When Water is unclear and turbid, it is generally sufficient to let it settle in order to clear itself, by dropping its Sediment. But if that is not effected, or if it be slimy or muddy, it need only be poured into a large Vessel, half filled with fine Sand, or, for want of that, with Chalk; and then to shake and stir it about heartily for some Minutes. When this Agitation is over, the Sand, in falling to the Bottom of the Vessel, will attract some of the Foulness suspended in the Water. Or, which is still better, and very easy to do, two large Vessels may be set near together, one of which should be placed considerably higher than the other. The highest should be half filled with Sand. Into this the turbid, or slimy muddy Water is to be poured; whence it will filter itself through the Body of Sand, and pass off clear by an Opening or Orifice made at the Bottom of the Vessel; and fall from thence into the lower one, which serves as a Reservoir. When the Water is impregnated with Particles from the Beds of Selenites, or of any Spar (which Water we call hard, because Soap will not easily dissolve in it, and Puls and other farinaceous Substances grow hard instead of soft, after boiling in it) such Water should be exposed to the Sun, or boiled with the Addition of some Puls, or leguminous Vegetables, or Bread toasted, or untoasted. When Water is in its putrid State, it may be kept till it recovers its natural sweet one: but if this cannot be waited for, a little Sea Salt should be dissolved in it, or some Vinegar may be added, in which some grateful aromatic Plant has been infused. It frequently happens, that the publick Wells are corrupted by foul Mud at the Bottom, and by different Animals which tumble in and putrify there. Drinking Snow-water should be avoided, when the Snow is but lately fallen, as it seems to be the Cause of those swelling wenny Throats in the Inhabitants of some Mountains; and of endemic Cholics in many Persons. As Water is so continually used, great Care should be taken to have what is good. Bad Water, like bad Air, is one of the most general Causes of Diseases; that which produces the greater Number of them, the most grieveous ones; and often introduces such as are epidemical. _E. L. i.e._ the Editor of Lyons.