Note 400 — ON AIRS, WATERS, AND PLACES.

Corny appears to me to be unnecessarily puzzled to account for our author’s statement, that saltish waters, although held to be purgative, are, in fact, astringent of the bowels. But, although their primary effect certainly be cathartic, is it not undeniable that their secondary effect is to induce or aggravate constipation of the bowels? Certain it is, moreover, that all the ancient authorities held salts to be possessed of desiccant and astringent powers. See Paulus Ægineta, Vol. III., under ἂλες.