The springs of which there are three rise at the foot of a small mountain, about a quarter of a league from the town.
The accommodations for visitors are of a superior description, the surrounding country exceedingly picturesque, and the air salubrious.
According to the analysis of M. le docteur Joslé, the waters contain a large proportion of sulphureted Hydrogen gas, Sulphate of Lime, Carbonate of Lime, Muriate of Soda, and Carbonate of Magnesia.
They are recommended for their utility in rheumatism, scrofula, chronic affections of the abdominal viscera, leucorrhœa, chlorosis, but more particularly in diseases of the skin.
Dr Johnson observes that the French and Germans are universally imbued with the doctrine that the repression of a certain malady which has got the musical sobriquet of (Scotch-Fiddle) is the cause of half the evils which flesh is heir to. On this account the continental folks have a great longing (or rather a violent itching) for sulphureous waters, and hence the slightest odour of sulphureted hydrogen gas in a newly discovered spring is considered a real treasure, and in the old ones it is sure to preserve a reputation for endless ages!
The sulphureous and alkaline properties of the waters of Roche-Posay may enable them to resolve obstructions, and free the functions of the skin, kidneys, and other secreting organs, to correct morbid bile as well as acidities, thus proving mildly aperient. Much benefit may also be expected to result from their use in cutaneous complaints.
The waters are drank at their source by the glass, the dose is from eight ounces to two pints; and some persons take them mixed with the wine drank during their repast.
ENGHIEN-LES-BAINS.
This village four leagues north of Paris is situated in a district remarkable for its beautiful scenery on the banks of the lake of St. Gratien, between the heights of Montmorency and the wood of St. Gratien.
The sulphureous spring to which it owes its celebrity as a bathing place, was discovered in 1766, by Pere Cotte, the learned rector of Montmorency.