Hot Spr IN GS, 
BATH COUNTY, VIRGINIA, 
WITH SOMI ACCOCKT OF THIIR 
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES, 
AND 
AN ANALYSIS OF THE WATEliS, 
WITH 
CASES OF CURE 
OODT, RHEUMATISM, DISEASES OK THE LIVER, PARALYSIS, NEURALGIA, 
CHRONIC DIARRHCEA, ENLARGED GLANDS, OLD INJURIES, 
DEAFNESS, Etc., Etc., Etc. 
S. C. TARDY, 
T. R. PRICE A Co., 
Owners, 
Richmond, Va. 
RICHMOND: 
CLEMMITT & JONES, PRINTERS. 
1870. Hot Springs, 
BATH COUNTY, VIRGINIA, 
WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF THEIR 
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES, 
AND 
AN ANALYSIS OF THE WATERS, 
WITH 
CASES OF CURE 
or 
GOUT, RHEUMATISM, DISEASES OF THE LIVER, PARALYSIS, NEURALGIA, 
CHRONIC DIAKRIKEA, ENLARGED GLANDS, OLD INJURIES, 
DEAFNESS, Etc., Etc., Etc. 
RICHMOND: 
CLEMMITT & JONES, PRINTERS, 
1870. HOT SPRINGS, 
Bath County, Ya. 
Prof. J. L. CABELL, M. D. 
Of the University of Virginia, 
Resident Physician. 
J. A. McCLUNGr, 
Manager. TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
PAGE 
Location and Scenery 5- 9 
Description of the Baths and Analysis of the Waters 9-13 
Hygienic Effects of Natural Thermal Baths.. 14-18 
Beneficial Effects of the Thermal Baths at the Hot Springs as a 
preparation for the internal use of other mineral waters 18-19 
PART I. 
PART II. 
On the therapeutical applications of Hot and Warm Mineral 
Baths. 
Enumeratiou of leading authorities 20-22 
I.—Diseases of Digestive Canal, treated by thermal baths... 22 
II.—Diseases of the Liver 23-24 
III. —Diseases of the Kidneys and Bladder 24-26 
IV. —Diseases of the Nervous System 27-29 
(1) Paralysis 27-28 
(2) Spinal Irritation 29 
(3) Neuralgia 29 
V.—Uterine Disorders 29-32 
VI.—General Diseases 32 
(1) Chronic Skin Diseases 32 
(2) Rheumatism and Gout 32 
(3) Scrofulous Affections 33 
VII.—Surgical Diseases and Old Injuries 34 
VIII.—Miscellaneous Casos 35 
On the "Reaction Fever" caused by hot bathing* 35 
Advice to Chronic invalids 37 
PART III. 
Certificates of Cure, and Letters on the therapeutical value of the Waters 
■of the Hot Springs. 
General Certificates of Physicians 39-45 
Certificates of Special Cases of Cure from the use of the 
Hot Springs Baths 46 HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
I. All.—Diseases of Digestive Canal and Liver 46-63 
III. —Diseases of the Kidney and Bladder 64 
IV. —Diseases of the Nervous System 67 
(1) Paralysis 67-72 
(2) Spinal Irritation 72-73 
(3) Neuralgia 74 
VI—(2). Rheumatism and Chronic Gout 75-79 
VII.— Old Injuries 90-91 
VIII.— Miscellaneous Cases 92 
(1) Deafness 92-93 
(2) Loss of Voice, 93 
(3) Carbuncular Diathesis 94 
(4) Indolent Swelling 95 THE IIOT SPRINGS, 
BATH COUNTY, VIRGINIA. 
Fart X. 
LOCATION AND SCENERY—ANALYSIS OF THE MINERAL 
WATERS—HYGIENIC EFFECTS OF THERMAL 
BATHS, Ac., Ac., Ac. 
This celebrated watering place (one of the great natural 
curiosities of the State) is situated in the “ Warm Springs 
Valley,” twenty miles from Millboro, and eighteen from Cov- 
ington, on the Chesapeake and Ohio (late Virginia Central) 
railroad. A new turnpike—the best in the mountains—has 
recently been built between Covington and the Hot Springs. 
Passengers over this new road, after spending the night at 
Covington, arrive at the Hot Springs early in the forenoon 
of the next day. The road passes in full view of and in 
close proximity to the beautiful cataract of the Falling Sjmng 
Circle, which was deemed worthy of special mention and de- 
scription by Mr. Jefferson in his “ Notes of Virginia.” This 
Btream rises in the Warm Springs mountain, about fifteen 
miles southwest of the Hot Springs, and flows into jacksoij’s 
river. About three-quarters of a mile from its source, it falls 
over a rock two hundred feet into the valley below. The 
sheet of water is broken in its breadth by the rock in two or 
three places, but not at all in its height. Between the sheet 
and the rock at the bottom one may walk across dry. This 
cataract will bear no comparison with that of Niagara as to 6 
EOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
the quantity of water composing it—the sheet being only 
twelve or fifteen feet wide above, and somewhat more below, 
but it is half as high again.* 
With the exception of this new and admirably graded 
turnpike, through a region abounding in grand and beautiful 
scenery, there is an unbroken railroad connection between 
the Hot Springs and all the principal cities of the Atlantic 
seaboard. Passengers leaving Baltimore, Washington city, 
Richmond or Lynchburg, in the morning, reach Covington 
before dark ; or, those who prefer it, may leave the railroad 
at Millboro depot, twenty-nine miles east of Covington, and 
there take the mail coach for the Hot Springs via the Bath 
Alum and the Warm Springs. Passengers by this route, 
which gives twenty miles of staging, will have an opportu- 
nity of seeing the singular “ Blowing Cave,” near the banks 
of the Cow Pasture river, and of enjoying the magnificent 
view of mountain scenery from the top of the Warm Springs 
mountain, which is crossed by the turnpike at an elevation 
of nearly one thousand five hundred feet above its base, and 
two thousand two hundred and forty-seven feet above the 
level of the sea. 
In the number of its mineral springs, the variety of theif 
temperatures (from 50° to 110° F.), and their extraordinary 
remedial powers in many of the most serious, painful, and 
dangerous chronic diseases that afflict the human race, this 
watering place offers to invalids, suffering from the maladies 
in which thermal waters are indicated, advantages and facili- 
ties for the recovery of health, which can be found nowhere 
elge within the United States east of the Mississippi, and 
which are not surpassed, or perhaps not equalled, at any of 
those celebrated thermal springs in France and Germany, 
that, for many centuries, have been places of great resort for 
persons in search of health. 
* Jefferson’s Notes of Virginia. HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
7 
The scenery of the Warm Springs Valley, and especially of 
that portion of it in which the Hot Springs are found, is ex- 
quisitely beautiful, while the views from certain elevated, but 
easily accessible points on the surrounding mountains, are sur- 
passingly grand. The climate in summer is salubrious, in- 
vigorating, and inexpressibly delicious. The thermometer 
seldom rises higher than 85° F. in the hottest days, and the 
nights are always cool and refreshing. Fogs which occur so 
frequently in other settlements among the mountains of this 
part of Virginia are seldom seen in this delightful valley, 
which in the transparent clearness of its atmosphere and the 
exquisite tints of its skies exhibits some of the distinctive 
features of Swiss and Italian scenery. 
On the mountain’s side is a perpendicular chasm in the 
rocks (about six feet square) which evidently extends into the 
base of the mountain to a great depth. From this “ chim- 
ney” on a cold morning there issues such a steam as to war- 
rant the belief that it communicates with a hot stream below. 
CENTRAL LOCATION OF THE HOT SPRINGS. 
AMONQ THE PRINCIPAL WATERING PLACES IN THE MOUNTAINS. 
The Hot Springs are twenty-seven miles from the Rock- 
bridge Alum, thirty-six miles to the northeast of the White 
Sulphur Springs, and about forty miles from the Old Sweet 
and the Red Sweet Springs. It is only five miles from the 
Warm Springs, and three miles from the Healing Springs. As 
there is a daily line of stage coaches running between these 
places during the summer months, it will be seen at once that 
the Hot Springs are within an easy day’s journey of the 
principal summer resorts in the mountains of Virginia, and 
occupies an almost central position among that group of mine- 
ral springs which must at no distant day become the great 
watering places of the American continent. For, if to those 
mentioned above be added the Salt Sulphur, the Red Sul- 8 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
phur, the Cold Sulphur and the Bath Alum, “ no district of 
country of the same extent in the world, as that in which 
these springs are found, can furnish the same number and 
variety, whether we have regard to mineral impregnation or 
temperature, or the use of which shall be attended with more 
speedy, ‘entire and permanent relief from a host of the most 
distressing maladies.” 
The celebrated “ Warm Springs,” which have given name 
to the entire valley and to the mountain range which forms 
one of its boundaries, are five miles north of the Hot Springs, 
at the county seat of Bath county. At this place are several 
fine baths, about the temperature of 98° Fahrenheit. One of 
these is believed to be the largest warm bath in the world, 
and is supplied by warm water arising from the floor of the 
bath with such boldness that the immense bath, an octagon 
of 40 feet in diameter and 5 feet in depth, fills in less than 
an hour. The improvements here are good, and the hotel 
accommodations excellent. 
Not quite two miles from the hotel is the celebrated Flag 
Rock, on the top of the Warm Springs mountain, at an eleva- 
tion of about two thousand four hundred feet above the level 
of the sea. The view from this point is truly sublime, and 
an hour spent upon its summit in gazing upon the magnificent 
spectacle presented to the eye would well repay those who 
possess the slightest appreciation of the grand and beautiful 
in nature for a voyage across the Atlantic. 
Three miles to the south of the Hot are found the “ Heal- 
ing Springs,” which, within a few years, have acquired a 
high reputation. The improvements are new and in good 
style, and the accommodations for visitors very superior. 
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS, AMUSEMENTS, &o., AT THE 
HOT SPRINGS. 
The hotel accommodations here are of the first class. The IIOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
9 
ladies’ parlor is furnished with a superior piano, and the 
house is supplied with backgammon boards, chess-men, &c. 
A large ball-room, a ten-pin alley and a billiard table will 
be found upon the premises. 
In the management of the establishment every reasonable 
effort will be made to promote the comfort of invalids, and to 
render the place an agreeable resort to those who visit the 
mountains of Virginia in search of recreation and pleasure. 
It is certain that a more healthy or pleasant summer climate 
can nowhere be found in any part of our country. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE BATHS AND ANALYSIS OF THE 
WATERS. 
Within the grounds of the Hot Springs hotel are found in 
close proximity numerous bold springs of hot and cold water, 
the former issuing from the ground with a temperature of 
110° F. The different Hot springs make their appearance 
in a line extending from the base of the mountain almost 
straight down a lawn in front of the hotel, the soil of which 
has the appearance of having been washed out of the base 
of the mountain to its present locality, and is highly charged 
with carbonates of the alkaline earths. 
Following the course of the stream the several baths ap- 
pear in the following order : 
No. I.—TIIE LADIES’ PLEASURE BATH. 
This is a delicious temperate bath with a bathing pool of 
eighteen feet in diameter and five feet in depth. The tem- 
perature is about 86° Fahrenheit. 
No. II.—LADIES’ BOILER BATIIS. 
These are four in number, all supplied by water of the 
Rame mineral constitution, issuing from the floor of the baths 
at a temperature of 110° Fahrenheit, and retaining a perma- 
nent standard of 108° in the full bath. Two of the four 10 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
apartments are supplied with “ dumb waiters or elevators,” 
for the convenience of invalids who cannot walk or stand 
with comfort and convenience. By means of this contri- 
vance, invalids may take their baths either in the sitting or 
recumbent posture. 
All of the apartments are provided with beds and blankets, 
to enable patients who require it to undergo the “ packing” 
and sweating process after issuing from the bath. Bath 
maids will always be in attendance. 
The mineral constitution of these baths, as determined by 
the analysis made by Col. Wm. Gilham, of the Virginia Mili- 
tary Institute, is as follow's : 
One gallon of water contains of 
Carbonate of lime 17.3471 grains. 
" of magnesia 2.6873 “ 
of protoxide of iron 0.1139 “ 
Sulphate of lime 1.7357 “ 
“ of magnesia 5.6589 “ 
of potassa 1.3431 “ • 
" of soda 1.0222 “ 
Chloride of potassium 0.1597 “ 
“ of sodium 0.1211 “ 
Silica 1.7467 “ 
No. III.—GENTLEMEN’S BOILER BATHS. 
These also are four in number, and are precisely similar to 
the ladies’ boiler baths in the temperature and mineral quali- 
ties of the water, and in the arrangements of the several 
apartments for the convenience of invalids. They are under 
a common roof with the latter, in a building erected over nu- 
merous hot springs in close juxtaposition. 
No. IV.—LADIES’ SULPHUR BATH. 
The water of this bath is brought in a close underground 
pipe from its source about forty yards distant, and is kept in 
a pool sixteen by twenty-two feet in area, and five feet in HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
depth, for which the supply from a copious spring is super- 
abundant. It makes a most delicious bath, and has an ar- 
rangement for ascending and descending douches in the treat- 
ment of uterine affections. 
The temperature is 102° Fahrenheit. The mineral contents 
in a gallon of the water are as follows: 
Carbonate of lime «.... 16,4434 grains. 
“ of magnosia 2.8037 “ 
“ of the protoxide of iron 0.0670 “ 
Sulphate of lime 2.1039 “ 
“ of magnesia 6.1052 “ 
of potassa 1.8240 “ 
H of soda 1.0087 “ 
Chloride of potassium 0.1703 “ 
" of sodium 0.1335 " 
Silica 1,3673 “ 
In this analysis no notice is taken of gaseous contents, but 
the presence of a notable amount of sulphuretted hydrogen 
is unmistakably revealed by the odor apparent at the source, 
and there is, moreover, a white sulphurous deposit very simi- 
lar to that seen at the celebrated Greenbrier White Sulphur 
Springs. 
No. V.—GENTLEMEN’S SULPHUR BATH. 
This bath is supplied from the same source as the preceding 
(No. IV), and, like it, is highly esteemed by those who have 
made trial of it. 
No. VI.—LADIES’ HOT SPOUT BATH. 
In this bath, in addition to the pool for immersion, there is 
an arrangement by which a continuous column of water, at a 
temperature of about 108° Fahrenheit, may be directed at 
the w’ill of the bather to any part of her body. This bath 
and a corresponding one for gentlemen (No. VII) are extremely 
popular, not only with certain classes of invalids, who derive 12 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
conspicuous benefit from using it, but also with many others 
who take it for its exhilarating effects. 
Its mineral constitution is nearly identical with that of the 
boiler baths, consisting of the same ingredients, in very nearly 
the same relative proportions. 
No. VII.—GENTLEMEN’S HOT SPOUT BATH. 
This bath, supplied from an independent source, has a 
slightly higher temperature than the preceding, that of the 
source being 110° Fahrenheit. The head of water for form- 
ing the spout is also higher, and the spout consequently falls 
with greater energy. It would be difficult to exaggerate the 
therapeutical value of this bath, or its agreeably exhilarating 
effects. It is perhaps the most popular bath at the springs. 
No. VIII.—'WARM BATHS. 
These baths, four in number, heretofore improperly called 
“ the temperate baths,” are supplied with water from one of 
the boldest springs on the grounds. This spring covers a 
very large area, and furnishes a most abundant supply of 
water at a temperature of 104° Fahrenheit, which, however, 
is reduced to about 97° or 96°, after it is delivered into the 
baths, in a distinct building. The mineral qualities of the 
water are similar to those of the boiler baths. 
No. IX.—GENTLEMEN’S PLEASURE BATH. 
This, called also the Erwin bath, is supplied by pipes from 
the very bold Erwin spring, thus named in compliment to a 
distinguished gentleman of the State of Alabama, whose ac- 
count of his own remarkable cure of paralysis will be found 
in this pamphlet. The pool is of such extent as to constitute 
a large swimming bath for gentlemen and boys. The water 
is 78° Fahrenheit in temperature, and in chemical composi- 
tion resembles the New Schlangenbad. 
Col. Gilham finds one gallon of this water to contain— HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA, 
13 
Carbonato of lime 9.4838 grains 
Carbonate of magnesia 2.0194 “ 
Carbonate of protoxide of iron 0.0838 “ 
Sulphate of lime 3.0225 “ 
Sulphate of magnesia 1.0665 “ 
Sulphate of potassa 0.5699 “ 
Sulphate of soda 0.8502 “ 
Chloride of potassium 0.1595 ’ " 
Chloride of sodium 0.1252 “ 
Silica 0.6894 “ 
The water of the Erwin spring is believed to possess valu- 
able properties in the treatment of some forms of dyspepsia. 
Used for bathing, the waters of this and the New Schlangen- 
bad Springs prove highly beneficial in all cases in which the 
cool or temperate bath is indicated. 
Thus it will be observed, that at this well-known watering 
place every variety of bath, from cold to extreme hot, may 
be taken, and that the mineral ingredients are so combined 
as to impart to the waters, whether used for bathing or taken 
internally, properties not possessed by ordinary water at the 
same temperature.* The reputation of the Virginia Hot 
Springs for the cure of a large class of chronic diseases, such 
as diseases of the liver, of the stomach and bowels, of the 
kidneys, rheumatism, gout, neuralgia, paralysis, old injuries, 
&c., &c., is now so well established thioughout the southern 
states that it would be unnecessary to publish certificates of 
cure if it were not desired to extend to other sections of our 
country a knowledge of the remedial powers of these waters. 
Moreover the hygienical effects of thermal baths seem not to 
be fully appreciated in this country. In the eastern world, 
•Thin we believe to be strictly true, notwithstanding the obvious fact that the small 
amount of miucral ingredients causes the water of the Hot Springs to be devoid of any 
marked taste, and places it, in respect to its chief therapeutical effects, among the simplo 
thermal baths. The water of the Sulphur Springs is, however, an exception to this 
remark. 14 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
warm and hot baths are habitually taken by persons in every 
class and condition of life, from the northern limits of Russia 
to the tropics. The fact that they are resorted to in tropical 
climates as a refreshing cordial, is a sufficient answer to the 
popular but erroneous idea that they are debilitating in their 
effects. The Romans, indeed, carried this luxury to such a 
pitch of vicious extravagance as to bring on it the title of 
one of the three great destroyers of human life, but this only 
applies to its abuse, and does not militate against its salutary 
operation when properly and judiciously used. Should the 
warm bath ever become general in its use in this country, 
whether in the form of the simple plunge bath, or in that of 
the more complex apparatus of the Russian or Turkish bath, 
it will probably produce a more beneficial revolution as to 
the health and longevity of the inhabitants than any other 
sanitary regulation. So far from weakening or enervating the 
constitution, it has a decidedly contrary effect, and therefore, in 
debilitated subjects, it is infinitely more proper and safe than 
the cold bath. 
