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20
It will therefore be understood, that under favorable circumstances,
it is possible to have putrifying contaminations so destroyed by their
conversion into these acids, as to become almost harmless; but then
it must be remembered that during the seasons of the year when putrefaction
advances most rapidly, this purifying change is frequently
entirely stopped ; for the process of purification is one of oxydation, and
we could no more expect a fire in the grate to bum, with the sun
shining full upon it, than the destruction of these dangerous compounds
by oxydation, in full daylight.
After these observations I need scarcely observe, that in order to
ascertain the fitness of any water used in any particular district, a
complete analysis is necessary. The mere estimation of the amount
of the solid contents with the organic matter, does not give the information
required; it does not show whether that organic matter is of
animal or vegetable origin, neither does it show whether the water
sewage and drainage matters are injurious to health; but when, by a
complete analysis, we find an increase of sulphuric acid, of chlorine, of
magnesia, of phosphate, and nitric acid, it shews that such a water,
does receive dangerous contamination; and if from any meteorological
condition of the atmosphere, the purifying oxydation is put a stop to,
such waters may at some time or other become active in the production
of disease.
I would also observe, that by this complete mode of investigation,
the nature of the organic matter, that is, whether of animal or vegetable
origin, can be correctly ascertained—for if we have organic matter
without increase of magnesia, and chlorine joined with the absence of
nitric acid, we are justified in the conclusion that such organic matter
is of vegetable origin; while, with nitric acid and an increased quantity
of chlorine and magnesia, the conclusion that it is of animal origin is
equally justifiable. From these considerations, notwithstanding the
labour of such investigations, I have subjected nine of the waters
constituting the great sources of supply (and obtained from distant
parts of the parish) to a minute and careful analysis.
The waters analysed are from
The Chelsea water works, specimen taken from stand pipe, Pelham
Crescent.
The Grand Junction water works, specimen taken from stand pipe, in
the "Oxbridge Road.
The "West Middlesex water works, specimen taken from stand pipe,
near Kensington Turnpike.
The Public Pump, in High-street, Notting Hill.