•4 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS- when they pursue the course of that primitive tract to its southern termination in the town of Galway. They then take a western course into the county of Montgomery. In Greenfield and Co- rinth this formation occupies a narrow space along the eastern foot of the Kayaderosseras mountain for the distance of several miles; and the same formation occurs again on its opposite side, along the foot of the Sacandaga mountains, and it is of this stone that the piers of the elegant state bridge over the Sacandaga river near the Fish House are constructed. Indeed, some of the rocks at this place approach very nearly to compact lime-stone, -and contain organic remains. Horn Stone is found in great abundance im- bedded in the calcareous sand stone ; and calca- reous spar, beautifully crystallized and possessing a variety of colours, occurs in both. Some of these rocks contain in their fissures and cavities beautiful and very perfect six sided crystals of quartz. These occur in great abundance among the calcareous sand stones in the vicinity of the mineral springs at Saratoga, and are presented to the curious under the appellation of diamonds. Some small specimens of these crystals have been found in the loose earth about these rocks, having regular sides, with both terminations entire, and GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 65 possessing a brilliancy but little inferior to the dia- mond itself. The siliceous 6and stone in some places seems to pass into a kind of amygdaloidal rock, which effervesces but slightly with acids. Its cavities, which are numerous, are lined with chalcedony. This frequently occupies the whole space, but sometimes forms geodes, the insides of which are studded with small brilliant crystals of quartz, or a variety of crystallized spar. The walls of these geodes not unfrequently pass into agate, exhibiting its zigzag parallel lines very distinctly. Most of the calcareous and siliceous sand stone of this region are easily wrought, and they bear the effects of a high temperature well; they arc therefore used in Galway for the backs and jambs to chimneys. They have been likewise extensively quarried in Greenfield for the construction of the locks on the northern canal; and at Saratoga Springs they are used altogether for the founda- tions of buildings. p2 66 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. SECONDARY FORMATION. The rocks which compose the regular series of this formation are— Compact Lime-stone, Shell Lime-stone, and Oolite. This lime-stone formation passes into the coun- ty at Glen's Falls, and pursuing a south westerly direction, occupies a narrow space along the course of the primitive region, and not far from it through the towns of Moreau, Wilton, Saratoga Springs, Milton, Galway, and so into the county of Montgomery. The connection of this formation with the tran- sition rocks is very obvious at a little distance be- low Glen's Falls, where it is first observed to alter- nate with calcareous and siliceous sand stone, and following the stream still further down, these last rocks alternate with gray-wacke and gray-wacke slate, which finally rest on the argillaceous slate, not far above Baker's Falls, in the town of Mo- reau. GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 67 Both the compact and shell lime-stone occur in the same series of strata, constituting distinct layers, which overlay each other at irregular inter- vals. They are of a dark blue colour, and the compact is susceptible of a fine polish, and is used for ornamental work of various kinds. Both, when properly burned, form a very pure lime, giving out when first heated, a strong sulphurous odour. The shell lime-stone differs very materially from the compact, being more loose in its texture, and consisting: nearly altogether of organic remains,' the forms of which are perfect and entire ; among which have been recognized celleporites, pecte- nites, orthoceratites, amonites, cardites, gryphites, corallinites, terebratulites, ostryatites, and belem- nites. Oolite. This formation had not been known as consti- tuting a part of the regular series of rocks in the United States until it was discovered in this coun- ty. It occurs at a place about two miles north west from the village of Saratoga Springs,' and within half a mile of the ridge of granite rocks which terminate the southernmost point of the Palmertown mountains. From this spot it stretches 68 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. across the valley which separates the Palmertown from the Kayaderosseras mountains, and prob- ably may yet be traced around the termination of the latter mountains to those of the Sacandaga, and possibly along the whole extent of these primitive spurs of what professor Eaton has termed " the M'Comb Mountains." The calcareous concretions which characterize and identify this formation, are for the most part arranged in successive layers throughout the strata in which they appear. They are globular, of the size of mustard seed, possess a shining black col- our, and are evidently composed of concentric lay- ers. They are united in the mass by a calcareous cement, more or less granular, combined with fine siliceous sand. More than one half of the whole mass of some of the strata which constitute the series of this for- mation, consist of these globular concretions ; in others they are more sparingly diffused, and some of the strata appear to be composed altogether of a calcareo-siliceous sand, without the intervention of a single globule. They are mostly of a dark gray colour, but they are in many places rendered brown by the intervention of ferruginous particles. GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 69 From a cursory examination, at the time this formation was first observed, I was induced to be- lieve that it rested on the transition rocks ; but a more careful investigation has satisfied me that it rests on secondary or shell lime-stone. This lime- stone differs somewhat from that which I have be-» fore described ; it is of a lighter colour, less com- pact irl its structure, the organic remains are more equally diffused throughout the strata, which are thinner, and are frequently separated by thin lay- ers of aluminous slate, which, in some places, is nearly Identified with the lime-stone. Can this be the lias of the European geologists 1 and is this shale the lias clay which in England is known to be impregnated with muriate of soda and other salts ? and the same in which the mirferal springs at Cheltenham and Gloucester are said to rise 1 If it should be so, we shall find but little difficulty in accounting for the origin of some of the saline ingredients found in the mineral waters at Sarato- ga ; but it must be left to further investigation tq determine this subject, 70 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. DILUVIAL AND ALLUVIAL FORMATIONS. Diluvial and alluvial deposits cover a great pro- portion of the secondary and transition rocks throughout the county, in the form of thick beds of sand and clay and fragments of rocks more or less rounded by attrition. The diluvial includes generally all those lands that are usually termed pine plains, extending from the northern to the southern limits of the county, forming a part of a range which follows the course of the Hudson for more than four hundred miles between the primitive mountains. But little is as yet known of the depth or interi- or" properties of this immense body of earth. It has seldom been opened to any extent but for the purposes of obtaining water, which is usually found at a depth, of from ten to twenty-five feet, in a coarse loose sand resting on aluminous marl, or between this first stratum and another at no great distance beneath. When water is found to occur over the marl, it is usually very pure, combines readily with soap, and is what, in common lan- guage, is termed soft ; but when it occurs between the strata of marl, it possesses properties which GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 71 give it the appellation of hard ; it decomposes soap without forming a pure suds, and contains lime, magnesia, &c. usually combined with sul- phuric or muriatic acid. Wherever this formation has been exposed to any considerable depth, it presents a stratified structure consisting of regular and well defined strata of different coloured sand or earth, or coarse and fine gravel regularly arranged. Sometimes these strata are separated by thin layers of marl or clay, and sometimes by the argillaceous oxide of iron. They are horizontal, inclined or undulating at different places. Marl appears to underlay or form a constituent part of almost the whole of the diluvial deposits of this county; it is mostly argillaceous, but some specimens contain from forty to sixty per cent, of lime, and are evidently calcareous. Argillaceous oxide of iron (bog ore) occurs in a number of places, imbeded in the sandy diluvial. On the plains between Saratoga and Ballston Spa, it was formerly found in sufficient quantities to supply a forge for a number of years, which pro- duced from fifty to seventy tons of wrought or bar iron annually. 72 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. The alluvial formation is found along the banks of streams and at the bottoms of vallies ; it con- sists of beds of clay or marl, interrupted at inter- vals by layers of quicksand, and sometimes by that of vegetable remains. Every thing in this extensive region of diluvial and alluvial deposits conspire to induce the belief that it once formed the bottom of an immense fresh water lake, which must have existed subse- quent to the retiring of the oceanic waters, in which were deposited the lime and other secondary rocks which contain the remains of marine animals in such abundance ; but as the discussion of this subject is not necessarily connected with the ob- ject of the work before us, it is deemed inexpedi- ent to pursue it any further at this time. Having thus given a concise account of the dis- covery and settlement of the springs, and a gene- ral view of the geological features of the country in which they are situated, (preliminaries interest- ing and important,) I shall now proceed to an examination into the character and properties of the waters. EXAMINATION OF THE MINERAL, WATERS. Such is the solvent power of water, that it is seldom, if ever, found perfectly pure or free from foreign ingredients. Rain and snow water, when collected in the open country,'remote from towns or villages, and immediately after their de- scent, are the most pure of any used for domestic purposes ; but even these are not entirely free from impurities. The waters of springs, wells, rivers, lakes and ponds are still more impure, owing to their con- taining a larger proportion of foreign substances in solution or in a state of suspension ; but it is sel- dom that these contain sufficient quantities to ren- der theni altogether unfit for domestic uses ; when this does happen, they are styled mineral wa- ters. Mineral waters, are those which contain so large a proportion of foreign matter as to render them 6 74 examination of the waters. unfit for culinary or other domestic uses. They possess a distinguishing flavor, and when taken in- to the stomach produce distinct medicinal effects. They have been, for the conveniency of description, divided into distinct classes, each class receiving an appropriate name from the prominent character given to the water by the articles held in solution. Hence we have Acidulous waters, those which contain so large a proportion of carbonic acid as to give them a distinguishing character; Chalybeate waters, containing iron in some of its soluble combinations; Saline waters, those which contain one or more of the saline purging salts ; Sulphureous waters, those which contain sul- phuretted hydrogen either in a combined or un- combined state. It not unfrequently happens that the same foun- tain contains all the foregoing distinguishing in- gredients, particularly the three first, in which case it is styled an acidulous saline chalybeate examination of the waters. 75 water. To this class belong the famous mineral waters of Saratoga. These celebrated waters occur along the south- ern termination of the secondary, and in the im- mediate vicinity of the transition formation. They are scattered along a line running nearly east and west, for the distance of about twenty miles. At Ballston Spa there are a number of these springs, some of which make their appearance at the sur- face through alluvial deposits of plastic clay, or marl and sand, while others have been obtained by boring to a considerable depth in the transition slate which here forms the basis on which rests the alluvial deposits. Between this place and the vil- lage of Saratoga Springs there are several of these fountains of less note situated both in the transition and secondary formations. At Saratoga Springs they are more numerous, and diversified in their sensible qualities, than at any other place. They discover themselves, in great numbers, for the dis- tance of more than a mile along the valley, in marl, which rests on secondary limestone. They occur again in the southeast part of the old town of Saratoga, at a place called the Quaker Springs. The rock formation at this place is transition slate. 