The whole of the carbonic acid gas, or very nearly so, will soon disappear; but there is likewise in Seltzer water a very small quantity of soda, and of a few other saline or earthy ingredients, which will remain in the water, though it should be kept uncorked for any length of time.
CAROLINE.
I have often heard of people drinking soda-water. Pray what sort of water is that?
MRS. B.
It is a kind of artificial Seltzer water, holding in solution, besides the gaseous acid, a particular saline substance, called soda, which imparts to the water certain medicinal qualities.
CAROLINE.
But how can these waters be so wholesome, since carbonic acid is so pernicious?
MRS. B.
A gas, we may conceive, though very prejudicial to breathe, may be beneficial to the stomach.—But it would be of no use to attempt explaining this more fully at present.
CAROLINE.