The Springs of Virginia. 49 ART. VI.-THE SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. [HAVING visited during the last summer these celebrated resorts of fashion and abodes of health, we gave in one of the numbers of the Review a brief notice of the trip, and promised at an early day an elaborate article upon the subject, which we have now the pleasure of furnishing. The people of the South would do well to sustain and cherish their own watering-places, and we know of none more deserving than those of the Old Dominion.] There are rain, snow, hail, river, spring, well, lake and pond water, all distinguished from each other by peculiar differences. They all hold in solution air, carbonic acid, carbonate and muriate of lime. Distilled water is freed from these ingredients. Besides these, there are some springs which gush forth with water impregnated with foreign ingredients of particular properties, imparted to it by the channel in the earth through which it makes its course. Springs of this character are properly mineral springs. There are no mineral waters that have not foreign ingredients in them, although there are waters that are medicinal, without being mineral, as the waters of Matlock and Malvern; and there are waters that are mineral without being medicinal. Mineral springs are farther distinguished by the temperature of their waters. Mineral waters are found in different parts of the United States and in Europe. Those of Virginia are remarkable for their medicinal virtues. Singular as it may seem, there are considerably over thirty foreign ingredients in mineral water. Yet it is still more singular, that Boyle, in the 17th century, was the first to employ tests to detect their existence. The first experiment of this character was made in 1663. The following are the principal foreign ingredients found, by the employment of tests, to exist in mineral water: Atmospheric air, oxygen gas, nitrogen gas, carbonic acid, boracic acid, sulphureous acid, sulphuretted hydrogen, soda, lime, silica; the nitrates of potassa and of lime: the carbonates of potassa, soda, ammonia, lime, magnesia, alumina, iron; the sulphates of soda, of ammonia, of lime, of magnesia, of iron, of copper; the muriates of potassa, lime, soda, of ammonia, of baryta and alumina, of manganese; hydro-sulphuret of soda, hydro-sulphuret of lime. The mineral, and, indeed, the medicinal springs of Virginia are the White Sulphur, the Blue Sulphur, the Red Sulphur, the Salt Sulphur, the Sweet 4 VOL. XIV. Springs, the Red Sweet Springs, the It is the opinion of Dr. Stringfellow, that "actual experience shows that virtue has been infused by the Almighty hand into the mineral waters of our state, (Virginia,) which, if skilfully used, and called into requisition in due time, would make them equal to the cure of perhaps every form of chronic suffering known among us." There are two White Sulphur Springs in the State of Virginia-one of them is west, and the other east, of the Alleghany; one in Greenbrier and the other in Fauquier county. The most celebrated is the one situaated in Greenbrier county, not far distant from Greenbrier River, and but a few miles west of the mountains. Its character, for the medicinal virtue of its water, is well established. If mineral waters are ranged as stimulant, sedative and strengthening, the water of this spring may be classed among the first, although it possesses the qualities of the latter two in diminished strength. Its characteristic is stimulant. It is transparent, and, like champagne wine, is lively, from disengaged air escaping in bubbles when agitated. Its taste is fetid, or hepatized, from the impregnation of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. Its foreign matter is gas, gaseous and saline. According to the analysis of Mr. Hayes-50,000 grains, (about 7 pints,) of this water, contain in solution 3,633 water grain measures of gaseous matter, or about 1-14 of its volume, consisting of 50,000 grains of this water contain secretions. It is its richness in these 115.735 grains of saline matter, consist- salts that renders it superior in hepatic ing of Mr. Hayes thinks this water peculiar, from the fact that the chlorine and the alkaline bases are in small proportions, and the alkaline bases being united to the silicious earths "in combination with a peculiar organic matter." "The organic matter," he says, "resembles that found in the Red Sulphur Springs, and differs essentially from the organic matter of some thermal waters." The saline matter is thought to act not only upon the digestive apparatus most beneficially, but to be taken up by the absorbents and dispersed through the system. The remark may be predicated of these springs, as of every other medicinal spring, that there is an exclusive order of diseases that they alone benefit, and some of that order more directly healthfully than others. and other visceral diseases to the red sulphur, while these very ingredients forbid its use in organic diseases of the lungs, the heart, and the uterus." The stimulant