CHAPTER XVIII. 
Soft-water Group. 
These are called by some ‘‘indifferent’’ and by others 
‘‘neutral’’ waters. Some of these contain even less than a 
grain of solid matter to the gallon. They are frequently of 
great value as therapeutic agents, especially for persons who 
have been accustomed to drinking hard waters. As stated in 
the chapter on therapeutics, often the most important thing 
about these waters is that they contain so few mineral ingre- 
dients. 
A good example of this class of waters is that of Pfeffer’s 
Springs, where Martin Luther is said to have spent considerable 
time, and where he was cured of hypochondriasis. The 
waters of Wildbad, in Wurtemburg, are of this class. These, 
we know from Roman remains that have been found in the 
vicinity, were used even as early as the time of the Cesars. 
- One reason why such waters are of value in diseases like con- 
stipation is, that the patient is induced to-drink very large 
quantities of water, and this not only renders the contents of 
the intestines more fluid, but it helps to wash out the body. 
If the patient was not so situated that his attention was di- 
rected to the drinking of water, he would not use a sufficient 
quantity. 
The diuretic action of large quantities of water is well estab- 
lished. It also increases the quantity of urea, phosphates, | 
chlorids and sulfates that are discharged. If large quantities 
of water are taken, the temperature of the body falls, and the 
number of pulsations of the heart and of the inspirations are 
diminished. 
This group is represented by the following waters: 
Atchison, Parker’s spring. 
Brookville spring, Saline county. 
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