spring or source of water rising out of the earth. Amongst the ancients, fountains were generally esteemed sacred; but some were held to be so in a more particular manner than others. The good effects resulting from cold baths gave springs and rivers this high reputation; for their salutary influence was supposed to proceed from some presiding deity. Particular reasons, however, occasioned some to be held in much greater veneration than others. It was customary to throw little pieces of money into those springs, lakes, or rivers, which were esteemed sacred, in order 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.