'^ 1^' Greenbrier Countv, VVest Vir(5\nia . J.J.MooTTnaT\,M.Ii. Book JJ4 Mes .nm '^' <^ V waft ufMSM ufiilriS GREENBRIER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA. Y,\ Physician to the Springs. COPYHiaHT SECUHED ACCORDING TO LAW. Vt0W of the (hur springs If ill 251*. mmt fit ^sm WITH THE ANALYSIS OF ITS WATERS, {|g pimm 18 f !|li 3fS ftpp«i38l0, AND SOME ACCOUNT OP Society and its Amusements at the Springs, BY J\ J. MooRywAN, M Physician to the White Sulphur Springs ,• Author of Mineral Waters of the South and Southwest ; of Mineral Springs of North America^ &c. (&c\/ late Professor of Medical Jurisprudence and Hygiene in the Washington U)iiversity , BaUimore; Member of the Medico- Chirurgical Society of Maryland ; of the Baltimore Medical Association^ ctv., cfc^., &c. BALTIMORE : THE SUN BOOK AND JOB PRINTING OFFICB 1879. ^ %" l]tTIDE2S, I>RELIMiNARY REMARKS 8 XOCAlilTY OF THE SPRINGS 4 P.OUTES BY WHICH THEY ARE REACHED 5 aiXTENT AND CHARACTER OF ACCOMMODATIONS 5 ANALYSIS OF THE WATERS 6 MEDICINAL CHARACTER AND CURATIVE POWERS 8 POPULAR ERRORS IN THE USE OF MINERAL WATERS . 10 BEST PERIOD FOR INVALID VISITATION 12 DISEASES TO WHICH THE WHITE SULPHUR IS APPLI- CABLE • ^^ EFFECTS OF THE WATER IN INEBRIATION 23 USE OF THE WATER BY OPIUM EATERS 24 DISEASES IN WHICH THE WATER SHOULD NOT BE USED. 25 CHALYBEATE SPRING AT THE WHITE SULPHUR. ....... 26 BATHING AT THE WHITE SULPHUR 26 SOCIETY AND ITS AMUSEMENTS 27 ^^^ See Aiinouncemmt at close of Pamphlet, and CARD of Proprietors as to the Non-use of the zvaters, except to cTuests on the Grounds. WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, Greenbrier County, West Virginia. PA M P H L E T for general circulation, adapted for a HaxVdbook to guide the distant stranger as to the loca- tion and exte}it of acco?fimodatuvis of the White Sulphur Springs, to point out the different routes by which they may be reached, and at the same time indicating in a concise manner the imious diseases for which their waters have been advantageously used, has long been a desideratum with the Spring-going public. In attempting to supply this want, by the issue of this pamphlet, I shall not msert general certificates in proof of the value and medicmal adaptations of the waters to the various diseases for which they have been so long successfully used. The publication of such certificates, while they might be serviceable in some cases, would, nevertheless, be liable to mislead from the want of proper and scientific discrimination as to the precise nature of the cases given. _ Mineral waters, to establish and perpetuate a valuable reputa- tion, must be carefully kept within the dear boundary of their Liver oz'er disease, and 7Vithin their true adaptation as curative agents To be efficiently employed, whatever be the name of the ^disease for which they are used, the state of the system at the time and a proper administration, so as to secure desired effects, are important points that cannot be safely ignored. There are biasing partialities and prejudices in the whole ceriin. cate system that arc sure to intrude in despite of every effort to keep them out, and hence it is that conclusions in such cases are apt to be too sweepingly made to be realized bv those who rely upon them. I have had abundant reason to know that -reat injus- tice ,s often done to suffering humanity, however unin?entionally and ultimately, too, to mineral waters, by having them placed through vague and extravagant certificates, upon the common plat^ form with patent medicines. In this way hopes are often created in the minds of invalids that are destined to sad disappointment while the failure of the waters to accomplish all that has been inju* diciously promised for ihem causes their reputation unduly to suffer in public estimation. ^ Mineral waters possess great and valuable powers, and are in many cases superior to the medicines of the apothecary's shop; 4 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. and when used under proper and judicious discrimination are well qualified to assume a plac'e in the great medical mind of the world, and, like well defined articles of the materii fuedica, stand promi- nently forth as most valuable resources of the healing art. These views are sanctioned by a sufficient amount of truth and importance to influence me against the common practice of pub- lishing certificates of cases of diseases, unless such cases had been carefully diagnosed by a party competent to such duty, and so clearly described as to give them a fair claim to an intelligent pub- lic reliance. Upon this branch of the subject, therefore, I propose to rely upon the general results of public opinion, formed from the use of the water for nearly a century, and from my own professional experience in iheir administration iox forty years, in cases the pre- cise pathology and nature of which were carefully investigated in connection with their use in each case, enabling me, I conceive, to determine their power and applicabilities with the certainty that physicians determine the peculiar action of any article of the drug shop with which they are most familiar. LOCALITY OP THE SPEINGS. The White Sulphur Springs are situated on Howard's Creek, in Greenbrier Coimty, West Virginia, and upon the western slope of the great Apalachian chain of mountains which separates the waters that flow into Chesapeake Bay from those that run into the Gulf of Mexico. The situation of the Spring is elevated and beautifully pictur- esque, surrounded by mountains on every side. Kates Mountain is in full view, and about two miles to the south ; to the west, and distant about one mile, are the Greenbrier Mountains, while the towering Alleghany in its magnificent proportions is found five miles to the north and east. The Spring is in the midst of the celebrated " Spring Region," having the " Hot," '-Warm" and " Healing Springs" from thirty to thirty-five miles to the north ; the "Sweet" and the "Sweet Chaly- beate" sixteen miles to the east; the "Salt" and the " Red Sul- phur," the one twenty- four, the other forty-one miles to the south. Its latitude is about 37)^° north and its longitude 31/° west from Washington. Its elevation above tide water is 2,000 feet. The temperature of its waters is 62° Fahrenheit, from which they do not vary during the heat of summer or the cold of winter. The Spring yields more than thirty gallons a minute; and it is a remarkable fact that this quantity is not perceptibly varied during the longest spells of wet or dry weather. The quantity and tem- perature of the Spring, being uniform under all circumstances, give a confidence, which experience has verified, of its uniform strength and efficiency. ROUTES TO THE SPRINGS. 5 It is sun-ounded by mountain and intervale scenery of great beauty, and blessed with a most delightful summer and fall climate. Independently of the benefit to be derived fron\ the waters, a bet- ter situation for a residence of invalids and delicate persons during the summer and fall months can scarcely be imagined. They have here the advantage of a most salubrious and invigorating air and the most agreeable temperature— cool at morning and evening, and at no time oppressively warm. The thermometer ranges here during the summer between 60° and 75°, and rarelv attains a greater height than Sf at any time of the day, while 'the atmos- l)here is so elastic and invigorating as to enable invalids to take exercise in tlie open air without inconvenience or fatigue. EOUTES TO THE SPEINGS. The IV/ii/d Sulphur is immediately on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, 100 miles west of Staunton. This road is now completed to Huntingdon, on the Ohio river, thus rendering the Springs ap- l)roachable by rail both from the Hist and West. 1^ Travelers from the North or East, by rail, must necessarily make the city of Staunton a point in their line of travel. ^P l^he route to the Springs from Washington is by way of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad to Gordonsville; thence on to the Chesapeake and Ohio Road, by the way of Staunton, or by Harper's Ferry, and uj) the Shenandoah Valley to Staunton. Ky Persons coming from the West or Southwest may travel ether by way of Washington or via Cincinnati to Huntingdon, the termmus of the Chesapeake and Ohio Road, and thence on this road about 160 miles to the Springs. The route from Cincinnati by way of Huntingdon is several hundred miles shorter than the old route by Washington. 