The natural thermal waters exhibit in addition to the or- 
dinary effects of artificial warm baths, other phenomena pe- 
culiar to themselves. The proprietors of the Hot Springs 
deem it proper, therefore, to cite a few well ascertained facts 
relating to the hygienic and therapeutical uses of the warm 
bath in general and of natural thermal baths in particular. 
HYGIENIC EFFECTS OF THE WARM BATH. 
The opinion of the ancients as to the restorative effects of 
warm bathing was expressed in the fact that warm springs 
and baths were dedicated to Hercules as indicative of their 
invigorating powers, and it was the habit of athletes to seek 
refreshment and restoration of their exhausted strength in 
the warm bath.* Marcard, an accredited authority on the 
nature and use of baths, is quoted with approval by Dr. Bell, 
♦Treatise on Baths, by J. Bell, M. D., Philadelphia, 1859. HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
15 
as citing cases which occurred under his own eye, of reco- 
vered strength under the use of the warm bath, and as ad- 
ducing Falconer’s experience at Bath in England as identical 
with his own in this respect. He also enumerates various in- 
stances of persons who resorted to the Warm Springs of Ger- 
many and Switzerland, and were in the habit of spending 
many hours at a time in the bath, without any sensation of 
exhaustion on the one hand or of excitement on the other. 
Bruce, in his travels in Abyssinia, states that when he felt 
an almost intolerable inward heat, and was so exhausted as 
to be ready to faint, a warm bath soon made him feel as much 
invigorated as on rising from his bed in the morning. “ Some 
persons may tell me,” he says, “that the heat of the bath 
must weaken and enervate, but I can assure them that the 
reverse is the case.” 
It is not difficult to understand how the warm bath should 
produce this result. Its observed physiological effect is to 
equalize the circulation, to cleanse the blood by promoting 
depuratory secretions, and to tranquillize the nervous system. 
By thus removing causes of local and constitutional irritation 
and quieting morbid excitement, which, as we see in fever and 
some other pathological states, enfeebles and exhausts the 
human frame, the warm bath must of necessity tend to econo- 
mize the powers of life and awaken feelings of renewed 
vigour. 
Count Rumford, narrating his personal experience of the 
effects of warm bathing on the occasion of a visit to Harrow- 
gate, for the sake 6f his health, when he bathed every day— 
for half an hour—in a bath of 96° to 97° Fahrenheit, during 
thirty-five days, uses the following language: “The salutary 
effects of this experiment were perfectly evident to all those 
who were present, and saw the progress of it; and the ad- 
vantages I received from it have been permanent. The good 
state of health which I have since enjoyed I attribute to it 
entirely.” 16 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
This great practical philosopher is further cited by Dr. Bell 
as very properly exposing the fallacy of that reasoning which 
would lead us to abstain from the use of the warm bath for 
fear of its rendering us more liable to take cold. 
The foregoing remarks apply in some degree to baths arti- 
ficially heated, but in an especial manner to baths of natural 
thermal waters. For whatever be the true theory of thermal 
springs, or whatever opinion be entertained as to the mode in 
which the caloric may be combined with the water, “ it is cer- 
tain that in all ages and in all countries invalids have pre- 
ferred natural hot baths to artificial ones" of the same chemi- 
cal composition * It has been suggested by high authority 
that thermal waters may be more highly charged with elec- 
tricity, but whatever be the ’explanation, the superior effect 
of thermal springs over artificial waters of the same compo- 
sition, as far as can be chemically determined, is undeniable. 
The difference between the effects of warm baths of simple 
water and those of saline thermal springs has been shown by 
direct experiments to amount to a marked antagonism. Ac- 
cording to these experiments of Dr. L. Lehmann (On the 
Saline Baths of Oeynhausen and Ordinary Water—Gotten- 
gen, 1856), while simple warm water baths increase the 
urinary excretion, and thereby indicate, for the time, increased 
wasting of the body, the saline baths check the urinary, but 
augment cutaneous and intestinal excretions. The latter 
seem to aid assimilation, and thus strengthen the system. 
These remarks on the hygienic effect of thermal baths 
apply more especially to such as have a constant temperature 
at or very near blood-heat. Very hot baths, i. e., whose tem- 
perature exceeds blood-heat by several degrees, had better 
♦British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review, April, 1857. 
In a later number of the same journal, for July, 1860, this question is again considered 
in a notice of a recent work of A. B. Oranvillo, on the Mineral Springs of Arichy. It is 
affirmed that the effects of Puits Chomel (a hot spring) are far different from those of 
the C61estins (a cold source), even when the temperature of the latter has been previously 
raised by artificial means to the same standard as that of the former. nOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
17 
be reserved for therapeutical applications, unless, indeed, 
they are immediately followed by a douche of temperate or of 
cold water, when it will be found that they exhibit all the 
characteristics and well-known hygienic effects of the famous 
Russian and Turkish baths, namely, refreshment and invigo- 
ration—removal of the lassitude and aches incident to long 
travel and fatiguing exercises, and efficient depuration of the 
blood through the medium of the cutaneous and pulmonary 
exhalations. The juxtaposition of baths of various tempera- 
tures at the Hot Springs affords ready facilities for their use 
in every combination ; and in this connection it is important 
to state that, in addition to the various warm and hot plunge 
baths, the proprietors propose to increase the number of the 
“ hot spout” baths, which for many years have been so popu- 
lar with the visitors at the Hot Springs, both in the treatment 
of various diseases, and as an article of luxury to persons in 
health. In the “ hot 6pout” a continuous column of the natu- 
ral thermal water, falling from an elevation of from three to 
five feet, may be directed successively to different regions of 
the body, and thus exercise a special and potent influence 
on the functional activity of particular organs. Alternate 
douches of hot and cold water often produce marvellous 
effects in various local chronic affections. 
THE HOT SPRINGS RESORTED TO AS A PLACE OF PREPA- 
RATION FOR THE USE OF COLD MINERAL WATERS. 
If a patient designs visiting several Mineral Springs in the 
course of the season, and is desirous of reaping all the bene- 
fits possibly to be had by the use of the waters of each, he 
should visit the Hot Springs first. This assertion is supported 
by the experience and observation of many distinguished 
medical men. 
The late Dr. Thomas Goode, who was for many years the 
proprietor of the Virginia Hot Springs, was a thoroughly 
educated, intelligent and skillful Physician, having every 18 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
opportunity for observation on this subject afforded him by a 
residence of many years among the mineral springs of Vir- 
ginia. 
In the interest of medical science, he devoted much atten- 
tion to the subject, and along with his own opinions and ob- 
servations, collected and published the experience of some of 
the most capable, reliable and distinguished men in Europe, 
in confirmation of the assertion that Hot Springs should he 
the place of first resort—that instead of being used to confirm 
the good effects of cold mineral waters, they are more beneficial 
as a proper and rational preparation for their use. 
Dr. Goode says, in view of all the facts examined in this 
connection : “ They prove the fallacy of that popular belief 
by which so many have been influenced, to wit: that a course 
of sulphur water is an essential preparation for a course of 
these, and that the reverse of this is true ; that there are many 
cases in which the sulphur waters are ineffectual or injurious 
before, but decidedly beneficial after a course at the Hot 
Springs.” 
Thermal waters, so far as most American physicians are 
concerned, are as a new and untried remedy. In Europe, 
thermal springs are numerous, and many of them have been 
frequented and celebrated from one hundred to two thousand 
years. Three of the most distinguished English physicians 
—Johnson, Granville and Lee—visited the continental springs 
for several successive seasons for the purpose of professional 
information, observation and report. 
Lee treats of eighty mineral springs—twenty-six of them 
thermal. 
Granville treats of thirty-six—eight of them thermal. 
Johnson treats of twenty, twelve of which are thermal. 
In no one instance do either of these gentlemen, nor any 
of the continental physicians from whom they derived infor- 
mation, speak of, or advise patients to go to, cold saline springs 
to prepare them for a course of thermal waters; but on the HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
19 
contrary, patients, after having their torpid systems properly 
roused and prepared at hot springs, are sent to such cold, sa- 
line, sulphur or chalybeate springs, as may be thought indi- 
cated in their cases. And at most of these springs, the cor- 
rectness of this practice has been confirmed by the experience 
of several centuries. 
Very emphatic testimony to the value of this practice is 
borne by Dr. Granville in a late work, in which he admits 
that even Vichy, a thermal watering place in France, may 
be made subservient to his favorite Kissingen in Bavaria, 
with its cold acidulous chalybeate, where he spends every 
summer in his capacity of physician practising among the 
English visitors. Similar testimony is borne by a number 
of eminent physicians who have large experience in the use 
of the Hot Springs baths. See the letters of Dr. J. W. Wil- 
liamson and Dr. F. B. Watkins in another part of this 
pamphlet. 20 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
Part II. 
ON TIIE THERAPEUTICAL EFFECTS OF HOT AND WARM 
MINERAL BATHS. 
In view of the well ascertained physiological effects of sa- 
line thermal baths in equalizing the circulation, in tranquil- 
lizing the nervous system and in purifying the blood without 
augmenting the waste of tissues, and therefore without weak- 
ening or enervating the system, we might readily anticipate 
many of their therapeutical applications on strictly rational 
principles, but it is proposed to refer only in this brief no- 
tice, to actual experience, and to cite facts which have been 
substantiated by actual observations at this or at kindred es- 
tablishments in Europe. We are fully aware that the pro- 
per interpretation of the apparent results of treatment at 
mineral springs requires nice powers of discrimination. On 
the one hand it would be manifestly unjust to discredit the 
springs for their failure to cure incurable cases, and many of 
this class are sent to the springs as a last resource. On the 
other hand proprietors of watering places and resident phy- 
sicians overlook altogether or assign too little value to various 
auxiliary influences, and give all the credit of real or reputed 
cures of diseases to the one natural remedy which constitutes 
their stock in trade. 
To some extent, possibly to a very considerable extent, an 
objection on the score of extravagant enthusiasm may be 
urged against the testimony of Dr. A. B. Granville, whose 
several works, “ The Spas of Germany,” “ The Spas of Ger- 
many Revisited,” and “ The Mineral Springs of Vichy, and 
their efficacy in the treatment of various Diseases," have yet 
commanded a most respectful notice at the hands of profes- HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
21 
sional reviewers, not only for their pleasing style and the 
general interest of their contents, but also for the evident 
conscientiousness of the author and the strength of his convic- 
tions. The other authorities to whom we shall refer, and 
whose statements may be accepted with less hesitation as pro- 
ceeding from men of lesH impulsive temperaments and calmer 
judgments, are chiefly the following: Dr. John Bell (A 
Treatise on Baths, Philadelphia, 1859.) Dr. Constantine 
James (Practical Guide for the Physician and the Patient to 
the Principal Mineral Waters of France, Belgium, Germany, 
Switzerland, Savoy and Italy. Paris, 1856. Very favorably 
noticed in the British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review 
of London.) Dr. L. Lehmann, (The Saline Baths of Oeyn- 
hausen and Ordinary Water. Gottingen, 185G.) Dr. Wille- 
min, (On the Employment of the Waters of Vichy in Chronic 
Affections of the Uterus—by Dr. Willem in, Assistant Medical 
Inspector of the Waters of Vichy. Paris, 1859); and Dr. 
Barthez, Chief Inspector of the waters of Vichy, whose 
statements, based on the statistics of the Thermal Military 
Hospital at that place, are largely cited by Dr. Granville, 
who says : “ I feel particularly indebted to Dr. Barthez for his 
courtesy and liberality in enabling me to give to my English 
readers this oflieial return, which has nowhere been published, 
having been drawn up for, and despatched to the military 
authorities in Paris, at the conclusion of the season at Vichy 
last September. The minister of war is in possession of a 
number of similar reports from Inspector Barthez, forwarded 
from year to year, in accordance with the rules of the military 
service. Their great merit is their minute precision and 
accuracy. No erroneous conclusions can be drawn from the 
perusal of such documents.” 
In most of the cases reported by Dr. Barthez the treat- 
ment consisted both in the internal administration of the 
waters, which are solutions of bicarbonate of soda, with small 
amounts of other salts, together with a notable quantity of 22 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
free carbonic acid dissolved in the water, and in the applica- 
tion of them in the form of tub and pool baths and the use 
of irrigations during the bath. In a few classes of cases the 
ingestion of alkaline drinks was more or less clearly indicated 
and may be considered as having been an essential agent in 
the process of cure, but in most of them the baths were un- 
doubtedly the effective instruments, inasmuch as dilute alka- 
line solutions administered internally in such cases are known 
to be either useless or worse than useless, and on the other 
hand similar curative effects have followed the use of the 
baths of Wildbad, which from the inconsiderable amount of its 
mineral ingredients may be regarded as a pure and simple 
thermal water. 
DISEASES SPECIALLY BENEFITED BY THE WATERS OF 
THE VIRGINIA HOT SPRINGS. 
i.—diseases of the digestive canal. 
For details of striking cases under this head the reader is 
requested to turn to the letters (among the “ certificates of 
special cases of cure,” printed in another part of this 
pamphlet) of Francis B. Clarke, Esq., A. A. Campbell, 
M. D., Charles Hamlin, A. Y. Watson, M. D., W. H. 
Woodley, Robert J. Brent, Esq., Williams Carter, Esq., 
of Hanover, George Carr, Esq., Wm. Todd and David 
Moody, of Steubenville, Ohio. 
In the report of Dr. Barthez the number of cases of 
Chronic Inflammatory Diseases of the Digestive Canal “ was 
nearly 200; the number cured and much improved very 
large, and the failures exceedingly few.” In affections of 
the alimentary canal, considered to be of a nervous character, 
the success was equally great. Quite a number of this class 
of cases, including the most severe attacks of gastralgia and 
enteralgia, which had resisted the use of hot baths at home 
(artificial), have been promptly relieved by the use of the 
Hot Spout or the Boiler at the Virginia Hot Springs. HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
23 
In no class of affections have the virtues of the waters of 
the Hot Springs been more thoroughly and effectually tested 
than in this. For conclusive evidence of their marvellous 
efficacy and of the importance of a course of preliminary 
bathing, even for those cases in which the alterative action of 
the Cold Sulphur waters is indicated, we invite the careful 
attention of our readers to the letters of the following named 
gentlemen: Dr. Landon Rives, Dr. John W. Williamson, 
Dr. F. B. Watkins, Dr. A. A. Campbell, M. Tounoir, Dr. 
Charles Carter, John L. Manning, Esq., D. R. Kirkpat- 
rick, C. Carlton, James L. Colton, E. L. Dargan, T. F. 
Campbell, John J. Taylor, R. N. Fox and J. G. Jefferson, 
and to a passage from Wood’s Practice of Medicine, all of 
which are published in Part III of this pamphlet. 
Wo refer also to a very recent and striking communication 
from Col. J. D. Hoover, formerly Marshal of the District of 
Columbia during the administration of Mr. Pierce. The 
friends of this gentleman had little expectation of even a par- 
tial recovery. With an enormous enlargement of both the 
liver and the spleen, he had also an alarming disturbance of 
the hearts action, manifested by shortness of breath, palpita- 
tions and a loud bellows murmur, coinciding with the first 
cardiac sound. There was also a considerable oedema of the 
feet and ankles, but no albumenuria or other evidence of 
renal mischief. The improvement derived from the use of 
the baths was truly surprising, as is stated in his letter. 
In the Report of Inspector Barthez this class of cases at 
Vichy “included cases of simple inflammatory hepatitis, en- 
gorgement, induration and obstruction of the liver, with a 
few cases of abscess of the organ, gall-stones and hepatalgia. 
Between two and three hundred cases arc recorded; the cures 
and marked improvements are numerous, failure is recorded 
in but a few instances. The same remark applies to different 
ii.—diseases of the liver. 24 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
forms of splenic disease, often the result of attacks of Afri- 
can intermittent fever or other paludean agues.” 
Dr. James Johnson bears his testimony to the value of 
thermal baths in chronic derangements of the portal circula- 
tion as follows: “The state of abdominal plethora, with con- 
gestion of the liver, and obstruction in the circulation of the 
vena portae, with its consequences, as impaired digestion, defi- 
cient or vitiated biliary secretion, piles, &c., occurring for the 
most part in persons about or beyond the middle period of 
their life, who have been addicted to the pleasures of the 
table, and marked by more or less protuberance of the abdo- 
men, with diminished muscular or nervous energy, is one 
well calculated to be relieved by the use of the Wisbaden 
waters internally and externally employed. In hsemorrhoidal 
affections especially, Dr. Peez and Richter speak in very 
high terms of the effects of the Wisbaden Springs.” 
Dr. Bell, who cites this passage, adds that the same eulogy 
may be passed on hot baths in hypochondriasis in males and 
in irregular menstruation in females, especially if connected 
with a congested state of the abdominal or pelvic viscera. 
III.—DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS AND BLADDER. 
“ In nephritic disorders and affections of the urinary or- 
gans in genera], warm bathing has long enjoyed great and 
deserved reputation. It allays pain and irritation, and aids 
the passage of calculi through the ureters. By its action on 
the skin it mitigates the severity and sometimes carries off a 
paroxysm of that most distressing malady, vesical catarrh.” 
(Bell on Baths, &c.) The same writer remarks that albu- 
minuria, originating from obstructed perspiration and pro- 
longed interruption of the cutaneous function, is greatly bene- 
fited by the regular and continued use of the warm bath. 
We add, that the thermal waters of the Hot Springs possess 
the inestimable advantage in the treatment of such cases and 
of most forms of Benal Dropsy, that they do not debilitate nOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
25 
the system. This striking peculiarity of thermal baths was 
conspicuously illustrated in the case of a most distinguished 
citizen of Virginia, who had passed the flower of his life in 
the service of his country both at home and abroad. This 
gentleman, suffering from the effects of Chronic Bright’s 
disease in an advanced stage, came to the Hot Springs in a 
state of great debility, and received the most marked benefit 
from the use of the hot baths.* In this connection we may 
again advert to the results of the observations made by Dr. 
L. Lehmann as to the influence of natural saline thermal 
baths on the urinary excretion. It appeared that under 
their use, while the cutaneous and intestinal excretions were 
increased, the solids of the urine were diminished ; thus in 
cases of nephritic disease the suffering organ is relieved by 
these baths of a part of its natural burden, and the waste of 
tissue, and consequently of strength, is diminished, while yet 
the blood is effectually depurated. 
