CONGRESS 
SPRING 
WATER. 
Congress Spring Co., 
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. 
1885. CONGRESS SPRING PAVILION. 
ERECTED. 1876. (I ongrres spring jitter 
j j 
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. 
ITS MEDICINAL CHARACTER AND USE 
—IN— 
||reuenfinjg jpiscasc and ||rcaf ruing |]eal{!t, 
WITH ARTICLES BY 
MEREDITH CLYMER, M.D.„ 
Ex-Professor of Practice of Medicine in the University of New 
York, Etc., 
W. G. ALLING, M.D., 
Ex-President of the New Haven Medical Society, New Haven, 
Conn., 
ALEXANDER B. MOTT, M.D., 
Professor of Surgery Bellevue Hospital Medical College, 
New York, and 
THOMAS LEGAfy^^SHD. 
Charleston, S. 
Congress Spring*®, 
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. Congress Water, 
THE STANDARD MINERAL WATER. 
Pronounced by Physicians and Connoisseurs 
the purest and most Medicinal Mineral Water 
known. 
CATHARTIC A HD ALTERATIVE. 
Is a specific for Dyspepsia in all its forms. In- 
digestion, Constipation, chronic or recent, inactive 
condition of the Liver and Kidneys, Malaria, Eczema 
and all impurities, of the blood, and is a powerful 
preventive of Bilious Fevers, and regulator of the 
digestive functions. 
Congress Water is put up in clear, green glass 
bottles only, with the letter raised on each bottle, 
and CONGRESS SPRING CO% branded 
on the cork. 
Address: 
Congress Spring Company, 
Saratoga Springs, N. Y. Gengpess Epping Wafeei?. 
Inexperienced drinkers of Saratoga waters in recent 
years, have often suffered serious injuries produced by 
the use of spring waters containing a large amount of 
iron, hidden by disingeniously devised processes. They 
are the victims of deception, being misled into using for 
cathartic purposes, waters that are dangerous. 
The waters of Congress Spring, after near a century 
of trial, are obnoxious to no such charge—it remains 
the same as when it first acquired its reputation as the 
best of natural cathartic and alterative waters, and 
made Saratoga famous as a health resort. 
To-day, throughout the world, this water may be 
procured in green glass bottles only, as pure and nat- 
ural as it flows from the cleft rock at its base. 
There are springs in Saratoga whose waters are 
placed upon the market and sold on the reputation of 
Congress Spring; claiming its virtues without possess- 
ing them, and which are obnoxious to the objections 
above made. That the public may not be injured by 
such means and with no desire to injure the owners of 
Hathorn Spring, or even to hint that in some cases the 
water of that Spring may not act favorably, we have 
endeavored to compel them to publish an authentic 4 
analysis of its waters, so that persons injured by its use 
from the symptoms, may look back to the cause and 
not be left? in doubt as to what waters caused their suf- 
fering. 
The Hathorn water in its effect contradicts its two 
published analyses of 1869 and 1884, as fully as they do 
each other, and faith is in no way restored by the sus- 
picious manner the analysis was procured. Many par- 
ties have charged that the effects of Hathorn water 
upon them has been contrary to what the ingredients 
as published, ought to have produced, and that evil re- 
sults were produced when good was expected. That 
they could not use that water without producing dan- 
gerous symptoms ; and with this firmly believed by us, 
ought We not to say it pro boiio publico; and ought we 
not to say it to protect ourselves, particularly when 
unadvised people visiting Saratoga, and on the same 
day drink of Congress and Hathorn waters, and are 
necessarily unable to determine which is injuring 
them. 
Dr. W. G. Ailing, of New Haven, Conn., like several 
other physicians, accepting jus trustworthy the analysis, 
cards, pamphlets, etc., put forth by the managers of 
Hathorn Spring, prescribed that water for some pa- 
tients of his in 1881, who were more or less injured (one 
of whom severely so) by the use of tluit wjiter. This 
experience led him to investigate its character, and he 
found no difficulty in classing it jus ji saline iron water 
which, had he known its true character, he would not 
have administered. This result he published in the 
Medical Record of March 8, 1884. 5 
To meet this exposure, the managers of the Hathorh 
Spring, in June, 1884, put forth a netv analysis, made of 
water prepared by themselves and shipped to the 
chemist at different times and in different quantities, 
which diminished the offending iron and gross cathartic 
salts mainly over 106 grains, while it increased the 
valuable salts in which it was heretofore, and is still, so 
deficient, over 38 grains. 
In stating these facts, we do not intend to implicate 
the learned chemist, who did not procure the waters 
himself (as he should) at the spring—who did not know 
how much fresh water was added to diminish the pro- 
portionate amount of the offending iron and gross salts 
to the water, or how much of the valuable salts were 
added before closing the bottles sent him. 
A single fact will show, that the Hathorns themselves 
do not believe in their analysis of 1884, for while it is 
pretended that it (the last analysis) shows a diminution 
of the offending iron and gross cathartic salts of over 
106 grains per gallon, yet they publish and prescribe 
over one-third less of the water for the morning dose 
than under their old, or former analysis of 1869. 
