XIV. A General Formula for the Analysis of Mineral Waters. 

 By John Murray, M. D. F. R. S. E. 



(Read June 7. 1816. J 



THE analysis of Mineral Waters has always been consider- 

 ed as a difficult operation. Numerous methods are em- 

 ployed to discover their ingredients, and estimate their quan- 

 tities, many of which are liable to errors. This diversity of 

 method itself is a source of discordant results. And to those 

 not familiar with such researches, it presents the difficulty of- 

 ten of determining what process is best adapted to discover a 

 particular composition. Hence the advantage of a general for- 

 mula, if this could be given, applicable to the analysis of all 

 waters. The views which have been stated in the papers, 

 connected with this subject, which I have had the honour of 

 submitting to the Society, have suggested a method which ap- 

 pears to me to admit of very general application, and to be 

 simple, not difficult of execution, nor liable to any sources of 

 error but what may be easily obviated. The principles on 

 which this method is founded, and the details of the process 

 itself, form the subject of the following observations. 



Two methods of analysis have been employed for discover- 

 ing the composition of mineral waters, — what may be called 



K k 2 the 