76 examination of the waters. All the waters of these numerous fountains ap- pear to possess the same or nearly the same qual- ities, differing in their medicinal properties only, in the quantities of the articles which are held in so- lution. I shall now proceed to a separate and distinct examination of all those fountains which have ex- cited attention either from their notoriety, or their sensible qualities ; and I commence with the Con- gress Spring. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRINGS. CONGRESS SPRING. This truly celebrated fountain is situated on the west side of a narrow strip of low marshy ground, close to the foot of a beautiful little cas- cade, formed by a small limped stream which bursts from the earth but about fifty rods wester- ly from the spot. The spring was first discovered, as heretofore stated, during the summer of 1792.* At that time the water made its appearance through a small aperture in the side of a calcare- ous rock, whose margin formed the border of the brook. Here it was caught in tumblers as it is- sued from the rock in a small stream, and this formed the only resource for obtaining the water for several years after its discovery ; but the quantity afforded was found altogether insufficient, even at that early period of its use, to satisfy the * John Taylor Gillman, who has since been governor of the state of New-Hampshire, and a brother of his, were in compa- ny when this spring was first noticed, but it is not now cer- tainly known which of the two first discovered it. 62 78 description of the springs. demands of its visitants ; it therefore became desi- rable to obtain a larger quantity, and with a view to effect this object, some efforts were made which unfortunately resulted in completely obstructing the passage of the water, and for a time the spring was supposed to be irretrievably lost. Not long after this accident, Mr. Putnam, a gen- tleman whose name I have already had occasion to mention, who then resided near the spot, and who ranked among the most enterprizing of the early settlers, observed bubbles of gas breaking through the water in the middle of the brook, a few feet south and east from the site of the former fountain. Governed by the hope of being able to recover the original fountain, he turned the stream from its course, and having excavated the earth to the depth of about eight feet, discovered a strong mineral water rising in various places through a very hard and compact stratum of indurated marl imbedded with rounded pebbles and coarse gravel. lie prepared a square tube made of strong plank, about ten inches in diameter, and of sufficient length to reach from the bottom of the excavation to a little above the surface ; this he placed upright in the well, and having adjusted the lower end so as to include a number of these separate little fountains, replaced the earth firmly around it, and description of the springs. 79 thus secured to posterity the possession of a mine- ral water which, for its peculiar medicinal proper- ties, stands unrivalled. In this curb, which is perfectly tight, the water rises to a few inches above the surface of the brook, which still passes close to the spring, and here it becomes stationary. A little below this point, however, it is suffered to escape through a small aperture made in the side of the curb for the purpose. At this aperture, when the spring is not disturbed, the water issues at the rate of some- thing less than a gallon per minute. The quanti- ty of water however which the fountain affords seems to be inexhaustible, for when the pressure has been removed by lessening the column of wa- ter in the curb, as when it has been rapidly dip- ped out, it rushes in with such rapidity that it be- comes difficult, if not impossible, to remove the whole contents of the well. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE WATER. The surface of the well is constantly agitated by the escape of gas in fine bubbles, giving the ap- pearance of simmering, not unlike that which wa- ter exhibits just before the process of violent ebul- lition takes place. 80 description of the springs. When first dipped, the water is remarkably lim- ped and sparkling, and were it not for the constant escape of gas in innumerable fine points, it would be perfectly transparent. It however becomes tur- bid after standing a short time exposed to the air ; a delicate white pellicle forms on its surface, which terminates in a reddish brown sediment. This sediment is likewise observable in the well, being incrustated on the walls of the curb and along the surface, over which the water makes its egress to the adjoining brook. Transparent glasses and bottles which have been much used in the water, or in which the wa- ter has been suffered to stand for any length of time, become tarnished, and though carefully washed, retain a strong iridescent stain. Its saline and gaseous properties are very per- ceptible to the palate, and to most persons not of- fensive. Wrhen swallowed, its effects depend in a great measure upon the state of the stomach at the time of receiving it, and upon the quantity drank. When taken, however, in a moderate draught, by a person in tolerable health, the sensation is sel- dom, if ever, unpleasant; and to those who are in the habitual use of it, particularly in the hot sea- son, it is a delightful beverage. description of the springs. 81 Its most obvious effect, when taken into the stomach as a medicine, is that of an cathartic and diuretic. In most habits this effect is produced by drinking from four to six half pints in the morn- ing before eating. Soon after taking it, the per- son feels a sense of fulness about the stomach and bowels, attended with frequent eructations of fixed air, a slight giddiness of the head, and a sensation bordering on a disposition to sleep. These feel- ings, however, are soon removed by the copious discharges that almost immediately follow, leaving the stomach with an increased appetite for food, and a disposition for exercise unattended with lan- guor. The respiration of all breathing animals is im- mediately affected by coming in close contact with the surface of this fountain. The gas which is- sues from it is immediately fatal to the lives of ani- mals which happen to be immersed in it, and even fishes and frogs survive but a short time when pla- ced in the water. Flour, when made into a paste or dough with the water fresh from the spring, and immediately baked, forms a tolerably light bread while warm ; but when cold, it becomes clammy and heavy like unleavened bread. The water is much used by 82 description of the springs. the country people for making " hot cakes." The flour is mixed with the water and a quantity of sour cream, and is ready for baking as soon as the in- gredients are sufficiently kneeded together. It forms a very palatable hot cake, and recommends itself on account of the expedition with which it is prepared. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. The temperature of the water of this spring, as shown by Fahrenheit's thermometer when immers- ed in the bottom of the well, is 50 deg., and it does not appear to suffer any sensible variation either during the summer or winter months. At a time when the thermometer in the open air stood at 14 deg. below zero, and at another, when it was 90 deg. above, the water at the bottom of the well was still at 50 deg. The specific gravity of the water at the tempe- rature of 60 deg., the barometer ranging at 29.5 inches, is 1009.7, pure water being 1000. Exces- sive wet, or long seasons of dry weather, seem to produce a slight variation from this result; but re- peated experiments, made at different periods and under various circumstances of season, &c. for the space of more than twenty years, have in no in- description of the springs. 83 stance produced a deviation of more than the 0.5 of a grain. A thin, transparent glass flask was filled with the water fresh from the spring, a thermometer was immersed in it, and the whole placed in a sand bath, to which the heat was gradually applied. At the temperature of 65 deg. there was a per- ceptible increase of air bubbles formed at the bot- tom of the flask, and passing up in rapid succes- sion through the water. At 80 deg. the water became much agitated by the rapid disengagement of the gas, and its trans- parency slightly affected by a faint milky appear- ance. At 100 deg. the commotion in the water, from the abundant escape of gas, continued to increase as the temperature advanced, and the milkiness be- came more conspicuous. At 150 deg. the profusion of air bubbfes contin- ued, and there appeared a very delicate white pel- licle forming on the surface of the water, and the turbidness assumed a brownish shade. 84 description of the springs. At 180 deg. the air bubbles still continued to escape in great abundance, and the pellicle ap- peared broken and began to be deposited, together with a light flaky powder, which accumulated at the bottom of the flask. At 200 degrees the water became less turbid, and the escape of gas had nearly ceased. It was then suffered to boil for the space of half an hour, and then removed from the sand bath ; and when cold, it became nearly clear and exhibited an abundance of a reddish brown sediment. It had lost its pungent acid flavor, but was decidedly more saline. EXPERIMENTS WITH TESTS. Exp. I. Lime water, added in considerable quantity, produced a milky turbidness, which ter- minated in a pulverulent white precipitate. This effect is not produced on water that has been pre- viously boiled. Exp. 2. Tincture of litmus produced a light red colour, when added to water just dipped from the well. Litmus paper was likewise redened by plunging it into the water and retaining it there a few minutes ; the blue colour of the litmus paper experiments with tests. 85 was, however, restored on exposing it for a few minutes to the air, or on drying it by the fire. The water, after being boiled, had no effect on the col- our of litmus paper ; but strips of this paper, red- dened with distilled vinegar and then dipped into the water, had its blue colour restored. Exp. 3. Tincture of red cabbage produced a beautiful green colour, and this was effected as readily after the water had been boiled as before ; the effect, however, was best displayed on water that had been considerably concentrated by evap- oration. Exp. 4. Tincture of turmeric was converted into an orange colour when added to a quantity of the water, and when the water had been much concentrated by boiling, it was immediately con- verted into a brick red. Exp. 5. Tincture of nutgalls, dropped into the water when taken recently from the spring, in- stantly produced a light purple tinge, which be- came much deeper after standing some time ex- posed to the air. No such effect was produced on water that had been previously boiled. H 86 congress spring. Exp. 6. Prussiate of potash produced a slight green tinge, which, after standing some time, be- came azure. This experiment succeeded best ' when the water had been previously saturated with sulphuric or muriatic acid ; it then terminated in producing a precipitate of Prussian blue. On wa- ter that had been boiled, or suffered to stand for some time exposed to the air, the prussiate of pot- ash had no sensible effect. Exp. 7. Muriate of barytes, after standing some minutes mixed with the water fresh from the foun- tain, produced a slight cloudiness, which termina- ted in a white precipitate, which was entirely dis- solved with effervescence in muriatic acid. When the water had been considerably concentrated, the precipitate was formed much more rapidly. Exp. 8. Barytic water, when mixed with the water considerably concentrated by boiling, pro- duced a white precipitate, which, like that in Exp. 7, was entirely dissolved with eflervescence in mu- riatic acid. Exp. 9. Oxalic acid produced an immediate active effervescence, which was succeeded by a dense white precipitate. experiments with tests. 87 Exp. 10. Oxalate of ammonia produced an immediate turbidness, which terminated in a copi- ous white precipitate ; when applied to water that had been boiled for some time, a slight change in its transparency only was produced*> Exp. 11. Carbonate of ammonia, when added in considerable quantities, produced a faint milky turbidness ; but, on the addition of the phosphate of soda, a copious white granular precipitate was immediately formed. Exp. 12. Pure ammonia produced an immedi- ate change in the transparency of the water, which was followed by a copious precipitate. Exp. 13. Pure potash produced nearly the same effect. Exp. 14. Sulphuric acid produced an instan- taneous and very rapid effervescence, which re- sulted in an abundant white precipitate. Exp. 15. Nitric and muriatic acid produced a similar disengagement of gas, but their effect was not followed by a precipitate of any kind. 88 congress spring. Exp. 16. Nitrate of silver produced a thick cloud, which immediately collected into flakes and fell to the bottom of the vessel in great abundance. This effect was the same on water that had been boiled as on that which had not. The precipitate was of a white curdy appearance when first pro- duced, but soon became of a dark muddy colour. This change of colour, however, did not take place when the vessel containing the mixture was kept excluded from the rays of light. Exp. 17. Muriate of platina produced no effect, either on water fresh from the fountain, or on that which had been previously boiled ; but by evapo- rating two gallons of the water by a slow heat, until cubic crystals began to form, filtering the remain- ing liquor and again evaporating until its bulk was much reduced by the crystallization of its saline in- gredients, and then adding a small quantity of this test to the remaining solution, a very minute quan- tity of a bright yellow precipitate was produced. Exp. 18. Chlorine gas. To a portion of the so- lution obtained from four gallons of water, in the manner related in the foregoing experiment, a quantity of chlorine gas was transmitted, which immediately converted the liquid into a reddish yel- low colour. A small quantity of pure sulphuric INFERENCES. 