56 University Geological Survey of Kansas. 
eases, the anemic states resulting from a severe operation or 
difficult confinement, in all forms of hemorrhage not due to ful- 
ness of the vessels or fragility of their coats, in amenorrhea 
when due to chlorosis, in the debilitating catarrhs of the uterus 
and vaginal mucous membrane, and in the various cachexias, 
the chalybeate waters may be confidently expected to render 
valuable aid.’’ Those who are of a plethoric habit, or who are 
troubled with vertigo, should avoid the use of iron waters. 
A number of theories have been advanced to explain the 
action of iron on the system. Among others may be mentioned 
the theory that it is of value because of the direct absorption 
and gradual utilization of the iron, whether the substance 
given is a body that dissociates with iron as an ion, or whether 
the iron is only a constituent of an organic body or of the food. 
Another theory is that iron given in an ‘‘organic’’ form can be 
absorbed, but inorganic iron simply stimulates digestion and 
absorption, and does not itself enter into the blood. It seems 
to be pretty well established that organic iron may become a 
part of the hemoglobin, and inorganic iron, while incapable of 
this change, assists the organism to utilize the organic iron, so 
both kinds of iron are of value. ‘The term ‘‘chalybeate’’ has 
been applied to iron waters from the name of a very ancient 
people, the Chalybes, who worked in iron. 
Lithium is a rare ingredient in mineral waters, but those that 
contain it have acquired considerable reputation in the treat- 
ment of disease. It is usually considered as present in the 
form of carbonate or bicarbonate, mixed with carbonates of the 
other alkalies. It is probable that many of the so-called lithia 
waters contain too small a quantity of this ingredient to be of 
any therapeutic value. As first pointed out by Andrew Ure, 
lithium forms a soluble salt with uric acid, and this has led to 
the extensive use of lithia waters in cases of uricemia. [or 
uric acid, sand, gravel, and calculi, and in gout and rheuma- 
toid anthritis, as well as in phosphatic deposits in the appendix, 
and in concretions, lithium waters have been used with success. 
As an ion, lithium has an action midway between that of potas- 
