The Virginia springs: comprising an account of all the principal mineral springs of Virginia, with remarks on the nature and medical applicability of each

Appendix

CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF THE NATURAL CURIOSITIES OF

VIRGINIA.

J. W. RANDOLPH:

121 MAIN STREET, RICHMOND, VA. 1857.

I

S

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by J. W. RANDOLPH,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court in and for the Eastern District of Virginia.

A

C> H» WYNNE* PRINTER.

■s

I

TO THE PUBLIC

For many years I have directed my especial and almost exclusive attention to an investigation of the nature and medical applicability of- mineral waters. During the greater part of this time, I nave resided at the White Sulphur Springs, where, XI the capacity of resident physician of that expensive watering place, I have enjoyed ample opportunities for witnessing the various and modified effects of the water, in almost every variety of lisease and state of the system.

Although my attention, during this time, has )een especially directed to the investigation of he character of the water of the White Sulphur, i have not neglected the other valuable waters of he great " spring region," nor failed to mark md appreciate their various peculiarities, and reative and positive merits.

IV PREFACE.

The main design of the present volume is, to bring the waters of the White Sulphur Springs, as a therapeutical agent, in a condensed view, before the public; to state what is known of their applicability to disease; and to lay down some general rules for their administration; and at the same time, to present such an account of the neighboring Springs, as to enable the public to understand something of their general character, and to appreciate their merits. They are all valuable, and have their peculiar applicability ; all rich in objects of special inquiry, and well deserving the attention of the profession, and the public generally. To have gone into a more particular account of the springs, however, would have swelled this volume far beyond its intended limits : Besides, while long observation has made me somewhat familiar with the nature and peculiarities of the White Sulphur water, I know far less of the peculiarities of the other springs, and | do not wish to seem to teach that which I do not myself understand.

The position of the writer, while it has enabled him to witness the virtues of the White

PREFACE. V

Sulphur water in disease, has, at the same time, enabled him to see that its good effects are not only often lost, but that consequences highly injurious sometimes result from its injudicious use. Impressed with the importance of arresting the abuse of this potent agent, I published in 1839, U A Directory for the use of the White Sulphur

i waters.'' It was with reluctance I then undertook this pioneer effort in a field so entirely un-

i explored ; for it is remarkable, that although thousands of invalids had for more than half a century annually resorted to these waters, up to the period of issuing the "Directory," not a line had ever been published relative to their medical applicability and the mode of administering them. Being satisfied, from the experience of the last seven years, that the little effort alluded to has not been without its effects in guiding to a more prudent use of the waters, I have thought that a work on the same general plan, but more comprehensive in its scope, and more specific in its

instruction, might be useful and acceptable to the

* spring-going public.

So little has been written in reference to our

VI PREFACE.

valuable mineral waters, that it seems to be the duty of every one who may have had any experience with them to contribute his mite. ' No other motives than a desire to offer to the public the little that experience has taught me in reference to them, induces me to publish this volume. I regret that incessant engagements, claiming my entire time, have prevented me from bestowing that care in its composition and arrangement so necessary to one who is utterly unpracticed and unskilled as an author. The work, such as it is, has been composed in the fractions of time that I could snatch from professional engagements and agricultural cares. With this apology for the many imperfections in style and arrangement which will be discovered, I submit the volume to an indulgent and generous public.

JOHN J. MOORMAN.

Fancy Hill, i

November, 1846,

TO THE

INVALIDS

WHO MAY RESORT TO THE VARIOUS

MINERAL SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA,

THIS SECOND EDITION

OF MY OBSERVATIONS ON THE VIRGINIA SPRINGS

IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,

WITH THE FOLLOWING

REMARKS.

I have endeavored, in getting up the second edition of my volume, to adhere to the plain, unassuming, practical method, which was, I think, a characteristic distinction of the first, and perhaps its chief merit.

