,transcribed from the #ahib ,john ,heywood edition by ,david ,price1 email ccx#jgdpglaf4org ,,buxton ,,and ,,its ,,medicinal ,,waters4 ,,by ,,robert ,,ottiwell ,,gifford-,,bennet1 ,m4,d41 ,senior ,acting ,physician to the ,devonshire ,hospital and ,buxton ,bath ,charity4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,john ,,heywood1 ,,deansgate ,,and ,,ridgefield1 ,,manchester2 #b1 ,,amen ,,corner1 ,,london1 ,e4,c4 ,,preface4 ,knowing from long experience the powerful action exerted upon the human system by the ,buxton ,medicinal ,thermal ,water1 and the unsatisfactory results arising from its indiscriminate and incautious use1 either in the form of baths or by taking it internally1 ,i have in the following pages1 as briefly and succinctly as possible1 endeavoured to make some practical suggestions for the guidance of those of my professional brethren who have had no opportunity of becoming personally acquainted with the ,buxton ,spa1 with the hope that they may prove of service4 ,r4 ,o4 ,g4 ,b4 ,tankerville ,house1 ,buxton1 ,may1 #ahib4 ,,contents4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,topographical ,,and ,,descriptive4 ,,page ,situation--,altitude--,geology--,roman ,baths--,climate and #i ,temperature--,death ,rate--,water ,supply--,rainfall ,drainage--,railway ,communication--,public ,buildings--,devonshire ,hospital and ,buxton ,bath ,charity--,visitors' ,accommodation--,antiquarian ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,the ,,medicinal ,,waters ,,and ,,their ,,action4 ,physiological ,functions in ,healthy #bb ,individuals--,performance of the ,physiological ,functions in ,health and ,disease--,action of ,oxygen upon the ,nitrogenous and ,non-nitrogenous ,compounds--,origin of ,calculi1 ,nodosities1 and ,tophi--,action of the ,thermal ,water upon the ,great ,emunctories--,chalybeate ,water when ,used as a ,douche1 or ,taken ,internally--,analyses of the ,waters--,selection of ,buxton by the ,romans--,first ,treatise upon the ,buxton ,spa1 written by ,dr4 ,jones in #aegb--,source and ,nature of the ,waters ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,the ,,baths ,,and ,,mode ,,of ,,application4 ,kinds of ,baths--,natural and ,hot--,action of ,thermal ,water #ca upon the ,skin--,natural ,baths--,swimming and ,plunge for ,males and ,females--,necessity of ,caution in their ,use--,importance of ,time and ,frequency in ,taking the ,baths--,directions ,during and ,after ,bathing--,most ,favourable ,time for ,taking ,warm or ,hot ,baths--,directions for the ,use of ,half1 ,three-quarters1 and ,full ,baths--,drowsiness after ,bathing--,massage1 ,when and ,how ,used--,when ,baths ,inadmissible--,hours for ,drinking the ,medicinal ,waters--,diseases in which the ,thermal ,water should ,not be ,drunk ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,diseases ,,in ,,which ,,the ,,waters ,,are ,,useful4 ,acute ,gout and ,rheumatism--,chronic ,gout and #da ,rheumatism--,chorea--,many ,forms of ,paralysis--,muscular ,atrophy consequent upon the ,gouty ,diathesis--,loco ,motor ,ataxia--,syphilis--,local ,injuries--,neuralgia--,sciatica1 ,lumbago1 c4--,number of ,baths ,constituting a ,course--,length of ,residence ,required--,action of ,water upon ,acute and ,chronic ,diseases--,extract from ,devonshire ,hospital ,report--,inference ,,chapter ,i4 ,,topographical ,,and ,,descriptive4 ,situation--,altitude--,geology--,roman ,baths--,climate and ,temperature--,death ,rate--,water-,supply--,rainfall--,drain age--,railway ,communication--,public ,buildings--,devonshire ,hospital and ,buxton ,bath ,charity--,visitors' ,accommodation--,antiquarian4 ,the ancient town of ,buxton1 which is situated upon the extreme western boundary of the county of ,derby1 at an elevation of #a1jjj;ft4 above the sea level1 lies in a deep basin1 having a subsoil of limestone and millstone grit1 and is environed on every side by some of the most romantic and picturesque scenery in the ,high ,peak1 hill rising above hill in wild confusion1 some attaining an altitude of from #a1ijj;ft4 to #b1jjj;ft4 ,buxton1 or1 as originally called1 ,bawkestanes1 was occupied as a military station by the ,romans1 who1 during their occupancy1 constructed baths over the tepid water springs which issue through fissures in the limestone rock1 where it comes in contact with the millstone grit1 as was proved beyond doubt by the finding of ,roman tiles 7used in the construction of their baths7 some years ago1 when the present baths were under repair4 ,although ,buxton is situated at so great an altitude1 the mean temperature for years past 7owing1 no doubt1 in a great measure1 to the taste displayed and forethought shown by the late ,mr4 ,heacock1 agent for many years to his ,grace the ,duke of ,devonshire1 in causing the surrounding hills to be well planted7 has averaged about #dd degrees ,fahr41 only a few degrees below that of some of the most frequented winter resorts in ,great ,britain4 ,such a temperature1 however1 may appear to some to militate against ,buxton as a health resort except during the summer months1 but it must be borne in mind that although the temperature may be said to be somewhat low 7a necessity of its altitude71 yet the atmosphere is especially pure and dry1 and1 like that of ,davos ,platz1 plays no inconsiderable part in conducing to the highly-sanitary condition of the neighbourhood4 ,the healthiness of the ,buxton district is borne out by the fact that the death-rate from zymotic disease is lower than that of most other localities in ,great ,britain1 and that the average annual