Nephritic colic, which had been only partially and tempo- 
rarily relieved by hypodermic injections of morphine, pain 
returning with undiminished violence as soon as the narco- 
tizing influence had passed off, has been promptly and effec- 
tually cured by a general bath in the “boiler” of the Hot 
Springs.f 
For the reason mentioned in the last paragraph but one, 
we may reasonably expect benefit from the use of these baths, 
in conjunction with appropriate diet, in cases of Saccharine 
Diabetes. Indeed, the best therapeutists insist that a lead- 
ing indication in the treatment of this formidable disease is 
to restore the functions of the skin, and to suspend or diminish 
waste of tissues. It is a tendency of the Hot Springs’ baths 
to produce both effects. Nor are we without direct experience 
•For a more recent instance of An apparently perfect cure of an aggravated caso of 
Albumennria, see the letter of Dr. 0. A. Crinshaw. 
fSeo the striking letter of J. A. Cowardiu. Eaq., for the cure of a very complicated 
case of Renal disease. 26 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
on this point. Inspector Barthez reports seventy-three (73) 
cases of diabetes treated at Vichy, of which it is affirmed that 
“ thirty-two lost the presence of sugar in the urine at the end 
of a few days of treatment, thirty obtained a more or less 
sensible diminution of the same, and only eleven continued 
in the same state. To this statement it is added, that of the 
thirty from which Dr. Barthez obtained information during 
the years subsequent to the cure, seven showed after that time 
no appearance of sugar in the urine, but in all the others this 
principle had reappeared in that secretion.” 
The more or less decided benefit experienced by the patients 
while at Vichy, and for a variable time afterwards, was 
ascribed mainly to the internal administration of the bicar- 
bonate of soda dissolved in the Vichy waters, in accordance 
with the theoretical views of Mialhe and other highly respect- 
able authorities, but the benefit so far exceeded what has 
been realized under the alkaline treatment practised at home, 
that we feel fully warranted in affirming that the thermal 
baths, by restoring the functions of the skin, diminishing 
waste of tissues, and soothing the nervous system, will prove 
a most efficient agent in diminishing the diuresis, and in in- 
creasing the bodily and mental vigor of diabetic patients. 
To meet another want of this class of patients, the proprie- 
tors will be prepared to furnish bran bread, made after the 
formula of Dr. Camplin, of London, and now so largely and 
advantageously used by diabetic subjects as the chief staple 
of their diet. Suitable vegetables, containing neither starch 
nor sugar, or only a minimum quantity of either of these 
principles, and the choicest animal diet will be supplied with 
daily regularity. 
During the past season, namely, in July, 1809, one aggra- 
vated case of Saccharine Diabetes, previously very much 
benefited by the internal use of Rockbridge Alum Water and 
by appropriate diet, was apparently cured by the daily use 
of the Hot Bath at these Springs. In this case there has HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
27 
been no reappearance of Sugar in the renal Secretion down 
to the date of this writing (March, 1870), while the general 
health, previously much deranged, seems now perfect. 
IV.—DISKASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
(1). In chronic paralysis, whether in the form of hemi- 
plegia (paralysis of one lateral half of the body) or para- 
plegia (paralysis of both lower extremities), or partial para- 
lysis, and even in some cases of recent origin, where there is 
an absence of excitement of the nervous system, thermal 
baths have produced the most decided benefit, both here and 
in Europe. Thus Dr. James Johnson, in his “ Excursions to 
the English Spas,” speaking of the effects of hot bathing at 
Bath, in England, as a treatment of paralysis, says: 
“ We have only to take a tour round the bath hospital, 
where nine-tenths of the patients are paralytics—most of 
them paraplegiacs—to be convinced that this is a disease for 
which the Bath waters are renowned per totum orhem. * * * * 
Dr. Summers, who wrote expressly on the benefit of bathing 
in paralytic disorders, makes the following observations: 
‘We have a great variety of paralytic patients, and upon 
exactly examining the books from the first opening of the 
hospital to the present time, I find the account to be as fol- 
lows: Admitted in nine years, 310; cured or much better, 
208; no better and dead, 99 ; remain in the house, 3. From 
hence it appears that more than two-thirds were either cured 
or received great benefit, and that only twelve died in the 
space of nine years. All these patients were bathed twice a 
week, and many of them three times. And what is very 
remarkable is, that of those who were cured or discharged 
much better, about thirty were more than forty years old, 
fifteen of whom were turned of fifty, and five were sixty and 
upwards. Now, let appearances have their force, conjecture 
hesitate and reason judge. And when I add, that the gene- 
rality of our patients come as incurables from other hos- 28 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
pitals, where there are physicians of the first character, and 
consequently where the best means are used, how strong in 
favor of bathing (with such obstacles) must be the above 
account!” 
Dr. Spry remarks on this passage thus: 
“Looking with an impartial eye at this strong body of evi- 
dence, which could never have been brought forward in pri- 
vate practice, with what confidence and well-grounded hope 
will the paralytic patient resort to these springs for relief, if 
he has but the patience and perseverance to adhere to the 
mode of treatment chalked out for him.” 
“ Upon inquiry at the bath hospital, a very intelligent 
house-surgeon, with whom we visited the wards, informed us 
that the external use of the bath waters—bathing, pumping, 
shampooing, &c.—were almost the only modes of their ad- 
ministration. The baths, in cases of paraplegia, are used at 
a high temperature.”* 
Similar results have been attained by hot bathing at Wild- 
bad and other thermal springs in Germany. Dr. Bell says: 
“ Paralysis, both of the lower extremities and of one side of 
the body, has been in many cases entirely removed by a 
course of bathing at Wildbad. Before any amelioration 
takes place, the patient generally experiences some pricking 
pains and tinglings in the paralyzed parts, followed by a 
sense of heat, perspiration, and increase of feeling. To these 
symptoms succeed a gradual restoration of muscular power, 
accompanied by a sense of electrical shocks passing along the 
nerves. Paralytic persons, of a full or plethoric habit, or 
whose circulation is active, should watch the first effects of 
the warm bath, and make but moderate use of it at first.” 
For a record of few among the many cases of severe para- 
lysis which have been relieved at the Virginia Hot Springs, 
the reader is referred to the letters of Samuel Hardgrove, 
*Dr. James Johnson’s “ Excursions to the Euglish Spas,” cited in Dr. Bell’s Treatise 
on Baths. HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
29 
Wm, S. Reid, Wm. Sanderson, Joseph Wampler, John 
Erwin and John Tyler, all of which will be found in Part 
III, under the head of “ diseases of TnE nervous system.” 
This list might have been increased tenfold if a regular record1 
had been kept of all the cases successfully treated at these 
springs. 
(2) For the details of a case of anomalous “ Spinal Irri- 
tation,” attended with violent convulsions, which rendered' 
the patient’s life a continuous torture for a period of sixteen 
years, and which was cured by the baths at these springs, see 
the remarkable certificate of J. J. Pace. 
(3) Very many cases of Neuralgia have been cured by 
the use of the hot spout bath, but we are without statistical 
records on this subject. A single certificate, that of J. C. 
Herbert, of Maryland, is in our possession, and will be foundi 
in its appropriate place in Part III of this pamphlet. 
Warm and hot baths have so long been recognized as im- 
portant auxiliaries in the treatment of uterine disorders, both 
functional and organic, that it can scarcely be necessary to 
say more on this topic than to enumerate the special diseases 
which have been more or less benefited by their employment, 
such as suppressed and difficult menstruation—inflammatory 
leucorrhnea arising from chronic endometritis of the neck or 
of the body of the womb—indurations of the uterine neck— 
chronic ulcerations of the. same—intra-mural fibroids—dis- 
placements caused or maintained by obstructions of the por- 
tal circulation—vaginitis—cancer, &c., &c. 
A recent writer of high repute in his special department, 
Dr. Henry G. Wright,* physician to the Samaritan hospital 
for diseases of women, in London, gives a very clear and 
convincing demonstration of the influence exerted by certain 
V.—UTERINE DISEASES. 
♦Utorlno Disorders; Tlieir Constitutional Influence and Treatment. By Henry G 
Wright. Londont 1868. 30 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
states of the liver and of the portal circulation in producing 
displacements and functional derangements of the uterus, 
by reason of the connection of its veins with the portal sys- 
tem; and we have seen that no agent is more efficacious in 
correcting these disorders of the portal circulation than the 
hot bath, used with due discrimination. 
Irrigations of the vaginal canal and of the uterine neck 
have of late been used with so much advantage that they are 
now resorted to as a formulary method of treatment in a 
large majority of the cases collected at the hospitals for ute- 
rine diseases. In these institutions, in our cities, recourse is 
had, of course, to simple water, artificially heated. 
Here again we have to express the confident opinion that 
such irrigations, practised with the natural thermal waters, 
are in many chronic uterine affections far more efficacious. 
The practice has, indeed, been borrowed from the thermal 
springs of Europe. Thus, as stated by Dr. Bell, in the great 
reservoir at Bath, in England, called the King’s Bath, there 
is a subaqueous douche or pump for directing a stream of 
water to any particular part of the body in the bath. This 
ascending douche may be applied to the perineum, the rec- 
tum or the vagina, while the descending douche or the ordi- 
nary spout may be directed separately, or at the same time, 
to the lower part of the abdomen or to the sacrum. 
• The beneficial effects of the thermal waters at Vichy in 
the treatment of uterine disorders were so marked and deci- 
ded as to arrest the attention of Dr. Willemin, the assistant 
inspector in the service of the French government, and to 
induce him to publish a valuable work “ On the Employment 
of the Waters of Vichy in Chronic Affections of the Uterus,” 
which is very favorably noticed in the British and Foreign 
Medico-Chirurgical Review for July 1860. Dr. Willemin 
considers that in chronic enlargement of the uterus connected 
with anteversion or retroversion, the treatment of Vichy pos- 
sesses remarkable efficacy; he also recommends it in chronic IIOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
31 
metritis, although in the latter case it may be necessary, be- 
fore having recourse to the waters, to combat the inflamma- 
tion by appropriate antiphlogistic remedies. In cases of peri- 
uterine inflammation, the Vichy treatment was likewise 
found successful; and in several cases where sterility appeared 
to have depended on a retroversion of the uterus, impregna- 
tion has occurred after the use of the waters. In suppressed 
menstruation also the discharge was frequently reestablished, 
especially when the obstruction was dependent on uterine 
engorgement. The treatment in most cases consisted, not 
only in the internal administration of the waters, but the ap- 
plication also in the form of the general bath, as well as the 
bains de piscine and the use of irrigations during the bath. 
The observations, of cases which are very numerous, appear 
to have been made and recorded with great care and faith- 
fulness. 
In this class of cases, as well as in some other chronic affec- 
tions which have become fastened upon the system, it would 
be extremely unreasonable to expect prompt and radical 
cures. But if a chronic endometritis, which for several years 
had resisted the best directed efforts of competent physicians 
to relieve it, should undergo the most decided ameliora- 
tion after a course of bathing taken systematically at the 
Hot Springs for two months, and this be followed by an ame- 
nability to medical treatment which had not before been ob- 
served, such a result would in itself be a sufficient recom- 
mendation of this natural agent. It is of comparatively little 
importance to the relieved invalid whether the benefit be ex- 
clusively due to the effects of the waters used at their source 
or to the combined effects of the waters and of the social and 
hygienic influences, which may be very powerful adjuvants. 
In either case, the benefit arises from a visit to the Springs at 
a season when a continued sojourn in the city is well nigh in- 
tolerable to the invalid. A large experience, for the most 
part unrecorded, warrants us in affirming that the thermal 32 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
waters of the Hot Springs are proved to be most valuable 
agents in the treatment of uterine disorders. 
VI.—GENERAL DISEASES. 
(1) The whole class of chronic skin diseases, whether 
simple or specific, are appropriately and successfully treated 
by thermal baths, especially of the sulphuretted and saline 
waters, which act as alteratives internally, and locally as 
stimulants. This is especially the case in constitutional 
syphilis when mercury has failed to effect a cure and re- 
mains in the system. 
(2) “Next to syphilitic diseases of old standing, come the 
whole class of Rheumatic and Gouty affections of a chronic 
type. In no disease or class of diseases have the effects of mine- 
ral waters been more appreciated, especially those of the ther- 
mal waters. Perhaps as striking a proof of the great efficacy 
of mineral waters, in popular estimation, is to be found in the 
great request in which natural thermal waters are held in the 
East, where ordinary hot baths are habitually used to such 
an extent. Thus Sultan Suliman the Great was cured of 
the gout, after all other means had failed, by the waters of 
Broussa.”* 
The Vichy waters have long enjoyed a considerable repu- 
tation in the treatment of Gout, but it is proper to add that 
a great part of the benefit is, doubtless, due to the internal 
administration of the alkaline ingredients of those waters. 
Still, however, the benefit is so much more decided than has 
been obtained by the alkaline treatment alone that a good 
measure of the success may reasonably be attributed to the 
thermal baths. Dr. Barthez reports the results of the treat- 
ment of 135 cases, of which 69 were cured or apparently 
cured, 66 were improved, and only 9 experienced no appre- 
* British and Foreign Medico Chirurgical Review, April 1857. The Reviewer makes 
the statement on the authority of Dr. T. A. Bernard, Professor of Internal Pathology 
and Clinical Medicine at Galata Serai. HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
33 
ciable amendment. “In no case was any untoward accident 
observed from the use of the waters.” 
As to that distressing and very common disease, chronic 
rheumatism, we confidently affirm that no other system of 
treatment offers an equal chance of benefit with that em- 
ployed at thermal baths. 
In the military Sanatoria, or hospitals for invalids, estab- 
lished by the French government at various thermal springs 
in France a remarkable degree of success has been attained 
in the treatment of cases previously considered incurable. 
Thus 74 per cent, of cases which had passed through the 
ordinary hospital treatment were decidedly benefited, 2G per 
cent, having been cured, and 48 per cent, more or less “re- 
lieved." It was especially remarked that the most favorable 
per centage was found among the rheumatic cases* 
Of eighty (80) cases reported by Dr. Barthez, as treated at 
Vichy, thirty-five were considered to be cured, thirty-one 
improved and in fourteen no result was obtained. 
Out of many hundred cases of rheumatism, gout and rheu- 
matic gout, which have been more or less benefited at the 
Virginia Hot Springs, only a portion have been recorded in 
the letters of D. H. London, Wm. M. Darlington, H. Cal- 
loway, Wm. Chatman, B. Preston, P. A. Browne, Thomas 
G. Coleman, D. G. Doak, Muscoe Garnett, P. G. Uhler, 
Dr. George C. Sugg, John F. Ballew, Dr. Louis E. Atkin- 
son, Wm. Gilliam, Dr. Thomas Lining, S. Fleming, W. 
Hutchens, and Rev. J. A. Holland, of Baltimore. 
(3). In scrofulous affections, the Hot Springs are only recom- 
mended as preparatory to the beneficial action of the Rock- 
bridge Alum waters, which, when the system has been duly 
prepared for their use, effect marvellous cures, transcending 
•BrilUh and Foreign Medlco-Chirurgical Review, Oct. 1856. For a further notice of 
these Sanatoria in tlu-ir relation to the treatment of old injuries and other chronic mula- 
dies of soldiers, see class vii, “ surgical diseases.” 34 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
the effects of cod liver oil, or those of the preparations of 
iodine and bromine. 
VII.—SURGICAL DISEASES. 
The use of mineral waters in surgical diseases was brought 
to the notice of the military authorities in Great Britain, 
especially in reference to surgical diseases resulting from 
wounds, by Dr. PincofFs, who had been attached to the hos- 
pitals in the East. According to the British and Foreign 
Medico-Chirurgical Review, Dr. Pincoff ’s pamphlet contained 
very sound arguments in favor of the establishment of mili- 
tary hospitals in connexion with such waters as those of 
Bath, the great thermal watering place of England. In the 
East, the military authorities of the English hospitals had 
directed their attention to this subject with reference espe- 
cially to the waters of Broussa and Mytelene, both of easy 
access from Scutari. In France, as Dr. Pincoffs showed, such 
establishments are found to be exceedingly favorable in the 
cure of old wounds.* 
For an illustration of the efficacy of the thermal baths at 
*The value which the French military authorities place upon thermal baths is attested 
by the fact that at six different places of the kind they possess military sanatoria or hos- 
pitals, namely, at Amelie les-Bains, Bareges, Bourhonne-les-Bains, Bourbonne-l’Archam- 
bault, Vichy, and Guagno, in Corsica. Similar institutions are to be found in the well- 
known watering places of Carlsbad and Tooplitz, in Germany. ***** 
“ Inveterate rheumatism, diseases of hones, skin diseases, syphilitic affections, are 
peculiarly amenable to treatment by the thermal sulphurous springs and other thermal 
waters; whilst wounds and ulcers, with the secondary effects of the various injuries to 
which the soldier is liable, are often found to undergo a change and amelioration under 
their influence, whon ordinary medication was failing to work a cure. We gather from 
a work by M. Herpin, containing very elaborate calculations, that the following is the 
per centage of cases benefited by this mode of treatment: 
Cured 26 per cent. 
Relieved 48 “ “ 
“Thus seventy-four per cent, of cases which had passed through the ordinary hospital 
treatment were dccldodly benefited; cases which, but for the sanatoria, would probably 
have been allowed to linger out their lives as hopeless invalids. It is to be especially 
remarked, that the most favorablo per centago is found among tho rheumatic cases, 
which nearly regards us (the English people), as the most rheumatic nation in the 
world.”—[British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review, October 1856. HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
35 
the Virginia Hot Springs in curing rigid contraction of the 
muscles of the leg, supervening upon a severe injury, and 
pronounced incurable by the late Dr. Physick, of Philadelphia, 
the reader is referred to the case of the Hon. John Y. Mason, 
late United States minister at the court of France, as narrated 
in his letter, to be found among the certificates of special 
cases of cure in Part III of this pamphlet. 
VIII.—MISCELLANEOUS CASES. 
In addition to the above specified classes of disease, the 
following named affections have in many cases yielded to the 
influence of the thermal baths at the Hot Springs of Virginia, 
used in combination with other appropriate treatment, after 
the latter alone had failed to effect a cure : Intermittent fever, 
chronic ovaritis, pelvi-peritonitis, renal calculi, spasmodic 
stricture of the urethra and the morbid habit which was ex- 
pressed by its frequent recurrence, organic strictures of the 
urethra, enlargement of the prostrate gland in persons not 
very advanced in age, indolent swellings of the joints, chronic 
inflammation of the lymphatic glands, the carbuncular dia- 
thesis, aphonia, deafness, &c. 
REACTION FEVER PRODUCED BY HOT BATHING. 
