Avon springs: a manual for invalids and visitors
e. R A M9 ^err -*«5r<v^ .' «*3fC^PC«dli «T -^K^^c^g L^MESI1_ ^SSji^^m t__~5i^BB ■ s ^SKj^^r«i ^fTff | ' l**^. ^Hp ^Ht^3f S" Sir «e«asc; < «cgBfc«55ft£: x' / ■•' • '-c^T~ c< «• " ^BK^^<ffl^^«^ 4[ «E. AAJ; — ^- «sk£.:\ < ^csfe. ^ *i^i^ - <<£«* .-J5^-- -; ^r^TS* '^UK^ '" • ^~ ■"^fejJP*^- €L- "^~ \^^r^<fi - *pe39i ^ CP iB^ =^ i ^M ^j^ i jfT"' . «ggp ~5 3 8K^ ^£ «c r* f ~----- - ^^>— 2^-"',Va ;--' ^ ip-r~^ - 4 Zfjt^- fe:^^ -■fC~ ,y g£J*e- Ss:;s c*> '.§?*K 1 5*33? -<^:*^ <* i^S» -= - ^l^^s^ **-«3i .. # LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I 9 I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, i m AVON SPRINGS: MANUAL FOR INVALIDS AND VISITORS, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS OF THE WATERS, AND HOW TO USE THEM, BY THE LATE Dr. SALISBURY, ROC HESTER; PUBLISHED 111 D. M. D^WJET, ARCADE: 1858. . f\ ^ »v v Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by M. A. SALISBURY, in the Clerk's Office of the Northern District of New York. PREFACE The Analysis of the Sulphur Waters of Avon, by the late Dr. Sal- isbury, was published in 1845 ; In 1849 he enlarged and much improved the work by adding additional information upon tne use and medici- nal properties of these waters ; also, a historical account of the sev- eral Springs — Geology of the region in which they are situated — general remarks on the chemical constitution of Sulphurous waters — classification applied to those of the United States, together with a discription of Avon and its vicinity — the beautiful valley of the far- famed Genesee, which is memorable for its Indian traditions and which a native poet has so beautifully described in verse. This work I have in manuscript, and if sufficient encouragement is given, will have it published. The great number of invalids who annually resort to these springs, renders it necessary that something on the subject should be in the hands of the invalids. This consid- eration has led me to extract from the larger work in manuscript, this small treatise, containing what is to invalids important informa- tion in regard to the composition of the water — its medicinal qualities, and its application to the particular disease with which they are afflic- ted— the mode of administration — Therapeutic application, &c. The knowledge acquired by the late Dr. S., in the use of the Avon water, during a practice of seventeen years, will, I am confident, be received with due appreciation by the public and by those to whom he was well known. M. A. S, ANALYSIS ANALYSIS OF LOWER SPRING-By the late Dr. Salisbury. IN A WINE GALLON, GASEOUS CONTENTS. Sulphuretted Hydrogen, 10 02 cubic inches Nitrogen, 6 42 " " Carbonic Acid, 3 92 " " Oxygen 56 " «« SOLID CONTENTS. Carbonate of Lime, 29 33 grains Chloride of Calcium, 8 41 " Sulphate of Lime, 57 44 " Sulphate of Magnesia, 49 61 " Sulphate of Soda, 13 73 u Total, 158 62 grains UPPER SPRING— By Professor Hadley. IN A WINE GALLON, GASEOUS CONTENTS. Sulphuretted Hydrogen, .12 cubic inches Carbonic Acid, 56 " " SOLID CONTENTS. Sulphate of Magnesia, 10 grains Sulphate of Lime, 84 " Sulphate of Soda, 16 " Carbonate of Lime, 8 " Muriate of Soda, 18.4 u 136.4 grains NEW BATH SPRING— By Dr. L. C. Beck. IN A WINE GALLON, GASEOUS CONTENTS. Sulphuretted Hydrogen, 31 28 cubic inches SOLID CONTENTS. Sulphate of Magnesia, 8 08 grains Sulphate of Lime, 3 52 " Sulphate of Soda,... .- 38 72 " Chloride of Sodium, 5 68 " Carbonate of Lime, 26 96 " Total, 82 96 grains ANALYSTS. LONG SPRING— By Dr. J. R. Cpulton. IN A WINE GALLON, GASEOUS CONTENTS. Sulphretted Hydrogen, . . .43 584 cubic inches Carbonic Acid, 5 871 " " SOLID CONTENTS. Sulphate of Lime, 109 05 grains Sulph-ate of Magnesia, 13 10 " Sulphate of Soda, 8 27 " Chloride of Calcium,. 19 31 " Chloride of Sodium, 57 89 " Chloride of Magnesium, 27 9 " Iodine of Sodium, a trace Hydrosulphuret of Sodium, 2 45 grains Organic Matter, 81 " Total, 228 97 grains IODINE, OR SYLVAN SPRING— By Dr. J. R. Chilton. IN A WINE GALLON — GASEOUS CONTENTS. Sulpheretted Hydrogen, 20 684 cubic inches Carbonic Acid, 4 992 " " SOLID CONTENTS. Chloride of Magnesium, w . . 