xt75tb0xpt6m https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt75tb0xpt6m/data/mets.xml Frazee, Louis Jacob, 1819-1905. 1872  books b92-128-29188042 English Hart & Mapother, : Louisville, Ky. : Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Mineral waters Kentucky. Mineral waters of Ky.  / by L.J. Frazee, M.D. text Mineral waters of Ky.  / by L.J. Frazee, M.D. 1872 2002 true xt75tb0xpt6m section xt75tb0xpt6m 








Minrall Wyaters of KY:



                     A4 Y



                  Read before the



KENTUCKY STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY


                 A'pr-il slt,  





Reprinted from 17th Vol., Transactions of the Kentucky State Mledical Society.





                    L,0111SVI LLE ,
              HART  MAPOTHvEH, PRIN',I'KR
                      1872.

 This page in the original text is blank.


 

WATERS OF KENTUCKY,



                                BY'

                    L. J. FRAZEE, M. D.


 To the Physician, if to no one else, the character of the water we drink
 is a matter of acknowledged importance, and one deserving a most eare-
 ful investigation. Preliminary, then. to a consideration of the Millnrl
 Waters of Kentucky, let me observe that the water in general use for
 drinking, and for culinary purposes may be divided into three killn].d;
 First: Rain Water, the purest form; Second: Free Stone or Soft
 Water, containing slight impurities, absorbed in its passage through the
 soil, but containing little or no lime; and Third: Limestone or Hard
 Water, containing with other impurities, derived from the soil through
 which it passes, a certain amount of lime
 Now, while we are willing to admit that many persons may use the
ordinary hard or limestone water for a long series of years without any
(leleterious results, yet. in other cases, and more especially those predis-
poserl to dyspepsia, and to affections of the uritnary organs, we consider
its constant use as decidedly injurious. It seems to be very generally
admitted that calculous affections are particularly common in limestone
regions of country, a very striking proof of which we have in the fact
that our great Kentucky surgeon, Professor Dudley, operated for stone
in the bladder over two hundred times It is true Doctor Dudley's great
reputation, and his extraordinary success in this operation may have at-
tracted some patients from a greater distance, yet, by far the greater
number were, no doubt, from the limestone regions of Kentucky and
Tennessee. Professor Gross, in his report o01 Surgery made to this Soci-
ety in 18.52. gives the number of cases of lithotomy positively known to
have occurred. up to that time in Kentucky, at three hundred and sixty-
five. And this. we think, falls a little short of the full number. As to
the effects of hard water upon dyspeptics we will simply appeal to the
experience of physicians in Louisville, where we have had most abun-
dant and satisfactory opportunities for making observations touching
this matter. It is well known that our pump water is supplied from a
bed of gravel underlying the city, and is strongly impregnated with
lime. In 186) our Water Works went into operation, supplying us with
river water, which contains so little lime that it may properly be con-
sidered soft water We are willing to admit that in some cases the
change from hard to soft water, was not followed by any decided relief
to the dyspeptic; in other cases. however, and in one or two remarka-
ble ones I could here mention, the improvement was so decided, the sur-
roundings remaining about the same, that we do not hesitate to give it
as an opinion that it was due, almost, if not exclusively to the substitu-
tion of the soft, for the hard water. Of the many persons among us
afflicted with urinary calculi, who found themselves benefitted by the
change from hard to soft water, we would particulary notice the case of
Mr. B , a prominent citizen who had suffered repeatedly and very
severely from the passage of calcul ;-but wbo llus'i- never had a single



THE MINERAL

 The Mlineral Waters ot Kent ick y.



