The Virginia springs, and springs of the South and West

Front matter

J. J. MOORMAN, M.D.,

AUTHOR OF "TUB VIRGINIA SPRINGS. AND SPRINGS OF THE SOUTH AND WEST." ETC.

May be consulted by visitors at his Office ; or by persons at a distance, by letter to his address.

Contents

PAGE

Dedication 3

To the Public 5

Chapter II. Mineral Waters In General

Definition of Mineral Waters; Estimation in which they were held by the Ancient Greeks and Romans — Pains taken to analyze Mineral Waters in France — Advantages to be derived from Analysis of Mineral Waters — Mineral Waters abound in the United States — Want of Information both among Physicians and the Public in relation to Mineral Waters ; Mistakes and Injuries that result from want of Information — The direct and active Influence of Mineral Waters — Modus Operandi of Mineral Waters;

(xxi)

XX11 CONTENTS.

PAGE

Must not always look to the immediate Effects of Mineral Waters for the production of the good they accomplish; the Alterative Action of Mineral Waters generally their most efficient Action — Mineral Waters not adapted to Acute Diseases ; they are adapted to Chronic Diseases ; should be perseveringly used, regarding their Effects, not the Time that they may have been used — Mineral Waters are Stimulants ; Difference with or without their Gases — Similarity between Mercury and Sulphur Waters — Errors often committed in the Use of Mineral Waters — The Action of Mineral Waters may be modified or changed by different Methods of using them — Changing from Spring to Spring — Dress — Diet and Exercise 31

Chapter IV. White Sulphur Springs

Location and General Physical Characteristics — Its Strength uniformly the same — Does not lose its Strength by parting with its Gas — Does not Deposit its Salts when Quiescent — Its Gas fatal to Fish — Its Early History — Known to the Indians as a " Medicine Water" — First used by the Whites in 1778 — Progress of Improvements and Present Condition— Analyses of Mr. Hayes and Professor Rogers 75

Chapter V

The relative Virtues of the Saline and Gaseous Contents of the White Sulphur Water 87

Chapter VI

Uniformity in the quality of the White Sulphur — Liability to Error, by relying on some of the Assumed Tests of the Value of Sulphur Waters 102

CONTENTS. XX111

CHAPTER VII. page

GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE WHITE SULPHUR WATER.

Directions meant to be General, not Specific — Must not generally look to the Sensible Operations of the Water for its best Effects — Moderate, or Small Quantities generally preferable— The best Times for taking it — Length of Time for which it should be used — Necessary Preparations of the System for the Use of the Water — Sensible Medicinal Effects of the Water — Synopsis of Rules to be observed — Use of Baths — Summary of the Medicinal Influences of the Water, and Rules necessary to be observed in using it 107

Chapter VIII

DISEASES IN WHICH THE WHITE SULHPUR MAT, OR MAY NOT, BE USEFULLY PRESCRIBED.

Dyspepsia — Gastralgia — Water-Brash — Chronic Gastro-Enteritis — Diseases of the Liver — Jaundice — Enlargement of the Spleen — Chronic Irritation of the Bowels — Costiveness — Piles — Diseases of the Urinary Organs — Chronic Inflammation of the Kidneys — Diabetes — Female Diseases: Amenorrhoea, Dysmenorrhcea; Chlorosis, Leucorrhoea — Chronic Affections of the Brain — Nervous Diseases — Paralysis — Some forms of Chronic Diseases of the Chest, or Breast Complaints, (to be avoided in Pulmonary Consumption)— Bronchitis — Chronic Diseases of the Skin, Psoriasis, Lepra, ill-conditioned Ulcers — Rheumatism and Gout — Dropsies — Scrofula — Mercurial Diseases — Erysipelas— Not to be used in Diseases of the Heart, or in Schirrus and Cancer — Chalybeate Spring, etc 125

Chapter XLII. Pagb

Tennessee Springs: White's Creek — Robertson's — Winchester— Allisona — Beersheba — Montvale — Lee's — Alum — Warm 382

North Carolina Springs: Warm and Hot of Buncombe — Shocco — Jones's White Sulphur and Chalybeate — Kittrell's 387

Springs of South Carolina: Glenn's — West's Chalybeate — Chick's — Williamstown — Charleston Artesian Well 390

Georgia Springs: Indian — Madison — Warm — Gordon's — Rowland's — Catoosa 392

CHAPTER XLIII. Alabama Springs: Bladen — Bailey's — Tallahatta 394

3tississippi Springs : Cooper's Well — Ocean 396

Arkansas Springs: Washita Hot 398

CHAPTER XLIV. Thermal Springs of America 400

THE VIRGINIA SPRINGS,

SPRINGS OF THE SOUTH AND WEST.