62 400 grains Chloride of Sodium, 97 440 " Sulphate of Lime, 80 426 u Sulphate of Magnesia, 12 960 " Carbonate of Lime, 26 800 ". Carbonate of Magnesia, 15 479 " Vegetable Matter, 240 " Iodide of Sodium, a trace Total, 296 24 grain* MODE OF ADMINISTRATION, &C, Therapeutic 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 experience, 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 re- quire caution in the use of medicines, the same prin- ciple will apply to this as to any medicinal compound of equal power, viz : that if it be inapplicable, or im- properly administered, it cannot cure, and may be pro- ductive of injury. There are several Springs, each of which, in its composition, is adapted to particular forms and stages of chronic diseases ; and this variety serves to give value and therapeutic efficacy to the waters in the ag- gregate. 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 as- certained by the local pain, or by the febrile excite- ment attending it, we desire to lessen the quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. " It would certainly be very injudicious, to commence by drinking the pre- scribed quantity of the water of the New Bath Spring, which contains 35 cubic inches of gas to the gallon ; for it should be remembered that the White Sulphur Springs of Virginia, according to the analysis of Pro- fessor Eogers, contained only 2 1-2 cubic inches of this gas in every gallon ; and Dr. Moorman, the resi- 1* 10 MODE OF ADMINISTRATION, AC. dent physician at those Springs, considered " greatly advantageous in many cases, particularly in very ex- citable persons ; to have the gas expelled, in part or in whole, before using it." When the nature of the case indicates caution, we would advise the visitor to commence with the heated water of the Lower Spring ; thus diminishing the quantity of gas as much as possible. The quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen contained in a gallon of the water of the Lower Spring, as may be seen by refer- ence to the analysis, is ten cubic inches; by heating in an open vessel, this quantity may be greatly reduced ; and there being Springs in the neighborhood present- ing every possible variety in this respect, the Avon waters may be considered as adapted to all cases of disease in which the use of sulphurous waters would be admissible or advantageous. There is one fact which is of some importance, and should be borne in mind by the invalid visitors 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 fol- low its use as will if drank as it issues from the foun- tain, or at its source. Its medicinal effect cannot fail to be very much altered by exposure or changes of temperature. Suitable precautions should be taken, if the water be drank at a distance from the Springs, that its original nature be preserved. " Quo propius aqua libitur a fonta, eo efficacior ; quo remotior, eo fit lanquidior"* was the assertion of Hoffman. The use of milk associated with sulphurous waters was recommended by Hoffman and Borden. The lat- ter relates the case of a very delicate and feeble wo- man, who was cured of a hemorrhage from the womb, by the waters of Barreges. When she drank them * Hoffman, Op. T. IV. § 15. " The nearer to the fountain water is drank, the more efficacious ; the more remote, the weaker the action." MODE OF ADMINISTRATION, &C. 11 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 aguarum mineralium cum lade, longe saluberrimo" is extant. The disagreable taste of the water is, in some measure, concealed by tnis admixture. The operation of Avon water upon the human system is modified by the quan- tity drank in a given time, and by the constitution, habit, and disease of the individual. Generally speak- ing, 4 or 6 half pint tumblers of the water, drank dur- ing the day, produce a mild cathartic effect ; and un- der its long continued exhibition to this extent, no de- bility ensues, but, on the contrary, the appetite 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 moderate use of this water, persevered in for a considerable length of time, will produce an al- terative effect, in cases where there is no acute inflam- mation. 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 di- gestive organs. Some, however, take them in large quantities, and often repeat the draught. Others, again, never use them until after the first meal. Like the Saratoga and Ballston waters, they are sometimes drank to a pernicious extent. It is expedient, there- fore, in all cases, to regulate their administration by their immediate effect ; and regard must be paid to age, sex, disease, constitution, and individual peculi- arity. To guard against undue local determination, either cerebral, thoracic, or visceral, will always be- come a matter of professional duty. No rule can be given which will apply to many of the complicated and intractable cases which annually present them- selves at these mineral fountains. With some, from 12 MODE OF