C. A. Goessmann on the Chemistry of Brines. 79 
changes within the sedimentary rocks have favored disintegration. 
fhe main reaction upon these saline waters is asvribed to al- 
kaline solutions, resulting from decaying feldspathic rocks, sol- 
uble silicates and particularly carbonate of soda. he differ- 
which are observable in these waters in regard to the rel- 
ative proportions of chlorid of sodium and the admixtures of 
alkaline earths whilst passing through the various stages of al- 
teration, are explained by the fact, that the alkaline earths, lime 
and magnesia, are gradually rendered less soluble and thus part- 
ly eliminated as sediments in consequence of the change from 
chlorids and sulphates into carbonates and silicates, and that 
finally the eliminated chlorid of calcium, and magnesium, re- 
appear as an increased amount of chlorid of sodium. 
Was secured during the whole reaction. The mode of altera- 
particularly for the following reasons. __ 
_ The brines of Onondaga issue from rocks of the Upper Silu- 
tian age; they indicate with great probability, by their compo- 
Sition, concentration, and copiousness, a close connection with 
* Soluble silicates of potassa and soda, and carbonate of soda, etc., have been for 
Mineral sree Onin oe 
t Ss fe) ws: ee 
+ The 18 ; ptember and November, 1865 rm 
t The brine furnished for the manufacture of salt since 1797 may be set down @ 
being equal to at least two hundred millions of bushels of salt (each 56 Ibs) ; nearly 
‘solid salt | 
} may be counted for the : counting one cubic foot of equal 
to 140-142 Ibs., about 15°5 cub. ft. will make one heavy ton (2240 Ibs.);_the amount 
of salt therefore removed since 1797 from that locality is equ five millions 
heavy tons, or seventy-five to eighty millions cub. ft. of solid salt. 
