What characterized early manufactured fizzy water sold by apothecaries?

Answer

Formulated to imitate specific mineral compositions of famous springs

The early carbonated water sold by chemists and apothecaries was not just simple $ ext{CO}_2$ in water; it was designed to be a medicinal substitution for traveling to European spa towns. To achieve this, manufacturers often chemically formulated the artificial water to mimic the precise mineral compositions found in renowned natural springs, such as those in Selters, Germany. This dedication to imitating the natural mineral profile was central to its perceived curative value as a health tonic.

What characterized early manufactured fizzy water sold by apothecaries?
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