89 ether dissolved the coloring substance of the solu- tion, becoming itself of a hyacinth red tint ; and this was again rendered colourless, by the addition of a drop or two of costic potash. Exp. 19. A solution of starch was added to a portion of the water, containing the soluble salts, evaporated until crystallization commenced ; to this solution a few drops of dilute sulphuric acid was added, which gave to the whole solution a deep violet colour, which was destroyed by the in- troduction of a stream of chlorine. INFERENCES, Drawn from the foregoing observations and ex- periments. 1st. That this fountain has its source at a great depth in the earth, as is evinced from the regular- ity of its temperature at various and extreme states of the atmosphere, and from the circumstance of its being but slightly affected by wet and dry weather. 2d. That the water of this fountain retains its original properties, or its medicinal qualities, the same at least as they were twenty years ago, as is h 2 90 CONGRESS 8PRING. evinced by the uniformity of its specific gravity during that period. 3d. That it contains a large proportion of a gas- eous material in a free and in a combined state, as is made evident by the effects produced by the ap- plication of heat. 4th. That the gas so copiously evolved from the water is the carbonic acid or fixed air, as is infer- red from Exp. 1 and 2. 5th. That the water contains a carbonated al- kali, agreeably to Exp. 3 and 4. 6th. That oxide of iron forms one of the con- stituent properties of the water, and that it is held in solution by an excess of carbonic acid, agreea- bly to Exp. 5 and 6. 7th. That it does not contain sulphuric acid un- der any form or combination, as is evinced from the action of muriate of barytes and barytic water; the effect which these tests produce being referi- ble to their union with a carbonated alkali. See Exp. 7 and 8. INFERENCES. 91 8th. That it contains carbonate of lime in abun- dance, agreeably to Exp. 9 and 10. 9th. That it contains a large proportion of car- bonate of magnesia, agreeably to Exp. 11... 10th. That the carbonates contained in the wa- ter form a large proportion of the ingredients held in solution, agreeably to Exp. 12, 13,14 and 15. 11th. That it contains a large proportion of a muriatic salt, agreeably to Exp. 16. 12th. That the carbonated alkali, evinced by Exp. 3 and 4, is the carbonate of soda, as is made evident by Exp. 17. This experiment, likewise, indicates the presence of a minute quantity of the vegetable alkali or potassa. 13th. That the water contains the newly dis- covered elementary substance termed brome or bromine, is made abundantly evident by Exp. 18. 14th. That iodine forms another of the constit- uent properties of this interesting and truly distin- guished water, is satisfactorily demonstrated by Exp. 19. 92 CONGRESS SPRING. Thus, then, we have certain indications, as far as tests can be relied on, that the water of this fountain holds the following substances in solu- tion, viz. Carbonic Acid, Muriatic Acid, Soda, Potassa or Potash, Iron, Bromine, and Lime, Iodine. Magnesia, It remains to investigate the manner in which these substances are combined, and to determine the proportions in which they enter into the com- position of the water. EXAMINATION OF THE GASEOUS CONTENTS OF THE WATER. A quantity of the gas was procured in the fol- lowing manner : A large bladder was prepared, and to its mouth was secured a stopcock, to the end of which was fitted the small aperture of a large glass funnel. The funnel was inverted in the spring, and as soon as it became filled with gas, the stopcock attached to the bladder was applied, and the bladder, which was dry and had been pre- viously emptied by rolling, was now suffered to fill GASEOUS CONTENTS. 93 with the gas as it escaped from the water. In this way a sufficient quantity of the gas, for all the pur- poses of experimenting, may readily be obtained at any time. A quantity of this gas was pressed from the bladder into a tumbler, in which was immersed a lighted taper, which was immediately extinguished. A sprightly live mouse was confined in the bot- tom of a glass which was filled with the gas, and it expired in less than a minute. It was emptied from one glass to another, and continued to occupy its station in the glasses for some minutes, evincing its presence by continuing to extinguish flame, &c. A small quantity of the gas was. pressed from the bladder into a glass vessel containing a quan- tity of pure transparent lime-water. It immedi- ately became milky, and threw down a white pre- cipitate, which dissolved in dilute muriatic acid with a strong effervescence. Litmus paper, a little moistened and immersed in a glass containing the gas was immediately col- oured red, but retained its florid colour no longer than it retained its moisture. 94 CONGRESS SPRING. * A quantity of the gas was passed up from the bladder into a graduated glass jar, filled with and inverted in a solution of caustic potash. A large proportion of the gas was almost immediately ab- sorbed by the solution, while a very small quantity remained in the top of the jar apparently unaffect- ed by it. Gas was continued to be added to the contents of the jar until its graduated sides indica- ted a quantity of ten inches, which remained and continued undissolved by the caustic solution. To test the properties of the remaining ten inches, a piece of phosphorus was secured to the end of a wire and passed up into the gas, and being brought close to the side of this jar, was ignited by the cau- tious application of a heated iron to the outside. It burned for a moment with its usual brilliancy, but soon became dim and went out. It was again lit, by the re-application of the hot iron, but was extinguished in the same breath, and could not again be rekindled, although it was slightly fused by the application of the iron. The gas in the jar was at first a little dilated, but after being cooled to its former temperature, it was found to have sustained a diminution of bulk to the amount of about two inches, or one fifth of the whole ; thus demonstrating that the gas, remaining unaffected by the operation of the solution of caustic potash, was pure atmospheric air. GASEOUS CONTENTS. 95 From the results of these experiments, then, we are bound to infer that the gas which escapes in such profusion from this spring consists simply of the carbonic acid, with a small proportion of at- mospheric air. To ascertain the proportions of each, and the amount contained in a given quan- tity of the water, the following method was adop- ted : A tin bottle or jar, of the capacity of two quarts or 115.5 cubic inches, was procured, and its mouth secured and rendered perfectly tight by the appli- cation of a well adjusted stopcock; to this was nicely fitted one end of a small flexible leaden tube, about two feet in length, at the other end of which was attached a capacious and well prepared bladder. This jar was filled with the water to be examined, at the spring, and the stopcock imme- diately applied and secured. It was then placed in a water bath, and the bladder connected with the flexible tube being previously well emptied, was suspended in a large glass vessel fitted for the purpose, and filled with pure water of the tempe- rature of 60 deg. The tube having received a proper curvature, was connected with the stop- cock. Heat was now applied to the bath in which the jar containing the water was placed, the valve of the cock opened, and the gas suffered to escape 96 CONGRESS SPRING. through the tube into the bladder, which, as it di- lated, forced the water in which it was suspended over into a glass jar prepared for its reception and gauged to half inches. It is obvious that the quan- tity of water remaining in the graduated jar at the end of the process would indicate very accurately the quantity of gas received in the bladder. This apparatus for determining the quantity of gas contained in the water, aside from the mercu- rial trough, is unquestionably the best that could be adopted, and is in effect the same as that re- commended by the late Sir Humphrey Davy in his analysis of soils. It however subjects the ex- periment to the probability of some trifling inaccu- racies. It is obvious that the walls of the wet blad- der may absorb a small proportion of the carbonic acid, and thereby render the quantity apparently less than what it really is ; and it is equally certain that the quantity of atmospheric air contained in the tube, together with the small quantity remain- ing in the bladder, (for it cannot be entirely ex- cluded,) must add somewhat to the quantity ob- tained. The difference, however, in the result is too trifling to merit a serious consideration. The reception of the gas over mercury would unques- tionably be attended with the greatest degree of accuracy ; but the difficulty of procuring a suffi- GASEOUS C0NTENT8. 97 cient quantity of that article in the country for the purpose of accurate experiments, entirely preclud- ed the possibility of having recourse to that method. With this apparatus, adjusted in the manner just described, two quarts or 115.5 cubic inches of the water of this spring afforded 159 inches of gas, at the temperature of 60 deg. and a pressure of the atmosphere, indicated by the mercury of the ba- rometer, standing at 29.5 inch. Of this 159 inches, 155.5 were absorbed by a solution of caustic pot- ash, leaving 3.5 inches on which the solution had no effect. The proportion of the two gases, then, contained in two quarts of the water, will stand thus : Inch. Carbonic acid gas, .. 155.5 Atmospheric air, 3-5 Amount contained in 2 qts. of water, 159.6 It is rendered more than probable, from the re- sult of repeated experiments, that the quantity of gas contained in a given quantity of the water is not always exactly the same. The variation, how- ever, is never sufficient to produce any perceptible difference in the sensible qualities of the water, as it appears always to retain in combination consid- erably more than its bulk, besides a considerable 98 CONGRESS SPRING. quantity of disengaged or free carbonic acid. The same quantity of water has afforded at different times, under exactly similar states of temperature and pressure of the atmosphere, 150, 156, 159, 164 and 170 cubic inches. From two quarts of the water that had been exposed in an open ves- sel for twenty-four hours, in a temperature of 60 degrees, was obtained 142 cubic inches of gas. It would therefore appear that the difference in these results arises principally from the free car- bonic acid diffused in the water, being in a greater or less quantity, and not from any deficiency or increase in that portion of the gas retained in it in a state of combination or solution. The portion of free or uncombined gas must be considerably affected by the frequent and violent agitation of the water in the well, occasioned by the process of dipping it out for use, and in filling bottles for transportation ; and to this circumstance may be imputed the variations alluded to. But it is not impossible that the quantity of the gas extri- cated from the interior of the earth, under various circumstances and at different times, should be- come more or less abundant. SOLID CONTENTS. 