The works of the Honourable Robert Boyle, Esq., epitomiz'd by Richard Boulton ... ; illustrated with copper plates.

CHAP. IX. Titles propos'd for the Natural History of Mineral VVaters, consider'd whilst in their proper Channel.

* 1.1IN order to a natural History of Mineral Wa∣ters, they ought to be consider's in three dif∣ferent Capacities: First, as they are found in their natural Receptacles; Secondly, when drawn up for use; and thirdly, with Respect to their Effects on Human Bodies. To the first of which Heads the following Quaeres may be re∣fer'd.

• 1. Within the Precinct of what Climate or Parallel, and in what degree of Latitude the Mineral Waters are to be found?
• 2. To what point these Waters lie open most in their Receptacles?
• 3. Whether the Ground in which they are found be a Plain, or how much it differs from a Plain?
• 4. If the Ground be upon an Ascent, how far they are from the botttom of that Ascent?
• 5. Whether a Recrementitious Substance ad∣heres to Stones long contiguous to these Wa∣ters?
• 6. Whether subterraneal Fires be near such Waters, and what Phaenomena such exhibit?
• 7. Whether Brimstone or Sal-Armoniack, &c. be found about the Vents of such subterraneal Fires?

• 8. Whether instead of subterraneal Fires, there are other adjacent Aestuaries? and whether such be constant or intermitting? and if so, whether periodical or irregular?
• 9. Whether Mineral Fumes of particular co∣lours or smells arise from such Aestuaries?
• 10. Of what Temper the neighbouring as well as the Soil they pass through is of?
• 11. Whether and of what Nature those Mi∣nerals are of which they pass through?
• 12. Whether the Mineral Waters be origi∣nally fresh, and derive their Virtues from the Soil they afterwards pass through?
• 13. Whether if it acquir'd its Virtues so, there were upon the Impregnation any Efferves∣cence? or whether any such Effect succeeded its Mixture with another Liquor?
• 14. Whether there be a Spring of a contrary Nature near it, viz. as to Heat and Cold, as it is observ'd in France.
• 15. Whether an oyly or bituminous inflam∣mable Substance float in it?
• 16. Whether the Seasons of the Year, or Tem∣perature of the Weather alters them? and what Qualities they lose or acquire by such? For after Rain I have observ'd such Waters incapable of turning a Tincture of Galls black: But as to its Medicinal Virtues, I have found that Rain after long Droughts, hath rather increas'd than dimi∣nish'd their Strength, by dissolving and diluting those Salts, which were fix'd in the Earth for want of a Vehicle; but if the Waters be weak, and the Rain much, those Salts being the more diluted, render the Waters less Effe∣ctual.

• 17. Whether the Qualities of the Waters may be Chymically and Mechanically discover'd? as also of what Colour and Weight, and with what Menstruums their Salts may be mix'd? and likewise what Substances they will yield when expos'd to different Degrees of Fire, and what other Chimical Tryals those as well as the Caput Mortuum may undergo?

Notes

• * 1.1

  Quaeries in order to a discovery of the Virtues of Mineral Waters.