Chapter I

VIRGINIA SPRING REGION— ERRORS IN SPRING NOINIENCLATURE, ETC. ETC.

Within the last few years, important changes have taken place in the mineral spring interest of Virginia. These changes consist partly in the vastly extended accommodations at some of the old fountains, but still more in the discovery and improvement of many new ones.

Although every great division of the State furnishes mineral fountains of value, that portion of it distinctly noted as the Spring Region, has, heretofore, been regarded as being confined to narrow limits on both sides of the Alleghany Mountains ; having the Rockbridge Alum for its eastern, and the Red Sulphur for its southwestern boundary, while the White and Siveet occupied the centre.

26 VIRGINIA SPRING REGION.

The increased visitation to the mineral waters of our mountains, within the last few years, occasioned, doubtless, in a great degree by the increased and extended confidence in their efficacy — and stimulated to some extent by the general prosperity of the country, enabling greater numbers to travel — has largely developed, among the people of our mountain regions, a desire for the discovery and improvement of spring property. To this end, the increased facilities of travel, by railroad, through the Southern country generally, and especially into our mountains, in connection with the increased energy and enterprise of the age, have doubtless much contributed. Under these combined influences, the public effort has been peculiarly prolific in discovering and improving, for public accommodation, numerous interesting fountains; partly in the Old Spring area, but especially in the regions south and southwest of it, and on both sides of the Alleghany, in the counties of Botetourt, Montgomery, and Pulaski. These newly discovered springs are of various qualities of Sulphur, Chalybeate, and Aluminous Sulphated Chalybeate waters; with one of a new and interesting character, at least with us, being more strictly Saline than any fountain heretofore known in the State.

It will be perceived, that the discovery and improvement of these springs essentially enlarges the circle of our spring region, and makes it to embrace

VIRGINIA SPRING REGION. 27

the entire eastern and western bases of the Alleghany, from the Alum Springs in the east, to the Blue Ridge in the southwest.

Increased settlement and improvement of the country, lying north along the line of our great Apalachian chain, will, in all probability, ultimately develop valuable mineral springs along the course of its great upheavings; thus making the Virginia Spring Region appropriately to embrace the entire length of the Alleghany, from the Potomac to its extreme southern terminus. The correctness of this surmise is rendered more than problematical, from the general geological character of this entire range, and from the fact of the existence of the valuable mineral waters of Capon and Berkley, at the northern, and the recently discovered waters at the southern extremity of the line.

Such is now the importance of the spring interest of Virginia, that it should no longer be reckoned in regard to the interest of spring proprietors merely, or of the individuals that resort to it for health and pleasure, but as an actual and substantial element of political economy, pertaining to the interest of the whole Commonwealth. It is an interest of no inconsiderable aggregate results to the whole State, but one that has heretofore been too much overlooked in the legislation of the country. It is a matter of gratulation, no less to the political economist, who desires to see- the prosperity of the Com-

28 ERRORS IN SPRING NOMENCLATURE, ETC.

monwealth, than to the philanthropist and man of science, who takes pleasure in the development of remedies for the ills of humanity, that this important interest is now becoming to be properly appreciated by the country at large, and will henceforth, it is to be hoped, receive that fostering care from our legislature which is so essential to its ultimate limit of prosperity.

ERRORS IN SPRING NOMENCLATURE, ETC.

