spring or source of water rising out of the earth. Among the ancients, fountains were generally esteemed as sacred; but some were held to be so in a more particular manner. The good effects received from cold baths gave springs and rivers this high reputation; for their salutary influence was supposed to proceed from some presiding deity. Particular reasons might occasion some to be held in greater veneration than others. It was customary to throw little pieces of money into those springs, lakes, or rivers, which were esteemed sacred, to render the presiding divinities propitious; as the touch of a naked body was supposed to pollute their hallowed waters. For the phenomena, theory, and origin of fountains or springs, see Spring.

Artificial Fountain, called also a jet d'eau, is a contrivance by which water is violently spouted upwards. See Hydrodynamics.

Boiling Fountain. See Iceland.