attack since he has commenced the use of the hydrant water We (1o
not pretend to say that dyspepsia of a confirmed character, or calcu -
lous affection.s of an aggravated form, can even usually be cured by
simply discontinuing the use of hard water-we only maintain that it
is a most important element in the treatment, and one that is but too
often underrated. May we not as reasonably expect to permanently re-
lieve a case of intermittent-fever while the patient is suffered to remain
in a malarious district, as to relieve a case of dyspepsia or a calculous
affection while the patient is kept on hard water' Is not every draught
of hard water just so much fuel added to the flame In very many
cases we canl not doubt that it is. With these few hints in regard to the
water we use as a beverage; we pass now to a consideration of our sub-
ject proper, viz: The Mineral Waters of Kentucky
  When we remember the great variety of soils, subsoils and minerals
found in our State. it will readily be comprehended that the rain water,
in passing through and over these, becomes more or less impregnated
with the soluble portions of their constituents. forning the various
mineral waters, with which we are so abundantly supplied, found in
various portions of our State.
  We are not prepared to enter upon the Herculean task of describing
alt of the mineral springs anrd wells it, Kentucky, which are numbered
by the hundreds, if not thousands, but shall content ourselves with noti
cing simply a few of the more prominent ones, which may serve as
types of the rest These waters may be divided into four classes; First,
tle Chalybeate; Second, the Sulphur; Third, the Salt Sulphur; and
Fourth, the Saline. But, instead of noticing each kind of water under
its particular head, as to quality, we prefer taking up all the springs of
whatever character in one locality, and describing them together. Com-
mencing. then, in the north-eastern portion of the State, let me observe
that of all the mineral springs found so abundantly in the counties of
Lewis, Greenup and Carter, none are perhaps so well known as those
called Esculapia, situated in Lewis county about twenty miles from
Maysville, and some twelve miles from VRanceburg on the Ohio river.
Here there are two lofty ranges of hills cap)- d with sand stone, running
learly parallel with each other, and from one of which, near its base,
issues the Sulphur, and from the other the Clhalybeate water. These
streams are of about the same strength, eaci diseharging, we should
judge, about one hundred gallons of water per hour The water from
each is, delightfully cool in summer, find when caught in a vessel trans-
parent; but, if suffered to stand long enough. a precipitate is formed, in
the case qf the Sulphur water, of a white color, and consisting largely of
pure sulphur. In the case of the Chalybeate water, the deposit is of-a
reddish brick dust appearance, and composed mostly of the hydrated
peroxide of iron. These deposits may be traced along the course of the
streams for some distance from their points of issue, and find a ready
explanation in the fact that the excess of carbonic acid gas, by which
they are held in solution, escapes when the water comes in contact with
the atmosphere.
  That the sources of these springs are very deep is sufficiently appa-
rent from the fact, that, in the dryest seasons the supply of water re-
mains about the same. I recollect to have spent some two weeks here
in August, 1834 or 3., during the prevalence of a severe drought in this
section of the State, when the supply of water, both Sulphur and Chaly-
beate, seemed to be about as abundant as I have found it on subsequent
visits here So far as I now know, the quantitive analysis of neither the
Sulphur nor the Chalybeate water here has ever been made. Dr Peter
found in the Sulphur spring, free sulphuretted hydrogen gas, bicarbonate
of lime, bicarbonate of magnesia, chloride of sodium, chloride of mag-
nesium, sulphate of soda and sulphate of magnesia. While, therefore,
it is, strictly speaking, a sulphuretted saline water, it is properto remark