death-rate from all forms of disease is only 7among the resident population7 #aj in #a1jjj4 ,the air being so pure and dry exerts a most bracing and tonic effect1 especially in cases where the system has become debilitated from any cause--anaemia1 chlorosis1 chronic liver and splenic disease1 many forms of bronchial asthma1 the first stage of tuberculosis of the lungs1 and tubercular degeneration of the mesenteric glands in childhood1 ,i have seen much benefitted by a short residence in the district4 ,to the closely-confined and overworked residents in towns the crispness and buoyancy of the atmosphere impart a feeling of lightness and exhilaration rarely experienced except in a highland district1 making mental and physical labour less irksome and life more enjoyable4 ,the water supply of ,buxton is abundant1 soft1 and free from impurities1 doubtless owing to its percolating through the great filter bed of sandstone to the north of the town1 and issues in numerous springs far above any source of contamination from the inhabitants in the valley below4 ,it has been stated 7and ,i think much to the prejudice of ,buxton7 that the rainfall of the ,high ,peak1 and especially of the ,buxton district1 is generally in excess of that of most of the other parts of ,great ,britain4 ,such an assertion is quite incorrect1 as may be ascertained by a careful examination of the rainfall of other localities2 although1 as in all hilly districts1 we must1 on account of the attraction of the hills1 expect a somewhat larger rainfall than on the plains4 ,the annual average fall in the neighbourhood of ,buxton amounts to about forty-nine inches1 which is much less than that of many localities both in the ,northern and ,midland ,counties4 ,even when there is an exceptionally heavy fall of rain the porous nature of the subsoil precludes the possibility of an accumulation of surface water to any great extent4 ,the following table shows the mean temperature and rainfall for #ahij and #ahia1 two years in which we have experienced a lower temperature and a greater rainfall than for some years past1 which1 ,i believe1 has been the experience of most other parts of ,britain during the same period3-- ,mean ,temperature4 ,rainfall4 #ahij4 #ahia4 #ahij4 #ahia4 ,deg4 ,deg4 inch4 inch4 ,january #cg4f #ca4g #f4ia #d4eh ,february #cc4a #ch4i 4#ide 4#fh ,march #dj4j #cf4j #d4iie #c4hie ,april #da4a #ch4i #a4fce #c4dj ,may #ej4b #de4h #c4ba #d4ice ,june #eb4d #ec4c #d4fhe #b4hgh ,july #ed4g #ef4c #d4gh #b4eb ,august #ee4b #ee4j #f4je #f4de ,september #ef4j #ed4d #a4dje #c4eje ,october #dg4b #df4j #d4bj #f4eie ,november #dj4j #ch4h #i4dee #d4ece ,december #bg4h #cg4h #a4c #h4gde ,mean temperature for #ahij #dd4f degrees2 mean temperature for #ahia #dd4d degrees4 ,rainfall for #ahij #di4gg;in42 rainfall for #ahia #eb4gah;in4 ,buxton being built in a valley inclining to the east1 and upon the slopes of the adjoining hills to the south1 west1 and north1 necessitates the convergence of its system of drainage into a main sewer1 which is carried through the heart of the town to its outskirts1 where the contents are discharged into tanks1 and purified by a chemical process submitted to the town authorities by ,dr4 ,thresh4 ,the natural incline upon which the town is built greatly facilitated the sewerage arrangements so ably planned and successfully carried out by the late ,sir ,robert ,rawlinson4 ,two lines of railway1 the ,london and ,north-,western and ,midland1 whose stations are situated adjoining each other to the east end of the town1 and between ,buxton and ,fairfield1 afford every facility of communication with all parts of ,great ,britain and ,ireland4 ,the station of the ,east to ,west ,railway now in process of formation will be in ,higher ,buxton1 and will doubtless prove of much convenience to residents in that neighbourhood4 ,visitors to ,buxton1 of all classes1 will find ample and suitable accommodation in the numerous hotels1 hydros1 boarding-houses1 and private apartments4 ,the ,buxton ,gardens' ,company's ,pavilion1 ,music ,hall1 and ,theatre 7where during the season the first artistes are engaged71 lawn tennis1 skating rink1 golf1 cricket1 and football clubs1 fishing1 shooting1 and hunting1 provide varied amusements for all tastes4 ,mail coaches and charabancs run daily 7,sundays excepted7 to either ,bakewell1 ,haddon1 ,chatsworth1 ,matlock1 ,castleton1 or ,dove ,dale1 during the season4 ,private conveyances1 riding and driving horses1 are procurable by those wishing to visit the numerous places of interest in the neighbourhood or ride to hounds4 ,buxton possesses some very handsome public and private buildings4 ,the ,crescent1 perhaps one of the finest structures of its kind in ,europe1 has a frontage of #djj;ft4 and a height of nearly #gj;ft41 and is massive and bold in design4 ,above it is surmounted by an open battlement1 which runs the whole of its length4 ,in its centre the ,devonshire coat of arms stands out in bold relief4 ,along the base of the building a wide open colonnade extends from one end to the other1 and is a great convenience in going to and from the ,baths and drinking fountain in wet weather1 or as a promenade4 ,it was originally intended for one hotel1 but is now divided into two4 ,in front is an open semicircular space1 extending to the foot of ,st4 ,ann's ,cliff1 an extensive piece of ground1 tastefully laid out in terraces and public walks1 some of which lead from terrace to terrace to the public drinking fountain at the base of the slope1 and others to the plateau above1 upon which stands the ,town ,hall1 a handsome and substantially-built structure1 recently erected1 containing public and private offices1 magisterial and assembly rooms1 museum1 free library1 reading-room1 c4 ,the ,devonshire ,hospital is a large octagonal building surmounted by a lofty dome1 and is situated at the foot of ,corbar ,hill1 being a conspicuous object from all parts of the town4 ,it was originally built for stabling in connection with the ,crescent ,hotel4 ,some years since the committee of the ,buxton ,bath ,charity1 being desirous of providing better accommodation for those seeking its aid1 succeeded1 mainly through the exertions of the late ,mr4 ,wilmot1 agent to his ,grace the ,duke of ,devonshire1 in obtaining the duke's sanction to its conversion to its present use4 ,the structural alterations necessitated an outlay of between #cj1jjj and #dj1jjj pounds1 towards which the committee of the ,lancashire ,cotton ,fund contributed #bd1jjj1 in consideration of a first claim to the occupancy of #aej beds1 the entire hospital accommodation being #cjj beds4 ,the dome covers an area of nearly half an acre1 and is said to be one of the largest in the world4 ,under its vast expanse between #e1jjj and #f1jjj people can assemble without overcrowding4 ,a perfect echo1 like that in the ,baptistry at ,pisa1 is heard slightly away from beneath its centre4 ,the hospital is open to the inspection of visitors from #aj a4m4 to #d p4m4 at a small charge1 which is appropriated for the purpose of purchasing books for the library1 a great boon to the crippled patients4 ,the ,palace ,hotel1 a large and imposing building1 stands within its own grounds1 beautifully situated and laid out1 close to the ,london and ,north-,western and ,midland ,railway stations4 ,being elevated considerably above the town1 a panoramic view of ,higher and ,lower ,buxton1 ,st4 ,ann's ,cliff1 ,broad ,walk1 the ,crescent1 and ,buxton ,gardens is obtained from its windows1 and in the distance ,axe ,edge1 #a1iej;ft41 ,harpur ,hill1 ,diamond ,hill 7so-called from the ,derbyshire diamond being found there71 ,solomon's ,temple1 and ,hindlow are in full view4 ,there are many other buildings worthy of notice1 amongst which ,i may mention the churches of ,st4 ,john and ,st4 ,james1 ,pavilion ,music ,hall1 ,theatre1 ,union ,club1 the ,buxton1 ,peak1 and ,haddon ,grove ,hydropathic ,establishments4 ,as the town is rapidly extending1 many very pretty villas have recently sprung up in the park and neighbourhood1 from whence are obtained the finest views of ,buxton and the surrounding hills4 ,buxton is well supplied with places of public worship1 ,st4 ,john's1 ,st4 ,james's1 ,st4 ,anne's1 and ,trinity1 belonging to the ,church of ,england2 ,hardwick ,street ,chapel1 ,congregationalists2 the ,park and ,market ,place ,chapels1 ,wesleyan ,methodists2 ,london ,road ,chapel1 ,primitive ,methodists2 ,st4 ,ann's ,chapel1 ,terrace ,road1 ,roman ,catholic2 and ,harrington ,road ,chapel1 ,unitarian4 ,the ,presbyterians hold services every ,sunday 7during the season7 in the ,town ,hall1 morning and evening4 ,the staple industry of ,buxton and the neighbourhood consists in the burning of limestone1 and the manufacture of inlaid marble vases1 tables1 c1 some of which are tastefully designed1 and form very elegant and beautiful ornamental decorations for the drawing-room1 c4 ,the naturalist1 the botanist1 and the geologist will find ,nature's hand-book1 spread wide open over the hills and dales of the ,peak1 for their inspection4 ,the archaeologist and the antiquarian may wander to the top of ,cowlow1 ,ladylow1 ,hindlow1 ,hucklow1 or ,grindlow1 and picture in imagination the savage and warlike aborigines of the ,high ,peak1 wending their way up the precipitous sides of the hill1 carrying their dead chieftain to his last resting-place on the mountain summit1 where1 placing him in a cyst1 made of rough unhewn stones1 they cover him up with earth1 leaving his spirit to find its way to the happy hunting-grounds of the unseen2 or watch the wild and barbarous rites performed by the ,druidical priest within the precincts of ,arbor ,low ,circle2 or contemplate the savage hordes of ,danes1 as they lie encamped on the slopes of ,priestcliff2 or follow the footsteps of a hardy cohort of ,rome's picked soldiers1 as it moves with steady precision through the ,high ,peak ,forest1 and ascends the rugged side of ,coomb's ,moss1 to pitch a camp on the spur of ,castle ,naze4 ,the antiquarian may take his stand upon ,mam-,tor1 the mother rock1 when the moon sheds her silvery light o'er ,loosehill ,mount1 and1 carrying his mind back into the past some #bcj years1 hear the bugle's note as it sweeps through the ,wynnats ,pass1 and is taken up by the ,peverel ,castle and transmitted onwards through the ,vale of ,hope1 calling the hardy dalesmen to their midnight rendezvous1 there to be instructed in the science of war1 so as to enable them to protect their homes and families against the marauding myrmidons of a cruel1 heartless1 and unreliable king2 or if the antiquarian seeketh a knowledge of the ,high ,peak folk-lore1 and feareth neither pixie or graymarie1 he can1 on a spring night1 just as the moon has entered her last quarter1 and the first note from the belfry of the chapel in the frith has proclaimed the arrival of midnight1 take his stand upon ,blentford's ,bluff and peer into the dark and sombre depths of ,kinder1 when he will hear the hooting of the barn owl on ,anna rocks1 the unearthly screech of the landrail as he ploughs his way through the unmown grass in search of his mate1 the