Since the expose by Dr. Ailing and the revised anal- 
ysis, the managers have found it convenient to com- 
promise an honorable profession by employing a private 
physician to stand guard over their spring and pre- 
scribe the use of its waters from an analysis that 
is bogus and deceptive, and this is done under the 
pretence of pursuing the European idea, where the 
government, to prevent imposture, appoints its own 
chemist to make the analysis, and its own physician 6 
ijo prescribe the waters. Here, the Hathoms practically 
make their own analysis and appoint their own physi- 
cian to prescribe from it. 
The Congress Spring would hail with delight the 
obtaining of the European idea here, as it would end 
making merchandise of the public health for private 
gain in Saratoga. 
“ For several years I had, in common with a great 
many other physicians of this vicinity, been in the 
habit of prescribing, as occasion required, the cathartic 
waters of Saratoga Springs, almost always ordering 
the Hathorn water. Having frequently seen consider- 
able intestinal irritation following its use, I decided 
three years ago to visit Saratoga, partially for my own 
health, but principally for the sake of studying the 
effects of the cathartie and alterative waters.” 
Thus wrote W. G. Ailing, M. D., ex-president of the 
N ew Haven Medical Society, and who has been, since his 
graduation at Yale Medical College, a thorough, honest 
investigator, and a disinterested scientific inquirer after 
the truth, talcing nothing for fact except that which is 
proved, continued his observations upon the effects of 
Saratoga Mineral Waters, until they ripened into the 
conclusions so fairly expressed in the appended article. 
"Congress Water is sold in green glass bottles only." 
BOTTLE “C” MARK. 7 
[From Medical Record, March 8, 1884.] 
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE SALINE CATHARTIC 
WATERS OF SARATOGA, 
With the Indications and Contraindications 
For Their Use.* 
BY W. G. ALLING, M. D., NEW HAVEN, GONN. 
Mineral spring waters have been known and ac- 
knowledged as efficient remedies in the treatment of 
disease from the earliest ages. So popular is the confi- 
dence reposed in their healing power, that not a spring 
of any value is discovered which does not gain at least 
a local reputation. Mineral waters ranked high among 
the ancient remedies used for the cure of disease, and 
the universal favor in which they are now held by all 
civilized people sufficiently demonstrates that their 
reputation is thoroughly established. With the mod- 
ern nations of civilized Europe, mineral waters have 
always been held in high estimation. Karlsbad Spring 
has been known and patronized, as a health resort, for 
more than five hundred years, and has a world-wide 
fame. In 1880 there were three hundred and ninety- 
four Americans recorded as being under medical treat- 
ment at Karlsbad Springs. 
The most eminent English and European physiciaus 
prescribe a course of mineral water for their patients 
very frequently, while the physicians of this country do 
• Read before the New Haven \ vdical Society, Dec. 8,1888. 8 
so very rarely. My observations lead me to believe 
that a more frequent resort to this class of therapeutic 
agents by the profession would prove of great benefit 
in the treatment of a large class of chronic diseases. 
That eminent French physician, Trouseau, devoted 
much time to writing on this subject, and throughout 
his clinical work, as well as the ablo work of Prof. 
Niemeyer, mineral waters are assigned an important 
place in the treatment of many chronic diseases. 
Although mineral waters have been favorite remedial 
agents with the enlightened nations of the earth for 
many centuries, it was not until 1670 that they were 
first fully analyzed. A correct chemical analysis of 
mineral waters is always of great importance, this only 
enabling the physician to form correct general views 
relative to the nature and powers of the remedy. It 
must be conceded that an analysis, however correct, 
will not always indicate the disease to which the water 
is applicable; still, in the majority of instances, it forms 
an exceedingly valuable guide, and one which cannot 
be overlooked. 
The' number of reputable mineral springs of the 
world is very large, the springs of Europe numbering 
about four thousand, three hundred and fifty, Franco 
alone containing nearly seven hundred. But in no 
other country, probably, do mineral waters abound in 
greater variety than in the United States, the number 
of well-known springs being about six hundred. It is a 
subject of sincere regret that their nature, applicability 
and proper methods of administration should have 
been so little studied by physicians at largo. 9 
Of the large number of mineral springs in this coun- 
try, undoubtedly those of Saratoga are the most famous, 
some of them having a world-wide reputation, as the 
old “Congress Spring,” which was discovered in 1792. 
This, without doubt, is one of the best and safest sal- 
ine cathartic waters ever discovered either in this 
country or Europe. Saratoga owes its wonderful 
growth and popularity largely to the recognized medic- 
inal merit of Congress Spring water. The advanta- 
geous combinations of its salts, and its almost entire 
freedom from iron, should give it the well-merited 
preference it has attained as a cathartic water. Its 
action is prompt and pleasant, without producing 
debility or intestinal irritation, and it certainly is 
strong enough for daily use, but not so strong as to 
produce a reaction. 
Professor Chandler, who has analyzed nearly all of the 
spring waters of Saratoga, including Congress Spring, 
says: “ In submitting my analysis, I take pleasure in 
saying that a comparison of the same with the analysis 
by Dr. Steele in 1832, proves that the Congress water 
still retains, its original strength and all the virtues 
which establish its well-merited reputation. Its superior 
excellence is due to the fact that it contains, in the most 
desirable proportions, those substances which produce 
its agreeable flavor and satisfactory medicinal effects, 
neither holding them in excess nor lacking any constit- 
uent to be desired in this class of waters.” 