 
                The Mineral Waters of Kentucky.                 3


that most of these saline ingredients are in very minute quantities, so
much so, that the chloride of sodium, the sulphate of soda, and the sul-
phate of magnesia it contains, renders it very slightly, if at all, ape-
rient. Sulphur, in the form of sulphuretted hydrogen gas, with which
this water is impregnated, may be considered, by far, its most important
ingredient. Its effects are soon seen upon the skin, which it clears up
and bleaches, and is eliminated in such quantities as to readily blacken
silver worn near the person.
The principle effect of this water seems to be to stimulate the secre-
tory action of the system generally, but more especially that of tile skin
and that of the kidneys. In fact, the water is so rapidly eliminated by
these great emunctories, that usually no inconvenience is felt from tak-
ing large draughts of it into the stomach. Six or eight glasses, and
some times even a dozen have been taken by persons before breakfast,
certainly a very silly practice; for aside from the extra service thrown
upon the skin and kidneys to get rid of it, only a limited quant-ty of the
water can be appropriated by the system, any great excess reniainiitg
in the stomach at the time of eating only interfering wite digesti' n.
The addition of a small quantity of choride of sodium renders this
water gently aperient, this addition of salt to be made to the first
draught of water taken in the morning, and if possible from half anl
hour to an hour before eating.
  We can most confidently recommend the use of this water where
there is torpor of the glandular system, and especially where there is
defective action of the skin and kidneys, whether the effect of dIi.sease or
the result of close confinement and over exertion, especially during the
hot months of summer. Various forms of cutaneous disease are often
most essentially benefitted by the use of the sulphur water. In a large
proportion of those cases in which there is debility of the digestive or-
gans, or of the system at large; a condition so often found among deli-
cate females; the use of the chalybeate water may be combined with
that of the sulphur to great advantage. In using the chalybeate water,
however, proper caution should always be observed. In the first place, this
is what we term a heavy water, not as to specific gravity, for this is less
than that of many of the saline waters, but in relation to the sensation
of weight about the stomach when it is taken in over quantity, it fail-
ing to pass off rapidly by the skin and kidneys like the sulphur water.
A glassful of this water at a time, taken three or four times in the
twenty-fotur hours, will, we think, usually be quite sufficient, and indeed,
in some cases, we would advise but half this quantity. Whenever the
use of the water is followed by headache and a sense of oppression about
the stomach, let it be discontinued for several days, and when resumed,
always in diminished quantity. We need hardly observe that there are
certain conditions, such as general plethora, high febrile action, and in-
fiammation of any of the important organs, especially the stomach, which
contraindicate the use of chalybeate water in common with all the
preparations of iron. Unless previously advised of the cause, persons
using this water may become alarmed at the very dark color imparted
to the feces.
  As to the length of time, either this or any other mineral water should
be used, of course no absolute rule can be laid down; perhaps the best
advice that can be given to any one visitinga watering place for health,
is to continue the use of the water as long as any improvement is mani-
fest. When this ceases, the use of the water may be stopped, for a time
at least, to be resumed again at the end of a week or a fortnight if ne-
cessary. In the interval the party may return home, or if he remain
at the Springs, use only the ordinary drinking water; which here, i8
a pure limpid freestone.
  The pure mountain air, the perfect freedom from malaria or any
other local eause of disease, with the superior waters here, have, in