scream of the curlew and chatter of the red grouse as they take their flight from peak to peak1 and see the fairy queen come forth from the mermaid's cave in a shimmering light1 followed by her maids1 who dance a quadrille to the music of the spheres1 and hear the wild blast of the hunter's horn heralding the approach of the ,gabriel hounds as they take their rapid course across the murky sky1 and become lost in the unfathomable depths beyond the ,scout4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,the ,,medicinal ,,waters ,,and ,,their ,,action4 ,physiological ,functions in ,healthy ,individuals--,performance of the ,physiological ,functions in ,health and ,disease--,action of ,oxygen upon the ,nitrogenous and ,non-nitrogenous ,compounds--,origin of ,calculi1 ,nodosities1 and ,tophi--,action of the ,thermal ,water upon the ,great ,emunctories--,chalybeate ,water when used as a ,douche1 or ,taken ,internally--,analyses of the ,waters--,selection of ,buxton by the ,romans--,first ,treatise upon the ,buxton ,spa1 written by ,dr4 ,jones in #aegb--,source and ,nature of the ,waters4 ,in a healthy individual1 where the physiological functions are performed with exactitude and regularity1 the elimination of the various effete matters1 the result of waste of tissue1 is uniform1 and easily carried off out of the system by the skin1 the kidneys1 lungs1 and bowels4 ,the nitrogenous components become oxidised1 and urea ultimately formed1 which being very soluble is freely excreted by the sudorific glands in the perspiration1 and by the kidneys in the urine4 ,the non-nitrogenous compounds are also changed by the action of oxygen into carbonic acid1 which is expelled from the system by the lungs4 ,if the natural functions are not perfectly and with regularity performed1 the balance of power must of necessity be lost1 and disease engendered4 ,the system then becomes charged with uric acid1 which has a strong affinity for certain bases in the human organism1 and forms salts either insoluble or only slightly so1 which are with difficulty eliminated either by the skin or kidneys1 and hence we have the formation of calculi in the bladder1 nodosities on the joints1 and tophi in the ears1 indicating the uric acid diathesis4 ,the action of the ,buxton nitrogenous thermal waters being solvent1 stimulant1 antacid1 chologoge1 diuretic1 diaphoretic1 and slightly purgative1 restores the balance of power1 not only by stimulating the gastric and hepatic organs to a correct performance of their normal functions1 thus in conjunction with a strictly regulated diet 7essential in all cases7 cutting off the very source of the materies morbi1 but also 7when there7 by eliminating it from the system by the great emunctories1 viz41 the skin1 kidneys1 lungs1 and bowels4 ,as the large proportion of invalid visitors to ,buxton consist of those suffering from the uric acid or gouty diathesis1 and rheumatism1 and seek relief from the excruciating pains and cripplement incident to such diseases1 the great attraction must of necessity be the medicinal waters1 of which there are two kinds--the cold chalybeate or iron spring1 and the natural thermal water4 ,of the former there are numerous springs in the neighbourhood of ,buxton1 but the only one now resorted to has been conveyed through pipes from a distance to a room adjoining the natural baths1 and is used with much benefit in many forms of uterine disease as a douche4 ,as such also it is prescribed in cases where the conjunctivae are in a relaxed condition1 consequent either upon rheumatic inflammation or local injuries4 ,it should on no account be applied to the eyes until the inflammatory action has entirely subsided4 ,when drunk1 one tumbler 7twice or thrice daily after meals7 may be taken by an adult with much advantage when suffering from anaemia1 chlorosis1 amenorrhoea1 dysmenorrhoea1 diabetes connected with the gouty diathesis1 chronic cystitis1 or general debility4 ,although it may be classed as a mild chalybeate1 ,i have frequently seen great benefit derived from its internal use 7partly1 no doubt1 owing to the presence of sulphate of lime71 especially in children of an undoubtedly strumous habit1 where glandular swellings presented themselves in the neck1 and the mesenteric glands were enlarged4 ,in such cases1 when taken regularly for some weeks 7half a tumbler thrice daily after meals71 the appetite returns1 the digestive functions are improved1 the glandular swellings subside1 and the whole system becomes reinvigorated1 so as to restore bloom to the cheek1 brilliancy to the eyes1 vigour to the limbs1 and the natural buoyancy of spirit to childhood4 ,according to ,dr4 ,l4 ,playfair's analysis in #aheb1 one gallon of the water was found to contain the following solid constituents3-- ,grains4 ,pro-carbonate of ,iron #a4jdd ,silica #a4afj ,sulphate of ,lime #b4dhc ,alumina trace ,sulphate of ,magnesia #j4dca ,carbonate of ,magnesia #j4cjc ,sulphate of ,potash #j4adg ,chloride of ,sodium #a4jed ,chloride of ,potassium #j4dej #g4jgb ,the thermal water1 as before stated1 arises from various fissures in the limestone rock1 upon which formation the greater part of the town of ,buxton is built4 ,the flow is uniform 7during the heat and drought of summer1 and the cold and frost of winter7 in volume1 about #adj gallons per minute1 in temperature #hb deg4 ,fahrenheit1 and in solid constituents4 ,according to the latest analysis1 made by ,dr4 ,thresh in #ahha1 the following results were obtained4 ,the mud which had settled around the mouths of the springs and floors of the