Page 26 - 1915, Springs of CA.

26 SPRINGS OF CALIFORNIA.
of the analyses presented are proximate only, the properties of reac-
tion are nevertheless tabulated with each analysis to facilitate com-
parison.
THERAPEUTIC VALUE OF WATERS.
The use of mineral waters under the direction of competent physi-
cians at mineral-spring health resorts and sanatoriums is attended by
most beneficial results. It must be admitted that one of the chief
sources of benefit is the change of habits the throwing off of business
cares, the relaxation, fresh air, and exercise that usually accom-
panies the use of mineral waters at resorts. This change in itself,
without the associated mineral-water treatment, is sufficient to accom-
plish many apparently wonderful cures. That the use and misuse of
waters is accompanied by marked physiological effects is, however,
well demonstrated. The cases of misuse have been among the most
instructive examples in hydrotherapy and have given point to the
lesson that medicines, whether administered as drugs or as mineral
waters, should be taken under the advice of those who understand
their physiological effects. Anderson 1 says:
The indiscriminate use of mineral waters, either for drinking or bathing purposes,
can not be too strongly condemned, for while they look bland and harmless, they are
potent therapeutic agents which may accomplish much good if judiciously employed
but may also do much harm and may be followed by serious if not fatal results in
careless hands.
Crook 2 says:
It may be said without fear of dispute that the most frequent as well as the most
important component of a mineral spring is the water itself. Aside from its absolute
necessity to the preservation of all forms of life, this agent possesses certain very
important therapeutic properties.
Among these properties he mentions the activity of water as a
diuretic. The copious use of water in many afflictions of the kidneys
and genitourinary passages is therefore beneficial. Water tends to
stimulate perspiration in warm weather, thus cooling the body and
assisting in the reduction of fevers. The use of quantities of water
also tends to increase intestinal activity and flush out the bowels.
The foregoing passages indicate in a general way the value of water
as a therapeutic agent, but for a complete discussion of the manifold
functions of water in maintaining and improving the health of the
human system, the reader should consult a physiological treatise.
The mineral substances in natural waters tend to augment or
modify the effects of the water in which they are dissolved. The
scope of this paper does not permit a detailed discussion of the

i Anderson, Winslow, Mineral springs and health resorts of California, p. 13, Bancroft & Co., San Fran-
cisco, 1892.
s Crook, J. K., The mineral waters of the United States and their therapeutic uses, p. 39, Lea Bros. &
Co , New York and Philadelphia, 1899.