 
4  The Mineral Waters of Kentucky.



years gone by, rendered this a most delightful and profitable retreat for
the invalid. But like many of our other watering places in Ken-
tucky, it has been neglected and suffered to go down.
The Kirk Spring on the opposite side of the mountain, now no longer
a place of resort, affords a sulphur water so identical, as to properties
and effects on the system, with that of Esculapia, as to demand no
special notice.
  The Fox Springs, situated on the head waters of Fox Creek in Flem-
ing county, and some ten miles from Flemingsburg, the county seat, is
still a place of resort. There is here, both white sulphur and chalybeate
water, similar to that of the Esculapian Springs, which, together with
a pure bracing atmosphere, and very good hotel accommodations, ren-
ders this a pleasant resort during the hot weather of summer. What we
have said in regard to the use of the waters of Esculapia, applies to the
use of those of the Fox Springs.
The Olympian Springs, situated at the spur of the knobs in Bath
county, was once a place of considerable resort, but has now fallen into
neglect. There are found here some five or six varieties of mineral
water, all containing, in common, carbonate of lime, carbonate of mag-
nesia, and carbonate of iron; the result of percolating through ferrugin-
ous magnesian limestone All of them too contain carbonic acid gas,
and the sulphur waters, of course, sulphuretted hydrogen gas. The
selection of the kind or kinds of water to be used by the visitor to these
Spritrgs must be determined by his peculiar condition.
  The Epsom water, the predominating salts of which, are sulphate of
magnesia, and sulphate of soda is a most efficient aperient, and admi-
rably adapted to cases of constipation of the bowels. This should, how-
ever, like the Crab Orchard, Blue Lick. and other active aperient waters,
be used with proper discretion, and always in reference to effect rather
than quantity. In a large majority of cases, one or two evacuations
from the bowels in the twenty-four hours, will, we think, be found quite
sufficient. any thing beyond having a tendency to pull down, rather
than build up With the erroneous opinion which prevails, that the
benefits derived from mineral waters are in proportion to the quantity
taken, it is not surprising that those of a more active character are often
used too freely. In those cases demanding the use of sulphur water, a
choice may be trade between the Salt Sulphur and the Black Sulphur.
selecting that which is most agreeable to the patient; bearing in mind
that in the former, there is a sufficient quantity of salt to make it slight-
ly aperient, while iD the latter, there is less salt, but a sufficient quanti-
ty of carbonate of soda to render it alkaline; a matter of some impor-
tance in a large proportion of cases of dyspepsia, where there is present
acidity of the stomach and bowels. We would recommend the use of
this water also in those cases in which there is a general acid diathesis,
which may usually be detected by the condition of the secretions, espe-
cially that from the kidneys. The Chalybeate water here, though feeble,
may be regarded as a very important adjunct to the other waters in all
those cases demanding the use of iron. As to the Salt water here,
especially that near the kitchen, which is very much the strongest, we
think its most available use is for bathing purposes. The lower Blue
Lick Springs, situated on Licking River near where the Maysville and
Lexington turnpike road crosses that stream, was, forsome years, one of
the most noted watering places in Kentucky. In the early settlement
of the State, this was known as a salt spring, and the water extensively
used in the manufacture of salt This use of the water was, however,
abandoned after the discovery of the Kanawha and other rich salines,
followed by a wonderful reduction ill the price of this invaluable article.
In time the medicinal virtues of the water began to be recognized, and
fully half a century ago it was hauled in wagons to the surrounding
counties, several neighbors often joining in sending a team for a few



4

 
The Mineral IJ/awers of Kentucky.



barrels of the water to be distribnted among them for the summer's use.
Visitors were attracted here during the summer season, and by degrees
this became a lplace of great resort, reaching its highest popularity under
the proprietorslhip of the Hollidays, who, purchasing the property about
thirty years ago, made extensive improvements, and were liberally pa-
tronized, but tile season was so short and the expense of keeping up the
establishment so heavy, that had it not been for the heavy sales of the
water, the enterprise would no doubt have proved a loss. So great was
the denmand for this water, particularly in the South, that these enter-
prising gentlemen shipped ill a single season, some nine thousand bar-
rels. Although this water bears transportation remarkably well, still
retaining ino'.t of its active properties unimpaired; yet, when conveni-
ent, we would prefer using it at the Spring, from the surface of which
the gas is constantly escaping  To some persons the taste, as well as
the smell of this water, is so repulsive, that they never use it, even
whilst at the Springs; others, however, seenm. to relish it exceedingly,
especially when taken fresh from the Spring in hot weather  From the
analysis of this water, which we subjoin, it will be seen that it contains
both sulphuretted hydrogen gas, and carbonic acid gas, together with a
number of solid constituents. the most important of which, as well as
the one in much the greatest abundance, is the chloride of soditum  This
aided by some of the other salts. gives to the water its aperient proper-
ties, while the sulphuretted hydrogen gas renders it diaplioretic and
alterative; the alterative effect being undoubtedly enlianticed by tl e
bromide and the iodide of magnesium. Taken in sufficient quantity
Blue Lick water is actively aperient, producing free watery d-clharges
unattended with griping or other unpleasant symptom. At the saile
time its effects upon the skin are well marked, the sulphur being so
freely eliminated through this channel, that silver worn near the slkin
soon becomes blackened. It will be very apparent from what wie have
said, that this water may be used to advantage in a large number of
morbid conditions of the system, such as torpor of the b)owels, torpor of
the secretory process generally, especially that of the skin, and in vari-
ous forms of cutaneous disease. While the robust healthy person may
take the water ad libitum. the delicate female or any one worn downi by
disease, must of course use it with proper caution, the daily allowance
being at first small, and the (quantity increased with due care. In these
cases, especially, we would recommend that the water be taken when
the stomach is empty, stiy half an hour before, or two or three hours
after eating. In some cases a draught of the water upoil going to bed,
and another upon rising in the morning, has acted very well indeed.
  Besides the excellent effects following the internal use of this water,
it may be most confidently recommended for bathing purposes, much
of its virtue in this way being undoubtedly due to the salt, and sulphur
which it contains
  Since the destruction of the main building at. these Springs which oc-
eurred some years ago, it has not been a place of much resort. We can
not see, however, considering the excellence of the wvater, the pleasant
drives, the freedom from any local cause of disease here, and its easy
access by rail-road and turnpike, why it may not soon be revived as a
watering place.
  The water at the Upper Blue Licks, situated a few miles higher up the
Licking River. is so similar to that of the Lower Licks as to need no
special notice here.
  Estill Springs, situated in the outskirts of the town of Irvine, Estill
County, a few hundred yards from the Kentucky River. is another one
of our watering places which has gone down. There are here several
varieties of sulphur water, the White, the Black and the Red, and also
Chalybeate water; the latter not very strong, yet unquestionably con-
taining enough iron in the form of carbonate, to impart to it distinctive