ADMINISTRATION, AC. half a pint to a pint daily is all that can be adminis- tered ; while there are others upon whom six or eight half pint glasses make but a trifling impression. A painful tension of the epigastric or hypochondriac re- gions is sometimes occasioned by the use of the water, a sensation of weight or constriction of the stomach, nausea, loss of appetite, or a suppression of some of the natural secretions. In these cases, the excitement which is produced is not distributed in a equable man- ner. This difficulty may be obviated by lessening the dose — by using gentle exercise, in order to pro- duce slight prespiration — and by various means adapt- ed to individual peculiarities. "When heated, the Avon water is deprived of a portion of its sulphuretted hydrogen gas, and the salts with y>rhich it is impreg- nated are rendered more immediately aperient. It may, therefore, be used in this way when the inflam- matory diathesis prevails to such an extent as to re- sist its beneficial and successful administration in its natural state. If, however, the tendency to inflamma- tion exists to such a degree as to preclude the use of the heated water, it becomes necessary to resort to other and more active purgatives,or to the lancet, in or- der to produce such a condition of the system as will be more favorable to its operation. Here, again, the variety of Springs affords us ef- ficient aid in the accomplishment of our object. If the chemical composition of the different Springs be referred to, the quantity of aperient salts will be found to vary from 82,96 grains in every gallon of water, (the New Bath. Spring,) to 296,24 grains, (the Sylvan Spring). But the most active purgative salts con- tained in these waters are the sulphates of magnesia and soda, Of these the Lower Spring contains 63,34 grains in every gallon of water — the New Bath, 46,80 grains — the Upper 26 grains — and the Sylvan only 12, 960 grains. MODE OF ADMINISTRATION, dzC. 13 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 waters may be so diversified as to produce various effects upon the human system, or upon particular or- gans. Their purgative operation is mild, but certain, when from four to six half-pint glasses are taken in the early part of the day. When used as alterants, they should be taken in small quantities 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 eleven 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 reduced. In some obsti- nate cases of rheumatism and cutaneous disease, bene- fit has been received from the use of the heated water in the evening. In short the administration of these waters 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, or the digestive, the urinary, or the generative organs ; 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 produce a more immediate or a more general and al- terative effect. " Almost every disease to which these waters are applicable will admit of the bath. Persons then must be guided by some principle in the use of them. The question may be asked, what are these principles by which the patient should be governed? It matters H BATHS AND RULES FOR, USIKG THE WATER. not whether the patient be delicate or robust — thin or fleshy, if they after coming from the bath, feel a glow together with a flushed countenance, may know that is the remedy. The same may apply to the shower bath. If on the other hand the pulse is soft and slow — if the patient has cold perspiration, pale face and lips, the hot bath will be the remedy." Cold Bath, from - - 42° to 65° Tepid Bath, " * - 75° to 95° Warm Bath, " - - 95° to 100° Hot Bath, " - - 100° to 110° Dr. Salisbury was most entirely governed by the state of the puise of his patient, in recommending the baths — " Persons who are inclined to perspire, and are liable either to catch cold or to be exhausted from perspira- tion, will find the mild months of June, or September, the best months for visiting the Springs. The best time for drinking the water is early in the morning. The heat is then not oppressive, and the body and mind are refreshed by sleep ; the Stomach is also empty. But some patients cannot leave their beds at so early an hour, owing to the nature of their disease. Such patients should drink the water in bed, under proper restrictions, which are best learned on the spot. Gentle exercise between each glass of water is neces- sary. It should last about a quarter of an hour. But such patients as are not accustomed (to walking), exer- cise before breakfast should not force themselves to fol- low the above rules ; for fatigue is the very worst con- comitant of water drinking. Mineral waters — should be drank like other liquids ; not gulphed down in a hurry ; for the sake of the gas or any other reason — such practice is injurious ; it either produces cramp, or oppresses the stomach, — dis- tending it with flatus. RULES FOR, USING THE WATER. 