Hints on the health and disease of the skin

Google

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project

to make the world's books discoverable online.

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject

to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books

are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.

Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the

publisher to a library and finally to you.

Usage guidelines

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing tliis resource, we liave taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.

+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.

+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for in forming people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe.

About Google Book Search

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web

at |http: //books .google .com/I

»i

yji^

^^^

11

^H

^1

OEALTH

OT THE

SKIN

DDNDY j

4-^. ^l<^

HINTS

ON THE

HEALTH AND DISEASE

OF THE

SKIN.

BT

WALTER COOPER DENDY,

PBLLOW OP.TVB MXOICAL 80CI&TT 07 LOHDOH,
SDEOBOir TO TRX BOTAL IKFIBM ABT FOB CHXLDBBV,

LONDON:
H. RENSHAW, 366, STRAND.

1843.

The skin is of vital importance to the health
of the body.

Beauty of complexion is a natural object of
solicitude.

Severe or unsightly disease is a source of
constant and irrepressible anxiety.

With these truths before us, whence arises
the prevalent inattention to the welfare and
integrity of this important covering?

The answer will be, the erroneous notions
regarding its diseases, and the fascination of
those slavish indulgences which minister to
their establishment.

To expose, I hope to amend, these errors,
the following remarks are written.

TUlotson-place, Waterloo Bridge.

A 2

HINTS ON THE SKIN.

Simple as it appears, the skin is a tissue of very
complex structure, composed of four distinct layers.
It is supplied with nerves of extreme sensihility,
spread like a network over the whole hody, and con-
stituting the organ of touch, or that delicate sense of
feeling, which ministers to our agreeahle sensations,
and acts as our sentinel and mentor ; and with pores,
hy which atmospheric or other fluids applied to its
surface may he ahsorhed, and contribute to the nutri-
tion of the body, or by which the superfluous fluids,
or those which might injure by their retention, are
discharged by perspiration. The skin is also fur-
nished with glands, which, by secreting an oily fluid,
render the tissues flexible, and defend them from
the effects of friction ; with bulbs, in which grow
down and hair ; with nails ; and with blood vessels the
most minute and delicate, which preserve its vitality
and contribute its various secretions. The skin is
thus composed of papillce, perspiratory pores, ab-
sorbent pores, fat glands, arteries, and veins, with hair

A 3

6 HIHT8 OH THB 8KIK.

and nail huihs, and colonrmg glands. Such is the com-
plexity of this apparently simple tissae, which coir-
trihutes to so many important and vital processes,
and, like a shield, defends the hody from external
influences which might derange and destroy its seve-
ral parts; preserving its elasticity and moistore,
somewhat as the rind of a lemon preserves the pnlp
from shrivelling and decay.

The superficial extent of the skin of an adult is
about fifteen square feet, and the quantity of fluid
which oozes through its pores is probably about two
pounds in twenty-four hours. When we reflect on
the immense load of fluid of which the blood is thus
relieved, and its constant oozing in a state of health,
we perceive how vitally important is this process of
perspiratwn to the welfare of the body^—

'* That full and free,
Th' evaporation through the softened skin
May bear proportion to the swelling blood/'

Its temporary suppression is often followed by the
most dangerous consequences, especially to the lungs
and kidneys, and other organs ; and we may easily
anticipate the aggravation of evils, direct and indirect,
by the more permanent alteration of its structure-*-
the protracted diseases of the skin.

Different parts of the body are characterized by
peculiar diseases. Kashes, pimples, bladders, pus-
tules, crusts, and scales, have their different seats.

HINTS ON THE SKIN. 7

Some have more than one, as small-pox ; and when
this dips beneath the skin, pitting is the result.
. But skin diseases are constantly prone to run into
each other ; and some, especially those of an inflam-
matory nature, very closely resemble each other,

Theie are, however, in all, distinguishing marks.
Thus rose rash and red gum will often be mistaken
for light measles or scarlatina, but they are not
marked by flushed or red eyes, irritation of the nose,
and fever, as measles will be; or by the sore- throat,
the strawberry tongue, and the head-ache or delirium
of scarlatina. The milk crust of children is not can"
iagious, yet it is often scarcely distinguished from
scald head, which is so. Very innocent vesicles, as
well as the rank red gum of infants, are often mistaken,
and erroneously treated, for the different species of
itch, which is infectious, and the eflect of a burrowing
insect : severe chicken-pock for small-pox ; and the
mere scurfiness of the head for ringworm ; while the
terms scrofula and scurvy are often indiscriminately
employed to designate almost all the maladies of the
skin.

It is clear, therefore, that early discrimination re-
garding both the nature and the causes of skin dis-
eases is most important, involving often the secret of
success.

Some diseases are the eflbct of simple external in-
juries, as cold and sharp air, which acts by obstruct^
ing the circulation of the blood in the skin ; of contu-
sions and wounds ; of the contact of fumes and

8 HIKTS OK THE SKIN.

vapoiira ; or of irritating articles employed as remediesy
or in trade, as among bakers and grocers especially.

Others arise from specific contagion^ as ringworm,
cowpock, itch, &c. : others, both from contagion and
the breathing of infected air or vapour, as small-pox
and plague : others from infected air only, as mea-
sles and scarlatina.

Novel or crude or stimulant articles of diet are a
fertile source of cutaneous disease ; both those gene--
raUy hurtful, and those specifically disagreeing with
the stomach, as shell-fish and various acids, which,
acting as poisons, produce an eruption of nettle rash,
rose rash, erysipelas, according to the peculiar nature
of the constitution.

In some persons, after violent exercise, draughts of
cold water will produce various eruptions that have
been termed a surfeit.

The functions of the stomach and bowels, it must
be remembered, may be severely and permanently
affected by emotions of the mind : if such be pro-
tracted, all the sympathetic diseases of the skin may,
indirectly, have their spring in moral influence.

Periods of life are characterized by peculiar forms
of disease : some occur chiefly during adolescence,
usually subsiding when the transition from youth to
adult age is accomplished.

The constitution of climate or of season may also
influence the form of disease, and to some certain
districts certain disorders are peculiar ; occasionally,
indeed, confined to one spot.

9

THE HEALTH 07 THE SKIN.