5[y Those who wish to reach the Springs from the South have a contmuous chain of railroad, either by way of Richmond or Knoxville, Tennessee. If the Knoxville route is taken, the traveler proceeds by way of Lynchburg to Chariottesville. At the latter place he takes the cars of the Chesapeake and Ohio Road for the White Sulphur, 140 miles distant. ^ The time from Washington to White Sulphur is about fif- teen hours. EXTENT AND CHARACTER OP ACCOMMOLJ^TIONS. In the spring of 1857 this property was purchased by a company ot gentlemen, residmg principally in Virginia, who, in virtue of an act ot the Legislature, associated themselves in a joint stock com- pany, under the name of the " White Sulphur Spring Company " 6 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. In conformity with the public demand for a large extension of accommodations, the Company immediately entered upon an ex- tensive system of improvement, designed alike to increase the capacity of the property for the accommodation of visitors, and at the same time to beautify and adorn the grounds. To these ends they have erected the largest building in the Southern country — its dimensions being 400 feet in length by a corresponding width, and covering more than an acre of ground. This building is ap- propriated for receiving rooms ^ dining roo?n, ball room^ parlors, lodging rooms, etc. The parlor is one of the most elegant and spacious saloons in America, being half as large again as the celebrated " East Room " in Washington, The dining room is one of the largest in the world, being upwards of 300 feet long by a corres- ponding width, and conveniently seating 1,200 persons. The Company has also built a large number of handsome cot- tages for families. In several respects the grounds have been greatly improved, particularly by the construction of broad ser- pentine v/alks in various directions through the lawns, and by widening and extending the romantic and popular Stroll, known /as the " Lover's Walk." With these improvements, together with |a new and capacious bathing establishment, and the removal of many of the old buildings to new locations, by which the lawns are enlarged and adorned, the property alike in capacity, in con- venience, and in the elegance of its arrangements, exhibits a new and greatly improved appearance. ANALYSIS OF THE WATEE3. The White Sulphur was analyzed in the winter of 1842, by Prof. Hayes, of Boston, from a few bottles of the water sent to his laboratory the j)receding fall. From his report, 50,000 grains (about seven pints) of this water contains a solution 3,633 water grain measure ol gaseous matter, or about 1.14 of its volume, consisting of Nitrogen Gas 1.013 Oxygen Gas .108 Carbonic Acid , 2.244 Hydro-Sulph. Acid* 068 One gallon, or two hundred and thirty-seven cubic inches of the water, contains 19 739-1000 cubic inches of gas, having the proportion of Nitrogen Gas 4.680 Oxygen Gas 498 Carbonic Acid 11.290 Hydro-Sulph. Acid 271 *It must be tx)rne in mind that this water was examined by Prof. Hayes several months after its removal from the Spring, and consequently after it ha(J part^ with a large portion of its free hydro sul ph. acid gas. ANALYSIS OF THE WATERS. 7 Fifty thousand grains of this water contain 115.735-000 grains of saline matter, consisting of Sulphate of Lime 67.168 Sulpliale of Magnesia 30.364 Chloride of Mai^neKium 859 Carbonate of Lime 6 060 Organic Matter (dried at 212') 3.740 Carbonate Acid 4.584 Silicates (Silica 1.34, Potash 18, Soda 66, Magnesia and a trace of Oxide of Iron) 2.960 Professor Hayes remarks that the organic matter of the water, in its physical and chemical character, differs essentially from the organic matters of some thermal waters ; in contact with earthly sulphates, at a moderate temperature, it ])roduces hydro-sulphuric acid, " and io this source that acid co?itai)ied in the water may be traced^' He adds : " The medicinal properties of the water is probably due to the action of this organic substance. The hydro-sulphuric acid, result- ing from its natural action, is one of the most active substances within the reach of physicians, and there are chemical reasons for supposing that after the ivater has 7 cached the stomach simila? changes^ accompanied by the products of hydro-siilph. acid, take place. '"^^ Professor William B. Rogers also analyzed this water, with the following results : Solid matter, procured from 100 cubic inches, dried at 212° Fah., consisting of 65-54 grains. Sulphate of Lime. 31 680 grains. Sulphate of Magnesia 8 241 " Sulphate of Soda 4 050 Carbonate of Lime 1.530 " Carbonate of Magnesia 506 " Chloride of Magnesium 0.071 ** Chloride of Calcium 0.010 Chloride of Sodium 0.226 Proto-Sulphate of Iron 0.069 " Sulphate ot Alumniae 0.012 *' Earthy Phosphates— a trace. Azotized Organic Matter blended with large propor- tion of Sulphur, about 0.005 " Iodine, combined with Sodium or Magnesium. Volume of each of the gases, in a free state, estimated in 100 cubic inches : t Sulphuretted Hydrogen 66 Nitmgen 1.88 Oxygen 0.19 Carbonate Acid 3.67 •See Chapter III. on the " Relative virtues of the saline and gaseou.s contents of the White Sulphur Water," In the ''Mineral Springs of Nar(/i America, ' by the Author. tlOO oubic inches amount to about three and a half pints. WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. MEDICAL CHAEACTER OF THE WATES. The distinctive medical influences of this water upon the system are cathartic, diuretic, sudorific and alterative. Some cathartic and diuretic effect, as well as a distinct determi- nation to the skin by sweating, is easily induced under its use in the great majority who drink it. But the most decidedly control- ing effect of the water over diseased action, and that which, more than every other, gives its highest and most valuable character as a remedy, is its alterative power, or that peculiar action by which it effects salutary chaijges or alterations in the blood, in the various secretions, and upon the various tissues of the body. The certain effects of the water in stimulating glandular secre- tions, dissolving chjvjiic infiam?nations, overcoming obstructions, and throwing off offensive debris from the diseased system, leave no doubt of its distinctive and active alterative powers. Indeed, no article of the Materia Medica has more decided alterative effects. I desire especially to call the attention of physicians, and the intelligent public generally, to this distinctive and remarkable qual- ity of the water. In this, more than anything else, it differs from other mineral waters. Many other waters are found to possess valuable alterative power, and with an equal or greater cathartic or diuretic action, but none have yet been shown to be so certainly, promptly ?coA poiverfidly alterative upon the human system.. Some of my unprofessional readers may desire to know the pre- cise meaning that is attached to the term alterative, in a medical sense. This term simply means to alter or change; that is, to alter or change the chemical composition of the blood, the secretions of the glands and the various secretory organs and surfaces, the removal of obstructions from the glands or minute vessels which occur in congestions, irritations and inflammations — thas restoring the blood and the general organism to their natural condition and to the performance of their natural functions. I claim that the v/ater has these effects by being absorbed, or, in other words, entering into the great circuit of the circulation, and thus exercising the specific or peculiar action of its constituents in promoting the various secretory and excretory processes, and thereby restoring the diseased system to a physiological condition. Such effects and changes wrought in the sick body are obviously an alteration, and the remedy that produces them is an alterative. This is but a part of a medicinal alterative, but it conveys a suffi- cient idea of its nature. The water is also remarkable for its power in reducing the force and frequency of the pulse, when unduly excited. Its influence in this respect should be regarded, not as a direct sedative effect of the agent, but as the result of its potency in abating general MEDICINAL CHAKACTER OP THE WATER. 9 excitement, resolving inflammations and removing obstructions, thus bringing back the system to its normal condition. Experience in the administration of these waters has abundantly established the fact of their direct and positive influence in con- trolling and eradicating many diseases. Their eflects, when pro- perly used, are to revive the languishing circulation, to give a new direction to the vital eneigies, 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 econ- omy an internal transmutation— iZ/zry^^///^^/ cJiaiige. Entering the circulation, they course through the system, and apply the medici- nal 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 ramitications of the capillaries, and remove the morbid condition of these ves* sels, which are so commonly the primary seats of the disease. It is thus that they relieve chronic disorder action, and impart natural energ)' and elasticity to vessels that have been distended either by inflammation or congestion, while they communicate an energy to the muscular libre and to the animal tissues generally which is not witnessed from the administration of ordinary reme- dies. It is thus that they produce the alterative effect^ the *'/;'t?