It is important, in order to quiet the apprehensions that 
might otherwise alarm patients and disappoint their medical 
advisers not previously acquainted with the phenomena, to 
state that a large proportion of persons taking a series of hot 
baths experience a kind of “reaction fever” in the course of 
the treatment. Dr. Ileim, quoted by Dr. James Johnson 
(Pilgrimages to the Spas, <£c.), and by Dr. Bell (Treatise on 
Baths), says: 
“ This state of visitation seldom lasts more than a few days, 
and generally disappears without any internal medicine. 
This reaction is precisely that which ought to inspire the 
greatest hopes in the patient, as it announces a change in his 36 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
constitution and a victory over his malady. The disagree- 
able sensations, however, which he feels, often put him out of 
humor with the baths, especially if old pains and discomforts 
that had ceased now reappear, which they often do. He 
becomes impatient and morose, when he is revisited by rheu- 
matic pains, neuralgia, gout, hemorrhoids, &c., which he had 
thought to be extinct. Such reaction, however, is indispen- 
sable towards the victory of nature and the baths over the 
disease for which they are employed. The waters of Wild- 
bad are remarkable for this reproduction of old disorders, at 
the moment they are eradicating the more recent ones.” 
Similar effects have been noticed at other thermal baths in 
Germany. Mr. Lee (on the Principal Baths of Germany) 
makes the following observations on the baths of Wisbaden: 
“ The beneficial effects of the Wisbaden and other mineral 
springs, are most evident during the time of their use, after 
the system has been for some time subjected to their action, 
and are not unfrequently consecutive to discharges or erup- 
tion of a critical nature, induced by the water, which by per- 
turbatory action, and by exciting the vital energies, frequently 
brings disease from the chronic to a more acute state, pre- 
vious to their removal. Hence, a slight degree of feverish- 
ness, with increase of long-standing pains, &c., are frequently 
proofs of the beneficial action of the water, and precursors of 
a favorable change. In other instances, no perceptible effect 
or amelioration takes place during the employment of the waters, 
but becomes apparent after they have been sometimes discon- 
tinued." 
This has so often occurred at the Virginia Hot Springs as 
to have passed into a proverb. Very many patients have 
left the springs in despair, and have been most agreeably dis- 
appointed at a subsequent period to find that they have 
actually been cured. See the letter of Dr. Geo. C. Sugg, 
who states that after taking thirty-five baths he “ was very 
much disheartened and dissatisfiedthe baths made him nOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
very Bore, lame and weak. Thinking that there was no relief 
for his case, he departed, and was astonished to find at Staun- 
ton, where he spent the night, that he could turn in bed 
(which he had not been able to do for three years). He con- 
tinued to improve gradually after this. See also the letters 
of H. Davrainville, \V. Hutchens and Dr. L. E. Atkin- 
son, for examples of aggravation of pains as preparatory to 
their final removal under the influence of the hot baths. 
In conclusion, the owners would beg leave, in addressing 
themselves to invalids suffering from such chronic complaints 
as have been herein referred to, to borrow the sprightly 
language of the enthusiastic author of the “ Spas of Ger- 
many “ Do not waste your life and purse in swallowing 
endless drugs and ringing the changes of remedies and doc- 
tors, pent up in a hot house in the city during the summer 
months, or in being lifted in and out of your carriage, the 
prey of some chronic and insidious disorder which bafiles 
your vigilant physician’s skill. Fly, I say, from these evils— 
proceed to some spring of health, and commit yourself for 
once to the hands of nature—of medicated nature—assisted 
by every auxiliary which an excursion to a German Spa” (or, 
we may say, to the mineral springs in the mountains of Vir- 
ginia) “ brings into play, and depend upon it, that either at 
the first or at the second or third occasion of visiting and 
using such Spas, you will have reason to rejoice that you 
exchanged art for nature ; always provided you act under 
proper advice in the choice and use of them.” 
In Europe, according to this writer, “ the affirmation and 
approving voice of many centuries, of many physicians of 
the first eminence, and what is better still, of many patients 
who have been cured by mineral waters, after having in vain 
tried all the resources of art,” attest the great value of these 
natural remedies. We add the expression of our conscien- 
tious and decided belief, that in their power to subvert disease 38 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
and to restore health in the maladies for which they are recom- 
mended, the 
VIRGINIA HOT SPRINGS 
AEE NOT EXCELLED BY ANY MINERAL WATER ON THE FACE 
OF THE GLOBE. 
S. C. TARDY, 
THOS. R. PRICE & CO., 
Owners. IIOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
39 
[Part III. 
CERTIFICATES OF CURE, 
AND LETTERS ON THE THERAPEUTICAL EFFECTS OF 
THE HOT SPRINGS BATHS. 
The attention of those who may feel an interest in the sub- 
ject is respectfully called to the annexed certificates of cure 
of various diseases effected by the Hot Springs. These state- 
ments are made by persons entirely disinterested. Most of 
them were given by the several writers at different times to 
the late Dr. Thomas Goode, the former proprietor of the Hot 
Springs. A few have been collected since his death. Some 
of the writers are eminent physicians, others are men of 
national reputation, and the character and intelligence of all 
of them forbid the idea that they could either be deceived 
themselves, or would assist to deceive others in regard to the 
effects of the waters. 
GENERAL CERTIFICATES. 
Ilis opinion of the value of the Hot Springs as a remedial agent in 
rheumatism, gout, diseases of the liver, paralysis, enlargement of the 
prostrate gland, Ac., Ac. 
LETTER OF DR. RIVES. 
Hoanolce, April 2nd, 1858. 
Dear Sir :—After suffering for two years excruciating pain 
from chronic rheumatism, I determined to try the effects of 
the Hot Springs Baths for this disease. In accordance with 
this determination, I spent about two weeks last September 40 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
at your springs (my occupation not giving me more leisure at 
that season), and I was for a time somewhat disappointed at 
the result, as my pains were rather increased for a month after 
my return home; but during the whole of the past winter I 
have been entirely free from this painful malady, notwith- 
standing constant exposure to the inclemencies of weather in 
the practice of my profession. I attribute the cessation of 
these rheumatic pains entirely to the effect of the Hot Springs 
baths. 
I observed that the primary effect of the baths upon the 
circulation of the blood was excitant, and the secondary effect 
•sedative; which accounts, in part, for the curative proper- 
ties of your baths in chronic diseases, especially where depo- 
sitions or morbid alterations have occurred in the tissues. 
Along with this excitement of the circulation of the blood is 
a corresponding excitation of the absorbent vessels, which in 
chronic diseases, generally, are inactive. These vessels are 
stimulated to the performance of their natural functions, and 
the result is, that the deposits which have been left in the 
tissues by previous disease are re-absorbed, and these tissues 
restored to their normal structure and function. The second- 
ary sedative effect insures the patient against the danger 
of an inflammatory action. Thus stimulated from day to day, 
the absorbent vessels regain their wonted office, and disease 
gradually disappears. This is without doubt the “ rationale” 
of the way in which the Hot Springs baths cure the chronic 
form of rheumatism, gout, menstrual derangements depend- 
ent on ulceration of the womb, syphilis, enlargement of the 
prostrate gland, deformities from old injuries, &c., &c. What 
assistance is derived from the chemical constituents of the 
waters, I am unable to determine, but I should think their 
influence must be potent, or such results would hardly have 
obtained as I have witnessed in the above-named diseases ; 
and in paralysis, torpidity and enlargement of the liver, en- HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
41 
largement of the spleen, jaundice, and in some forms of 
chronic diarrhoea. 
The spout baths proved in my own, and in many other 
cases, as active a stimulant to the liver as calomel itself. 
From personal observation, and upon the representation of 
many intelligent visitors, I have no hesitation in recommend- 
ing persons afflicted with any of the diseases I have enume- 
rated to resort to the Hot Springs as the most pleasant mode 
of obtaining relief. I certainly expect to avail myself of the 
advantages of these baths for a short time every summer. 
With sentiments of the highest regard, 
I remain your friend and obedient servant, 
LANDON RIVES, M. D. 
To Mr. S. Goode, Hot Springs. 
LETTER OF DR. WILLIAMSON. 
His opinion of the beneficial effects of the Hot Springs when employed 
to PREPARE THE SYSTEM FOR THE USE OF OTHER MINERAL WATERS; 
also, in diseases of the liver, gout, rheumatism, paralysis, &c., &c. 
Boydion, Va., May ls£, 1858. 
Tiios. F. Goode, Esq.: 
Dear Sir :—I cheerfqlly comply with your request for my 
opinion as to the curative powers of the Hot Springs. From 
my observation of the effects of these waters, I am entirely sat- 
isfied that they are among, if not the most potent of the Min- 
eral Springs of Virginia, for the cure of most of the obstinate 
chronic forms of disease, for which they are resorted to, par- 
ticularly for the condition of the system depending on a 
general derangement of the secretions with torpor and 
inactivity of the various organs. With very few exceptions, 
I regard the Hot Springs as the best preparatory for bene- 
ficial results from the use of the waters of the other springs. 
They excite the torpid organs, and thereby render the syS- 42 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
tern more susceptible of immediate effects in many cases in 
which other waters are ultimately more especially adapted. 
It is frequently the case that invalids spend some time at 
the White Sulphur and other springs with but little, if any 
benefit, when upon visiting the Hot Springs, and returning 
to these places, they experience immediate beneficial results. 
I generally advise invalids, who consult me as to the use of 
the various mineral waters, to resort to the hot baths, before 
visiting other springs; and to do this in many cases, in which 
I regard other waters as more particularly indicated, for the 
reason that I believe the relaxing effect of the hot baths ren- 
ders the system much more susceptible of prompt and efficient 
action from other waters. I am convinced that in many in- 
stances, in which the sulphur waters are resorted to in the 
first instance with but little or no beneficial result, they would 
prove highly efficient if aided by a previous application of 
the hot baths. As a remedial agent in gout, rheumatism, 
paralysis, and all affections of the liver, the Hot Springs are 
justly considered without a rival. In fact, so astonishing has 
been the relief afforded by these waters in the diseases here 
enumerated, and in others, that it would be almost incredible, 
but that it is attested by persons of as high character as any 
in the land. 
Yours truly, 
JOHN W. WILLIAMSON, M. D. 
His opinion of the value of the Hot Springs as a curative agent in 
various chronic diseases. 
LETTER OF DR. FRANCIS E. LUCKETT. 
Richmond, Va., May 18th, 1860. 
My Dear Sir:—In response to your inquiries on the sub- 
ject, I take much pleasure in furnishing you with my impres- 
sions as to the medicinal and remedial properties of the Hot 
Springs water. Having resided for four years or longer at HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
43 
the Warm Springs (but five miles distant), engaged in the 
practice of my profession, most favorable opportunities were 
afforded me, in numerous instances, for observing the curative 
influences of these waters, and I do not hesitate to say that I 
believe them to be the most reliable and efficient agents in 
the treatment and cure of the large class of diseased condi- 
tions to which they are adapted in this country. I will enume- 
rate as follows: Chronic rheumatism and gout, paralysis in 
its different forms, neuralgia, diseases of the liver, with its 
various complications and consequences, as jaundice, indiges- 
tion, obstinate constipation, dropsical effusions, &c.; visceral 
engorgements, as of the spleen and other organs, irritation of 
the spinal column, with its attendant consequences; the nume- 
rous class of deformities arising from injuries to muscles and 
joints; chronic diarrhcea, dependent upon torpidity of the 
liver or debility ; engorgement or enlargements of the uterus, 
attended with suppressed, diminished, or painful secretion ; 
enlargement of the prostrate gland. Such is my confidence 
in the curative action of the hot spout, that I shall seek its 
aid the coming summer in my own case, for the relief of a 
torpid liver, with rheumatic complication. 
Hoping sincerely that you may enjoy in the ensuing sea- 
son, as heretofore, that extended patronage which both the 
value of the water and the admirable accommodations of the 
place are so well entitled to secure, 
I remain, very truly, yours, 
F. E. LUCKETT. 
S. Goode, Esq., Hot Springs, Bath county, Va. 
OriNION OF DR. (1K0RUE B. WOOD, 
Of Philadelphia, in regard to the curative properties of the Virginia 
Hot Springs in rheumatism, gout and chronic hepatitis. 
In his work on the Fractice of Medicine, Dr. Wood, one of 
the professors in the University of Pennsylvania, and one of 44 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
the most eminent medical men of the age, thus notices these 
waters as remedial agents: Under the head of chronic rheu- 
matism, he says (see second edition, vol. 1, page 443, Wood’s 
Practice of Medicine): “ The hot bath, taken daily and perse- 
vered in for a considerable time, often does much good ; and 
obstinate local affections sometimes give way to a stream of 
hot water directed upon them, or the hot douche. A visit to 
the Hot Springs in Virginia may be recommended.” 
Under the head of gout: “The Hot Springs of Virginia 
are sometimes very beneficial.” (Vol. 1, page 4G4, second 
edition, Wood’s Practice.) Under the head of chronic hepa- 
titis (Wood’s Practice, second edition, vol. 2, page 461) : “ The 
Hot Springs of Virginia have also been found useful, em- 
ployed in the form of a bath.” 
LETTER OF F. E. WATKINS, M. D. 
Richmond, May ls£, 18G8. 
Messrs. S. C. Tardy & Co.: 
Gentlemen :—I herewith give you my views and opinion 
in relation to the value of the Hot Springs, Bath county, Va., 
of which you are now proprietors. I regard them as the 
most valuable thermal springs on this continent, and would 
be glad to direct the attention of physicians, unacquainted 
with them, to their great value as a powerful auxiliary in 
the many obstinate cases of disease. You can make any use 
of this letter you may see fit. 
Some years ago my own ill health led me to pass almost 
the whole of the season at these springs. During my sojourn 
there—from circumstances not necessary to detail here—I 
had peculiar advantages for observing the action and effects 
of the waters and baths in a variety of diseases. My con- 
victions then formed are still unchanged, and I regard the 
Hot Springs as of more value for a large class of patients 
than any other one watering place in America, and further- 
more, that the curative pow'er of these waters, when directed HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
45 
by an intelligent physician, is greater, more prompt and cer- 
tain than almost any agent which we can select from the ma- 
teria medica. The Hot Springs were thronged with visitors 
the whole of the season I spent there, so that I had ample 
opportunity for observation, and I will here take the liberty 
of remarking as one of the results of my experience, that 
both physicians and invalids fall into grave error, in my 
opinion, by not seeking the Hot Springs as a place of first resort, 
instead of visiting it last; and if many patients, who now 
reverse this order of proceeding, would go at first to the Hot, 
they would often find no necessity or inducement to go else- 
where to seek relief from their maladies. 
I believe the Hot Springs is the best place of preparation 
for deriving benefit from other mineral waters in the State. 
I do not mean these remarks to apply to those cases of chronic 
rheumatism, gout, nervous diseases and their congeners, for 
the relief of which the “ Hot” has at least an American repu- 
tation, and no competitor, but to a still larger class of disor- 
ders of liver, stomach and bowels. 
I do not presume to address these remarks to medical men 
who may have enjoyed the same opportunities for experience 
on this subject as I have, but to those of my brethren who 
have no personal acquaintance with the “ Hot,” who may be 
glad to learn of that valuable agent for the relief of intract- 
able diseases. 
Very respectfully yours, 
F. B. WATKINS, M. D. 46 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
CERTIFICATES OF SPECIAL CASES OF CURE. 
CLASSES I & II.* 
DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND OF THE DIGESTIVE CA- 
NAL-DYSPEPSIA, DIARRHOEA, DYSENTERY, 
GASTRALGIA, &c„ &c. 
Hot Springs, Viz., Sept. 23, 1856. 
From April, 1849, untill June 1854, I was a'constant suf- 
ferer from chronic diarrhoea, which, supervening upon an at- 
tack of something like cholera, was so obstinate as to evade 
the best medical skill, North and South. I would sometimes, 
from the use of medicines, obtain partial relief, and gain suf- 
ficient strength to engage in active pursuits—but only for a 
brief period—to be again prostrated under an acute attack 
upon the slightest exposure, from which new remedies were 
required to raise me—those which had previously proved 
efficacious failing to make any favorable impression when 
taken the second time. The liver was undoubtedly the seat 
of my disease, and was so torpid that it could only be goaded 
into feeble action under the use of mercurials—subsiding 
again into its former condition, when their use was suspended. 
In fact, my system did not seem to furnish the elements of 
the biliary secretion. At times I became so feeble and ema- 
ciated, from the effects of this distressing disease, that it 
seemed impossible for me to rally again. The various water- 
ing places, which were recommended by sympathizing friends, 
were tried, but without avail. Cooper’s well and Bladen 
Springs afforded temporary relief, but the disease returned 
♦These numbers refer to the classes of disease enumerated in Part II. HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
47 
upon me, shortly after leaving them, with as great severity 
as before. The cold water cure was tried for a few days, 
from which I barely escaped with life. I had nearly despaired 
of ever obtaining relief, and came to the mountains of Vir- 
ginia, to visit the Rockbridge Alum in June 1854, as a der- 
nier resort. For two weeks I improved there slightly, but 
afterwards lost ground rapidly, and at the end of three weeks 
was confined to my bed. These waters, evidently, did not 
suit my case; and after a week’s confinement, being suffi- 
ciently strengthened by the use of medicine to bear a short 
journey, I came over to the Warm Springs. At that place I 
learned from some of my visitors, incidentally, of the value 
of the Hot Springs in cases of diarrhoea. I came over and 
gave them a trial—commencing at the temperate bath for a 
day or two, and afterwards alternating between the “ Hot 
Douche” and the “ Boiler” bath. I soon became conscious of a 
sensible amendment of my symptoms, and began to improve in 
flesh and strength. I continued bathing for a fortnight, and 
left for the Red Sweet Springs, wffiere I remained a week, and 
again returned to the Hot Springs, bathing as before for an- 
other fortnight. My improvement was steady and progres- 
sive, and when I left the mountains, in October 1854, I was 
restored to comparative health, and had gained in weight from 
109 lbs. to 132 lbs. I could walk several miles without 
fatigue, and altogether felt myself to be a new man. I re- 
turned home (to Mobile) in November, and during the suc- 
ceeding winter had again a return of my complaint, but 
milder in form and much more manageable than before. In 
June 1855, I returned to the Hot Springs, and the use of the 
baths w’as attended with the same happy effects as in 1854. 
Alternating between the Hot and the Red Sweet Springs, I 
became entirely restored, and returned home well, and have 
remained well. 