To preserve the health of the skin, to prevent its
disease, the most effective modes are, the regulation
of the functions of the howels, and of diet, due ex-
ercise, and the hath.

The employment of apbriekts for the regula-
tion of the howels is of course most important in
the preservation of the health of the skin, so inti-
mately sympathizing as it is with the alimentary
canal. It is difficult, however, to prescrihe a set
form for all, as constitutions and the degrees of
strength, as well as the character of diseases, so con-
stantly vary. In languid systems, and weak sto-
machs, the waters of Seidlitz, or Seltzer, or of Chel-
tenham, Hockley, Streatham, or Beulah, will he often
sufficient; or two or three drachms of the tartrate of
potass, adding to these a tea-spoonful of syrup of gin-
ger and of dill water. Even one or two dessert-spoon-
fills of common sweet oil eaten with salad will he often
efficacious. When the system is rohust and plethoric,
more powerful purgatives should he employed, as
colocynth, salts, and senna. If the liver he torpid, as
indicated hy loss of appetite, hearthum, indigestion,
pain in the right side, symptoms usually termed
biliotUf from three to five grains of hlue pill with
ginger may he given once or twice in a week, at
night } not exceeding three or four doses.

In many cases it is judicious to hlend opposite qua-

10 HEALTH OF THE SKIN.

lities in our medicines. In those maiked by debility,
where purgation is required, it is essential, while we
effect this, not to reduce the tone of the system. The
following saline chalybeate may be safely adopted,
and will usually be aperient :

Take, Infusion of cascarilla, 5^ ounces,
Epsom salts, 11 drachms.
Aromatic elixir of vitriol, 1 drachm.
Citrate of iron, 1 drachm,
Mulberry syrup, 2 drachms*

Mix, and take from one to three table-spoonfuls at
night, repeating it in the morning if required.

In the case of children, in whom an acid state of
the stomach is fertile in exciting skin diseases, the
fluid magnesia will be the best preventive ; and where
more free evacuations are required, the concentrated
essence of senna should be administered. These pre-
parations are usually taken with readiness by children.

I write this, because the practice of self-experiment
is almost invariably locals especially in the circles of
fashion ; where the inestimable enjoyment of health
is often exchanged for the proud triumph of a skin in
a degree more soft and whiter than another. The
Kalydor and the Bloom of Ninon- are as indispen-
sable in the boudoir as the casket of jewels : how far
less innocent. There is, however, one favourite and
potent drug, calomeL Its continued administration:
will, it is true, often remove unsightly diseases ; but
it will render the skin rather pallid and waxen than

HEALTH OF THE SKIN. 11

fair, with the almost certain forfeiture of health, and,
indeed, with much prohahility of inducing consump«
tion, if such disorder be latent in the system.

Rules for the regulation of diet in a state of health
may be almost anticipated. Food should of course
ever be adapted to the powers of digestion, the nature
of the constitution, the degree of exertion employed
by each, and to the peculiar tendency to any especial
skin disorder, and the nature of such disorder. T will
therefore refer to the remarks on diet regarding the
treatment of disease, which apply in certain degrees
equally to preventives and to cure ; merely observ-
ing here, that for those who are in active life during
the day the meals should be thus arrranged: — a
breakfast nutritious but light ; a biscuit, or bun, with
weak sherry and water, about twelve or one ; a sub-
stantial dinner at five or six ; tea or cofiee at seven,
eight, or nine. — For those with evening occupation,
dinner at two or three, with an hour of repose, if
possible ; tea at six or seven ; a biscuit and wine and
water at nine or ten.

The benefits resulting from exercise, in pre-
venting, among other maladies, skin diseases, are
free perspiration, an equable circulation of the blood
throughout each organ of the body, by which their
healthy functions are promoted, and full expansion of
the lungs, by which the proper changes of the blood
are effected. It must be remembered, that exercise
immediately after a meal is usually prejudicial ; tm-

12 HEALTH OF TH£ SKIK.

peding the process of digestion, by distending the
stomach with gas, rendering it incapable of its own
proper function, and by pressure deranging that of
the langs, the liver, and its ducts. For the healthy,
moderate walking is the most natural and salutary
exercise; but when our walk is ended, the matter
of perspiration it produced, and shreds of detached
cuticle, are too often allowed to form a coating over
the pores of the skin, by which its healthy functions
are deranged. Thus exercise may be a bane rather
than a benefit, unless we adopt the practice of rubhinff
down. A flannel should be employed to dry the
skin, then a coarse towel, or hair gloves, according to
the more or less irritability of the skin.

In youth, a judicious system of g3rmna8tics will
form a salutary and agreeable pastime ; but all, espe-
cially the weak and languid, should ever stop short of
fatigue. For these, riding on the pony or donkey
will be the most eligible exercise, and this especially,
if torpor of the liver or bowels exist. In those habits,
too, slight exercise even in the chamber is essential,
an hour or so after any substantial meal ; digestion
is thus promoted, and it may be further assisted by
friction for a few minutes across the stomach and
bowels.

For those passing a sedentary life, occasional deep
breathing f while pacing the chamber, will tend to some
benefit, by expanding the lungs.

The BATH has been resorted to in all ages and

HEALTH OP THE SKIK. 13

climes, from on almost instincfive faith in its purify-
ing and invigorating properties. As early as the Levi«
tical lavr, it was specifically enjoined by the priesthood
for the perfect cleansing of the leper. Among the
inhabitants of ancient Qreece and Rome the higher
classes seldom sat to supper without previously en-
tering one of those baths, the elegant ruins of which
so profusely adorn the classic lands. The athletae, or
wrestlers, constantly employed it for the imparting of
muscular strength, and the prevention of obesity :
and river or sea bathing has ever been a prevalent
custom with the American Indians, the Islanders of the
Pacific, &c. &c« eq>ecially the Australian Aborigines,
whose health and vigour is referred by scientific tra«
vellers to their practice of constant bathing. In Per-
sia, friction, with fragrant oils, was often added to the
bath ; and when we reflect on the clearness of the
skin of those often exposed to oily and greasy sub-
stances, we cannot doubt its utility.

