BAILeEy. | Mineral Waters. 59 
erties of alkaline waters, and are the best for use when alkaline 
waters are indicated. There are no waters in Kansas that at 
all correspond to the Saratoga waters, for instance, in abun- 
dance of carbonated alkalies. Their effect on the system can 
hardly be ascribed to the presence of the sodium ion, or to the 
potassium ion, which is often present. They have a marked 
action on the mucous membranes and increase the secretions. 
As previously noticed, catarrhal conditions of the stomach or 
intestines, especially when accompanied by chronic diarrhea, 
or when there is too great acidity in the alimentary canal, may 
be treated with success by waters containing sodium carbonate. 
The activity of the skin and kidneys will be increased. It is 
by some asserted that diabetes may be successfully treated with 
these waters, and sugar may be caused to disappear entirely 
from the urine. | 
Sodium as a chlorid is even more abundant than sodium 
carbonate. As brines are common either in the surface springs 
or in the deep bored wells, there is no ingredient of more im- 
portance. Most authorities assert that salt is actually necessary 
for a healthy growth of the body, as it is a constituent of almost 
every structure. It has much to do, no doubt, with the regu- 
lations of exudation and absorption, and assists in maintaining 
the fluidity of the albuminoids in the blood. As so many of the 
effects of these waters are no doubt due to the chlorin ion, 
rather than the sodium, the further consideration will be de- 
ferred until chlorin is discussed. 
Strontium, though found in small quantities in a few waters, 
has, so far as known, little therapeutic value. In general, it 
resembles barium, although somewhat weaker in its action. It 
is suggested that, ‘‘being an intestinal antiseptic, however, it 
is possible that considerable quantities of the strontiated waters 
might be found useful in flatulence, intestinal torpor, summer 
diarrhea, etc.’’ It is usually considered as present in the form 
of bicarbonate, accompanying similar salts of calcium and mag- 
nesium. ‘‘In dilute solutions only very small amounts are ab- 
sorbed from the stomach; none from the intestines, since it is 
