PHILOSOPHICAL 
TRANSACTIONS. 
XII. On the specific gravity, and temperature of Sea Waters, in 
different parts of the Ocean , and in particular seas ; with some 
account of their saline contents. By Alexander Marcet, M. D. 
F. R. S. &c. 
Read May 20, 1819. 
w H ile analyzing the waters of the Dead Sea and the River 
Jordan, about twelve years ago, and conversing on the pecu- 
liarities of these waters with a late valuable and lamented 
Member of this Society, Mr. Tennant, it occurred to us that 
a chemical examination of different seas, in a variety of lati- 
tudes and at different depths, might be interesting ; and that, 
however unlikely to be productive of any striking discovery, 
such an inquiry, conducted with due care and attention, might 
afford curious results, and throw some light on this obscure 
subject. We accordingly began to collect specimens of sea water 
from various parts of the globe, and it was agreed that I should, 
aided by Mr. Tennant’s occasional advice, submit them to 
chemical anaysis. 
In the course of a few years I became possessed, through 
MDCCCXIX. Y 