But I am not now writing of it as a sacied duty,
or as a mere luxury. In either light it is essential to
watch and note its effects. The cold bath must not
be employed without certain reservations. If there be
a diffused redness or warmth breaking forth over the
body on our emerging from the water, it is congenial^
and will probably be beneficial to the system : if, on
the contrary, there be a chilliness, or pallor^ and
numbness of the limbs, and especially if headache
and depression ensue, there is a deficient power of

B

14 HEALTH OF THB SKIK.

reaetiont and the repetitioii will be injudicious. Both.
in this and the shower bath, friction with a eoarse
towel wfll often obviate chilliness. When the cold
bath is impracticable, a coarse towel should be made
into gloves, which may be saturated with wet, and
applied over the whole surface of the skin, without
much fatigue. In very languid constitutions it is also
often prejudicial to employ the vapour or very warm
water bath, as they relax the system too much ; yet,
in almost every case, they may be parttaUy adopted
in the leg or foot bath, and warm sponging.

The water, in cases of debilitated constitutions,
should at first be tepid, 80^ to 90^, and its tempera-
ture may be decreased gradually^ until it can be
borne without any sensibly ill effect. Such mode-
rately warm bathing may be employed under almost
all conditions : even in the inflammatory it will act as
an agreeable fomentation. If vertigo or headache
should occur in the plethoric, no bathing should be
pennitted, except wet cloths be folded round the
forehead.

It must be remembered, that effects will vary ac-
cording to the temperature of a water : the force and
frequency of the pulse, for instance, will at 80° be
lessened ; at 100° it is almost invariably accelerated*
This is important: the former effect is sedative or
soothing, the latter stimtdani or exciting. The bath
should not be taken directly after a meal.

Regarding the care of the surface of the body, it is

HEALTH OF THE SKIN. 15

sufficient to regulate its clothing according to tem-
perature or season, but, above all, to avoid sudden
vicissitudes^ especially the transition from heat^ to
cold. Even the momentary exposure between the
door and the carriage has been often the source, not
only of the so often fatal consumption, but also of
many unyielding diseases of the skin.

Where any peculiar tendency or predisposition to
disease exists, especial caution must, of course, be
observed regarding those causes which excite, or bring
out such maladies : different disorders require differ-
ent preventives.

These precepts for preverffion of cutaneous disease,
if obeyed, will go far to avert most of those evils ; if^
however, disease be already established, we are then
called on to employ more direct and decided means—
a remedy for its cure.

b2

16

DISEASE OF THE SKIN.

In the restoration of the health of the skin, the
cure of its diseases, it is the safest precept to regard
most of them as the outward sign of an inward cause^
or as springing from that extensive sympatht/ of the
skin with remote organs of the hody, especially the
Iwigs, the kidneys, and the bowels. Some of these
diseases are transient only, as red rashes and wheals ;
others are more permanent, as scaly and crusted
diseases — protracted erysipelas, chronic ulcers, the
pimples of acne^ &c.

When internal disease exists, nature, Mthful to
her laws, will endeavour to send her impurities to
the surface of the body : if therefore those pores,
through which the system is constantly unloading
itself of its impurities, be kept open, we not only
allow this cleansing process to proceed favourably,
but, by this sweating, the humour, so to speak, does
not stop at, but is sent through, the skin : thus in-
ternal disorder is relieved, and the establishment of
skin-disease is also prevented by this free natural
outlet. If, however, the pores are obstructed, then
skin-disease is formed.

Eruptions in this light become preservatives : pim-
ples or rashes have sometimes instantly relieved the
paroxysms of angina pectoris, and other spasmodic
disorders, and even inflammations of the internal mem-

DISEASE OE THE 8KIK. 1?

branes of the bowels, lungs, or head, which were
increasing in intensity, and appeared likely to ter-
minate fatally. Inflammation of the lungs, and even
true consumption, have been arrested by the occur-
rence of small-pox.

When, therefore, we become impatient at the rion-
success of our treatment in cutaneous disease, and
consider nature as capricious or ungrateful, we should
believe that she may understand her own business
best, setting up this resistance because the remedy
would be worse than the disease. Of this we have
known many proofs. Even from checked perspira-
tion, severe indigestion will often result. The appli-
cation of cold lotions to erysipelas of the face has
been speedily followed by brain fever, loss of sight,
stupor, and convulsions, or paralysis and insanity.
To the superficial cure of itch have succeeded acute
disorders of the liver and other organs.

Where even a simply local disease has existed for
a long period, it becomes, as it were, essential to the
constitution, a natural issue. On its sudden healing
constitutional derangements will often speedily take
place. Even from the spontaneous disappearance,
but especially from the rapid removal of crusts on
the head, destructive ophthalmia and inflammation of
the brain in children are not unfrequent.

Now this does not imply that we should favour or
promote skin-disease (for its irritation will sometimes
itself derange the health), but that we should rather

b3

18 DISEASE OF THE SKIK.

favour the transit of humour by perspiiatioQ, as by
the aid of sulphur and other similar sudorifics. Thus
there is wisdom in abstaining from hasty interference,,
until we first attend to the internal or constitutional
causes. It is as essential to know when to cure, as
?iow to cure.

Skin-diseases are commonly characterized by one
of two degrees : —

1. Inflammatory y marked by heat, pain, redness
and degrees of swelling or fulness. Some of these
are of recent origin and transient, as rose-rash,
measles, erysipelas, small-pox, &c. ; others, we term
chronic^ being more protracted and resisting, or even
permanent, marked by alteration and change in the
tissues of the skin, as the crusts of ringworm, the
scales of leprosy, &c.

2. Diseases of debility^ arising from a weakened
or languid action of the blood-vessels, and marked
by a pallid or livid hue of the skin, and of its erup-
tions, as scrofula, scurvy, and the purples.

In infancy and childhood the diseases of the skin
are more simple, less complicated with one another,
because the system is purer, not having had time to
become contaminated by various maladies.

When the stomach is taking on the new duty of
digestion, and subsequently, during the process of
dentition, the skin, naturally vascular, is incessantly
irritated, therefore inflammation is the general cha«
racter of infantile disease, and this from the delicacy

DISEASE OF THE SKIN. 19

of the frame wiU, if not checked, rapidly cause the
powers to yield and sink into direct debility.