- found cha)ige'' upon the system, of which I have been speaking. It may be well to remark that all mineral waters, to a greater or less degree, are stimulants, and consequently are inapplicable to the treatment of acute or highly injlammatory diseases. This is especially true of the White Sulphur, particularly wheii drunk fresh at the spring and abounding in its stimulating gas. It is true that when its volatile gas has flown oft' it becomes far less stimulati?ig, and may be used with safety and success in cases to which in its perfectly fresh state it would be unadapted. But even in its least stimulating form it is inadmissible for excited or febrile conditions of the system, and especially in high inflammatory action, at least until the violence of such action has been subdued by other agents. But while these waters have excellent adaptations for the cure of many diseases, they are imadapted also to the treatment of others. It would be irrational to suppose that any medical agent capable of effecting so much good as is this water, when properly directed, should be incapable of doing harm when improperly used. In many cases in which it has a happy adaptation it fails of its good eff'ect from being improperly taken, while in a few cases its eflects would be injurious from its very nature, however it might be em- ployed. Some of the latter class of cases, very prominent in their importance, will be noticed under the distinct heading of ^''Diseases in which the water slwuld not be tcsed,'^ 10 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. POPULAR BRROBS IN THE USB OP MINERAL TTATERS. Before entering upon the consideration of the diseases for which the White Sulphur VVater may be beneficially employed, I desire, for the benefit of invalids who may visit these or other mineral waters, to make a few remarks with the view of correcting some at least of the poptilar errors that exist in connection with the use of such waters ; and I trust that a life devoted to the investigation of this general subject will relieve me from any appearance of egotism in doing so. I regret that the limited space within vvhich I desire to confine this publication will not allow me to say as much upon the subject as I could wish to do. The first of the popular errors to which I call attention has refer- ence to the time invalids should use mineral waters. There is an opinion in the minds of not a few that such waters should not be drunk longer than a i!iven Jiumber of days, and that after such time they are prejudicial rather than beneficial. This is an error. There is no specific time during which invalids, speak- ing generally, should use this or any other mineral water. The time during which all such waters should be used depends upon the nature of the ease, the mariner in which they are used, the sus- ceptibilities of the case, and their effects upon the organism and the disease. There are periods, but u?icertain periods, in the use of the White Sulphur Water, when it ought to be suspended or discontinued ; but such periods can only be judged of by the effects, and not from any number of days during which it may have been drunk. If the water be not adapted to the disease and to the existing state of the system, of course it ought not to be used at all ; but if it be adapted, it ought to be persisted in until it produces its alterative or proper curative effects. It happens in many cases that some appropriate management is essential to prevent the water from having vagrant and undesirable operations, and to hasten its speedy and good effects; but it would be in vain to expect its use to result in a cure until it has been properly employed for a sufficierit length of time, (and this irrespect- ive of the number of days) to produce the desired effect. From two to eight weeks is the range of time within which it may be made to produce all its good effects, or bring the system into such a condition as insures a return to health. But in less than two weeks, however skillfully directed, it need not be expected that it will be productive of its full sanitary influences. The second popular error is that of hastily changing fro?n spring to spring, without staying sufl[iciently long at any one to produce lasting or permanent good impressions upon the disease. POPULAR ERRORS IN THE USE OP MINERAL WATERS. 11 A restless disposition often causes invalids to fly from one spring to another, in the vain hope of greater good, when very probably the time they fruitlessly spent at several different springs would have been sufficient to cure them at any one of them that might be even tolerably adapted to their condition. This criticism does not apply to mere pleasure-seekers. They may properly go from spring to spring, and spend their time just where they are the happiest. But it is not so with invalids who have something for the waters to do. They should wisely select the waters best adapted to their cases, and use them properly and perseveringly until their unadapt- edness is shown, or until they have produced such eftects as the nature of the case demands. This being done, they can then with propriety resort to such other waters or baths as may be best adapted to their new condition. The popular errors manifested in the hap-hazard and experi- mental methods of using mineral waters are too numerous to be particularly considered in the space allotted to this subject, but they are too important to be entirely overlooked. Potent mineral waters that have been extensively used for many years have, it is reasonable to suppose, established with those who have experienced, or long obsei-ved their effects, definite and v/ell defined laws of operation upon the human system; or, in other words, have established certain hygienic and therapeutic laws, by the observance of which they may be taken understandingly, safely and in such manner to secure their sanative effects without incur- ring unnecessary delay or risk from improper administration. Nevertheless, many serious invalids, and those too who are de- sirous of speedy relief, will, with the utmost uncertainty of the correctness of such a course, enter upon the use of such waters entirely in an experimental way, and with as much disregard of the known laws of their administration, as if n*o such laws existed. Such expei-imentalists, by inefficient or untimely dosing, or, f. r more common, by overdosing^ sometimes, by using the remedy when they are under a temporary excitement, or other influences that prevent its good effect, (and which by a Htde precaution might speedily be removed,) or by using it ioo fresh, when it ought to be used stale, allow themselves either to be positively injured, or at least deprived of the benefits that might have resulted from its proper administration. Such tentative drinkers may now and then adopt the best course that could have been pursued, and all will go well; but in no iQ\>/ instances it happens that grave mistakes are made and real injury effected. But if no absolute injury shall have been done, it very commonly results that such experimentalists waste much time without deriving compensating advantages, and often, after a week 12 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. or two of profitless experimenting, perceive the necessity of ceasing such a course, and begin the use of the agent de novo as it were, and as if they had never before taken it at all, and without having derived any advantage from the week or two, it may be, that they had been improperly using it. Invalids intending to use mineral waters for the treatment of their diseases should first satisfactorily ascertain what particular water is best calculated to cure their maladies, and before entering upon its use acquaint themselves with the proper way of using it, and with the general management and precautions necessary to be observed while under its use, not only in reference to the quantity and times of drinkmg, but also in reference to baths, the manner and periods of taking them, together with ^ proper general rule of living, as relates to diet, exercise and exposures, while they are under agencies and in a chmate to which they have not been accustomed. Thus properly informed, and prudently conforming to judicious instructions, they may reasonably hope to secure all the advantages that can be derived from such agents. The strength of the natural appetite for the goods things of this world and the dicta of fashion but too commonly over-ride the most judicious medical advice, at a fashionable watering place, in reference to diet and dress. Still I cannot conscientiously with- hold this well-meant warning to the serious invaHd at such places, to eat prudently, irrespective of the inducement which an active appetite may offer, and to clothe war?nly and avoid night exposure, whatever fashion may demand or temptation crave. BEST PERIOD OP THE YEAR FOR INVALID VISITATION. I am often asked by correspondents and others as to the best time ox period of the season for invalid visitation to the Springs. As this is a matter of no little importance to the invalid, I remark m reference to the White Sulphur that from the 15th of May to the middle of July is preferable to an earlier or later period of the sea- son. There are substantial reasons why invalids should make their visits within the range of the time mentioned, and that they should prefer an early rather than a late period of this range of time. I St. Because during this period we have the most delightful weather of the season — neither too warm nor too cool for exercise in the open air. 2d. Because the crowd of mere pleasure-seekers has not set in up to this period ; the place is less crowded, and all the facilities and comforts of a quiet home are more easily and certainly ob- tained. 3d. In the early period of the summer solstice, just after the cold and inclement weather of winter and early spring, and before BEST PERIOD OF THE YEAR FOR INVALID VISITATION. 