The town of Bourbon-Lancy is placed on the side of a hill, and constitutes a striking feature in a beautiful landscape. The air is extremely salubrious, and the place has long been remarkable for its freedom from epidemics.
It abounds in the comforts and luxuries of life, and commodious accommodations are provided for visitors, near the Baths.
The Bread made here is said to be of a very superior quality, which the inhabitants attribute to its being kneaded with the mineral waters.
Numerous kinds of excellent fish are furnished by the Loire.
The mineral waters of Bourbon-Lancy have apparently one common source but appear at the surface of the earth in seven distinct springs. The 1st is called le Lymbe, from its great heat, as much as 135° Fah. 2nd The Fontaine de Saint-Léger temperature 100° Fah. 3rd The Fontaine de la Reine temp: 108° Fah. 4th The Fontaine des Ecures, which take its name from the person who discovered the spring in 1600. temp: 140° Fah. 5th The Bain Royal, temp: 104° Fah.
Mr Jacquemont's analysis of these waters exhibits the presence of Carbonic Acid, and Muriate of Soda in excess, also the Sulphate of Soda, Carbonate of Lime, Oxide of Iron and Silex.
It is to be regretted that a more minute analysis of the waters has not been effected, for their continual boiling, and the saline efflorescence which forms upon the sides of the pipes, would seem to indicate the prevalence of fixed and volatile principles, the proportions of which it would be important to demonstrate.
Their heat and stimulating qualities peculiarly adapt them for the cure of obstinate chronic rheumatism, diseases of the lymphatics, chlorosis, incipient disorganization of the stomach, bowels, and other abdominal viscera. They have also been found highly beneficial in old gun shot wounds.
The Bourbon waters are administered in different doses, according to the constitution of the patient, and the nature of the disease, it is usual to take several glasses in the morning at intervals of a quarter of an hour.
The Baths varying in temperature from 90° to 104° Fah. are the most commonly used, and with the greatest success. But the most active baths are those varying from 113° to 122° Fah. but they require great caution in their administration.