Soda Fountains: Taking the Waters

From ancient times people have recognized the healing properties of natural springs, hot or cold, still or effervescent, and scientists have tried to recreate their healing powers. One of the major problems was recreating the effervescence in natural springs. Though Joseph Priestley is often credited with being the first person to create carbonated water in 1767, other scientists preceded him. These waters were intended to be as close in mineral content as possible to the water of famous spas. They were considered medicines to be dispensed by physicians and apothecaries and were touted for curing everything from obesity and dysentery to fevers and scurvy. Bicarbonate of soda was occasionally added to carbonated water for medicinal purposes. The product was known as “soda water,” which later became the generic name for carbonated water.