XII. On the specific gravity, and temperature of sea waters, in different parts of the ocean, and in particular seas; with some account of their saline contents

Abstract

While analyzing the waters of the Dead Sea and the River Jordan, about twelve years ago, and conversing on the peculiarities of these waters with a late valuable and lamented Member of this Society, Mr. Tennant, it occurred to us that a chemical examination of different seas, in a variety of latitudes and at different depths, might be interesting; and that, however unlikley to be productive of any striking discovery, such an inquiry, conducted with due care and attention, might afford curious results, and throw some light on this obscure subject. We accordingly began to collect specimens of sea water from various parts of the globe, and it was agreed that I should aided by Mr. Tennant's occasional advice, submit them to chemical analysis. In the course of a few years I became possessed, through the kindness of several friends, of a great variety of specimens of sea water; and I was preparing to examine them, when a most deplorable accident deprived science of the sagacious philosopher from whose friendship and enlightened assistance I had anticipated so much advantage. Procrastination and delay were the natural consequence of this misfortune; and I should probably have entirely lost sight of the subject, had not my intention been again directed to it by the late expeditions to the Arctic regions, and the great zeal and kindness of some of the officers engaged in them, in procuring for me specimens of sea water, collected in different latitudes, and under peculiar circumstances, so as to add greatly to the value of those which I previously possessed.