13 the sutterer has become enen^ated by the heat of the summer, chronic disease more readily yields to the alterative influence of the waters, and consequently the invalid is more certainly and speed- ily placed under their curative powers ; and 4th. Because invalids, whose maladies have been essentially modified or cured in the early part of the summer, have a longer period of favorable weather, either here or elsewhere, in which to perpetuate and confirm their amendment and final cure, than those who might receive influences equally beneficial, but obtained at a later period of the summer. I might allude to other advantages enjoyed by the invalid who makes his visit to Mineral Waters early in the season; but let it suflice to remark, that my long observation as Medical Director of these waters has abundantly satisfied me of the decided advantage that attaches to early rather than late visitation by those who are seeking to secure the largest amount of benefit from their use. Hence I earnestly suggest to invalids who design visiting these waters in the course of the season not to postpone their visit to a late period of the season, and to choose an early rather than a late period of the time I have designated as preferable. Many inva- lids will derive as much advantage from three weeks' use of the water in June as they will from four in September. -.- But while the summer, and especially the early portion of it, is the preferable time for using the waters, they may nevertheless be drunk to advantage during the cold weather of the latey^?//, winter or early spring, provided that those who use them are properly protected by clothing suitable for the season, and by warm and comfortable lodging. nSEASES TO WHICH THE WHITE SULPHUR WATER IS APPLICABLE. For want of space I can only give a mere synopsis of the dis- eases for the cure of which the White Sulphur Waters have been long and successfully employed, referring my readers who desire more particular information upon this subject, as well as for the proper method of using the waters in the various diseases, to my vol- ume on "The Mineral Springs of North America." DYSPEPSIA. This very common and annoying disease, the especial scourge of the sedentary and the thoughtful, whether existing under the form of irritation of the mucous surface of the stomach, vitiation of the gastric juice, or under the somewhat anomalous characteristic 14 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. of gastralgia, is treated with much success by a proper course of the White Sulphur Water. The apprehensive and dejected spirit that finds no comfort in the present and forebodes only evil in the future— the hesitating will that matures no purpose and desponds even in success — the emaciation of frame and haggardness of visage — the ever-present endurance and all the imaginary and real ills that torture the hap- less dyspeptic — are often made to yield to alterative and invigor- ating influences that a few weeks' judicious use of the waters have established. Administered alone, in every form of this disease, (for under the name oi dyspepsia we have several y^rwj of stomach disease essen- tially differing from each other, and requiring different modes of treatment,) its curative powers may not always be so marked ; but in several varieties of the disease, and those indeed which we most often witness, it deserves the very highest praise that can be con- ferred upon any remedy. In cases of this disease in which the liver is implicated, occasioning slow or unhealthy biliary secretions, a state of things that often exists, the water may be used with spe- cial advantage. To effect permanent or lasting cures in dyspepsia the waters should always be pressed to their complete alterative effects upon the system. CHRONIC IRRITAriON OF THE MUCOUS MEM- BRANE OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. The largest class of invalids that resort to our mineral fountains for relief are those afflicted with abdominal irritations, and especi- ally with irritations of the mucous coat of the stomach and boivels. These irritations are occasionally so marked by a super-added nervous mobility as to conceal their true character from the suf- ferer, and sometmies from his medical adviser. The disease is far more common in late that in former years. The number of cases at the White Sulphur has been, I am sure, more than triplicated within the last few years. It may be induced by any of the nu- merous causes whose tendency is to derange the digestive, assimi- lative and nervous functions, and is often connected with some indigestion, irregular or costive bowels, and with restlessness and unhappy forebodings of impending evils. I have much confidence in the waters in such cases when prudently and cautiously used, aided, if necessary, by proper adjunctive means, and pressed to their full alterative effects. * * For a more full account of this disease, its symptoms and treatment, see vol. on the "Mineral Springs of the South and Southwest," by the Author. CURATIVE POWEBS. 16 LIVER DISEASES. Chronic disease of the liver, in some form or other, is a very- common disease of our country, especially in the warm latitudes and miasmatic districts. Very many aftected with this complaint have annually visited the White Sulphur for the last fifty or sixty years. In no class of cases ha\«e the effects of the waters been more fully and satisfactorily tested than in chronic derail gements of the liver. The viodus operandi of sulphur water upon the liver is dissimilar to that of mercury, and yet the effects of the two agents are strik- ingly analogous. The potent and controlling influence of the water over the secretory function of the liver must be regarded as a specific quality of the agent, and as constituting an important therapeutic feature in the value of the article for diseases of this organ. Its influence upon the liver is gradually but surely to un- load it when engorged and to stimulate it to a healthy performance of its functions when torpid. The control which this water may be made to exercise over the liver, in correcting and restoring its energies, is as often astonish- ing as it is gratify i]ig— establishing a copious flow of healthy bile, and a consequent activity of the bowels, imparting a vigor to the whole digestive and assimilative functions, and, consequently, energy and strength to the body, and life and elasticity to the spirits. For many years I have kept a ^^ Case-Book"" at the White Sulphur, and have carefully noted the influences of the water upon such cases as have been submitted to my management. Among the number are many hundred cases of chronic affections of the liver, embracing diseases of simpk excitement, chronic inflammation, engorgement, and obstructions of the biliary ducts, etc. These cases were treated either with the White Sulphur alone, or aided by some appropriate adjunctive remedy ; and, in looking at the results, I must be permitted to express a doubt whether a larger relative amount of amendments and cures has ever been effected by the usual remedies of the medical shop. This I know is high eulogy of the water in such diseases. It is considerately made, and is no higher than its merits justify. When, Schirrosity of the liver is suspected, the water, if used at all, should be used under the guard of a well-informed medical judgment ; for in actual Schirrosity, if it be pressed beyond its primary eflfects upon the stomach and bowels, it is very decidedly injurious. I have known several cases in which death was has- tenened by disregarding this caution. For a more full account of the influences of the water in Liver diseases, the reader is referred to the author's work on the " Mineral Springs of North America:' 16 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. JAUNDICE. This is a form of liver disease in which obstructions prevent the free egress of the bile from the gall-bladder along its natural channels, and hence occasions its absorbtion into the general circulation. In cases of jaundice, in which the obstructing cause is inspis- sated bile, or very small calculi^ or when occasioned by inflamma- tion or spasm of the gall-ducts themselves, the White Sulphur Water, as might be expected from its influence over the liver, is used with tne happiest results. Indeed, the individuals affected with incipient or confirmed jaundice, and whose livers are free from scirihus, cannot place too much confidence in the use of the White Sulphur Water and baths^ with the occasional aid of mild adjunctive means to aid in its speedy action upon the liver and skin. Thus judiciously employed, and for a sufticient length of time, it invariably proves successful, either in curing the case or in bringing the system into the condi' tion under which a cure speedily results. In Schirrosity of the Liver it should never be used. CHRONIC DIARRHOEA. In Chronic Diarrheda, especially where the mucous coat of the bowels is principally implicated, and, still more, where the case is complicated with derangement of the stomach and liver, the Water is often employed with very gratifying effects. While the Water, properly taken, is a most invaluable remedy in Chronic Mucous Diarrhaa, in no other disease are prudence and caution more eminently demanded in its administration, and espe- cially for the first few days of using it. When prudently and cau- tiously prescribed in such cases, it is not only a perfectly safe remedy, but also eminently curative in its effects. Many of the most satisfactory results that I have ever accomplished by the pre- scription of the White Sulphur Water have been in cases of Chronic Mucous Diarrhoea. Serous Diarrhcea, of chronic character^ requires still greater caution in the early use of the W^ater than the mucous form to which I have been referring; and while the Waters, when care- fully introduced, constitute a valuable remedy in such cases, they will, if too largely taken, aggravate the worst symptoms of the disease.