It was my earnest aim in the first edition, and has not been less so in this, to put into the hands of the invalid a short and easy, but condensed and comprehensive account of the principal mineral waters of Virginia, and to indicate with all candor, and with as much plainness as possible, their nature and medical applicability.

yiii PREFACE.

Wherever I could do so to advantage, I have availed myself of the observations of others; and I claim at your hands this award of merit at least; of having honestly endeavored to make my little volume convenient and valuable to you; not by dazzling and futile theories, or by an attempt to create hopes that might end in sad disappointments; but by plain, practical facts in relation to the nature and use of our mineral waters generally, and especially of those with which I have now had practical observations for near twenty years.

I intentionally avoided, in my first edition, and in this, any criticism upon the improvement of spring property, or the character of the accommodations at the several springs. Such criticism in a printed volume, intended for reference long after it issues from the press, would be likely to mislead, and probably do great injustice, inasmuch as improvements now very faulty, may, before the next season, be made very comfortable, and bad hotel accommodations are often changed in a day, by a change of landlord or manager.

It is of the nature and medical applicability of our mineral waters that I have felt called upon to write; and this I have done without prejudice, fear or favor; having no interest, directly or indirectly, in any of the

PREFACE. IX

springs, and influenced alone in my estimation of them either from personal observation, or, when this has been wanting, from the most reliable information I could collect.

I am not vain enough to suppose that none of my opinions are erroneous — to err is both human and common; but in the honest integrity with which they have been formed, the invalid and the public may rely.

THE AUTHOR.

Fancy Hill, Va., 1854.

VARIOUS ROUTES

TO THE

VIRGINIA SPRINGS

The various routes to the spring region of Virginia, have all been greatly improved within the last few years. Either by private or public conveyance, persons can now reach our mountains with far greater ease, safety and expedition than they could have done some years ago.

Taking Baltimore as a starting point, the Virginia Springs may be reached by a variety of routes. One of the most pleasant, and as expeditious as any other, is by railroad to Harper's Ferry, thence to Winchester by a similar conveyance, and thence by stage-coach, on a good M'Adamized road, to Staunton. From Staunton the traveler may proceed directly across the North and Warm Spring Mountains to the Warm and Hot Springs, by way of the Bath Alum; or, he may proceed up the Valley, by the way of Lexington, the Natural Bridge and Dibrell's Springs to the White Sulphur.

By this Valley route, the traveler has the advantage of seeing Harper's Ferry, and the romantic meeting of the waters of the Potomac and Shenandoah: to see

Xll ROUTES TO THE VIRGINIA SPRINGS.

which, Mr. Jefferson said, was " worth a voyage across the Atlantic;" he travels almost the whole length of the Shenandoah valley, in agricultural points of view, decidedly the most fertile and interesting portion of Virginia. He passes within seven miles of the famous Weyer's Cave, and may conveniently visit it by losing one day in his travel; and last, though not least, he may pass over the celebrated Natural Bridge, with an allowance of time, if he be in a public conveyance, to take a glimpse at its magnificent structure.

Another route from Baltimore is, to proceed by the way of Washington and Fredericksburg to Richmond; or, from Baltimore you may reach Richmond by steamboat, down the Chesapeake Bay, by the way of Old Point Comfort, Norfolk, and up James River. From Richmond to the Springs, you have choice of three routes : either to take the Danville and South-Side Rail Roads, or Canal Boat, to Lynchburg, ; or the Central Rail Road by way of Charlottesville to Staunton, and thence into the spring region.

When the traveler is at Lynchburg, he has again a choice of routes : he may go by rail to Bonsack's, or Salem, and thence by stages to the Sweet Springs; or to Newbern, and from there by stage to Red Sulphur; or, he may take a Canal- Boat thirty-six miles to the Natural Bridge, and thence by stage to Dibrell's Springs and White Sulphur.

The several routes making Richmond a point, give to the traveler an opportunity of seeing the metropolis of the State, and the University of Virginia, situated near

ROUTES TO THE VIRGINIA SPRINGS. Xlll

the flourishing village of Charlottesville. In common with the " Valley route/' it extends to the traveler an opportunity of seeing the Natural Bridge without much delaying his journey.

