Temperature of the Spring, 54° Fahr.
Gaseous contents in an imperial gallon.
| Sulphuretted hydrogen, | 4.54 | cubic | inches. |
| Carbonic acid, | 8.75 | " | " |
| Nitrogen, | 4.25 | " | " |
"Solid contents of 32 cubic inches of water, grains 1.25, consisting of sulphate of soda, lime and magnesia, carbonate of lime, and muriate of soda. Besides these ingredients the water contains, in considerable quantity, a peculiar organic substance which, mingled with sulphur, is deposited on the sides of the spring, and seems to increase by a species of organic growth.
"The Red Sulphur water is decidedly sedative in its effects. It subdues chronic inflammation, tranquillizes irritation, and reduces the frequency of the pulse in the most astonishing manner.
"It is not uncommon for persons to arrive at the spring, who have not been able to sleep during the night, even with the aid of opium, and who, after drinking the water for a few days, find their nervous irritation so soothed and allayed, that no other anodyne is required to procure them full repose for the night.
"This water has been considered peculiarly adapted to the cure of pulmonary diseases, and it is true that it has a most beneficial influence in most cases of this disease; but its good effects equally extend to all cases of subacute inflammation, whether seated in the stomach, liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys, or bladder, and most particularly in the mucous membrane. In fact, nature never yet gave to man a remedy capable of more extensive application, nor better calculated to relieve a larger class of diseases.
"The late venerable Dr. R. H. Bradford, of Virginia, who practised medicine for many years at the Red Sulphur, in a communication on the subject of the water, remarks—'The effect of this water in reducing the frequency of the pulse, is one of the numerous, singular, and powerful properties belonging to it. It lessens arterial action to such a degree, that it seldom fails to remove fever, difficulty of breathing, and pain in the chest. When the patient is restricted to a proper regimen, this water may be taken with greater advantage in all pulmonary cases, than any other remedy I have ever employed for that purpose. It is also an important remedy in enlarged liver and spleen, and in diseases of the mucous membrane generally.'
"The water of the Red Sulphur seems to act by soothing irritation, lessening the frequency of the pulse, and by subduing the inflammation of the tissues in contact with the tubercles, and thereby rendering the tubercles harmless; and also by suspending that tendency of the system to generate or deposit tuberculous matter.
"The Red Sulphur water may be used with the most decided benefit in obstinate cases of bowel complaint, gleet, leucorrhœa, catarrh of the bladder, and uterine derangement."