* COSTIVENESS. Habitual costiveness is a state of the system in which the Water has been extensively employed — sometimes successfully, some- times not. When the case depends upon depraved or deficient ♦See the details of several interesting cases in the " Mineral Waters of the United States and Canada," by the Author. CURATIVE POWER. 1"? biliaiy secretions, much reliance may be placed upon the efficiency of this remedy, it it be carried to the extent of fully alterating the system, Costiveness, dependent upon inertia or loss of tone of the coats of the bowels, is among the most difficult of mere functional derangements to relieve. The persistent use of alteraiive doses of the Water will, however, sometimes. eflect it. But, most unwisely, many persons in this condition defeat their chance of a cure by the very improper practice of using cotnmon salt in the Water to render it purgative. Such a practice may answer a present pur- pose, but it does much to defeat the alterative effects of the Water, which is its great power in such cases. HAY FEVER. This disorder, periodical in its attacks, and in its symptoms much resembling an ordinary catarrh, is more or less common to all latitudes. Without being dangerous in its consequences, it is an- nually annoying to many persons, and especially about the period of the fall equinox. Great mountain altitudes as a summer and fall residence, with tonics as medicine, are most relied upon for modification or cuie. The elevation of the White Sulphur, 2,000 feet above the sea level, with immediate surrounding mountains of 3,500 feet, together with an atmosphere of great purity and elasticity, and the alter- ative and invigorating effects of the Water, very happily adapts it as a place of summer and fall residence for those afflicted with Hay Fever. I have rarely, if ever, seen a case of this disease here that was not benehtted ; in some cases entirely relieved for the season, in others greatly modified. In all cases I think more or less benefit has been derived. PILES. The use of mild laxatives in hcemorrhoids has long been a favor- ite practice for their relief. The beneficial effects of the Water in this disease is probably to some extent due to its Jaxative power, but still more, I apprehend, to its alterative effect upon the liver, through which the hfemorrhoidal vessels are favorably impressed. DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. The White Sulphur Water is used with very good effects in Gravel ; indeed, they almost invariably palliate such cases, and frequently, in their early stages, entirely cure them. Incipient calculus affections are relieved by the W^ater pretty much in proportion as it corrects the digestive and assimilating functions, improves the blood, and brings the genei'al economy into a natural type, preparing the kidneys to resist foreign encroach- 18 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. ments upon their functions, and to elaborate, from healthy blood, proper and healthy secretions.* Where the affection depends upon acid predominance in the fluids, the Water never fails to pal- liate, and often cures the case. Whether or not this Water should be preferred to other remedies, in calculus affections, depends upon the diathesis that prevails in the system, and hence the urine should always be carefully analyzed, that we may not act in the dark in such cases. Chrofiic Liflammaiion of the Kid?ieys^ as well as similar affections of the bladder and urethra, are often successfully treated by a judicious use of the Waters. I have treated numerous cases of catarrh of the bladder successfully by a proper use of the Water and other appropriate remedies in connection with it, always re- garding the water, however, as the leading remedy in the case. Diabetes is a form of disease in which the Waters have occa- sionally been used with excellent effect. Spermatorrhcea, often painfully implicating the nervous system, and producing extreme debility, not only of the sexual organs, but also of the general system, is often greatly benefitted at these Springs. This disease is generally found compHcated with a con- dition of the skin and glandular organs, and not unfrequendy oi the mucous surfaces, that eminently require the aid of alterative remedies. In all such complications the Waters are fouud very valuable as a primary means, preceding and preparing the system for the use of more decided tonic remedies. FEMALE DISEASES. In Female diseases, in their various chronic forms of amenorrhcea or suppressed menstruation, dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, chlo7vsis and leucorrhtea, the waters of the White Sulphur have been much employed. When the cases have been judiciously dis- criminated, and were free from the combinations and states of the system that contra indicate the use of the Waters, they have been employed with beneficial results. CHRONIC AFFECTIONS OF THE BRAIN. It is only since I inaugurated the custom of using the Water in its wigaseous fonn (thirty-nine years ago) that it has been taken successfully, or even tolerated by the system, in chronic inflamma- tion of the brain. I need, therefore, scarcely apprise my readers that it is only in its strictly ungaseotis form that it should be used in such cases, and then in a careful and guarded manner. Thus prescribed, I have in several instances found it beneficial. ^See " Mineral Waters of the United States and Cauda," by the Autho?, CURATIVE POWER. NERVOUS DISEASES. 19 Neiualgia, in some form or other, has become a very cornmon disease in every part of our country, and the number that visit the White Sulphur suffering with this protean and painful malady is very considerable. Sometimes this disease exists as a primary or independent aflection, but far more frequently as a consequence of visceral or organic derangements. Where such is found to be the case, the White Sulphur Waters are used with the very best results. As an altentfire, to prepare the neuralgic for receiving the more tonic waters to advantage, it deserves the largest confidence by those afhicted with this annoying malady. PARALYSIS. The number of paralytics that resort to the White Sulphur is large, and their success in the use of the Waters various. Cases resulting from dyspeptic depravities are oftener benefitted than those that have resulted from other causes. In almost every case, however, some benefit to the general health takes place, and some- times an abatement of the paralysis itself. BREAST COMPLAINTS. In ttibercuhir cansumptlon, whetlier the tubercles be incipient or fully developed, the White Sulphur Water should not be used. Its effects in such cases would be prejudicial. But there are other forms of breast camplaints in which the waters have been found valuable, particularly in that form described as SYMPATHETIC CONSUMPTION.* This form of breast complaint is the result of morbid sympathies extended from some other parts of the body, and more commonly from a diseased stomach or liver. The great par vagum nerve, common to both the stomach and lungs, affords a ready medium of sympathy between these two organs. In protracted cases of dyspepsia the stomach often throws out morbid influences to the windpipe and surfaces of the lungs, occasioning cmigh^ expectora- tion, pain in the breast, and many other usual symptoms of genuine consumption. So completely, indeed does this translated affection wear the livery of the genuine disease that it is often mistaken for it. This form of disease comes often under my notice at the Springs, and I frequently witness the happiest results from the employment of the Water in such cases, and the more so because its beneficial effects resolve a painful doubt that often exists in the mind of the patient as to the true character of the disease. 