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 Glass 
 
 Book 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 
 
A 
 
 DESCRIPTIVE 
 
 HISTORIGAL,CHEMICAL 
 
 AND 
 THERAPEUTICAL 
 
 ANALYSIS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 AVON SULPHUR SPRINGS, 
 
 LIVINGSTON COUNTY, N. Y. 
 fFith directions for their use. 
 
 BY SAMUEL SALISBURY, Jr. M. D. 
 
 ROCHESTER: 
 
 D. M. DEWEY, No. 2 ARCADE HALL. 
 
 1845. 
 
 ^ 
 
1 
 
 RAwt- 
 
 
 f.VT Putnun. 
 
 
i 
 
 £ 
 
 £ 
 
 CONTENTS, 
 
 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 
 
 The Locality of Watering Places a matter 
 of great importance : — Beautiful Scenery, 
 Air, and Light — their effects upon the hu- 
 man system. Some of the causes of the 
 recent neglect of Mineral Waters, deduced 
 from history:— A renewed interest beginning 
 to be manifested in regard to them •••••»*» 9 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Description of Avon, and of the Mineral 
 Springs. Considered as a remedial agent by 
 the Indians. Hotels — Historical Account 
 of the several Springs. Geology of the 
 region in which they are situate. Falls at 
 Portage — Letter from Daniel Wadsworthj 
 Esq., of Connecticut, in respect to them. 
 Long Point, at Lake Conesus. Trout- 
 fishing at Caledonia #....... .....•,., 18 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 funeral Remarks on the Chemical Constitu- 
 tion of Sulphurous Waters. Classification 
 applied to those of the U. States. Lower 
 Spring — an Analysis of it. Upper, New 
 Bath, and Iodine Springs ; with Analyses. 
 Letter from James R. Chilton, M.D., of New 
 York city ...... « . • « 31 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Inattention to the Medicinal Effects of Mineral 
 Waters — a knowledge of their ingredients 
 serves as a guide to the proper use of them. 
 Mineral Ingredients of the Avon Waters : — 
 SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN— 
 Liebig and Armstrong's views of the opera- 
 tion of this gas — Carbonate of Lime — Chlo- 
 ride of Calcium — Sulphates of Magnesia 
 and Soda-— Armstrong's views — Medicinal 
 effects : — Cathartic — Diaphoretic — Diuretic 
 Expectorant — Tonic * 49 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Medicinal applicability of the Waters to partic- 
 ular Diseases : — Rheumatism — Diseases of 
 
CONTENTS, 7 
 
 the Skin. Cases of J. A. and R. A. A Phy- 
 sician from Ontario County cured of Lep- 
 rosy, Urinary Diseases — Diseases of the 
 Digestive Organs — -Dr. Francis' vie^s^ ? 
 Scrofula — Diseases of the Chest, Case' of 
 Asthma. Female Diseases . . . . . 71 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Method of using the Waters. Several Springs 
 differing in their properties. Quantity, time, 
 and manner of using them. Opinions of Dr. 
 Francis. External use. *•• 87 
 
• 
 
INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER, 
 
 The following pages require only a brief 
 introduction. The increasing celebrity of 
 the waters of Avon, and the great number 
 of invalids who annually resort to them, 
 imperiously called for a treatise elucidating 
 their sanative properties, and incidentally 
 descriptive of the beautiful region in which 
 they are situate. Many valuable springs, 
 powerfully impregnated with remedial ingre- 
 dients, and affording a very large supply of 
 water, gush forth from the interior of the 
 earth within a short distance of each other ; 
 the curative qualities of which have been 
 abundantly tested by the cure of many 
 hundreds of afflicted patients. Others, ow- 
 ing to their unfortunate geographical position, 
 have been visited by the curious alone. 
 
 Locality is an important feature in a wa- 
 tering place. Experience has proved that 
 cleanliness and pleasant associations are 
 2 
 
10 SCENERY AND TORE AIR. 
 
 important auxiliaries in promoting the con- 
 valescence of patients, and that, apart from 
 the healing virtues of mineral waters, a sa- 
 lubrious atmosphere and charming scenery, 
 are potential aids in restoring the valetudi- 
 narian to health and strength. Agents de- 
 rived from the mineral and vegetable king- 
 doms lose their effect and are often vainly 
 used in combating disease while the brain is 
 excited by the din of a populous city — by 
 the agitation and cares consequent upon an 
 extended mercantile business — by the men- 
 tal toil and responsibility ot professional 
 practice, or by the artificial stimuli afforded 
 by a life of luxurious indulgence or fashion- 
 able dissipation. 
 
 " The sultry heat of summer,'' says the 
 admired author of Outre Mer, " always 
 brings to the idler and the man of leisure, a 
 longing for the leafy shade and green luxu- 
 riance of the country. It is pleasant to in- 
 terchange the din of the city, the movement 
 of the crowd, and the gossip of society, for 
 the silence of the hamlet, the quiet seclusion 
 of the grove, and the gossip of a woodland 
 brook. ?> Sylvan sights and rural sounds, a 
 pure and elastic atmosphere, greensward 
 beneath the feet, with birds and brooks and 
 rustling leaves for music, contribute in a 
 wonderful degree to calm a brain that has 
 been overtasked, to strengthen a frame sha- 
 
SCENERY, AIR AND LIGHT. 11 
 
 ken by lingering illness, and tune a heart to 
 regular pulsations that has been unstrung 
 by sorrow or disease. The enfeebled suffer- 
 ers from the nervous derangement and con- 
 tinual lassitude produced by care, risk, 
 responsibility and over excitement of the 
 functions of the brain, in the confined air of 
 a counting-room or office, whose only prom- 
 enades are streets, the atmosphere of which 
 is heated by a scorching sun, and too often 
 infected by a thousand sources of impurity, 
 and darkened by high walls of brick and 
 mortar; can realize the elastic vigor and tone 
 imparted to the animal system, and the su- 
 perlative, mental and physical enjoyment 
 afforded by ari escape from such imprison- 
 ment to the pure air and genial sunshine of 
 the country. 
 
 While yet you breathe, away ; the rural wilds 
 Invite ; the mountains call you, and the vales ; 
 The woods, the streams, and each ambrosial breeze 
 That fans the ever undulating sky ; 
 A kindly sky ! whose fostering power regales 
 Man, beast, and all the vegetable reign. 
 
 Exclude fresh air and light from the plant 
 and it becomes blanched and sickly, the col- 
 oring material no longer circulating through 
 its minute and delicate vessels. So it is 
 with the inhabitants of cities ; they undergo 
 a process very similar to the etiolation of the 
 plant, the blood which is borne by appropri- 
 ate vessels to every part of their bodies be« 
 
12 EFFECTS OF LIGHT. 
 
 ing deficient in the material from which it 
 derives its bright red color. Expose blood 
 to the direct rays of the sun, and the red 
 globules, as they are called, which form a 
 constituent part of it, are seen by the aid of 
 a microscope to be in rapid motion. Some 
 physiologists believe that the blood itself, 
 which courses with such velocity through 
 those tiny hair-like tubes which penetrate 
 every region of the human body, is endued 
 with a vital power of motion or self-propul- 
 sion. It may yet be established that the 
 circulation of the fluids by which our bodies 
 are sustained and nourished is mainly depen- 
 dant upon this effect of .light in exciting 
 them to motion. Certain it is that light is a 
 life-giving and a life-preserving principle. 
 
 The atmosphere of densely populated 
 towns, is highly charged with vegetable and 
 animal matter-— fruitful sources of disease. 
 The proper facilities for dispersing this by 
 currents of fresh air, and decomposing it by 
 sunshine, are there wanting,— in the open 
 country these pestilential effluvia, are de- 
 composed by the overspreading vegetation, 
 largely diluted or dissipated by the freshen- 
 ing winds, and oxidized by the sun. 
 
 The history of mineral waters is that of 
 many of " heavens best gifts to man." Ma- 
 ny of the blessings which an all-wise Crea- 
 tor has spread around us, designing them for 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCH. 13 
 
 our use and benefit ; we disparage, misapply 
 or cast aside as worthless, from ignorance 
 of their value and properties. 
 
 Thus it has been with natural medicinal 
 waters. At a very early period they were 
 considered both a medicinal and hygienic 
 remedy, — their history may be traced up 
 until it is lost in the Pagan superstitions of 
 Greece and Rome. The medicated foun- 
 tains of Greece were held in superstitious 
 veneration, and each of them regarded as 
 the special benefaction of some particular 
 deity. To this presiding and tutelar divini- 
 ty, a temple of worship was piously erected. 
 Esculapius, the God of Medicine, was often- 
 er than any other, viewed as the patron to 
 whose kindness they were especially indebt- 
 ed for their formation. By the Romans 
 they were prized even more highly than by 
 the Grecians. It is said there is not one 
 mineral spring now distinguished for its 
 healing qualities in the country possessed by 
 these two nations, that is not marked by 
 some monuments of their munificence. 
 
 During the earlier periods of Christianity, 
 by a singular fatality, an unjust prejudice 
 was fostered against mineral waters, and 
 they were unnoticed, or regarded as of little 
 value. The images and shrines, the nymphs 
 and naiads which the Pagans had erected at 
 these fountains, were viewed with abhor* 
 
14 CAUSE OF DECLINE. 
 
 rence by the first christians. The custom 
 of promiscuous bathing, too, which prevail- 
 ed among the Romans, created disgust in 
 the minds of the followers of a purer and 
 less sensual faith. 
 
 " The christians, we are informed by 
 Bordeu, considered these objects as worldly, 
 and, thinking that they appertained to the 
 extravagances of Paganism, they deemed it 
 wrong to preserve them. Their women 
 devoted themselves to their households, giv- 
 ing little attention to the cleanliness and 
 health of their bodies ; they thought only 
 of the welfare of their souls. They found 
 too much effeminacy in the children of an 
 age which placed so high a value upon 
 health. The sick went to bury their infir- 
 mities in the religious houses, which were 
 then the principal objects of regard. They 
 concealed their maladies instead of making 
 them public. They mortified themselves by 
 repressing their griefs ; even their sufferings 
 were dear to them." 
 
 Thus, the dread and disgust with which 
 these pioneers of the cross viewed the reli- 
 gion and religious rites of the Romans, and 
 the miraculous cures which their healing 
 deities were alleged to have wrought at 
 mineral fountains, in the shade of antique 
 forests, and in the hollow of rocks from 
 whence they bubbled forth, only produced 
 
CAUSE OP DECLINE, 15 
 
 in the minds of christian nations, a suspicion 
 and doubt as to their efficacy, and led them 
 to a disregard of those means which the ex- 
 perience of ages had proved to be necessary 
 for the health and purity of the body. 
 Even Aix la Chapelle, so highly prized by 
 the Romans for its thermal sulphurous wa- 
 ters, fell into disrepute, such was the fear of 
 every relic of Paganism in those days. Aix 
 in Provence, Bourbonne les Bains, and other 
 mineral waters of a similar kind, no longer 
 were resorted to, by the invalid for health 
 and amusement. 
 
 Another circumstance exerted a powerful 
 influence, and operated to the disadvantage 
 of mineral waters in the early and middle 
 ages. In this twilight of human reason, 
 medicine was not a distinct profession among 
 christians, but was practiced by monks and 
 ecclesiastics. The monks attracted the sick 
 to monasteries, convents and hospitals, 
 which they founded, in which they officiated 
 both as physicians and priests. Even until 
 the fourteenth century there were no men 
 of science who devoted themselves exclu- 
 sively to the healing art. Grisant was physi- 
 cian and Pope; Hugh of Eversham physician 
 and Cardinal ; Nicholas de Fernham was 
 Bishop of Durham. These ecclesiastical 
 physicians, employed moral rather than phy- 
 sical means for the restoration of the invalid. 
 
16 CAUSE OF DECLINE. 
 
 For relief of the sufferers from chronic dis- 
 ease, a pilgrimage was prescribed, as uniting 
 with bodily exercise, the cultivation of a re- 
 ligious spirit. 
 
 Priests and pretenders to deep and myste- 
 rious knowledge in these times of sorcery, 
 magic, astrology and witchcraft, impressed 
 upon the minds of the people, a belief that 
 mineral springs were the haunts of fairies, 
 witches and sorcerers. The early chemists 
 too, converted their discoveries of the se- 
 crets of nature into instruments for acting 
 upon the excited imaginations of the unlearn- 
 ed and superstitious. They affected to un- 
 dervalue natural waters in order to lead the 
 people to use only their artificial solutions, 
 elixirs and quintessences ; — so that these 
 healing fountains which the creator of the 
 universe designed for the benefit of man, 
 became for a time almost deserted. 
 
 Such are some of the causes which have 
 conspired to produce a decline of mineral 
 waters in popular favor, and divert the at- 
 tention of physicians from their employment. 
 These still operate in some degree, and to 
 the disgrace of an enlightened age and libe- 
 ral profession; a powerful therapeutic agent 
 has to struggle with prejudices as ancient as 
 the religion we profess. From this histori- 
 cal sketch, however, may be deduced the 
 fact, that before untoward circumstances 
 
PRESENT CONDITION. 17 
 
 brought mineral waters into disrepute, sul- 
 phurous waters were esteemed among the 
 most precious resources for the preservation 
 of health and cure of disease. 
 
 A new epoch in their history has com- 
 menced ; — the present generation begins to 
 view them with the highest consideration, 
 and to assign them their proper rank among 
 medicinal agents. We have no doubt that 
 ere long, the present vague and empirical 
 mode of prescribing them will give place to 
 a system of administration better adapted 
 to relieve those intractable diseases to which 
 they are applicable. Already are the sul- 
 phur springs of Virginia thronged with visi- 
 tors. May we not, in the beautiful valley 
 of the Genesee, with as great a variety of 
 highly impregnated sulphur-waters as can 
 be found in any region of the habitable globe 
 — combinations which experience has shown 
 to be almost unparalleled in medicinal effica- 
 cy, hope to receive a due share of public 
 attention. 
 
18 DESCRIPTION OF AVON. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 DESCRIPTIVE, HISTORICAL & GEOLOGI- 
 CAL ACCOUNT OF THE SPRINGS. 
 