Congress Spring water contains much the largest 
amount of bromine of any spring in Saratoga, and it 
also contains a considerable amount of iodine, placing 10 
it in the class of iodo-bromuretted waters, of which very 
few are known. 
Besides the Congress there are five other springs in 
Saratoga classed as cathartic or saline laxative waters.* 
The Excelsior and Union Springs were discovered 
in 1814, but were not tubed till 1859 and 1868, respect- 
ively. The water from these springs will be found a 
mild, but pleasant laxative. My observations of their 
effects lead me to believe that they will bo found more 
useful where an alterative and diuretic effect is indi- 
cated than as a cathartic. 
[Dr. Stillman, in Ills guide to the use of Saratoga Mineral Waters, 
says : “In chronie congestion of the brain (fullness of head, head 
plethora) or cord, or their meninges (covering membranes), attended 
with constipation, the cathartic waters are often of immediate service. 
They relieve the blood pressure, by draining off the superabundant 
serum (liquid portion) of the blood, without sacrificing its more vital 
elements, or exerting an irritating, heat-evolving influence. Ii these 
conditions of the head or spine, the iron waters are to be sir ctly aroided." 
Iu treating the above serious disorders (cerebrospinal affei ti ns), Dr. 
Stillman will see the error of his classing the Congress, Hathorn and 
Excelsior Springs under one head as saline cathartic waters, the two 
last named springs being very strongly impregnated with iron. Dr. 
AUkig, after considerable experience with Hathorn water, says : “ This 
spring should be classed an a saline chalybeate water, an*d only pre- 
scribed as such ” The Excelsior Spring is strictly a chalybeate spring, 
and was so regarded by A. R Lawrenee, one of its former owners, who 
invented a process to hold its iron in solution, which he patented Nov. 
6, 1S66.J 
Hathorn Spring was accidentally discovered in 1868, 
while digging for the foundation of a building, and 
rapidly sprang into favor, probably owing more to acci- 
dental circumstances than to any well-considered medic- 
inal qualities ; in fact, before its true chemical compo- 
sition and medicinal action was known. 
“Saratoga Mineral Waters, by Dr. W. 0. Stillman. 11 
Hathorn Spring is the strongest natural spring yet 
discovered in this country.* The strongest mineral 
waters, like the strongest medicines, have their sphere 
of usefulness in the treatment of certain diseases, and 
often prove of immediate benefit; but that they are ca- 
pable of doing irreparable injury is well-known by ail 
physicians who are familiar with their action. My ob- 
servations of the effects of Hathorn Spring water have 
been that many cases of severe stomach and intestinal 
irritations are caused by any freedom in its use. 
Serious treatment by an active, complicated agent, 
such as this water is, demands constant medical super- 
vision by an experienced physician, who thoroughly 
understands its present chemical composition. Since, 
this water was analyzed by Professor Chandler, in 18G9, 
the spring has been re-dug and re-tubed, changing its 
depth and the lower end of tube several feet in a lateral, 
direction. Eecent tests seem to show quite a change 
in its chemical composition, especially in the amount oi! 
iron which it is now shown to contain. 
By published analysis this spring contains much the 
largest amount of iron of any of the springs classed as 
cathartic waters. This fact seriously challenges its 
safety when prescribed or used freely, or indiscrimi- 
nately, as it so often has been. An eminent physician 
says: “One grain of iron in mineral water, in combina- 
tion with carbonic acid gas, is more potent than twenty 
grains of the Pharmacopoeia 
*J©hn8on’s Cyclcperlia. 12 
[After the re-digging of Hathorn Spring, which was subsequent to 
the printed analysis of Prof. Chandler, and about the time certain of 
our Saratoga iron springs were put forth as cathartic waters, in conver- 
sation with Prof. Chandler, he promised to furnish us with proper 
reagents to test and determine the relative amount of iron contained 
in mineral waters, which he afterward did, bringing to us the reagents 
prepared by him. The first test was made by him in our presence, 
upon three springs, with the following rdsult: Congress Spring water 
contained a trace of iron; the Columbian Spring, a very marked 
amount; and the Hathorn Spring still more than the Columbian ; the 
relative amount being indicated by the different degress of intensity of 
shade produced by the treatment. 
Treating the waters ourselves by the same reagents, and as instructed 
by Prof. Chandler, we repeatedly found the same indications. 
The Columbian is confessedly a strong chalybeate iron spring, against 
the use of which, in larger quantities than one-half a glass at a time, 
we, by card over the spring, caution the public,] 
Trouseau says: “We long regarded iron as a harm- 
less agent, which it was not easy to abuse; now that we 
have grown a little old in practice, we declare that we 
have repeatedly seen patients whose death seemed to us 
the untimely use of strong iron waters.” 
[A conciousne s of this fact may account for the use of powerful 
acids in the bottling of iron waters, so as to prevent the precipitation of 
iron, which will form a sediment visablo to any one, and warn the 
observer of the danger of its use. 
To prevent this precipitation of iron, letters patent No. 59,418 were 
secured. 
If, in the management and sale of such waters, the honesty observed 
by reputable commercial men obtained, the necessity for apology, so 
frequent in our Saratoga papers, and the extraordinary discussions 
lately indulged in as to whether the deaths of the late Gen. Burt, W. M. 
