lled gravel. Such deposits are not only annoying
and painful to the patient, but in time may prove fatal if not removed
by surgery.

Middle-aged and elderly people should never drink anything but soft
water. If a natural supply of soft water cannot be obtained distilled
water should be substituted. If neither natural soft water nor
distilled water are available, and there is doubt as to the purity of
the water that is being used, it should be boiled and then let stand to
cool and settle. Boiling not only destroys and renders harmless any
organic germs that may be present, but also precipitates and eliminates
much of its inorganic salts.

A few drops of a weak solution of nitrate of silver added to a glass of
water will quickly determine its quality. If the water that is being
tested is free from mineral matter no change is produced, but if it
contains mineral it turns the water opaque or milky.

The value of mineral water as a healthful or necessary drink has been
greatly exaggerated. While it may do good in some instances, it is not
nearly as beneficial as is commonly supposed. Instead of it always
doing good the contrary is often true.

If a mineral water is desired there is no necessity of visiting a
mineral spring to obtain it, as it can be made artificially at home or
at the nearest pharmacy in any quantity or of any quality desired, with
the additional advantage of having it contain exactly the ingredients
wanted. There are nearly as many mineral waters on the market as there
are patent medicines, and both are about equally misrepresented and
deceiving. All classes of people would undoubtedly be greatly
benefited in health, strength and longevity if more attention was given
to the quality of our domestic water supply. Any one who needs a
change, other things being equal, should seek a resort that furnishes
pure, soft water rather than choose a spring that only boasts of its
mineral properties. Not all of the benefit that is derived from a
course at watering place is due to the virtues of the water, be it ever
so potent. The change of environment, climate, diet, bathing, etc.,
are each factors that contribute something towards a cure.

Next to using pure water as a beverage it is important to know how to
bathe properly, such knowledge being simple and plain enough if only
common sense is used. Usually the more simply a bath is administered
the better are the results. Some people seem to think tha