 The town of Avon is one of the most 
 beautiful, as well as productive in the State 
 of New York. It is on the eastern bank of 
 the Genesee River, in Livingston county, 
 eighteen miles from Rochester, and twenty- 
 four miles from Canandaigua. As you en- 
 ter it from the east, the Valley of the Gene- 
 see is spread out before you in all its rich- 
 ness. Immense forest trees with their 
 exuberant foliage, fresh and verdant mead- 
 ows and waving fields of grain are present- 
 ed to your view, forming an almost unsur- 
 passed scene of opulence and luxuriance. 
 The name of Gen-i-shaw, or Pleasant Val- 
 ley, was given it by the aborigines who in- 
 habited the country before it was occupied 
 by a white population. The village of 
 Avon is eligibly situated, about one mile 
 from the river, having an elevated position 
 
MINERAL SPRINGS INDIANS. 1§ 
 
 upon the table land, and commanding a pros- 
 pect of the flats, for an extent of many 
 miles. The mineral springs are between 
 the village and the river, in the valley be- 
 low. The axe of the husbandman has not 
 yet doomed to destruction all the magnifi- 
 cient forest trees in the vicinity ; the invalid 
 may therefore here find a cool retreat from 
 the summer's sun. 
 
 The mineral springs were long known to 
 the Indians, who resorted to them for the 
 cure of diseases of the skin. A portion of 
 the Seneca tribe inhabited a village on the 
 opposite bank of the river, (land which is 
 now the property of T. H. Newbold, Esq.) 
 which they called Cana-wagus. Captain 
 Parish informed me, that this term signified 
 lively-water ; and was applied to the settle- 
 ment, in consequence of the great number 
 of clear and limpid fountains of water in its 
 vicinity. " The far-famed chief, Red Jack- 
 et,'' as Dr. Francis informs us, # enumerated 
 them among his remedial measures for the 
 cure of disorders of the skin ; and wasting 
 disorders, as they were termed, were sup- 
 posed capable of being removed by their use, 
 even when applied externally. Doubtless 
 this term included many physical infirmities, 
 whose pathognomic features greatly differ- 
 ed, and many other different sorts of pulmo- 
 
 * United States Medical and Surgical Journal. 
 
20 MINERAL SPRINGS — INDIANS. 
 
 nary disorganization. I have myself seen 
 several cases of pulmonary consumption, 
 among the Indians. One whom Ivisited in 
 1885, seemed perfectly aware of the inutil- 
 ity of remedies in his case ; and, when I 
 asked him if he did not use the mineral wa- 
 ters, pointing to the purulent sputa, which 
 he had preserved, with a melancholy look he 
 said, " not now, it is too late." Great num- 
 bers of deer wera in the habit of resorting 
 to these springs and drinking the water ; this 
 made them desirable hunting grounds for 
 the aborigines ; and their predilection for 
 hunting and fishing, led them to select their 
 neighborhood for a residence. The outlet 
 of the Conesus, a creek which empties into 
 the Genesee River, near the lower spring, 
 is a spot distinguished for the abundance of 
 excellent fish, which are caught there in 
 early spring. Even to this day, we annual- 
 ly find some of these sons of the forest, the 
 scattered remnants of a once large and pow- 
 erful nation, encamped in the remaining 
 woodland, and busily engaged in making 
 baskets for which they find a ready sale, to 
 the inhabitants of the neighboring villages, 
 A few of these unfortunate people still 
 linger around their ancient homes, visiting 
 every summer, those of their woodland 
 haunts which the axe and the plough h:ive 
 left undisturbed. 
 
HOTELS. 21 
 
 Many historic legends of this ill-starred 
 race are in the possession of my friend and 
 neighbor, W. H. C. Hosmer, Esq. whose 
 muse has shed a classic halo over the former 
 " realm of the Senecas." The place where 
 their former habitations stood, is unmarked 
 by any traces of their existence. 
 
 H Where browsed the Elk in other days, 
 Fat herds in thy my meadows graze~- 
 Where the fanged cougar, hating day, 
 Crouched by the deer-lick for his prey. 
 Heard is the tinkling bell of floeks, 
 And Ceres binds her wheaten shocks. 
 From waves, once clear as mountain rill, 
 Where pike and bass the red man speared, 
 And home his bark by torchlight steered, 
 The finny tribe have disappeared, 
 Scared by the clacking mill " 
 
 Comfortable accommodations, or good 
 hotels are very important appendages to a 
 watering place. In this respect, Avon is not 
 behind other American Spas. Its hotels are 
 not, it is true, on the enlarged plan of the 
 " United States Hotel, ?? at Saratoga, but 
 their rooms are not deficient in size, and are 
 suitably furnished — the tables spread with 
 as many of the luxuries of the season, and 
 the landlords as attentive as can be found 
 elsewhere. 
 
 There are three hotels in the immediate 
 neighborhood of the springs — Houghton's, 
 Knickerbocker Hall and the Pavilion. 
 
 Comstock's " Eagle," and the "Hosmer 
 
22 HISTORICAL REMARKS. 
 
 House," are at the village, but a short dis- 
 tance from them. That modern invention, 
 the Omnibus is in constant use by that con- 
 siderate host, Comstock, for the conveyance 
 of his guests to and from the springs. Car- 
 riages are always in readiness for the ac- 
 commodation of those who board at the 
 village. 
 
 In the year 1792, one of the inhabitants 
 used the waters, with perfect success in the 
 cure of a disease of the skin, consequent 
 upon intermittent fever. In 1795, a case of 
 Rheumatism of long standing, which had re- 
 sisted the treatment of a number of intelli- 
 gent physicians, was speedily and entirely 
 cured by their use. It was at this time, 
 generally believed by those who were ac- 
 quainted with the springs, that any disease 
 of the skin, would readily yield to the ex- 
 ternal and internal application of the waters. 
 Persons afflicted with the itch, were cured 
 speedily by bathing two or three times. In 
 1821, a small building was erected at the 
 lower spring, with a showering box, as it was 
 then very properly called. This was the 
 first improvement in the condition of these 
 springs, made by their former proprietor, 
 Mr, Richard Wadsworth. This building 
 was enlarged and a bathing-house erected 
 in 1823, and some efforts made to supply 
 visitors with the accommodations requisite 
 
HISTORICAL REMARKS. 23 
 
 for the external use of the waters. In 1828, 
 the building which now remains at the up- 
 per spring was erected. During the last 
 fifteen years, five public houses have been 
 erected, and accommodations appropriate to 
 the wants of visitors, gradually prepared. 
 The demand for them is now increasing 
 rapidly, and they will probably be enlarged 
 and improved in a ratio corresponding with 
 this demand. 
 
 In 1835, the new bath spring was discov- 
 ered, and a boarding and bathing- house 
 erected there. This spring is east of the 
 others and nearer the village, and from the 
 large impregnation with sulphurated hydro- 
 gen has been found very efficacious in some 
 diseases of the skin. 
 
 In 1836, the present proprietor, A. Now- 
 len, Esq. purchased the land on which are 
 two of these springs, called for the purpose 
 of distinction, Upper and Lower, and has 
 since come in possession of the new Bath 
 Spring. With a laudable spirit of enter- 
 prise and zeal for the gratification of visiters, 
 this gentleman erected at the lower spring, 
 a large and commodious bathing establish- 
 ment. The large supply of water afforded 
 by this spring, ai^d its accommodations are 
 such as will, we think, satisfy the most fas- 
 tidious. He has selected this spring for im- 
 provement, because for general use it merits 
 
24 HISTORICAL REMARKS. 
 
 a decided preference, and by experience it 
 has been shown to be sufficiently active, to 
 cure the most obstinate diseases to which 
 these waters are applicable. The large 
 quantity of water discharged, affords an al- 
 most inexhaustible supply for external use. 
 
 The soil in the vicinity of these springs, 
 is of the richest and most productive quality, 
 yielding the cultivator an abundant reward 
 for his labor ; that of the river's bank con- 
 sists almost entirely of alluvial deposit, 
 while the table land presents all the varie- 
 ties of calcareous and argillaceous mould. 
 To the botanist, an almost inexhaustible 
 field of amusement and instruction, is here 
 displayed, in the great variety of plants 
 with which this part of the Genesee Valley 
 abounds. 
 
 The two springs which have been most 
 used, are situate, the one an • hundred and 
 the other an hundred and fifty rods from the 
 river, in a rich alluvion of black loam, near 
 which a considerable stream of water, form- 
 ed by the union of two smaller streams, call- 
 ed the " Great" and "Little Conesus," 
 empties itself into the river. The vallies of 
 these united streams are narrow, with steep 
 and precipitous banks, a short distance from 
 the springs, and present to the geologist, 
 bituminous shale, superincumbent upon 
 transition limestone. Upon the higher 
 
GEOLOGY OF THE REGION. 25 
 
 ground, at a distance from the river, buol- 
 ders of every variety of size are strewed, 
 and vegitable remains have been found from 
 fifty to an hundred feet below the surface, 
 showing evident indications of diluvial ac- 
 tion. The banks of these two streams are, 
 in many places, from one to two hundred 
 feet in height. The " Great Conesus," is 
 from eight to nine miles in length, and takes 
 its rise from the Conesus Lake, which is nine 
 miles long and from a mile to a mile and a 
 half wide. 
 
 The following extract from the Geological 
 survey of the State in 1838, will furnish an 
 accurate and full account of the geology of 
 the Genesee River : 
 
 " From the mouth of the river to Car- 
 thage, three miles below Rochester, the red 
 sandstone and indurated marl are the only 
 rock. The upper stratum of the red sand- 
 stone disappears beneath the river at the 
 lower falls. Immediately above these rocks 
 are the green shales, alternating with which 
 are stratas of limestone, and a single stra- 
 tum of iron ore. Next in order of super- 
 position, are the calcareous shales, alterna- 
 ting with this strata of limestone, extending 
 to the upper falls, and underlaying the geo- 
 diferous and bituminous li r.estone. Th3 
 lower layers of the limestone constitute the 
 bed of the river at the upper falls. Near 
 3 
 
28 GEOLOGY OF THE REGION. 
 
 the feeder dam. scattered about upon the 
 surface, are large angular fragments of the 
 rocks in the vicinity. 
 
 Succeeding the limestone are the gyp- 
 seous slates and marls, extending as far south 
 as Wheatland. A single view of a bed of 
 gypsum is given in Wheatland on Allen's 
 Creek. 
 
 Upon the gypseous rock's lies the moun- 
 tain limestone, commencing at Caledonia 
 and near West Mendon, and extending as 
 far south as Avon. Fragments of this rock 
 are profusely scattered over the surface near 
 Caledonia. Next in order succeed the lime- 
 stone shales, extending south as far as Mos- 
 cow. These shales are characterized by 
 the vast quantity and beauty of the fossils 
 found in them. 
 
 Jn the west branch of Beard's creek, the 
 septaria appear. An extensive section of 
 the rocky strata at the entrance of the gorge 
 near Mt. Morris dam is given, embracing 
 two layers of septaria. A few miles above 
 the dam the alternations with the grits or 
 thin strata of sandstone, first occur. The 
 strata of sandstone are but few feet in thick- 
 ness; and the predominance of the shales is 
 manifest for a considerable distance up the 
 rver. The location of the Gardow slide is 
 given, which took place about twelve years 
 since. Above the slide the occurrence of 
 
FALLS AT FORTAGE. 27 
 
 the shale is less frequent, though the pre- 
 dominance of sandstone is not apparent be- 
 low the lower tails of Portage. 
 
 The fails at Portage are 90 feet in height. 
 The river, except in times of high water, is 
 confined to the lower narrow channel. Be- 
 tween the lower and middle falls the per- 
 pendicular elevation of the rocky strata, in 
 the highest point, is o51 feet. The middle 
 falls which are more generally visited, are 
 110 feet in height. The olive sandstone in 
 the vicinity of the upper falls, is noted. 
 Height of the upper falls 66 feet. 
 
 At Portage, the river enters the gorge, 
 from which after passing three successive 
 falls, and for most of the distance descend- 
 ing with great rapidity, it passes into the 
 Genesee Valley near Ml Morris. It will 
 be noticed that boulders -are scattered about 
 upon the surface with a degree of profusion 
 below Mt. Morris. Above this point their 
 occurrence is less frequent. 
 
 From Moscow, along the river to Roch- 
 ester, very little ever-green timber is found, 
 while in going south a small distance, as the 
 subsoil is more and more composed of disin- 
 tegrated sandstone, the pines and hemlocks 
 with their associates are less frequent. 
 
 The scenery of the Genesee River pos- 
 sesses much sublimity and grandeur, as well 
 as luxuriance. Professor Eaton, the learned* 
 
28 FALLS AT NUNDA. 
 
 and eloquent Lecturer on the natural scien- 
 ces, in a communication for the Genesee 
 Farmer, speaks of it in terms of unqualified 
 praise and admiration. u Were my business 
 concerns in a situation to admit of migra- 
 tion, the banks of the Genesee would be my 
 home, until the roar of falling waters should 
 give to my ears the last of natures echoes." 
 The upper falls of this river, at Nunda, 
 Alleghany county, which are about thirty 
 miles above on the river, are surrounded by 
 scenery of almost unsurpassed grandeur. 
 They are thus described by Daniel Wads- 
 worth, Esq. of Connecticut, in a letter to 
 Professor Silliman. " There are three dis« 
 tinct falls, included in a distance of three 
 miles. They differ as much as possible 
 from each other, having their own peculiar 
 beauties, and each a different and laborious 
 approach, they are respectively sixty, nine- 
 ty, and one hundred and ten feet high ; to 
 see them all, is now no light undertaking, 
 but will soon, I think, be rendered a very 
 easy one. The cascades themselves would 
 any where else, be objects of great admira- 
 tion, and are fully deserving of a particular 
 description ; but they are almost forgotten 
 in the feelings of wonder and even of fear, 
 with which the sublime perpendicular walls 
 of the river inspire you. They may truly 
 be called walls, for they do not like the 
 
FALLS LONG POINT. 29 
 
 beautiful rocks at Trenton, recede as they 
 approach the top ; but are. for a great dis- 
 tance perfectly upright or impending ; and 
 almost as regular, for a great part of three 
 miles, as a work of art; and rising, as the 
 inhabitants around tell you. from two to five 
 hundred feet, and so they appear; but pro- 
 bably four hundred is not beyond the Iruth, 
 To this depth the river seems to have worn 
 its ciicuitous passage in the rock, in turns 
 almost as short, and bends nearly as grace- 
 ful as if winding through the softest mead- 
 ows. I never have witnessed, in nature, a 
 scene of more savage grandeur and loveli- 
 ness than the view from these fearful walls, 
 w T hen looking into the gulf from one of their 
 highest fronts, to the very edge of which, 
 by trusting to the boughs of the thick shrub- 
 bery, you can approach without apparent 
 danger." 
 