99 EXAMINATION OF THE SOLID CONTENT3 OF THE WATERS. It has already been shown, by the application of tests, &c. that some of the solid ingredients which form a constituent part of the contents of the wa- ter, are in such minute quantities as to require the evaporation of a large portion in order to arrive at accurate results in estimating their quantities, while others enter so liberally into its composition as to be more readily and accurately determined by sep- arating them from a much less quantity of the wa- ter. The following process was adopted : A given quantity of the water was taken fresh from the spring and placed in a clean porcelain basin, and suffered to evaporate in a water bath heated by a small lamp, and kept at a temperature in no instance exceeding 160 deg. of Fahrenheit. The basin was secured from the intrusion of for- eign substances by a cover of two or three folds of fine crape. In this manner it was suffered to dry gradually away, until cubic crystals began to form along the sides of the basin. It was then remov- ed from the bath, and, while warm, thrown upon a filter, and the insoluble mass well washed with 100 CONGRESS SPRING. hot recently distilled water, and then carefully re- moved from the filter into a glass basin, which was placed in a water bath, and its contents dried in a temperature of 213 deg. In this way the sol- id contents of the water were divided into two parts, soluble and insoluble. Examination of the soluble parts. Two separate parcels of the soluble salts or fil- tered solutions, each obtained from forty-five cu- bic inches of the water, were subjected to the fol- lowing examination : Parcel 1st was placed in a glass basin and evaporated in a water bath to dryness, at a low temperature. The remaining crystallized mass was finely pulverized in a glass mortar, and again dri- ed at a temperature of 160 deg. for several hours. Over this dry saline residuum was poured a small quantity of alcohol, of the specific gravity of 0.815. After standing some time and being frequently agitated, the whole was thrown on a filter, and what remained on the paper, after being well wash- ed by repeated applications of small quantities of alcohol, was again dried and numbered 1. The alcoholic solution was evaporated to dryness at a low temperature, and again digested in a much smaller quantity of alcohol, of the same specific SOLID CONTENT?. 101 gravity as before. A few very minute cubic crys- tals remained undissolved by this last portion of the alcohol. They consisted of the muriate of soda, which had been taken up by the larger portion of the alcohol used in the first washing of the saline mass. They were transferred to No. 1. The al- coholic solution was again evaporated and dried, and weighed while warm something more than 0.7 of a grain. This was dissolved in a cold solution of starch, in a small test tube, and a drop or two of dilute sulphuric acid added. The whole immedi- ately assumed a deep purple tinge, which, on stand- ing some time, was precipitated with the starch, giving to it the well known characteristic blue col- our afforded by the presence of Iodine. A few bubbles of chlorine gas were passed into the mix- ture. The blue colour faded immediately and dis- appeared. An equal quantity of this salt, obtained from the same quantity of the water and in the same way, was dissolved in a fluid drachm of pure water, to which a drop or two of the muriate of platina was added. No indications of potash were manifested ; the solution remained scarcely altered in its col- our, and no precipitate appeared. iQ 102 CONGRESS SPRING. Iodine may exist in a mineral water in the state of an iodic or hydriodic acid, combined with either of the alkalies, potash or soda forming the iodate or hydriodate of the alkali with which they are united. The presence of potash is only indicated in the water by experimenting on large portions ; it is not satisfactorily indicated even in the residu- um of a gallon, and not at all in that obtained from forty-five cubic inches of the water, as has just been shown. It follows, therefore, that soda is the alkaline base which retains the acid in ques- tion, forming the iodate or hydriodate of soda. It has already been shown that alcohol dissolves the whole of the substance which discovers the presence of iodine ; and as iodate of soda is not soluble in that menstrum, we are bound to infer that the salt in question is the hydriodate of soda. The inconsiderableness of this salt afforded by the above quantity of the water not admitting of all the accuracy desirable in estimating the quan- tity of so* important an article, recourse was had to another process ; the dry soluble salts obtained from two gallons, or 462 cubic inches of the wa- ter, was submitted to the action of alcahol with the same precaution as before related, and from this quantity was obtained a trifle over 7 grains. It SOLID CONTENTS. 103 exhibited all the characteristic properties of the hydriodate of soda already noticed, and in addi- tion afforded evidences of containing a trace of bromine and potash: substances, the character and properties of which will be investigated in an- other paragraph. This seven grains of the hydriodate of soda, to- gether with several other smaller parcels of the same salt obtained at different times from different quantities of the water, were together placed in a Florence flask and dissolved in an ounce or two of pure water; the flask was placed over a spirit lamp, and as its contents became hot, a few drops of sulphuric acid were added to the solution, when the well known purple fumes of iodine appeared very conspicuous at the neck of the flask, furnish- ing the most incontestible evidence of the pres- ence of that substance. Having thus finished the investigation relating to the presence and quantity of iodine, the further separation of the soluble salts was resumed. The mass numbered 1 of parcel I, which remained af- ter the action of the alcohol, was dissolved in an ounce of pure water, and dilute acetic acid added in small quantities at a time as long as any efferves- cence was produced. The whole was then dried 104 CONGRESS SPRING. at a low temperature, and again digested in alco- hol of the same specific gravity as before ; it was filtered, and the filtered solution evaporated, and a quantity of acetate of soda procured. This was subjected to a low red heat, in a platina capsule, the acetic acid was thus expelled, and the sub-car- bonate of soda remained, weighing 1.25 grains, equivalent to 1.75 grains of the bi-carbonate; in which state it probably enters into the composi- tion of the water. The remaining saline substance was dissolved in a quantity of pure water, in a suitable precipi- tating glass, and to the clear solution was added a solution of the nitrate of silver; it was added in small quantities at a time, as long as any turbid- ness was produced. It was then filtered, washed with repeated portions of distilled water, and the precipitate carefully dried ; it afforded 182.5 grains of chloride of silver, equivalent to 75 grains of the chloride of sodium, or sea salt. In order to test the accuracy of the foregoing results, parcel II, which had been reserved for this purpose, was evaporated, its contents dried and digested in alcohol, with the same precautions as parcel I, and exactly the same quantity of hydria- date of soda obtained. The remaining salts were SOLID CONTENTS. 105 dissolved in two ounces of pure water, and a solu- tion of muriate of barytes added in small portions, as long as any precipitate pr discoloration was pro- duced. The precipitate was now obtained on a filter, washed with pure water, and carefully dri- ed ; it weighed 2.3 grains. It dissolved entire in dilute muriatic acid with effervescence, and was rendered insoluble in water by the addition of sulphuric acid. It was therefore the carbonate of barytes, the muriate of which had been decompo- sed ; the muriatic acid of the barytes had united to the soda, forming muriate of soda, while the carbonic acid of the soda had united to the divor- ced barytes, forming the insoluble salt, carbonate of barytes, 2.3 grains of which is equivalent to 1.25 grains of the sub-carbonate of soda, or 1.75 of the bi-carbonate, as near as weights and scales can be supposed to make it. This result, corresponding so nearly with the other, might give to this mode of separating the carbonate of soda from the muriate the prefer- ence, provided the carbonate of magnesia be pres- ent ; the muriate of barytes is not decomposed by that substance, but will remain in solution with the muriate of soda when the carbonate of soda is all decomposed. The magnesia may then be converted into a muriate by the addition of dilute 106 CONGRESS SPRING. muriatic acid, the whole dried, and the muriate of magnesia taken up by alcohol. This process was adopted in the present instance, but no muriate of magnesia was procured. It is to be presumed there- fore that the carbonate of magnesia is not held in solution with the soluble salts, at least not in suf- ficient quantity to be appreciated. The discovery of iodine and bromine in some of the mineral springs of Europe led to the con- jecture that they might be found to enter into the composition of the waters of Saratoga, and this conjecture was strengthened by the knowledge of their great efficacy in the cure of a variety of stru- mus affections, for which their known properties did not very satisfactorily account. Iodine was first detected in these waters in the fall of 1828, and announced in 1829, in the Ame- rican Journal of Science ; and Mr. A. A. Hayes, of New-Haven, detected bromine and potash, and announced the discovery in the same Journal in July, 1830. The spare quantity afforded by the water of the two last substances, makes it necessary to op- erate on a large portion in order to obtain deci- sive evidence of their presence. Mr. Hayes says SOLID CONTENTS. 107 that he obtained the knowledge of the fact from " a portion of the dry saline matter left after evap- orating a large quantity of the water." It has al- ready been shown that their existence in a gallon of the water is at least equivocal. With a view to corroborate the result of the experiments already noticed, the saline residuum of four gallons, or 924 cubic inches of the water was procured, effused in distilled water, filtered, and the filtered solution evaporated by a slow pro- cess, until a large portion of the muriate of soda had crystallized ; the remaining liquor was treated with chlorine gas, and then agitated with a portion of pure sulphuric ether. On the addition of chlo- rine the liquid assumed an orange yellow colour, which was all taken up by the ether, which then became of a hyacinth or reddish brown tint, arose to the surface, and formed a perfect line of dis- tinction in the liquid contents of the glass; the etherial solution was removed by means of a glass syringe, and a drop or two of a solution of caus- tic potash added to it, it immediately became col- ourless, and on suffering the solution to evaporate in a low temperature, a few minute cubic crystals of the hydro-bromate of potash were deposited. 108 CONGRESS SPRING. Another portion of the salts produced from four gallons of the water was obtained and prepared as above by concentrating the solution of the soluble salts, until nearly all the muriate of soda was crys- tallized. To the clear yellowish coloured liquor which remained was added a few drops of the mu- riate of platina. It produced an immediate fine yellow coloured precipitate, indicating the pres- ence of a small quantity of potash. These experiments fully establish the existence of bromine in this water. It is in the state of the hydro-bromic acid united to potash, forming the hydro-bromate of potash; its quantity, however, is extremely small, and can only be accurately de- termined by more extensive and labored opera- tions. Examination of the Insoluble parts. Having thus separated and determined the quan- tities of the various ingredients soluble in pure wa- ter, the saline mass remaining on the filter, after the action of that fluid, was next submitted to ex- amination. The whole quantity of this substance obtained from 45 cubic inches of the water was placed in a Florence flask, and dilute nitric acid poured over SOLID CONTENTS. 