I am again a visitor at the Hot Springs the present season, 
for the purpose of fortifying my system against any lingering 48 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
predisposition that may remain, and shall, if life is spared, 
probably return here for several seasons to come, in order to 
confirm what I really consider to have been one of the most 
extraordinary cures ever effected by any mineral waters. 
If this hastily written statement shall induce any persons 
who may be suffering under like affliction, to obtain relief 
by following the course which I have pursued with such 
happy results, I shall be much gratified. 
Yours very truly, 
FRANCIS B. CLARK, 
Of Mobile, Ala. 
In reply to your inquiry of last evening, with, regard to 
the permanency of the benefit which I derived from the use 
of the Hot Springs baths, as described in my letter to Dr. 
Thomas Goode, I have to say that from that day until the 
present time my health has continued uniformly good; and 
two years’ additional experience and observation have only 
confirmed and strengthened my previous estimate of the re- 
medial powers of the hot baths in cases of obstinate and deep 
seated chronic disease. 
A feeling of gratitude for my own restoration has led me 
to recommend the use of these baths to many friends suffer- 
ing from diseases for which the Hot Springs had proved bene- 
ficial to others, and it has been a source of pleasure and satis- 
faction to me to know that I have thus been instrumental in 
promoting their recovery. The increasing facilities of travel 
will soon make the Hot Springs accessible to invalids from 
all parts of the Union, and it is destined, at no distant period, 
to occupy the front rank among the celebrated mineral wa- 
ters of the country. 
F. B. CLARK. HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
Nottoway County. 
I was violently attacked with what is commonly called the 
Bilious Colic (whether from the passing of calculi, or a de- 
ranged state of the secretions of the liver, I am unable to say), 
followed by an ardent fever, terminating on the ninth day in 
a well marked case of jaundice, with dyspeptic symptoms and 
great debility. As soon as I was able to travel I set off 
for the White Sulphur Springs in a carriage, and was again 
attacked on the day of my arrival with violent pains and 
spasms in the region of the stomach and liver, followed by 
fever and an increase of all the above mentioned symptoms. 
And as soon as it was thought prudent, I commenced the use 
of the White Sulphur water in combination with the blue 
mass or calomel, and the most approved vegetable extracts. 
The water, so far from relieving, evidently aggravated my 
disease, proving highly exciting, and not in the slightest de- 
gree affecting the biliary secretions. I used the White Sul- 
phur water eighteen days, and not receiving any benefit I 
determined to try the Hot Springs. On my arrival there 1 
was greatly debilitated and in much pain, commenced the use 
of the bath that evening, and so great was the sensibility of 
the liver and whole abdominal region, that I could not for a 
moment suffer the spout bath to fall on it. I used the spout 
bath with evident benefit for five days, and on the sixth went 
into the boiler or sweat bath. The first sweat seemed to un- 
lock the liver as by magic, causing free discharges of bile, and 
from that day all the functions of that organ appeared to be 
perfectly healthy and regular. I daily gained flesh and 
strength, and returned in the latter part of September nearly 
restored to health. In December following I was again at- 
tacked with all my old symptoms, if possible in a more vio- 
lent degree (produced by exposure to a snow storm), which 
nearly proved fatal. I was confined to my bed all the winter, 
and did not leave my house till late in March. My recovery 
5 50 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
was slow and imperfect, and in August 1839, I determined to 
try the Hot Springs again. On my arrival my-health was 
very bad—symptoms^nearly as in 1838, my bowels nearly in- 
sensible to the most drastic cathartics. I was not disap- 
pointed in my hopes from the use of the baths, but realized 
my most sanguine expectations. After using the spout and 
sweat bath alternately for eighteen or twenty days, finding 
my health greatly improved, I went on to the White Sulphur, 
and found the water to agree admirably well with me, expe- 
riencing none of the injurious effects this season which it evi- 
dently produced in 1838. Since my return home I have con- 
tinued to enjoy good health, and have no hesitation in saying 
I owe it all, under a kind Providence, to the Hot Springs. I 
have purposely delayed sending this communication at an 
earlier day, that there should be no mistake from any tempo- 
rary benefit derived from the use of the baths. My experi- 
ence warrants me in saying that the use of the Hot Spring 
bath is the very best preparation of the system for the safe 
and beneficial use of the Sulphur Waters of Virginia. 
A. A. CAMPBELL, M. D. 
About four years ago my liver became diseased, dyspeptic 
symptoms came on with a diarrhoea, which continued for 
eight months, and in spite of the best medical aid, prostrated 
my whole system, and destroyed my health completely, ter- 
minating in a fixed enlargement of my liver and spleen ; my 
colon also was greatly distended, and felt hard. My physi- 
cians thought it indurated and incurably diseased. My suf- 
ferings were constant, and oftentimes severe. 
Deriving no benefit from medicine, I was induced to visit 
the Virginia Springs. I used the White Sulphur water 
twenty-five days, with some benefit. It caused moderate dis- 
charges of bile from my bowels, but did not reduce the size 
of the liver, spleen nor intestines. I then came to the Hot IIOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
51 
Springs, and by your direction commenced the use of the 
spout bath, temp. 100. About five hours after taking the 
first bath I felt a contraction in the region of my liver, with 
pain like the twisting of a corkscrew in the direction of my 
intestines, which soon extended to the lower bowels, followed 
by several copious evacuations, not less than two quarts, re- 
sembling tar in color and consistence, and producing great 
heat and pain as it passed off. In a short time I felt much 
relieved. The next day I took the same bath, which was 
followed by some pain and several moderate, dark discharges. 
For the next three days no sensible effect was produced by 
the bath. You then directed me to the spout, temp. 102, 
which was followed by pain and copious discharges, of a color 
not so dark as the former. From this time, the sixth day, I 
have experienced daily amendment. My liver, spleen and 
colon, so far as I can ascertain, are all reduced to their natu- 
ral size. I suffer no uneasiness whatever, but feel perfectly 
restored in all respects. I have used the baths for three 
weeks only. 
My residence is at Point Coupee, State of Louisiana. 
M. TOUNOIR. 
Beach Hill. 
I have been a confirmed dyspeptic for near five years, with 
symptoms of the most distressing character; my bowels in 
a state of obstinate costiveness—medicine making but little 
impression on them. I applied for aid to many of the most 
celebrated physicians, but got no relief. I then determined, 
as a last resort, to try the Virginia Springs. I attended the 
Sweet Springe, the White and Salt Sulphur, and the Hot 
Springs. From the three former I derived no benefit what- 
ever. But the benefit which I did receive was from the spout 
bath at the Hot Springs, which I believe saved my life. On 
the third night I was waked up by a severe griping, which 52 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
was followed during the remainder of the night by repeated 
and copious discharges of vitiated and acrid bile. The next 
morning I was greatly better, and afterwards improved rap- 
idly. I remained only eight days, and gained eleven pounds 
in weight. I went by your direction and took no medicine. 
I am, very respectfully, yours, 
CHARLES HAMLIN. 
Charlottesville, November 10, 1842. 
At the request of Mrs. Kelly, I furnish you with a brief 
statement of her case. 
Mrs. Kelly was attacked with unequivocal and decided 
hepatitis: 1st, in its usual form with all its peculiar and 
characteristic symptoms, resisting the most active and vigo- 
rous remedial agents that could be adopted. The disease 
gradually progressing into the chronic forms, with enlarged 
liver, jaundice, diarrhoea, &c. In this stage the appropriate 
remedies were perseveringly used, still without relief, until 
the season approached for a trial of the mineral wraters. At 
this period such was her debility, emaciation and prostra- 
tion, that her friends despaired of her reaching the Springs. 
The effort, however, was made, and she arrived at the White 
Sulphur, where she remained six weeks, using the water 
without improvement in her complexion, or any favorable 
impression on the disease; she is now transferred to the Hot 
Springs, where she remains one month, assiduously employ- 
ing the boiler and the spout baths, and under their use she 
became completely relieved, the jaundiced state of the skin 
disappearing, also the enlarged condition of the liver, with 
an almost entire exemption of any serious recurrence of the 
disease from that period to the present time. 
CHAS. CARTER, M. D. 53 
nOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
A long indisposition from the effects of a deranged state of 
my liver led me to try the hot spout bath at your springs. I 
had previously remained four or five weeks at the White 
Sulphur, from which I had derived much advantage, but not 
so much as to make me believe that I could not be further 
benefited by the use of the hot baths. 
Its effect upon me was immediate, and as powerful as I had 
been led to suppose, producing a free action of the liver. I 
continued to use them eight or nine days with equally happy 
effects. Entertaining, as I do, the highest opinion of the 
efficacy of the Hot Springs in all cases of a diseased liver, I 
am led to give you this simple statement for the benefit of 
others who may stand as much in need of them as myself. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
JOHN L. MANNING, 
Of South Carolina. 
For nearly three years I have been subject to very frequent 
attacks of jaundice. My liver became torpid and refused to 
perform its functions—the biliary duct seemed to be closed— 
my bowels became much disordered, and I bad a confirmed 
chronic diarrhoea. I became very weak from the effects of 
medicine, and was unfit for business or society. By the ad- 
vice of my physicians I left Philadelphia for the Virginia 
Springs, and reached the Hot Springs early in July much ex- 
hausted. I used the spout bath for three days, and on the 
fourth I took the sweat bath, which reduced the number of 
discharges from my bowels to one a day, and I felt better. I 
continued the sweat bath for near three weeks, and my health 
appeared to improve from every bath. My appetite and 
strength increased rapidly, and my complexion, which was 
very sallow, became clear and healthy. I then went to the 
White Sulphur for two weeks, taking from eight to ten glasses 
of water daily, .with evident benefit. I returned then to the 
Hot Springs, and took the sweat bath nearly every day for 54 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
two weeks, with half a wineglass of a mixture of the extract 
of taraxicum, when I found my health restored. I had 
gained twenty-four pounds in flesh. 
Yours respectfully, 
D. K. KIRKPATRICK, 
Of Philadelphia. 
Dear Sir,—I have been laboring under a disease of my liver 
for more than four years, attended with dyspeptic symptoms 
of the most distressing kind. I have had almost constant 
pain in my head, back, right side and shoulder blade, at the 
pit of my stomach, and in my bowels, which have been so 
constipated as to compel, me to take some opening medicine 
nearly every day. I was confined the most of last winter to 
my room, and was reduced almost to a skeleton. I derived 
no benefit whatever from medicine. I finally determined to 
try the Sulphur Waters of Virginia. After using the Sul- 
phur Waters for more than six weeks, I found myself rather 
worse, and started for home, but was induced by the advice 
of Dr. Smith, of South Carolina, to make trial of these waters. 
I had no faith in them, and, to my great surprise, the very 
first bath helped me. On the third day, my bowels were 
moved by the effects of the water alone, and they have been 
moved sufficiently every day since withont the aid of medi- 
cine, with discharges of bile, which has not been the case for 
the last four years. I have been here thirteen days, have 
taken twenty-five spout baths, and have mended every day; 
my digestion is good, and I am entirely free from pain, and 
hope my diease is removed. I would stay longer, but my 
business calls me away. Should my disease return, I shall 
know where to seek relief. 
C. CAELTON, 
231 Pearl street, New York. HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
55 
I visited the Virginia Springs with liver disease, as stated 
by many physicians. I used the Sulphur Waters for some 
time, but without any decided effect. I then came to the 
Hot Springs, and after using the spout bath a few days, the 
pain in my right side increased from a dull to an acute, which 
induced me to apply to Dr. Goode for advice. He gave me 
ten grains of calomel, which brought about a most happy 
change in my feelings and health, producing copious dis- 
charges of dark bilious matter, when forty grains often before 
taken produced but a limited effect. From the Hot Springs 
I returned to the White Sulphur, and the water then acted 
freely on my bowels. 
JAMES L. COLEMAN, 
Of Georgia. 
I was seized with Cholera, in a Southern climate, from 
which I had scarcely recovered, when intermittent fever at- 
tacked me. This continued at intervals until September, 
when congestive fever supervened, and continued with much 
violence for the space of nine days, and only subsided to give 
place to the intermittent again. From this time a morbid 
appetite began to prey upon me. The ague alternated with 
a severe dysentery, until March 1834, codematous swellings 
of the lower extremities made their appearance, but gave way 
to the use of alteratives and muriated tincture of iron. I 
became much emaciated and debilitated ; my spleen became 
much enlarged ; an excessively morbid condition of the sto- 
mach continued, and an ungovernable craving for food of the 
grossest description, and other indigestible substances. In 
the meantime an uncontrollable diarrhoea, which has given 
me more uneasiness than every other symptom, came on. Du- 
ring nearly three years, every article of diet swallowed would 
ferment, produce the most distressing cardialgia, and run off 
from the bowels by profuse watery evacuations. The spleen 
in the left side, and swelling of the stomach and intestines, 56 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
was great and painful. The irritability of the alimentary 
canal was so great that the smallest portions of calomel or 
blue pill combined with opiates, would produce an hyperca- 
tharsis, sometimes almost fatal; neither food nor medicine 
agreed with me. In this state of almost despair, I visited 
the White Sulphur Springs, and finding that the water disa- 
greed with me, inasmuch as it proved too drastic, I deter- 
mined to visit the Hot Springs. In a few hours after using 
the bath I had a bilious discharge, which had not occurred 
for eight months. In four days’ time my diarrhoea ceased, 
and my evacuations became almost healthy in complexion. 
I had been very much annoyed with haemorrhoids for fifteen 
months, which was relieved by the spout bath in three days. 
The improvement in my complexion was so great that the 
visitors would remark, “Why, Doctor, you will soon be well;’’ 
my spleen was reduced about one half, the abdominal muscles 
became relaxed and soft, my strength,and activity were much 
improved, and every symptom seemed to give way to the use 
of the bath. 
A. Y. WATSON, M. D. 
For more than three years I have been afflicted with a 
diseased liver. I have used the Sulphur water for some time, 
but without any permanent effect. I have been here only ten 
days, and when I arrived this was my condition: pain in my 
right side and left shoulder incessantly, my stomach greatly 
distended, my spleen very much enlarged, and digestive 
powers almost destroyed. I have used the spout bath freely 
during my short stay, and this is the effect: the pain in my 
side and shoulder has nearly subsided, my stomach is reduced 
to its natural spleen is considerably reduced, and my 
digestion much improved. The benefit I have received is 
great, and I trust is substantial. Regretting that business 
calls me away thus early, and grateful for your kind atten- 
tions. 
E. L. DARGON, 
of Alabama. HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
57 
Mr. Goode: 
Dear Sir—I furnish you with a statement of a 
violent attack of dysentery under which I suffered in the 
months of July and August of the last year, and of the 
rapid improvements which I have received from the use of 
your baths. 
My attack was sudden and violent, with frequent and 
painful discharges of blood and mucus, attended with con- 
siderable inflammation. This condition continued upon me 
without any material diminution for twenty-one days, not- 
withstanding I had been copiously bled in the earlier stages 
of my disease, and kept under a constant mercurial influence. 
I reached the Hot Springs about the middle of August, 
after a painful journey from the University of Virginia, a 
perfect skeleton, and so helpless as to be lifted in and out of 
my carriage, and to be carried to and from the baths. In a 
few days, an evident improvement was made in my condi- 
tion ; and so rapid and steady was my recovery, that, in the 
space of a single fortnight, I was able to walk a mile for ex- 
ercise, and to return home by the mail-coach, over the route 
which I had with difficulty performed, with the facilities of 
a carriage and bed. My health is at this time completely re- 
established. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
W. II. WOODLEY, 
Froctor University of Virginia. 
In the fall of 1841 I was confined with a severe bilious 
fever, and from the effects of which my constitution has not 
since recovered. Early in 1842 I went to the White Sulphur 
Springs, but finding no appreciable effect produced upon my 
liver by the use of the water, I went to the Red Sulphur for 
two weeks with some advantage. I then returned to the 
White, and used the water a second time, but with no better 
success. 58 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
I arrived at the Hot Springs on the 5th September, with 
symptoms of a gorged liver, a sallow complexion, and pain 
in my side and chest. I used the bath until the 14th, with 
great advantage. After taking the third bath my liver be- 
gan to disgorge itself, and throw off great quantities of vi- 
tiated bile; my skin cleared up, and the pain in my chest 
and side, which had before been frequent and severe, was 
greatly relieved. The benefit derived is greatly beyond what 
I anticipated, and I have no doubt of the efficiency of the 
Hot Springs in many cases of diseased liver, wherein the 
Sulphur Waters have totally failed. 
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
T. F. CAMPBELL, 
Of Nottoway county. 
For the last eighteen months I have been dyspeptic, with 
costive bowels and a constant uneasiness between my shoul- 
ders and at the pit of my stomach, and a dry skin. About 
the first of the month I went to the White Sulphur Springs, 
and used the water freely, with the blue mass, for eleven 
days, but without the least effect on my liver. I have been 
here only one week, using the spout bath, temperature 100°. 
The night after taking my first bath, I had three copious 
bilious discharges from my bowels. 
My skin is now moist, my bowels open, and I am greatly 
relieved in every respect. 
J. E. MICHIE, 
Of Albemarle. 
More than three years since I was taken with a severe 
dysentery, which was succeeded by what I should term a mu- 
cous diarrhoea. Since that time I have suffered an annual 
return of the dysentery each summer until the present; this 
year I have escaped this periodical attack by passing my time 
in the mountains. HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
59 
I remained a week at tlie White Sulphur without the slight- 
est benefit, when I directed my course to the Red Sulphur, 
where I remained five weeks. My general health was greatly 
improved at this place, and at first I was cheered with hopes 
of a recovery, but I left the Red Sulphur with the diarrhoea 
in full force upon me, and without any diminution of the 
mucous discharge, although the bilious secretions were slightly 
improved. In that state—a state of unabated diarrhoea—I 
reached the Hot Springs seven days ago, and was persuaded 
to use the spout bath. I applied the spout principally to the 
region of my liver and to my back—wonderful to relate, I 
felt instantaneous and perfect relief—the mucous discharge 
entirely ceased, which had not occurred previously in the 
whole course of my disease. Since the first day I have felt 
no pain or uneasiness in the bowels, whereas, before I was 
tortured night and day. So well do I feel that I shall start 
for home to-morrow in fine spirits, and only regret that I had 
not sooner tried your Hot Springs. This is a short and rapid 
sketch of my case, but I do assure you it is a faithful one. 
I shall make no commentary, but will simply say that I con- 
sider my cure entirely and solely owing to the Hot Springs. 
ROBERT J. BRENT, 
Of Washington, D. C. 
