Though many do not consider water a food for the reason that it does not furnish energy, it nevertheless constitutes a large part of the body, and is as necessary to life as any other element which enters into its composition. The importance of pure water can hardly be exag-erated. That which comes from springs is usually considered the most wholesome. Well water, in numerous instances, has been found to be about as pure, though where a well is located adjoining outhouses - stables, privies, etc., - there is always very serious danger of their impurities contaminating the water. The water supplied in cities, though in some instances very bad, is usually far better than the well water secured in such localities.

Referring to the mineral waters that are on sale everywhere I would say that as a rule they cannot be commended. About the only advantage possessed by these waters is merely the fact that one drinks a larger quantity of them than ordinary water, and the body is thus flushed and cleansed. If one would simply secure some pure water and by adding salt or any harmless element that will cause him to drink largely increased quantities of it, exactly identical results can be produced, to those brought about by the use of mineral waters. The principal ingredient in most of these mineral waters which causes one to largely increase the amount used, is salt. This may have an advantageous influence, upon the system when the body is filled with impurities, as the purifying quality of salt is well known, though some hy-gienists claim, probably with grounds for their conclusion, that salt if used continually in great quantities, has a tendency to dry up the tissues. The best way to judge as to the purity of the water is to carefully note as to whether it has the slightest taste, and if there is no indication of this, you can depend upon its purity.

Of course where one's taste has been blunted by over-eating and other intemperate indulgences it would be difficult for taste to distinguish the difference.

Most sedentary workers do not drink sufficient water. It is a well-known fact that a certain quantity of liquid is necessary to the proper circulation of the blood, and to enable all the organs of the body to properly perform their functions. In diseased conditions of all kinds the drinking of copious draughts of water will, in nearly every case, be found productive of beneficial results.

Distilled water can be recommended, and an apparatus can be bought which will furnish it, but it is well to remember that distilled water contains no minerals of any character, and numerous authorities maintain that a certain amount of mineral elements in water is advantageous. I would call attention to chapter referring to mineral food elements.

Filtering is of course of advantage, and whenever the water is inclined to be unsatisfactory a filter can be purchased, or a cheap one can easily be made for home use by merely arranging an apparatus so the water will pass through sand and charcoal. The necessity, however, for frequently cleaning the charcoal should not be forgotten.

The quantity of water needed to maintain the proper condition depends very greatly upon the individual and upon the temperature. In very warm weather considerable water is necessary, that the exterior part of the body may be cooled by evaporation, or perspiration, as it is usually termed. No matter how high the atmospheric temperature, the body retains in all cases when in a normal condition, a temperature of about 981/2 degrees Fahrenheit, and this is maintained simply by the cooling of the exterior surface from evaporation; thus you can readily see, if engaged in some vigorous exercise that heats the blood, or if the temperature is high, the necessity for water greatly increases.

Though pure water is unquestionably of great advantage, it would be well to call attention to the fact that if the body is in a normal condition of vigorous health there is little danger from water which gives no evidence of impurities to the taste. Under normal conditions of perfect health no disease germs of any kind can live in the human stomach. There are germs of health as well as germs of disease, and when the body is in a perfect condition, these germs of health are always stronger than any disease germs which may be introduced, and under these circumstances they are always the victors when compelled to come in contact with the baneful enemies to health.