In adult life disease will be more complicated :
the system is usually also more robust and settled,
allowing time for acute and inflammatory disease
to subside into the chronic form, or the various
tissues of the body to become altered in their struc*
ture. Ere the adult period is fully passed, we see
many of the most unyielding diseases, as those of
pustules, crusts, and scales especially.

In old age diseases though less acute are more pro«
tracted or permanent : there are complete changes
of the tissue of the skin. It is, as we term it, disoT"
ganized, from the effects of various diseases that have
long acted on it, or are still subsisting. We observe,
however, all these varieties at times intermingled;
inflammatum may be accompanied by extreme dC'
bility ; and it may also be combined with the perma-
nent alteration of the skin.

The full treatment of skin-disease, a complete and
popular treatise, combining a variety of lotions, oint-
ments, &c. would only lead to error; yet some
general principles of management may be here safely
added to our precepts of prevention, with which
indeed they are naturally and intimately blended;
and this by allusion to these two contrasted con-
ditions, so often indicated by complexion and tint
of eruption, of course with modifications adapted to
constitution, temperament, age, sex, and habits.

20

INFLAMMATORY DISEASES.

In almost all those diseases arising from a red or
angry surface, or surrounded by an inflamed ring or
base, or in inveterate scales with bleeding Assures,
especially if combined with pain, depletion is essen-
tial. Bleeding is often most beneficial by reducing
this inflammation, and it is after this, as a premoni-
tory step, that our specific remedies, if such we
possess, are employed with the greatest success. It
is not, however, always essential to bleed : minute
doses of tartarized antimony, especially if copious
perspiration ensue, or purgatives of an active nature,
will often sufSce.

Depletion may also to a certain degree be accom-
plished by very simple and negative means. If we
do not replete by high feeding, the system will soon
find its level, and therefore abstinence is itself deple-
tion ; for that superabundant blood, which perhaps
has kept up disease, is soon expended or unloaded of
its impurities.

The diet then should consist of simple and unsti-
mulant viands ; cow's or ass's milk, and spring water,
barley water, malt tea, toast and water, Seidlitz or
Seltzer water, forming the usual beverage.

But it is difflcult to propose general rules regarding
our diet: those who candidly appeal to their own
sensations, and have the courage to appreciate and
obey them, even to the mortifying of appetite, will

INFLAMMATORY DISEASES. 21

be the best dietetic physicians. The sensations of
the stomach are often our hest guide ; or rather their
almost absence : for with a perfectly healthy diges-
tion, we should be scarcely aware that we possess a
stomach.

It is wonderful that even those who are sensible
of the inestimable effects of abstinence are so con-<
stantly erring, and it is equally wonderful that the
digestive function is performed, even as it is, while it
is so constantly abused.

Let us contemplate, even by reflection, the masseti
thrust into the stomach of a gourmand at a gretU
dinner: even the idea is sufficiently nauseating to
make us wish for a Catholic week in 'Lent. It were
well if a better understanding existed between the
palate and the stomach : if, after the latter had been
well fed, the former were more considerate for its
distension, and reflected a little on the enormous
duties the stomach had to perform, ere it smacked its
vampire lips for a repetition of its gorge. A little
more courtesy would be a mutual advantage. One of
our greatest failings at table is the desire to satisfy
the appetite. In most cases, probably, one-half of a
meal is superfluous or hurtful. If we are interrupted
in its course, it is seldom that the appetite is not lost
on our return ; a fair proof that it may have been
fallacious. Time, in fact, has now been allowed for
the gastric acid, which had by its stimulation of the
coats of the stomach created the sense of himger, to

22 INFLAMMATOBT DISEASES.

transfer this action to the food which it is now em-
ployed in converting into a pulp we term the chyme,
the first process in the formation of new blood.

Let it be remembered also that, in- the plethoric,
rich diet will often render it essential for the system
to relieve itself , either by keeping up the establish-
ment of disease on the skin, or by the more perilous
consequence, acute internal disorder.

In almost all diseases of inflammatory character,
the tepid water-bath, or warm-water sponging, or
fomentation of poppy and camomile, will be in some
degree useful ; and, as in cases of inflamed crusts,
or pustules, as of scald-head, or ringworm, poultices,
to reduce the common inflammation, will always be
beneficial. Even when stimulating remedies are
used, a poultice occasionally applied will always
expedite the cure, and often succeed when one only
form of application has failed.

One word on the pitting of small-poY and severe
chicken-pock. The prevention of marks may often
be attained by keeping the patient in a chamber,
from which the light is almost entirely excluded,
from about the seventh day of the first pimple of the
pock until the sixteenth. If the pocks arefeWf their
points may be touched at an early stage by caustic.

23

DISEASES OF DEBILITY

Are marked by pallid or livid hue of the skin, by
languor, perspiration, sometimes by a tendency to
fainting on sudden mental impressions or increased
exertion, and often by the contrasted state of the sen-
sations, which are, in some few, hysterically acute, in
others almost absent.

There is usually a depression of the circulation,
which, however, may still be combined with a certain
degree of low inflammation of a scrofulous or scor-
butic or erysipelatous character.

The diet in these cases should be carefully supplied,
a little at a time; excess of diet is not excess of
nutriment. It should consist of that food which con-
tains the greatest quantity of nutrition in the smallest
possible space, as animal and vegetable gelatine, —
isinglass, calf 's-foot, Ceylon moss (^Previtis), of those
edibles which are, as it were, Jialf digested; for,
although the weak stomach requires a full nutrition,
it has not energy enough to extract it unless it be
thus assisted.

In the debilitated stomach of the adult, it will be
oflen salutary to take one or two of the following
pills, about one hour before dinner, reclining on a
sofa at least half an hour before the commencement of
a meal.

Powdered rhubarb, 8 grains.
Carbonate of ammonia, 1 scruple.

24 DISEASES OF DEBILITY.

Extract of ho^, 1 scrapie.
Divide into ten pills.

In weakly stomachs and those of children, the food
is soon disposed to the acetous fermentation; (the
acid stomach;) to remove this tendency, small and
repeated doses of an alkali, as the clear solution of
magnesia (Murray's or Dinneford's) will be very-
useful. In the youthful the milk of asses and goats
will be the best beverage ; in the adult, sweetwort,
the unfermented incision of hop or malt, and soda
water with milk, a combination of the nutritive and
the ant-acid.