'Bee " Mineral "Waters of the United States and Canadaa," by the Author, 20 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. BRONCHITIS. This aftection is often met with at the Springs, sometimes as a primary affection of the bronchia, and often as a result of other affections, and especially of derangements of the digestive and assimilative organs. In such translated cases we frequently find the bro?ichitis relieved in the same degree that the originally dis- eased organs are benefitted. CHRONIC DISEASES OF THE SKIN. The various chronic diseases of the skin are treated with much success by a full course of White Sulphur Waters, in connection with a liberal course of v.arm or hot sulphur baths. My experi- ence in the treatment of the various forms of shiji disease with this Water has been large, embracing certainly, in the aggregate, many hundreds of cases; and I would do injustice to such experience, and withhold important hopes from the sufferers from such annoy- ing afflictions, if I failed to express my entire confidence in their employment in such cases. Aided by mild alterative means, proper in themselves, but which of themselves would not generally cure such cases, a thorough course of the Water and baths is enti- tled to the highest degree of confidence in all such affections. RHEUMATISM. The primitive reputation of the Water, and that which at an early day directed public attention to its potency,was derived from its successful employment in rheumatism. The reputation thus early acquired has not been lost, but, on the contrary, established and confirmed by its successful use for three-quarters of a century. In most rheumatic cases the employment of warm or hot sul- phur baths constitutes a very valuable adjunct in their treatment. With the Sulphur Water as a drink, and the use of the hot tub^ douche and sweating baths of the same water, this place offers the strongest inducements for the resort of persons afflicted with chronic rheumatism that can anywhere be found. Want of space will not allow me to describe the various forms of rheumatic trouble, and to speak of the relative merits of the waters in the several forms of this disease. I remark, however, that while they prove eminently beneficial in all forms of chronic rheufjiatisni, they are more decidedly so in those cases that may properly be termed muscular, in distmction from articular rheuma- tism, and this is so whether the cases arise from masmatic, mer- curial, or other more common causes of the disease. A full course of the waters, with baths properly tempered to the demands of the case, is essential to a perfect cure. CtTRATlVE POWJIR. 21 GOUT. The gouty are numerous among the habitues of the White Sul- phur. In proportion as the waters impress the digestive and assim- ilate organs they benefit gout. Those who come here with confirmed gout often assure me that a course of the waters and baths invariably brings such amehora- tion of their sufferings for about a year; that is, from one season to another. Hence it is that we so often find the same gouty subjects here regularly from year to year. CHRONIC POISONING FROM LEAD Is very advantageously treated by a full course of the water and baths. When used with sufficient persistency, they may well be regarded as the most reliable remedy to which persons thus afflicted can have recourse, and to such I earnestly recommend a trial of them, the more especially because the ordinary remedies in such cases are admittedly very unreliable. SCROFULA. Sulphur Waters have long been held in reputation in the treat- ment of scrofula. Some of the English physicians have thought such waters superior to any other remedy in scrofula. Dr. Salis- bury, of Avon, New York, speaks favorably of his experience of their use in such diseases. In the early stages of scrofula the White Sulphur has often been used with decided advantages, but in the advanced stages of this disease I do not consider them at all equal in curative powers to some other mineral waters in this region. SECONDARY AND TERTIARY SYPHILIS AND MER- CURIO SYPHILOID. In the unpleasant and dreaded forms of disease sometimes fol- lowing syphilis, and commonly known as secondary or tertiary syphilis, whose symptoms are usually so well marked that they can not be misunderstood, the White Sulphur Water, when carried to its full alterative effects, displays its highest curative powers. After much experience in the use of the waters, in the peculiar forms of disease under consideration, if called upon to name the particular affection in which they are most certainly efficacious, I should name secondary syphilis and its complications with mercurial contamination, because in such cases they exert a specific influ- ence, and more certainly than any other remedy bring relief. It is proper that I remark, however, that my satisfactory use of the water in such cases has generally been connected with the moderate use of other means while patients are taking the water, 22 WHtTB SULPfltJR SPRINGS. and which, though regarded as remedial, will not of themselves generally eradicate the disease, but when employed in combination with the waters very much hasten the desired result. The waters in such cases are the most efficient power— the means employed with them only valuable adjuvants to hasten their curative effects. MERCURIO SYPHILOID. There is an enfeebled, susceptible and peculiar condition of the system not unfrequently found to arise as the result of a long-con- tinued or improper use of mercury in syphilitic disease, and espe- cially in subjects of scrofulous tendency. It seems to be the resultant effect produced by the actions of the two poisons — mer- cury and the syphilitic virus constituting a disease sui generis, and neither strictly mercurial or syphilitic, but a hybrid. This peculiar disease or state of the system I designate as mercurio syphiloid. I have most frequently met with this peculiar affection in persons of strong lymphatic temperament, and in those of strumous tendency. Such cases exhibit some of the characteristics of ordinary mercu- rial disease as well as those of secondary syphilis, but the disease as a whole is not distinctly marked as either. In such cases the antidotal effects of the mercury has probably subdued the virus of the venereal poison, while the joint action of the two has created a new disease, as loathsome, but not as infectious, as the one for the cure of which the mercury was originally administered. In such cases the waters constitute the best remedy known to me. I know that some may regard my designation of this hybtid disease as singular as its announcement is new, but nevertheless ample opportunities for many years for examining such cases estab- lishes, in my judgment, the correctness of the opinion I express. EFFECTS or THE WATER IN INEBRIATION, During the whole period of my residence at the Springs I have been interested with the marked power I have seen manifested by the waters in overcoming the desire for the use of ardent spirits in those who have been addicted to their imprudent use. I by no means claim that these waters should be regarded as a specific against either the love or the intemperate use of alcoholic drinks, Init simply that a proper use of them is a decided preventive of that feeling of necessity or desire for the use of strong drinks which drives the inebriate to use them, in despite of his own judgment to the contrary ; or, in other words, that their proper use allays or destroys the aptitude or nervous craving for ardent spirits, and to such an extent that even the habitual drinker and confirmed ine- briate feels little or no desire for them while he is properly using the waters. CtJRATlVE POWER* 23 During my long residence at these Springs I have witnessed hundreds of cases fully justifying the above statement. This pecu- liar influence of the "White Sulplmr Water depends, first, upon the action of the sulpJmrattd hydrogen gas that abounds in it, and which is an active nervine stimulant, and as such supplies the want the inebriate feels for his accustomed alcoholic stimulant; and, sec- ondly, it depends upon the alterative influences exerted by the waters upon the entire organism. While by its alterative power the entire animal structure is brought into natural and harmonious acting, there is a consequent subsistence of the cerebral and nerv- ous irritation which always prevails in the habitual drunkard, the abatement of which enables him to exert a moral power greater than he could before, and sufficient to overcome the lessened de- mand which his old habit, if he retains it in any degree, now makes upon him. In the initiatory, or forming stage of intemperance, the free use of this water may be much relied upon to modify, or entirely pre- vent, the temptation for strong drink ; and even in the confirmed stage its persevering use may inaugurate a state of the system that will essentially aid the sufferer in o^■ercoming the hurtful habit of intemperance. Indeed, if the habitual drinker can be prevailed upon to use the water properly for some ten days, to the entire exclusion of alcoholic stimulants, he Mill have for the time, at least, but little alcoholic temptation to resist. Of course I will not be .so misunderstood by any as to suppose that I design even to intimate an opinion that this water is a sure and permanent cure for either absolute or threatened inebriation. All I intend to assert in this connection is, that a proper and con- tinuous use of the water will very essentially aid the intemperate drinker to lay aside the inebriating cup and return to soberness. The will of the excessive drinker must necessarily concur to some extent with any effort successfully made for his relief. But while this is so, an auxiliary agent, as innocent in its effects as Sulphur Water, that can so far satisfy the nervous cravings of the votary of strong drink as to give him increased power to resist his morbid habit, while at the same time his general health is improved, well deserves, I conceive, the attention of all who need assistance in this direction. It would be irrational for the inebriate to expect to be cured of his morbid habit by simply visiting the Spring and drinking of its water, however freely, and at the same time (which has