The western and south-western traveler to the Virginia Springs, has but little choice of routes. The usual way of reaching them from those quarters is, to disembark from a steamboat at Guyandotte, and proceed by stagecoaches into the spring region. The Blue Sulphur is reached in one hundred and thirty-eight miles from Guyandotte, the White Sulphur in one hundred and sixty. Travelers sometimes take the Kanawha Boats at Louisville or Cincinnati, and proceed up the Kanawha river to Charleston, where they take the stage; the former route, however, commands a general preference.

SYNOPSIS OF ROUTES

Of Travel from the Northern y Eastern and Middle States ) to the Mineral Springs of Western Virginia.

"Where from.

Port Walthall,

3-ordonsville,

Millboro', tfillboro',

Vlillboro',

Vlillboro',

Millboro',

Vlillboro',

ji-oshen,

Conveyances.

Rail Road, Rail Road, Rail Road, Canal Boat, Steamboat, Rail Road, Steamboat, Rail Road, Stage &R.R Rail Road, Rail Road, Rail Road, Rail Road, Rail Road, Rail Road, Rail Road, Stage; Stage, Stage Stage Stage Stage Stage Stage Stage Stage Stage Stage

To what place.

Charlottesville, Top of Blue Ridge, Staunton, Lynchburg, Old Point, Port Walthall, Old Point, Farmville, Huguenot Springs, Amelia Springs, Junction, Lynchburg, GJ-ordonsville, Staunton, Millboro', Jackson's River, White Sulphur, Sweet Springs, Red Sweet, Salt Sulphur, Red Sulphur, Blue Sulphur, Rockbridge Alum, Bath Alum, Warm Springs, Hot Springs, Healing Springs, Lexington,

Miles,

97 116 140 146 130

18 100

XVI

SYNOPSIS OF ROUTES

Where from.

Conveyances.

To what place.

Mile3.

Goshen,

"Washington,

Steamboat,

Aquia Creek,

Aquia Creek,

Fredericksburg,

Aquia Creek,

Aquia Creek,

Gordonsville,

Gordonsville,

Charlottesville,

Charlottesville,

Augusta Springs,

Weyer's Cave,

Sweet & Red Springs,

Salt and Blue,

Red Sulphur,

Salt Sulphur,

Red Sulphur,

Canal Boat,

Dagger's Spring,

Covington,

Fincastle,

Canal Boat,

Cedar Creek,

Cedar Creek,

Dibrell's Spring,

Lexington,

Lexington,

Rock. Alum Springs,

Coiner's Sulphur,

Fincastle,

Salem,

Salem,

Chris tiansburg,

Christiansburg,-

Newbern,

Newbern,

Wytheville,

Newbern,

Wytheville,

Grayson's W. Sulphur,

TO THE MINERAL SPRINGS.

xvii

Where from.

Coaveyances.

To what place.

Miles.

Washington,

Strasburg,

Baltimore,

Washington,

Baltimore,

Martinsburg,

Martinsburg,

St. John's depot,

St John's depot,

Berkeley Springs,

Shenandoah Springs,

R.R.&st'ge,

Jordan's W. Sulphur,

7*

Baltimore,

Steamboat,

Old Point,

Alexandria,

Mt. Jackson,

Mt. Jackson,

Harrisonburg,

Harrisonburg,

Washington,

Steamboat,

Alexandria,

Alexandria,

Fauquier Springs,

Fredericksburg,

Fauquier Springs,

Cincinnati,

Steamers,

G-uyandotte,

G-uyandotte,

Stages, &c.

Stages, &c.

Salines,

Stages, &c.

Great Falls,

Stages, &c.

Grauley Bridge,

Stages, &c.

Hawk's Nest,

Stages, &c.

Blue Sulphur,

Blue Sulphur,

Stages, &c.