In America, more than in any other country, we have adopted a nomenclature for our mineral waters, which, while it seems to have been intended to convey an idea of their quality, is, nevertheless, from being vaguely and unscientifically applied, well calculated to mislead, and to fix misapprehensions on the mind as to their true nature and precise medical character. I allude to the prevalent custom of calling our mineral fountains after some one, generally the most obvious material that prevails in them, as judged by the taste, smell, or sight. Hence, we are in the habit of calling a portion of our springs Alum, because the water has a predominant taste of that mineral; although analysis proves, and still more experience, that Alum, considered singly, cannot constitute the efficiency of such waters. Even what proportion in value it bears in making up the excellent compound of some of them, such as the Rock-

ERRORS IN SPRING NOMENCLATURE, ETC. 29

bridge Alum for instance, is very uncertain. Sure it is, that the therapeutic character of that water forbids the idea, that the article which gives it its name can be, singly considered, the agent of its valuable remedial influences. Indeed, the name of this water, perhaps more than any other in the country, is calculated to mislead the uninitiated as to its chief characteristics. With every one, the idea of astringency is associated with the use of alum ! and various persons, as I learn, to whom that water might have been useful, have been deterred from visiting it, judging, from its name, that it would exert a hurtful influence upon them.

The Rockbridge Alum, to say nothing of other valuable qualities, will, in a majority of cases, purge gently. Alum, all know, exerts a contrary effect upon the bowels. It is the compound then, in this, as it is in most mineral waters, that gives to it its peculiar and valuable powers. We ought not to lose sight of this fact, in estimating the applicabilities of this water.

Again, we know that there are some waters bearing the name of Alum, and to the taste almost identical with our best standard Alum waters, that, upon chemical examination, are found to contain scarcely an appreciable quantity of that mineral ; the styptic, or alum taste, being occasioned by the iron and sulphuric acid they hold in solution.

So, under a sweeping generic nomenclature, all 3*

30 ERRORS IN SPRING NOMENCLATURE, ETC.

our waters are called Sulphur, in which sulphuretted hydrogen gas can be discovered; although sulphur perhaps, singly considered, is among the least efficient of their ingredients. Hence, as with the Ahim waters, it is their various salts, so compounded by the plastic hand of nature, as the chemist or apothecary never can attain to, that gives them their peculiar efficacy.

In reference to these particular waters, a sort of branch nomenclature has become as common as such fountains themselves, and is still more unmeaning than their generic designation, so far as it fails to convey indications of medicinal quality.

I allude of course to the designations of WJiite, Red, Blue, Gray, Black, etc., of our several sulphur springs. These various names are well enough merely to designate a place; but, of themselves, they convey no idea at all of quality, or appropriate medical applicability.

The natural deposits of all sulphur waters, uninfluenced by foreign bodies, are essentially of the same color, being white, or opaque-white ; the various shades of red, blue, gray, black, etc., are occasioned from the influence of light or shade ; or, by chemical changes produced by contact with foreign bodies.

Chapter II. Mineral Waters In General

Definition of Mineral Waters; Estimation in -which they were held by the Ancient Greeks and Romans — Pains taken to analyze Mineral Waters in France — Advantages to be derived from Analysis of Mineral Waters — Mineral Waters abound in the United States — Want of Information both among Physicians and the Public in relation to Mineral Waters; Mistakes and Injuries that result from want of Information — The direct and active Influence of Mineral Waters — Modus Operandi of Mineral Waters ; Must not always look to the immediate Effects of Mineral Waters for the production of the good they accomplish; the Alterative action of Mineral Waters generally their most efficient action — Mineral Waters not adapted to Acute Diseases ; they are adapted to Chronic Diseases ; should be perseveringly used, regarding their Effects, not the time that they may have been used — Mineral Waters are Stimulants; Difference with or without their Gases — Similarity between Mercury and Sulphur Waters — Errors often committed in the Use of Mineral Waters — The action of Mineral Waters may be modified or changed by different methods of using them — Changing from Spring to Spring — Dress — Diet and Exercise.

Early use of, etc. etc. — Mineral waters rank among the ancient remedies used for the cure of disease. The Greeks, who in knowledge of medicine were superior to the nations who had preceded them, reo2 MINERAL AVATERS IN GENERAL.

garded natural medicated waters as a special boon of the Deity, and piously dedicated them to Hercules, the god of strength. They used them for drinking, and for general and topical bathing. Hippocrates was acquainted with the value and uses of various mineral waters, and many other Greek physicians, we are told, employed them for numerous diseases for which they are used at this day.

