A Guide to the Virginia Springs: Giving, in addition to the routes and distances, a description of the springs and also of the natural curiosities of the stateMoorman, J. J. (John Jennings)
Science
A Guide to the Virginia Springs: Giving, in addition to the routes and distances, a description of the springs and also of the natural curiosities of the state
Moorman, J. J. (John Jennings)
Health resorts -- Virginia; Springs -- Virginia; Virginia -- Description and travel
"The following was presented to me by Dr. Saunders, the resident
physician, as an analysis of the Red Sulphur water, made at the spring
by Professor Rogers, the geologist of Virginia; but it certainly does
not satisfactorily account for the wonderful effects of the water.
Temperature of the Spring, 54° Fahr.
_Gaseous contents in an imperial gallon._
Sulphuretted hydrogen, 4.54 cubic inches.
Carbonic acid, 8.75 " "
Nitrogen, 4.25 " "
"Solid contents of 32 cubic inches of water, grains 1.25, consisting of
sulphate of soda, lime and magnesia, carbonate of lime, and muriate of
soda. Besides these ingredients the water contains, in considerable
quantity, a peculiar organic substance which, mingled with sulphur, is
deposited on the sides of the spring, and seems to increase by a
species of organic growth.
"The Red Sulphur water is decidedly sedative in its effects. It subdues
chronic inflammation, tranquillizes irritation, and reduces the
frequency of the pulse in the most astonishing manner.
"It is not uncommon for persons to arrive at the spring, who have not
been able to sleep during the night, even with the aid of opium, and
who, after drinking the water for a few days, find their nervous
irritation so soothed and allayed, that no other anodyne is required to
procure them full repose for the night.
"This water has been considered peculiarly adapted to the cure of
pulmonary diseases, and it is true that it has a most beneficial
influence in most cases of this disease; but its good effects equally
extend to all cases of subacute inflammation, whether seated in the
stomach, liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys, or bladder, and most
particularly in the mucous membrane. In fact, nature never yet gave to
man a remedy capable of more extensive application, nor better
calculated to relieve a larger class of diseases.
"The late venerable Dr. R. H. Bradford, of Virginia, who practised
medicine for many years at the Red Sulphur, in a communication on the
subject of the water, remarks--'The effect of this water in reducing
the frequency of the pulse, is one of the numerous, singular, and
powerful properties belonging to it. It lessens arterial action to such
a degree, that it seldom fails to remove fever, difficulty of
breathing, and pain in the chest. When the patient is restricted to a
proper regimen, this water may be taken with greater advantage in all
pulmonary cases, than any other remedy I have ever employed for that
purpose. It is also an important remedy in enlarged liver and spleen,
and in diseases of the mucous membrane generally.'
"The water of the Red Sulphur seems to act by soothing irritation,
lessening the frequency of the pulse, and by subduing the inflammation
of the tissues in contact with the tubercles, and thereby rendering the
tubercles harmless; and also by suspending that tendency of the system
to generate or deposit tuberculous matter.
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