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118 T H E R M A L S P R I N G S .
from 37 to 38 Reaumer, or 117 Fahrenheit;
but in rainy seasons, by an admixture with
the surface waters, or cold springs, it is
not more than 35, or 111 of Fahrenheit.
It is nearly tastless, and emits the odour of
sulphur, not that of sulplmreted hydrogen.
This spring is peculiarly eligible for the
operation of douching, the water being
precisely of the requisite temperature as it
comes from the rock, and, owing to its elevated
situation, it can be made to fall with
different degrees of force from the requisite
height, and in any quantity, without
the trouble of pumping ; whereas at Aix
la Chapelle, the water is too hot, and the
temperature must be reduced before it can
be used. At Bath the douching is done
by pumps, and the water issues from one
small aperture ; whereas, at Aix, in Savoy,
there are two copious streams, constantly
pouring into each douching cell, and two
douchers to direct its application, who continue
a brisk friction during the process,
which is altogether different from the douching
at Bath, and far more powerful. The
following analysis ofthe waters at Aix were
given by M. Bonvoisin, in the Memoirs
of the Boyal Academy of Sciences at
T H E R M A L S P R I N G S . 119
Turin, for the years 1784 and 1785. It is
possible that they partake of the imperfection
of chemical science at the period when
they were made. I am not aware that any
more correct analyses have been since
made. In 28lbs. of water were found.
In the spring called Eau de Souffre.
Sulphat of soda
Grains.
9
Sulphat of magnesia - 19
Sulphat of lime - 11
Muriat of magnesia 4
Carbonate of lime - m
Iron 1
Hepatic gas, with a small portion of carbonic acid
gas, about one-third of the volume of water.
In the same quantity of water, from the spring called
Eau d’Alun.
Grains.
Sulphat of soda - - 6
Sulphat of magnesia - 6
Sulphat of lime - - 18
Muriat of lime - - 4
Carbonate of lime - 32
Iron _ _ _ 2
Muriat of lime - - 12
A particular kind of hepatic gas, combined with sulphurous
acid gas, about one-third the volume of water.
Some observations on the geological
position of these springs will be given in
Chapter IX.
1 4
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