tanks into which the water is conveyed consisted of-- ,grains4 ,oxide of ,manganese #hj4cb ,sulphate of ,barium1 ,sand1 c4 #a4jh ,lead ,oxide #j4ae ,copper ,oxide #j4jg ,molybdic ,acid #j4jb ,iron and ,aluminium ,oxide #a4cf ,cobalt ,oxide #j4cj ,zinc ,oxide #j4df ,barium ,oxide #j4gi ,calcium #e4ca ,strontium trace ,magnesium #c4ah ,carbon ,dioxide #c4bc ,phosphoric ,acid #j4ja ,water #c4ic #ajj4ba ,the following is the result of his analysis of the water3-- ,grains4 ,bicarbonate of ,calcium #ad4ja ,bicarbonate of ,magnesium #f4jb ,bicarbonate of ,iron #j4jc ,bicarbonate of ,manganese #j4jc ,sulphate of ,barium #j4je ,sulphate of ,calcium #j4bf ,sulphate of ,potassium #j4fb ,sulphate of ,sodium #j4hd ,nitrate of ,sodium #j4jc ,chloride of ,sodium #j4jb ,chloride of ,magnesium #j4ie ,chloride of ,ammonium trace ,silicic ,acid #j4ie ,organic ,matter #j4jb ,carbon ,dioxide #j4bj ,nitrogen #j4ai #bd4bb ,there were also traces of lead1 strontium1 lithium1 and phosphoric acid4 ,as the gas issued from the fissures in the limestone rock1 it was found to consist of #ii4bb grains of nitrogen1 #j4hh grain of carbonic acid1 and that held in solution in the water1 #f4a cubic inches nitrogen1 #d4a carbonic acid4 ,in comparing ,dr4 ,thresh's analysis with those previously made by ,drs4 ,pearson1 ,muspratt1 ,sir ,charles ,scudamore1 and ,sir ,lyon ,playfair1 it will be seen that a new constituent appears in the form of molybdinum1 which1 as mentioned above1 was detected in the mud deposit at the bottom of the tanks into which the water is conveyed1 as it issues directly from the springs4 ,in other respects the analyses differ but slightly1 nor does the efficacy of the water appear to have become less potent in alleviating or curing those diseases for which it is so deservedly celebrated4 ,the ,romans1 ever luxurious in their use of hot and tepid baths1 doubtless selected the ,buxton basin as a station1 not merely from a military point of view1 but on account of the thermal springs1 the curative effects of which they would readily discover by receiving fresh energy to their wearied bodies1 from the stimulating action of the water immediately upon taking a bath1 as well as relief from many diseases1 especially of a rheumatic character1 to which their life of hardship and exposure rendered them so liable4 ,from the ,roman period until about the year #aegb there is little or no recorded history of ,buxton4 ,about that time1 however1 a ,dr4 ,jones wrote a treatise on the ,buxton ,spa1 advocating its claims so forcibly to those afflicted with gout or rheumatism that ere long it became the resort of the elite in the fashionable world as well as the poor4 ,dr4 ,jones mentions in his very interesting treatise that in his time ,buxton was resorted to by large numbers of the poor and afflicted people from the surrounding districts4 ,the indigence and deplorable condition of some of these people were so extreme and their numbers so great that to supply their necessities the whole of the treasury of the bath fund was consumed1 part of which the people of the adjoining chapelry of ,fairfield claimed for the purpose of paying the stipend of their chaplain4 ,so great indeed became the grievance that they by petition sought the protection of ,queen ,elizabeth in the matter4 ,dr4 ,jones1 in his quaint and forcible way1 writes in reference to the treasury of the bath fund3 ,if any think this magisterial imposing on people's pockets let them consider their abilities and the sick poor's necessities1 and think whether they do not in idle pastimes throw away in vain twice as much yearly4 ,it may entail the blessings of them who are ready to perish upon you1 and will afford a pleasant after-reflection4 ,god has given you physic for nothing2 let the poor and afflicted 7it may be members of ,christ7 have a little of your money1 it may be better for your own health4 ,heaven might have put them in your room1 and you in theirs1 then a supply would have been acceptable to you4 ,as the thermal water issues from the various fissures in the limestone rock1 it is slightly alkaline1 bright1 sparkling1 of a blueish tint1 especially when collected in bulk1 and soft and rather insipid in taste4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,the ,,baths ,,and ,,mode ,,of ,,application4 ,kinds of ,baths--,natural and ,hot--,action of ,thermal ,water upon the ,skin--,natural ,baths--,swimming and ,plunge for ,males and ,females--,necessity of ,caution in their ,use--,importance of ,time and ,frequency in ,taking the ,baths--,directions ,during and ,after ,bathing--,most ,favourable ,time for ,taking ,warm or ,hot ,baths--,directions for the ,use of ,half1 ,three-quarters1 and ,full ,baths--,drowsiness after ,bathing--,massage1 ,when and ,how ,used--,when ,baths ,inadmissible--,hours for ,drinking the ,medicinal ,waters--,diseases in which the ,thermal ,water should ,not be ,drunk4 ,there are two kinds of baths1 viz41 the natural and hot4 ,the natural bath is so called because the water used in its formation is at the natural temperature1 as it issues from the perforations in the floor of the baths4 ,the stream being continuous and large in volume1 an overflow is provided at the top of each bath1 which not only secures constant change of water for the bathers1 with corresponding purity1 but much greater medicinal action upon the system4 ,the water renders the skin smooth and pliant1 probably on account of its alkaline character and the large amount of free nitrogen suspended in it4 ,its alkalinity also saponifies the fatty acids on the