15 The warm water should be sipped out of the glass — the cold water should be drank slowly, and at several draughts. Trifling as these rules may appear, the power of di- gesting the water often depends upon their observance. It is best to begin with half a glass of the cold water at a draught, and to proceed, for the first two or three glasses, not more until the expiration of a week or ten days, when the quantity may be increased. If it be cold mineral water that the patient is using, he should take care never to drink it while he is him- self heated ; for, by that means, he avoids the chance of obstructions and inflammation of the bowels. The general rule as to the proper quantities of mineral water, of a connective nature, is to take as much of it as will pass off by the kidneys, or the pores of the skin, and cause, at the same time, brisk action of the intestinal canal daily." The following diseases have been treated successful- ly in the use of the Avon waters, by the late Dr. Salis- bury. The mode of Treatment and particular char- acteristics of each case can be seen in the manuscripts left by him. CHOLEEA. In 1832, when this formidable disease first made its appearance in this country, such of the inhabitants of our larger cities as could well incur the expense, visited our Sulphur Springs, and remained during the continuance of its invasion. Many of these persons when the}^ left their homes, were afflicted with what some have called premonitory symptoms, but which are considered by others as the disease itself. It may safely be asserted that nearly one half of the visitors were from infected places, such as New York, Albany, Eochester, Buffalo, Detroit, &c. Of this number a very large proportion were suffering when they arrived here, from those symptoms which are deemed as diag- nostic of the incursive stage of Cholera, such as loss of appetite, thirst, painful distention of the stomach and bowels, furred tongue, nausea, watery discharges from the bowels resembling rice water, with occasional pain- ful contraction of the muscles of the arms and legs. On the arrival of such persons at Avon, I directed them to have immediate recourse to the hot Sulphur bath, to drink oi the water frequently but in small quantities. There were very few cases in which these symptoms continued under such a course longer than twenty-four hours, and it was remarkable in very many with what rapidity the coat was removed from the tongue by the action of the water on the mucous membranes. In a few instances, it was some days before an entire removal of all untoward symptoms took place. There was not, however, among all these infected persons a single case of the disease in its advanced stages. It seemed as if CASES. this very state and condition of the patient was the one most favorable to the activity of the water. CASES I have copied from the late Dr. Salisbury's register of cases, two or three that was under his care, in which he used the Sulphur water both in bathing and drink- ing. June, 1842. — Case of mentagra of the upper lip, in the acute stage. The patient is a .Railroad engineer, 30 years of age, of a healthy robust appearance. June 7th. — Gave him an active cathartic, venesec- tion, 16 oz„ bath of Mineral Water, (a) 105, of the (Lower Spring,) this bath to be continued I of an hour at 11 o'clock every day. Gave him two grains of Sulphuret of Antimony Golden four times a day. After the bath a warm bread and milk poultice to be applied. June 9th. — It should be remarked that there are periodical paroxysms occurring about once in four days. During these the disease passes through three continued stages. 1st. Redness, 2d. Suppuration, 3d. Desquamation. 