Wadley, Prest. of the Georgia Central R. R., and Rev. P. F. O'Neil, of 
Phila , were attributable to the use of Saratoga cathartic iren waters, 
would be avoided.] 
Ringer remarks : “There are individual peculiarities 
in respect of iron. Some persons cannot take it in any 
form, not even a single dose of weak ferruginous water. 
The digestive organs of some patients are easily upset 
by it.” 
When iron is present in quantities of a grain or more 13 
to the gallon, the spring is called a chalybeate.* This 
spring, therefore, should be considered and classed as a 
saline, challybeate water, and should only be prescribed 
for those diseases to which this class of waters is 
applicable. 
The Geyser and Champion Spouting Springs are 
located about one and one-half miles south of Congress 
Spring, and were brought into existence and notice dur- 
ing 1870 and 1871, by boring through solid rock. The 
Geyser has a bore five and one-half inches in diameter, 
one hundred and thirty-two feet in depth. The Cham- 
pion has a tube two inches in diameter, and is three 
hundred feet deep. So great is the evolution of car- 
bonic acid gas that the water spouts through a two- 
inch nozzle to the height of eighty or one hundred feet. 
The waters from these springs resemble each other 
very closely in chemical composition, the Champion be- 
ing the stronger of the two. They are, therefore, thera- 
peutically indicated in essentially the same ciass of 
diseases. The mineral impregnation of these waters is 
very great, so much so, that rapid incrustation of lime 
occurs on whatever is placed within reach of their 
spray. 
In all of the Saratoga waters the principal constitu- 
ents are chloride of sodium, the alkaline carbonates, 
and carbonic acid gas. Chloride of sodium is one of 
the most important elements in all organic substances. 
It is contained in large quantities in all tissues and 
liquids of the human system. When introduced into 
♦Johnson's Cyclopedia. 14 
the stomach, it excites the secretions of gastric juice 
and favors peristaltic action, and when taken in consid- 
erable quantities is distinctly aperient It seems quite 
certain that a considerable quantity of chloride of so- 
dium taken into the circulation increases the excretion 
of nitrogenous products, accelerating the transforma- 
tion of tissue. 
In speaking of the uses of the saline cathartic waters 
of Saratoga, I shall confine my remarks to a few ob- 
servations (of a general character only) on their medic- 
inal application in the treatment of. disease. Special 
directions can only be given with safety to the patient 
from a careful investigation of the particular symptoms 
and character of each individual case. The necessity 
and benefits to be derived from an occasional cathartic 
to most persons, few will deny. The most satisfactory 
results constantly follow this cleansing process. The 
advantages in such purgation in aiding the operations 
of the intellectual and imaginative faculties, is perhaps 
not known or admitted ; yet we have no less consider- 
able authority than that of Dryden and of Byron on 
this point. Dryden says : “ When I have a grand de- 
sign, I ever take physic; for when you would have 
pure swiftness of thought, and fiery flights of fancy, 
you must have a care of the pensive part, in fine, you 
must purge the belly.” And Lord Byron observes: 
“ The tiling that gives me the highest spirits (it seems 
absurd, but true) is a dose of salts ; but one can’t take 
them like champagne.” And we have far more ancient 
testimony to the same effect. We are told that Carne- 
ades, one of the most famous disputants of antiquity, 15 
was accustomed to take a copious dose of white helle- 
bore, a great aperient, as a preparation to refute the 
dogmas of the Stoics.* 
Saline cathartic or laxative waters increase the appe- 
tite and improve the digestion. After absorption we 
get increased activity of the secreting organs, by which 
these salts are eliminated from the blood, as well as 
increased activity in the gastro-intestinal glands, by 
which the digestive fluids are secreted, and in this way 
they act as stimulants to digestion, the peristaltic action 
of the stomach is accelerated, and its contents are more 
rapidly removed. 
The strong, harsh, saline waters produce watery di- 
vine ejections, and if long continued an irritation and 
even inflammation of the intestinal canal. This is a 
point to he borne in mind, and it should not be over- 
looked in prescribing this class of waters. Chloride of 
sodium waters above a medium strength are irritating 
to certain constitutions, and capable of exciting gastric 
catarrh. 
In many diseases there exists a state of the intestinal 
canal, giving rise to the retention of its contents, which 
is not to be obviated by the occasional administration 
of an ordinary cathartic. In such cases the drinking of 
a large quantity of carbonized mineral water leads to a 
sort of general flushing out of the sewers of the system, 
and promoting those changes of the tissues of the body 
so necessary to healthy nutrition. It helps us to get 
rid of the old, the worn out, or half worn parts of us, 
* Disraeli’s Curiosities of Literature. 16 
and it helps us to build up a new and better man. Fre- 
quent and copious dejections are not desirable, as this 
would eliminate the greater portion of the salts, and 
thereby frustrate their absorption; one or two free 
daily evacuations are sufficient for patients under treat- 
ment. However, it seems to be the general opinion of 
mineral water drinkers that a cure can only be effected 
by much purging. It is always well to remind patients 
that the advantages of having recourse to these waters 
is often felt more after than during active treatment. 
The saline cathartic waters of Saratoga have proved 
of great value, and are therapeutically indicated when 
it is found necessary to increase the activity of the 
stomach and intestines, to improve digestion and as- 
similation, and to promote absorption. They an; 
therefore applicable in a long list of maladies arising 
from congestion or obstruction in the abdominal 
organs. 