surface of the body1 cleanses and opens up the sudorific glands1 and thus assists the free absorption of the nitrogen into the system4 ,brisk rubbing of the skin 7whilst in the water7 with the hands promotes a similar result4 ,under the head of natural baths are included large swimming1 plunge1 or public baths for males and females1 also private ones fitted up with every modern comfort and convenience1 which are situated at the west-end of the ,crescent1 adjoining the pump-room or drinking fountain4 ,as the medicinal thermal water of ,buxton is admitted to be very powerful in its action upon the human system1 it is absolutely necessary that it should be used with the greatest care4 ,i have known many accidents and even deaths take place from the incautious use of the natural baths by persons wilfully or negligently taking it in a totally unfit state of health1 or by remaining in the water too long4 ,when used as a bath at the natural temperature1 the water is buoyant and emollient to the skin1 and produces a sense of exhilaration both to the body and mind of the bather4 ,but if indulged in too frequently or too long at one time1 this beneficial effect is entirely lost1 and instead of the glow of heat which ordinarily takes place directly after immersion1 the surface of the body becomes chilled and covered with what is commonly called goose skin1 a sense of oppression and discomfort ensues1 erratic pains are developed1 and the mind becomes greatly depressed4 ,the bath1 therefore1 should not be taken more than two or at most three days consecutively1 nor should the immersion extend beyond seven or eight minutes4 ,it is well for the bather to take gentle exercise prior to entering the bath1 in order that the surface of the body may not be chilled1 but rather in a glow upon immersion4 ,if after being in the water a few minutes a feeling of persistent chilliness ensues1 the bather should leave the bath1 get rubbed down with a hot rough towel1 dress as quickly as possible1 and then return home1 where he should remain until reaction is perfectly established4 ,when the natural bath is prescribed during the summer months1 viz41 from the commencement of ,june until the end of ,september or the first week in ,october1 to those capable of locomotion the best time for bathing is from #f to #h o'clock a4m41 but when incapable of walking from #aa a4m4 to #a p4m4 ,the bather should invariably 7when taking a natural bath7 lave the water over the face1 neck1 and chest1 prior to plunging into it1 and should not remain more than seven or eight minutes immersed1 the two last minutes being occupied in applying the douche to the parts specially indicated in the doctor's prescription4 ,when a longer time is indulged in1 frequently reaction does not take place1 but chilliness and discomfort ensue1 and the rheumatic pains are increased in severity rather than diminished4 ,energetic friction of the joints and surface of the body generally1 with the hands beneath the water1 should be resorted to1 and gentle rubbing through a hot towel immediately upon leaving the bath1 after which the bather should at once go to the drinking fountain and take the prescribed quantity of the thermal water4 ,instead1 however1 of at once returning home1 if possible1 a sharp brisk walk should be taken1 so as to secure a full action upon the skin and kidneys4 ,the bath may be taken between ten and one o'clock1 or four and six1 observing the same rules as to meals as given when speaking of the hot baths4 ,the latter hours would apply to all cases except the very mildest during the winter months4 ,the most favourable time for taking the warm or hot baths is between ten a4m4 and one p4m41 provided that breakfast is not taken later than nine1 and luncheon before half-past one1 it being of paramount importance that they should not be used either directly after or before a meal4 ,the hot baths may be taken either as half1 three-quarters1 or full baths1 according to the nature of the case and the condition of the bather4 ,in the first of these 7viz41 a half-bath71 which immerses the body no higher than the waist1 it is well to apply a towel wrung out of cold water to the head1 at the same time 7especially in the case of females7 wearing an oilskin bathing cap1 to prevent the hair from getting wet4 ,cold to the head is of signal advantage when there is persistent headache1 or a tendency of blood to that part4 ,in cases of acute sciatica1 congestion of the liver1 spleen1 and kidneys1 accompanied by a general sluggishness and torpidity of the portal circulation1 frequently very painfully indicated by internal or external hemorrhoids1 the hot sitz bath gives very speedy relief4 ,in a sitz or three-quarters bath the bather should1 immediately upon entering the water1 lave it over the face1 neck1 and chest4 ,after being in the bath five minutes1 two more should be devoted to the application of the douche1 first to the spine and then to the joints and other parts particularly affected1 with the exception of those inflamed and painful1 which should not be douched but gently rubbed with the hands beneath the surface of the water1 in order to promote free cutaneous circulation and absorption of the nitrogen gas through the skin4 ,after leaving a full hot bath the body should at once be enveloped in a warm sheet and friction applied over the whole surface4 ,dressing should be accomplished as rapidly as possible in order that a chill may be avoided1 and then the bather1 if able to walk 7if not1 in a bath chair71 should go to the drinking fountain at the west-end