With the Romans, mineral waters were a familiar remedy, not only in Italy, but in all the countries over which that nation obtained dominion. Mineral springs were eagerly sought out in the countries over which their conquests from time to time extended, and prompted by "gratitude for the benefit which they experienced from their use, they decorated them with edifices, and each fount was placed under the protection of a tutelary deity." [Bell.) Pliny, in his natural history, treats of various mineral waters and their uses; and it is a fact worthy of remark, that they were highly recommended by various Roman physicians, in the fifth century, in the same diseases for which they are at this day so much employed— particularly for nervous and rheumatic diseases, and for derangements of the liver, stomach, and skin.

With the modern nations of civilized Europe, mineral waters, both as internal and external remedies, have always been held in high estimation. The national regulations that have from time to time

DISCOVERY OF THEIR CONSTITUENT PARTS. 33

been adopted to investigate their virtues and their appropriate applicability, and to guard against their improper use, sufficiently manifest the importance that has been attached to them as remedial agents. Henry IV., we are told, "during his youth had frequented the springs of the Pyrenees, and witnessing the abuses in the employment of so useful a remedy, sought to correct them after his ascension to the throne of France. He nominated by edicts and letters-patent, in 1603, superintendents and superintendents-general, who were charged with the entire control over the use of mineral waters, baths, and fountains of the kingdom. Most of the mineral springs and bathing establishments on the continent of Europe are placed under a somewhat similar superintendence, and a resident physician is also appointed by the government." [Bell.)

Although mineral waters had been favorite remedial agents with the enlightened nations of the earth for many centuries, it was comparatively but recently that chemistry, by minute analysis, was able to determine with precision their constituent parts.

In 1670, the mineral waters of France were first fully analyzed by a commission appointed by the Academy of Sciences at Paris; but it was not until 1766, nearly a hundred years afterwards, that Bayen discovered the means of separating sulphur from sulphurous waters — nor until 1774 that the celebrated Borgamann demonstrated the existence of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. Meanwhile, physicians stationed at the several watering places were active in observing and noting the various operations of the different waters on the human system, and in determining, from experience, the various cases in which they were beneficial or injurious.

Experience the only sure Guide in the Administration, etc. — After all that science can effect in determining the component parts of mineral waters, it is experience alone in their use, that can be fully relied upon as to their specific effects, or applicability to particular diseases. Chemical analysis is important mainly as a matter of general scientific knowledge, and may be so far practically useful to the physician as to enable him to form correct general views as relates to the nature and powers of the remedy ; but it is fallacious to suppose that an analysis, however perfect, can ever enable the physician, in the present state of our knowledge, and in the absence of practical observation, to prescribe a mineral water with confidence or safety. An accurate knowledge of the component parts of mineral waters might do much, I admit, to prevent the incessant mistakes and mischief which medical men commit in sending their patients, " hap-hazard," to drink mineral waters which are often unadapted to their cases ; but it never can, in the absence of experimental knowledge, qualify them for giving specific and detailed directions for their use. Dr. John Bell, in his valuable work on " Baths and

EXPERIENCE THE BEST GUIDE. 35

Mineral Waters," has the following sensible and judicious passage upon this subject: "I wish not," he says, " to be ranked among the chemical physicians, who, having discovered the proportion of each foreign ingredient in the mineral spring, and studied its operation on the economy, pretend to determine the general effect of the compound. We may, indeed, by a knowledge of the constituent parts, predict to a certain extent the medicinal power of the compound ; but it is only by multiplied facts, that is, experience of its use, that we can speak positively of its virtues."

In no other country, perhaps, do mineral waters abound in greater variety than in the United States, and it is a subject of sincere regret, that their nature, applicability, and proper method of administration should have been so little studied, both by physicians and the public at large. It is true that certain opinions generally prevail in enlightened circles as regards the curative powers of some of our more celebrated fountains; and these opinions, so far as they go, being generally founded on experience, may, in the main, be tolerably correct. Nevertheless, there is a lamentable want of information generally, and even among our more enlightened physicians, as to the specific nature and adaptation of our mineral waters to particular diseases — information, the want of which must always disqualify for the safe and confident recommendation of these valuable agents.

