84 
amongst races of a lower degree of culture, we may conclude, 
until further evidence is forthcoming, that the Greeks of 
old were quite as well able as their modern descendants to 
appreciate the beauty of the blue sky although they had no 
word by which to express their admiration. 
“ Notes on Lead Pipes and Lead Contamination,” by 
William Thomson, F.RS.E. 
The question of the contamination of water by lead 
pipes having been recently revived by Dr. Sedgewick Sander- 
son’s translation of M. Belgrand’s brochure, made in 
accordance with the instructions of the Commissioners of 
Sewers of the City of London, I propose to bring before 
the Society a few notes on the same subject which may be 
of interest. 
About three years ago I examined a sample of water to 
ascertain whether it contained any objectionable ingredients, 
and found it to be contaminated with lead to the extent of 
0T97 grains per gallon. The composition of this water was 
as follows : — 
Grains per Gallon. 
Total solid matter 7 *97 1 
Organic matter, combined water, &c 1*817 
Saline matter 6*154 
The saline matter was composed of : — 
Chlorides of Sodium and Magnesium 1*543 
Sulphates of Soda and Magnesia 1*146 
Sulphate of Lime 2*328 
Carbonates of Lime and Magnesia and 
Oxide of Iron 1*137 
6*154 
Free Ammonia *0028 
Albuminoid Ammonia *0035 
Oxygen contained in Potassium Perman- 
ganate required to oxidise organic 
matters, &c., acting in the cold during 
three hours *028 
Nitrates and N itrities absent 
Total Hardness 3° *8 