About ten years ago I became dyspeptic, and was unwell in 
the usual way, when at length I became much worse; almost 
everything taken in the stomach produced pain, and frequently 
violent spasms, which threatened death. I experienced no 
relief except when under the influence of calomel; tiring of 
which, after suffering for about two years, I determined to 
try the sulphur water. I commenced at the White Sulphur, 
but the water disagreed with me, and then I went to the Salt 
Sulphur, understanding that the water there was more purga- 
tive; for you must know that my bowels were invariably con- 
stipated. After using the water for two days I had a violent 60 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
attack of spasm, "which was relieved by a hot bath. I then 
came immediately to the Hot Springs; my stomach was so 
much debilitated that I was compelled to live exclusively on 
milk and mush and the like bland food. The first meal I 
took at the Hot Springs was milk and mush, which brought 
on pain, threatening spasm. 1* went immediately into the 
spout bath, and from that day to this I have been entirely 
exempt from the disease. I bathed every day, sometimes 
twice, and in a few days I was enabled to eat of everything 
at the table, including desserts of all kinds. 
WILLIAMS CARTER, 
Of Hanover. 
When I left home I had been afflicted for fifteen months 
with diseased liver and disordered bowels. I reached here 
on the 8th instant; my bowels disordered ; mouth and tongue 
sore and blistered; my evacuations of a watery consistency, 
and frequently of the color of clay or putty, and I had no 
appetite. From the taste I could scarcely distinguish one 
kind of food from another. On my arrival I commenced to 
use the baths, and continued their use daily to the present 
time. My bowels soon became quiescent, evacuations regular 
and of a healthy color; my mouth and tongue entirely well, 
and they have remained so. Of the beneficial effects of tbe 
waters to me I have no doubt, and I am in hopes a cure 
has been effected, which may be made permanent by proper 
care and attention to diet and exercise. 
GEORGE CARR, 
Of Charlottesville. 
I was attacked with a bilious pleurisy, which yielded to 
medical treatment, but my stomach and bowels were left in a 
bad state. In a short time my digestion was greatly im- 
paired, and I had a confirmed constant diarrhoea, the dis- 
charges a clay color. My food frequently passed off undi- HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
61 
gested, producing violent pain in the bowels, and much fe- 
verish excitement. 
I determined to visit the springs for the benefit of my 
health. I left home in August, and tried first the Sweet 
Springs, but they disagreed with me. I then went to the 
White Sulphur, and then to the Salt Sulphur, but they also 
disagreed, producing violent irritation and pain in my bow- 
els, which put me to bed. So soon as I wa3 able to travel I 
went to the Hot Springs, and, after bathing eighteen days, I 
was entirely relieved, my appetite became good, my food di- 
gested well, and I fattened and strengthened rapidly, and 
from that time to the present I have never had a diarrhoea. 
WILLIAM TODD, 
Of King & Queen. 
I had been the subject of severe dyspeptic complaint for 
more than twelve years; was followed by a most distressing 
diarrhoea, which reduced me to the verge of the grave. I 
spent a part of the summer at the Hot Springs, and, by bath- 
ing in and drinking the water, was completely and entirely 
restored to health, and have not had the slightest symptoms 
of a return of my complaint since a period of five years. 
Hoping that my friend may bring back an equally favor- 
able report, 
DAVID MOODY, 
Of Steubenville, Ohio. 
I went to the White Sulphur Springe in very feeble health, 
laboring under a disease of my liver, attended with constant 
pain and soreness in my right side. I used the water freely 
for three weeks, but the pain and soreness still continued. 
I then went to the Hot Springs, and took two baths in the 
lower spouts ; the first bath produced a perspiration, which I 
had not had for twelve months, my skin having been constantly 
dry. On the third day I took the hot spout, and, while the 62 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
water was falling on the affected side, I felt as if something 
had given away within that side. After leaving the bath I 
went to my room, where I had a profuse sweat, and after 
cooling off, there was a copious acrid, and ill-looking bilious 
discharge from my bowels such as I had never seen before. 
From that day to the present, I have had neither pain nor 
soreness in my side, and shall ever think the hot spout saved 
mv life. 
JOHN J. TAYLOR, 
Of Hanover county, Ya. 
I had a very severe attack of bilious fever which confined 
me to bed near eight weeks. From this time till I visited 
the Hot Springs my health was-very feeble, induced by a 
functional derangement of my liver and other viscera. I 
had constantly a dull, heavy feeling in the right side, and 
found but partial and temporary relief from medicine.— 
While under the spout bath the third or fourth time I felt 
about my liver (without having previously taken any medi- 
cine or used any other mineral water) a peculiar sensation, 
which continued during the succeeding night and day—at- 
tended with considerable nausea. During these twenty-four 
hours a very large quantity of unhealthy bile was discharged, 
and the following day I felt entirely freed from every symp- 
tom of disease. From this time, and for more than two 
years, my health continued excellent, when it became impaired 
by a residence and exposure in the south. 
R. N. FOX. 
I was laboring under great debility, and my physician ad- 
vssed me to take a trip to the mountains and use the Sulphur 
Waters, which I did freely, and found considerable relief— 
which proved, however, only temporary. As the warm 
weather came on next spring, I suffered more from debility 
even than the season before, and my physician pronounced 
my disease a functional derangement of the liver, and again IIOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
63 
advised me to go to the Sulphur Springs; but on my way to 
the springs I met an acquaintance who advised me to go by 
the Hot Springs and use your baths, which I did for eight or 
ten days, and they acted like a charm on my system ; and 
the benefit was much more permanent than anything I had 
ever tried before ; and I have since then, when I have visited 
the mountains, tried the baths with evident benefit, and con- 
sider their use more advantageous to me than all the mineral 
waters in the mountains. 
J. G. JEFFERSON, 
Of Amelia county, Va. 
Washington, March 23, 1870. 
My Dear Sir,—It gives me pleasure to make the following 
statement: 
I left Washington last summer, at the advice of my physi- 
cian, Dr. W. W. Bliss, for the Hot Springs, and passed two 
months there. When I left home I was troubled with en- 
largement of the liver and spleen, and with considerable dis- 
turbance of the action of the heart. Under your direction, 
I commenced using the “Spout,” with the water of the tem- 
perature of 108° F. In a short time I began to realize that 
I gained in strength; that the heart’s action became more 
regular, and that there was considerable recession of the 
liver and spleen. On my return home I felt a reaction for a 
few days, and for a brief time feared that, after all, my stay 
had not been beneficial; but after slight treatment by my 
physician, I began very soon to mend, and now I am glad to 
say that my condition is almost a surprise to myself, as it is 
also to Dr. Bliss, the liver and the spleen being in about their 
normal condition, while the heart’s action evidences but 
little irregularity. That the Hot Springs—the use of the Hot 
Spout particularly—w\as the chief 'cause of this marked 
change in my case, I have no hesitation in saying, and I take 
pleasure in so stating to those similarly afllicted. 
I am, very truly, &c., 
J. D. HOOVER. 64 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
CLASS III. 
DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY AND BLADDER. 
Richmond, Vet. 
Mrs. came to Richmond June 17th, 1868, very much 
enfeebled by a protracted illness, from which she had but 
partially recovered, and which she attributed to dyspepsia 
and nervous debility. 
When I first saw her she was very feeble and pallid, with 
slight appearance of jaundice about the eyes. In a few days 
she had a severe attack of dyspepsia, with vomiting and tor- 
pid liver. In a week the liver resumed its functions, but the 
prostration, nausea and anorexia continued. An examination 
of the urine at this time revealed the fact that she was suf- 
fering with albuminuria. She was treated by Dr. Fairfax 
and myself for this disease, but her stomach continued so 
irritable as to rebel against almost everything, especially iron, 
which we attempted in vain to administer in many forms. 
We had to abandon all active treatment. The patient grew 
worse from day to day, and in the course of ten days the 
urine became very scant, and drowsiness supervened. These 
alarming symptoms continued to increase until the suppres- 
sion of urine was complete, and the patient remained in a 
state of stupor for several days. Gradually, however, the 
kidneys resumed their functions, and the stupor wore off, 
leaving the patient in a state of the greatest prostration. 
As the weather was extremely warm, and we saw no pros- 
pect of recovery here, it was determined to send the patient 
to the Hot Springs, although we were doubtful whether she 
would survive the journey. She was put on a bed in the 
cars, and bore the trip better than we expected. She com- HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
65 
menced the baths within a day or two of her arrival, and the 
amelioration of all unfavorable symptoms was marked and 
immediate. Ten days from the time of commencing the 
baths a portion of the urine was sent me for examination, and, 
to my great surprise, not a trace of albumen could be de- 
tected. Several other specimens were afterwards sent, and 
with the same result. I must here state that during her stay 
in Richmond the urine was examined every two or three days 
by Dr. Fairfax and myself, and we always found a very con- 
siderable quantity of albumen. 
In three weeks this lady left the Hot Springs very much 
strengthened and entirely relieved of all symptoms of kidney 
disease, but suffering slightly with muscular rheumatism. 
I saw her again in September 1869, when she informed me 
that she had remained entirely free of all kidney disease, was 
fleshy and strong, and only complained of slight muscular 
rheumatism. 0. A. CRENSHAW, *M. D. 
This report is necessarily imperfect, because it is made from 
memory entirely. 0. A. C. 
Richmond, February 2\th, 1870. 
Messrs. Tardy & Co.: 
Gentlemen :—I take pleasure in stating the case of my 
wife, who readily acquiesces in the use of her name, as she 
says: “ I am firmly convinced I owe my recovery to the 
baths at the Hot Springs.” 
M rs. Cowardin had been long a sufferer from an irregular, 
gouty diathesis, which manifested itself in various forms, as 
indigestion, nephritic colic, congestion of the kidneys, inflam- 
mation and enlargement of the spleen, and the formation of 
urinary gravel. For twenty years she had passed few days 
without more or less suffering from some of these effects, 
which produced and maintained a high degree of nervous 
irritability. Finally, in the summer of 1868 she was brought 
to a condition of great prostration. Her debility was ex- 66 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
treme; she was greatly reduced in flesh; skin inactive; 
digestion deranged ; pulse highly excited, and her strength 
progressively impaired by excessive action of the urinary 
organs, with copious secretion of albumen. Add to this con- 
tinual severe suffering from pain in the kidneys and inflam- 
mation and enlargement of the spleen, combined with shift- 
ing rheumatic attacks, so that she was rendered almost help- 
less. Her family and friends almost despaired of her re- 
covery. 
At this time (summer of 1868) she was conveyed to the 
Hot Springs, where she remained two months, taking the hot 
bath daily, save when too much exhausted to undergo the 
fatigue. The effects of the bath were soon apparent in the 
change of complexion, the brightening of the countenance, 
and the gradual disappearance of the expression of anguish 
and despair, which are, I believe, distinctive features of cases 
such as hers. She was, in a couple of weeks, enabled to go 
to the dining hall to her meals, and became quite cheerful. 
Her improvement continued while she staid, and she left the 
Springs with the clearest evidences of a revolution in her 
general condition. Of course, such a prolonged and compli- 
cated case as hers could not, save by a miracle, be entirely 
relieved in a few weeks. She continued to suffer, in a greatly 
moderated degree, from local irritation, especially of the 
spleen ; but these symptoms gradually diminished under the 
new constitutional tone established by the Hot Bath, and now 
she feels better than she has felt for twenty years, and we 
feel that her health is reestablished, through the wonderful 
virtues of your Springs. When we consider the obstinate 
and complicated nature of her disease, and her time of life 
(nearly fifty years of age), her cure is most remarkable. 
I trust this statement may induce other sufferers, of the 
gentler sex, to seek and find similar relief, a blessing which 
my family knows how to appreciate. 
Very respectfully and truly yours, 
J. A. COWARDIN. IIOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA, 
67 
CLASS IV.* 
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 
(1)—PARALYSIS. 
Having used your baths with such decided benefit, I deem 
it proper that I should give you a statement of my case, 
which I will do as briefly as possible. I had a most violent 
attack of paralysis, which destroyed the use of the whole of 
my left side, and with it brought on a state of general de- 
bility, which entirely disabled me from attending to business. 
In this situation I left home for the mountains, hoping to re- 
gain my health by travelling and the use of the different mi- 
neral waters; but after spending about four months in going 
from Spring to Spring, I had to return home but very little 
benefited in my lame side, although my general health had 
improved a greal deal, which was some little encouragement 
to me to make another trial, and when the next summer 
opened, I again started for the White Sulphur, and remained 
there one month, and then went on to the Sweet Springs and 
remained two weeks or more, and again returned to the White 
Sulphur, where I remained some time, but finding little or no 
improvement in my lameness, I determined that I would try 
the Hot Springs baths, although it was against the advice of 
physician and friends, and left for that place, not knowing 
what would be the consequence of my seeming rash determi- 
nation ; but when I saw you and received your assurance that 
there was no danger in my using the baths, I was encouraged, 
and commenced bathing without delay, and found that it 
*Tht*e number* refer to the clasees and sub-divisions of classes of diseases as enume- 
rated in Part II. 68 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
suited my disease exactly; for the effect was at once visible 
in the rapid improvement of my lameness and the better con- 
dition of my general health, and I returned home cheered 
with my much improved health, and commenced a business of 
much labor and activity, which I have followed down to the 
present time (eight years), with little or no interruption from 
my old disease. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
SAMUEL HARDGROVE, 
Of Richmond, Va. 
My daughter had a severe, protracted and complicated ill- 
ness. The whole of one side became greatly paralyzed, and 
so continued for about fifteen months. 
We took her to the Hot Springs. She used the bath be- 
tween three and four weeks. During the latter part of the 
visit she was enabled to move the toes in a small degree. 
Under the direction of her physician, Dr. G. A. Rose, she 
gradually improved, but remained unable to walk alone. 
The next season we took her again to the Hot Springs. By 
the use of the bath she soon became able to walk, and her 
general health gradually improved. She is now healthy and 
Q Prl VP 
WILLIAM S. REID, 
Of Lynchburg, Va. 
In November I had a violent paralytic attack, which de- 
prived me nearly of the use of the whole of my left side. I 
was confined to my room, and perfectly helpless for more 
than five years, and my left hand was insensible even to fire. 
I was then electrified, and afterwards improved a little. In 
June I came to the Hot Springs, barely able to hobble about, 
with but little feeling in and no use of my left hand and 
arm. After bathing for about twenty days I could walk HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA 
69 
tolerably well, and my hand and arm were so much improved 
that I could chop with an axe or work with a hoe. I bathed 
here about forty days, and then walked home, a distance of 
eighty miles in four days. I continued to strengthen until 
June last, when I had a violent bilious fever, which again 
disabled my left leg and arm. I returned to the Hot Springs 
on the first of the month, and have bathed freely for twenty 
days. I feel as well now as when I left last year, and shall 
set out to-morrow on foot for home. 
WILLIAM SANDERSON, 
Of Amherst, Va. 
More than two years ago I was attacked with rheumatism 
from which I suffered much. I took cold in February last, 
and became completely prostrated, but got a little better as 
the weather became warmer. I had but little use of my 
right side : I walked with great difficulty, and could only 
bring the toes of the right foot to the heel of the left. My 
right arm was no better; my tongue was partly paralyzed 
and I frequently could not speak distinctly. I had constant 
pain in my right leg and arm, and right side of my head, 
and was almost entirely deaf in one ear, and did not hear 
distinctly with the other. I got here on the 14th of June; 
I have used baths for fourteen days. My hearing is perfectly 
restored ; I speak without difficulty ; I have good use of my 
right leg and arm, and am entirely free from pain. I shall 
set out for home to-morrow in good health and spirits. 
JOSEPH WAMPLER, 
Of Illinois. 
Having spent portions of four summers at this place, and 
used the waters freely, it affords me great satisfaction to give 
you the result of my experience of their beneficial effects on 
myself, as also what I know of them on others. 70 
nOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
I had an attack of paralysis of my right side—hemiple- 
gia—which prostrated me to such a degree that I was for 
sometime unable to walk, nor could I hold a pen in my fingers 
so as to write my name or make a letter of the alphabet. 
By the use of ordinary remedies and very strict regimen in 
my diet, I recovered so far as to be able to go about, though 
with difficulty. Having, from what information I could ob- 
tain, become impressed with the great value of thermal wa- 
ters in the treatment of this most shocking disease, and hav- 
ing previously visited this place and acquired some know- 
ledge of the medicinal character of its waters, I determined 
to come here to see what they would do for me in my afflicted 
condition. So soon as my situation and the season permit- 
ted I accordingly did so. I remained three weeks, bathing 
regularly every day, first in the temperate bath and then 
in the hot spout. On leaving here I made a short visit to the 
Salt Sulphur Springs in Monroe county, whence I returned 
here and remained a week more, and bathed every day in 
the hot spout bath. The result was, I felt signally benefited, 
and returned home greatly improved ; so much so that, to 
a casual observer, nothing appeared to be the matter with me. 
I have now this summer been here altogether three weeks 
and a half, and have, during that time, bathed regularly 
once a day in the temperate bath, and am now prepared to 
return home with the gratifying conviction that I am entirely 
and permanently relieved, and feel that this happy result 
has mainly been owing to the use of the thermal waters at 
this place. So much for my own personal experience. 
I know of several other cases in which the subjects of them 
received great benefit from the use of the waters here, and 
such is my confidence in their virtue, that I am thoroughly 
persuaded they will, if their use be persisted in, and pru- 
dence in diet be observed, with moderate but regular exercise, 
either on foot or otherwise, cure any ordinary case of paraly- 
sis either general or local. The boy John, who attends the IIOT SPRINQS OF VIRGINIA. 
71 
hot spout bath, furnishes a striking case to show the correct- 
ness of this opinion. After being very badly afflicted, he 
assures me that he does not feel the slightest vestige of the 
disease remaining—the truth of which is apparent to every 
one who sees him; and he was cured here by the use of the 
temperate bath only. 
While here I made the acquaintance of a gentleman who 
resided near Winchester, who informed me that he had been 
paralyzed so badly as to be unable to walk or speak. When 
I met with him he had the appearance of enjoying robust 
health, and he told me that his restoration to health was 
owing to the use of the Hot Springs baths. I could mention 
other cases, where persons had been signally benefited by 
the use of the baths here, but as they must be well known to 
you, and the subjects of them are accessible, I prefer to let 
them speak for themselves. 
I know of a few cases where the use of these waters have 
had very happy effects in neuralgia and rheumatism; of the 
former, a lady of my acquaintance in Alabama furnishes an 
instance, and Richard Norris, jr., of Baltimore, one of the 
latter. 
I am satisfied, from actual experience, that the use of the 
hot water at this place often has an excellent effect on the 
liver, and in chronic diarrhoea I have greater confidence in 
its efficacy than anything with which I am conversant. 