property of this water is due to the saline matter it contains. Hence it is to be recommended in all cases in which mental or sedentary habits have worked unhealthy effects upon the corporeal system. Most of the diseases that spring and grow from dis tressing mental pre-occupation—from laborious continuity of thought-yield to the medicinal efficacy of this water as a general rule. Its analysis indicates its medicinal efficacy in diseases of the liver, dyspepsia, when produced by over eating, diseases of the nerves, cutaneous affections, hysteria, rheumatism and gout, prostration from measles, small-pox, pneumonia, or from fevers of every classchronic syphilis, &c., constipation, bilious diarrhea, &c., &c. The White Sulphur of Greenbrier is the resort of the fashionable and the gay as well as of the invalid. The beauty that is weary of the accustomed home adoration, visits the springs to obtain the excitement of new homage. The widower and the widow, who canThe process of cure, under the opera- not be pleased by the near, sigh for the tion of mineral water, is a restoration of far, and visit the springs. Those that the normal, or first principles of the con- cannot be appreciated at home, go to be stitution. Hence they are never specific. appreciated abroad. Those who are unThey may be very certain to cure, but happy at home, seek to be happy abroad. they never cure as specific agencies cure, Pleasure-lovers, money-lovers, ambitionby acting upon the disease. Mineral lovers, and variety-lovers, accompany waters never act upon the disease, but the poor valetudinarian or the invalid, to nnder an indirect operation-the altera- the springs; so that the laugh and the tive action-the restoration of the normal groan, the ball-room and the hospital, condition. They act upon nature rather honesty and dishonesty, purity and imputhan upon disease. When they cure at rity, become near neighbors at the all the cure is radical, and a relapse less springs. frequent than when the cure is effected by specifics. They are the medicine of nature, and not a natural medicine. Medical science employs remedial agents taken from nature, but here nature employs her own agents. Hence the process of cure is longer and more radical. Twenty-two miles from the White Sulphur, in the same county, on the Guyandotte road, is the Blue Sulphur Springs. The temperature of the water is 53 degrees. Its solid ingredients are sulphates of lime, of magnesia, of soda; carbonates of lime, of magnesia; chlorides of magnesium, of sodium, of calcium; hy"The White Sulphur water," says Dr. dro-sulphate of sodium and magnesia, Burke, by whom an excellent work upon oxide of iron, iodine, sulphur, organic the Virginia Springs has been written, matters; and its gaseous ingredients are แ owes its power over the secretory sulphuretted hydrogen, carbonic acid, glands mainly to the sulphuretted hydro- oxygen, nitrogen. It has the reputation gen, while the admirable combination of of curing chlorotic females. It is slight active salts makes it a resolvent, and im- ly tonic, from the proto-sulphate found parts to it an expulsive power over the in it. The Springs of Virginia. 51 Thirty-two miles from the Blue Sul- which accords with other observations phur, in the adjoining county of Monroe, are the Red Sulphur Springs. But made at the same time. The hydrosulphuric acid gas is the most active of These springs have a great deal of rep- the gases found, while the carbonic acid utation, and are numerously attended. gas acts the part of an acid in rendering Mr. Hayes, by whom the water (red de- earthy salts soluble in the water." The posit and mud from these springs) was most important element brought to pubsubjected to a most critical chemical lic attention in the very scientific analysis, remarked that at the time at analysis of Mr. Hayes, is with regard to which he engaged in the examination, the peculiar sulphur compound which very little was known of the ingredi- forms a part of the saline contents of this ents of this water, "although its medici- water. In his opinion it has never been nal effects had rendered the watering- before "described, if it has before ever place a celebrated one." Mr. Hayes dif- been met with." Upon investigation fers from Professor Rogers with regard to he found that alcohol did not dissolve the the "organic matter contained in the compound. water." He does not consider it of the "Chemical experiments do not show," same nature of the baragene or glairine says he, "the medicinal properties of of the warm springs of Italy and France; the substances operated upon. an important agent in the estimation of where a substance, the result of delicately Mr. Hayes in the medicinal efficacy of balanced affinities, gives in its decomposithis celebrated water. "The opinion," tion an agent of powerful action on the remarks Mr. Hayes, "that substances of animal system, we may conclude that delicately balanced affinities in their it is an active ingredient, if found in a changes gave rise to changes in other water possessed of high