Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-09-22
THE BRANDYWINE WAFER.

Of MIR, Bringhurst of this city:
THE BRANDYWINE WATER.
The subject of this communication being
an article of extensive daily use for drink
lug, for culinary and other purposes among
the $4,000 persons at present inhabiting our
city, the necessity of freedom from extrane-
Gus or deleterious matter is evident to ALL
Its purity, however, has been much doubt
ed for some time past and owing 10 the fire.
quent enquiries of late concerning the
poisoning of the Brandywine WATER" am
induced to write this article, not wishing to
add anything to the uneasness already ex-
isting, but TO make plain statement Of this
important matter as view it, leaving each
to judge for himself OF the proper steps TO
take to remedy existing evils.
That evils do exist and that injurious sub
stances are cast into the otherwise whole
some waters of the Brandywine will be
readily seen by reference to the able report
Of the committee OF the Board of Health
published in your paper of the 4th inst.
Bat it would be rather ludicrous to get
suddenly alarmed at these things,which have
occurred TO some extent for years, and censc
to use the water on account thereof, were it
not for the constant increase iu the quantity
of such substances as are daily cast into the
creek and which has got to such an extent
as to demand the earnest and prompt atten-
tion of those in whose charge such matters
| are
My attention has frequently been called
to the peculiar and disagreeable taste and
odor OF the water, and particularly about ten
days ago, when MIR. Belt thought he detect
ed chlorine while swallowing mouthlul
just drawn from the hydrant. Upon apply
ing the tests its presence was clearly proved
n gallon OF the water was ut once caught
and evaporated, yielding six grains Of solid
residuum or more than three times as much
as it did eighteen months ago, when the
yield was less than two grains, the water in
both instances being perfectly clear and
free from the disturbing influence of rain
for at least seven days.
) These six grains upon examination were
found to consist principally of Sulphates
y and CarbOnates of Soda and Lime, Chloride
; of Sodium and Organic matter.
Now, in the report of the committee it il
acknowledged that the only satisiactor,
method Of determining the character amount
and SOURCE of foreign substances is by a
thorough chemical and microscopical inves
tgation Of the water and it is further stated
that DIR. F. A. Genth Of Philadelphia, I'm,
preceptor in Chemistry,) well known as ono
OF the most experienced and reliable Ana
lytical Chemists in the United States offer
f TO make the investigation for 5000 Qess
than three cents head for the citizens o
Wilmington small sum considering tn,
satisfaction it would afford, or compare,
with that paid by the city of New York fol
the examination Of the Crotoro'NA''
which Dr. Chiffon received Slo' M
: DIR. Genth in u recent ,,n,O
mo hig ,lop ,,ne rspted 10 all ~ @NiNTN'
me MS pan was ..Av conversation tolt
uooHe u make three analyses on,
M nc mills to ascertain the character
les VI the water before contamination with tn
e discharges from the mills. A second abou
the mills to determine the character an,
amount of impregnation received from thes
T. discharges and u third at the City Bash
to show how much is retained upon reachin
d the reservoir, and how the water there CON
q pares with that far up the creek.
II by this investigation it is found tina
no real cause for alarm exists, it will be
1t satisfaction TO all and u convenience {
many anxious persons who consider tn
water unwholesome and even poisonous, an
1T have water carried from distant springs
l. pumps for drinking and culinary purposes.
If the water is rendered unwholesome, al
Is the interests OF one or half Il dozen manu-
N Iacturers to stand in the way of the healt
No of 22,000 citizens?
~ In business point of view the 5000 c1
IN animation would be good investment
lis settling the question Of purity of the Bra
,s dywine water which if left 10 90 on mi
% seriously lnjure the reputation our city Ii
Sc heretofore enjoyed for healthy location al
en- pure water, and deter citizens of other Stat
\ from locating or sojourning here.
Very Respectfully,
Oh FERRIS BRIEGHuRsr.
9th mo-, 1868.