 There is a beautiful and clear lake, called 
 the Conesus, about six miles from the springs. 
 Three miles from its outlet is a cape of for- 
 est land extending far out in the lake, which 
 has been for some years past a favorite re- 
 sort for parties of pleasure The lovers of 
 romantic scenery will pass a day here with 
 delight. To use the language of a native 
 poet, "the blue hills in the distance, partly 
 clothed with the primitive forest — the wa- 
 ters kissing the shore with an undertone of 
 
30 TROUT FISHING. 
 
 melody — the plunge of fish and flap of wa- 
 ter-fowl — the pleasant-murmur of the wind- 
 swept trees, mingling with the carol of sin- 
 less birds, are ministers of repose and pleas- 
 ure to a mind that has been w T ounded by the 
 "briars of this work-day world." It is a 
 bright sequestered spot, and the fabling fan- 
 cy of Greece, peopled haunts less picturesque 
 with happy spirits — a green retreat where 
 the retired poet could wear out life, and 
 which the wayfarer passes by wiih reluct- 
 ance, through fear that his eye will never 
 rest again on sights so beautiful/' 
 
 To the lovers of angling, the disciples of 
 Isaac Walton, the stream of Caledonia, sev- 
 en miles west of Avon, offers trout in almost 
 unequalled profusion. Those who have a 
 relish for the sport may find an opportunity 
 in this prolific rivulet. 
 
 With the well in.iitaf.--d fly to hook 
 Theea^er trout, nud with the slender line 
 And yielding- rod solicit to the shore 
 The strolling, panting pre v. 
 
 The genuine piscator will find advantage 
 in passing the night here, the evening being 
 the best time for fishing. Those who prize 
 not the glo! y of the angler in returning with 
 a basket full of the speckled game, may 
 procure a trout supper at one of the hotels 
 in the village which the most fastidious epi- 
 cure would acknowledge to be a sterling 
 luxury. 
 
SULPHUROUS WATERS. 31 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION OF THE 
 SPRINGS. 
 
 The ingredients which a mineral water 
 contain, as foreign to pure water, will, in 
 every ease, he found to be such as serve to 
 explain its curative effects in disease. There 
 is no need of resorting to hypothesis or fan* 
 cy ; for as is the case with all medical com- 
 pounds, the medical character of a mineral 
 water must depend on the properties of its 
 constituents. All other modes of apprecia- 
 ting ihe virtues of mineral w iters, and of 
 establishing the proper indications for their 
 use, must necessarily be imperfect. It will 
 not be denied however, that a successful 
 empiricism and a comparison with oiher wa- 
 ters, the effects of which are ku«»\vn, and 
 which -ire su p posed to he similar, will serve 
 to suggest some diseases and sympt< ms of 
 disease which may be remedied by their use, 
 
 A different opinion on this subject has ma- 
 
32 SULPHUROUS WATERS. 
 
 ny and strong advocates. It is believed that 
 the medicinal effect of natural mineral wa- 
 ters does not bear an exact relation to what 
 we know of their constituents, and that in 
 this respect they differ from pharmaceutical 
 preparations. The use of mineral waters 
 is almost exclusively confined to chronic dis- 
 eases, to which active purgation is generally 
 inapplicable. It is not difficult to show that 
 the same general principles apply to them 
 as to many medicinal preparations. Take 
 mercury for instance, in larger doses, it is 
 purgative in its effects. By lessening the 
 dose and giving it more frequently, we in- 
 crease its alterative, but diminish its purga- 
 tive effects. The same general principle 
 will apply to our sulphurous waters. But 
 they cannot be taken, without inconvenience 
 from the quantity of water which holds 
 them in solution, in doses proportionate to 
 purgative doses of mercury. Prom a half 
 of a grain to two grains of mercury would 
 be alterative doses, and from ten to thirty 
 grains. Thirty half pint glasses or seven 
 quarts and one pint of sulphurous water ad- 
 ministered within six or twelve hours, could 
 hardly be retained by the stomach. 
 
 Again, like mercury, sulphurous waters 
 have a local and a general operation, an op- 
 eration upon the part to which they are ap- 
 plied, and sympathetically, or by absorption 
 upon others and distant organs. 
 
sulphurous waters. 33 
 
 In regard to both, the effect is, in a great- 
 er or less degree, that of a stimulant ; for 
 we find, that as directed by the mode of ad- 
 ministration, or other circumstances, to dif- 
 ferent organs, they both alike excite these 
 organs to an increased performance of their 
 functions. The natural secretions are in- 
 creased, which is commonly followed by a 
 diminution of inflammatory action. When 
 this increase of natural secretion is not pro- 
 duced, or but imperfectly effected, — when 
 some peculiar state or condition of the sys- 
 tem, or of the alimentary <^anal, or any oth- 
 er cause, prevents this effect from following 
 their use, they are both alike productive of 
 injurious consequences. 
 
 Sulphurous waters have been found in 
 many parts of the United States — some of 
 which possess valuable medicinal properties. 
 The appellation sulphurous, has been given 
 to those waters which contain sulphur united 
 either with hydrogen, or with a salifiable 
 base. Sulphur and hydrogen when uncom- 
 hined, produce a comparatively slight effect 
 on the human system. Sulphur has been 
 used as a purgative by physicians, in doses 
 of from one to three drachms. Hydrogen, 
 although not adapted to the long continued 
 support of animal life, may be respired, in 
 large quantities, with perfect impunity. 
 One hundred cubic inches of sulphureted 
 
34 CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 hydrogen contain only thirty grains of sul- 
 phur. Dupeytren and Theuard, made some 
 experiments in order to ascertain its action 
 on the animal economy, and found that the 
 presence of 1.1500 of it in air, was instantly 
 fatal to a small bird ; 1.800 killed a dog, 
 and 1/250 a horse. 
 
 r \ ne chemical constitution of sulphurous 
 wate s is very various ; but it is believed 
 that they all contain sulphureted hydrogen, 
 either in free state or in combination. Their 
 classification by European writers has been 
 wholly founded on the ditlerence in the 
 mode of existence of the sulphurous ingre- 
 dients. They are geneially divided into 
 three orders. The first includes all those 
 sulphurous waters which contain free and 
 uncombined sulphureted hydrogen, (or hy- 
 dro-sulphuric acid, as it is sometimes called,) 
 without any excess of sulphur ; that is, no 
 more sulphur than is found combined with 
 hydrogen in the form of an acid gas, or with 
 oxygen, forming sulphuric acid, which is 
 one of the constituents of those salts called 
 sulphates, with which these waters are often 
 impregnated. 
 
 To this order belong most of the sulphur 
 springs in this country, which have been 
 made the subject of analysis Their effect 
 upon the human system finds an explanation 
 in the known action of sulphureted hydro 
 
CLASSIFICATION . 85 
 
 gen on the mucous membranes, aided, as it 
 is, by the saline purgatives and diuretics 
 which they contain. Their purgative oper- 
 ation is probably not increased, and in some 
 states of the alimentary canal, is diminished 
 by the sulphureted hydrogen. This is 
 shown by the fact, that the Avon water, 
 when deprived of a portion of its gaseous 
 contents by boiling, is commonly rendered a 
 more brisk, though a less thorough and effi- 
 cient purgative ; and this conclusion is fur- 
 ther established by the well attested obser- 
 vation in regard to the white sulphur water, 
 viz : that although it contains less sulphuret- 
 ed hydrogen and a smaller amount of ac- 
 tive safine materials than the Avon, yet it 
 operates as a purgative much sooner, with 
 perhaps, however, a less extended and gen- 
 eral influence. The action of the former, 
 like that of the neutral saits, is supposed to 
 be upon the stomach and small intestines 
 more especially, while the large intestines 
 and all the mucous membranes receive a 
 powerful excitation from the latter, unat- 
 tended, sometimes, with an immediate pur- 
 gative operation* 
 
 The second order of sulphurous waters 
 comprise those in which the sulphureted hy- 
 drogen is only found in combination, form- 
 ing with bases existing in the waters, what 
 are called hydro-sulphurets. These contain 
 
38 CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 no free hydro-sulphuric acid, (sulphureted 
 hydrogen,) and no excess of sulphur. As 
 an example of this order, the analysis of 
 the waters of Barreges, in the upper Py- 
 renees in France, made by M. Longchamps, 
 shows that they contain carbonate of soda, 
 hydro-sulphuret of soda, sub-carbonates of 
 lime and magnesia, si lex, azote, but no free 
 sulphureted hydrogen, (see Manual of Ma- 
 teria Medica, by Edwards and Vavasseur.) 
 European waters of the first order are con- 
 sidered doubtful remedies in pulmonary 
 cases, and great caution is thought requisite 
 in their use ; whereas those of Barreges and 
 of the Oriental Pyranees such as Escaldes, 
 Vertut, and Aries, belonging to the second 
 order, are viewed as peculiarly applicable to 
 such cases, and have for a long period, sus- 
 tained a high reputation for their cure. 
 This fact may be of much practical impor- 
 tance, an t should lead to a thorough exami- 
 nation of those of the United States, the 
 odour of which does not indicate the pre- 
 sence of a large quantity of sulphureted 
 hydrogen. From a recent analysis by Dr. 
 James R. Chilton, the water of a sulphur 
 spring at Sharon is found to contain hydro- 
 sulphurets ; in consequence of the large 
 qu .unity of i'ree sulphureted hydrogen which 
 it also contains, it belongs to the first order 
 and may not, therefore, be adapted to pul- 
 
CLASSIFICATION. 37 
 
 monary cases. The Red Sulphur Springs of 
 Virginia, contain a sulphurous compound, 
 which Mr. Hayes, theii analyst, has not 
 named, but they contain four cubic inches of 
 sulphureted hydrogen in a wine gallon; they 
 are therefore from the first order 
 
 The third order includes those sulphurous^ 
 waters which contain an excess of sulphur. 
 Whether this substance supersaturates the 
 free or the combined sulphureted hydrogen, 
 or how it exists in the water, I have never 
 seen fully and satisfactorily explained. 
 Those called the Clifton Springs, in the town 
 of Phelps, Ontario county, N. Y. are pro- 
 bably examples of this order ; for the stone, 
 leaves and branches of the trees, over which 
 they pass, are found incrusted with sulphur 
 in a pulverulent form. Immediately after it 
 issues from the earth, this water becomes 
 chauged and of a yellowish color. At Aix-la- 
 Chapelle, the dome of the vault which en- 
 closes the spring which supplies the "Em- 
 perors'* bath is said to be incrusted with a 
 fine pulverulent, sublimated sulphur. This 
 is opened at times, and the sulphur brushed 
 off, which is sold under the name of " Aix 
 Sulphur." The hydrogen, which flies off 
 in a gaseous form from this water, is sup- 
 posed to be supersaturated with sulphur ; 
 and hence the excess of this substance is de- 
 posited very soon after it becomes aeriform. 
 
38 CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 It is certain that the activity of sulphur wa- 
 ters as therapeutic agents, cannot be very 
 much increased by this excess of sulphur. 
 We should rather infer, that were this sub- 
 stance acidified by union with hydrogen, (of 
 which there appears to be a deficiency.) and 
 sulphureted hydrogen formed, their effects 
 on the human system would be more potent. 
 
 In order to explain with more clearness 
 and precision, the distinctive characteristics 
 of the two last orders, Anglada, a French 
 writer on the thermal waters of the Oriental 
 Py ranees, makes the following illustration : 
 4 * Sometimes the union of an atom of hydro- 
 gen and an atom of sulphur, forms an acid, 
 which susceptible of the gaseous form, can 
 be separated from its saline combinations 
 without parting with its sulphur ; we then 
 have what are called hydro-sulphurets. At 
 other times, this compound of an atom of 
 sulphur acquires, especially when in combi- 
 nation with a base, the property of retaining 
 larger proportions of sulphur, so that when 
 we destroy these com! inatons by me ans of 
 a stronger acid, we separate on the one 
 hand, this excess of sulphur in a concrete 
 form, which is precipitated, and on the other 
 sulphureted hydrogen in a gaseous state." 
 
 From this view of the chemical constitu- 
 tion of sulphur waters, it appears that they 
 are all mineralized, either by sulphur in com- 
 
CLASSIFICATION. 39 
 
 bination with hydrogen and a salifiable base, 
 constituting what is called a hydro-sui;. hi ret. 
 An excess of sulphur may exist, as is sup- 
 posed, either in the sulphureted hydrogen, 
 or in the hydro-sulphuret, forming a third 
 order. 
 
 ** 4 The combinations of sulphur, which, 
 by their solution in water, give to water the 
 character generally admitted to be sulphur- 
 ous, are sulphureted hydrogen, or hydro- 
 sulphuric acid gas— the hydro-sulphates or 
 hydro-sulphurets — and the hydro-sulphated 
 sulphurets or hydro-sulphureted hydro-sul- 
 phates. Thus, the characteristic distinction 
 of those mineral waters called sulphurous, 
 is in the solution of the above compounds in 
 the water." 
 
