ANALYSES 
OF THE 
AX)SW WA9BBI 
OF THE 
l|i ■t|p: ip ” 
BY 
ipirozh1. cr. w. mallet. 
Of the University of Virginia, 
AND 
Report of their Medical Value 
BY 
DR EC. IR. ISTOE32!* 
Of Baltimore, Md. 
CHARLOTTJSSYILE, VA.: 
CHRONICLE STEAM PRINTING HOUSE. 
1875. j-o^iD^.isr 
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VA. 
RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS 
Of five specimens of Alum Water from Jordan Alum 
Springs, Rockbridge County, Va., by Prof. J. W. Mal- 
let, University of Virginia. 
Of the six basins or pools of alum water (numbered from 
left to right along the base of the cliff of shale) the contents 
of five were selected for complete examination, it having- 
been ascertained that the water in No. 1 was of the same 
general character as the rest, but weaker. 
The quantity of water is quite large, the pools holding 
many barrels each, and being found well filled up when the 
specimens for analysis were collected, on May 22nd, 1875, 
after a period of several weeks of dry weather broken by but 
one very light shower. 
The temperature of the air in the shade was on the day 
named 
81°.2 F. at 9 A. M. 
84°.7 F. at 10 A. M. 
83.°6 F. at 11 A. M 
86°.5 F. at 3P. M. 
The temperature of the water in the various basins was, 
on the same dav: 
No. 2 
No. 3 
No. 4 
No. 5 
No. 6 
At 9 A.M. 
At 11£ A.M. 
55°.8 
56°.4 
5 7°. 5 
58° 
58°.6 
59®,2 
58°.8 
59° 
56°.2 
56°.5 
These figures are all above, and to a variable extent 
above, the mean annual temperature of the locality, showing 
the effect of surface exposure. Jordan Alum Springs, Rockbridge County, Va. 
3 
The water was in all cases clear and colorless, without 
smell, but having a more or less strong astringent and acid 
taste. The taste was decidedly most marked in the case of 
No. 4, and least so in Nos. 2 and 3. The water reddened 
litmus immediately, the color being deepest in Nos. 5 and 6, 
least in No. 3. Tincture of Galls, potassium fero-cyanide 
and ferrid-cyanide, and barium chloride gave precipitates in 
all cases, but of different amount—largest in No. 4. A visi- 
ble deposit of copper upon a sewing needle was obtained in 
half an hour from No. 4. 
The quantity of iron present as a ferrous salt was deti r- 
mined on the spot. 
No gas is given oft* in bubbles, but the gases in solution 
were collected and examined. 
The sediment in the pools, aside from mere earthy and 
sandy matter mechanically washed down, consists essentially 
of basic ferric sulphate. 
The specific gravity of the water from the several basins 
was found to be 
No. 2 
No. 3 
No. 4 
No. 5 
No. 6 
at 
60° 
F. 
1.000473 
1.000380 
1.002477 
1.001125 
1.001176 
The following are the results of analysis. With a view 
to easy comparison with the valuable analyses by Col. M. 11. 
Hardin,* at the Virginia Military Institute, of the waters 
from the adjoining property, known as the “ Rockbridge 
Alum Springs,” the statement is made upon the basis of the 
“wine gallon,” of 231 cubic inches, instead of the “imperial 
o-allon” of 277.276 cubic inches, and the same assumptions 
o L 
are made as by Prof. Hardin as to distribukon of acid and 
basic ingredients, about which in fact there can be little 
question in reference to these waters—containing, as they do, 
almost exclusively sulphates. The order in which the con- 
stituents are mentioned has been altered somewhat, so as to 
name the more abundant substances first: 4 
Jordan Alum Springs, Rockbridge County, I’d. 
' No. 2 
No. 3 
l 
1 £ 
1 * 
No. 5 
No. 6 
Aluminum sulphate 
11.2035 
6.8791 
81.0528 
26.1115 
27.8462 
Iron persulphate (ferric sulphate,).. 
1.4327 
1.8441 
5.1710 
2.4288 
2.8733 
Iron proto-sul. (ferrous sulphate,)... 
.2031 
.2256 
.5167 
.2243 
.3150 
2.066G 
2.1408 
4.8425 
1.0232 
7-9016 
•5679 
5.3201 
.5328 
Manganese sulphate 
.1236 
.3074 
Nickel sulphate 
.0983 
.1265 
.4638 
.2641 
.4077 
Cobalt sulphate 
.0762 
.0925 
.3141 
.3108 
.3064 
Zinc sulphate 
.0684 
.0307 
.6078 
.2143 
.2819 
Cadmium sulphate 
trace 
trace 
.0321 
trace 
.0045 
Copper sulphate 
.1238 
.1116 
6.0752 
2.3247 
3.1042 
Calcium sulphate 
.3201 
.2874 
3,3079 
3 0081 
1.8420 
Magnesium sulphate 
3.1453 
2.6517 
9.2241 
5.3647 
8.2133 
Potassium sulphate 
.3217 
.2468 
.2712 
.3025 
.3256 
Sodium sulphate 
.2450 
.1868 
.2322 
.3218 
2414 
Lithium sulphate 
.0024 
.0056 
.0172 
.0108 
.0097 
Sodium chloride 
.0084 
.0072 
.0823 
.0631 
.0406 
Calcium fluoride 
trace 
trace 
trace 
trace 
trace 
Calcium phosphate (tribasic) 
.0027 
.0036 
.0138 
.0084 
.0079 
Silica 
2.0043 
2.7961 
3.0275 
3.3036 
3.4166 
1 < 100 
Total 
21.5361 
17 9435 
116.2754 
52.7310 
55 0892 
Grains in one wine gallon. 
