62 University Geological Survey of Kansas. 
of the mucous membranes with which it comes in contact, it is 
a general reflex stimulant.”’ 
*««TIn moderate quantities, it stimulates the flow of saliva, 
aids digestion, slightly accelerates the pulse, renders the mind 
clear, and the person cheerful. The imbibition, however, of 
large quantities, causes sickness, vomiting, headache, vertigo, 
a tottering gait, and even asphyxia.’’ Bathing in water charged 
with carbon dioxid causes a prickling sensation, which lasts for 
some time, and persons in health, on leaving the bath, experi- 
ence a pleasing exhilaration, and the inclination to muscular 
activity is greatly increased. 
Chlorids are as abundant as sodium in waters, and it is prob- 
able the therapeutic effects of common salt are due to the 
chlorine ion rather than to the sodium. Sodium chlorid, when 
taken into the system, increases the flow of the gastric juice, 
bile and pancreatic juice, stimulates the appetite, and assists 
digestion. Waters containing it possess a slight aperient ef- 
fect, and it tends to prevent putrefactive changes. The quantity 
of urea excreted and the secretions from the bronchial tube are 
increased. So, for gastric, hepatic and intestinal disorders the 
salt waters are useful. ‘This is especially true where there is 
an insufficiency of digestive fluids, with dry stools, a furred 
tongue, and disagreeable taste in the mouth, with loss of appe- 
tite. On account of their strong diuretic action, these waters 
may be used in cases of rheumatism, gout, and scrofula. When 
other positive ions, as well as sodium, are present, the action 
of the chlorin ion is modified. ‘This may be seen in the case of 
magnesium chlorid, which has more marked cathartic proper- 
ties than has sodium chlorid. 
There is frequently more Fluortn in mineral waters than has 
been reported. This is because chemists regard it of so little 
importance that they neglect to test for it. Chas. Lepierre has 
recently shown that in the waters of the north of Portugal as 
much as twelve millegrams per liter of fluorin is sometimes 
found. Its therapeutic action is not well understood. 
The Hydrocarbonate or acid carbonate in some cases indicates 
28. Mineral Springs of the United States and Canada, Waiton, page 63. 