of the ,crescent1 where either a large or small tumbler of the thermal water 7as prescribed7 should be drunk1 and then return home1 where rest upon a sofa or bed should be taken for at least an hour1 the body being well covered with rugs1 c41 so as to promote1 as much as possible1 an action upon the skin and consequent elimination of the gouty and rheumatic poison through its pores by free perspiration4 ,frequently1 after taking one of the hot medicinal baths1 a feeling of drowsiness steals over the bather1 and it has been thought by some medical men that sleep should not be indulged in4 ,during a long experience in prescribing the medicinal baths of ,buxton #a have never observed any ill effects ensue from giving way to sleep1 and therefore allow my patients to follow their own inclination in the matter4 ,when the bather has been covered up for a quarter of an hour1 and the skin acts freely1 he or she may begin to throw off some of the wraps1 thus permitting the surface of the body to cool by degrees4 ,when a full hour has been accomplished1 the ordinary occupations and duties of the day may be resumed4 ,it is not advisable1 however1 to risk exposure in an open conveyance for at least three hours after taking a hot bath1 as might be done after using a natural one4 ,the massage bath may be used with most advantage between ten-thirty and twelve a4m41 and three and five p4m4 ,it is not advisable to take the massage bath within two hours after a meal1 or less than one before4 ,massage1 or kneading of the whole body1 is carried out in this bath after which a steam douche or a warm spray is turned upon the affected parts1 according to the nature of the case4 ,chronic rheumatic arthrites1 with painful and contracted muscles1 obstinate lumbago1 diaphragmatic1 intercostal1 periosteal1 and synovial rheumatism1 and sprains and injuries to joints1 are greatly benefited by the application of massage1 followed by the hot steam douche or warm spray4 ,much relief is obtained from the application of the douche 7first hot and then reduced to tepid or cold1 according to the nature of the case7 in subacute rheumatic arthritis1 long-standing sciatica1 facial neuralgia or tic douloureux1 intermittent headache1 spinal irritation1 chorea or ,st4 ,vitus' dance1 wrist drop 7from lead poison71 writers' cramp1 where there is the rheumatic diathesis1 and paralysis agitans1 c4 ,the ,buxton medicinal baths1 either at their natural temperature1 or when the water is artificially heated1 are1 on account of their powerful action upon the human system1 quite inadmissible in all cases where there is acute inflamation of any organ4 ,in extensive valvular disease of the heart1 especially when accompanied with regurgitation1 or advanced degeneracy of that organ1 atheromatous degeneration or aneurism of the larger arteries1 lung disease1 in an advanced stage1 especially when connected with the phthisical diathesis1 asthma1 or amphipneuma1 complicated with fatty degeneration or dilatation of the heart1 giddiness1 vertigo1 or sudden faintness consequent upon organic disease1 the baths should not be taken1 except locally1 and even then with the greatest caution4 ,when so used the affected parts may be sponged with the thermal water heated to the prescribed degree4 ,an ordinary compress soaked in the heated water may often be advantageously worn continuously over an inflamed joint1 congested liver1 inactive kidneys1 or irritable stomach4 ,when the thermal water is only prescribed1 the most favourable time for drinking it is from seven to eight and eleven to twelve a4m41 and from four to five p4m41 but when ordered to be taken in conjunction with the chalybeate1 the former should be taken in the morning and the latter in the afternoon4 ,it has been customary for some medical men to prescribe the two waters mixed together4 ,my own experience leads me to think that such a mode of using them 7in a great measure7 destroys the efficacy of the thermal by reducing its temperature1 and driving off one of its most active and essential constituents1 viz41 the nitrogen gas4 ,the water can be drunk with safety in most cases1 but there are some in which it is as inadmissible as the use of the baths4 ,in acute cystitis1 advanced stage of ,bright's disease1 certain forms of dyspepsia1 irritation in the urinary passages1 either in the male or female1 drinking the thermal water should not be resorted to4 ,the mucous membrane under its influence becomes more irritable1 and where the urinary passages are specially involved1 the impulsive efforts to void urine are extremely painful and distressing1 the urine being reduced to mere driblets1 and sometimes even to complete retention4 ,constant sickness1 either arising from mucous inflammation or ulcer of the stomach1 contra--indicate the use of the thermal water4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,diseases ,,in ,,which ,,the ,,waters ,,are ,,useful4 ,acute ,gout and ,rheumatism--,chronic ,gout and ,rheumatism--,chorea--,paralysis ,agitans--,many ,forms of ,paralysis--,muscular ,atrophy consequent upon the ,gouty ,diathesis--,loco ,motor ,ataxia--,syphilis--,local ,injuries--,neuralgia--,sciatica1 ,lumbago1 c4--,number of ,baths ,constituting a ,course--,length of ,residence ,required--,action of ,water upon ,acute and ,chronic ,disease--,extract from ,devonshire ,hospital ,report--,inference4 ,the following are amongst the principal diseases for the relief of which the ,buxton medicinal thermal water is deservedly celebrated3 ,acute gout and rheumatism 7in neither of which can the baths