Its mineral waters, which have their source in the pleasant valley of Bray, were celebrated as far back as the time of Louis 13th who with the cardinal Richelieu, derived signal benefit from their use.
There are three springs called the Reinette, the Royale, and the Cardinale.
M. Robert who analyzed these waters demonstrates that they contain in different proportions, according to their source, Carbonic Acid, Carbonate of Lime, Carbonate of Iron, Muriate of Soda, Sulphate of Lime, Muriate of Magnesia, Sulphate of Magnesia, and Silex.
The waters are under the superintendance of a physician. They are an excellent tonic, and administered in leucorrhœa, dropsy, engorgements of the abdominal organs, paralysis, and sterility.
We think this water might be prescribed with much advantage in all cases of pure debility, unattended with fever or local inflammation; and in leucoplegmatic constitutions; the pallid female affected with complaints peculiar to her sex, may reasonably anticipate the glow of health, and a return of bodily strength to result from a proper course of these waters.
General preference is given to the Reinette spring, but when it is desired to produce a more powerful effect upon the system, as in paralysis, the Cardinale is recommended, and which must be commenced with by taking one glass only. The season for taking these waters is from July to the middle of September.
SULPHUREOUS WATERS,
LA ROCHE-POSAY.
These mineral waters are situated in the department of the Vienne, five leagues from Châtellerault, nine from Poitiers and sixty-six from Paris.