The primal use of the beverage is to secure a sufficient liquid content in the fluids of the body. Whenever for any reason there is need of more water in the body, a sensation of thirst is developed. The common expression of thirst is "dry." This term, however, has been almost completely appropriated by the fictitious idea of what thirst signifies. In other words, the desire for an alcoholic beverage is now very commonly referred to as expressing the idea contained in the word "dry." The phrase "I am so dry" which occurs in the drinking song does not refer to any lack of moisture in the body. The use of alcohol in excess develops thirst instead of satisfying it. In like manner the use of excessive quantities of common salt or other mineral substance of that nature requires a larger quantity of water in the system to properly dilute the saline contents of the liquids of the body.

There is only one beverage for real thirst, and that is water. The character of water to be used in the satisfaction of thirst will be the subject of special consideration.