In constipation, and hemorrhoids occurring as a re- 
sult of constipation, these waters have achieved some 
of their greatest results. 
In abdominal plethora they afford prompt and grate- 
ful relief. With students and professional men of sed- 
entary habits their action is peculiarly happy, reliev- 
ing a variety of nervous phenomena, promoting sleep 
and tranquility. 
Jaundice, when due to catarrh of the biliary duct or 
obstruction from biliary calculi, engorged condition of 
the liver, when not occasioned by organic disease, are 
especially amenable to their use. In enlarged spleen, 
produced by intermittent fever, and also in chronic 17 
malarial diseases, these waters may be employed with 
great confidence in their ultimate success. 
These waters have for many years enjoyed an im- 
mense reputation in the treatment of scrofula and all 
affections commonly associated with it, and the best 
results have undoubtedly often been attained. Dr. Steel 
says : “ Experience has abundantly sanctioned the be- 
lief of their utility in this disease, and since iodine was 
discovered in these waters they are prescribed in these 
affections with confidence which the importance of this 
jigent is calculated to impress.” 
Congress water contains much the largest amount of 
bromide of sodium and also iodide of sodium of any 
spring in Saratoga, making it a valuable water in the 
treatment of this class of disease. In chronic eczema, 
this class of waters has accomplished many cures. Ex- 
cellent results have followed their use in herpes, acne, 
and psoriasis. 
In chronic congestion of the brain or spinal cord, 
or their meninges, attended with constipation, the' sim- 
ple cathartic waters are often of immediate benefit. 
They relieve blood-pressure by draining off the super- 
abundant serum of the blood without sacrificing its 
more vital elements or exerting any irritating influence. 
But in these conditions those waters containing any 
appreciable amount of iron are to be strictly for- 
bidden. 
[Chas. C. Cranmer, physician and chemist in practice in Saratoga for 
several years, and now of New York city and Saratoga, in answer to our 
inquiry by letter, dated August 26, 1882, as to what, when applied to by 
Mr. Hathorn, he suggested to him as a substitute for tartaric acid, by 
letter dated August 28, 1882, answered as follows : “ As regards the 18 
ingredient t fiuggeflted to Mr. Hathorn to hold In actual and positive 
solution tlio amorphous iron in his spring water, tho drug was acid 
citric (vulgate citric acid) as this article will make a citrate of iron which 
is perfectly soluble.’* 
Prof. Chandler, writing on the composition of Congress water, says; 
" As a cathartic water its almost entire freedom from iron should recom- 
mend it above all others, many of which contain so much of this in- 
gredient as to seriously impair their usefulness.”] 
When it is desirable to act freely on the bowels, when 
constipation is obstinate and habitual, or there is ful- 
ness of blood, and depletion is needful, much time may 
be saved by beginning treatment with a mercurial or 
saline cathartic, sufficient to move the bowels freely. 
The best time of the year to carry out an effective 
course of mineral water must be decided by circum- 
stances. In the majority of cases they may be ad- 
vantageously employed at all seasons of the year. The 
old idea that they were not admissible in the winter 
has been entirely abandoned. 
Many diseases do not admit of delay, and for this 
purpose the bottled waters are quite as effective as 
when fresh from the spring. The best time of the day 
for drinking is in the early morning, when the body is 
refreshed by rest, the mind tranquil, the stomach 
empty, and the quantity of fluid in tho system being 
much diminished, the water is more easily absorbed. 
At least a quarter of an hour should elapse between 
each glass, and a full half hour between the last glass 
and breakfast. All persons using mineral waters 
should dress warmly, the diet should bo simple and 
easy of digestion, and in cases where the digestive 
organs are serionsly implicated, the water should be 
taken warm and much gentle exercise in the open air 
should be taken. 19 
Patients are often sent to the springs with positive 
directions from their physicians to drink so many 
glasses of a certain spring water per day, whether it 
agrees with them or not, when in all probability the 
water may be the most prejudicial to which they 
could resort. Used in this haphazard manner, it if 
not strange that many leave the springs not benefited, 
or in a worse condition thar when they arrived. 
A more accurate knowledge of the component parte 
of these waters will do much to prevent the mistakes 
and injury so often done. 
It is a subject of daily observation during the 
drinking season in Saratoga to see numerous indi- 
viduals using mineral waters that are not adapted to 
their case, and to see those to whose cases they are 
adapted using them so improperly as to entirely pre- 
vent the good they would accomplish if properly ad- 
ministered. 
In France, Germany and England the advice of a 
competent physician, who is well acquainted with the 
nature and peculiarities of the waters, is considered 
of so much importance that at many of the springs 
persons are actually forbidden to take the water with- 
out such adv: ,e. 
