantities 

 of uncombined acid are generally small. For it combines 

 so readily with lime, magnesia, alumine, and oxide of iron, 

 that it is immediately consumed in the production of salts. 

 It exists however in considerable quantities combined with 

 water in the ancient crater of Mount Idienne in Java. This 

 has been recorded as a remarkable fact, and the only known 

 locality. It is said to destroy all vegetables as far as the 

 water flows. To this hitherto single case on record, I am 

 able to add another.* 



* JVote- — Prof. Eaton will pardon us for adding " The Rio de Vinegro, or 

 vinegar river — mentioned by Humboldt, which flows from the extinct volcano 

 of Purace, near Popayan. The waters are fatal to tish, and the spray irritates 

 the eyes of observers. In a litre of this water (2.113 pints,) there were found, 

 sulphuric acid 16.68 grains, muriatic acid 2.84. alumine 3.7, lime 2.47, and 

 traces of iron. The crater emitted sulphurous acid abundantly, and there was 

 a deposit of very pure sulphur eighteen inches thick. A lake within the cra- 

 ter proves to be a saturated solution of sulphuretted hydrogen, from whose re- 

 action with the sulphurous acid, it is probable the sulphur arose." This Jour. 

 Vol. xiv. p. 79. 



