The term "pop" is applied to a carbonated beverage, and doubtless the name has been derived from the slight explosion which takes place when the stopper is removed. There is no rule nor regulation followed by the manufacturers of so-called pops. Generally the water which is used is colored, usually with caramel, and also flavored with different flavoring substances, either of a natural or synthetic character. If the flavoring substances are of natural origin they can hardly be objected to. The use of synthetic flavors, that is, ethereal compounds derived from alcohols, is not to be commended in any case. While many of these flavors are practically harmless in small quantities, they belong to a class of bodies which must be used with great discrimination, and it is best to have them eliminated altogether. There is one component of these waters which the consumer should be aware of, namely, that they are generally sweetened. Pops are sold largely in hot weather, and especially at great outdoor gatherings, like baseball games. A sweetened water has very little, if any, value as a remedy for thirst. In fact, one of the best ways to induce thirst is to eat large quantities of sugar or drink large quantities of sweetened water. Nature requires a lot of dilution in order to make this excess of sweets tolerable. Therefore, there is little if any benefit, as far as quenching thirst is concerned, derived from the consumption of these articles.