curative powers." bodies, is gaining ground among the In the general accuracy of this reasonmost learned physiologists and chemists, and such a view of the effects of some of the constituents of mineral waters is the correct one." This, so well expressed by this shrewd writer, is a germ of a splendid theory. The main and distinctive elements of any theoretical superstructure that might be predicated upon the products as secondary bodies of the substances of delicately balanced affinities, is very carefully guarded and protected by the qualifications placed by Mr. Hayes over the doctrine, that will forever protect it from the curse of the German and French school of physiologists of substituting the crudities of theory for the substantial fruits of the observational system. Mr. Hayes "excludes all those waters wherein one stable constituent, of great activity, gives character to the water." "These views would be more acceptable," remarks Mr. Hayes, "if experience had demonstrated their truth; for this we must wait." Did our space admit, nothing would be more acceptable than to run the doctrine respecting changes in secondary bodies, which substances of delicately balanced affinities, in their changes, produce, to those legitimate conclusions warranted by the general laws of fermentation and decay. In the analysis of Mr. Hayes, it was shown that the proportion of oxygen gas to the nitrogen is still smaller-a result ing we profoundly concur, only so far modified, as we think it should be, by the important consideration, that mineral waters never cure, as specific agents, but by the alterative action-the restoration of the normal activity of the system. The diseases in which the Red Sulphur has been more available are, according to Dr. Burke, chronic laryngitis, chronic bronchitis, hemoptysis, chronic phthisis, functional disease of the heart, hypertrophy of the heart, mucous diarrhea, irritability of the nerves, producing sleeplessness, irritation of the kidneys and bladder, lithic acid gravel, chronic hepatitis, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, chronic splenitis, chronic gastritis, hemorrhoids, scrofula, chronic exanthe mata of the skin. "This water," continues Dr. Burke, "being manifestly narcotic, is contraindicated in plethora, apoplexy, epilepsy, chorea, vertigo, and all diseases indicating too great a tendency of blood to the brain. In the acute stages of disease it is decidedly injurious. In the course of my practice in the neighborhood, it was used in some cases as ordinary drinking water, in the first stages of pleurisy and pneumonia, and in bilious fever, but with invariable aggravation of the symptoms. After the inflammatory stage was subdued and an incipient convalescence, I found it exceedingly valuable in invigorating the constitution." In the same county, seventeen miles prints. The one from the pen of Mr. from the last mentioned watering-place, Joseph E. Garratt, with regard to an obare the Salt Sulphur Springs. This wa- stinate disease of the liver and dyspepsia, tering-place has the threefold attraction is very satisfactory. of the medicinal efficacy of its waters, the tasteful improvements of its proprie tors, and its beautiful scenery. The spring, although it furnishes a sufficient supply for the purposes to which it is applied, has the advantage of not being a bold stream, thereby making up for the deficiency of the supply in the greater strength and purity of those foreign ingredients upon which its value and celebrity depend. These springs are recommended for affections of the brain, chronic headache, mania and palsy in their early stages, in affections of the nerves, and indeed in all diseases dependent upon derangement of the secretory glands of the stomach, in all affections of the chest, and in all the irritations of the stomach and bowels where they have been of long standing, in cases of obstinate constipation, and in cases of ordinary dyspepsia, chronic rheumatism, periostitis, gout, together with cutaneous disorders. According to Prof. Wm. B. Rogers, the following analysis of the Salt Sulphur Springs may be relied upon : Temperature variable from 49° to 56°, solid matter procured by evaporation from 100 cubic inches, weighed after being dried, in 2120, 81.41 grains. Quantity of each solid ingredient in 100 cubic inches, estimated as perfectly free from water The Sweet Springs are found in the same county, twenty-two miles from the Salt Sulphur. These springs are among the oldest of the Virginia Springs, and among the highest in reputation, and last, not least, are esteemed to be the gayest. The locality is fine, and of convenient access. The water of these springs is recommended in cases of general debility arising from dissipation in eating or drinking, or from any other cause than derangement of any local function by congestion. Languor of mind, shattered state of the nerves, gloomy presentiments ripening into disease, may be removed by the prudent and persevering use of this water. Persons in advanced life may here receive renewed invigoration. In rheumatism and gout they are valuable. In certain forms of dyspepsia they are also serviceable. In the immediate vicinity of these springs are the Red Sweet Springs, valuable for the chalybeate quality of its water. The tonic property of the water renders it invaluable for bathing purposes, imparting a peculiarly healthful vigor to the debilitated patients that use it in this way. The accommodations for bathing are convenient and substantial, and erected with a special eye to the comfort of the different sexes that visit them. The following is the analysis of Professor Rogers of the water. Quantity of each solid ingredient estimated as perfectly free from water. In 100 cubic inches 66 Magnesia.. 