been the habit of some) to drink freely also of alcoholic liquors. Such a course could be of no service' whatever. Stimulants of whatever kind, in such a case, must be abstained from while the water is estab- lishing its peculiar action upon the system. This effected, which can ordinarily be accomplished in ten or twelve days, the success 24 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. of further persistence in the use of the water is hopeful^ and easily thereafter under the control of the individual who is seeking relief. The erection of the new Hotel here, adapted as it will be for the comfort of winter boarders^ aftbrds an opportunity to those who may desire to avail themselves of the aid of the waters in breaking up established or threatened habits of intemperance, that is well worthy of consideration. The v/aters are as effectual to that end in cold as in warm weather, while the absence of a large company during the fall, winter and early spring is greatly favorable to those periods for such use of them. USE OF THE WATEE BY OPIUM EATEHS. I am occasionally consulted by distant parties who are apprised of the effects of the water in allaying the desire for ardent spirits, whether or not it has the same effects in reference to the desire for opiates. Upon this subject I remark that my obser^-ations cf the influ- ences of the water in assisting \)c\^ inebriate to discontinue the use of alcoholic drinks, when his will assents to such discontinuance, very naturally led me to hope that it might afford similar assist- ance, under a like consent of the will, to the opium cater. But a | good deal of difficulty lies in the way of making reliable observa- tions upon this subject. Opium eaters, even more than excessive drinkers, are indisposed to divulge their morbid propensity to their , friends or physician, or to seek, through the aid of either, to be ] relieved of their hurtful habit; consequently, while personally I have known hundreds of visitants to the Springs who I was satis- fied eat opium to excess, and some to very great excess,^ neverthe- ^ less I have had but few cases of inveterate opium eating placed fully under my professional government, with the single view of being cured of the habit. Some such cases, however, 1 have had, in which the sufferers freely and fully communicated to me the fact of their injurious habit, expressed earnest desire to be relieved, and continued during the treatment to exercise all the force of will of which they were capable to render my advice and prescriptions successful. In one of these cases, entirely successful in its treat- ment, the person had been in the habit for a long time of usmg not less than six grains of morphia daily. The space allotted to this notice will allow me only now to say that in the few cases alluded to I used the waters very fully, but always /// connection with other tneans that I deemed essential, that the success of the combined treatment was very satisfactory, that in my opinion the influence of the water, by lessening the nervous craving for opiates, materially aided in the results, and that such results would not have taken place if the waters had not been used. In the case alluded to, a generous confidence on the part CURATIVE POWER. ^5 of the sufferer, which led to prompt observance of professional advice, contributed much, I conceive, especially in the commence- ment of the treatment, to favorable results. The most that can confidently be said in favor of the use of the waters in such cases — and all that ought to be said — is that when they -diX^ judiciously used and in connection with proper adjunctive management and appliances, they essentially aid the opium eater in dispensing entirely with the use of that drug. I will only add that, in my management ot such cases, I have not found it best to exclude the entire use of the drug when* the patient yfr^/ com- mences the use of the ivater, as I advise shall be done in the case of the inebriate. I have not hitherto published anything upon this subject, simply from the fact that I am satisfied that the treatment of such cases by the waters, to be successful, requires careful professional man- agement, with appropriate adjunctive means — that the water is only an efficient aid, and not a specific — and that the management necessary in connection with it, to give success, depends too much upon the precise circumstances of each case to justify a broad recommendation without numerous and essential qualifications. DISEASES IN WHICH THE WATERS SHOULD NOT BE USED I have heretofore mentioned some diseases and states of the system in which these waters should not be used. As mistakes upon this subject are matters of importance, I here recapitulate oft re- peated cautions, as to some of the more important diseases, and First. They should not be used in Tubercular Consumption. Second. They should not be used in Schirrus or Cancer ; or in that condition of the stomach, liver, or any other organ, threaten- ing to terminate in Schirrus or Cancer. Third. They should 7iever be used in Hyperthrope or morbid Enlargement of the Heart. In such cases the use of the water or baths always aggravates the disease, and if persisted in will very much haste7i a fatal terrnination. For more than thirty years, by my writings and oral declara- tions, I have warned the Spring going public against using these waters in enlarged heart; and yet, sudden deaths from this cause continue occasionally to occur here, either from not knowing or disregarding such important warnings. As the Medical Director of these waters, and desirous as I am that their use shall be strictly confined within their legitinate power of doing good, and as a friend to common humanity, I trust that those afflicted with disease that the waters cannot cure, but must aggravate, will be careful to abstam from using them. The vital importance of these caveats to the unfortunate invalids fully justifies the earnestness with which I give them. 26 WHITE STOPHUR SPRINGS, CHALYBEATE SF&INa About forty rods from the White Sulphur is a Chalybeate Spring, in which the iron exists in the form of a carbo7iate of iron, the mildest, least offensive, and ordinarily the most valuable form in which ferruginous waters are found. For the last twenty years this water has been considerably used by the class of visitors whose diseases required an iron tonic, and its effects have realized the rational hopes that were indulged in it. BATHS AT THE WHITE SULPHUE. Warm and Hot Bathing, especially in highly medicated waters, is a remedy of leading importance in a large number of the cases that resort to mineral waters for relief. The water used for bathing at the White Sulphur flows from the Sulphur Springs of ivhich the visitors drink. When we look at the analysis of this water, and find it to contain about one hundred and ^{\.y graifis of active medicinal salts to the gall on, \,'^ cannot fail to see that, so far as the medication of waters can favorably affect the bath for which they are use'd, the White Sulphur baths have the strongest claim to confidence, inasmuch as no other waters in America that are used for bathing, except the Washita Springs, in Arkansas, are more highly impregnated with mineral salts. These baths, in connection with the drinking of the sulphur waters, although not required in every case, are a matter of the utmost importance in a large number of cases in aitrling to produce the best effects of the waters. Impressed Avith the great value, in fact the absolute necessity to some invalids, of using such baths in connection with the drinking of the water, the proprietors of the Springs have recently greatly enlarged and so remodeled their bathing establishment as to make it in every respect satisfactory, it is believed, to those who may desire to avail themselves of its use. The bathing house is large, affording ample accommodations for the bather. The bathing-rooms are spacious, airy and comfort- able, and in addition to the usual tub baths they have erected douche baths for the application of streams of hot or warm water to local parts of the body, and have set apart rooms arranged for receiving j7£/^^ baths. The construction of douche and siveating baths of sulphur water, to be employed under proper circumstances, in connection with the internal use of the water, is a matter of the utmost importance to the successful treatment of numerous cases that resort here for relief. The new and improved method of heating water for bathing deserves to be especially noted. This is effected by steam in the vessel in which it is used, and is a great improvement over the old SOCIETy AND ITS AMUSEMBNT8. 