 In thus classifying waters which are evi* 
 dently sulphurous, the reader will not. it is 
 hoped, forget that we are only reviewing the 
 most important agent contained in those .sul- 
 phurous waters which have enjoyed the 
 highest reputation. There is another prom- 
 inent distinction among sulphurous wa* 
 tors which should not be overlooked. The 
 White Sulphur, the Harrowgate, (English,) 
 and the springs most frequented at Avon, 
 are to be distinguished from other waters of 
 the sulphurous class, by the large quantities 
 of purgative salts which they contain. 
 
 *Historiquc sur les eaux minerales par J. L. Alibert, Paris. l°26. 
 
40 LOWER SPRING. 
 
 LOWER SPRING. 
 
 Th s spring* in its original state, formed a 
 large pool of perhaps fifty feet in diameter; 
 in this the earlv inhabitants were in the hab- 
 it of bathing. It was the one first made use 
 of, and either from its less disagreeable 
 taste or les» nauseating qualities, it has al- 
 ways been more resorted to than the rest, 
 and has been generally more effective. Dr. 
 Francis, who has for many years recom- 
 mended these waters, gives a decided pref- 
 erence to this spring. It seems to me, how- 
 ever, better to use those which appear best 
 adapted to the disease which it is proposed 
 to treat, and to the age, sex, constitution 
 and habits of the patient ; in most cases the 
 lower spring is undoubtedly superior, in 
 the other springs, the hydro-sulphuric acid 
 is too abundant for most persons, and often- 
 times occasions a distressing nausea and ver- 
 tigo. The water of this spring seldom pro- 
 duces any nausea or vertigo. Nor is it com- 
 mon for any unpleasant sensation of the 
 stomach, to follow its use even in large 
 quantities. It rises from a fissure in a rock, 
 thirty-six feet below the surface of the 
 ground, about one hundred rods from the 
 Genesee river, and about thirty rods from 
 the Conesus creek. The volume of water 
 discharged from this spring, is the same at 
 
ANALYSIS OF LOWER SPRING. 41 
 
 all seasons of the year, and does not appear 
 to depend in the least upon atmospheric in- 
 fluence ; as nearly as can be ascertained, 
 under existing circumstances, it is fifty-four 
 gallons in a minute. The temperature of 
 the water is from 45 to 47 degrees Far. Its 
 specific gravity is 10.018. Its taste resem- 
 bles that of a solution of hydro-sulphuric 
 acid, but is more bitter and saline ; it has a 
 strong odour of this acid. As it issues from 
 the fountain, it is limpid, transparent, and 
 somewhat sparkling. Examined by the 
 aid of reagents, it contains as foreign to pure 
 water, hydro-sulphuric, carbonic and sul- 
 phuric acids, chlorine, carbonate of lime, 
 lime, magnesia, and soda. By delicate ex- 
 periments, the less obvious ingredients of 
 mineral waters are not indicated. Dr. 
 Francis observes, that an analysis of these 
 waters, which he caused to be made in 1842, 
 did not afford satisfactory evidence of their 
 containing Iodine. Nevertheless, a strong 
 probability is that both Iodine and Bromine 
 enter their composition. It should also here, 
 be mentioned, that an analysis of the hy- 
 dro-sulphurous waters of Caldas da Raynha, 
 whose chemical constitution is similar to 
 that of the Avon waters, was published in 
 the London Philosophical Magazine, for 
 Sept. 1834, and shows that both Iodine and 
 Bromine enter into the composition of those 
 4 
 
42 UPPER SPRING. 
 
 waters. Dr. J. R. Chilton of New York, 
 in 1842 discovered Iodide of Sodium in the 
 waters of the Sylvan spring. 
 
 Analysis of Lower Spring— In a wine gallon, gaseous contents— 
 Sulphated Hydrogen, 10,02 cub. in. Carbonic Acid, 3.92 cub. in. 
 
 Nitrogen, 5.42 do Oxygen, .56 - do. 
 
 Solid Contents- 
 Carbonate of Lime, 29.33 grains. Sulphate of Magnesia, 49.61 grains. 
 Chloride of Calcium, S.41 do. Sulphate of Soda, 13.73 do. 
 
 Sulphate of Lime, 57.44 do. 
 
 Total, 158.52 da 
 
 UPPER SPRING. 
 
 This spring has been in use since 1827. 
 It has been proved by the cures which it has 
 effected, to possess similar medicinal quali- 
 ties to the lower, and is by some, even more 
 highly prized. In sensible properties, it 
 bears a close resemblance to it ; but there is 
 a peculiar sweetness of taste which distin- 
 guishes it. The deposit around it is rnostly 
 of a dark blue color, while that of the Lower 
 is white. It rises about sixty rods east of 
 the other, and is at an elevation considerably 
 above it. The bed of sand through which I 
 am informed this water oozes, is about 
 twenty feet, and the rock about thirty feet 
 below the surface of the ground. One gal- 
 lon from this spring, according to Professor 
 Hadley, of the Institution of Fairfield, Her- 
 kermer county, was found to contain the 
 following substances, and nearly in the fol- 
 lowing proportions, viz : 
 
NEW IVATH SPRING. 43 
 
 In a wine gallon, gaseous contents — 
 Sulphureted hydrogen, 12 cubic inches. 
 
 Carbonic acid, 56 " " 
 
 Solid contents — 
 
 Sulphate of magnesia, 
 Sulphate of lime, 
 Sulphate of soda, 
 Carbonate of lime, 
 Muriate of soda, 
 
 10. grains. 
 
 84. 
 
 tc 
 
 10. 
 
 a 
 
 8. 
 
 u 
 
 18.4 
 
 it 
 
 136.4 
 
 grains 
 
 NEW BATH SPRING, 
 
 This spring was discovered in 1835, and 
 has been in use since that time. Dr. Lewis 
 C. Beck made an analysis of some of the 
 water from it in 1838, which has been pub- 
 lished in the Geological survey of the State. 
 Its depth is about thirty six feet, and the for- 
 mation through which the water rises is the 
 calciferous slate similar to that found at 
 Rochester. The temperature of this spring 
 is 50° F. The specific gravity of the wa- 
 ter 1.00356. When heated it assumes a 
 beautiful green color, the cause of which 
 has never as yet been satisfactorily ascer- 
 tained. The solution of arsenious acid is 
 but slightly altered by it until after the ad- 
 dition of an acid ; from which it is inferred 
 
8.08 
 
 grains. 
 
 3.52 
 
 u 
 
 38.72 
 
 a 
 
 5.G8 
 
 a 
 
 26.98 
 
 - a 
 
 82.96 
 
 grains. 
 
 44 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 by Dr. Beck, that a portion of the sulphur- 
 eted hydrogen is in a state of combination 
 with some basis. 
 
 Analysis by Lewis C. Beck, M. D. in a 
 wine gallon, gaseous contents — 
 Sulphureted hydrogen, 31.28 cubic inches. 
 Solid contents — 
 
 Sulphate of magnesia, 
 
 Sulphate of lime, 
 
 Sulphate of soda, 
 
 Chloride of sodium, 
 
 Carbonate of lime, 
 
 Total, 
 
 The three springs which have been called 
 for the purpose of distinction, the Lower, 
 Upper, and New Bath, are the property of 
 A. Nowlen, Esq. a gentleman who is a resi- 
 dent of Avon. Accommodations for bath- 
 ing have been in a state of progression to 
 meet the gradual increase of the number of 
 visitors, since he became their proprietor. 
 We have no doubt that the public wants in 
 this respect will not only be readily met, but 
 anticipated. From his accustomed hospital- 
 ity and kind attentions to the strangers who 
 visit Avon and form an acquaintance with 
 him, we entertain hopes most propitious to 
 the future improved condition of these min- 
 eral fountains. The water of the Lower 
 
IODINE SPRING. 45 
 
 Spring having become an objoct of trans- 
 portation to different parts of the country, 
 the question how this may be most safely 
 effected, is of some practical importance* 
 These waters are all clear and transparent, 
 until their temperature is raised, when they 
 are decomposed partially and become turbid 
 and milky. The bottles containing them 
 should be placed in iced water for some time 
 before the corks are drawn. This refriger- 
 ation has the effect, by restoring them to 
 their original temperature, forty-five degrees 
 Fahrenheit, of redissolving their saline in- 
 gredients ; and will render them again lim- 
 pid. Mr. Nowlen attends all orders for the 
 water promptly, and bottles them with much 
 nicety and care. 
 
 IODINE OR SYLVAN SPRINGS. 
 
 About two miles south of the lower, there 
 are three springs, one of which only has 
 been analyzed. They are situate in a cir- 
 cular dell, in the midst of the forest. All 
 of them are distinguishable from others in 
 this vicinity by their saltish taste. The on- 
 ly one of these which has been analysed, 
 contains a very large proportion of the 
 chloride of sodium, and it is probable they 
 all have a large impregnation of this salt. 
 
46 IODINE SPRING, 
 
 One of them is evidently very little sulphur- 
 ous, the taste being similar to lhat of the 
 Saratoga waters after exposure to the air. 
 The other has sensible qualities which lead 
 me to infer that it contains a very large 
 quantity of the chloride of sodium, and 
 therefore Iodine ; for Iodine has only been 
 found in those waters which contain this 
 salt in abundance. 
 
 Copy of a letter to the late James Wads- 
 worth, Esq., of Geneseo, with an analy- 
 sis. 
 
 New- York, May 23, 1842. 
 James Wadsworth, Esq., 
 
 Dear Sir — I have just completed the 
 analysis of the sulphur water of the Syl- 
 van Spring at Avon. The result which is 
 given below shows that it is a valuable me- 
 dicinal water. There is a large proportion 
 of sulphur in it, and it contains among other 
 important ingredients, Iodine in combination 
 with sodium. You will observe that I have 
 not stated the quantity of iodide of sodium, 
 for to enable me to do so with any degree 
 of accuracy, I would require a greater 
 quantity of the water, at least two or three 
 gallons. If you will send me a sufficient 
 quantity, I will at any time ascertain the 
 proportion. 
 
IODINE SPRING. 47 
 
 According to my analysis, one gallon of 
 the water contains as follows : 
 
 GRAINS . 
 
 Chloride of Magnesium, 62.400 
 
 Chloride of Sodium, 97.440 
 
 Sulphate of Lime, 80.426 
 
 Sulphate of Magnesia, 12.960 
 
 Carbonate of Lime, 26.800 
 
 Carbonate of Magnesia, 15.974 
 
 Vegetable Matter, .240 
 Iodide of Sodium, 
 
 296.24 
 Sulphureted Hydrogen, 20.684 
 Carbonic Acid,' 4.992 
 
 Cubic Inches, 25.676 
 The great attention which has of late 
 years been given to the use of the sulphur- 
 eted mineral waters of this country by those 
 laboring under various obstinate chronic 
 complaints, has been attended with the hap- 
 piest results. Their internal and external 
 use forms a very successful means of treat- 
 ing those intractable cases which sometimes 
 resist all ordinary treatment. Much of this 
 beneficial effect is unquestionably due to the 
 sulphur existing in the water in the* form of 
 sulphureted hydrogen. The water of the 
 Sylvan Spring, at Avon, is highly charged 
 with this gas, and contains also a large pro- 
 
48 IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL HISTORY. 
 
 portion of important saline ingredients, 
 which renders it gently aperient, and emi- 
 nently well calculated for the treatment of 
 the diseases indicated. Signed 
 
 JAMES R. CHILTON, M. D. ; 
 Practical Chemist 
 
NEGLECT OF MEDICAL HISTORY, 49 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF THE 
 AVON SPRINGS, DEDUCED FROM A 
 KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR INGREDIENTS, 
 AND FROM EXPERIENCE. 
 
 A beneficent providence has prepared 
 many combinations to mitigate the sufferings 
 of humanity and remedy the diseases to 
 which it is incident ; but ignorance of the 
 proper manner of using them, and, too often 
 prejudice, which is the natural consequence 
 of this ignorance, defeat her purposes. 
 When therefore the chemical constituents of 
 such waters as are distinguished by their 
 sensible properties and medicinal effects 
 from others, which from their purity, were 
 evidently designed to be used as a common 
 beverage ; when the chemical history of 
 these medicated fountains is perfectly un- 
 derstood, it remains for physicians to inves- 
 tigate their application to the cure of diseas- 
 es and the best mode ot administering them; 
 in short, it becomes their duty to make them- 
 
50 NEGLECT OF MEDICAL HISTORY. 
 
 selves familiar with their whole medical his- 
 tory. Alibert has very truly observed, "la 
 science des eaux minerales est a refaire," 
 for however advanced their chemical history 
 may be, their medical history has not receiv- 
 ed the attention which it evidently deserves. 
 The chemical constitution of manv of the 
 mineral waters of the United States has 
 been made the study of distinguished chem- 
 ists. The researches of Chilton, Hayes, 
 Beck and Chas. T. Jackson, have made us 
 familiar with the ingredients of our principle 
 mineral fountains ; but, if we except the 
 Treatises of Drs. Steel and Allen on the 
 Saratoga waters — that of Dr. J. W. Fran- 
 cis on those of Avon, and some communica- 
 tions of Dr. J J. Moorman, which have ap- 
 peared in the Boston Medical and Surgical 
 Journal, on the White Sulphur Springs in 
 Virginia, very little progress has been made 
 in the elucidation of their medicinal proper- 
 ties and application to the cure of diseases. 
 There is certainly a manifest inconsistency 
 in neglecting to acquire a practical knowl- 
 edge of the medicinal effects of compounds 
 of sulphur, soda, magnesia, iodine, bromine, 
 iron, &c. which have been prepared in na- 
 ture's labntory, with a chemistry of une- 
 qualled subtelty, while we daily prescribe for 
 our patients, combinations of the same sub- 
 stances, which are mere imitations, and of 
 
ANALYSIS PRECEDES EXPERIENCE. 51 
 
 much less efficiency. Yet physicians un- 
 blushingiy avow themselves unacquainted 
 with the modus operandi of our most cele- 
 brated mineral waters, who would be very 
 unw r illing to acknowledge their ignorance of 
 the nature and effects of any other medicin- 
 al compound or therapeutic agent in the 
 whole range of the materia medica. Dr. 
 Granville, in his remarks on the prevailing 
 ignorance of English physicians in regard 
 to foreign mineral waters relates several ex- 
 amples which have occurred in his experi- 
 ence. He had advised a patient to resort to 
 a very celebrated Spa as the only, likely 
 means of strengthening the system and for- 
 tifying it against future attacks of a disease 
 to wl^ich he had been subject. A practition- 
 er in London, of the first respectability, who 
 acted in consultation at the time, did not ac- 
 tually deride, but seemed to hold very cheap, 
 the alleged efficacy of foreign mineral 
 springs. Upon being questioned however, 
 as to his knowledge of their peculiar proper- 
 ties, he candidly confessed his entire ignor- 
 ance. 
 