5

 
The Alineral Waters of Kentucky.



tonic properties. All of the sulphur waters here contain carbonic acid gas
aind suipsuretted hydrogen gas, also carbonates of lime and magnesia,
chloride of sodium, sulphates of magnesia and soda, together with some
other salts of less importance. The Red Sulphur contains the largest
proportion of chloride of sodium. while the Black Sulphur contains the
most iron, even more indeed than the Chalybeate. We have already,
when speaking of the Esculapia Springs, indicated the uses of both the
sulphur and the chalybeate water, a repetition of which here, is unneces-
sary. Situated at the base of elevated knobs which overlook the wind-
ings of the Kentucky River for many miles, with a cool salubrious at-
mospshere, and within eighteen miles of Richmond, the terminus of the
rail-road, these Springs may again become a summer resort
Thirty years ago the Harrodsburg Springs under the management of
Dr. Graham, was one of tie most popular watering places in Kentucky.
The beautiful grounds, and the fine hotel accommodations presenting
the most attractive features of the place. The most important ingredi-
ent of the water here, is sulphate of magnesia, which renders it aperi-
ent. but aside from this it possesses no very decided medicinal virtues.
It may be used in torpor of the bowels, especially when accompanied with
dyspeptic symptoms, indeed in almost every case where a gentle aperi-
ent effect it desired. This has long since been abandoned as a watering
place.
Bedford Springs at the town of Bedford, in Trimble County, still at-
tracts some visitors, being most conveniently reached by the Short
Line Rail Road and Omnibus, the latter connecting at Sulphur Station
some five or six miles from the Springs The water here resembles so
closely, both in composition and effects on the system, that of the prin-
cipal spring at Harrodsburg. that any special notice of it becomes un-
necessary.
The Crab Orchard Springs, situated at the village of Crab Orchard in
Lincoln County and immediately on the line of the Louisville and
Knoxville Rail Road has become one of the most noted watering places
in Kentucky. There are here within a circuit of a few miles, at least a
dozen mineral springs, affording three distinct kinds of water: Sulphur,
Chalybeate and Epsom. The sulphur and chalybeate waters here ap-
proach so nearly in composition, and consequently in their effects upon
the system, the same waters of Estill, Bath, Fleming and Lewis Coun-
ties, already noticed, as to demand from us no special mention. The
Epsom water, of which there are several springy, or rather ditches into
which the water oozes, contains carbonate of lime carbonate of mag-
nesia, and a trace of carbonate of iron. The most important salts are
the sulphate of magnesia, the sulphate of soda, and the chloride of
sodium. The sulphate of magnesia exists in the largest quantity,
amounting to from three, to three and a half parts in a thousand, and
aided by the sulphate of soda and the chloride of sodium, renders this
water a most effective aperient This is certainly the chief, if not the
only effect of the water. The iron evidently being in too small propor-
tion to impart any very decided tonic properties, while the Rpecific ac-
tion on the liver claimed for this water and for the salt manufactured
from it, may well be doubted. We are free to admit, that this like other
aperients may indirectly promote the secretion of bile, or its discharge
from the biliary ducts, by removing conditions calculated to retard these
processes. But after many years experience with the Crab Orchard Salt,
which embodies the essential ingredients of the water, we are by no
means convinced that it possesses any specific cholagogue properties
Such an impression may have originated among the non-professional in
the fact that the iron contained in this water imparts a dark color to
the stools This water acts so pleasantly and yet so effectually as an
aperient, that we can most cheerfully recommend it hi torpor of the
bowels; a condition so very common in dyspepsia, and other serious

