324 
Subsequent observations have shown, that the opinion of Mr. 
Reaumur, in favour of the agency of a silicious fluid, is established 
on a much firmer foundation than was for a long time supposed. 
The celebrated Bergman first determined the solubility of silex in 
simple water ; and demonstrated its existence, in a state of solution, 
in the Geyser, and other boiling springs of Iceland. Mr. Klaproth, 
in the year 1789, first ascertained the existence of silicious earth in 
the boiling mineral waters of Carlsbad, in Bohemia ; his experiments 
proving, that in 1000 cubic inches of the main spring, 25 grains of 
silex were contained, in a state of actual solution. The quantity of 
silex contained in the water of the Geyser, is even in a much larger 
proportion than that which is found in the waters at Carlsbad. Mr. 
Klaproth found, on subjecting the water of the boiling spring at 
Rykum, in Iceland, to his analysis, that a hundred cubic inches of it 
contained. 
Carbonate of soda .... 3 
Sulphate of soda 5 
Muriate of soda 8.50 
Silicious earth 9 
25.50 
Being the powder left after evaporation. 
Dr. Gibbes has discovered*, that 10 pints and a half of the Bath 
waters contain about 20 grains of silex, being in the proportion of 
about 15 grains and a quarter to the gallon. This discovery of 
silex, where it was not expected, is shown, by Dr. Saunders, in his 
excellent Treatise on Mineral Waters, to be of great importance, in 
explaining some apparent errors in former calculations respecting 
these waters. 
* Nicholson’s Journal, vol. iii. p. 403. 
