66 University Geological Survey of Kansas. 
these waters, says: ‘‘To attempt an explanation of the medic- 
inal effects of sulfur water is difficult, and apt to result in dis- 
appointment. That such waters are potent in their effects upon 
the skin, the mucus membrane in general, and those of the air 
passages in particular, as also upon the liver and the whole 
portal region, is demonstrated in many cases. It is likewise 
known that the efficacy of such waters does not depend so much 
upon the free sulfureted hydrogen gas which they contain as 
upon the sulfids and perhaps other sulfur compounds from 
which, after their getting into circulation, sulfureted hydro- 
gen is evolved. The free gas, inhaled, or in solution in water, 
taken into the stomach, rapidly leaves the body without pro- 
ducing any apparent effect, while, when eliminated from sulfids 
that had entered into circulation, it manifests its presence by 
the appearance of a characteristic absorption band in the blood, 
and also by its quick and powerful effects upon the organism 
at large. Waters, therefore, which contain soluble sulfids—a 
rather unstable and easily decomposable class of bodies—are of 
much greater therapeutic value than waters merely rich in gas, 
although that gas be chiefly sulfureted hydrogen.” 
Some authorities believe that these waters have an alterative 
action, equal to that of mercury in syphilitic diseases.. Sulfur 
water no doubt has a marked action on the liver, and assists 
this organ in the production of bile, which in turn assists so 
materially in digestion; hence, it is used in the treatment 
of chronic malarial diseases where there is a tendency to en- 
larged spleen and iiver, hepatic congestion, and accompanying 
Symptoms. 
Sulfur waters have been used with success in rheumatism, 
gouty inflammation, and chronic joint injuries. They are es- 
pecially valuable in such cases when used in the form of a hot 
or mud bath. Many people afflicted with cutaneous diseases are 
greatly benefited by bathing in these waters and at the same 
time taking them internally. Medical treatment with sulfur 
waters should be taken under the advice of a competent physi- 
cian, as, if too long continued, they may have a destructive 
action on the system. | 