109 it as long as any effervescence was produced, the acid was then added in slight excess, and the flask placed over a spirit lamp, and its contents suffered to boil for half an hour; it was then re- moved from the stand, and when cold, a minute quantity of a grayish white powder was observed in the bottom of the flask, which remained undis- solved by the operation of the dilute acid ; this was separated from the clear solution on a filter, and after being well washed with distilled water, was dried at a low red heat in a platina crucible. It produced a whitish coloured powder, of a rough dry feeling when rubbed between the fingers, and when fused with a little carbonate of soda produ- ced a greenish coloured glass. It was therefore pure silix. It weighed as near as could be ascer- tained 0.25 grains. The filtered solution was then placed in a pre- cipitating glass, and a small quantity of a solution of pure ammonia added ; it produced a brownish coloured cloud in the clear solution, which, after adding a sufficient quantity of the ammonia, sub- sided to the bottom of the flask in the form of a brown sediment. This was removed by filtering, and, being well washed, was dried and brought to a red heat in a platina crucible, and was then again dissolved in dilute nitric acid, and again pre- K 110 CONGRESS SPRING. cipitated by ammonia, filtered, and the filtered so- lution added to that of the previous process. What remained on the filter was dried again at a red heat, and was the pure red or per-oxide of iron, and weighed about 0.75 of a grain. The quantity, however, of this, as well as that of the silix, will, for the sake of greater accuracy, be de- termined from a larger portion of the water. After thus separating the silix and iron, the re- maining solution, consisting of the nitrate of lime and magnesia, was transferred to a porcelain evap- orating basin, and suffered to evaporate over a moderate heat until crystals began to appear. The nitrate was then converted into a sulphate, by ad- ding dilute sulphuric acid in excess, and evaporat- ing the new compound nearly to dryness. The residuum was then transferred to a platina cruci- ble, and gradually brought to a low red heat. What remained consisted purely of sulphate of lime and magnesia, and weighed, while warm, 41.5 grains. To separate these two salts, a saturated solution of sulphate of lime in distilled water was used ; it dissolved the sulphate of magnesia, which was filtered from the remaining insoluble sulphate of lime, and this last was again dried at a low red heat, and weighed while warm 24 grains, equiva- lent to 19.11 grains of the carbonate of lime. SOLID CONTENTS. Ill The sulphate of lime in solution with the sulphate of magnesia was separated by the oxalate of ammo- nia, carefully added, the solution filtered, evapora- ted, and the residual salt brought to a red heat, and weighed while warm exactly 17.5 grains. It was the sulphate of magnesia, equivalent to 12.25 grains of the carbonate of magnesia, or 18.66 grains of the bi-carbonate. To determine with more precision the actual quantity of iron, one gallon of the water was evap- orated, and the insoluble part of its residuum ob- tained by filtering, dissolved in dilute nitric acid, and boiled for the space of half an hour in a Flor- ence flask. The silix which remained undissolved by the acid in the flask was separated, and, after being subjected to#a red heat, weighed while warm 1.5 grains. The iron was then precipitated by the addition of a solution of pure ammonia, as be- fore described, dried at a red heat, and then re- dissolved in dilute nitric acid, to free it from any impurities which might have been precipitated along with it by the action of the caustic ammonia in the first operation. It was again precipitated in the same way, dried at a red heat in a platina crucible, and weighed while warm 3.5 grains. It was the red, or per-oxide of iron, equivalent to 5.075 grains of the carbonate of iron. 112 CONGRESS SPRING. RECAPITULATION. From the foregoing experiments and deductions, one gallon* or 231 cubic inches, of the water of the Congress Spring contains the following sub- stances, viz. Chloride of Sodium, (sea salt) 385.0 Hydriodate of Soda, 3.5 Bi-carbonate of Soda, 8.982 Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, 95.788 Carbonate of Lime, 98.098 Carbonate of Iron, 5.075 Silix, 1.5 Hydro-bromate of Potash, a trace. 597.943 grs Carbonic acid gas, 311 Atmospheric air, 7 Gaseous contents, 318 cubic inches Water, at the usual temperature and pressure of the atmosphere, can only dissolve its own bulk of carbonic acid. As this water contains nearly one third more than that quantity, it becomes a sub- ject of some interest to ascertain by what means it acquires so large a proportion of this gas. RECAPITULATION. 113 It is well known that the sub-carbonates of soda and magnesia, when dissolved in water saturated with carbonic acid, receive an additional portion of the acid, and become bi-carbonates. These bi-car- bonates are however decomposed by the applica- tion of heat, and at the temperature of boiling wa- ter, or 212°, they part with the additional portion of the acid, and become again sub-carbonates, in which state these salts are obtained from the wa- ter after boiling. The quantity of carbonic acid given off in this way by the bi-carbonates Of soda and magnesia passing into sub-carbonates, will ac- count very satisfactorily for the quantity obtained from the water over and above its bulk. It will be observed that the quantity of carbonic acid obtained from one gallon exceeds its bulk by 80 cubic inches, which, allowing 100 cubic inches to weigh 46.57 grains, will amount to 37.25 grains ; and the additional portion of carbonic acid taken up by the quantity of soda and magnesia found in the water, in order to constitute the bi-carbonates, will amount to about 35.5 grains, a correspondence sufficiently accurate to justify the position here ta- ken. This water has been repeatedly analyzed by a number of professed chemists ; but the results of K 2 114 CONGRESS SPRING. their examinations have been so discordant as to af- ford but little confidence in their correctness. These results, however, do not differ so much in the variety of the articles produced, as in the quan- tities of those acknowledged to be present. Much of this difference may be imputed to the various methodiadopted to separate the constituent proper- ties, and to the different states in which these prop- erties are produced; some of them being in a state of crystallization containing a large portion of wa- ter, while the same article is obtained under an- other process in a perfectly dry state, producing an essential difference in the apparent quantity. But the greatest cause of the discordant results is the transportation of the water from the spring. It is usually bottled, perhaps imperfectly corked, trans- ported to a considerable distance, and then suffer- ed to stand in a quiescent state, subjected to a vari- ety of temperature, until the convenience of the chemist affords an opportunity for its examination. In this way it must necessarily part with a large share of its carbonic acid, and the substances held in solution by it are of course precipitated. Hence no iron, or but equivocal traces of it, are obtained from the water thus procured ; while at the foun- tain, its presence is clearly demonstrated by the most simple experiments : indeed, the mere deposit from the water, as it passes from the spring, affords RECAPITULATION. J. 15 incontestible evidence of its presence. It is there- fore abundantly evident, that in order to obtain any thing like an accurate knowledge of the proper- ties and proportions of the various salts which en- ter into the composition of this water, the analysis should be conducted on the spot. The late Professor Dana suggested the idea, that some of the substances obtained from the water by analysis, might be the product of the operation, and not an original ingredient; and added, that "carbonate of soda and muriate of magnesia might exist in solution together in this dilute state, without their mutual affinities being exerted ; but when the solution was concentrated, carbonate of mag- nesia and muriate of soda would be formed ;" and he therefore inferred, that instead of the muriate of soda and carbonate of magnesia, as procured from a quantity of this water, the basis of these two salts actually existed in the water in the state of the muriate of magnesia and carbonate of soda. This subject has been subsequently investigated by Dr. Murray. He alleges, from numerous exper- iments, that from evaporating the solvent, he pro- cured salts different from those known to be in the solution. This induced him to call in question the usual modes of analysis; and he proposed anoth- 116* CONGRESS SPRING. er method of determining the state of combination of the ingredients obtained from mineral waters, founded upon the principle that the force of affin- ity is much influenced by the operation of external circumstances ; and that when these occur, com- pounds may be formed different from tho^e which owe their origin to the pure force of affinity. Pro- fessor Brande, however, of the royal institution of London, will not admit the existence of incompat- ible salts to the extent which Dr. Murray's princi- ple requires. Be this as it may, facts do not warrant the be- lief that the operation of the principle, if establish- ed, is exerted in the formation of any of the salts contained in this water. If a part of the muriatic acid, which goes to form the muriate of soda in the concentrated solution, is really united to the mag- nesia or lime while in a more dilute state, it fol- lows of course, that the quantity of the carbonate of soda at the same time must be considerably in- creased ; but this does not appear to be the fact. The application of appropriate tests to the water fresh from the spring, indicate but faintly the pres- ence of a carbonated alkali; but as the water is concentrated, the existence of this article becomes more and more apparent; whereas, directly the MEDICAL HI8T0RV. 117 reverse of this would be the case, if the suggestion of Professor Dana was correct. It is therefore more than probable that the substances obtained are actually those which enter hito the compo- sition of the water, and constitute its active medi- cinal properties. MEDICAL HISTORY. The medicinal qualities of this spring have ac- quired for it a reputation abroad to which no oth- er fountain in the United States has yet attained ; and it is highly probable, from the active ingredi- ents which enter into its composition, that it will continue to retain an ascendency which has been so liberally w> =3 j»£; C3^fc:::i ^ZZ. it. Such are its Tare and peculiar qualities, that while it op- erates as an active and efficient medicine, it possess- es the properties of an agreeable and delightful bev- erage ; and it is daily sought after and drank by all classes of people, for no other purpose than simply to gratify the palate or to allay the thirst. And al- though in this way it is frequently taken in suffi- cient quantities to produce its most active effects upon the bowels, it is seldom, if ever, known to be attended with any unpleasant consequences, but is always considered by those who thus use it as invigorating and healthy. 118 CONGRESS SPRING. From one to three pints of the. water, taken in the morning before eating, usually operates freely as a cathartic, and at the same time has a most powerful effect in increasing the ordinary secre- tions of the kidneys ; but its operation, like that of all other medicines, is much influenced by the condition of the stomach and bowels at the time of receiving it, as well as by the state of the system generally. It therefore frequently happens that a much larger quantity seems to be required, in or- der to produce its characteristic effect upon the bowels; and invalids have been known to drink twenty, thirty and even forty tumblers full of it in a morning without much apparent inconvenience. It requires, however, but a slight acquaintance with trie p^^^.w.-j ui uiv, .vc.«-i, ..v, <,u.»o.j ~..j iu- tional mind, that such a procedure is highly im- proper and even dangerous. Quantities so immod- erate can never be useful to persons who are either infirm or in health ; and there are numerous in- stances in which they have produced consequen- ces of a very alarming character. It is a cathartic, possessing evidently interesting and important qualities, and as such it is recom- mended and used in all those chronic diseases where cathartics and gentle aperients are indica- ted ; and such are its peculiar effects, when judi- MKDICAL HISTORY. 119 ciously administered, that it may be persevered in for almost any length of time, and a daily increas- ed evacuation from the bowels produced without debilitating the alimentary canal, or in any way impairing the digestive powers of the stomach; but on the contrary, the spirits, appetite and gen- eral health will be improved and invigorated. It is obvious that the mode and management of taking the water must depend altogether upon the nature of the case for which it is administered, and the consequent kind of effect desired to be pro- duced from it. As it is directed simply for its cathartic or aperient properties, it is in almost all cases important that its operation should be speedily and promptly effected. The quantity re- quired to produce the effect desired must be varied with different persons ; and even the same persons at different times, and under different circumstan- ces, will require different portions. It is therefore impossible to fix upon any certain quantity that will apply in all cases : much must be left to the judg- ment and discretion of the invalid himself. In or- dinary cases, three pints taken on an empty stom- ach, an hour or two before eating, and followed by a proper share of exercise, will be found amply sufficient for all the purposes required. Should this quantity however be found inadequate to the 120 CONGRESS SPRING. effect, it will be better to relinquish the use of it altogether for the day, than to attempt to produce a different result by additional potations of the wa- ter. On the following morning the quantity may be increased to another pint; and should there be fears of the inadequacy of this quantity from ex- treme constipation of the bowels or other causes, a tea-spoonful or two of epsom salts may be add- ed to the first tumbler. This will insure a compe- tent operation, and the invalid will soon be ena- bled by his experience to determine the quantity which his case requires. In cases where the stomach and bowels have been for a long time subjected to the effect of mor- bid excitement, and the whole system enervated by the deranged functions of the assimilating or- gans, the quantity here recommended will be al- together inadmissible. The effects of distention, and the abstraction of temperature consequent up- on admitting so large a quantity of cold water in- to a stomach thus enfeebled, can scarcely fail of being highly detrimental. Reliance therefore must not be placed upon the water, in these cases, to move the bowels ; it can only be used as an auxili- ary to that purpose, and should always be associa- ted with some other cathartic medicine suited to the particular case. A little magnesia, magnesia MEDICAL HISTORY. 