The error of a weak stomach is naturally an indul-
gence in fasting; indeed, the extent of our fasting,
periods is, in certain cases, as hurtM as excessive in-
dulgence of appetite. The gastric acid (before alluded
to), the first grand promoter of digestion, if it has not
at a certain period the new food to act on, irritates the
coats of the empty stomach, producing that sensation
we term racking or gnawing, exhaustion, and conse-
quent indigestion. It does not require a ^11 meal
to avert this ; a biscuit or a crust will suffice. By a
crust also, with a cup of new milk, should the stomach
be fortified ere morning exercise be taken ; walking
before breakfast is only beneficial when the stomach
is in a healthy or energetic state.

In cases of scrofula, especially in advanced life,
the pale Indian ale should be the beverage ; if this
produce headache, the simple infusion of malt may be

DISEASES OF DEBILXTT. 25

substituted. Where there is a scorbutic tendency,
marked by a spongy and bleeding condition of the
gums, and with livid spots on the skin, it is quite
essential to restore that energy of the digestive func-
tion which is almost invariably imparled. In conse-
quence of this defect, the blood itself is unhealthy, and
all its secretions depraved : indeed, in many cases,
this unhealthy crasis of the blood almost constitutes
the essential origin of the disorder. In this condition
the diet should consist of animal jelly combined with
acescent vegetables, salads, cresses, and unripe fruits.
It is known that scorbutic slaves would almost in-
stinctively devour the green guavas in preference to
the ripe ones ; nay, even the green and succulent
grass was eaten with avidity by Lord Anson's sailors
in the isle of Tinian. We might make several salu-
tary additions to our salads of this sort ; I believe
the oxalisy or wood sorrel^ is almost equal to the citron
fruits in antiseptic qualities ; as an occasional refresh-
ing drink I would recommend in moderation nitric or
4tulphurio acid sherbet, (half a drachm of either acid
to a t^guaxt of water,) well sweetened with loaf sugar,
or the citrated kaU ; these and other acid drinks being
imbibed through a quill or glass tube, that the enamel
of the teeth be not injured.

Attention to the state of the mouth is of much im-
portance ; portions of food adhering about the teeth
soon become decomposed. The qualities of the saliva
alsoy so essential to perfect digestion, become de-

26 DISEASES OF DEBILITY.

praved ; the mouth should therefore be washed and
the gums sponged lightly after each meal, or thrice in
a day, with fifteen or twenty drops of the tincture of
mjrrrh in a claret-glass fiill of spring water. At the
termination of acute fevers, &c,, where we have livid
spots and sloughing sores, quinine and the citrate of
iron and the mineral acids should be judiciously-
administered. In cases of scaly diseases accompanied
by debility, the following will often prove a salutary-
beverage.

Sulphuret of potass or soda, 8 grains,
Strong rose-leaf tea, 1 pint.

One wine-glass full to be taken thrice in a day.

During these tonic modes of treatment it will be
well to employ, from time to time, mild aperients ;
for, although a powerful action would be injurious,
and even slight purgation itself an evil, it is the least.
Depraved secretions are constantly accumulating, the
ejection of which is most essential. The most appro-
priate aperients are the mild salines with ginger
syrup ; or the salino^chalyheate aperient prescribed in
page 10.

In wasting children, with livid sores or eruptions,
the cause of disorder will often be traced to accumu-
lations and obstructions about the orifice of the lacteals,
the vessels which absorb nutriment from the intes-
tines. A mild aperient, as the grey powder, followed,
in a few hours, by castor oil, will often act as a
pioneer, and, by removing obstructions to this absorp-

DISEASES OF DEBILITY. 2?

tion of chyle, invigorate the system, and tbus indi-
rectly remove disease. The health of the mother of
ft weakly suckling should be watched, as the milk
from her bosom, instead of being a fountain of healthy
may become the spring of disease.

Decided laxatives should never be taken within
two hours before or after a meal, as it is scarcely pos«
slble that nutrition should then take place, the chyme
or new pulp being hurried through the intestines too
quickly to allow of absorption. If the stomach be
irritable and reject the aperient given by the mouth,
an injection of warm water should be occasionally
administered, adding salt or oil if more active quali-
ties are desired.

When languid and almost painless ulcers occur on
the skin, marked by a glassy or shining surface of the
sore, or when the glands of the neck are swollen, the
hue of the skin being pallid or pale pink, often with
a very clear pink cheek, (the marks of scrofula,) the
juice of walnut leaves will be useful. Two of the
common sized leaves, lightly bruised, and infused in
a pint of boiling water, and sweetened, may be given
twice or thrice in a day. Iodine, in its various forms,
is very beneficial in these conditions, but it is too
potent a remedy to be prescribed without scientific
watching.

In the cases of black points or red lumps, or scali-
ness, or roughness of skin, especially that of the fore-
head, which are sopften occurring at the approach of

c2

28 DISEASES OF DBBILITT.

adolescence in both sexes, local applications, as warm
water poultices, &c. will be merely palliative ; they
are indications of changes requiring especial internal
treatment. When combined in the female with irreg^*
larity, debility, or hysteria^ terms which every mother
will understand, the citrate of iron lozenges, a safe
and elegant medicine, will almost invariably be of
some utility. From two to four of these may bo
given twice or thrice in a day.

29

PROTRACTED DISEASE.

The usual forms are pimples, vesicles, and pustules,
remittent or occasionally recurring, and those which
may be propeily termed disorganized^ crusts and un«
healing open ulcers, the result or second stages of
vesicles and pustules, and leprous scales.

In all these protracted cases there are either latent
causes which probably produced, and tend to keep
up the disease on the skin, or that tissue has been so
long in progress of disorganization, that it has almost
taken on a second nature. It is often, indeed, the
weak point on which are vented all the evils of the
body ; many of them are still, however, but effects of
a cause which we must endeavour to correct or
remove. This removal however must often be done
with special caution, nay, it may be injurious even to
attempt it suddenly ; and, if unfavourable symptoms
are the consequence, it may even be essential to re-
produee it. The palliative plan should for a time be
adopted, by merely warm water fomentation or poul-
tice, and alteratives, as sarsaparilla, sassafras, and
Plummer's pill. When the primary disorder has for
some time subsided, then, and only then, may it be
safe to adopt external treatment.