18th. — Venesection, 16 oz., Antimony continued. June 22d. — The disease is much less virulent. The swelling gradually subsiding. June 29th. — The patient well. Z. of Niagara Falls, Aged 30 Years, Disease Chronic Bronchitis. Distressing cough and expectoration by day ; tough mucous every morning ; considerable distress and 18 OASES sense of constriction of upper part of Thorax ; pulse nearly natural, but occasionally rather small and quick. Digestive apparatus sound, but an evident want of action. Tongue has a white coat and very dry. Used the heated water, six glasses per diem for two weeks, and afterwards the cold water in the same quantity for two weeks, 16 baths, 4 per week, at 98 deg. Patient cured. A. B. of New York, Hemoptysis. Cured by the use of Lower Spring water mixed with milk. Commenced by giving him one wine glass of new milk, one of mineral water, one of common water, mixed. The mineral water increased after the first week, the fifth week he was able to take his half pint tumbler of mineral water clear. This patient was cured, and had no return of his disease. RHEUMATISM. This water has, from the earliest period at which it was known, been used freely in cases of rheumatism. Perhaps 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 enquire if the disease be not neuralgic in its character, or if there is not some other disease existing, with which the rheumatism is complicated, which operates as a continual cause, and which 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 sustained, the resolution of the disease speedily follows. As a condition of its successful application, the disease should have lost its inflammatory character ; and when this is not perfect- ly the case, resort should be had to venesection, pre- vious to the use of the water. As acute rheumatism is a disease in which both the sanguiferous and ner- vous systems are deeply implicated, it is important that the effects of this remedy be cautiously watched. The cures of persons afflicted with this painful disease have been annually numerous ; and it is my opinion that seven-eights of the cases in which this remedy has been made use of, have been either relieved or cured. It is however, a remedy which is wholly inad- missible in the early stages of acute — articular rheu- matism. By increasing the activity of the cutaneous and urinary secretions and having an alterative influ- ence on those of the mucous membranes, the Avon 20 RHEUMATISM, waters effect the speedy resolution of arthritic swelling, and, by their use, joints which have been for a long time stiffened or anchylosed, are restored to their origi- nal form and motion. But it is only in cases of acute rheumatism which have passed to a chronic state, or in chronic rheumatism, that sulphurous waters are indicated. On this subject, Anglada remarks, "if our waters, (that is, the thermal sulphurous waters of France,) produce less beneficial effect in rheumatic gout or articular rheumatism, than in common rheu- matism, it is evidently attributable to the character of 7 u the complication which distinguishes it. It is only where it is found to have passed its acute stage and when all fluxionary activity has disappeared that we can prom- ise ourselves any good effect from this mode of treat- ment." Proper regulation of the diet and exercise of rheumatic patients, as well as the bathing is absolute- ly indispensable. You have below the class of diseases which, have been successfully treated at these Springs. Diseases of the Digestive Organs, " " Urinary Passages, " " Chest, " " Skin, " " Females. NOTEL AVON SPRINGS, N. Y. 18 hours from Philadelphia, New York or Albany ; 2 to 3 hours from Buffalo and Niagara Falls ; 40 minutes from Rochester ; every way by Railroad. The undersigned would respectfully inform the public that he has taken the above named Hotel, and will hereafter con- duct the same as a First Class House. Extensive additions and improvements have been recently made to the House, which has also been in part refurnished. Nothing will be omitted on the part of the proprietor which will be requisite to make his Hotel one of the best in the country, and inviting to the traveler for business or pleasure. An Omnibus will convey guests to and from the Springs, where they can partake of the healthful waters. Good Porters always in attendance at the cars. J. W. PIERCE, Avon Springs, May, 1858. ipaPjMEl AVON SPRINGS, N. Y- Only a few minutes ride, by the Genesee Valley Railroad, from Rochester ; ac- cessible from New York, Philadelphia, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls, by direct Rail- road Communication. This favorite Hotel is pleasantly located on a rise of ground, between the Upper and Lower Springs, only a few rods from either Bath House. Having recently purchased the Establishment, and thoroughly repaired the buildings, we take pleasure in announcing to the public that it is now open for the reception of guests, C. LOOMIS, J. W. LOOMIS, Proprietor*, Avon Springs, May 20th, 1858. yBRAFjY OF CONGRESS , 0 022 169 334 6 lilies* -:»-;^-; • > '^:^l ^SQI K^i&i 53i SbiS* > - =31 *S-. 