[The chalybeate or Iron springs are of no commercial -value in 
their natural state. The Congress Spring, by force of its intrinsic 
virtues, established the value of the Saratoga cathartic waters, not only 
as a hea'ing medium, but as a commercial commodity. Taking advan- 
tage of the reputation Congress Spring had given Saratoga and its 
waters, the iron springs were thrown upon the market, and the un- 
disputed excellence of Congress water was claimed for them. Before 
the determination to make these springs commercial, there was no 
attempt to disguise their character; but when money was to be made out 
of them, without regard to consequences to invalids of their unadvised 20 
use, by cunning manipulation the iron is concealed, and every virtue 
of the Congress Spring was claimed for them. Formerly the visitor to 
Saratoga knew what spring contained iron, and if deleterious its use 
could be avoided; but now the stranger is tempted to drink that which 
is shown to be absolutely dangerous in certain cases, and it is not 
matter of surprise that one ignorant of tho tacts we have hero called 
attention to should write as did the editor of the Albany Express in the 
issue of that paper of August 21, 1882, as follows : “Most people who 
visit Saratoga make the mistake of drinking too much mineral water, 
and, in consequence, have physicians’ bills in addition to thoso of the 
hotels to pay when they leave.”] 
No such statement could truthfully bo made when 
the public knew what they wero drinking, and there 
has never a case arisen where the articlo could apply 
to tho use of Congress Spring water. 
MEREDITH CLYMER, M.D., 
EX-PROFESS OR OF PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN THE 
UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, Etc. 
Prof. Clymf.r, writing on Lithcemia (Acid Dyspep- 
sia), May, 1881, says: 
“Of the different natural Alkaline Mineral Waters 
named no one fulfils as well so many of the required 
indications in the treatment of this chronic disorder 
as the water of the Congress Spring, at Saratoga. 
While other waters containing many of the salts 
found in this may, sometimes, be used in like cases 
temporarily without harm, their prolonged use is sure 
to be attended with unpleasant effects, even in young 
persons, and those otherwise with sound organs, on 
account of their harshness; but in persons where de- 21 
generative changes already exist in the kidneys and 
other organs, and in old persons where such changes 
are constantly present, I have repeatedly known most 
disastrous consequences follow the use of the stronger 
and harsh waters, both native and imported, when 
taken in full doses and for any length of time. In an 
experience of over forty years with the Congress 
Spring Water (and which to-day is as perfect in its 
chemical constitution and in its remedial properties as 
at any previous time), I have not known a single in- 
stance where, when used in suitable cases, any un- 
pleasant effects followed its habitual use at any age. 
This harmlcssness, as well as its efficiency, may, I 
think, be rightly attributed to the happy proportions 
in which the various alkaline salts which enter into its 
composition, and which are so potent for good in this 
class of disorders, are combined, and which in their 
treatment make Congress Water facile princeps 
among the natural mineral waters. 
“It is not alone as a Cathartic and Laxative that 
the Congress Spring Water is of great worth in the 
management of these affections (and as such its action 
is mild and prompt), but it is when used continuously 
and in less quantity that we derive so much benefit, 
without risk to the patient, as an alterative and regu- 
lator of the digestive functions.” 
“Congress Water is sold in green glass bottles only.” 
BOTTLE "O" MARK. 22 
ALEXANDER B. MOTT, M.D., 
PR OI ESS OR OF SURGERY, BELLEVUE HOSPITAL 
MEDICAL COLLEGE, 
SURGEON TO BELLEVUE HOSPITAL, Etc., 
April, 1881, 
Says : “ It gives me pleasure to state that the water 
from the Congress Spring at Saratoga, which has 
stood the test of many years, should be classed as the 
most reliable and valuable on account of its recognized 
qualities as an efficient cathartic and alterative, pos- 
sessing none of the harshness of some of the other 
waters from springs in the same region, as well as 
some of the imported waters, and undergoing no 
change in the process of bottling, which I have re- 
marked takes place in other mineral waters,, ‘render- 
ing them irritating to the mucous membraneand as 
I have been using it for years in my practice I can cer- 
tainly recommend it as the best and safest mineral 
water, not only as a Cathartic and Laxative, but in 
suitable quantities as an efficient aid to the digestive 
organs.” 
THOMAS LEG ARE, M.D-, 
FI.VOS CONGRESS WATER AS A REMEDIAL AGENT IN 
UlS PRACTICE, ltOTH A LUXURY AND 
NECESSITY. 
To the Congress Spring Co., Saratoga Spring*, New 
York. 
Gentlemen : “ It affords me pleasure to give you my 
personal observations on the use of the Congress 23 
Spring Water. Those of my patients who drink that 
water regularly state that its value cannot be over- 
estimated. Medical works teach us that healthy 
blood contains a large proportion of salines, while im- 
poverished blood proves these to be deficient; salines, 
therefore, are necessary constituents of the human 
body. than half the saline matter of the blood 
undergoes change, and is partly discharged through 
the skin, intestinal canal and kidneys. The continu- 
ous supply of salines is therefore a necessity, if the 
body is to remain healthy. Any deficiency of salts in 
the blood produces various morbid symptoms, and if 
these are unchecked they entail in time serious conse- 
quences. The Congress Spring Water is of special 
value to ladies, as from its great purifying properties 
it has good effect in clearing the skin and giving it a 
healthy, beautiful appearance, in the morning it 
sharpens the appetite and promotes digestion. For 
its tonic properties in giving strength to uie nervous 
system, curing sick headache, palpitation of the heart, 
and dyspepsia, it is of inestimable value. The stom- 
ach is cleansed and purified, the nervous and muscular 
system invigorated and germs of disease thrown off. 