 "To know the composition of a mineral 
 water," says Bergman, "is to precede in 
 some degree our experience." A medicinal 
 compound is presented for our consideration: 
 if it be composed of substances, the medi- 
 cinal efficacy of which is known and appre- 
 
52 ANALYSIS PRECEDES EXPERIENCE. 
 
 ciated, a knowledge of the laws of the 
 animal economy will serve to instruct us 
 what its action on the human system will 
 be. In regard to some mineral wa + ers there 
 is, it is true, an apparent discrepancy be- 
 tween the deductions of experience, and 
 those of analysis. This may be accounted 
 for however, by considering the rapid chan- 
 ges which the science of chemistry has un- 
 dergone since the earlier writers published 
 the results of their investigations, and the 
 difficulties attending the discovery of the 
 truth. 
 
 An ir^imate acquaintance with the effects 
 of the constituents of any compound, sepa- 
 rately considered, is of great importance, 
 in order to enable us correctly to appreciate 
 the share of influence which each of them 
 has in its general effect. Viewing, in this 
 manner, the sulphurous-saline waters of 
 Avon, we find them distinguished for the 
 large quantity of free hydro-sulphuric acid, 
 (sulphureted hydrogen) which they contain, 
 a compound, as its name implies, of sulphur 
 and hydrogen. This acid-gas was discovered 
 by Scheele in 1727 ; and being found to be 
 a compound of sulphur and hydrogen, re- 
 ceived the name of sulphureted hydrogen. 
 It being afterwards discovered that it pos- 
 sessed the properties of an acid, it received 
 the name of hydro-sulphuric acid. Liebeg, 
 
lribig's views. 53 
 
 in his treatise on Animal Chemistry, has 
 suggested an analogy between the effects of 
 sulphureted hydrogen and prussic acid.* He 
 considers it clearly proved by the remarka- 
 ble change of color and of coagulability in 
 the blood of animals which have been des- 
 troyed by prussic acid, that it acts chemical- 
 ly upon this fluid, forming a compound of 
 iron which is incapable of absorbing oxygen; 
 thus, as he supposes, both of these substan- 
 ces produce such a change in the blood- 
 corpuscles that they lose the power of ab- 
 sorbing and supplying oxygen to the tissues, 
 and of transmitting carbonic acid from them. 
 Sulphureted hydrogen, the effect of which 
 is equally powerful, he supposes to act in a 
 similar manner upon the blood-corpuscles. 
 As however the science of chemistry, in its 
 present state, cannot afford us a perfect 
 elucidation of the effects of this agent on 
 the animal economy, some other authority 
 than that of the " philosopher of Giessen" 
 must be invoked. If our observation of the 
 modus operandi of medicines were confined 
 to the chemical changes which they produce, 
 other and equally important alterations of 
 structure and of functions would be likely 
 to be overlooked or not duly estimated. 
 
 The distinguished physician, John Arm- 
 strong, of London, in a treatise which he 
 published on " chronic diseases and sulphur- 
 
54 SULPHURETED HYDROGEN. 
 
 ous waters" in 1818, says, that as far back 
 as the year 1807 it was customary for him 
 to send patients afflicted with chronic dis- 
 eases which resisted the application of all 
 ordinary means to Harrowgate, recommend- 
 ing them to drink the sulphurous water there. 
 For some time he solely attributed the effi- 
 cacy of the water to its purgative property, 
 together with the peculiarity that its long 
 continued exhibition caused no debility. 
 But cases of chronic disease fell under his 
 observation at various times, in which the 
 sulphurous water was decidedly beneficial, 
 and that too when the bowels had been but 
 scantily moved ; and as the effect in these 
 cases could by no means be purely attributed 
 to its action on the intestines, he was led to 
 inquire whether it might not have some 
 other agency which had escaped his obser- 
 vation. He came to the conclusion after- 
 wards that the chief efficacy of sulphurous 
 waters depended on the sulphureted hydrogen 
 gas which they contained, and that this gas 
 resembled mercury in its operation, having 
 an advantage over mercury in not as much 
 exhausting the energies of the system. 
 From an attentive observation of the opera- 
 tion of the different springs at Avon, 1 am 
 led to concur with Dr. Armstrong, in attri- 
 buting rruch of their efficacy to the sulphur- 
 ated hydrogen which they contain, and I 
 
TRANSPORTATION OF THE WATER. 55 
 
 have also observed a similarity between 
 their action and that of calomel. As how- 
 ever this resemblance is greatest in the 
 Lower Spring, which contains less of this 
 gas and a larger impregnation of saline sub- 
 stances than the rest, and as the highly 
 prized White Sulphur Springs of Virginia, 
 have been found by analysis to contain com- 
 paratively a small quantity of this gas and 
 very similar saline constituents with the 
 Lower Spring at Avon, I infer that the 
 agency of these salts is scarcely less impor- 
 tant than that of this gas in the alterant ef- 
 fect of the Harrowgate, Virginia and Avon 
 waters. 
 
 On this point there has been some discrep- 
 ancy of opinion, and as the question wheth- 
 er these waters lose their properties by 
 transportation is involved in its decision, it 
 has much practical importance. Dr. Moor- 
 man views it as " a matter of little or no im- 
 portance whether this gas escapes or not, 
 as the water," he thinks, "is equally as sal- 
 utary without as with it, and does not there- 
 by lose its medical virtues ;" another writer 
 on the Virginia Springs, Mr. William Burke, 
 seems to manifest fears lest it should be used 
 by invalids when at a distance from the 
 springs, and the good effects lost ; and also 
 that it will be successfully imitated by some 
 apothecary. 
 
56 ALKALINE INGREDIENTS, 
 
 Much good may arise from the transpor- 
 tation of sulphurous waters, or from the use 
 of an artificial imitation of them. The 
 water of the Lower Spring at Avon loses 
 but little of its gas when transported to a 
 distance, if the bottles containing it, have 
 been properly corked and sealed at the 
 spring. Many cures commenced at the 
 springs have been perfected by its use at 
 home. 
 
 Again, we find the waters of Avon im- 
 pregnated with an alkaline carbonate, the 
 carbonate of lime. This substance is alka- 
 line and antacid — forming no purgative com- 
 binations with the contents of the stomach. 
 Hence it is adapted to the relief of that 
 kind of diarrhoea which is caused by acidity 
 of the first passages. It is also viewed as 
 manifesting a peculiar action on the lympha- 
 tic system of vessels, producing the resolution 
 of glandular and visceral swelling. Its effects 
 on the urinary organs are manifested both 
 by exciting them to action, in the same man- 
 ner as diuretics properly so called, and also 
 by changing their secretions. Hence it is 
 used in scrofula and in some diseases of the 
 bladder. 
 
 Chloride of calcium is, in small doses, 
 tonic and deobstruent ; it has been success- 
 fully used in typhus fever, ill-conditioned ul- 
 cers, and in some diseases of the skin. 
 
SULPHATES OF MAGNESIA AND SODA. 57 
 
 The sulphates of lime, magnesia and soda 
 are other compounds found in these waters. 
 The two last are saline aperients or purga- 
 tives, according to the dose in which they 
 are administered. 
 
 The sulphate of magnesia, epsom salts, is 
 an active and efficient purgative. Although 
 the quantity of this salt, contained in the 
 w T ater used, is comparatively small ; yet its 
 effects are so much increased by its large 
 dilution with water, and by its combination 
 with other neutral salts, as to render it bet- 
 ter adapted to chronic diseases, and less lia- 
 ble to produce irritation than the large doses 
 commonly administered. " It is chiefly on 
 account of the small portion of the neutral 
 salts dissolved in the Harrowgate sulphur- 
 ous water, says Dr. Armstrong, that it ope- 
 rates on the bowels ; and even in the pre- 
 scription of purgatives for chronic diseases, 
 we should do well to imitate nature in this 
 particular ; for repeated observation has 
 convinced me, that we give far too large 
 doses of purgative salts in chronic diseases, 
 the effect of which is generally to irritate 
 the system first and to exhaust it afterwards." 
 The popular use of this salt as a. domestic 
 remedy is in doses of from one to two ounces 
 dissolved in a part of a teacup of water. 
 This quantity generally produces several 
 liquid evacuations. These are sometimes 
 
 5 
 
58 SULPHATES OF MAGNESIA AND SODA. 
 
 so copious as to cause much inconvenience 
 to those in good health and to be attended 
 with serious consequences to invalids. A 
 degree of flatulence is also frequently pro- 
 duced which continues for a considerable 
 length of time after the operation of the 
 medicine. 
 
 Besides, when the immediate effect of the 
 medicine administered in this way, has pass- 
 ed off, a constipated state of the bowels 
 sometimes follows. But physicians have 
 found by experience that the distressing ef- 
 fects of these full doses may be avoided by 
 dissolving a small quantity of the sulphate 
 of magnesia in a large quantity of water. 
 From one to two drachms of this salt dissolv- 
 ed in a pint, or a pint and a half of water, 
 or taken at the same time, will produce 
 all the purgative operation which is requir- 
 ed in most cases, and is not productive of so 
 much irritation. 
 
 The " Lower Spring" contains of this salt 
 49. 61 grs. in every gallon of the water. — 
 The White Sulphur of Virginia, contains 
 44. 70 grs. in the same quantity of water. 
 Both of these when heated and thus depriv- 
 ed, in a measure, of their gaseous contents 
 act as aperients and their effects on the hu- 
 man system are said, by those who have 
 made use of them both for chronic disease, 
 to be very similar. Water serves many 
 
SULPHATES OF MAGNESIA AND SODA. 59 
 
 purposes in the animal economy, some of 
 which have been already ascertained. It is 
 not only a solvent of the food received into 
 the stomach, and thus aids in the process of 
 digestion ; but it combines chemically with 
 the hydrochloric acid of the gastric juice 
 and the soda of the blood and bile, which 
 substances it derives from the common salt 
 with which our food is so frequently season- 
 ed. It cannot appear surprising then that 
 the soda, magnesia and lime when combined 
 by the hand of nature as these substances 
 exist in our mineral waters, and when so 
 largely united with this compound of hy- 
 drogen and oxygen, should have the ra- 
 tio of their action on the human system 
 very much increased. 
 
 " The long use of ordinary medicines," 
 continues Dr Armstrong, " almost always 
 tends to injuie the general powers of the 
 system ; but this is not the case with those 
 waters which contain the sulphureted hy- 
 drogen gas largely, for they have an invig- 
 orating influence, even when taken almost 
 daily for weeks together." # # •' Nor need 
 we fear, with the exception of complaints of 
 the chest, to purge patients freely every 
 day with the Harrowgate water ; for under 
 this system of depletion, they generally 
 gain flesh and strength, particularly in gas* 
 trie, hepatic, and intestinal affections." 
 
60 IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF MEDICINES. 
 
 Even when the Avon waters purge pa- 
 tients daily, I have found that the appetite 
 is very much increased and the digestive or- 
 gans stimulated to a more perfect discharge 
 of their functions. Nature, in her prepara- 
 tion of compounds for chronic disease, ap- 
 pears to form only such a*s, when judicious- 
 ly used, increase the secretions, without pro- 
 ducing irritation, or greatly accelerating the 
 peristaltic motion of the intestines. 
 
 Most observers have united in the belief 
 that the peculiar effect of sulphurous waters 
 is an increased action of the secretory or- 
 gans ; but some difference of opinion exists 
 as to their immediate or primitive effect or 
 that which is precedent to increased secre- 
 tion. The use of the terms stimulant and 
 sedative, with an indefinite meaning attached 
 to them, has perhaps been a chief cause of 
 this. All agents possessed of the power of 
 affecting the human system have both a 
 stimulant and sedative effect upon it, ac- 
 according to the quantity or the mode m 
 which they are administered, and the con- 
 dition of the human body at the time 
 w T hen they are used. A small quanti- 
 ty of a medicinal substance will produce a 
 stimulant effect, when a larger or excessive 
 dose will act as a sedative. This fact is one 
 of common observation. Alcohol and al- 
 coholic liquids possess a high degree of stim- 
 
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF MEDICINES. 61 
 
 ulant power in proportion to their sedative, 
 which only appears when they are used in 
 excess. For this reason physicians have 
 been in the habit of calling them stimulants, 
 and when they speak of any agent as being 
 a stimulant, or a sedative, they mean, the 
 proportion which these two opposite effects, 
 that may be produced by the agent, bear to 
 each other. Medicines present an almost 
 infinite variety in this respect. This variety 
 is so great, and the state of our knowledge 
 of their precise operation under all the vari- 
 ed circumstances attending their adminis- 
 tration, so imperfect, as to prevent hitherto 
 any established classification of them found- 
 ed on this difference of action ; physicians 
 have therefore merely distinguished medi- 
 cines according as they are found to be best 
 suited to act upon particular parts or organs 
 of the human body. They have, agreeably 
 to this distinction, called them purgatives, 
 expectorants, diaphoretics, diuretics, &c. &c. 
 It appears to me highly important that defi- 
 nite views be entertained of the immediate 
 effects of medicines, and there is, as has 
 been before remarked, some discrepancy of 
 opinions in regard to the immediate effects 
 of sulphurous waters. We find in the trea- 
 tise on mineral waters of William Saunders, 
 London, 1805, page 411, second edition, the 
 sensible effects of the Harrowgate w 7 aters 
 
62 EFFECTS OF SULPHUROUS WATERS. 
 
 are described as " headache or giddiness on 
 being first drank ; and as it should appear, 
 more frequently than follows a full draught 
 of the simpler waters. The water of Aix- 
 la-Chappelle is described in the same work 
 as producing u some degree of cheerfulness 
 and gaiety of spirits, but, if taken largely, 
 it slightly affects the head with some degree 
 of vertigo and sleepiness. It sometimes ex- 
 cites nausea/' &c, page 432. 
 
