REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR I9II I9 



Having reviewed the composition as regards dissolved salts, atten- 

 tion is given to the carbonic acid gas. Its properties of solution in 

 water, especially as affected by pressure and temperature, are stated 

 and its maximum, minimum and general amounts in the spring 

 waters are reviewed. The phenomena of the '' water seal " is next 

 explained. 



The temperatures of the waters are given, as are also the specific 

 gravities. 



The classification of mineral waters in general and of the Sara- 

 toga waters in particular receive attention. They all come under 

 the alkaline-saline and saline classes, chiefly the former. All are 

 muriated and sodic. Practically all are carbon-dioxated. Some are 

 lithic, bromic or iodic, one or several. 



The variations in the waters from a comparison of the analyses 

 over intervals of time are discussed. In the springs of Saratoga 

 there is an increased strength from the early analyses of 1840 to 

 those of 1870, probably from better casing oft* of the surface waters. 

 From 1870 to 1903 there is a marked falling oft" in strength. In 

 Ballston we have not such complete analytical records, but some 

 famous old springs have dropped out of sight and of one deep- 

 drilled well, put down in 1867, we have two good analyses, 1869 and 

 about 1905. There is no appreciable change in composition. 



The report concludes with a discussion of the origin or source of 

 the waters, gas and salts. All the views previously expressed are 

 first passed in review. They are practically of two kinds : 



First. That the salts are derived from connate sea waters of 

 early Paleozoic age, which were buried with the sediments. The 

 salts are believed to be taken into solution by the meteoric waters 

 derived from the height of land to the west and northwest and then 

 to be brought to the surface by the fault. In stating these views, 

 few have previously given proper attention to the carbonic acid gas, 

 but Dr L. C. Beck, the author of the valuable report on the Min- 

 eralogy of Xew York in 1842, refers it to a source deep within the 

 earth and was correct in his views regarding the solubility and 

 physical behavior of the gas. 



Second. That the salts and gas are tapped from some deep- 

 seated source by the fault along which they mingle with the rela- 

 tively pure surface waters. This view is most definitely stated in 

 a paper by ]\Ir Charles F. Fish which was read before the American 

 Pharmaceutical Association at a meeting in Saratoga Springs in 

 1880. The volcanic character of salts and gases were mentioned by 

 I\Ir Fish, 



