Page:Essay on the mineral waters of Carlsbad (1835).pdf/58



, as we have seen, being the principal ingredient of our hot springs, their effect can mostly be attributed to that alkali, whatever may be the auxiliary action of their other constituent parts, some of which, discovered later, are in exiguous quantity.

Soda acts with energy on the animal economy, and has a hurtful influence on the arterial system, disposes to hemorrhagies, to scurvy, and disturbs digestion. The Carlsbad water, on the contrary, during the longest cure, animates and vivifies, excites appetite, promotes digestion, and, united to proper regimen, favours the return of health. The difference between the effects of pure soda, and those produced by our waters, can not be otherwise explained than by the union and combinations of that