A perfect knowledge of the various influences, and of the peculiar minute circumstances that control the use of mineral waters in different systems, as well as the best methods of using them in certain pathological conditions of the system, must, as with all other medicines, be learned from observation. Now, as physicians but rarely have an opportunity of observing the use of mineral waters for a sufficient length of time and in a sufficient variety of cases, and as but little has been written by those who have observed their effects,. it ought not to be supposed that the medical public generally would be greatly enlightened on this subject.

I have said that the opinions generally prevailing in enlightened circles relative to the curative powers of our principal mineral fountains, being founded on experience, may, in the main, be correct. I would not be understood, however, as advising a reliance upon such "popular fame." Information of this kind is sufficient to awaken attention and incite inquiry, but certainly should not be implicitly relied upon in individual cases. At best, it is generally "hearsay" opinion, made up, ordinarily, from partial and empirical sources ; or, quite as likely, from the prejudiced accounts which are brought by visitors from the different watering places, and which are sweepingly favorable, or prejudicial, as they may chance to have been benefited or worsted, and that without reference to the specific action of the agent, or that clear understand-

EXPERIENCE THE BEST GUIDE. 37

ing of the pathology of the case, which would serve as a safe guide in its application to others. Every physician knows how prone persons are to err in the use of medicines, from the supposed resemblance of cases. Often am I pained to see persons persevering in the use of a mineral water to their evident prejudice, and for no better reason than that Mr. or Mrs. Such-a-one was cured of a disease supposed to be similar; or, by the general recommendation of some medical man who sent them to the "mountains" with a " carte blanche," to use "some of the mineral waters." Occasionally it has become my painful duty to advise patients to retrace their melancholy steps homeward, without using any of the waters, because none were adapted to their case.

Mineral waters are not a panacea; they act, like all other medicines, by producing certain effects upon the animal economy, and upon principles capable of being clearly defined. It follows, that there are various diseases and states of the system to which they are not only not adapted, but in which they would be eminently injurious.

Some years since, I was requested to visit a highly respectable gentleman, who had just arrived at the White Sulphur with his family, from one of our distant cities. He was in wretched health, and sought my advice as to the applicability of the water to his case. On examination, I felt astonished that any medical man of intelligence should have recommended such a case to mineral waters for relief. I advised the gentleman to retrace his steps homeward, and put himself under medical treatment, as he had no time to lose. Accordingly, the ensuing morning he recommenced his journey of seven hundred miles to reach his home. Medicine did for him what mineral waters were not calculated to do, and I have since heard of his entire recovery. This gentleman informed me that he had been influenced to undertake the distant, and, to him, painful journey, by a physician who had never before prescribed for his case, and who candidly stated to him that he knew but little of the mineral waters of Virginia ; but he had heard of many cures from their use, and therefore advised that he should hasten to give them a trial. Influenced by this vague opinion, the unfortunate invalid had dragged himself and his family seven hundred miles, under the vain hope of finding a remedy, which the physician should, in such a case, have found in his own office. Now a little more knowledge of the nature of our mineral waters, and a more commendable caution in advising their use, would have prevented the heavy sacrifice this gentleman incurred. Nor is this by any means an isolated instance ; my case-book furnishes many others equally strong, that have come under my observation within the last few years.

Medical Efficacy, etc. — Mineral waters are exceedingly valuable as medicinal agents, are applicable to

MEDICAL EFFICACY. 39

a large circle of cases, and will, unquestionably, cure many which the ordinary remedies of the shops will not. Nevertheless, it should always be borne in mind that they are not a catholieon; that they are not to be used for every disease; and that, to be prescribed successfully, they must, like all other medicines, be prescribed with reference to the nature and pathology of the case. Nor is this caution ordinarily more necessary in using the various medicines of the shops than in using the more potent mineral waters.

Some there are, I know, who profess to be unbelievers in the medicinal activity of mineral waters, and who, without denying the benefit that is often derived from visiting such fountains, attribute the whole to travel, change of air, exercise, relaxation from business, etc. etc. Now, I freely admit that these are often important agents in the cure of a large class of cases ; but, from long experience at a popular watering place, and the numerous cures I have seen effected from the water itself, totally disconnected with any of the adjuncts alluded to, it would be quite as easy to convince me that bark is not tonic, that jalap does not purge, or that mercury will not salivate, as that mineral waters may not be an active and potent means of curing disease, entirely independent of the valuable adjuvants that have been alluded to.

