Part 1 — DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE WATERS.[B]
Reading edition
DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE WATERS.[B]
The cathartic waters, as a cathartic, should be taken only before breakfast in the morning, and possibly before retiring at night, because in the morning the body, refreshed by sleep, is best prepared for the water, and the stomach is empty. Two or three glasses are usually sufficient, if drank within a short interval and only a few minutes before breakfast. Many physicians attribute the cathartic effect to the "stimulus of distention" as well as to the absorption of the mineral properties, and for this purpose the water should not be sipped but drank. Before eating, the sipping of a little tea or coffee will make the waters more efficacious.
None of the cathartic waters should be drank in large quantities immediately before, during or within two hours after meals, as they are then liable to disturb digestion and prevent nutrition.
WASHING AND FILLING.
When suffering from a cold the cathartic waters should be avoided. Those affected with lung complaints should not drink these waters.
As an alterative, the waters should be drank in small quantities at various intervals during the day. As their alterative effect is from the absorption of the water, the quantity taken should be small.
The chalybeate or tonic waters are liable to cause headache when taken before breakfast. They may be used with benefit before or after dinner and tea. Only from a half to one glass should be taken at a time.
The diuretic waters should be drank before meals, and at night, and should not be followed by warm drinks. Walking and other exercise increase the diuretic effect.
Attention to system should characterize the use of these as of other remedies.
It is impossible to give complete and invariable directions for drinking any of the waters.
The experience and necessities of each individual can alone determine many things in regard to their use.
It is advisable to consult some experienced resident physician.
A moderate use of the waters will be found most beneficial.
The enormous quantities of water which some persons imbibe at the popular springs is perfectly shocking, and can only be injurious. It is no uncommon occurrence to see persons drink from five to ten glasses of Congress or Hathorn water with scarcely any interval, and the writer has heard of a lady who swallowed within a few minutes fourteen glasses of one of the springs. It is to be presumed that her thirst was satisfied, as no further account of her has been given.
Those who are taking a course of mineral water will usually find their appetite increased thereby.
PACKING-ROOM, CONGRESS SPRING.
An abundance of vegetables should be avoided, and only those which are perfectly fresh should be used.
Frequent bathing in mineral water and otherwise will be found beneficial.
Raising the temperature of the spring water, by placing a bottle of it in boiling water, makes it more efficacious as a cathartic, and is said to remove the iron. Heating the water makes it better for bathing purposes.
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