When taken regularly in the morning before breakfast 
its effects will relieve abdominal plethora and all func- 
tional derangements of the liver. I have prescribed 
the water in cases of temporary congestion arising 
from alcoholic beverages, rheumatism and gout, con- 
stipation, engorgement of the portal circulation, mel- 
ancholia, giddiness, sourness of the stomach, uticaria, 
or nettle-rash, and in cutaneous diseases- -in all the 24 
best results have been attained. The value of the 
Congress Spring Water may be expressed in the fol- 
lowing words : Its purpose is to entirely prevent dis- 
ease, by oxidizing the blood and supplying to it the 
salines lost or eliminated. It assimilates with the 
food and the albuminoids, and is the medium through 
which nature holds, in solution, the lime separated 
from the blood to strengthen the bones of the body. 
Elegant, pleasant, safe, thorough, and effective. It is 
both a luxury and a necessity. 
“ Yours respectfully, 
“ Thomas Legare, M.D., 
“45 George St., Charleston, S. C. 
“ September 18,1884.” 
The Columbian Spuing, 
Originally tubed about the year 1805, is a chalybeate 
mineral water, possessing active, diuretic, tonic, and 
alterative properties, especially valuable in liver com- 
plaints, dyspepsia, erysipelas, and all cutaneous dis- 
orders. As a tonic water, for frequent daily uses no 
spring is so popular as the Columbian. 
This water has become widely known for its virtues 
in various affections of the kidneys and bladder, par- 
ticularly in inflammatory conditions of these organs, 
and when debilited by long disease. It also acts as a 
dissolvent in the distressing disease of gravel in a sin- 
gular manner, and is a valuable remedy in diabetes, 
and in numerous diseases known only to the female 25 
sex. Its use is found to strengthen the stomach and 
to increase the red particles in the blood, which, ac- 
cording to Liebig, perform an important part in res- 
piration. The water of this spring should not be drank 
in larger quantities than from one-half to one glass at 
one time—never to exceed the latter amount. 
Columbian Water is packed securely in cases 
of 4 dozen pints, 4 dozen half-pints and 2 dozen 
quarts, for shipment to all parts of the world. 
General Directions for Usins Congress 
Water at the Spring. 
For Cathartic purposes, morning is the best time to 
drink the water, two- glasses being usually required, 
yet with many one is sufficient, while some may re- 
quire three. The first glass should be sipped slowly, 
after which a moderate walk of ten minutes between 
the others, and about half an hour should intervene 
before breakfast. 
To persons commencing to use the water, who are 
much constipated, an active cathartic is at first 
strongly advised. 
For an alterative, it should be used in smaller quan- 
tities during the day, being taken up by the absorbing 
vessels and diffusing itself through the system; and a 
glass taken just before retiring acts as a soporific, in- 
ducing quiet sleep. 
The temperature of the water drank influences its 
action on the system, as well as its absorption. Cold 26 
water increases the peristaltic action of the stomach 
and intestines, while the hot water does not produce 
this effect For this reason mineral waters are more 
certain to purge when taken cold than when taken hot 
Mineral water, much cooler than the blood, readily 
penetrates the absorbents, while, if of nearly the same 
temperature as the blood, it relaxes the stomach and 
may produce nausea. Heating the water also throws 
off the carbonic acid gas, which is a very valuablo 
auxiliary, operating not only as u stimulant to the se- 
cretions and peristaltic action of the stomach, but also, 
after absorption, acts as u general stimulant to the 
whole system. A cup of hot coffee, tea or chocolate, 
following the water, before eating, enhances the cathar- 
tic effect 
Hot water is served freely at thp spring in the morn- 
ing hours, if desired, or drank under advice, and wo 
recommend it In cases of delicate stomachs or cold, 
torpid systems. 
Do not mix Congress with other mineral waters. 
General Directions For Using Bottler 
Congress Water. 
The average amount required for Cathartic effect 
is one pint in the morning, some thirty minutes before 
breakfast 
As an alterative, and for chronic or recent constipa- 
tion, dyspepsia in all its forms, inactive condition of 
the liver and kidneys, malaria, eczema, clearing the 
complexion, and all disorders relative to the blood, 27 
and as a regulator of the digestive functions, and a 
powerful preventive of bilious fevers, use in lesser 
quantities through the day. 
The superior excellence of Congress Water is evi- 
denced in the happy proportions of its several in- 
gredients which combine to make it so efficient, and in 
the positive and absolute solution in which these pure 
ingredients are held when bottled, proving its distinct 
and incomparable character as a Saline Cathartic and 
Alterative Water, in contrast with those saline iron 
waters that powerful acids fail to keep in entire 
solution; nor do dark bottles, covered with paper 
labels, entirely disguise the iron precipitate and sedi- 
ment which is indigestible and irritating to the kidneys 
and alimentary canal. 
Congress Water is put up in clear green glass bot- 
tles (and in no other way), as pure, safe and natural as 
it flows from the cleft rock at its base. 
Always keep a case in your cellar. None genuine 
sold on draught. 
Pa eked securely in cases of 4 dozen pints and 
2 dozen quarts for shipment to all parts of tlw 
world. 
The Principal Constituents 
which give character to the Cathartic Springs are 
bicarbonates of magnesia and soda, and chloiide of 
sodium; to the Tonic waters, bicarbonate of iron; 
to the Alterative waters, iodide of sodium, chlorides of 
potassium and sodium, etc. 28 
Carbonic Acid not only contributes to the solubility 
of the salts contained in the waters, but renders them 
more palatable and more agreeable to the stomach. 