 Bordeu considered the waters of Bareges 
 as "producing a marked excitation of the 
 whole organization and determining in a spe- 
 cial manner critical movements from the 
 centre to ihe circumference. He viewed 
 them as 'stomachics, as stimulant of the 
 digestive functions, increasing the appetite 
 and rendering nutrition more perfect." An- 
 other writer on the Bareges waters, Mons. 
 Gasc, informs us that when using them "la 
 bouche est pateuse et fade, et Tappetit sen- 
 siblementdiminue les premiers jours." Oth- 
 ers view all mineral waters as stimulants 
 and adduce for proof the former celebrity 
 of those of Bath in England, which are re- 
 markable for their purity and freedom from 
 mineral impregnation. Water is an article 
 of diet and the common experience of man- 
 kind teaches them that when free from a 
 distinguishing proportion of mineral and me- 
 dicinal ingredients, it is not under ordinary 
 
EFFECTS CATHARTIC OPERATION. 63 
 
 circumstances, a stimulant. We have only 
 then, amidst the prevailing discrepancy of 
 opinions on this point, to refer to the miner- 
 al ingredients, which the different springs at 
 Avon are known to contain as foreign to 
 pure water, for an explanation of its cura- 
 tive effects in disease.* 
 
 The primitive action of Avon water is fol- 
 lowed by certain secondary effects, which 
 are, a perceptible increase of the secretions 
 from the alimentary canal, the augmenta- 
 tion of the cutaneous and pulmonary respi- 
 ration, and the secretion of urine; in other 
 words, they become cathartic, diaphoretic, 
 expectorant, and diuretic. 
 
 In regard to the cathartic operation of this 
 water, we find some upon whose digestive 
 organs it acts promptly and effectually; oth- 
 ers again, upon whom the largest doses pro- 
 duce not the slightest effect. In some cases, 
 the water acts readily at first; and, in a 
 short time, perhaps after the first week, 
 seems rather to produce constipation. This 
 disparity of action we conceive to be ow- 
 ing to some peculiar state or condition of 
 some of the different parts or organs of the 
 body of the individual using the water, 
 which renders them more or less suscepti- 
 ble to its influence; what this state or con- 
 dition is, in the present imperfect state of 
 
 * The sulphureted hydrogen must, of course, make them stimu- 
 lant. 
 
64 CATHARTIC EFFECTS. 
 
 our knowledge of hydro-sulphurous waters, 
 it is impossible to determine ! A long course 
 of observations and numerous cases are re- 
 quisite to decide with any degree of exact- 
 ness. In some cases which I have seen, the 
 stimulant effect has Been perceptible upon 
 the skin solely; and it would appear proba- 
 ble, that the excretions from the cutaneous 
 surface were so abundant as to deprive the 
 system of all the products of intestinal ac- 
 tion. Generally, four or six half-pint glass- 
 es, drank during twenty four hours, produce 
 a mild cathartic effect; and under its long 
 continued use to this extent, no debility en- 
 sues, but, on the contrary, the appetite and 
 strength are very much increased. 
 
 As it is to chronic diseases that these wa- 
 ters are particularly applicable, any thing 
 more than a daily and healthy movement of 
 the bowels is usually not desired. We ought 
 not in these cases ordinarily to seek for any 
 considerable increase of the natural evacua- 
 tions. It is certain that when these waters 
 purge very actively, their alterative effects 
 are commonly less than where their action 
 upon the bowels is more subdued. As how- 
 ever in some cases it is found that they do 
 not produce sufficient cathartic effect, it fre- 
 quently becomes necessary, to accompany 
 their use with other purgatives. The mode 
 which has succeeded best in my practice has 
 
ACTION ON THE SKIN. 65 
 
 been, to administer according to the circum- 
 stances of different cases, either the com- 
 pound rhubarb or aloetic pills, or the blue 
 pill at bed-time, to be followed by a half- 
 pint bottle of the heated water, before break- 
 fast the next morning. 
 
 It is however, for its action upon the skin 
 particularly, that this water is conspicuous, 
 -This increased activity which the functions 
 of the skin receive, is manifested bv an itch- 
 ing sensation, or, as it has been described, a 
 feeling similar to that of the stinging of 
 small insects; and there is often a florid col- 
 or of the body, showing the high degree of 
 capillary excitement produced. There is 
 also, in most cases, a sensible increase of 
 perspiration; and frequently, even gentle 
 exercise produces profuse sweating. The 
 oily, unctuous feeling of the surface of the 
 body, on leaving the bath, also shows the 
 capacity of this mineral water to cleanse 
 the skin: the alkaline carbonate, which is 
 one of its component parts, forming a spe- 
 cies of soap with the oily matter collected 
 upon the epidermis. 
 
 But it is to chronic inflammation of the 
 skin whether effusive, suppurative, deposi- 
 tee or, squamous that the Avon water is 
 particularly applicable. In many of these 
 diseases successive crops of eruption appear 
 and disappear, passing through separate 
 
65 ACTION ON THE SKIN. 
 
 stages of inflammation, followed either bv 
 effusion, suppuration, deposition or desqua- 
 mation. Any agent or alterative which re- 
 stores the skin to a healthv condition must 
 do so, by increasing its power of discharg- 
 ing its functions of exhalation or elimination, 
 and of absorption. Now this cutaneous 
 envelope of the body is continuous with the 
 mucous membranes which line the nose and 
 mouth, and the respiratory organs, as w r ell 
 as those organs which serve for the diges- 
 tion of solid and liquid alimentary substan- 
 ces. Hence the reason why a disordered 
 condition of the skin may produce a corres- 
 ponding derangement of the lungs or diges- 
 tive organs, and. conversely, a deranged 
 state of the lungs or digestive organs may 
 produce a disease of the skin. An increas- 
 ed secretion from the mucous membranes 
 being the usual effect of the waters, a simi- 
 lar effect will ordinarily be transmitted to 
 the skin. 
 
 " As a striking example of their alterative 
 influence on the cutaneous surface," says 
 Dr. Francis,^ "I mav mention the case of 
 an individual, now in the twenty second 
 year of his age, incommoded by congenital 
 icthyosis; and whom I recommended to re- 
 pair to these springs last season. The free 
 use of these waters, internally and by bath- 
 
 * Avon Mineral Waters, New York, 1833. 
 
DIURETIC AND EXPECTORANT ACTION. 67 
 
 ing, for some ten weeks, so effectually re- 
 moved this morbid alteration of the skin, as 
 in divers parts to leave no trace of the pre- 
 vious existence of disfiguration." 
 
 Other instances, equally remarkable, might 
 annually be adduced, illustrative of the 
 diaphoretic effects of this water. Cures of 
 the most obstinate herpetic, psorous, and lep- 
 rous eruptions, are very numerous; and are 
 matters of astonishment to those unacquaint- 
 ed with the powers of this medicine. 
 
 This water possesses, also, a peculiar pro- 
 perty of stimulating the urinary organs. — 
 This property is manifested, not only by the 
 discharge of urine being more copious, but 
 also by the changes produced in the quality 
 of the urine. Some hours after its use, 
 either internally or externally, the urine 
 commonly becomes more highly colored, de- 
 positing a sediment, or is much increased in 
 quantity. 
 
 I have stated that this water is an expec- 
 torant ; and this property, from experience 
 in very many cases, I accord to it most ful- 
 ly. It is not merely by a sympathetic ef- 
 fect, that the pulmonary organs are affected 
 by it; but the simple respiration, in an at- 
 mosphere so highly charged with hydro-sul- 
 phuric acid gas as that around the spring, 
 must have an immediate action upon the 
 mucous membrane. In restoring the nor- 
 
68 TONIC EFFECTS. 
 
 mal secretion from the skin and bladder, 
 there can be no doubt but the pulmonary 
 functions are benefitted ! And this action is 
 direct; for, by a revulsion or counter exci- 
 tation, we remove any local determination 
 which may give rise to pulmonary irritation, 
 and thus the lungs are invigorated and ena- 
 bled to expectorate any offensive matter. — 
 In the administration of this remedy in cases 
 of pulmonary disease, the utmost caution is 
 requisite; as it will be readily perceived, 
 that the misapplication of a medicine en- 
 dowed with such a power of excitation, can- 
 not but be attended with the most faial con- 
 sequences. 
 
 Many of those who use this water, expe- 
 rience an almost immediate increase of ap- 
 petite and apparently receive an increas- 
 ed energy of the stomach; yet others are 
 affected in a very different manner, and 
 a diminution of appetite, nausea, and other 
 symptoms indicating an action of an oppo- 
 site nature follow its use. Its tonic proper- 
 ties cannot then be considered as absolute) 
 but relative to the circumstances of the indi- 
 vidual making use of them, or to the state 
 and condition of the different organs or parts 
 of his body. An individual affected with 
 intermittent fever may check its progress 
 by the use of some particular tonic: the 
 same medicine administered to one afflicted 
 
TONIC EFFECTS. 69 
 
 with a chronic bronchial disease may facili- 
 tate expectoration, and to another the sur- 
 face of whose body is covered with an ob- 
 stinate cutaneous eruption it proves an ef- 
 fectual cure. These are, however, to be con- 
 sidered as the secondary effects of this ton- 
 ic medication, which only take place under 
 certain conditions, and which may, and of- 
 ten do, succeed the use of medicines entire- 
 ly different from tonics. 
 
 " Among the medicinal attributes of our 
 medicinal waters," says Anglada in his trea- 
 ties on the mineral waters of the oriental 
 Pyrenees, " which should serve as a guide 
 in their employment, we may consider also 
 their tonic action: they strengthen very 
 sensibly different organs, and impress upon 
 them more strength, not, really by a direct 
 action as tonics properly so called, but in the 
 same manner as excitants, as a preparatory 
 condition, facilitating the vital process of the 
 re-establishment of the vigour of parts. It 
 is here that the distinction of forces into 
 radical and active, or forces of power and 
 forces of action, so w T ell established by Bar- 
 thez and so important in medicine, should 
 be called to our aid. For example, these 
 waters readily excite to new action the di- 
 gestive, and thus exhibit themselves deci- 
 dedly stomachic. Under their influence the 
 appetite acquires a remarkable activity : we 
 
?0 TONIC EFFECTS. 
 
 must bo cautious in satisfying it ; for here 
 we shall find an apparent incongruity, the 
 disgestion will be badly performed if the 
 stomach has to act on too large a quantity 
 of food." This view of the operation of 
 sulphurous waters is in accordance with my 
 experience of the effects of the Avon wa- 
 ters. The tone which they give to the stom- 
 ach appears to me to be the result of the in- 
 creased secretion of the fluids connected 
 with the digestive process which they pro- 
 duce. This effect is sometimes produced 
 by them in such a degree as to be attended 
 with unpleasant consequences. I have 
 known several cases of profuse salivation 
 accompanied with diarrhea, to such an ex- 
 tent as to enfeeble and reduce the patient 
 very much. Increased secretion from in- 
 creased action is the true modus operandi of 
 these waters : it is in this way that they be- 
 come cathartic, diuretic, diaphoretic, expec- 
 torant, emmenagogues and alterative, and 
 their tonic effect is not an immediate increase 
 of power, but a secondary influence, — an in- 
 vigoration which results from the restora- 
 tion of healthy secretions. 
 
MEDICINAL APPLICABILITY. 71 
 
 CHAPTER IV, 
 
 MEDICINAL APPLICABILITY TO PARTIC- 
 ULAR DISEASES. 
 
 The indications which call for the use of 
 the Avon waters are first, where there is a 
 torpid state of certain organs or tissues, to 
 excite them to increased action. Thus, in 
 chronic disease of the liver, after the vascu- 
 lar excitement has been reduced to a certain 
 level, a restoration of the secretions of this 
 organ and a removal of all obstructions 
 which may exist, is usually attempted by 
 physicians. The judicious exhibition of 
 meicury often effects this desired object, but 
 its long continued use frequently enfeebles 
 the system, and it sometimes fails even where 
 circumstances are apparently the most fa- 
 vorable. " Although," says Dr. Armstrong, 
 " the efficacy of mercury is so notorious in 
 chronic affections of the liver, yet upon the 
 whole I am disposed to think, that it is infe- 
 rior to that of the sulphureted hydrogen 
 
72 RHEUMATISM. 
 
 gas." The second indication in chronic dis- 
 eases is not only to excite the. functions of 
 diseased parts, but to correct the various 
 derangements of their functions in such a 
 manner as to restore them to a healthy state, 
 and even to effect a favorable change of their 
 structure. Both of these indications are ful- 
 filled by a course of these waters in the fol- 
 lowing diseases; viz : Rheumatism, some dis- 
 eases of the skin, and of the urinary pas- 
 sages ; in what are called stomachic. 
 
 Rheumatism. — This water has, from the 
 earliest period at which it was know 7 n, been 
 used freely in cases of rheumatism. Per- 
 haps there is no disease in which it is more 
 generally useful. Nevertheless, there have 
 been some instances in which it has failed of 
 success, and others in which the cure has 
 been very gradual. In such, we should in- 
 quire if the disease be not neuralgic in its 
 character, or if there is not some other dis- 
 ease existing, with which the rheumatism is 
 complicated, which operates as a continual 
 cause, and w 7 hich is aggravated by the use 
 of the water. 
 
 The good effect of the Avon water seems 
 to be in some measure dependant upon its 
 action on the capillary vessels : if free and 
 healthy perspiration be produced and sus- 
 tained, the resolution of the disease speedily 
 follows. As a condition of its successful 
 
I 
 
 RHEUMATISM. 73 
 
 application, the disease should have lost its 
 inflammatory character; and when this is not 
 perfectly the case, resort should be had to 
 vene-section, previous to the use of the wa- 
 ter. As acute rheumatism is a disease in 
 which both the sanguiferous and nervous 
 systems are deeply implicated, it is impor- 
 tant that the effects of this remedy be cau- 
 tiously watched. The cures of persons af- 
 flicted with this painful disease have been an- 
 nually numerous ; and it is my opinion that 
 seven-eights of the cases in which this rem- 
 edy has been made use of, have been either 
 relieved or cured. At some future period 
 it may be in my power to present the pub- 
 lic with an accurate report of the whole 
 number of cases, during several seasons. 
 
