BOTHAMLEY : MINERAL WATERS OF ASKERN IN YORKSHIRE. 357 
kinds of organic matter, and probably by some specific living organism 
or organisms, irregularly distributed in the peat. In this connection 
it is important to note that the quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen in 
the waters is highest during those seasons of the year when the 
growth of all kinds of organisms shows its maximum activity. The 
problem, however, is one which only a competent biologist can solve. 
The following comparison between the Askern and Harrogate 
waters is quoted from my paper in the Chemical Society's Transac- 
tions : — 
Askern Waters and Harrogate Waters. 
" The sulphuretted waters of Askern differ from those of Harro- 
gate in several respects. The Harrogate waters (Trans., 1881, 39, 
497) rise from a considerable depth, are almost entirely free from 
organic matter, and, in addition to hydrogen sulphide, contain a 
large quantity of dissolved carbonic anhydride. The Askern waters 
are surface waters, or at any rate rise from very slight depths, are 
highly charged with organic matter, and contain comparatively little 
free carbonic anhydride. The Harrogate waters contain a very large 
quantity of dissolved solid matter, amounting in the case of the Old 
Sulphur Well to 1480 parts per 100,000, and in the case of the 
Montpellier Strong Sulphur Well to 1450 parts per 100,000, whereas 
the Askern waters contain only about 200 parts of solid matter per 
100,000. The difference in the nature of the solid constituents is as 
striking as the difference in their amount. The Harrogate waters 
contain chiefly chlorides and carbonates, and are free from sulphates, 
whilst the Askern waters contain chiefly sulphates and carbonates, 
and are almost free from chlorides. The quantity of sodium chloride 
in the Old Sulphur Well amounts to 1262 parts per 100,000, and in 
the Montpellier Strong Sulphur Well to 1223 parts per 100,000, 
whilst in none of the Askern waters does the quantity of this con- 
stituent exceed 12 parts per 100,000 ; and this fact is of great im- 
portance in connection with the use of these waters in the external 
treatment of skin diseases." 
The Therapeutic Action of the Askern and similar Waters. 
The medicinal effects of these waters are usually attributed 
chiefly if not solely to the sulphuretted hydrogen that they contain. 