It is seldom that an acutely inflammatory condition
will be much protracted ; its destructive results will
be soon evinced, or it will subside into a chronic state*
Scrofula and scurvy, however, may be long marked

c3

30 PROTRACTED DISEASE.

by inflammation of a low form, wbich is usually the
most difficult of removal, not being reduced by active
remedies. For these cases citrate of iron, occasion-
ally combined with the fluid magnesia, and sea
bathing will be beneficial ; or ablution with artificial
sea water, composed of subcarbonate of soda, four or
six ounces, dissolved in the water of a common bath.

In some unyielding diseases, as old scales of
leprosy, &c., it is often essential to apply a blister,
in order to form a new or more healthy tissue in place
of one long subject to a diseased process.

To these protracted diseases our attention will be
often very painfully directed ; indeed we have more
than once been tempted by promises more magnificent
than we would venture to affirm, from those who,
worn out by mental suffering and debilitated consti-
tution, had run through a host of physicians in their
misery, and had adopted the whole catalogue of ape^
cific remedies in vain, if we would promise a complete
removal of the scourge. But we must be especially
wary of offering such a pledge, as we have very sel-
dom time or patience conceded to us to redeem it,
even were that possible.

The MODE OF APPLICATION of remedies is a subject
too often slighted. Leeches, blisters, fomentations,
poultices, are often almost inert, because the mere
application has been deemed sufficient: without en-
suring any of their immediate or visible effects, how
can we expect their remote or remedial conseqaences?

PROTRACTED DISEASE. 31

In the employment of ointments, I cannot too
much advise the washing off, hy soft dabbing with
wann soap and water, of the former grease ere we
apply the firesh; and inunction will he often far more
efiBdent if we envelope the head or other part with
oil silk : this confines the virtues or qualities of the
remedy, which might otherwise he evaporated or
dispersed.

In the cases of most inveterate itch, we liave suc-
ceeded in effecting even a speedy convalescence hy
confining the patient strictly to hed for a few days,
the skin being thus constantly subject to the fumes
of sulphur internally and externally employed; in
fact, a sulphur bath.

In many cases of disease the action of the common
atmospheric air is too irritant. In such cases a light
covering should be employed, or the skin may be
rubbed with bland oil, as that of cocoa nut, or the
simplest ointment, as that of elder flower or sperma-
ceti, or lightly dusted with starch flour, to avert the
heat, itching, or stinging, the result of exposure.
This precaution will often quickly remove the ten-
dency to the prickly heats and blisterings of the
skin, occurring during the summer months. Where
there is an oozing of watery fluid or matter, often
corroding the surface, the part should be dusted with
white starch powder or common flour, or a bath of
flne starch gruel, or of bran and water, may be
employed.

32 PROTRACTBD DISEASE.

In the treatment of bladders, as of bums and scalds,
and those of erysipelas, protection from the air is of
great importance : thus finely carded wool -will afford
quick relief, while flour sprinkled on the surface, or
starch or magnesia rubbed up with melted spermaceti
or lard, and kept on for a day or two by folded tissue
paper, will most completely defend the part by form-
ing a crmtf while the healing process is proceeding
uninterruptedly beneath it.

The more inveterate and indurated forms of scaly
disease, without active inflammation^ may be treated
with more freedom than many others ; they may be
kneaded or shampooed in the bath. Even the horse-
hair gloves may be often used with benefit, especially
when exercise or the warm bath has partially detached
the scales of the cuticle.

83

MINERAL WATERS.

One of the most important subjects regarding both
prevention and cure of skin-disease, is the judicious
employment of water, especially that endowed with
specific virtues or properties, either as a beverage or
as a bath. That this may be judicious, I will here
allude to a few of those natural springs and artificial
waters that are salutary in certain forms of disease,
reminding all of the evils consequent on the unscientific
application of repellents to the maladies of the skin
in our endeavours for their superficial removal.

The science of chemistry has, by analysis, de-
veloped the qualities of most of the saline and chaly-
beate waters, and has, moreover, artificially prepared
them with so much precision that we may enjoy the
qualities of many continental springs in the medicated
baths of the metropolis, which are managed with very
great judgment, by experienced and scientific persons,
and drink the waters of Pyrmont in our dressing-
rooms \ But this is not all : we require the salutary
influence of pure air and exercise, and amusement,
both in reference to the health of the skin and our

1 The maniifactiires at Brighton are a very close imitation
of the natural springs : but the mineral waters themselves
may be imported, and those of our own spas, as Beulah,
Hockley, &c. are sent out in any quantity ; and I may add, that
in slight cases, where a ealino-chalybeeUe is required, a combi-
nation of the fluid magnesia and the citrate of iron will be
often vexy effective.

84 MINERAL WATERS.

treatment of its maladies. The voluptuoas excesses
of a city, sedentary occupation, anxiety and fatigue
in the study, or the pursuits of business, may thwart
all our efforts. The integrity of the digestive func-
tion, and the breathing of pure air, will almost ensure
a more healthy blood, and this will go very far, if not to
remove disease, to render our other modes successful.
In this, indeed, consists the secret of benefit from
marine and rural residences, and the success of some
celebrated systemsy&s the hydropathy of Priessnitz,&c.
For it must be remembered, that as all our secretions
are formed from the blood, no healthy process can be
ensured if this be unhealthy.