The gaseous contents of the water were found to be : 
No. 2 
No. 3 
No 4 
No. 5 
No. 6 
Carbon dioxide 
11.22 
11.30 
10.38 
9.91 
11.08 
Nitrogen 
3.76 
3.62 
3 19 
3.33 
4.04 
Oxygen 
1.33 
1.27 
1.11 
1.35 
1.62 
Total 
16.31 
16.28 
14.68 
14.59 
16.74 
Cubic Inches in one wine gallon. 
While the constituents of these waters tire essentially 
i lentical with those of the adjoining “ Rockbridge Alum 
Springs,” and the variation in proportions observable tit both 
places under varying conditions as to rain, Ac., renders any 
minute discussion of results of little value, it may bo noted 
in general terms that we have represented above alum water 
of three very different degrees of concentration—No. 4 being 
much the strongest, Nos. 5 and 6 of intermediate strength, 
and Nos. 2 and 3 weakest. Individual points of distinction 
are also observable, such as the larger relative amount of 
magnesium in No. 6, and of free sulphuric acid in No 5. 
* To whom, is due the discovery of the presence In these waters of so many 
sulphates of the less common heavy metals. To the list of these sulphates the 
present investigation shows that that of cadmium must be added. Jordan Alum Springs, Rockbridge County, Va. 
5 
The very considerable quantity of copper present can 
hardly be without therapeutic significance, although this, as 
well as other constituents, is doubtless subject to variation in 
amount at different times, since a sample of the strongest 
water from the “ Rockbridge Alum Springs ” taken on the 
same day with above specimens, also gave a distinct metallic 
deposit upon a sewing needle in half an hour, though the 
specimen formerly analyzed by Prof. Hardin contained but 
little cupric sulphate. The occurrence of a not inconsidera- 
ble portion of the iron as ferrous sulphate, while most of the 
analyses of Professor Hardin show ferric sulphate only, is no 
doubt due to the specimens examined by him having been 
sent to him at a distance, while the results here given were 
obtained upon the spot. In the dissolved gasses the occur- 
rence of oxygen (derived from the atmosphere) in less than 
normal proportion to nitrogen, (namely, 1: 2 when in solu- 
tion in water,) obviously arises from the oxidation of pyrites, 
whence the sulphates are produced. 
J. W. Mallet. 
On the Medical Value of the Waters of the Jordan Alum, 
Springs, by Du. H. R. Noel, of Baltimore, Md., for 
REPORT 
six years Resident Physician at the Rockbridge Alum 
Springs {Frazier's). 
In the Bulletin of date July .17 was published for the 
first time an analyses of the waters of six springs recently 
opened at the Summer resort known as the Jordan Rock- 
bridge Alum. The analysis were made by an eminent che- 
mist, Professor J. W. Mallet, of the University of Virginia, 
and are therefore beyond all question or criticism ; but the 
results given are so very different from those of the analyses 
of other alum springs that they deserve a most careful con- 
sideration and study by the medical profession. 
[From Baltimore Bulletin, August 7th.] 6 
Jordan Alum Springs, Rockbridge County, 'Va. 
The constituents are nearly identical with those of the 
old Rockbridge Alum, but the amount of solid element per 
gallon in one of the new springs is more than double and 
contains an unusual element in a very large quantity—viz.: 
the sulphate of copper, 6 grains to the gallon. There is also 
a large quantity of free sulphuric acid, which acid is only 
found in this free condition in the various alum springs of 
Virginia, Oak Orchard Acid Springs, New York, and the 
Tuscarora Acid Springs, Canada. In these springs, and very 
markedly in No. 4, is found manganese, a substance rarely 
seen in the analyses of mineral waters. The comparative 
strength and true value of each spring can only be obtained 
by a careful examination of the analyses of Prof. Mallet. 
It will be seen that Nos. 2 and 3 are the weakest, and, in 
fact, correspond very closely with springs Nos. 2 and 4 of 
the old Alum near by—or the old Rockbridge Alum ; while 
Nos. 4, 5 and 0 aim rich in alum, iron, copper, Ac. From 
the well-known medicinal action of the waters of the old 
Rockbridge Alum Springs, wo can readily assign to Nos. 2 
and 3 of the Jordan Alum their proper position, and can 
also say that they may be used with safety in comparatively 
large quantities, from one-quarter to one-half of a goblet full 
four or six times a day by persons just arriving at the springs. 