 
The Mineral Waters of Kentucky.



disturbances of the digestive organs. In many of these cases the sul-
phur and chalybeate water, may undoubtedly be used to advantage
with the Epsom. The latter always to be used with that caution already
indicated as necessary in the use of active saline waters
Tle variety of watters at Crab Orchard, its healthy situation, and easy
access by railroad, would no doubt, with more ample and attractive im-
provements, render this a still more popular watering place.
Grayson Springs situated in Grayson County and within about four
miles of the Elizabetlitown and Paducalh Rail Road, has, especially
since the completion of that road, become a place of considerable ie-
sort. In a small valley here, and within a circuit (if a few hundred fet,
there are a large number of springs, differing slightly in composition,
and yet without an exception, we believe, bearing a general analogy,
all being sulphur So far as we have been able to learn, a quantitive
analysis of these waters has never been made, but the qualitative
analysis as given by Dr. Peter in the Geological survey of Kentucky
shows the presence of sulphuretted hydrogen gas, carbonic acid gas,
sulphate magnesia, chloride of sodium and phosphate of soda  The
same constituents which are found to predominate in the white sulphur
water at Esculapha, Olympian, Estill and the White Sulphur of Virginia.
We have already noticed the effects of such waters upon the system,
and attempted to indicate their more available uses.
  We have been informed that very recently a chalybeate water has
been discovered on the Grayson Spring property, which, if it proves
true, will of course be a very valuable 'addition to the excellent waters
heretofore in use there.
The Paroquet Springs, situated about eighteen miles from Louisville
and within a few hundred yards of the Louisville and Nashville Rail
Road have recently been improved and re-opened as a watering place
The water here, which is a strong sulphur, possesses very decided medi-
cinal properties, resembling, in some respects, the Blue Lick, and
in others, more closely the DuPont Artesian water, though diflerilig
somewhat from either of them. It contains both sulphuretted hydro-
gen gas, and carbonic acid gas. while the salts found most abun-
dant in it are the chloride of sodium, the ehloride of magnesium,
and the chloride of calcium. By a reference to the analysis of this
water it will be seen that it contains twelve times as much sulphuretted
h.Ndrogen gas as the White Sulphur of Virginia, nearly six times as
much as the Blue Lick; but only about one seventh as much carbonic
acid gas, and about two thirds as much chloride of sodium as the last
named water. It is very similar in its action upon the system to the
Blue Lick water, being aperient, alterative, and having a decided action
upon the skin. It may, therefore, be used in the saine allictions as the
Blue Lick water, and with the same precautions. The chief advautages
of this as a watering place, are the excellence of the water, which, like
the Blue Lick, combines a number of valuable elements; and its con-
venience of access.
  The Drennoti Springs, situated in Henry County, and within a few
hundred yards of the Kentucky River was once an attractive summer
resort, but has long since been abandoned as a watering place Not,
however, on account of any defect in the quality of the waler, which is
a good salt sulphur, the most active ingredients being sulphuretted
hydrogen gas chloride of sodium, sulphate of soda, and sulphate of
magnesia. This water, like the Blue Lick and the Artesian, bears
transportation, losing of course some of its gaseous contents; but still
holding in solution its most active salts.
  DuPont's Artesian Well, on Tenth Street, Louisville, is remarkable
for its depth, the abundant supply of water, and the character of this
water. The depth of this well, which was commenced in April, 18.57,
and finished in August, 1858, is according to Dr J. Lawrence Smith's
Report, two thousand and eighty-six feet; being at the time of its com-