7.833 9.683 4.445 Sulphate of Lime. 7. Chloride of Sodium. 0.683 Carbonate of Lime. sulphate... 0.042 10. An azotized organic matter, blended with sulphur, about.. Iodine. 11. Earthy phosphates, a trace. 66 Magnesia. "Magnesium.. Susquioxide of Iron. Organic matter in small quantities. Iodine-a mere trace. .14.233 3.107 1.400 9.411 1.166 0.037 0.680 0.010 0.320 The iron is no doubt dissolved in the water as a carbonate. Volume of each of the gases contained in a free state in 100 cubic inches of the water: The Springs of Virginia. Composition of 100 cubic inches of the mixed gases rising in bubbles in the spring Nitrogen... Carbonic Acid.. 62.5 .37.5 The Warm Springs are situated in Bath county, about one hundred and seventy miles from Richmond. The scenery is wild and picturesque. The average temperature of the water is between 99 and 100° Fahrenheit. The water, as analyzed by Professor Rogers, contains 4.5 cubic inches of gas to the gallon of water Nitrogen. Sulphur Hydrogen. Carbonic Acid.. 66 3.25 cubic inches 53 the inconveniences that ordinarily attend watering places. The Warm Springs, Hot Springs, and Bath Alum Springs, are in the neighborhood of each other, and may be reached from Richmond by the way of the James River and Kanawha Canal to Lynchburg, by the Natural Bridge to Lexington, and then directly by the Rockbridge Alum Springs, to or from Washington City, by the way of the Fauquier White Sulphur Springs and Harrisonburg to the Hot Springs. There are six baths, and the hot pool or bath ranges from 100 to 107° Fahrenheit. There is a hot spout for the ladies, and one for the gentlemen, of the temperature of 106° Fahrenheit, with a fall of about five feet. The effi The saline contents of one gallon of cacy of the hot spout in cases of local the water are as follows physical derangement is well established. The analysis of the water, as given by Professor Rogers, is as follows: In 64 cubic inches the saline ingredients are Carbonate of Lime... 66 Soda. .4.82 .1.52 .0.92 .0.57 ...0.37 ..0.05 8.25 This water, either as applied to the human body externally, or as taken in draughts internally, imparts its curative properties to the general system by a process much more rapid than if the temperature were not thermal. Acting The predominance of the sulphate of magnesia in this water imparts the decided aperient quality belonging to it, while an action upon the skin and the invigoration of the stomach and bowels may be traced to the sulphuretted hydrogen, and to the carbonic acid. As a general rule, warm waters have a more direct and decided impression upon the human system than water of the usual temperature, and hence are to be resorted to with greater care and circumspec- as mineral waters all do, by their stimution. Even in cases of diseases, peculiarly coming under the operation of its curative efficacy, there may often occur serious injuries to the constitution from an injudicious or mal-employment of this agent. This water is famed for its efficacy in cases of dyspepsia. It also may be used for the following diseases: gout, rheumatism, metastases of gout or rheumatism, lumbago, diseases of the bones, affections of the spinal marrow, debility of the joints, paralysis, uterine derangements, &c. lating and invigorating influence upon the normal condition of the system, the diseased organism, or diseased condition, it is expected would be soon ousted under the increased rapidity of operation of their remedial tendencies effected by the hot mineral water. Hence the greater care in ascertaining the diseases that are counter-indicated. The greater rapidity of the active principles of thermal waters in running to their climax, points to the necessity of guarding persons under any acute frame of disorder from the use of them. Upon The famous Hot Springs are situated the same principle, whenever there is in the same county, and within a few tendency to febrile action, or sub-acute miles of the Warm Springs. They are inflammatory action, or when consump owned by different proprietors, and are tion has gone so far as to give rise to fepossessed of such excellent accommoda- brile action, patients thus affected are to tions that the visiting public may safely avoid their use; while persons affected calculate upon the certain relief from by gout or rheumatism, cutaneous affec |