On my arrival at Paris, I drank two bottles of the water, and found no difference in the taste or effect, than that experienced last year at Ballston, from which I conclude that the component parts suffer little or no alteration from transportation.

Having this moment heard of a safe opportunity to New-York, I have only time to assure you of my esteem and respect.

Your most obedient servant,

ROBERT L. LIVINGSTON.

"L'Analyse de l'eau que M. L. m'a donné à analiser, contenant par bouteille de 25 onces.

12 1-2 grains.

4. Muriate de magnesie (sel marin à base de

magnesie)

5. Muriate de chaux (sel marin à base de chaux) 5 grains. 6. Carbonate de fer

4 grains.

"Aucune eau minerale de notre continent n'est aussi riche en substances salines de ce genre; celle de Vichy, qui a une grande réputation, ne contient par bouteille qu'un dixième de grains de carbonate de fer tandique celle dont nous donnons l'analyse en contient 4 grains. C'est au fer que ces espèces d'eaux acidulées doivent leur qualités toniques et désobstruantes.

"A la dose de deux bouteilles l'eau d'Amerique doit être un leger purgatif qui convient dans tous les cas, ou il est nécessaire d'évacuer la bile, et donner du ton au

F

systême vasculaire; cette eau véritablement précieuse, pour une infinité des maladies, semble avoir été formées par la nature, dans les meilleures proportions, pour guerir les pâles couleurs, et les suppressions. On ne doute point que cette eau ne devienne un objet important de commerce."

VII.

OBSERVATIONS on the use of the BALLSTON MINERAL WATERS, in various diseases; addressed to Mr. JOHN COOK, of Albany, by DAVID HOSACK, M. D. Professor of Botany and Materia Medica, in Columbia College.

SIR,

New-York, June 20th, 1810.

To notice all the diseases in which the Ballston waters may be exhibited with advantage, and those in which they do harm, together with the circumstances which should be attended to during the use of them, would far exceed the limits of such a communication as you expect from me, in compliance with your request. Nor do I possess those details which are necessary in taking a full view of the subject; they can only be attained by a long residence at the springs, and a watchful attention to the operation of the waters in the various diseases in which they are prescribed. These particulars will probably be communicated to the public by Doctor Powel, a physician of learning and talents, who has resided several years at Ballston; and who is possessed of much valuable information on this subject. I shall, therefore, confine myself to a few remarks which are more immediately suggested by the preceding analysis.

The Ballston waters have been long known to yield a great quantity of fixed air, and to hold in solution a large portion of iron. By the analysis referred to, it appears that they yield a much larger proportion of fixed air, and that they contain a greater quantity of iron, than any other mineral water that has hitherto been discovered, not excepting that of Vichy, one of the strongest chalybeate waters in Europe. But it appears that they also contain another substance, viz. the muriate of lime, which, with the other ingredients with which it is associated, promises to be of great and extensive utility.

We are accordingly from this analysis induced to ascribe more virtues to the Ballston waters than physicians have generally believed them to possess. Although much is due to exercise, change of air, and an agreeable occupation of the mind, which the amusements of watering places usually afford, I have no doubt, from the sensible effects produced upon the system by the waters themselves, that they also are productive of great good in a variety of diseases, some of which I shall now briefly

enumerate.

1. From the effects of the Ballston waters, as a strong chalybeate, they may be employed with advantage in most diseases of dèbility, whether directly or indirectly such. But in those complaints which are attended with an increased excitement of the whole system, or with local inflammation, they are manifestly prejudicial. These principles are deducible from the qualities of the waters alone; but they are also confirmed by the experience and observation of physicians who have attended to their operation.

Accordingly, in intermittent fever, dropsy, dyspepsia; in hypocondriasis and hysteria, connected with or proceeding from debility of the digestive organs; in paralysis, chronic rheumatism, gout in its chronic state, chlorosis, fluor albus; in suppression of the menses when arising from weakness, in worms, and in other diseases of debility, whether of the intestinal canal, or of the whole system, the Ballston waters have been long and justly celebrated. On the other hand, in a plethoric state of the system, as in pregnancy, in consumption of the lungs, inflammation of the liver, acute rheumatism, dysentery, and other diseases of an inflammatory nature, in which they are often times resorted to, they invariably do injury. We may, perhaps, except from this remark, a species of consumption which arises in females about the time of puberty, in which, from want of energy in the system, menstruation does not take place at the period in which it usually appears; dyspepsia ensues, followed with general irritation of the nervous system, pain in the breast, cough, sometimes hæmorrhage from the lungs, and ultimately terminating in confirmed consumption. These consequences have frequently been prevented by a course of iron, and vegetable tonics, aided by generous diet, and exercise, especially riding on horseback. Under similar circumstances, I have no doubt that the Ballston waters may be serviceable in this species of phthisis in its incipient state; but they should never be employed in diseases of this nature, without the advice of a physician.

2. From the saline impregnation of these waters, and their operation upon the urinary organs, as well as by perspiration, they are indicated in diseases of the kidneys and bladder, in gout, chronic rheumatism, and eruptions upon