White Sulphur papers; or, Life at the springs of Western Virginia

164 APPENDIX.
Organic Matter,
Precipitated Sulphur.
The gaseous matter consists of.
Sulphuretted Hydrogen,
Carbonic Acid,
Nitrogen,
Oxygen.
''As a wholesome and pleasant beverage, or as a corrector
of thirst, the convalescent visitor may safely consult his
own pleasure as to the time of taking the water, or the quantity
to be taken.
With such it may be used with safety and advantage at
any time of the day; but with those in feeble health, much
regard is due to both time and quantity. The custom that
prevails at the fountain, of using it an hour or two before
each meal, is
generally correct with this qualification, that
the larger quantity should be taken in the morning before
breakfast.
From two to six glasses of the water taken at this
time, followed by smaller quantities before each succeeding
meal, usually exerts a decided cathartic effect in
the course
of the day, and at the same time augments considerably
the ordinary secretions of the kidneys.
The effects of this
v;ater, like all other medical agents, are much influenced
by the condition of the stomach and bowels, at the time of
using it, as well as by the state of the system generally.