The advocates of the non-efficacy of mineral waters per se, would scarcely persist in this opinion, after seeing the large amount of active medical material obtained by evaporation from some of our more active waters ; the white sulphur, for instance, which yields more than one hundred and fifty grains to the gallon, and which, upon analysis, is found to consist of iodine, sulphur, the various combinations of soda, magnesia, and other active ingredients. Would it not be absurd to believe that so large an amount of these efficient medical substances, as is usually taken into the stomach by those who drink mineral waters in which they abound, could fail to exert a positive influence upon the economy ? My own experience for many years, in the use of such waters, enables me to bear the most unequivocal testimony as to the direct and positive influence of many of them upon the human body. In the language of the celebrated Patissier I can unhesitatingly say, that, " in the general, mineral waters revive the languishing circulation, give a new direction to the vital energies, reestablish the perspiratory action of the skin, bring back to their physiological type the vitiated or suppressed secretions, provoke salutary evacuations either by urine, or stool, or by transpiration ; they bring about in the animal economy an intimate transmutation— a profound change ; they saturate the sick body. How many sick persons, abandoned by their physicians, have found health at mineral springs ? How many individuals, exhausted by violent disease,

MODUS OPERANDI. 41

Lave recovered, by a journey to mineral waters, thentone, mobility, and energy, to restore which attempts in other ways might have been made with less certitude of success." And hence, most cordially do I adopt the sentiments of the distinguished Dr. Armstrong, who, in speaking of the medicinal efficacy of mineral waters, says, "I dare pledge my word, that, if they be only fully and fairly tried, they will be found among the most powerful agents which have ever been brought to the relief of human maladies."

Modus Operandi, etc. — Various attempts have been made to account for the peculiar effects of mineral waters upon the system. They seem to act, in the first place, as a simple hygienic agent. Secondly, they act, in accordance with their constituent ingredients, specifically on the animal economy. Mineral waters exert their more important influences upon the human body upon a different principle from many of the articles of the meteria medica ; they are evidently absorbed, enter into the circulation, and change the consistence as well as the composition of the fluids; they course through the system, and apply the medical materials which they hold in solution, in the most minute form of subdivision that can be conceived of, to the diseased surfaces and tissues ; they reach and search the most minute ramifications of the capillaries, and remove the morbid condition of

those vessels, which are so commonly the primary seats 4* of disease. It is thus that they relieve chronic disordered action, and impart natural energy and elasticity to vessels that have been distended either by inflammation or congestion; while they communicate an energy to the muscular fibre and to the animal tissues generally which is not witnessed from the administration of ordinary remedies.

Many of the articles of the materia medica seem to act by sympathy and counter-irritation, and to cure one organ of the body by irritating another; thus calomel, by irritating the stomach and duodenum, is made to act efficiently upon the liver, to which organ it has a strong specific tendency. Not so, however, with mineral waters ; they never cure one organ by irritating another. I can with confidence assert, that I have never seen mineral waters successfully used in any case in which they kept up a considerable irritation upon any of the organs of the body.

Both physicians and patients are quite too much in the habit of looking to the immediate and sensible operations of mineral waters, and of judging of their efficacy from such effects. In most cases, it is serviceable for such agents to open the bowels gently; and in some, it is best for them to purge actively. Occasionally, advantage is derived from promoting an increased flow of urine or perspiration; but, as a general rule, the greatest good is derived from the absorption of the water, resulting in that "profound

MODUS OPERANDI. 43

change" spoken of by Patissier, or, in other words, the alterative action of the remedy. It should always be borne in mind that this profound change — this alterative effect — is incompatible with constant or active action of the water upon any of the emunctories. This, unquestionably, is true as relates to the White Sulphur Water, and 1 believe it to be so with all alterative waters.

So well convinced am I, that the alterative action is the real curative action effected by sulphur waters, in nine cases out of ten where any serious disease exists, that, ordinarily, I am not solicitous to obtain much daily increase of evacuation from any of the emunctories. On the contrary, I often find great advantage from the administration of some appropriate means to prevent the too free action of the water, especially on the bowels and kidneys. As a general rule, it is far better that such waters should lie quietly upon the system, without manifesting much excitement upon any of the organs, and producing, at most, but a small increase in the quantity of the ordinary healthy evacuations.