464 ANALYSIS OF THE 



on descending from the primitive rocks, and to extend over alt 

 this district. 



The taste of this water is saline, and somewhat bitter. Com- 

 paring it with the Dunblane water, both being tasted at the 

 same time, the taste of the Dunblane water is stronger, and in 

 particular more saline than that of the other. The medicinal 

 operation of the Pitcaithly water, in the sensible effects it pro- 

 duces, is diuretic and purgative. 



The gaseous impregnation of the water could be examined 

 properly only at the spring, which I had not the opportunity 

 of doing. But having procured a quantity of the water, I sub- 

 mitted it to the same examination as in the preceding analy- 

 sis, to ascertain its solid contents. The usual re-agents produ- 

 ced the following appearances : 



1. The colours of litmus, violet, and turmeric, were scarcely 



affected. If there were any change, it was that of the 

 litmus becoming more blue, and that of the violet- 

 green ; but this was so slight as to be rather doubt- 

 ful. The turmeric underwent no change. 



2. Muriate of barytes produced a turbid appearance and 



precipitation ; but this was much less considerable 

 than in the Dunblane water. The transparency was 

 not restored by nitric acid. 



3. Nitrate of silver produced a very dense and copious pre- 



cipitate. 



4. Water of potash gave a milkiness not very consider- 



able. 

 ,5. Carbonate of potash threw down a copious precipitate, 

 which disappeared with effervescence on adding nitric 

 acid. 



6. Lime 



