THE VANGE MINERAL WATER.
227
The various wells now being sunk yield water of the same
type, varying slightly in strength, but none of them contain as
much sulphate of magnesium as in 1901 when first examined
by Dr. Rideal. At that time, however, the water contained less of
the alkaline sulphates. By a judicious proportioning of the
supply from the different wells on Mr. Cash's land it should be
possible to maintain a supply of fairly constant quality.1
These sulphated waters have received a good deal of attention
from the medical profession and apparently whilst the magnesium
sulphate acts chiefly on the intestines, encouraging peristaltic
action, the sulphates of sodium and potassium slightly stimu-
late the secretion of bile. Thus, by aiding in the expulsion of
effete matter from the system the risk of auto-intoxication
from the bowels is decreased. There may, therefore, be a real
foundation for many of the cases alleged to be cured by this
water, but the action of "faith" cannot be ignored.
1 It should also be mentioned that the water from Mr. Cash's wells is of considerable, organic
and bacterial purity, whilst the sulphated waters of some of the other wells in the neighbourhood
are very impure.
The Dale Family.—[The following note, which should be read in con-
junction with Mr. Miller Christy's account of the family of Samuel Dale, of
Braintree (in Essex Naturalist, xix., p. 49, et seq.), is of interest as giving
some additional items of information on the subject.—Ed.]
Samuel Dale, of Braintree (third son of North Dale, of Whitechapel, silk-
throwster, by his wife, Christian Clark, and grandson of John Dale (d. 1625),
and Elizabeth Dale) was baptised 15th Aug. 1659, at St. Olave's, Hart
Street, the parish where his grandfather resided.
As to his first wife, Judah, I can give no particulars, but the will of his
second wife, Sarah Finch, dated 1 July 1726, was proved 13 March 1729,
in the Deanery of Bocking in P.C.C. There is no other Dale will proved
in that Court.
The only child, a daughter, Christian, was living 5 Aug. 1738, at the
date of Samuel's will, which was proved 6th April 1739, in the Commissary
Court for Essex in P.C.C.
Of his two nephews, John Dale was for 44 years Minister of the Dissenting
Meeting in Faversham, and Francis Dale, the apothecary of Hoxton (d.
1762), became the father of Thomas Dale, the physician of South Carolina,
Member of the Upper House there, who by his 4th wife, became the father
of Thomas Clement Simons Dale, of Devonshire Street, who was great-grand-
father of Admiral Alfred Taylor Dale.
If, as I believe, this family was nearly related to Valentine Dale, D.D.,
Ambassador to France for the marriage of Queen Elizabeth, his arms were
Argent, on a bend sable 3 wolves passant of the field. Crest. A naked arm
embowed holding a sword bendways proper. Hylton B. Dale, Enfield.