be taken with advantage until the acute or inflammatory stage has subsided71 the water may be used locally1 either by sponging or wearing a compress over the affected parts1 and also internally1 two or even three quarts1 being drunk in the twenty-four hours4 ,in the acute stage of gout or rheumatic fever1 when the water is drunk in large quantity daily1 profuse perspiration of a critical nature takes place about the sixth day1 and is usually succeeded in twenty-four hours by a measly eruption over the whole surface of the body and extremities1 quickly followed by a total subsidence of all the acute symptoms1 leaving the patient free from pain and on the high road to convalescence4 ,under its influence the urine becomes copious1 the muddy brickdust deposit disappears1 and the normal specific gravity and action upon litmus paper is restored4 ,the sudorific glands over the whole cutaneous surface receive a fresh stimulus1 thus assisting to eliminate the materies morbi1 and making the skin cool and moist1 which prior to drinking the water was dry1 hot1 and parched4 ,a direct action upon the liver is also obtained1 as indicated by the relaxed condition of the bowels1 and the perceptible increase of bile in the motions4 ,such being the action of the ,buxton thermal water1 it will be readily understood how the distressing and excruciating pains of an attack of acute gout or rheumatism are so quickly relieved1 and the sufferer restored to comparative comfort4 ,chronic gout and rheumatism3 ,these diseases are much more common than the acute forms1 and are greatly benefited both by the use of the baths and drinking of the water4 ,in such cases the baths may be prescribed either hot or natural1 according to the nature and character of the complaint1 and may be taken each day1 every other day1 or even two or three days consecutively4 ,the temperature1 frequency1 time of immersion1 and amount of water to be drunk after bathing1 are usually given by the medical adviser in his prescription4 ,the above remarks apply equally to the various forms of chronic rheumatism1 chorea1 paralysis agitans1 infantile paralysis1 hysterical paralysis1 mercurial and lead poisoning1 muscular atrophy2 rigid atrophy1 consequent upon the rheumatic diathesis2 locomotor ataxia1 as a result of rheumatism2 syphilis1 or local injury2 cranial1 facial1 and intercostal neuralgia2 sciatica1 lumbago1 and their allied affections1 especially of a neurotic nature4 ,the number of baths which constitute a course are usually reckoned at from #ae to #ag1 which necessitates a residence in ,buxton of about one month1 provided they can be steadily and uninterruptedly continued throughout that period4 ,if1 however1 the course has to be discontinued on account of the supervention of acute symptoms 7not an unfrequent occurrence7 a longer residence is required4 ,some persons 7though all goes on regularly7 require more and some less1 according to the age1 strength1 and constitution of the bather and nature of the case4 ,as a rule1 experience teaches that the younger the individual1 and the more recent and acute the disease1 the fewer number of baths will be requisite to give permanent relief1 the full effects of the medicinal water being obtained more rapidly1 and the ultimate result being more satisfactory4 ,this1 however1 need not be a discouragement to those advanced in life1 whose misfortune it has been to suffer from repeated attacks of gout or rheumatism1 as may be gathered from a perusal of the annual report of the ,devonshire ,hospital1 an institution mainly for the reception of patients of all ages1 suffering from the gouty and rheumatic diatheses4 ,subjoined ,i give an extract from the medical report of the ,hospital1 which clearly indicates the nature and character of those diseases specially benefited by the use of the ,buxton thermal water4 ,according to the report1 #b1cea patients were admitted under treatment during #ahia1 #b1bbb suffering from gout rheumatism or some of the allied affections1 and #abi unconnected with either diatheses4 ,the following types of disease1 as connected with the two diatheses1 are included in the #b1cea3-- ,,diseases ,,of ,,the ,,locomotory ,,system4 ,rheumatism #acbb ,specific ,rheumatism #e ,podagra #ea ,rheumatic ,arthritis #eej ,synovitis #b ,chronic ,periostitis #a ,sciatica #aig ,lumbago #ae ,sciatica and ,lumbago #ad ,neuralgia #aj ,peripheral ,neuritis #c ,poliomyelitis ,anterior ,chronica #a ,lateral ,sclerosis #g ,progressive ,muscular ,atrophy #a ,pseudo1 ,hypertrophic ,muscular ,paralysis #a ,locomotor ,ataxia #ae ,multiple ,sclerosis #a ,chronic ,myelitis #a ,hemiplegia #h ,chorea #aj ,paralysis ,agitans #a ,lead ,poisoning #aj #bbbb ,i find that during thirty-two years1 the ,devonshire ,hospital1 which contains #cjj beds1 has admitted between fifty-two and fifty-three thousand patients1 suffering principally from the various forms of gout rheumatism and those diseases which are allied to them4 ,out of this vast number were returned only #f1gec1 having obtained no relief1 which may be accounted for by the fact that most of these latter were labouring under affections unconnected with either gout or rheumatism4 ,these figures will1 ,i think1 be admitted as conclusive evidence of the medicinal efficacy of the ,buxton ,spa in relieving suffering humanity from some of the most painful and intractable forms of disease to which high and low1 rich and poor1 are alike amenable4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,john ,,heywood1 ,excelsior ,printing and ,bookbinding ,works1 ,manchester4