Reflections on Water Public Lecture The Sparkling Nectar of Spas: Chemical Knowledge and the Commodification of Spa Water during the Late 18 th Century 10 March, 17:30 to 18:30, Room 202, Calman Learning Centre, Science Site, Dr Matthew Eddy (Philosphy, Durham University) This is the twelfth and final lecture in the 'Reflections on Water' public lecture series. In 1793, Peterhead, a provincial Scottish town, celebrated the installation of a new pump room in which residents and visitors could enjoy a drink of its wine-colored spa water. Although the salubrious effects of the water had been known for centuries throughout the north of Britain, Peterhead’s new trading links to Holland, England, and the Baltic ensured the arrival of guests who knew nothing of the well’s virtues. This paper addresses how spa water was commodified in the late 18 th century. In the end we will see that this sleepy provincial location was, indeed, not very sleepy, and that the events ...