121 and rheubarb or a laxative pill may be taken over night, and a tea-spoon or two full of the sulphate of potass or magnesia, combined with a glass or two of the water in the morning, is usually advised. The proper time for drinking the water of this spring is unquestionably in the morning—an hour or two before breakfast; indeed, as a general rule, it should not be meddled with at any other period of the day ; and it would be much better for those whose complaints render them fit subjects for its administration, if the fountain should be locked up and no one suffered to approach it after the hour of nine or ten in the morning. Nothing can be more absurd than the ridiculous practice of taking large potations of this water at all hours of the day, and particularly, immediately after meals. The impropriety of evacuating the contents of the stomach and bowels before the assimilating powers of digestion have accomplish- ed their labors, must be obvious to every one. It should therefore only be taken in the morning be- fore eating, when its operation will be exerted in removing the fetid remnants of an impaired diges- tion, and evacuating the sordid and irritating ac- cumulations induced by an enfeebled state of the intestinal canal. When this effect is produced, L 122 CONGRESS SPRING. the water has accomplished all that can reasona- bly be expected from its use ; and the digestive organs being freed from their offensive feculent burthen, are left in a condition to act with better effect on the subsequent aliment which may be presented to them. The invalid, whose health and strength will ad- mit of it, should always rise as early as six o'clock at farthest, and when the weather is suitable, re- pair to the spring, and take the water at the foun- tain head. The exercise necessarily connected with this mode of drinking the water, together with the invigorating effect of a wholesome atmos- phere and amusing company, add much to its ef- ficacy as a medicine. The manner of drinking the water at the foun- tain requires but little attention. It is dipped from the spring in half pint tumblers, one of which constitutes a very suitable quantity for a single draught. As it is intended to move the bowels, it is necessary that these draughts should be repeat- ed in as quick succession as the condition of the stomach will permit. As soon as the sense of fullness occasioned by the first tumbler has pass- ed off, another may be taken, and so on until the quantity necessary to move the bowels has all MEDICAL HISTORY. 123 been drank. This is usually accomplished in the course of half an hour, without materially disturb- ing the tranquility of the stomach, and its effect is seldom delayed beyond the limits of an hour. Should this be the case, however, and no opera- tion effected before the period of breakfeast ar- rives, a cup of coffee or tea, connected with a light repast and suitable exercise, will seldom fail of producing a speedy termination to the delay. The low temperature of the water, in some ca- ses, forms a serious objection to its being drank to the extent that is required. This may be rem- edied in some measure by securing the water in well corked bottles, and suffering them to stand in the room over night. In this situation the tem- perature of the water is elevated to that of the at- mosphere of the room, and may be drank with less danger of producing chills. When these do suc- ceed, after the above precaution, recourse is some- times had to plunging the bottle into warm water a few times before removing the cork. This will unquestionably remedy the evil ; but the water will be-more apt to produce nausea and other un- pleasant disturbances of the stomach, not less inju- rious to the good effect to be expected from its use than that of chills. 124 CONGRESS SPRING. It should always be remembered, that by eleva- ting the temperature of the water to any extent, the escape of its carbonic acid becomes abundant, and it is thereby deprived of one of its most impor- tant ingredients, the loss of which renders it ex- tremely insipid, and its effects are by no means so pleasant or useful. The property of this fountain has, within a few years, passed from the heirs of the late Henry and John Livingston into the hands of John Clarke and Thomas Lynch of New-York, who are now the sole proprietors and owners of it. These gen- tlemen have made it an object of their special care and attention, and it is to their, liberality that the public are indebted for the convenient and cleanly manner in which the water is presented to them at the well, and for the improvements that have been made and are still making in its immediate vicini- ty. They are likewise entitled to great credit for the care and attention which they bestow in put- ting up the water and preparing it for transporta- tion. They are now the only persons through whom it can be procured ;* and such has been the • Messrs. Lynch and Clarke have reserved to themselves the exclusive right of bottHng and vending the water, and the pub- lic may rely upon receiving it from them in as perfect a state as it is capable of retaining when bottled. MEDICAL HISTORY. 125 success of their exertions, and the public estima- tion of its value, that it has been introduced into almost every part of the world. There is scarce- ly a town in the United States of any magnitude that is not supplied with it, nor a vessel destined to any distant port that does not enumerate the Con- gress water in the list of her sea stores or her freight. The water loses much of its pungency and agreeable flavor from being bottled, and its iron is entirely deposited. It however retains its aperient properties in tolerable perfection, and if properly secured and kept in a quiescent state and even temperature, may be preserved to any length of time. The practice of putting the water into wooden casks, earthen jugs, or tin canisters, for the pur- pose of transportation, as is sometimes done, is but little better than placing it in open vessels. It soon loses its vivifying gas, and becomes extremely in- sipid and offensive. It can only be properly se- cured and preserved in strong glass bottles, well corked, and the corks fastened by wiring. From the known and acknowledged efficacy of the water as a medicine, it was inferred that its sa- l2 126 CONGRESS SPRING. line deposits might answer a valuable purpose in cases where the water could not be procured, and at one time considerable quantities were manufac- tured for sale, by evaporation ; but the imperfect solubility of these salts renders them not only disa- greeable, but frequently irritating and offensive to the stomach, and the present proprietors of the spring have very properly prohibited their further manufacture. Influenced by the popular character of the wa- ter, individuals have been induced to attempt an artificial composition of it, and, under the imposing names of " Congress Water" and " Saratoga Pow- ders," articles have been presented to the public which, although they possess aperient qualities, in reality bear no resemblance, either in their effects or their properties, to the mineral water, the name of which they have assumed. They may move the bowels, it is true, but iii this they do not appear to possess any superiority over the common Seidlitz powder, which is now in every body's hands, and which, as a laxative medicine, in all ordinary cases, is undoubtedly to be preferred. COLUMBIAN SPRING. This fountain is situated on the south side of the brook, about fifteen or twenty rods directly south- west from the Congress. It discovers itself at the foot of a steep bank, consisting of loose sand and yellow loam. The water being confined by a wooden curb, rises a few inches above the surface of the sur- rounding earth, and escapes through a small hole in the side of the curb, made for the purpose. The well is sunk in the earth about six feet, and such is the supply of water, that it is difficult to remove it as fast as it accumulates, even with a bucket. The surface of the water, when viewed in the fountain, does not present the simmering appear- ance so conspicuous in the Congress ; but the gas breaks up through it in much larger bubbles, at ir- regular intervals, giving to the water the resem- blance of a more violent ebullition. 128 COLUMBIAN SPRING. The surface of the earth over which the water escapes, and the inside of the troughs which con- duct it away, as well as the inside of the curb, are covered with a thick ferruginous crust of a deep brown colour. The water itself is quite limpid, and when drank, betrays a strong chalybeate taste, and a pungency indicative of the presence of a large portion of car- bonic acid. In its physical properties generally, this water resembles the Congress in all respects, excepting its saline impregnation, which is evident- ly much less. Its temperature at the bottom of the well is uni- formly at 50 deg., and its specific gravity at the temperature of 60 deg. The barometer, standing at 29.5 inches, is 1007.3, pure water being 1000. The application of chemical tests to the water of this fountain indicates nothing to distinguish it from that of the Congress, the same ingredients being clearly distinguished in both. They differ, however, in the quantities of the articles which they respectively hold in solution, as is shown by the specific gravity of the two, as well as by the great- er or less effect produced by the application of re- agents. Indeed, in this respect there is a very per- ceptible difference indicated by the taste alone. COLOMBIAN SPRING. 129 By pursuing a process similar to that related in the analysis of the Congress water, one gallon, or 231 cubic inches, of this water yielded the follow- ing ingredients, viz. Chloride of Sodium, 267. Bi-carbonate of Soda, 15.4 Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, 46.71 Hydriodate of Soda, 2.56 Carbonate of Lime, 68. Carbonate of Iron, 5.58 Silix, 2.05 Hydro-bromate of Potash, scarce- ly a trace. -------- Solid contents in a gallon, 407.3 gr. Carbonic acid gas, 272.06 Atmospheric air, 4.5 Gaseous contents in a gallon, 276.56 inch. This spring has been materially improved, by clearing out the well and securing it against the intrusion of fresh water, by means of a tight curb inserted to its bottom. The water seldom operates as a cathartic, unless when taken in large quantities, or used by persons 130 COLUMBIAN SPRING. whose stomachs are extremely irritable. Its most obvious effects, when taken in proper doses, are diuretic, at the same time operating on the secre- tions and excretions generally. It likewise mani- fests the powers of a mild and pleasant stimulant; and from the large proportion of iron which en- ters into its composition, it occupies a distinguish- ed rank among the tonic waters which the place affords. WASHINGTON SPRING. Pursuing a south-west direction from the Co- lumbian Spring about fifty rods, we come to the Washington Spring, situated by the side of a rill of very pure water, which has its origin from the banks of sand at no great distance. The fountain is sit- uated on ground considerably elevated above any of the others. It makes its appearance at the sur- face through a bed of argillaceous marl of a deep blue colour. The water, nevertheless, is remark- ably limpid, and has been recently much improv- ed, in all its sensible properties, by sinking the well to a much greater depth, and securing it by a tight wooden curb. It is a sparkling acidulous water. Its tempera- ture is 50 deg., and its specific gravity, at the tem- perature of 60 deg. under the ordinary pressure of the atmosphere, is 1007.8, and one gallon of it af- fords the following articles, viz. Chloride of Sodium, grs. 281.5 Bi-carbonate of Soda, 16.5 Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, 40.92 Carbonate of Lime, 92.6 132 WASHINGTON SPRING. Carbonate of Iron, 3.25 Silix, L5 Hydriodate of Soda, 2.75 Solid contents in a gallon, grs. 439.02 Carbonic acid gas, 262.5 Atmospheric air, 6.8 Gaseous contents in a gallon, 269.3 inch. This fountain was resorted to formerly, on ac- count of its retired situation, (it being then in a forest,) for the purpose of bathing ulcerated limbs and eruptive diseases of the body, for the cure of which it became quite distinguished. From this hint a large and commodious bath-house has lately been erected close to the spring, called the Washington Bath, which is supplied with mineral water from this spring. It has likewise the advan- tage of the very pure stream of fresh water which passes immediately under the building, for the pur- pose of ordinary bathing. Near to this spring Mr. Munger has lately erect- ed a small fish-pond, which is abundantly supplied with pure water from the neighboring sand banks. It contains at present some thousands of speck- WASHINGTON SPRING. 