They contain enough of alum, iron, magnesia, potash 
and soda to act as an excellent tonic, alterative and astrin- 
gent. No. 3, containing the smallest pi ©portion of alum, 
would be best suited to those cases where the astringent ac- 
tion was not desired, but only the tonic and alterative action 
of the iron, soda, potash, magnesia, Ac. 
In large doses, that is, from two-thirds to a glassful, once 
or twice before breakfast, No. 3 would act as a cathartic and 
the effect would be intensified by the addition of a few grains 
of table salt, or ordinary soda. In small amounts, that is, 
from one to two wineglassfuls, it would, if repeated every 
few hours, act as a good diuretic, and would be the spring 
best adapted to the relief of inactivity of kidneys, Ac. Jordan Alum Springs, Rockbridge County, Va. 
7 
No. 2 is more powerful, and would be in small doses an 
astringent and tonic; it would be of service in chronic ca- 
tarrhs of the stomach, intestines, bronchial tubes, Ac.; in 
chronic diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, chronic bronchitis, and 
in scrofulous affections its action would be that of an altera- 
tive and a gradual and progressive improvement be produced. 
In the moist eruptions of children, and chronic affections of 
the eyelids, the two springs would be specially applicable. 
In debility, anaemia, acid dyspepsia, and a general want of 
tone in the system, these waters would furnish the proper 
medicinal elements for improving the strength and enriching 
the blood. 
“A pale, flabby, broad and teeth indented tongue, indi- 
cates almost always the need of large doses of the astringent 
preparations of iron.” “Owing to the astringency of iron 
salts, it is a useful practice to combine with each dose some 
mild laxative, as a few grains to half a drachm of sulphate 
of magnesia, soda, or potash. Some consider that the laxa- 
tive markedly promotes the absorption of the iron.” (Ringer’s 
Therapeutics) 
This being true, it is easily seen why these waters should 
be so admirably adapted to the condition of anaemia and 
debility, so often seen in young girls and in women broken 
down by nursing, &c., since they are not only astringent but 
contain with the iron, the magnesia, soda and potash which 
Ringer thinks promotes absorption of the iron. 
In all affections of the stomach and intestines, where direct 
astringent action upon mucous membrane is desired, these 
waters should bo taken fasting ; in other affections, especi- 
ally of distant organs, wheie alterative action is indicated, 
they should be taken after meals, for their absorption is 
greatly increased by intimate admixture with food during 
digestion. In cases of ancemia, thin blood, they should be 
taken before and after meals, but chiefly after. In many 
cases of gouty troubles, these waters exert a most remarka- 
ble influence, and patients improve with astonishing rapidity, 
due apparently to the improvement of the digestion and to 8 
Jordan Alum Springs, Rockbridge County, Va. 
the action of the magnesia, soda and potash upon the liver 
and kidneys. 
In regard to springs Nos. -I, 5 and (3, the immense amount 
of alum, iron and copper precludes their use, save by the 
special direction of a physician fully cognizant of the condi- 
tion of the patient. These waters are indeed medicines, and 
ns such must be administered under the care of an experi- 
enced hand. They cannot be taken by the half or even 
quarter of a glassful; so powerfully astringent are they and 
so much copper do they contain that a half a tumbler would 
in most persons produce at once nausea, if not vomiting; 
but in chronic ulcers of the stomach and ulceration of the 
bowels, such as so often found in long continued cases of 
diarrhoea and dysentery, they give excellent results. In the 
exhausting diarrhoea of consumption, where there is tubercu- 
lar ulceration of the bowels and watery and mucous dis- 
charges, they are among the best of medicines. In chronic, 
nasal catarrh, used with a nasal douche, their local action 
upon the membrane of the nose is in most cases extremely 
gratifying. The secretion lessens, the pain gradually sub- 
sides, and in a few weeks the patient is much relieved, if not 
cured. 
In sore throat of the variety known as the clergyman’s 
sore throat, i. e., chronic pharyngitis, it is found that No. 4 
gives an efficient gargle, and relieves to a great extent the 
congestion and inflammation. In chronic bronchitis it can 
be used as a local application, by means of a spray apparatus, 
or atomizer, and gives good results. 
The action of these waters, both locally and upon the 
constitution, generally requires time, and, therefore, those 
using them must decide to persevere for weeks in their use 
if they desire permanent results. 
To what extent Nos. 4, 5 and 6, with their large percen- 
tage of copper, iron, &c., may yet be applied in practice 
remains to be seen, and their application to other diseases 
must be the cautious investigatipn of the resident physician 
of the Springs. Certainly he has under his administration 
one of the most powerful mineral waters of the United 
States ; the determining of its full therapeutic value will be 
a most valuable acquisition to medical science. 
H. R. Noel.