MEDICINAL VALCE. 13 



deposits in the bladder, and are much used in catarrhal conditions of 

 the mucous membrane of the urinary organs. 



Calcic carbonated and ^{carbonated alkaline waters. This class of 

 waters is quite different in its effect from the carbonated waters pre- 

 viously mentioned. While the foregoing waters are evacuant and 

 promote secretions, this class of waters constipates and decreases the 

 secretions. Very obstinate cases of chronic diarrhea have been cured 

 by a sojourn at a spring rich in calcium bicarbonate. Uric acid gravel 

 and calculi are also disintegrated and eliminated by the free use of the 

 above waters. 



Ferrugino'us bicarbonated alkaline waters. These waters increase 

 the amount of haemoglobin and in connection therewith increase the 

 temperature, pulse, and weight. They also increase the appetite and 

 reduce intestinal activity. Such waters give excellent results when 

 used as a tonic. They find their principal application in anaemia and 

 in general debility brought about by sexual diseases. Too long use of 

 waters rich in iron results in constipation and derangement of the 

 digestion. 



Borated alkaline waters. There are comparatively few springs of 

 this description which have been used to any extent. Their therapeutic 

 application, therefore, is somewhat obscure. It may be said, in general, 

 that such waters act as anti acids. They promote the menstrual flow, 

 and so may be used in catamenial irregularities. Applied locally to 

 catarrhal mucous membranes, they are of value. 



Muriated alkaline-saline waters. These waters are especially valu- 

 able in the treatment of catarrhal conditions of the mucous membrane 

 of the stomach, intestines, and biliary passages, and urinary tract. 

 They increase the flow of urine and the excretion of uric acid. The 

 stronger ones are often used as a gargle. 



Sulphated alkaline-saline waters. These waters, like the preceding 

 class, are valuable in the treatment of catarrhal conditions of the 

 mucous membrane. They also act as diuretics. In large quantities 

 they act as purgatives by increasing the peristaltic movement and 

 liquefying the intestinal contents. Such waters as these are especially 

 indicated in obesity. 



Muriated saline waters. As a whole these waters stimulate the secre- 

 tion of the stomach, increase digestion, favor a more complete absorp- 

 tion of foods, and act as diuretics. 



Sodic muriated saline waters. Where these waters are very heavily 

 charged with sodium chlorid they are often used for baths, to increase 

 the action of the skin, and by absorption act as a tonic. Such waters 

 when taken internally are usually diluted. They increase the flow of 

 gastric juice, improve the appetite, increase the flow of urine, and the 

 urea in the same. They also prevent putrefactive changes in the 

 intestines. 



