MELVILLE (John). Observations on the Nature and Properties of Fixible Air, and on the Salutary Effects of the Aqua Salubris, in preserving Health, and preventing Diseases. To which are added, Strictures on the Present Practice of Physic, Pointing out the Causes which greatly obstruct the Improvement of the Healing Art, submitted to the attentive Consideration of the Public.1789

London: Printed for the Author, by M. Vint; and sold by E. Newbery; Shepperson and Reynolds; W. Richardson; and G. Burnett, First edition, 8vo (215 x 125 mm), [2], ii, vii, [1], [9]-92pp., title page a little browed, modern boards. The author presents to the public his concoction of Fixible Air, and Artificial Mineral Water, which he calls Aqua Salubris, or Salubrious Water, claiming cures or relief of many common diseases. The solution is made up of a mixture of distilled water, oil of vitriol, powdered marble and air, which is boiled in a glass apparatus. The resulting 'tonic' is made more palatable by mixing it with wines or other fermented liquors, helping in the cure of rheumatism, gout, gall stones, bloody urine, scurvy, hypochondria and other nervous complaints. The final leaf gives addresses where Aqua Salubris is available and supplied, including that of Mrs. Elizabeth Newbery, widow of Francis, publishers, at the corner of St. Paul's Church-yard. Wellcome, 1V, p.108; Blake, p.300; Roscoe, A343.