15. _Disorders of the urinary organs._—In no class of disorders have the Ems waters gained more reputation than in this, including catarrh of the bladder, gravel, stone, diabetes, &c. 16. _Catamenial irregularities._—Females from all parts of Europe resort to the waters of Ems for the cure of these troublesome complaints, including sterility, chlorosis, &c.”[51] I have introduced this quotation from one of the most recent writers on the waters of Ems, and himself a practitioner there, of considerable repute; but do not, and cannot vouch for the strict accuracy of all the observations contained in it. As in most of the writings of spa doctors, it must be taken “cum grano salis.” COUNTERINDICATIONS. According to Dr. Doring, these are as follow:— 1. The Ems waters are hurtful in all acute or subacute inflammations of any organ or structure whatever. 2. In people of florid complexions or plethoric constitutions, especially if there be any disposition to hæmorrhages, or determination to the head. 3. In dropsical effusions of chest, abdomen, or cellular membrane. 4. In organic diseases of heart or great vessels. 5. In confirmed consumption, and in marasmus from whatever cause. POINT OF SATURATION, OR CRISIS. The Crises produced by the waters of Ems are not so distinct and frequent as those resulting from some of the more potent spas. They act more gently and more slowly than the generality of mineral waters. Nevertheless, the following observations of Dr. Doring are to be carefully attended to. “There are certain cases, constitutions, and forms of disease, in which it would be unsafe to continue the Ems waters up to the point of saturation. Thus if, after two or three weeks’ course, there occur little indispositions or discomforts—feelings of debility—a sense of prostration—a change of usual temper—an increase of sensibility; or even an irritability or moroseness—an unusual propensity to sleep, with agitating dreams—a loss of appetite—or, on the contrary, a thirsty white tongue, bitter taste in the mouth, oppression and distention of stomach, derangement of bowels and kidneys, and acceleration of pulse—it is then time to lessen the quantity of the waters, or entirely to stop them for some days. The foregoing are indications of over-drinking, or over-bathing, to which the term _ueberbaden_ is given, and should never be neglected.” As at Wisbaden, there is occasionally an eruption on the skin, after a few baths, and this is considered to be critical. Thilenius, contrary to the custom of most of the spa doctors, admits that, although the waters alone cure many disorders, yet, in a great many cases, appropriate medicines are absolutely necessary. He contends, however, and I believe with justice, that many diseases give way to the combination of the waters and medicine, which resist the latter, if unaided by the former.