293 



Now, as to the mineral alkali, nature presents us with 

 similar, nay, more extraordinary results, in the mild, mi- 

 neral, alkaline impregnation of the waters of Carlsbad in 

 Bohemia. Here are several springs, varying in tempera- 

 ture from 114 degrees, to that of the Brudel, at 165". 

 According to Elliot, they contain, in the gallon, of aerated 

 lime 36 grains; muriate of soda 48; aerated soda 102; vi- 

 triolated soda 6 drachms; some minute proportion of iron, 

 and a considerable carbonic acid impregnation. But Klap- 

 roth rates the proportion of mineral alkali still higher. 



Of the lithontriptic eft'ects of these waters, Springfield 

 gives us a very surprising account indeed: founded, how- 

 ever, upon numerous experiments, instituted upon the spot, 

 by the immersion of many calculi, in the sources them- 

 selves; where they were either entirely dissolved, or acted 

 upon, with an energy that must appear incredible, if we 

 did not consider the nature of the mensti'uum, its high 

 temperature, and constant renewal, by the tlowing of the 

 stream. Nay, the urine of patients, who used these waters 

 for a few days, was found to possess powerful lithontrip- 

 tic eft'ects; as appeared by the immersion of many calculi 

 in it. For an account of these highly interesting experi- 

 ments, too numerous for insertion here, I must beg leaA'e 

 to refer to his Treatise De Fnerogativa Tliermaruin Caroli- 

 jiarum, in dissolvendo Calculo Vesica, prce Aqua Calcis vivee. 



From these experiments, as Avell as the highly beneficial 



effects of these Avaters, taken internally', by the numerous 



calculous and gravelly patients, who frequent Carlsbad, he 



VOL. X. p p establishes 



