Bubbling Waters

Have you ever sipped a fizzy soft drink to settle an upset stomach? People have long believed that bubbling waters contain healing properties. For centuries royalty and wealthy Europeans sought the health benefits of the mineral-rich, bubbling springs scattered throughout Europe.

Scientists in Europe and the United States attempted to reproduce these effervescent waters. In 1775 French chemist Antoine Lavoisier identified the gaseous compound as carbon dioxide. In 1782, the English chemist Thomas Henry described how to make artificial carbonated water commercially. Factories and bottling plants soon began operating in London, Paris, Dublin and Geneva.

Soft drinks were originally stored in Drugstores in the United States as syrupy tonics used for medicinal purposes. In the early 1800s it became popular to combine these tonics with carbonated water. Bottled colas appeared on the market in the late 1800s.

Today mineral waters and carbonated beverages are popular throughout the world. People like the tangy, sparkling taste provided by carbonation, which also prevents spoilage.