Lewisburg,

Lewisburg,

Stages, &c.

Danville,

Chapter I. 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, &c. Page 1

Chapter II. White Sulphur Springs

Location and General Physical Characteristics. — Its strength uniformly the same. — Does not lose its strength by parting with

XX CONTENTS.

it's G-as. — 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 Rodgers. 25

Chapter III

ON THE RELATIVE VIRTUES OF THE SALINE AND GASEOUS CONTENTS OF THE WHITE SULPHUR WATER. 37

Chapter IV. 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. — Usual quantities to be taken through the Day, and 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. — Appropriate Adjuncts often necessary. — Error in changing from one Watering Place to another. — Necessary Cautions as relates to Dress; Silk the best Security against Cold. — General Directions as to Diet and Exercise. -------54

Chapter V. Diseases To Which The White Sulphur Is Applicable

Dyspepsia. — Gastralgia. — Water Brash. — Diseases of the Liver and Spleen. — Jaundice. — Chronic Irritation of the Bowels.- — Costiveness. — Piles. — Diseases of the Urinary Organs. — Amenorrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea and Leucorrhoea. — Chronic Inflam-

CONTENTS. XXI

mation of the Brain. — Nervous Diseases. — Chronic Diseases of the Chest. — Bronchitis.— Diseases of the Skin. — Rheumatism and Gout. — Scrofula. — Dropsies. — Mercurial Diseases, &c. 75

CHAPTER XXVI. New London Alum Spring, - - - - - 281

CHAPTER XXVIL Huguenot Springs, - 285

XXIV CONTENTS.

APPENDIX.

NATURAL CURIOSITIES OF VIRGINIA, &C.

Weyer's Cave, 295

Madison's Cave, 298

Blowing Cave, 299

Peaks of Otter, 304

Hawk's Nest, 309

Ice Mountain, 311

Caudy's Castle, 314

Tea Table, . . 314

Hanging Rocks, 314

Salt Pond, 315

Old Point Comfort, 316

CHAPTER I Early use of, &c. <§cc. — Mineral waters rank among

ihe ancient remedies used for the cure of disease. The Greeks, who in knowledge of medicine were superior to [.he nations who had preceded them, regarded natural medicated waters as a special boon of the Deity, and piously dedicated them to Hercules, the god of strength. I They used thejn for drinking, and for general and tppical bathing. Hippocrates was acquainted with the value md uses of various mineral waters, and many other Ireek 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 to the benefit which they experienced from iheir 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, 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 wifli the enlightened nations of the earth for many centuries, it was comparatively but recently that

EXPERIENCE THE BEST GUIbU 3

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 salphur from sulphurous waters — Inor 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, &c. — 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, u 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 Mineral Waters/ 9 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, thai 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 enlight-

EXPERIENCE THE BEST GUIDE. 5

ened physicianSj 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 i% opinion, made up, ordinarily, from partial and empirical sources ; or, quite as likely, from the prejudiced accounts which are brought by visiters from the different watering places, and which are sweepingly favorable, or prejudicial, as they may chance to have been benefitted or worsted, and that without reference to the specific action of the agent, or that clear understanding 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, T 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

MEDICAL EFFICACY. 7

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 medical 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 me with many others equally strong, that have come under my observation within the last few years.

Medical Efficacy., &c, — Mineral waters are exceedingly valuable as medicinal agents, are applicable to 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 caiholicon ; 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 our more potent mineral waters.

Some there are, I know, who profess to be unbelievei - 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, &c. &c. 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 jper 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 150 grains to the gallon, and which, upon analysis, is found to consist of iodine, sulphur, the. various combinations

MEDICAL EFFICACY. 9

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, re-establish 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, have recovered, by a journey to mineral waters, their tone, 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, U I dare pledge my word, that, if they he only fully and fairly tried, they will be found amongst the most powerful agents which have ever been brought to the relief of human maladies."

Modus Operandi, &c. — 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 materia 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 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.