7

 
The Mllineral Waters of AKentucA-y.



pletion, with the exception of the Belcher Well at St. Louis, the deepest
artesian well known. The supply of water according to the same Re-
port, is three hundred and thirty thousand gallons in twenty-four hours,
Containg five hundred bushels of salt. The constant temperature of the
water at the bottom of the well is 821o; showing all increase in tempe-
rature as we (leseend of 10 for a fraction over every sixty-seven feet;
which would give us the boiling point of water at a depth of a little
over two miles h)eneatlh our city. The subjoined analysis of the Artesian
water shows it to be very heavy, containing, as it does, over nine hllu-
dred grains of solid matter in the gallon, which is nearly fifty per cent
more than the Congress, and double that of the Paroquet water It con-
tains double as much chloride of sodium as the Paroquet, thirty tinmes
as much sulphate of soda, and a notable quantity of sulphate of mag-
nesia which is not found in either the Parqxuet or the Blue Lick water,
these salts rendering it very actively aperient. It contains nearly as-
much sulphuretted hydrogen gas, but not quite one third as much car-
l)onie acid gas as the Blue Lick water  While, therefore, the large
amount of active salts whieh tl'e Artesian water contains renders it
even more decidedly aperient than either the Blue Lick orthe Paroquet;
it sets a little heavier upon the stomach than the last named waters.
While we would not underrate this water used internally, we would direct
attention to its very superior qualities for bathing purposes. which we
have tested in person  As the water will rise in elosed pipes to the
height of one hundred and seventy feet it would he easy by means of a
reservoir and conducting pipes to supply bath houses in different parts
of the city, thus affording delightful baths to both citizens and stran-
gers The bathing establishment erected by the Messrs DuPont near
the Well, was a very creditable establishment indeed, but too remote
from the centre of the city to come into that -.reneral use which it de.
served. This is still a flowing well, the water being conducted off be-
neath the surface of the ground to the river; but the pipes and super-
structure being removed, of course the beautiful jet d'eau is destroyed.
From an examination of the subjoined tables made up from the Geologi-
cal Survey of the State and other sources, it will be seen that our mineral
waters compare very favorably with some of the most celebrated ones
found in other States, and in Europe. Take for example the Blue Lick
water, and we find it contains at least two and a half times as much
s4ulphuretted hydrogen gas, and more than twenty times as much car-
bonic acid gas as the White Sulphur Water of Virginia  That it con-
tains nearly thirty per cent more of the chloride of sodium than the
Congress Water of Saratoga. As a saline w ater then the Blue Lick is
stronger than the Congress water, and as a sulphur water richer than
the White Sulphur Water of Virginia. The Congress, the Kissingen
and the Seltzer waters all contain a large amount of carbonic acid gas,
which renders them light, sparkling and acceptable to the stomach. In
this one respect they may be said to be superior even to our Salt Sul-
phur waters; but it must be borne in mind that the latter waters con-
tain another gas, the sulphuretted hydrogen, which as a remedial agent
is of far more importance than the carbonic acid gas, and which is en-
tirely wanting in the Congress, the Kissingen, and the Seltzer waters.
With such excellent waters, why it is our watering places have not met
with better successs, it is not the object of this paper to inquire. As to
invalids however, let me suggest that before visiting places of this kind
they should be instructed as to what kind of waters to use, and how to
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