Pierre Perrault and Edmond Mariotte, French physicists, proposed explanation for a mysterious phenomena in the mid 1600s after collecting data for a period of years. Calculations proved the amount of precipitation that fell on the Seine River Basin was quite sufficient to feed a free flowing spring. As one might imagine, a variety of misguided notions had once persisted for centuries, beginning with Aristotle.
     Today, we know that what comes up in springs, had once dropped down. And Florida with its abundant rainfall and porous earth, is famous for hundreds of clear flowing springs. The famed Silver Springs featured glass bottoms boats as far back as 1870 and the world's largest artesian limestone spring. Pictured here is the Rainbow River, designated a Registered Natural Landmark, nearby Dunnellon. The headwaters for this short river are surrunded by Rainbow Springs State Park. These Florida springs , pumping out 600 million gallon of crystal clear water per day, well up from numerous vents instead of one large depression cone. The park's water are popular for swimming, snorkling, canoeing and plain cooling off.