The waters of warm springs will also be more
salutary than artificial baths, from the more perfect
diffusion of qualities or ingredients, and temperature ;
and the aperient virtues of natural springs may be
longer employed without any «n&vourable results.
To pel sons especially of debilitated constitutions, or
those afflicted with a scrofulous or scorbutic ten-
dency, or with a melancholy temperament, pure air is
invaluable. For these the continent is certainly
preferable on one point, the attainment of a greater
change of scene and habit, which most beneficially
influences the mind, and, through it, the digestive
function, &c. It has the advantage too, it must be
confessed, in the important item of local economy.
It is true, also, that the salubrious and spring districts
are more widely extended, and that pastoral valleys

MINERAL WATERS. $5

and Alpine sublimities are there combined in one, and
laid at our feet. Such are the romantic gorges
through which the light green waters of the mountain
streams descend to the large rivers, expanding in
their course itlto a succession of crystal lakes, within
a circle of gigantic and pine-clad mountains. Re-
garding the temperature of the springs also, the
continental are superior; the thermal waters of
England seldom exceeding 80° : the hot well of Bath
however, is 117°. There are, however, many and
unavoidable annoyances in continental tours to
counteract these advantages, especially to the languid,
the delicate, and the sensitive. Regarding residence
also, even in the most enticing climates, there are
very vital objections to certain seasons of the year.
Thus Naples, during the months of September, Octo-
ber, November, December, and January, affords a
very salubrious resort ; but the melting of the Apen-
nine snows in February directly sends down the
piercing tramontane wind; while in the heat of
summer the vapour of the sirocco creates an univer-
sal prostration ; and the electric influence of Vesu-
vius produces a peculiar excitement in sensitive
persons. At Pisa, at certain seasons, the promenade
must be confined within narrow limits ; while at Nice
the mistral has a most prejudicial effect on the healthy
action of the lungs. Therefore, except in those
especial cases which require the specific qualities of
certain impregnated waters, the delightful and salu-

86 MINEBAt WATERS^

brious localities of our 0¥m island, less wild thoagh
equally beaatifdl, and attained with so much facility^
offer to us the most unalloyed benefits.

It seems, however, a natural error of the mind to
undervalue the good immediately around us, and to
seek perfection in distant climes. Our own vicinity
is, in tact, too familiar to us ; it is without that shade
of mystery, which seems to impart to our feelings the
charm of confidence^ so essential, it must be confessed,
to the success of remedy. It would be difficult to
select from the salubrious districts of Britain those
most eligible for all cases of skin -diseases. Re-
garding marine resorts, however, it may be observed
that the Undercliff, Salcombe, Torquay, Dawlish,
Hastings, Penzance, Tenby, Bournemouth, and those
sandy and rocky shores on the southern coasts,
which are protected by a northern shield of lime-
stone or chalk hills, should be sought in cold,
rainy, or wintry seasons: the eastern and north-
western coasts should be avoided in winter, the
former especially, at those periods when the wind,
being in that quarter, wafts to us the malaria of
Holland and Germany. As an inland resort, perhaps,
Clifton is the most eligible on all points, as, with
^e virtues of its springs, it possesses the mildest and
"Hest climate in England : next to this, the Under-
^*iff and Hastings: for those who can bear a
wacing air, Malvern, High Harrogate, Tonbridge,
^*' Brighton, the latter perhaps being more free from

MINERAL WATERS. 37

malaria than many others, in consequence of less
vegetable and animal decomposition around it.

Regarding residence, early in the year, on our more
open and exposed coasts, much caution must be ob-
served, although the very great uncertainty of our
climate, of late years, must render our precepts on this
point somewhat imperfect. At Brighton especially,
at Ramsgate, Margate, Heme, &c. open-air exercise
before the month of June will often be hurtfiil to
delicate or irritable skins, constantly exciting erysi-
pelas in those predisposed to that malady, and pro-
ducing languor and debility in weak systems. During
a north wind at any season, visitors at Brighton should
confine their walks to the uncferc^]^ promenade, and
the clifif half of the chain pier, observing the same pro-
tection from cold wind, wherever they may be residing.

As remedies for cutaneous diseases, saline springs
act usually by their aperient quality ; the chalybeate
by astringent and tonic effects ; the salino- chalybeate
according as the one or other quality preponderates.
It is this double quality, which renders them so bene-
ficial. Some waters, from their containing certain
proportions of carbonate of magnesia and soda, act
beneficially on the skin, by imparting a peculiar elas-
ticity like that of the eel, as Chaude Fontaine ; or a
peculiar softness (the satin skin), as Schlangenbad ;
by relaxing and cleansing the pores, as Croft, in
Yorkshire, and Wildbad : others by exciting another
eruption, as Louesche in Switzerland, and Baden,

D

38 MINERAL WATERS.

Pynnont, Marienbad, and Bad Ems (which last
produces an itching and efflorescence termed the
Bath itch\ and Gastein, so often efficacious in remov-
ing mercurial eruptions, by reproducing the original
disease for which the mercury had been prescribed*
Others derive their influence from their impregnation
with iodine, as those of Shotley Bridge, Woodhall,
and Tenbury. Acidulous springs, as those at Pyr«*
mont, Kissengen, Godesburgh, &c. by amending the
condition of the blood, are very useful in scorbutic and
languid maladies.

The salino^chalybeate springs, according to the
proportions of their ingredients, often produce the
combined effect of softening the skin and imparting
tone : such is the effect also of the mud baths of
Fransaenbad, Teplitz, &c. which sometimes succeed
when water-baths have faUed, especiaUy in the more
protracted cases of white scales or leprosy.

Those who seek relief from the influence of our
^na^^ in cutaneous disease, may be divided into two

who^I^e ex ^f ^ ""^ ^^^^^ ^^ predisposed habits,

in diet, or b ^^ unhealthy localities, by excesses

«aiutai^ cha^ ^^xiety and. fatigue, require simply a

those in wh ^^ ^^ <^limate and modes of living ; and

demnged fan ^ ** ^* essential to impart to certain

®^ til© skin-dT ^'^^ ^' organs of the body (the source

certain ^eoific ^^* ^' ^ *^® altered tissue itself,
•/ Actions,

MINERAL WATERS. 39

In patients of the first class, exercise and amuse-*
ment, with the aid of light and nutritious diet, and
mild aperients, will often he speedily followed hy
convalescence. For these the sea-side is undouht-
e41y preferahle : the atmospheric purity and changes
caused hy the agitated waters of the ocean, and the
imhihition hy the skin of saline particles, create an
elasticity of mind and hody highly salutary.