 In a report made by M. Merat, to the 
 Academy of Medicine, on the mineral wa- 
 ters of France, it is computed that from the 
 year 1834 to 1836, there were thirty thou- 
 sand persons afflicted with rheumatism, who 
 resorted to the use of the mineral waters of 
 France, the most of which are sulphurous ; 
 in the great majority of cases with decided 
 benefit. 
 
 It is however, a remedy which is wholly 
 inadmissible in the early stages of acute-ar- 
 ticular rheumatism. By increasing the activi- 
 ty of the cutaneous and urinary secretions and 
 having an alterative influence on those of 
 6 
 
74 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 
 
 the mucous membranes, the Avon waters 
 effect the speedy resolution of arthritic swel- 
 lings, and, by their use, joints which have 
 been for a long time stiffened or anchylosed, 
 are restored to their original form and mo- 
 tion. But it is only in cases of acute rheu- 
 matism which have passed to a chronic state, 
 or in chronic rheumatism, that sulphurous 
 waters are indicated. On this subject An- 
 glada remarks, " if our waters," (that is, the 
 thermal sulphurous waters of France,) " pro- 
 duce less beneficial effect in rheumatic gout 
 or articular rheumatism, than in common 
 rheumatism, it is evidently attributable to 
 the character of the complication which dis- 
 tinguishes it. It is only where it is found 
 to have passed its acute stage and when all 
 fluxionary activity has disappeared that we 
 can promise ourselves any good effect from 
 this mode of treatment." Proper regula- 
 tion of the diet and exercise of rheumatic 
 patients, as well as the bathing is absolutely 
 indispensable. 
 
 Diseases of the skin. — In the treatment of 
 the various diseases to which this tissue is 
 subject, the Avon water may be very suc- 
 cessfully used. Those cases which are the 
 most recent, are most susceptible to its in- 
 fluence. In the acute stage of some eruptions 
 of the skin, its exciting qualities tend to 
 aggravate the evil ; and it would be better, 
 
DISEASES OF THE 8KIN, 75 
 
 previous to its use, to have recourse to such 
 remedies as will lessen the excitability of 
 the system. To illustrate this, I will relate 
 a case which was under my care in 1834. 
 
 J. A., aged 24 years, of a sanguine tem- 
 perament, had been well until six weeks be- 
 fore his arrival here, when a diffuse psorous 
 eruption made its appearance upon his arms, 
 and extending itself gradually to his neck 
 and shoulders. The itching and smarting 
 were very distressing, so much so as to de- 
 prive him of sleep, and threaten to injure his 
 health. The use of the water produced a 
 considerable aggravation of his sufferings 
 and extension of the eruption, when he call- 
 ed upon me for medical advice. Vene-sec- 
 tion to the extent of twelve ounces, mild 
 purgatives and diaphoretics, allayed the in- 
 tensity of the cutaneous irritation, and he 
 had recourse to the waters under more fa- 
 vorable auspices, which entirely cured him 
 in three weeks. 
 
 It not unfrequently becomes necessary, 
 during a course of these waters, to suspend 
 their use for a few days, and resort to emol- 
 lient applications and demulcent drinks ; the 
 eruption becoming very much exasperated, 
 and a temporary return of the irritative 
 stage taking place. This may be accounted 
 for, by supposing that the latent internal 
 cause has never been fully removed, although 
 
76 DISEASES OF THE SKIN, 
 
 the eruption has disappeared; and that some 
 change, unfavorable to the operation of the 
 water, has taken place in this cause. 
 
 R. A., aged 31 years, resorted to the 
 Avon Springs for the cure of impetigo figu- 
 rata of the hands and wrists of two years 
 standing. This disease had succeeded to a 
 bilious fever which had been attended, thro 1 
 its whole course, with acute pain and ten- 
 derness of the right hepatic region. The 
 use of the water for three weeks, removed 
 entirely every vestige of the disease, and 
 he was about returning home. The day 
 before his anticipated return, he drank 
 twelve glasses of the water, which was 
 nearly double the average daily quantity he 
 had used. During the night he was seized 
 with a return of pain in the side, and in the 
 morning found the eruption had returned. — 
 A six- weeks course of the water again cured 
 him. 
 
 It has been frequent subject of remark at 
 these springs, that the good effects produced 
 by the waters, are not always apparent un- 
 til after their discontinuance. It is not un- 
 common to see diseases of the skin apparent- 
 ly resist the operation of the remedy, dur- 
 ing the continuance of the treatment, but 
 yield a short time afterwards in consequence 
 of its curative effect being prolonged. Ma- 
 ny cases have ^occurred, which would estab- 
 lish this truth beyond a doubt. 
 
w 
 
 DISEASES OF THE URINARY PASSAGES. Y7 
 
 A physician from Manchester, Ontario 
 County, who was afflicted with leprosy to 
 such a degree as to be an object of disgust to 
 his patients, abandoned his piofession, and 
 was entirely cured by the use of the waters 
 in one year. 
 
 Diseases of the Urinary Passages. — The 
 curative or palliative effect of our alcaline- 
 sulphurous waters, in the treatment of dis- 
 eases of the urinary organs, may be readily 
 understood, by a reference to their diuretic 
 properties and their chemical composition. 
 Among the number of diseases of this na- 
 ture, in which they are manifestly useful, 
 are, chronic catarrh of the bladder ; chron- 
 ic inflammation of the urinary organs, wheth- 
 er the discharge bo muco-purulent or puru- 
 lent; the lithic diathesis, or the disposition of 
 the urinary organs to the formation of cal- 
 culi, in common language, the gravel. In 
 these cases, however, the greatest caution 
 is requisite in the administration of this rem- 
 edy, it should not be employed to the ex- 
 tent of producing active inflammatory reac- 
 tion ; it should never be made use of, until 
 these inflammations have passed to a chronic 
 state ; and it is almost always necessary, 
 during the treatment, to resort to antiphlo- 
 gistic remedies, and opiates occasionally, in 
 order to moderate the excitement produced 
 by the stimulating properties of the water. 
 
?8 DISEASES OP THE URINARY PASSAGES, 
 
 I have never, as yet, advised them in cases 
 of chronic catarrh of the bladder and gleet, 
 except in union with some mucilage ; though 
 I have known a number of cases where, un- 
 aided, they have effected a cure. In two 
 instances, the cures were rapid and com- 
 plete. 
 
 Bordeu advances the opinion, that the 
 waters of Barreges, which are alkaline-sul- 
 phurous, dissolve urinary calculi by a chem- 
 ical action. Home and Mascagni have ob- 
 served the efficacy of the alkaline bicarbo- 
 nates, in cases of gravel ; and their opin- 
 ions rather favor the theory of the chemi- 
 cal action of the alkaline carbonates of hy- 
 dro-sulphurous waters There is, however, 
 no necessity for resorting to any speculation 
 of this nature, since their known efficacy in 
 producing and facilitating healthy urinary 
 secretions, either by removing from the uri- 
 nary system the irritative causes of disease, 
 or by correcting the morbid disposition of 
 that system, is sufficient to account for aH 
 the phenomena which follow their use. — 
 The alkaline carbonates have frequently 
 quieted, in a few hours, the most severe ne- 
 phritic pains ;* a longer time would seem 
 to be required, for the chemical decomposi- 
 tion of calculi. 
 
 * Prout Treatise on Grarel, &c, p. 195. 
 
DISEASES OF "THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 79 
 
 Diseases of the digestive organs. — In the 
 various and complicated disorders of the 
 primce viae,unattended with inflammatory ac- 
 tion, the Avon water has proved to be emi- 
 nently useful. Of these, chronic affections 
 of the stomach are the most common, in 
 consequence of the nature of its functions, 
 and its sympathies with other organs. The 
 diseases of this part, are readily communi- 
 cated to other parts of the system, and it 
 feels sensibly the diseases of all the rest. — 
 In obstinate dyspepsia attending a debilita- 
 ted or depraved state of the digestive func- 
 tions, acidity, flatulence, and heartburn ; in 
 that which succeeds to acute diseases, and is 
 accompanied by jaundice, frequent vomiting 
 of mucus, pain in the right side or the re- 
 gion of the stomach, this remedy may be 
 so administered as often to afford prompt and 
 effectual relief. The remarks of Dr. Fran- 
 cis coincide with my own experience. 
 
 "Clinical observation has enabled us to 
 affirm, that few disorders of a constitution- 
 al origin are more perplexing in their diag- 
 nostic character than the maladies arising 
 from long persistence in errors of diet ; from 
 this, among other sources, the digestive func- 
 tions become enfeebled or broken up, and 
 the irritations of impaired digestion, associ- 
 ated with the undue secretion of uric acid 
 in various forms, lead to the production of 
 
80 DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS- 
 
 gout, gravel, and other formidable and ago- 
 nizing derangements of the kidney and urin- 
 ary functions. 
 
 " In cases of this sort, Dr. McLean and 
 others of enlarged experience have testified 
 to the eminent usefulness of the Saratoga 
 waters ; and I believe it will be found that 
 those of Avon possess merits of a similar 
 quality, if not of a higher degree. It be- 
 hoves us, however, previously to relieve the 
 system, by unlocking the several emuncto- 
 ries, to abate inordinate action, and regulate 
 the habits of the sufferer ; for even of wa- 
 ters so comparatively feeble as the Bath 
 waters, England, it is said by Dr. Parry, 
 that they are in no form whatever benefi- 
 cial, during the paroxysm of gout, or in any 
 inflammatory disposition, which may exist in 
 the interval. 
 
 " After the preliminary management of 
 the case by depletory means, and appropri- 
 ate alvine aperients, the use of the water of 
 Avon for a few days, or perhaps weeks, has 
 wrought an alteration of the most gratify- 
 ing character, evinced by improved appe- 
 tite, increase of flesh, and invigorated health; 
 and while the body receives the impress and 
 partakes of all the advantages of increased 
 physical energy, a corresponding improve- 
 ment marks the capacity of the intellectual 
 powers." 
 
SCROFULA. 81 
 
 Scrofula. — This disease, which in our cli- 
 mate, is so frequently the consequence of 
 atmospheric changes, vicissitudes, or im- 
 proper diet and medical treatment in infan- 
 cy or during dentition, is very frequently 
 dependant upon, or complicated with irrita- 
 tion of the stomach and bowels. The ef- 
 fect of the waters in the restoration of 
 healthy action to the digestive organs, ren- 
 ders them powerful therapeutic agents in this 
 distressing, and often destructive malady. — 
 But other and perhaps more frequent causes 
 of scrofula areexanthematous eruptions such 
 as measles, scarlatina, &c, and hooping 
 cough. Dr. John Mackintosh in his princi- 
 ples of Pathology remarks that he request- 
 ed his friend Dr. Robertson, Surgeon to the 
 Eye Dispensary of Edinburgh, to preserve 
 a list of all the diseases of the eye usually 
 denominated scrofulous, as well as those ac- 
 companied by glandular and cutaneous af- 
 fections, la order to ascertain how many 
 were attributed by the parties themselves or 
 their parents, to the exanthemata and hoop- 
 ing cough. He was informed, after twelve 
 months investigation, that almost all the ca- 
 ses were attributed by the parties themselves 
 or their friends to those diseases. Now 
 nothing can be better adapted to remove se- 
 condary effects of these diseases than sul- 
 phurous waters, both from their action on 
 
82 DISEASES OP THE CHEST. 
 
 the mucous membranes and on the skin. — 
 During twelve years I have witnessed 
 the amendment produced in some ve- 
 ry severe cases by the use of those of Avon, 
 and many young persons with whom I am 
 now acquainted have been perfectly cured. 
 Bordeu has extolled sulphurous waters in 
 chronic diseases of the chest, but the indi- 
 cation which calls for the employment of 
 this remedy, must be very manifest, and its 
 application seasonable, or it will aggravate 
 the evil which it is designed to cure. The 
 stimulation produced by the Avon waters, 
 so far as my experience extends, is attend- 
 ed with fatal effects, in the advanced stage 
 of tubercular phthisis ; and speedy dissolu- 
 tion has, in several instances, followed its 
 misapplication. Its action, however, in pro- 
 moting a healthy secretion of mucous mem- 
 branes, renders it beneficial in certain 
 chronic pulmonary affections succeeding 
 pleurisy or acute pneumonia ; in asthenic 
 pulmonary catarrhs ; in mucous phthisis, 
 even when these diseases are accompanied by 
 marasmus, hectic fever, night sweats, and 
 all the characteristics of consumption. " In 
 the incipient and active stage of pulmonary 
 irritation/' says Dr. Francis, "It becomes 
 our duty to precede their employment by 
 venesection, and the other customary means 
 of depletion, analagous to the practice we 
 
ASTHMA. 
 
 83 
 
 have recourse to with the Ballston or Con- 
 gress waters. The same observation ap- 
 plies to hemoptysis, to acute disorders of 
 the digestive organs, liver, and other vis- 
 cera. The direful consequences which inev- 
 itably occur in such cases from the Sara- 
 toga waters, when these cautions are not 
 heeded, are too painfully known to be 
 dwelt upon in this place.' 7 
 
 Some remarkable cures of asthma have 
 been effected by the use of these waters — 
 one, which occurred in 1834, I have ex- 
 tracted from my notes : 
 
 M. C, a young lady, 19 years of age, of 
 spare habits, had been subject to paroxysms 
 of asthma for seven years. The duration 
 of the fits was generally about twelve 
 hours. Cough distressing, but expectora- 
 tion scanty ; and the paroxysms were caus- 
 ed, her physician thought, by an irregularity 
 of the menstrual function. She came to 
 the Springs with her sister, who was an in- 
 valid, and without any hope of receiving 
 benefit herself from the water. Was per- 
 suaded to drink four half-pint glasses of the 
 water daily, and to bathe at 92° F. twice 
 each week. Following this course, she re; 
 mained eight weeks ; and the day before 
 she left, had one of the most severe fits. 
 From this time there was no return of the 
 disease for three years, and then but very 
 
81 DISEASES OF FEMALES. 
 
 slight. I saw her but a short time since, 
 when she expressed her conviction to me 
 that she had entirely recovered. 
 