Mr. F. B. Clarke, of Mobile, Ala., is mainly indebted to it 
for his restoration to health, from the worst condition, and 
after all other-remedies had failed. Hoping my experience 
and observation may be the means of extending a knowledge 
of the waters of the Hot Springs to others who may be af- 
flicted, and of giving a wider scope to their already high 
fame, 
I remain, Sir, with high respect, your ob’t serv’t, 
JOHN ERWIN, 
Of Greensboro’, Ala. 72 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
Richmond, Feb'y 13th, 1869. 
I was taken while in the army with a low attack of typhoid 
camp fever, in 1862, caused by exposure. This was followed 
in the spring of ’63 by a relapse complicated with chronic 
dysentery. I was under treatment in this city for eight or 
ten months, and in my bed more than half the time. The 
severest symptoms of my disease were finally checked, but it 
left me with a partial paralysis of the lower extremities, being 
the result of effusion upon the spinal cord. I was in this con- 
dition for twelve months, and under treatment all the time 
by the best medical talent in this city, being unable to walk 
without crutches or canes. I went to the Hot Springs by 
advice of my physician in the summer of 1865, and, after 
taking the baths about two months, was completely restored. 
I have ever since been in perfect health. 
JOHN TYLER. 
(2)—SPINAL DISEASE. 
Case of a lady suffering with spinal irritation, who had not walked 
for 16 years before using the baths at the Hot Springs. “She now 
walks any reasonable distance without inconvenience.” 
Piedmont, Albemarle Co., Va. 
Dear Sir,—Prompted by the desire to relieve human suf- 
fering, I am induced to give you a history of my sister’s case, 
and the great benefit she derived from a visit to the Hot 
Springs. She enjoyed fine health until she was about 17 
years old, when she had a severe attack of fever. For eight 
weeks her life was despaired of by her attending physicians. 
It was now observed that she had a disease of the spine, com- 
plicated with a variety of uterine affections. These diseases 
were attended with violent spasms or convulsions, which pre- 
vented her from walking for sixteen years. During thirteen 
years of this time she was confined constantly to the horizon- IIOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
73 
tal position, not being able to sit up at all, and suffered more 
than language can describe, or the most imaginative mind 
conceive of—more than half of those long wearisome years 
having been spent in continuous convulsions, which rendered 
life almost insupportable, and which would have caused death 
to have been welcomed, by herself and her friends, as the 
sweet messenger of peace and rest. I have known her to re- 
main for many consecutive days in a state of entire insensi- 
bility—with her face livid—her eyes resembling orbs of fire— 
her whole body convulsed with spasms, and to return to con- 
sciousness but to suffer the untold tortures of a thousand 
deaths. She was favored with the advice of ten or twelve of 
the most eminent and skillful physicians of this part of the 
state who used all the remedies which mature judgment and 
long experience dictated, but without producing any perma- 
nent amelioration of her disease, and it was not until after 
she had spent several weeks at the Hot Springs that she was 
enabled to w'alk again—“a thing of life.” 
It is the opinion of all that another season would restore 
her to perfect health. During her visit to the Hot Springs 
she used the hot spout bath twice regularly every day, which 
speedily so benefited her spinal disease as to enable her to 
move her feet when assisted to a standing position, which she 
had not been able to do for thirteen years. Shortly after 
leaving the Hot Springs she commenced to walk a little with 
the assistance of two crutches, which she had to continue to 
use for six months or more. Then one of them were dis- 
pensed with, and in six months more the other crutch disap- 
peared, and a neat walking cane was substituted in its place, 
which has been her constant companion in walking up to this 
time. She now walks any reasonable distance without incon- 
venience. 
Very respectfully, 
J. J. PACE. 74 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
For several years, I had been most severely afflicted by 
Acute Neuralgia, particularly in my right side, from the arm- 
pit to the hip bone. The paroxysms were so severe, that my 
system, in spite of all the remedies I could obtain, was re- 
duced to great debility and emaciation, and consequent men- 
tal depression. I had visited Saratoga Springs twice, and 
some other watering places, without any permanent benefit. 
I determined to try the Virginia Springs. After a month, 
spent in using the White and other Sulphur waters, I re- 
paired to the Hot Springs, and after using the spout bath and 
boiler for two weeks every day—and sometimes twice a day— 
I was to my great surprise and gratification, wholly re- 
lieved. For twelve months past I have had but one slight 
paroxysm. Under Providence, I may therefore confidently 
ascribe my restoration to the Hot Springs. As the disease 
abated, my appetite, flesh and strength increased, and de- 
spondency has flown, I trust forever. 
J. C. HERBERT, 
Of Maryland. 
(3)—NEURALGIA. HOT RPRING8 OF VIRGINIA. 
75 
CLASS VI. (2.)* 
RHEUMATISM AND CHRONIC GOUT. 
My Dear Sir,—In tlie month of June 1859 I reached the 
Hot Springs. After having suffered many months from rheu- 
matism without relief from the various remedies that I had 
used, and, indeed, so excruciating were my sufferings that I 
was almost without hope—my right shoulder and arm for 
some time had been almost useless—I took the baths, begin- 
ning with the hot spout and then the boiler, as they are gene- 
rally termed, for twenty-five days, and my relief was so com- 
plete that I have never had any serious return of the pain 
since. I estimate the Hot Springs of Virginia so highly that 
I have again and again expressed the opinion that they were 
the most valuable of all the mineral waters in the world. I 
owe the cure in my case, I think I can truly say, under Pro- 
vidence, to your baths. 
Your obedient servant, 
D. H. LONDON, 
Of Richmond, Va. 
In 182G or ’27, I experienced a severe attack of bilious 
fever, which reduced me very low. I was scarce able to 
leave ray bed, when the fever was succeeded by a violent at- 
tack of inflammatory rheumatism, from which I recovered in 
about two months. In February, 1835, after a slight bilious 
attack, the rheumatism returned in a chronic form, and re- 
duced me to a state of helplessness. All hope of recovery 
* These Dumber* refer to class on, and subdivisions of classes, of diseases enumerated in 
Part U. 76 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
was deemed idle, my constitution being very weak. I left 
home for the White Sulphur in June following, remained 
there two weeks, and left with a severe cold, that augmented 
my disease. 
I remained here near or quite a month, taking the spout 
and boiler baths alternately, and entirely recovered. I have 
not had the slightest return of the disease since. 
WM. M. DARLINGTON, 
Of Pittsburg. 
In the month of January 1806, during my attendance on 
the Virginia legislature, of which I was then a member, I 
was very sorely afflicted with an attack of inflammatory rheu- 
matism, and about the first of July, in the same year, after 
the disease had assumed a chronic state, I arrived at the Hot 
Springs of Virginia, much debilitated, requiring two persons 
to put me in and take me out of a carriage. I remained at 
the springs sixty-three days, using the bath once every day 
except three. I was weighed the day I got to the Springs, 
and also on the day I left them, and if I was correctly 
weighed, I gained sixty pounds in weight in sixty-three days, 
and remained free from that complaint for upwards of twenty 
years. 
H. CALLOWAY, 
Of Franklin county. 
In the month of December 1827, I was attacked, as I sup- 
posed, with a severe toothache, and in a few days had the 
tooth extracted, but it afforded me no relief. In a day or two 
afterwards it was discovered that I had a bilious fever, my 
jaws swelled so as to threaten suffocation. One entire side of 
my jaw bone burst as low down as the teeth went in, and the 
bone was extracted. The outer side of my jaw formed an ab- 
scess on the outside, from which several pieces of bone were 
extracted. This abscess connected itself with the other dis- iiot springs of Virginia. 
77 
eased side, so that when any liquid was injected in on the 
outside abscess it came out on the opposite side in my mouth_ 
I was then taken with severe pains in my back, which con- 
tinued several weeks; they then fell into my extremities, and 
deprived me of the use of them. The pain was so severe 
that at one time it seemed like my feet were on red hot iron, 
and at another they felt as if they were pierced through with 
icicles. My shoulders, arms and hands were but little bet- 
ter ; they swelled largely, with but little mitigation of the 
pain ; my legs, ankles and feet had strong indications of 
dropsy ; when pressed, would pit and remain so for a length 
of time. In this situation I was carried, in July 1828, to the 
Hot Springs, in Bath county, in Virginia, as helpless as an 
infant, and commenced using the waters by being held under 
what is called the spout bath, which produced no change for 
the better. I was then put in what is called the boiler, and 
after using it about one week, my hands, though much con- 
tracted, began to have their natural feeling, and in five weeks 
my arms and shoulders were entirely well; my back, legs and 
feet did not mend so fast, but were much relieved. When I 
left the Springs, about September, I could sit up and move 
my feet and legs about, but could neither stand or walk; nor 
could I do so until the first’of November, when I could move 
about on crutches. I continued to mend slowly until the 
next August, when I again visited the same Springs and used 
the boiler for about a month, which restored me to almost 
perfect health. 
In the spring of 1831 I visited the States of Ohio, Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee, and was on horseback for near ten 
weeks, and frequently wet, without injury. In July 1832, I 
was, when very hot, overtaken by a very heavy fall of rain 
and got very wet, which caused my former disease, with all 
its symptoms, to return partially upon me. I have now been 
at the Hot Springs, using the boiler, for about a month, and 
which has again almost entirely relieved me. I am a native 78 
DOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
of Bedford county, Va., where I now reside, and am forty- 
seven years of age. 
B. PRESTON. 
I contracted a very bad cold by sitting for several months 
in a room which had been recently plastered upon very thin 
walls. The cold at first fell upon my breast, and was at- 
tended with a cough. After some time the cough subsided, 
and I was seized suddenly with a pain in the right arm. In 
a few days the pain became very violent; it was seated prin- 
cipally in the shoulder blade, but extended likewise frQm the 
shoulder down to the points of the fingers. The best medical 
aid was resorted to, but there was no alleviation of the pain, 
not even for a minute. In this situation I got little or no 
sleep ; the agony was so much increased by lying in bed that 
the only rest obtained was by lying with my clothes on across 
the foot of the bed with the affected arm hanging down. In 
this situation exhausted nature would sink into a doze, out of 
■which I was soon awakened by the pain. The arm dwindled 
away, my appetite failed, and my general health was fast de- 
clining. Reduced to this state, I determined to try the Hot 
Springs in Virginia. With difficulty I was taken there, and 
had no reason to repent of my determination. I took forty 
hot baths, using the blankets each time. At the end of two 
months I returned home so much altered in appearance that 
I was the object of astonishment to those who had seen me 
previous to my departure, and in another month I was per- 
fectly restored to health. 
P. A. BROWN, 
Of Philadelphia, Pa. 
Owing to imprudent exposure, I became, some time in Feb- 
ruary, completely prostrated by a violent attack of rheuma- 
tism, each limb and every joint being more or less affected. IIOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
79 
Though the spine and muscles of the right leg seemed to be 
the principal seat of the disease, this limb was very much 
drawn up, and evidently shrinking away, and for several 
months I could only hobble about the house on crutches, and 
even this was painful. After applying many remedies, with- 
out benefit, I was fast reconciling myself to the idea of being 
lame for life, when, by the advice of physicians, I started for 
the Hot Springs. On reaching the Springs I walked with 
difficulty and pain, but after the second trial of the boiler 
there was evident improvement; after this it was rapid, and 
in five weeks after reaching the Hot Springs (as I thought, a 
cripple for life), I found myself restored to a sound and 
healthy condition, this happy result being brought about by 
the free use of the Hot Spring baths, which, when used pru- 
dently, will soon prove that they are fully entitled to the high 
reputation which they have acquired. 
THOMAS G. COLEMAN. 
To Dr. Goode :—In 1828 I had an obstinate bilious fever, 
from which I was near twelve months recovering, and for 
thirteen years afterwards, whenever I exposed myself, or the 
weather changed suddenly, I had attacks of rheumatism, 
more or less severe, and frequently confined for several days 
to my room. In 1841 I had another bilious fever, which con- 
fined me for eight weeks. The rheumatism then returned, and 
in six weeks completely prostrated me. At no time in the 
last two years and a half could I say that I was free from suf- 
fering, and often the very thought of motion was a matter of 
dread to me. I suffered most in my wrists, hands, knees, 
ankles and feet. I arrived here on the 17th of August, and 
after using the spout and bath alternately for one week—the 
boiler every day for one week, and then the spout alone for 
twelve days—I find myself entirely relieved. Of your kind 80 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
and friendly attentions to me, I shall feel it my duty to speak 
wherever God in his providence may cast my lot. 
D. G. DOAK, 
Of Clarksville, Ya. 
Dr. Goode: Dear Sir—In the month of June 1833, from 
great exposure in the past winter, and the too sudden check- 
ing of a diarrhoea, I was attacked with acute rheumatism, 
which ultimately spread itself from the crown of my head to 
the soles of my feet. My sufferings were sometimes so great 
that my screams might be heard at a distance; and the hot- 
test steam that could be brought to bear upon my feet and 
knees was a relief from the agony of the pain with which I 
suffered. To such an extent was the steam used that the 
soles of my feet were literally crisped, and yet the pain of the 
burning was nothing when compared with the pain of 
rheumatism. This continued until the muscles of my legs 
and knees became so contracted that they might be truly 
said to be doubled up, and my arms and jaws almost useless. 
I could use but one arm, and that only enough by resting on 
my heart to bring such food as I could take to my mouth. I 
could only open my mouth wide enough to get in a little 
soaked cracker or something equally soft. In this condition, 
being as helpless as a new-born babe, I was placed in my 
carriage on pillows, in the month of August, and started for 
the Warm and Hot Springs. I stayed and bathed a few days 
at the Warm, and came on to the Hot, at which latter place I 
remained some three or four weeks, taking the boiler and the 
hot spout each day alternately. I had to be carried to and 
from the bath on a litter, and had to be put in and taken out. 
I went to no other springs, took no medicine, except to drink 
the hot water freely. Before leaving I walked about with my 
cane, rode on horseback, and went home rejoicing in renewed 
health and strength; and from that day to this I have never 
met with one afflicted with rheumatism that I have not ad- HOT 6PRINQS OF VIRGINIA. 
81 
vised them at once to go to the Hot Springs. It is nature’s 
own remedy. 
I might add to this case of my own some cases which I wit- 
nessed while at the Springs, if anything more remarkable than 
my own. One I will mention, that of an old sea captain, who 
being wholly unable to walk, brought with him a most ath- 
letic Irishman, who carried him about on his brawny shoulders. 
This old man, from great exposure or some other cause, had 
lost the use of one leg, and so insensible was his foot, that by 
some accident on his journey one of his toes was nearly cut 
off, and he was unaware of the injury until sometime after. 
Before I left the Springs this old man was walking about, 
merely resting his hand upon the shoulder of his attendant. 
MUSCOE GARNETT, 
Of Essex, Va. 
Having been induced by my family and friends to visit the 
Hot Springs in the year 1852, for the cure of rheumatism, 
which I had contracted by having taken a severe cold as early 
as the year 1819, and when first taken I was confined- to my 
bed for the space of one year. I arrived at the Springs on 
the 22d July 1852. At that time I was completely pros- 
trated, having lost my appetite and spirits, and my general 
health very much impaired. The morning I arrived I was 
unable to ascend the steps of the hotel without assistance. 
After having taken the third temperate bath I was able to 
walk, and even run, without pain. My stay at the Springs 
was two weeks, during which time I took nine temperate and 
hot spouts, and one boiler hath, and felt myself entirely cured 
of rheumatism, and had not, for a year after leaving the 
Springs, as much pain in my limbs as I had previously in any 
one day for 32 years—being the space of time I had been af- 
flicted with the disease. My general health was thoroughly 
restored by the free U6e of the waters—having drank much 
of them whilst in the bath and during the day in my room. 82 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
I consider my case as the great triumph of the medicinal and 
curative properties of the water of the Hot Springs, and feel 
grateful that my steps were turned in that direction. I have 
been a visitor at the Hot Springs every year since 1852. 
Not having used the water of any other of the springs of 
•Virginia, I attribute my cure to the Hot Springs, and none 
other. 
In this connection permit me to state, that by the advice 
of one of my friends, a patient of Dr. D. M. French, of Pea- 
risburg, Giles county, Va., by thename of Farley, I think, was 
recommended to visit the Hot Springs in August 1854.* He 
was severely afflicted with chronic rheumatism, and was 
scarcely able to move about, his limbs very much swollen and 
joints enlarged. He remained during the time I stayed> 
being about two weeks, then left for his home a well man. I 
heard from him but a few days ago ; he was in good health 
and entirely free from rheumatism. 
I give you the above statement that others who are afflicted 
with disease may come to the healing well of water, and, 
like me, return to their families and friends in high health 
and renewed strength. 
The foregoing you are at liberty to use as you may deem 
best for afflicted humanity. 
P. G. UHLER, 
Residence: No. 15, North Washington st., Alexandria, Va. 
Ten years ago I was taken with a violent inflammatory 
rheumatic gout, and I suffered the tortures of an inquisition 
for four years. In 1850 I went to the Hot Springs, and after 
taking three or four baths, I was enabled to walk without 
the aid of stick or crutch. I remained at the Hot Springs 
fourteen days, and went home apparently well; so much so 
I thought it useless for me to return the following summer, 
and therefore did not go. But, unfortunately, the next HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
83 
spring I was taken with the most violent attack I ever had, 
which lasted me for four months ; the greater part of my 
time confined to my bed and on crutches. I then determined 
I would visit the Hot Springs every year, which I have done 
regularly, and am happy to say have never had an attack 
since. 
T. FLEMING, 
Mannsville, Goochland county, Va. 
Tarboro, N. C., March 20Ih, 1867. 
Tardy, Williams & Co.: 
Gentlemen—I received your letter asking me to give you 
a history of my case of nervous rheumatism. When I was 
at the age of twelve years I was stricken down with acute 
rheumatism in my back. I am now thirty-eight years of age, 
and have never found any immediate relief from any of the 
most popular remedies in the medical dispensatory of the 
United States. I have tried colchicum, guaiacum, iodide of 
potassium, phosphate of ammonia, iodine, &c., &c., which are 
the most efficient remedies generally resorted to in every day 
practice; and I now can say for the last five years I have 
been spending my winters in bed until the last one, and 
have been compelled to walk upon crutches. During the 
winter of 1865 I was confined to my bed from the first of 
October to the first of May. I was so badly afflicted that I 
could not move any portion of my body except my hands 
and eyes, and my bed was not made up for two months. I 
could not bear a person to touch my bed. I was affected 
mostly in both legs and feet, and finally settled in my right 
hip joint, which is stiff at this time, but improving. Last 
summer I ventured to take a journey to the Hot Springs in 
the mountains of Virginia, to try the effects of the hot baths. 