27 method of heating mineral waters for bathing. Under the old plan of heating in a boiler and thence conveying the water to the bathing tub much of its valuable saline matter Avas precipitated and lost. ]>y this improved method of applying steam to the water in tiie tub the heat is never so great in raising the water to the bathiiig i)oint as to cause any important precipitation of its raits ; hence, they are left in tlieir natural suspension in the waters to exert their specific effect upon the bather. Not only so, by this improved method hot steam may be let into the tub from time to time, as the water cools, so as to keep it essentially of the same temperature during the entire period of bathing, a consideration often of no small importance. This method of heating mineral waters in the tub in which they are used, in connection with the douche and siveaiing baths, brings hot and warm bathing at this place in favorable competition with bathing at naturally hot and warm fountains, and promises to be productive of the same good effects that are experienced from bathing in such fountains. Persons intending to bathe in hot sulphur water should, pre- viously to doing so, be mteliigently instructed under a proper knowledge of their case, as to the precise temperature of the bath, and the It-ugtJi of time they remain in it. Neglect, or disregard of proper instructions, the relying upon chance or the mere dictum of ignorance upon this subject, has often been the cause, within my knowledge, of aggravation of symptoms, and in several instance's of serious consequences. I state, therefore, for the benefit of bathers in sulphur waters, that such baths, to be used safely and efficaciously^ must be used with careful reference to their tempera- ture ; the state of the system when employed ; and the length of tifne the bather remains in them. SOCIETY AND ITS AMUSEMENTS. Next to the medical value of the water of the \\'hite Sulphur, and the invigorating climate of the place, the company that annu- ally assembles there is most worthy of notice. The prestige of the VV^hite Sulphur for all that is elegant and refined in society is coeval with its early history. For many years it has been the great central point of reunion for the best society of the South, North Kast and AVest, that here mingle together under circumstances well calculated to promote social intercourse, and to call out the kindliest feelings of our nature. The cottage system that has been introduced, although new to American watering places, has proved a complete success, and greatly contributed to the home-like comforts and the socially of the numerous fam.ilies assembled here. Society seems here to meet on common ground, and the differ- ent shades of feeling influencing it at home are laid aside, while each individual promotes his own happiness by contributing to the happiness of others. 28 WHITE StJLPflUR SPRINGS. Here is to be found the statesman who, worn down with labor, and his mind unstrung by the cares of office, seeks from the brac- ing air, the picturesque scenery, and the genial company, not less than from the health-giving waters, that recuperation of his wasted energies in vain sought for elsewhere. Here, too, is found the man of letters, seeking rest from thought and strength for future effort. The poet, too, is here, to quaff vigor from the sparkling fountain, and new images of beauty from nature's lavish stores that are spread around him ; and here, too, come in crowds those who have ever plumed the poet's fancy to its sublimest flights — beauteous woman — by her presence brightening every prospect and gracing every scene. Following naturally in her train come those who ever love to bask in beauty's smiles, and find in such scenes the happiest of their youthful hours. Here, too, congre- gate the reverend clergy, the doctor, the lawyer, the judge,wearied with the burdens of the bench ; the man of commerce, the finan- cier, the thrifty planter, the sturdy farmer, and the retired man of wealth and ease. These, reckoned by thousands, make up the company that annually give tone and character to the White Sul- phur, and make it at once the Athens and the Paris of America, The amusements are various in kind and degree. No sketch can give more than a faint shadowing of the pleasures of a visit to the Springs. The freedom from care, the relaxation from bonds which have fettered us to the treadmill of business — the pure mountain air, every breath of which swells the veins and makes the blood tingle with delight — the wild mountain scenefry, awak- ening new thoughts of the grandeur of creation and the mighty power of God — the amenities of social intercourse, relieved from those necessary but vexatious rules of etiquette which hem in fashionable life at home — all these combine to render a visit to the White Sulphur an epoch in life to be looked forward to, and back upon, with pleasurable emotions. The weary pilgrim, coursing over the burning sands of the East, does not hail the sight of an oasis in mid desert with more joy than the habitues of the '-' White," worn down by cares or trouble, welcome the first glimpse of the sparkling fountain, and the ver- dant lawns encircled by cottage homes ; to him they promise rest, comfort, health, while to others they tell of pleasures past and joys to come. And why ? For answer, let us briefly sketch the scenes of a single day at the Springs. The morning has dawned; the forest songster, in saluting the opening day, has softly wakened the sleeper; the full, round face of the sun soon appears above the neighboring mountain peak ; the silvery vapor glides upward from the vail beneath, the fleecy clouds are gone, and the dewy fragrance of the morning air invites to active exercise. The visitors now gather around the health- SOCIETY AND ITS AMUSEMENTS. 29 giving fountain, and, after quaffing its waters, wend their way to the morning meal. This over, the business of active enjoyment for the day begins. The pleasant walks that penetrate the lawns and environ the ground invite many to healthful exercise. The billiard saloon, with its numerous tables, entices many votaries; the bowling alleys soon resound with the merry laugh of youth and beauty ; and thus the hours glide swifUy away; while from angther portion of the grounds is heard the clear, keen report from the pistol gallery, telling how promptly young America is preparing to avenge his insulted honor. The beautiful rides and drives, with their glorious mountain and intervale scenery, attract some, while the quiet game, the alluring book, or the pleasant companion, solace many others. Thus they take no note of time, save from its loss, until the warning sound of the dinner-bell rings forth the noontide hour, calling to prepare for the mid-day meal. Again the fountain is thronged, and then to the sound of rich-toned music, discoursed by a well-trained band, the crowd, after the hour of preparation has elapsed, assem- ble in the immense and well-furnished drawing room for a brief social reunion before partaking of the great meal of the day. Dinner over, the drawing-room again becomes the centre of attrac- tion. Jn this room, during the crowded season, are each day brought pleasantly together a gay and richly dressed assembly, excelled in beauty, manliness and dignity by no other crowd ever assembled within the broad limits of our common country. Here congregate the fairest of the fair from every State, and one can gaze and gaze on beauty until the heart reels in its very fullness. The company, weary with converse or the promenade, retire to their cottage homes, or to the inviting shade of the wide-spread oaks, underneath which, in by-gone years, the savage danced, or the antlered monarch of the forest tossed his crest, now given up to the happy crowd, who in genial converse wile the hours away until the lengthened shadows and the fragrant air again invite to the walk, the ride, the drive, or other active exercise. Then is heard the summons to a social reunion at tea table, after which the spirit-stirring music calls the young and the gay to the giddy whirl of the ball-room. Here pleasure reigns supreme — the heart- toned laugh, the witty word, the amiable repartee, all tell that those assembled here are just sipping the bubbles from the over- flowing cup of joy. Nowhere else can such a scene be witnessed ; nowhere else can such a scene be more innocent than here. Thus flit away the glad hours until the warning night bids to calm repose. Such is, as it were, a shadowy oudine of a day at the White Sulphur. 30 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. But I cannot close this sketch without mentioning another phase of society at the Springs, and one that must commend itself to every well-ordered mind. I allude to the repectable observance, by the company generally, of the Sabbath day. Throughout this entire day a profound tjuiet pervades the grounds, and the places of worship are thronged by full and attentive congregations. Nothing could better evidence the conservative influence of society here than the respectful and reverential attention with which the vast concourse honor the sacred claims of the Sabbath. ^1^*'- aNNO UNCEMENT. GREENBRIER v' WEST VIRGINIA. itf ^iliiiir ^f riiijii Bo long and favorably known for their valuable Alterative Waters, their charming Summer climate, and the large and fashionable crowds that annually resort to them, will be opened on 1st June. RATES OF CHARGES FOR SEASON OF 1879, VIZ : Board. $3.00 per day; $17.50 per week; $(jo.00 per mouth, of tuenty-eight days. t^ Special arrangements may be made for large families that spend the season here. ^'Special Rates will also be made/mpn s §UMME£ GOOES, t=r~A FASHIONABLE MILIiENERY BSTAHLISHMENT ad.joininjr the Store, Also-erMEKCHANT TAILORS ESTABLISHMENT. Will furnish or make up goods to order. SEiB p r i iiiiiiis i 11 iiim^s ill AT THE CLOSE OF THIS PAMPHLET % ^:^:^^^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS FV-^