 The effect of the water, in this case, ap- 
 pears to have been an increased severity of 
 the paroxysms ; and it was not until its use 
 was discontinued, that its alterative influ- 
 ence upon the mucous membrane of the air 
 passages was perceptible. The action of 
 the warm bath too probably aided in pre- 
 venting the continuance of the spasms. 
 
 Diseases of Females. — The indirectly to- 
 nic properties of Avon water render it a va- 
 luable medicine in many forms of menstrual 
 derangement : and these properties, result- 
 ing from its general action upon the organs 
 of secretion, it may commonly be adminis- 
 tered without any apprehension of danger. 
 The nature of this remedy, however, re- 
 quires that, previous to commencing its use, 
 in almost every case, a depletion, adapted 
 to circumstances, should be adopted. It has 
 been much used, and with benefit, in chlo- 
 rosis, leucorrhea, amenorrhea, and diffi- 
 cult and painful menstruation. The efficacy 
 of bathing (universally acknowledged) in 
 disorders of the menstrual function, renders 
 its use in this form very common, and our 
 experience somewhat enlarged. Great cau- 
 tion is requisite in the administration of either 
 the hot or cold bath : for general use, the 
 
DISEASES OF FEMALES. 95 
 
 tepid bath is to be preferred. In pregnancy^ 
 Avon water is inadmissible ; it is, however, 
 generally reputed to possess peculiarly pro- 
 lific qualities. 
 
 Puerperal Thrush.-— That peculiar form 
 of inflammation which succeeds parturition 
 in females, affecting the mouth and some- 
 times the whole alimentary canal, has been 
 in many signal instances relieved by the 
 Avon waters. In these cases I have fre- 
 quently administered them in connection 
 with the mucilage of gum arabic, and pow- 
 ders of calomel and pulv. ipecac.et opii, one 
 grain of the former to four of the latter. 
 This treatment has been very successful in 
 chronic cases. One of the powders taken 
 every night appears to prevent the intesti- 
 nal irritation, which the use of the waters 
 during the day, will sometimes occasion. 
 Several very severe cases have been entire- 
 ly cured, however, without the aid of any 
 additional medicine. The warm water has 
 been a valuable, and I consider it an indis- 
 pensable auxiliary in their cure. 
 
 During the years 1832 and 1834, these 
 springs were the resort of hundreds of per- 
 sons from our neighboring cities — viz., Ro- 
 chester, Buffalo, Albany, &c, where the 
 Asiatic cholera prevailed. Many of them 
 were suffering from that state of the bow- 
 els which is said to be indicative of the ap- 
 
86 ASIATIC CHOLERA. 
 
 proach of this formidable disease. Such 
 was the effect of the waters, however, that 
 no case of disease of this kind occurred; 
 but, on the contrary, the premonitory 
 symptoms were removed, in every individ- 
 ual case. 
 
MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 87 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 MODE OF ADMINISTRATION & THERA- 
 PEUTIC APPLICATION. 
 
 We come now to the consideration of the 
 proper mode of using the Avon waters in 
 the cure of those chronic diseases to which, 
 under different forms, they have, by experi- 
 ence, been found applicable. It is to be 
 borne in mind, that each individual case has 
 its own peculiarities, and consequently that 
 only general directions can be given for the 
 administration of any remedy. Where the 
 case is of such a nature as to require cau- 
 tion in the use of medicines, the same prin- 
 ciple will apply to this as to any other me- 
 dicinal compound of equal power — viz., that 
 if it be inapplicable, or improperly adminis- 
 tered, it cannot cure, and may be produc- 
 tive of injury. 
 
 There are several springs, each of which, 
 in its composition, is adapted to particular 
 forms and stages of chronic disease ; and 
 
88 MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
 
 this variety serves to give value and thera- 
 peutic efficacy to the waters in the aggre- 
 gate. For instance, in proportion as the 
 disease which we wish to remove partakes 
 of the character of acute inflammation, 
 which may be in some measure ascertained 
 by the local pain, or by the febrile excite- 
 ment attending it, we desire to lessen the 
 quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. ]t 
 would certainly be very injudicious to com- 
 mence by drinking the prescribed quantity 
 of the water of the New Bath spring, which 
 contains 35 cubic inches of gas to the gal- 
 lon ; for it should be remembered that the 
 White Sulphur Springs of Virginia, accord- 
 ing to the analysis of Professor Rogers, 
 contain only 2i cubic inches of this gas in 
 every gallon ; and Dr. Moorman, the resi- 
 dent physician at those springs, considers it 
 "greatly advantageous in many cases, par- 
 ticularly in very excitable persons; to have 
 the gas expelled, in part or in whole, before 
 using it." When the nature of the case in- 
 dicates caution, we would advise the visitor 
 to commence with the heated water of the 
 Lower Spring ; thus diminishing the quan- 
 tity of gas as much as possible. The quan- 
 tity of sulphuretted hydrogen contained in 
 a gallon of the water of the Lower Spring, 
 as may be seen by reference to the prece- 
 ding analysis, is ten cubic inches; by heating 
 
MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 89 
 
 in an open vessel, this quantity may be 
 greatly reduced : and there being springs 
 in the neighborhood presenting every pos- 
 sible variety in this respect, the Avon wa- 
 ters may be considered as adapted to all 
 cases of disease in which the use of sul- 
 phurous waters would be admissible or ad- 
 vantageous. 
 
 There is one fact which is of some im- 
 portance, and should be borne in mind by 
 the invalid visitor of these springs. Upon 
 exposure to the atmospheric air, or if the 
 temperature of the water be changed, a 
 partial decomposition takes place ; and the 
 same effects cannot be expected to follow 
 its use as will if drank as it issues from the 
 fountain, or at its source. Its medicinal ef- 
 fect cannot fail to be very much altered by 
 exposuie or changes of temperature. Suit- 
 able precautions should be taken, if the wa- 
 ter be drank at a distance from the springs, 
 that its original nature be preserved. Quo 
 propius aqua bibitur a fonte, eo efficacior; 
 quo remotior, eofit languidior" * was the 
 assertion of Hoffman. 
 
 The use of milk associated with sulphurous 
 waters was recommended by Hoffman and 
 Bordeu. The latter relates the case of a 
 
 ♦Hoffman, Op. T. IV. § 15. " The nearer to the fountain water 
 is drank, the more efficacious ; the more remote, the weaker the 
 action." 
 
90 MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
 
 very delicate and feeble woman, who was 
 cured of a hemorrhage from the womb, by 
 the waters of Barreges. When she drank 
 them pure, they caused a very great heat 
 and high fever. Cases of a similar nature 
 have occurred at the Avon Springs. The 
 treatise of Hoffman, " De Connubio aqua- 
 rum mineralium cum lacte, longe saluberri- 
 mo" is extant. The disagreeable taste of 
 the water is, in some measure, concealed 
 by this admixture. 
 
 The operation of Avon water upon the 
 human system in modified by the quantity 
 drank in a given time, and by the constitu- 
 tion, habit, and disease of the individual. 
 Generally speaking, 4 or 6 half pint tumblers 
 of the water, drank during the day, produce 
 a mild cathartic effect ; and under its long- 
 continued exhibition to this extent, no debil- 
 ity ensues, but, on the contrary, the appe- 
 tite and strength are very much increased. 
 In very large doses — eight or ten tumblers 
 a day, for example — it operates powerfully 
 upon the bowels, kidneys, and skin. A mo- 
 derate use of this water, persevered in for 
 a considerable length of time, will produce 
 an alterative effect, in cases where there 
 is no acute inflammation. 
 
 " A judicious mode of commencing the 
 use of the Avon water, 5 ' says Dr. Francis, 
 "is to take six or seven half-pint tumblers 
 
MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 91 
 
 during the twenty-four hours : a couple of 
 tumblers may be advantageously drank be- 
 fore breakfast, and two or three hours after 
 that meal the same quantity may again be 
 taken, and an additional tumbler or two in 
 the afternoon. To the sense of smell they 
 present the usual properties of sulphuretted 
 hydrogen gas, but in a very small degree ; 
 they are not oppressive to the digestive or- 
 gans. Some, how r ever, take them in larger 
 quantity, and often repeat the draught. 
 Others, again, never use them until after 
 the first meal. Like the Ballston and Sara* 
 toga waters, they are sometimes drank to a 
 pernicious extent. It is expedient, therefore, 
 in all cases, to regulate their administration 
 by their immediate etFect ; and regard must 
 be paid to age, sex, disease, constitution, 
 and individual peculiarity. To guard against 
 undue local determination, either cerebral, 
 thoracic, or visceral, will always become a 
 matter of professional duty." No rule can 
 be given which will apply to many of the 
 complicated and intractable cases which an- 
 nually present themselves at these mineral 
 fountains. With some, from half a pint to 
 a pint daily is all that can be administered ; 
 while there are others upon whom six or 
 eight half-pint glasses make but a trifling 
 impression. 
 
 A painful tension of the epigastric or hy- 
 
02 MODE OP ADMINISTRATION. 
 
 pochondriac regions is sometimes occasion- 
 ed by the use of the water — a sensation of 
 weight or constriction of the stomach, nau- 
 sea, loss of appetite, or a suppression of 
 some of the natural secretions. In these 
 cases, the excitement which is produced is 
 not distributed in an equable manner. This 
 difficulty may be obviated by lessening the 
 dose — by using gentle exercise, in order to 
 produce slight perspiration — and by various 
 means adapted to individual peculiarities. 
 
 When heated, the Avon water is deprived 
 of a portion of its sulphuretted hydrogen 
 gas, and the salts with which it is impreg- 
 nated are rendered more imediately aperi- 
 ent. It may therefore be used in this way 
 when the inflammatory diathesis prevails to 
 such an extent as to resist its beneficial and 
 successful administration in its natural state. 
 If, however, the tendency to inflammation 
 exists to such a degree as to preclude the 
 use of the heated water, it becomes neces- 
 sary to resort to other and more active pur- 
 gatives, or to the lancet, in order to produce 
 such a condition of the system as will be 
 more favorable to its operation. Here, 
 again, the variety of springs affords us effi- 
 cient aid in the accomplishment of our ob- 
 ject. If the chemical composition of the 
 different springs be referred to, the quantity 
 of aperient salts will be found to vary from 
 
MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 93 
 
 82.98 grains in every gallon of water, (the 
 New Bath spring,) to 296.24 grains, (the 
 Sylvan Spring.) But the most active pur- 
 gative salts contained in these waters are 
 the sulphates of magnesia and soda. Of 
 these the Lower Spring contains 63.34 grs. 
 in every gallon of water — the New Bath, 
 46.80 grs. — the Upper, 26grs, — and the Syl- 
 van only 12.960 grs. The effects produced 
 by the waters of these various fountains 
 correspond with the known effects of the 
 different substances which they contain ; 
 and we find the heated water of the Lower 
 Spring to be the most brisk cathartic. 
 
 The time and manner of using the wa- 
 ters may be so diversified as to produce va- 
 rious effects upon the human system, or up- 
 on particular organs. Their purgative ope- 
 ration is mild, but certain, when from four 
 to six half-pint glasses are taken in the 
 early part of the day. When used as al- 
 terants, they should be taken in small quan- 
 tities frequently repeated, and their course 
 continued a sufficient length of time for the 
 manifestation of their action. Half a pint 
 before breakfast, the same quantity at elev- 
 en o'clock and at twelve in the forenoon ; 
 will answer the intention : or if this be 
 more than is demanded by the nature of 
 the case, and the condition of the patient, 
 the quantity taken at one time may be re- 
 
94 MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 
 
 duced. In some obstinate cases of rheu- 
 matism and cutaneous disease, benefit has 
 been received from the us? of the heated 
 water in the evening ; but th s should not 
 be attempted without proper medical ad- 
 vice* 
 
 In short, the administration of these wa- 
 ters may be so regulated as to adapt them 
 to fulfil various indications. They may be 
 so administered as to render them efficient 
 in many different ways. We may direct 
 their. action towards the respiratory, the di- 
 gestive, the urinary, or the generative or- 
 gans; or to the capillary circulation. Again, 
 by the selection of an appropriate spring; 
 by the regulation of doses, and of the time 
 and manner of using them, we may pro- 
 duce a more immediate, or a more general 
 and alterative effect. 
 
 External Aplication of the Waters. — The 
 publisher has, from necessity, excluded some 
 general remarks on bathing, that were 
 thought important, and calculated to ex- 
 cite interest. The effect of bathing in hot 
 or Cold water endowed with so much power, 
 from its impregnation with gases and min- 
 eral sails, is not be viewed lightly. Parti- 
 cular directions, and tho^e adapted to indi- 
 vidual cases, can only be given by a physi- 
 cian well acquainted with the human sys- 
 tem, the laws by which it is governed, and 
 
EXTERNAL USE. 95 
 
 the diseases to which it is incident, and one 
 also who has experimental knowledge of 
 these waters. 
 
 The author will give advice on the sub- 
 ject to the poo? 9 according to their circum- 
 stances, either gratuitously or for a trifling 
 remuneration, at the "Upper Spring'' Bath- 
 house, from 8 to 9 o'clock every forenoon ; 
 and from 9 to 10 o'clock at the "Lower 
 Spring " Bath-house. In both cases, Sun- 
 days excepted. 
 
ERRATUM* 
 
 Page 72 — after the word " stomachic " there should 
 have been " complaints ; dyspepsia ; chronic dis- 
 eases of the liver ; in scrofula ; in some diseases 
 of the chest, and many diseases peculiar to 
 females." 
 
r& 
 
f. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 022 169 335