I applied the baths regularly until I had consumed thirty- 
five tickets. I was very much disheartened and dissatisfied; 84 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
the baths made me very sore, lame and weak. I remained 
at the springs about six weeks, and departed thinking there 
was no relief for my case, and on arriving at Staunton, and 
remaining over for the night, to my surprise and astonish- 
ment I was turning about in bed (a thing I had not done for 
the last three years), and ever since then I have been im- 
proving gradually, and escaped my usual winter attack; 
have lost the soreness and tenderness of my limbs, and can 
walk a mile on my crutches without any inconvenience, and 
could go without them entirely if my right hip was not stiff 
from lying so long confined in bed. I think now if I had re- 
mained longer, say three months, I should have entirely re- 
covered. The water acted like a charm upon my secretions, 
and kept my bowels open, and now I am very regular. The 
rheumatism, I always believed, originated from a disordered 
state of the liver, and I can safely assert that the waters of 
the Hot Spring are all that can be asked for in all liver com- 
plaints. I shall, if Providence permits, visit you again this 
season, about the first of July. 
I remain, respectfully yours, &c., 
GEORGE C. SUGG, M. D. 
Richmond, April 15th, 1867. 
Messrs. Tardy, Williams & Co.: 
Gentlemen,—I give you with great pleasure a certificate of 
my cure effected at the Hot Springs last season. I was taken 
prisoner at Fort Donaldson in 1862, and from the exposure 
and hardships I had then to undergo, rheumatism was brought 
on. For nine months I suffered intensely with this disease. 
After this lapse of time I was occasionally better; but it re- 
sulted finally in a rigid contraction of all the muscles of the 
left side, binding my body in a half circle laterally. I fre- 
quently had paroxysms of the most intense pain, and found 
much difficulty in procuring any alleviation from the use of HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
85 
strong anodynes. My liver was also very torpid and my skin 
yellow in consequence—the bowels very torpid. 
After the use of the baths for several weeks at the spout 
and boiler, and taking such medicines as were deemed advi- 
sable for me at certain times, I began to improve with astonish- 
ing rapidity. The contractions of muscles all subsided, and 
the liver acquired a healthy condition. I am at this time as 
straight in figure as anybody, am perfectly well, and have 
never had any trouble whatever with my old complaint since 
I left the springs. 
I believe I owe my life to the visit I paid to the Virginia 
Hot Springs last summer. 
Yours, very respectfully, 
JOHN F. BALLEW. 
October 25th, 1867. 
My Dear Doctor,—In accordance with the promise I made 
you upon leaving the Hot Springs, I now write to give you an 
account of my case since my departure. 
You will recollect that when I visited the Springs I was 
Buffering with chronic synovitis of both knee joints, which 
had appeared as a Bequel of typho-malarial fever, sixteen 
months before. My knee joints were much swelled, and very 
tender and painful. The soft tissues were thickened, and 
there was considerable liquid effusion in the interior of the 
synovial sacs. The flexor muscles of the thigh were rigid 
and contracted, and I walked with difficulty upon crutches, 
and even with their use, for a short distance. My general 
health was very much reduced by the suffering which I had 
undergone, and the antecedent disease. My system had com- 
pletely failed to respond to the action of medicine, however 
judiciously administered, and hot bathing was looked upon as 
a dernier resort in my case. In this condition I visited the 
Hot Springs, and began bathing under your direction. At 86 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
first the pain and swelling of my joints was considerably ag- 
gravated, but upon continuing the baths the former gradually 
disappeared, and before two weeks I was enabled to sleep 
more comfortably than I had done for more than a year before. 
My general health now began to improve, and I gained in 
weight quite rapidly. I continued bathing for a month, when 
I returned home, visiting Cape May and Atlantic City en route. 
After leaving the Hot Springs I still continued to improve. 
The swelling in my joints diminished; the liquid effusion in 
their interior has almost entirely disappeared. They are 
much stronger than formerly, and my general health has gone 
on improving steadily. I now walk quite a long distance 
without much effort, and in all respects much better than be- 
fore my visit to the Springs. 
With my best wishes for your future prosperity, and my 
grateful acknowledgments for the kindness shown me while 
under your professional care, 
I am, my dear doctor, 
Very truly yours, 
LOUIS E. ATKINSON, M. D. 
Of Thompsontown, Juniata county, Penn. 
J. E. Williams, M. D. 
I was very early in life attacked with gout, probably owing 
to beredita'ry taint. The first symptom of the disease ap- 
peared in my feet, at the age of 28, and increased in violence 
every year up to the time of my visiting the Hot Springs— 
nine years. After leaving home, I had a severe attack on 
the road, and did not reach the Springs until the 23d Sep- 
tember, and then the disease had pervaded my whole system, 
and I was in such agonized pain, with fever, that you ad- 
vised me to take some aperient medicine before going into 
the bath, as my bowels were very costive. On the third day, 
I was still unable to walk or even sit up from extreme debil- nOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
87 
ity and pain, and was taken on a cot to the hot spout, and 
after remaining in the bath about ten minutes, became very 
faint—was taken immediately back to my cabin and wrapped 
up in blankets. After getting into a profuse perspiration, I 
soon felt greatly relieved from pain and much refreshed. I 
took the bath every day, and after the third bath, I was re- 
lieved of all gouty pains, and strengthened astonishingly, so 
much so that I was able to walk about alone. It being late 
in the season, and the weather becoming cold, I used the bath 
only ten days. 
Before I visited this Spring, I had an attack of gout every 
month or oftener, but after using the waters, I had no return 
of the disease for more than seven months. But after that 
time it returned gradually upon me until it became as bad as 
ever. I arrived here on the first instant, and was attacked 
with the gout in one hour after I got here, and confined to 
my bed for three days. I have since then used the spout 
bath every day, and with the most decided relief. I feel bet- 
ter in health now than I have for several years past, and shall 
set out for home to-morrow. 
WILLIAM GILLIAM. 
On the 9th of March last, I was seized with a violent at- 
tack of gout, which continued to harass me until towards 
the latter end of June, at which time my friends urged on 
me the necessity of visiting the Springs of Virginia. Having 
been confined to my bed the greater part of three months, I 
left Charleston on the 22d, and reached the Warm Springs 
on the 28th July, very lame and much reduced in flesh. I 
remained at the Warm Springs for twelve days, using the 
bath daily; at the expiration of this time, finding I had de- 
rived but little benefit, I determined to try the effects of the 
spout baths at this place. After using them for a few days, 
I became sensible of an evident improvement; the tendons 
of my feet became relaxed, the swelling of the joints dimin- 88 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
ished, and I found my health improving daily; before the 
expiration of a fortnight, I had so far recovered as to enable 
me to visit the White and Salt Sulphur and Sweet Springs, 
without experiencing much inconvenience from travelling. 
The benefit that I have experienced from the spout baths is 
far greater than I had anticipated. My health is much im- 
proved, and I can now walk without the aid of a stick, and 
with little pain or limping. To persons affected with chronic 
gout or rheumatism, I feel warranted in recommending the 
baths of the Hot Springs as far superior to any of the water- 
ing places in Virginia. 
THOMAS LINING, M. D., 
Of South Carolina. 
Messrs. Tardy & Co.: 
Gentlemen:—I take pleasure in certifying that I have de- 
rived the greatest benefit from the use of your baths during 
the past summer (1869). For eight years before my visit to 
the Hot Springs I had been subject to very severe attacks of 
Rheumatism, being often confined to my bed for weeks at a 
time, and I never before found anything that seemed to reach 
the root of the disease. I went to the Springs very much of 
a cripple, and after a course of bathing my pains were very 
much aggravated by a sharp attack of Acute Rheumatic 
Fever. I was informed by Dr. Cabell that a course of hot 
bathing not unfrequently caused a Reaction Fever, and that 
it was rather favorable than otherwise to a perfect cure. In 
my case it has proved to be so. I left the Springs before I 
had fully recovered my strength, and for a time I feared that 
I had derived no permanent benefit, but all at once a remark- 
able change took place. My lameness left me altogether; I 
gained in flesh until now I weigh 180 lbs., and I no longer 
feel the slightest symptom of my old and inveterate com- 
plaint. 
Being convinced that I owe this gratifying change to the nOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
89 
UBe of your baths, I shall, in order to make assurance doubly 
sure, spend some time at the Springs again this summer. 
W. HUTCHENS, 
238 W. German street, Baltimore. 
Baltimore, February 19th, 1870. 
Dear Sir:—I take pleasure in testifying to the virtues of 
the Hot Springs baths. For several months Mrs. Holland 
was confined to her room by an attack of Inflammatory 
Rheumatism, which rendered her quite helpless. In the 
summer of 1869 I took her to the Hot Springs. She could 
then scarcely walk, with the assistance of a cane, and suffered 
severe pain in her limbs. She had been in this condition, 
without any sensible improvement, for six or seven weeks. 
Under the use of the Hot Spout bath, she slowly gained 
strength and freedom from stiffness, and before leaving the 
Springs could walk with ease and pleasure. 
Since returning to Baltimore she has felt no symptom of 
the Rheumatism, and is enjoying excellent health. We are 
greatly indebted to the Hot Baths for this cure, and feel that 
we are doing a service to our kind in commending them for 
their effectiveness in healing similar diseases. 
Yours respectfully, 
R. A. HOLLAND. 90 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
CLASS VII.* 
OLD INJURIES. 
In 1837, after spending three weeks at the White and other 
Sulphur Springs, where I drank the waters, I visited the Hot 
Springs, and there took regularly two spout baths a day from 
the 8th to 18th of September, inclusive. My object was to 
get rid of a rheumatic pain above the right hip, occasioned by 
a fall the year previous. The second spout removed the 
pain from the hip to the shoulder,' and the succeeding ones 
made it travel still more over my back ; thus I suffered more 
that week than I ever had done before, but at the end of ten 
days I left the springs entirely free from pain. The second 
and third spouts produced likewise a most extraordinary 
effect on the liver—a copious yellow evacuation, such as I 
never witnessed in my life. 
In 1838 I spent a week at the spout, in order to see 
whether it woutd produce the same discharge, but it had no 
longer the same effect. 
H. DAVRAINVILLE, 
Of Philadelphia. 
Hot Springs, Sept. ls£, 1838. 
Having derived the most important benefit from the use of 
the spout bath at the Hot Springs, it gives me pleasure to 
comply with your request and bear testimony to its virtues. 
In the month of August 1829, a horse ran away with me 
in a gig; I leaped out, fractured the small bone in my leg, 
•These numbers refer to tho classes and subdivisions of classes of disease enumerated 
in Part II. IIOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
91 
and injured the patella or knee pan most severely. A 
tedious confinement was the consequence. When I was suf- 
ficiently recovered to leave my bed I found the leg so con- 
tracted that I could not walk without the aid of crutches. 
Indeed, when standing erect, my foot did not reach the 
ground by four inches. The limb shrunk from inaction, and 
fearing I should be a cripple for life, I visited Philadelphia 
and consulted Dr. Physic. He told me my case was hopeless, 
and surgical aid would be of no avail. I returned home and 
went to the Hot Springs. I had then been on crutches more 
than twelve months; my left leg was not half the size of the 
right, and so contracted that I could not get the foot to the 
ground. The very first bath relaxed the contraction ; my 
leg became straight, and I walked back to my cabin without 
crutches. I used the bath once a day for about three weeks. 
The limb was gradually restored, and I have never used 
crutches since. I regard myself as indebted to the Hot 
Springs for my leg. 
I am, most respectfully, 
Your obedient servant and friend, 
J. Y. MASON, 
Of Southampton, Va. 92 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
CLASS VIII* 
MISCELLANEOUS CASES. 
(1).—DEAFNESS. 
Annexed is a concise statement of my case. For several 
years my health had been bad. I had suffered much from a 
rheumatic affection of the muscles of my back, which was 
always severe in cold weather, and which induced me to 
spend some winters past in New Orleans. About three years 
ago, after an unusual exposure, I felt that my disease was 
transferred to my head. A dizziness, approaching to blind- 
ness, came on, and at times I suffered an indescribable sense of 
weight or heaviness on the brain, and almost wholly lost my 
hearing in one ear. These unpleasant complaints continually 
increased. In the meantime I followed rigidly the advice of 
physicians. I lived abstemiously, was frequently bled and 
cupped, and had cold water and ice applied to my head, which 
produced only temporary relief. At one time I used the 
Blue Pill until my gums became a little tender, and felt de- 
cidedly better under its influence. But the disease still re- 
mained, depressing my spirits, and impairing all the enjoy- 
ments of life. At two different times, the distress in my 
head was so great as almost to deprive me of consciousness un- 
til I was bled. Early last summer all these symptoms had as- 
sumed a more fixed and threatening character than at any 
former period, when I determined to visit the Virginia Hot 
Springs, where I arrived in August. I used the waters in 
the customary way, permitting the spout to fall directly on 
* These numbers refer to the classes, and sub-divisions of classes, of diseases enume- 
rated in Part II. HOT SPRINGS OP VIRGINIA. 
93 
the ear of which I had lost the hearing, and over the head 
generally. I experienced immediate good effect, and before 
I left the Hot Springs, where I remained about three weeks, 
recovered my hearing entirely, and also felt perfect relief in 
my head. ri his relief has continued up to this time. I find 
no inconvenience whatever to follow the use of my ordinary 
diet, and can truly say, that I have not felt so entirely in good 
health for many years. 
MARTIN ANDREWS, 
Steubenville, Ohio. 
I give you a statement of my case. In February last I was 
taken with a violent cold in my head, which left me almost 
entirely deaf in my left ear. I came to the Hot Springs on 
the 18th of July, and after using the baths freely for about 
two weeks, my hearing was restored, and has continued per- 
fect, without interruption, up to this date. 
JOHN B. CUTTING, 
Lieutenant U. S. Navy. 
To Dr. Goode: 
I was taken with a violent cold, which deprived me of the 
power of uttering a word above a whisper. The tonsils, 
epiglottis, and end of the windpipe were considerably in- 
flamed and swollen, especially in cold, damp weather. I 
visited the Red, Salt, and White Sulphur Springs, which im- 
proved my general health. I came to the Hot Springs and 
took forty-two sweat baths in succession, and occasionally the 
spout. My general health was greatly improved, and my 
voice so much strengthened as to enable me to converse in 
the ordinary tone of common conversation. I remained at 
the Hot Springs fifty-seven days, and gained twenty-two 
pounds in weight. I used no animal food whilst bathing. 
W. FOUNTAIN, 
Of Fluvanna county, Va. 
(2).-WSS OK VOICE. 94 
HOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
(3).—CARBUNCULAR DIATHESIS. 
Richmond, Va., April 20Ih, 1867. 
Messrs. Tardy, Williams & Co.: 
Gentlemen—Having received very great benefit from a 
trip to the Hot Springs last summer, I consider it a duty I 
owe to suffering humanity to make a statement of the dis- 
eases I was suffering with, and the effect produced upon them 
by the invaluable waters of the Hot Springs. You can make 
such use of the statement as you think best. 
In 1864 I had several carbuncles, involving the back and 
right half of my buttock, considerable torpor of liver, with 
chills and fever. In the fall of 1865 I had a very large 
rising in the palm of my hand, of carbuncle or felon charac- 
ter, which extended up to my elbow, and unfitted me for 
business for four or five months, and gave my attending physi- 
cian great uneasiness, for fear it might terminate fatally. 
The torpid liver continuing through the winter and spring, 
accompanied with chills and fevers, rendered me so weak that 
I could not walk a quarter of a mile without great fatigue 
and exhaustion; and in addition to these ills, there was a 
hardening or thickening of the cellular tissues of the right 
thigh. After using various remedies under medical treat- 
ment, with but little or no permanent relief, my physician 
insisted on my going to the Hot Springs, and using the hot 
bath, to see if the evident obstruction of. the circulation of 
my right side and liver would not be overcome by the ex- 
pansion produced by the bath upon my system. 
In June last year I visited the Hot Springs and commenced 
using the hot bath, and when I had taken three baths my 
health began to improve, and after the short stay of three 
weeks I was completely relieved, and returned home well and 
able to attend to my business, and have had no return of any 95 
nOT SPRINGS OF VIRGINIA. 
of the symptoms since. So marked was the improvement in 
my health, that it was frequently noticed and commented on 
by my family and friends. 
Yours, very respectfully, 
HUGH A. WATT. 
(4).—INDOLENT SWELLINGS. 
After a severe spell of fever, I was attacked with acute 
pains in one arm, leg and foot, succeeded by hard, indolent 
swellings, which took away the use of the affected limbs, and 
confined me to my room for several months. I was under 
medical treatment during the whole time, but all the reme- 
dies used failed. I went to the Hot Springs and used the 
bath for two or three weeks ; when the swellings suppurated, 
they discharged freely, and I gradually recovered the use of 
my limbs. 
Since that period my health has been better than usual, 
and I attribute all to the hot bath. 
Yours, &c., 
WM. CHAPMAN, 
Of Waynesboro’, Ya. ROUTE FOR TRAVELLERS. 
FROM THE NORTH. 
Via Orange and Alexandria Railroad to Gordonsville. Here, 
change cars and go by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad to Mill- 
boro’ Depot or Covington. Thence by Stage to Hot Springs. 
FROM THE SOUTH. 
Via Richmond, on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad to Mill- 
boro’ Depot or Covington. 
Number of Passengers limited to ten on each Stage. 
Ample accommodations made for transporting baggage. 
The Trains on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad pass by 
Charlottesville, University of Virginia, Staunton, through the 
Tunnel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Waynesborough (the 
scene of the battle between Generals Early and Sheridan.) 
After leaving the Railroad at Millboro’, Travellers pass by 
the “Blowing Cave’’ on the Cow Pasture River (near “Bath 
Alum Springs,”) and cross the “Warm Springs Mountain,” 
celebrated for its magnificent view of mountain scenery—alti- 
tude said by Mj. Jefferson to be 2247 feet above the level of 
the sea. 
THROUGH TICKETS CAN BE PROCURED AT TIIE DEPOT OF THE CHESA- 
PEAKE AND OHIO RAILROAD IN RICHMOND. 
NATURAL CURIOSITIES 
IN TIIE VICINITY OF THE HOT SPRINGS. 
BLOWING CAVE, near the Bath Alum Springs. 
WARM SPRINGS AND MOUNTAIN VIEW. Flagstaff. 
CAVE AND CHIMNEY at Hot Springs. 
CASCADE, near Healing Springs. 
FALLING SPRINGS (one of the most beautiful and romantic 
spots in Virginia.) 
Horses and Vehieles can be procured at the Hot Springs to visit 
these places.