As we have seen that alkalies taken before meals increase the production of acid gastric juice, the alkaline mineral waters are serviceable in atonic dyspepsia. They are especially useful in catarrh of the duodenum and of the bile-ducts, and in the jaundice dependent on this state of the mucous membrane. In incipient cirrhosis, in congestion of the portal circulation, and in haemorrhoids due to the hepatic obstruction, they render important service. Obesity, which is frequently diminished by a course of alkalies, is better treated by alkaline waters, for at the springs these patients can be induced, more easily, to conform to the plan of exercise and diet necessary in these cases.

The alkaline springs have long had a deserved reputation for the cure of gout and rheumatism. With the internal use of the waters should be conjoined baths, douches, etc. Gout and rheumatic affections of internal organs are equally amenable to the same treatment.

These alkaline waters, long used, are especially serviceable in the so-called lithic-acid diathesis. There is little doubt that the continuous use of alkaline waters for a long period will cause the solution of uric-acid renal calculi. For this purpose those alkaline waters rich in potassa are preferable.

When diabetes is hepatic in origin, and occurring in obese subjects, the alkaline mineral waters are extremely useful. A suitable diet should be enjoined.

The following domestic mineral waters may be advised in the above states: Bladon Springs; the California Seltzer; Perry Springs; St. Louis springs; but especially Capon, Saratoga, Buffalo-Lithia, Bethes-da, and other alkaline springs of Wisconsin.

Of the foreign, the most important are Vichy, which is imported at a moderate price, Mount Dore, Vals, Ems, Salzbrunn, and Gleichenberg.

The psychical influences of change of scene, associations, and climate, are largely concerned in the results of treatment with the waters of mineral springs.