462 ANALYSIS OF THE 



this disease ; it is a substance of considerable activity in its ef- 

 fects on the living system ; and it will probably operate with 

 more effect, and more advantage, in the state of dilution in 

 which it is presented in a mineral spring, than when given in 

 a more concentrated form. The muriate of soda may coincide 

 with it in efficacy, and will be of advantage from its grateful taste, 

 and its stimulant action on the stomach. And the chalybeate 

 impregnation will communicate some degree of tonic power. 

 When employed in such cases, it probably ought to be given 

 in smaller doses, than when the advantage to be derived from 

 it depends on its purgative operation ; and it may even prove 

 more advantageous, if given in a state of greater dilution. I 

 shall in the sequel have to state a view of its composition, 

 which connects it with some mineral springs of great celebrity, 

 and particularly with the Bath waters. 



Dunblane, as a watering-place, would be possessed of consi- 

 derable advantages. Situated between the range of the Ochil 

 Hills and the Grampians, it is well sheltered, and hence enjoys 

 a mild atmosphere ; and the soil, from being a bed of gravel 

 for a number of miles around, is extremely dry, — an advantage 

 inestimable in a moist climate. 



II. Analysis of Pitcaithly Water. 



The water of Pitcaithly may be regarded as the principal mi- 

 neral water of the saline class in this country. Dr Donald 

 Monro shewed, that, along with a little mild calcareous earth, 

 it contained muriate of soda, with a deliquescent salt, which 

 he inferred to be chiefly " a calcareous marine," that is, muri- 

 ate of lime *. An analysis of it was published a number of 



years 



* Philosophical Transactions, vol. Ixii. 