Bicarbonate of Magnesia is a mild laxative and 
a good palliative in acid or sour stomach, heartburn, 
and sick headache, especially if the person is consti- 
pated. 
Bicarbonate of Soda first diminishes the secretions 
and subsequently increases them, the urine being most 
susceptible to its influence. 
Bicarbonate of Iron increases the number of red 
corpuscles in the blood, stimulates the appetite, and 
excites the heart’s action. It has a tendency to consti- 
pate. 
Chloride of Sodium forms part of every tissue of 
the body, except, perhaps, the enamel of the teeth. It 
increases the solubility of the albumen of the blood, 
and prevents a too rapid destruction of the red 
corpuscles. It increases the flow of the gastric juice 
and bile, promotes the interchange of the fluids in 
the body, and augments the quantity of urine se- 
creted. 
The other important ingredients are bicarbonate of 
lithia, the iodides and bromides, the bicarbonate of 
lime, etc. The great problem among physicians 
is how to cause their medicines to be absorbed when 
taken into the system. Many of the ingredients of 
mineral springs would be almost inert in a state of 
powder, but when held in solution in mineral renter 
are admitted to the inner coats of all the blood ves- 
sels, and are powerful alteratives of the entire system. 29 
ANALYSIS OF CONGRESS SPRING WATER. 
By Peof. C. P. CHANDLER. 
Laboratory of the School of Mines, 
Columbia College, 
New York, August 17,1871. 
The sample of Congress Spring Water, taken by 
me from the Spring, contains, in one United States 
gallon of 231 cubic inches: 
Chloride of Sodium 400-444 grains. 
Chloride of Potassium 8-049 “ 
Bicarbonate of Magnesia 121-757 “ 
Bicarbonateof Lime 143 399 “ 
Bicarbonate of Lithia 4-761 “ 
Bicarbonate of Soda 10 775 •• 
Bicarbonate of Baryta 0-928 “ 
Bicarbonate of Iron 0 340 “ 
Bicarbonate of Strontia a trace. 
Bromide of Sodium 8 559 “ 
Iodide of Sodium 0-138 “ 
Sulphate of Potassa 0-889 “ 
Phosphate of Soda 0-016 “ 
Silica 0-840 “ 
Fluoride of Calcium, 
Biborate of Soda, 
Alumina, 
each a trace, 
Total 700-895 grains. 
Carbonic Acid Gas 392-289 cubic inches. 
Gentlemen : In submitting the above analysis, I 
take pleasure in saying that a comparison of the same 
with the analysis made by Dr. John H. Steele, in 
1882, proves that the Congress Water still retains its 
original strength, and all the virtues which established 
its well-merited reputation. 30 
Its superior excellence is due to the fact that it con- 
tains, in the most desirable proportions, those sub- 
stances which produce its agreeable flavor and satis- 
factory medicinal effects—neither holding them in 
excess nor lacking any constituent to be desired in this 
class of waters. 
As a Cathartic water, its almost entire freedom from 
iron should recommend it above all others, many of 
which contain so much of this ingredient as to seri- 
ously impair their usefulness. 
Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
C. F. CHANDLER, Ph.D., 
Prof, of Analytical and Applied Chemistry. 
To the Congress Spring Co., 
Saratoga Springs, New York. 
" Gk> to the natural spbinos,” says Dr. Bourbon, a celebrated 
French physician. “ Nature is far better than the laboratory. 
I CANNOT CONDEMN IN TOO STRONG TERMS THB USE OF ARTIFICIAL MIN- 
ERAL WATERS. They never replace those of the natural springs.” 
“Congress Water is sold in green glass bottles only.” 
BOTTLE "0” MARK. 31 
ANALYSIS OF COLUMBIAN WATER, 
By Prof. E. EMMONS. 
The specific gravity of this water is 1007-3 ; its solid 
and gaseous contents as follows : 
Chloride of 8odium 267-00 grains. 
Bicarbonate of Soda 16 40 “ 
Bicarbonate of Magnesia 46-71 " 
Hydriodate of Soda 2-66 “ 
Carbonate of Lime 68-00 *' 
Carbonate of Iron 6-68 " 
Si lex 2-06 " 
Hydrobromate of Potash scarcely a trace. 
Solid contents in a gallon 407-30 grains. 
Carbonic Acid Gas 272-06 inches. 
Atmospheric Air 4-60 “ 
276-66 inches. 
Admission to the Park is regulated by tickets, for 
which a merely nominal charge is made. 
Caution.—Every genuine bottle of Congress Water 
has the name of the proprietors and the letter C 
prominently raised upon the glass. 
NONE GENUINE SOLD ON DRAUGHT. 32 
THE WATERS 
Of the Springs described in the foregoing 
pages are 
SOLD BY- 
111 the Principal druggists, Motels, 
Grocers and Wipe Merchants. 
Price-Lists furnished. Or dess promptly attended to, 
ADDRESS 
C0NGRE3£ C0., 
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. January. 
May. 
SEPTEMBfR. 
February. 
,1UNK. 
October. 
March. 
July. 
November. 
April,. 
August 
])e< embh «. 
Stephen Uuogan, Printer and Stationer, to Chambers Street, N. T.