Water in some form is more essential to our existence than any of the
solid aliments we have yet considered, and is next in importance, in
the performance of the vital process, to the air we breathe. Water
enters into the formation of all the various tissues of the body, and
constitutes a very large proportion of the human system. The blood
contains about eighty per cent., the flesh about seventy-six per
cent., of water; and of the entire human body, at least seventy-five
per cent., or three-fourths of its weight, is water. The most
important purposes in the animal economy are accomplished through
this medium.
In the blood, the solid vital elements are transported by the
medium of water from one part of the body to another, in a form and
condition to promote the vital changes which are constantly taking
place.
In exhalation, secretion and absorption, the presence of water is
indispensable. It acts as a solvent of various alimentary substances,
and thus assists the stomach in the act of digestion; though when
taken in large quantities immediately after eating it dilutes the
gastric juice and hinders digestion.
Water enters more or less largely into the composition of all
alimentary substances, and is taken into the stomach in a pure state,
or forms the principal part of the various kinds of drinks in use.
Water is unquestionably the natural drink of adults, and meets the
wants of the body more perfectly than any of the artificial liquids
which are regarded as improvements on water. Whenever a man is
left to the cravings of instinct, unbiased by a vicious appetite,
he invariably resorts to water as the natural means to quench his
thirst, cool his system, and invigorate his wasting strength.
When we say that water is the only fitting drink for man’s daily and
habitual use, we are sustained by the facts of the case. Water is
the only liquid which is necessary to the formation, development and
support of his frame; it is equal to all the exigencies of thirst,
for the relief of present inconvenience, and of dilution, by mixing
with his blood and other fluids, to prevent further sufferings and
disease.