array of high sounding phrases, and millions of fine spun theories, in all departments of medical science could have prevented, or cured disease, it had ere now disappeared from the earth; but it is much to be doubted, whether, these have not rather retarded, than promoted this desirable consummation, by leading men's minds away from the only true teacher, practical observation. We have some reason to believe, that the medical art was quite as effective in its application half a century ago, as it is at present, allowing, of course, for the means then at its disposal. It has therefore been the author's study to exclude as much as possible from these pages, the discussion of chemical analyses, or medical theories, and confine himself to what is well ascertained and practically useful.

The action of the Sulphur Water upon the body is both various and powerful, according to the quantity taken, and the state of the patient at the time. It operates as an effectual evacuant upon the whole length of the intestinal canal-its effects not being confined, as in the case of the neutral salts to the smaller, nor, as with aloes, and other drastic purges, to the larger bowels. When it agrees with the patient, it does not nauseate or

depress, like other purgatives; but rather, even during its operation, seems to enliven and exhilarate. It cleanses the stomach and bowels very effectually of that adhesive mucous secretion which so often occasions troublesome symptoms, and forms a material for the generation and harbour of the various kinds of worms which infest the human body. Dr. Neale, who wrote upon this water a hundred and fifty years ago, says, "It kills and expells all sorts of worms, together with that slime in the body which is their nest; wherein I have found a round black speck like ink, which I am certain they breed from, which being evacuated the persons were entirely cured and free from worms many years after. And though the worms were carried off, yet while the slime and these seeds continued we could not promise a full cure."

The Sulphur Water, further, acts powerfully although indirectly upon the liver-relieving congestion of that organ, and removing obstruction of the bileducts. In this manner it seems to influence and correct the secretion of the bile itselfrendering it more copious, and of a more healthy quality. It is equally beneficial in those cases of disordered function of the liver, characterised by

a too redundant state of this secretion, as evinced by an unsettled and relaxed state of the bowels, griping pains in the abdomen, and occasional bilious vomiting, especially in the morning. I have seen many cases of this complaint which the use of this water speedily cured, although it appeared at first to aggravate the symptoms.

I am quite convinced that much confusion and obscurity is caused by popular writers on Medicine adhering to the arbitrary distinctions of anatomists in treating of the various organs. It is quite necessary, for the sake of precision in teaching, that we should point out where the stomach or other particular portion of the alimentary canal ends, and another begins; but, for general purposes, it is better to regard the whole as one organ, engaged in the performance, not of various functions, but of different processes of the same function; and then we shall the more easily understand how a disorder of one part of it affects the whole, and how the operation of a powerful agent, such as the Sulphur Water, upon the entire tube is so frequently useful in many diseases connected with it.

Of these the first and foremost must be reckoned DYSPEPSIA or INDIGESTION, which may,

indeed, be termed rather a series of diseases, than a disease. It consists of an imperfect and disordered action of the stomach, in the first instance, and as a consequence of this, a disturbance in the functions of the bowels. The train of symptoms attendant upon this state of things is of a character not more various than distressing. The appetite is capricious and irregular; pain and feelings of distension are experienced after partaking, even of the most moderate meal; heartburn, nausea, and flatulence are constantly tormenting the patient after eating, while faintness, depression, and headache are his companions, if he fasts. The food received into the stomach is not properly digested; and, as would occur if it were deposited in any other warm and moist receptacle, its animal portion becomes rancid and putrid, while the vegetable part ferments and turns sour; and both evolve a large quantity of unwholesome gas, which disturbs the stomach, stupifies the head, and produces uneasiness and discomfort throughout the whole system. The heart and lungs are closely connected with the stomach by sympathy; and are, in their turn, injuriously affected by its derangement. Hence asthma, shortness of breathing, a sensation of

weight across the chest, palpitation, shooting pains, and sometimes a very formidable disease, called Dyspeptic Consumption, are frequent attendants upon indigestion. The Bowels, receiving from the stomach a crude and ill-digested mass, become disordered and uncertain in the performance of their function;-at one time perhaps torpid [and sluggish, resisting the operation of powerful purgatives; at another, irritable and relaxed, increasing the general weakness by frequent dejections.

The biliary system is also thrown out of order; -the bile itself becomes impure and thickened, and passes with difficulty through the proper passages into the bowels; producing that sallowness of eye and complexion, so frequently observed in patients of this class; or, being secreted in undue quantity, and of an acrid and irritating character, teases the bowels with spasmodic pains, griping, and frequent uneasiness. Nor does the evil end here. The result of the process of digestion is a product called chyle, which is taken up by the absorbent vessels from the intestines, and collected into a receptacle, from which it is poured directly into the current of the circulating blood;-thus renovating and supplying that fluid with the mate