133 led trout, which seem to have lost much of their native shyness by being thus domesticated. They come to the surface in crowds, and devour with avidity whatever is thrown in for their suste- nance ; and they may be seen at all times bask- ing in the shade, or darting along the bottom in pursuit of prey. With this pond is enclosed about an acre of ground, a part of which is taste- fully laid out into walks; and on the margin of the little pool is established a bowling alley and billiard table, the whole of which is screened and shaded by the native pine and other forest trees, forming a very pleasant and quiet spot for retire- ment or recreation. This fountain, together with the Columbian, con- stitute all the mineral waters that have come into notice in this direction from the Congress. All the other fountains at this place are situated along the course of the valley, in a north-east direction. M HAMILTON SPRING. This spring is situated in the low ground about fifty rods from the Congress, in a north-east direc- tion, immediately in the rear of Congress Hall. It was discovered and named after the late General Hamilton by Mr. Gideon Putnam, one of the ear- ly settlers of the place, not long after the discovery of the Congress Spring. It was cleared out to the depth of only a few feet, and the water secured by a small wooden curb; In this situation it remain- ed for a number of years, its waters being devoted mostly to the supply of a bathing establishment erected in its immediate vicinity. After the de- cease of Mr. Putnam, the property passed into oth- er hands, and the well has been recently sunk to a much greater depth, and more effectually secur- ed against the intrusion of foreign substances, by which means the water has been materially im- proved. The surface of the water within the curb is con- stantly agitated by the escape of large quantities of gas; and as the water passes off, it leaves on the surface of the earth an abundant deposit of a HAMILTON SPRING. 135 brownish colour, evidently ferruginous and calca- reous. The water, when first taken from the spring, is remarkably clear and sparkling ; but, on standing exposed to the atmosphere, soon becomes turbid. It is saline and acidulous to the taste, and when taken to the quantity of five or six half pints, is usually cathartic and diuretic. The temperature of the bottom of the well is uniformly at 50 deg., and its specific gravity at the temperature of 60 deg. and under a pressure of the atmosphere, indicated by the mercury in the ba- rometer standing at thirty inches, is 1008.5, pure water being 1000. The indications afforded by the application of tests correspond with those already noticed in the examination of the Congress water ; and by pur- suing a process similar to that adopted in the anal- ysis of that water, the following ingredients were obtained from one gallon, viz. grs. Chloride of Sodium, 297.3 Hydriodate of Soda, 3. Bi-carbonate of Soda, 27.036 Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, 35.2 136 HAMILTON SPRING. Carbonate of Lime, Carbonate of Iron, Hydro-bromate of Potash, a trace. Solid contents in one gallon, Carbonic acid gas, 316 Atmospheric air, 4 Gaseous contents in a gallon, 320 inches. This water ranks first among the springs as a di- uretic, and it has long been celebrated for its good effects in gravelly and calculous affections. It is second only to the Congress in its saline impreg- nation, and is frequently used as a substitute for the water of the latter spring in all those cases where the irritable state of the stomach renders the more drastic effects of that water inadmissible. In scrofula, and indeed all other indolent swel- lings of the glands, the water of this spring, togeth- er with that of the Columbian, will unquestionably take the preference ; for, although they do not contain quite so large a proportion of the iodine as is found in the Congress water, they contain a much less quantity of other active saline ingredi- ents, which render them less liable to affect the 92.4 5.39 460.326 grs. HAMILTON SPRING. 137 bowels, and their effects upon the system general- ly are thereby rendered more certain. It is, without doubt, owing to the iodine which these waters contain, that they have become so fa- mous in the cure of strumous affections ; and the water which contains the greatest abundance of this article, and is least encumbered with those substances that may tend to retard or prevent its effects upon the system, should unquestionably be directed as the most applicable in these com- plaints. The Hamilton bath-house is erected close to this spring, and is supplied by it with water for its mineral baths, which are situated in secure and well furnished apartments, prepared either for shower bathing or immersing the body in the water, which may always, during the season, be procur- ed either warm or cold. Fresh water baths are also furnished here for those who prefer them, and which should always be preferred in cases where the bath is used simply as a source of cleanliness. The rooms are sufficiently spacious and well ven- tilated, and the whole establishment is cleanly and well conducted. m2 FLAT ROCK SPRING. Following the course of the valley in a north- east direction from the Hamilton, about one hun- dred rods, we come to the Flat Rock Spring. It is situated directly in the rear of the Pavilion, on the verge of the marsh, at the foot of a steep bank which terminates the west side of the valley, through which a small brook passes. This bank is composed of argillaceous earth and sand, and is elevated about forty feet above the level of the brook. The earth for some rods around this spring was formerly encrusted by a thick bed of calcareous tufa, which long exposure to the air had hardened into a pretty solid rock; and from this circum- stance the spring received its name. This rock was neither more nor less than the usual sediment deposited by the water, combined with sand, leaves, sticks, &c. for which it was indebted to the wind and rain ; and is no more than what happens about any of the fountains where the water does not find a ready egress, or is suffered to stagnate in their immediate vicinity. The progress of improve- PLAT ROCK SPRING. 139 ment has, however, at this time nearly obliterated this natural platform, and the spot is now occupi- ed by a tasteful little Chinese temple. The well has been sunk to the depth of about ^'fifteen feet, and a square tube made of plank in- serted to its bottom. Through this the water rises to the surface of the earth and runs off in a small stream, depositing a copious sediment of a dark brown colour, along the whole extent of its course to the brook, which passes some rods distant. The appearance and taste of this water very much resemble that of the Columbian, and the analysis, conducted upon the same principle, con- firms the similarity. Its temperature is 48 deg. and its specific grav- ity at the temperature of 60 deg. the barometer standing at 29.5 inches, is 1006.9, pure water be- ing 1000. One gallon afforded the following articles, viz. Chloride of Sodium, Carbonate of Lime, Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, Bi-carbonate of Soda, 148.866 60.573 42.7 20.79 140 FLAT ROCK SPRING. Carbonate of Iron, 5.39 Hydriadate of Soda, L33 Hydro-bromate of Potash a trace in four gallons. Silix & Alumin&a minute quantity.------- Solid contents in one gallon, 279.649 grs.*« Carbonic acid gas, 287.5 cub. inch. Atmospheric air, 6.5 inches. Gaseous contents in a gallon, 294 cub. inch. This water is used in all cases for which the Columbian is recommended. It has generally been considered one of the best chalybeate springs which the place affords, and on that account has been the most frequented. It is not improbable that there are cases in which this water will an- swer a better purpose as a tonic medicine than the Columbian, from the circumstance of its con- taining a greater quantity of carbonic acid, a less quantity of the saline principle, and at the same time containing an equal portion of the tonic prop- erties. HIGH ROCK SPRING. Pursuing the course of the valley about one hundred rods further in a northerly direction, we come to the High Rock Spring ; it is situated near the base of a ledge of calcareous rocks which at this place mark the westerly side of the valley. The rock which gives the name to this spring, and surrounds and encloses the fountain, is of a conical shape, and apparently rests on the surface of the marl, or is but slightly connected with it. It narrows rapidly as it rises from the earth, and terminates in a rounded top, in the centre of which is a circular opening, which leads to the interior cavity. This hole gradually widens as the rock en- larges, leaving its walls nearly of an equal thick- ness throughout In this cavity the water rises some feet above the surface of the surrounding earth, and is there seen constantly agitated by the incessant escape of carbonic acid gas,: for which the vacancy anove the water forms a capacious and secure reservoir, where the curious may at any time make the experiment of its deleterious effects on animal life. 142 HIGH ROCK SPRING. This rock very justly claims a conspicuous place among the interesting natural curiosities which our country affords. The venerable Dr. Seaman in noticing this singular production observes: " The more we reflect upon it, the more we must be convinced of the important place this rock ought to hold among the wonderful works of na- ture. Had it stood upon the borders of the Lago d' Agnano, the noted Grotto del Cani, which bur- dens almost every book which treats upon the car- bonic acid gas, since the peculiar properties of that air have been known, would never have been heard of beyond the environs of Naples, while this fountain, in its place, would have been deservedly celebrated in story, and spread upon canvass, to the-admiration of the world, as one of its greatest curiosities." The following dimensions of this singular pro- duction of nature were taken from actual meas- urement : Perpendicular height, four feet. Circumference at the base, twenty-six feet eight inches. Length of a line drawn over the top, from north to south, eleven feet seven inches. HIGH ROCK SPRING. 143 Length of the same from east to west, ten feet nine inches. From the top of the rock to the surface of the water, ordinarily, two feet four inches. Depth of water in the cavity of the rock, usual- ly, seven feet eight inches. The hole at the top is nearly circular, and meas- ures ten inches across. This rock belongs to that species of limestone termed calcareous tufa, being evidently the pro- duct of the water. It is composed of the carbo- nate of lime, magnesia, and the oxide of iron, to- gether with a proportion of sand and clay. It likewise exhibits, when broken, the impressions of leaves and twigs of trees. It is somewhat undu- lated on its surface, and about the top compact and indurated, while near its base it is of a more spongy and friable character, but every where suf- ficiently compact to render it impervious to water. That the water at some former period issued from the cavity and descended upon the sides of the rock, will scarcely admit of a doubt; but the precise manner in which the rock was formed, or the time when the water used to flow upon its surface, is not quite so obvious. The most prob- able conjecture is, that the basis of this mass was 144 HIGH ROCK SPRING. commenced beneath the surface of the earth ; that the water, thus confined within the limits of its own sediment, continued to rise, and as it escaped over the sides of its prison, constantly added to the dimensions of its walls. In this manner it would continue to rise until the column of water in the rock balanced the power that forced it up, in which case it would become stationary ; and it is but just to infer, that in proces of time, the power so propelling the water might be diminished in its force, when the water in the spring would of course sink in exact proportion to the loss of that power. There was an opinion prevailing among the ear- ly settlers, that the rock had been fractured by the fall of a tree, and to this accident they imputed the failure of the water to run over its top, be- lieving that it escaped through a fissure, which, although invisible, they still imagined must exist. This conjecture, however, does not appear to have been well founded. The spring was visited as ear- ly as 1767, and no appearance to justify such an opinion then presented itself, although the water did not at that time reach the top of the rock by several inches. HIGH ROCK SPRING. 145 Loran Tarbel, an aged chief of the St. Regis tribe of Indians, told the present Chancellor Wal- worth, that he visited this spring while a boy ; and that he was told by the Indians that the water once ran over the top, but owing, as they suppos- ed, to some of their women bathing in it when they ought not to have done so, the water sunk back into the rock and never showed itself again at the top. The conspicuous appearance which this rock makes, must have introduced it to the notice of the natives at a very early period ; and although it was probably known and visited by individuals whose business called them to the woods, it does not appear to have attracted much attention from the white population of the country until about the year 1767, when it was first visited by Sir William Johnson. From this period, " the spring" came more rapidly into notice, and for some year6 this was the only one to which much consequence was attached. The extravagant stories told by the first settlers of the astonishing effects of this water in the cure of almost every species of disease, are still remem- bered and repeated by their too credulous descend- ants. This, in conjunction with the singular and M 146 HIGH ROCK SPRING. mysterious character of the rock, continue to at- tach an importance to the waters, in the eyes of the vulgar, at which no other fountain will ever arrive The temperature at the bottom of the well is 48 deg., and its specific gravity at an atmospheric pressure, indicated by the barometer standing at 29.5 inches, is 1006.85, pure water being 1000. One gallon of the water afforded the following ingredients, viz. Chloride of Sodium, 189.10 Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, 61.592 Bi-carbonate of Soda, 17.538 Hydriodate of Soda, 2.5 Carbonate of Lime, 69.29 Carbonate of Iron, 5.58 Silix and Alumine, a small quantity. Hydro-bromate of Potash, a trace in four gallons of the water. -------- Solid contents in a gallon, 345.68 grs. Carbonic acid gas, 304 Atmospheric air, 5 Gaseous contents in a gallon, 309 cub. inch. HIGH ROCK SPRING. 147 Since the discovery of the Congress Spring and the extensive improvements that have been made in that vicinity, the water of this fountain, as well as that of several others situated in its immediate neighborhood, have rather sunk into disuse, and the old village, as this part of the town is now term- ed, evidently discovers a correspondent desertion ; but whatever may be the destiny of the place or the credit of the water, no means should be spar- ed to protect and secure the rock. It has already suffered considerably from the depredations of un- principled specimen gatherers, and it will be final- ly ruined, unless some more effectual method be adopted to prevent it. PRESIDENT SPRING. About thirty rods, in a northeastern direction from the High Rock, in the same valley, is situat- ed the President Spring. The earth was remov- ed to the depth of about four feet, when the spring was discovered bubbling up through the fissures in a stratum of lime rock, furnishing an ample supply of water in the wooden curb which was designed to protect and secure it. Within a few years this spring, like most of the others, has undergone considerable improvement by being more effectu- ally secured against the intrusion of fresh water; since which period the temperature and specific gravity have become the same as that of the High Rock, and the analysis affords the same results. It is therefore probable that these two waters have their origin from the same source ; for they are indeed the same water. RED SPRING. This spring is situated close to the public high- way, about sixty or seventy rods in a north-east- ern direction from the President. Large quanti- ties of ferruginous deposits are found about it, and the water, when agitated, has numerous particles of fine sand stained with this substance floating about in it, which gives the water a red appear- ance, from which circumstance it receives its name. Popular opinion has given much credit to the water of this fountain for its beneficial effects when applied to ill-conditioned ulcers and affections of the skin ; and for the accommodation of those who may wish to use it in this way, a small bath-house has lately been erected close to the spring. The water, however, does not appear to possess any qualities to distinguish it from those which have al- ready been described. Its saline impregnation is much less than any of the other springs, and its gaseous contents are still more deficient when compared with those of the other fountains. n2 150 RED SPRING. Besides the several fountains already enumerat- ed and described, there are some others of less no- toriety located in the immediate vicinity, among which may be mentioned the Barrel Spring, not far from the High Rock, the Walton Spring, back of the Columbian Hotel, and the Monroe Spring, fifteen or twenty rods north from the Flat Rock. Both the former, however, are now entirely neg- lected ; but near the latter is erected a commodi- ous bathing establishment, which this spring sup- plies with mineral water. It has likewise the con- venience for fresh water bathing, and the house is cleanly and well attended. TEN SPRINGS, Pursuing the course of the same valley, about one mile from the High Rock in an eastern direc- tion, we come to the Ten Springs, so called from the circumstance of there being that number locat- ed near together. These springs were discovered about the year 1814, on land that then belonged to Messrs. John and Ziba Taylor, and considera- ble pains were taken at the time to bring them into notice. Several of them were opened and secur- ed by placing in them wooden boxes to keep out the fresh water, and a small bathing house was erected close to them. They never, however, ac- quired much celebrity, and the property having passed into other hands, but little attention is now paid to them ; and it is probable, from their prox- imity to those so distinguished, that they will nev- er rise into much consequence. These springs are situated, like most of the oth- ers that have already been described, in a soil com- posed of argillaceous earth and sand, combined with the usual deposits, (iron and lime ;) and they likewise contain the same constituent properties, differing only in the quantities of the articles which 152 TEN SPRINGS. they respectively hold in solution. Some of them are considerably saline, and being saturated with carbonic acid gas, they constitute a very pleasant beverage, and are much used by those who reside near by, both as a common drink and as a medU cine. ELLIS' SPRING. About two miles from the Congress Spring, in a southwest direction, on land belonging to the heirs of the late Robert Ellis, is another mineral fountain which deserves notice. It is situated in a deep valley on the side of one of the principal branches of the Kayaderosseras creek, the banks of which, at this place, rise nearly fifty feet above its bed, and are frequently indented by deep ra- vines which open into the creek. The side of one of these ravines having been denuded for the pur- pose of erecting mills, furnishes a favorable oppor- tunity for inspecting its structure; the arrange- ment of which is as follows : First, A mixture of clay and gravel, 2 feet. Coarse gravel and sand, with a great varie- ty of small stones, generally smooth, 4 At the bottom of this stratum issues a spring of very pure water, which is never dry, and retains a temperature of 50 deg. Coarse gravel, sand and clay, with paving stones, 20 154 ELLIS' SPRING. Per-oxide of iron, combined with sand and clay, 2 feet. Clay and coarse gravel, 4 Lamellated slate, soft and crumbly, 3 Coarse gravel and clay, 4 Lamellated slate to the bed of the rock, 10 These strata are all placed nearly in a horizon- tal position, and are well defined. The valley in which the mineral fountain dis- covers itself is of a semi-circular form, including the area of an acre. Differing from all others of the kind, this water issues from the bank in a horizontal direction. It betrays its character the moment it approaches the surface, by its sparkling appearance, and the deposit of its iron, which stains the walls of the little rill, as it trickles down the declivity to the marsh, a few feet below, where it has formed a compact rocky substance, resembling in all re- spects, the tufa before described. The water is remarkably clear ; its taste is acidulous and chalybeate, and its temperature is 48 deg. It affords 316 grains of solid contents to a gallon, which contents consist of marine salt, ELLIS' SPRING. 155 carbonate of soda, lime, magnesia and iron ; the last of which it affords in as great abundance as any of the mineral waters either at Saratoga or Ballston. It is indeed a very excellent chalybeate water ; and as such it is in high estimation, al- though, in consequence of its remote* situation, it is but seldom resorted to. QUAKER SPRINGS. In addition to the springs already noticed, there are several others which belong to the same class, situated in the town of Saratoga, about ten miles in a southeast direction from the Congress Spring; they are called the Quaker Springs. These springs make their appearance through a bed of argillaceous marl, at the bottom of a deep valley, surrounded by gray-wacke and argilla- ceous slate. They contain lime, magnesia and iron, held in solution by the carbonic acid, and like the others, they likewise contain a portion of common salt and soda. Their gaseous contents are very small in comparison with those already de- scribed ; and their mineral impregnation is not sufficient to entitle them to much attention, and they are of course but little resorted to. BALLSTON SPA. The village of Ballston Spa is situated about six miles in a southwest direction from the vil- lage of Saratoga Springs, in the southeast part of the town of Milton, and but a few rods from the north line of the town of Ballston. The great re- sort to this place, on account of its mineral wa- ters, has made it like those of Saratoga, a place of much notoriety. The mineral springs are situated in a marsh at the bottom of a deep valley, through which one of the principal branches of the Kayaderosseras creek passes. They were first discovered during the survey and partition of the patent of Kayaderos- seras in 1769 ; and about the same time the Rev. Eliphalet Ball, from Bedford, Westchester coun- ty, with a number of his congregation, settled about two miles and a half from the Springs in a southerly direction, on a tract of land, which was set apart and sold to defray the expenses of the company in surveying the patent ; and which, o 158 BALLSTON SPA. from that time, has been distinguished by the name of Ballston. In 1772, one Peter Ferris purchased and settled on a hundred acre lot, the second west from the springs ; and about the same time Benajah Doug- lass, who had resided some time previous near Lebanon Springs, (which at that time had become a place of some resort,) entertaining the belief that the springs at Ballston might become a wa- tering place of some consequence, purchased a lot of one hundred acres adjacent to and directly west of the then principal spring, near which he erected a small log house for the accommodation of visitants. Encouraged by the success of this small beginning, Mr. Douglass, a few years after, was induced to build a small frame house across the creek, on the flat opposite the spring. At this period the waters had acquired a reputation of considerable notoriety, and they began to be resorted to by the inhabitants of the surrounding " country, particularly from the city of Albany and the settlements along the valley of the Mohawk. Many came with their waggons, bringing their own provisions and forage, and staying several days, substituting the waggon for a boarding house. Af- ter the commencement of the war of the revolu- tion, the settlement of the country was suspended, BALLSTON SPA. 159 and very little improvement was made at these springs until after the treaty of peace was con- cludes. In 1791, Mr. Douglass erected a large building for the accommodation of visitants, the same which now constitutes the front of the excellent and well known establishment owned and kept by Mr. Al- dridge. In 1792, Nicholas Low, Esq. of the city of New-York, the then proprietor of the lot on which the springs were situated, erected a large and commodious house close to the spring, which has been kept ever since as a boarding house, and has sustained a high reputation, well known as McMaster's boarding house. During the ensuing- ten years, these establishments were much enlarg- ed and improved, and several others were erected, and the springs now became the resort of great numbers of invalids, and also of the wealthy and fashionable. In 1803, Mr. Low erected that splendid estab- lishment so universally known and admired, the Sans Souci Hotel, and in the spring of 1804 it was furnished and opened for the accommodation of visitants. 160 ballston spa. In 1807, the legislature of the state passed an act incorporating the settlement at the springs, embracing one mile square, by the name of the Village of Ballston Spa. About this time several springs were discovered in the vicinity of those already known, differing but little in their general character, with the ex- ception of the Sulphur water, a few feet from the spring called Low's Well, and known as one of those called the Sans Souci Springs. During the latter part of the summer of 1817, continued rains had so swollen the small stream which passes through the village, that it burst over its usual bounds, and in some places formed for it- self an entire new channel. On the subsiding of the flood, a new spring was discovered, exhibiting an appearance which, connected with its medicin- al properties, gave for a lime much additional ce-* ebrity to the place. It was situated some rods be- low what was called the Public Well, and in what was, during the freshet, the bed of the stream. It issued from a circular opening of several feet in diameter, affording an immense quantity of water, attended with all the characteristics of a strong mineral impregnation. <