In cases of Hypochondriasis, the cold mineral
waters of Germany are the most valuable, as they
abound in carbonic acid gas, which both renders the
beverage more agreeable, and ensures a more perfect
solution of the minerals. Of this class are some of
our artificial waters, as soda, Seltzer, and the spark<*
ling fluid magnesia. Perhaps the most exhilarating
waters are those of Seidschiitz and Kissengen in Ger-
many, and Woodhall and Tenbury in Lincolnshire.

The present springs of easiest access from London
are Streatham, Beulah, Tonbridge, Bath, Clifton,
Hockley, near Southend; Sandrock, in the Isle of
Wight ; Leamington, Cheltenham, and Dorton, near
Aylesbury. Streatham may be reached in half an
hour, Beulah in less than an hour. The Streatham
water is a salino-chalybeate, of a very active nature,
with a slight odour of sulphur. The Beulah water, like
that of Hockley, is a simple saline, and can be em-
plyed in almost every malady of the skin : its aperient
quality exceeds that of many wells at Cheltenham.
These springs of the Norwood sand-hills should be

d2

40 MINERAL WATERS.

highly valued hy the metropolitan, whose avocations
can spare but two or three hours for the promotion of
health, or the removal of cutaneous affections. They
are surrounded by tufted hills, studded by luxuriant
woods and parks, and green meadows ; and in warm
and temperate weather, the breeze which blows over
them will impart a freedom of respiration and of cir-
culation, which tend to enhance to a very great
degree the salutary effect of their waters.

In the more inflammatory conditions of the skin,
free depletion will be essential, and, to a moderate
degree, sometimes in those who are marked by pallid
or livid complexions, while we support the power by
mineral tonics and acescent vegetables. This seems a
paradox — but it is judicious.

The second class constitute the more unyielding
and protracted forms of pustules, or pimples, vesicles,
crusts, and scales.

Those of an inflammatory character, being usually

of recent date, are vesicles and pustules, which termi-

'iate m a second stage, crust; and a form of scale,

psortasis, marked by heat, pain, redness, and more or

ever. In yg,^ severe inflammatory forms, bleed-

^ ^ery free action on the bowels should gene-

deer? - Premised ere bathing be commenced : in-

^jj J ' ^^inost all cases of skin-disease, alteratives

vioua t ^^^^^^ should be taken for a short time pre-

^cpulai * ^®^'se of bathing, to avert the ill effects of

^' In confined habits, a pill, composed of

MINERAL WATERS. 41

powdered rhubarb, colocynth, and blue pill, should
always be taken the evening before a morning bath.

The more protracted diseases are vesicles and pus-
tules, which arise, as it were, in successive crops, and
the unyielding scaly diseases, often extending over
the whole body, and depositing constantly a quantity
of branny scales of the cuticle.

Some of these vesicles and scales are intermittent^
occurring at certain regular periods, as spring and
autumn, or at periodical indispositions in the female,
or casual changes of the system.

Extreme sensibility of the skin, or intense tingling
or itching, yet without visible eruption^ will some«
times occur during the middle and latter periods of
pr^nancy, subsiding entirely only on its termination
in a birth. As these cases, however, are usually
associated with disordered secretion of the kidneys,
alkalis, as soda, or potass, will often mitigate the heat
and itching of the skin.

Some are remittent^ appearing without evident
cause, or on indulgence in excess ; others establish
themselves on the skin, forming there new and un«
healthy deposits. The former cases are usually obe-
dient to the general principles of medicine : it is to
the latter that saline and chalybeate waters are so
beneficial, to many of them indispensable.

There will constantly occur much discrepancy of
opinion regarding the special adaptation of the various
baths at present known to us, as there may be shades

na

43 MINERAL IVATERS.

of difference in the same disease occurring in di&rent
skins ; and disappointment may arise from the erro-
neous belief that those waters, the constitueni parti of
which are Hie most nwnerons, are the mott powerful.
This is not essentially the case.

The modes too, adopted by the medical residents,
and regulations of diet and exercise, may render the
effects of the waters variable, even under the same
apparent malady and drcum stances.

To those physicians severe maladies should be
referred.

To present, however, a general view of the adapta-
tion of mineral waters to the varieties of skin-disease,
I will enumerate the various forms which they as-
sume, marked hy numbers, and then a list of our
chief British and continental spas, to which those
numbers are attached which indicate the diseases in
which they are efficacious, an • being added when
we deem them especially salutary.

These references combine, with some little modifi-
cation, both drinking and bathing ; baths, however,
are not erected at every spa in England.

MINERAL WATERS. 43

1.

Pustules and vesicles with inflamed bases, heat,
pain, fever.

2.
Crusts or scales with inflammation, &c.

3.

Vesicles or wheals easily excited on very irritable
skin.

4.
White or red scales with inflamed edges or cracks,
heat, tingling, pricking.

5.
Vesicles or pustules (chronic) appearing in succes-
sive crops.

6.
Skin-disease depending on primary disorder in the
stomach or bowels.

7.
Cases arising from or combined with disorder of the
kidneys.

8.
White or red scales, chronic, not inflammatory or
painful.

9.
Diseases marked by pallor, languor, or debility,
swelled glands or wastings.

10.
Diseases marked by livid spots, spongy or bleeding
gums, foetor of breath, debility.

11.
Diseases combined with depression of spirits, and
indigestion.

12.
Protracted ulceration or open sores.

44 MINERAL WATERS.

ENGLAND.

Bucks. Dorton (near Thame) ... 4. 6. 6. 8*. 9*. 10. 11.
Dbkbtshirs. Buxton .m 6. 6. 8. 0. 10. 11.

Matlock *•••••••••••••••••••• 1. 6. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

DuKHAM. Shotley Bridge .^ 5, 6. 8. 9. 10. 11.

£s8BX. Hockley ....••••.•••••••••••• 1. 2. S. 4. o. 7. o.

OLo'aTBKSHiBK. Cheltenham 5. 6. 8*. 9*.

^'lUton ..■•••.••*.•*••••••••..• d. D. /• o* ff. Ha

Havts. Bournemouth ....m

Sandrock, Isle of Wight. 6. 6. 8. 9*. 10. 11«. 12.

Kbnt. Tunbridge Wells 5. 6. 8. 9*. 10. 11;

LxKCOLVSHXBB. Toubury 5. 6. 8. 9. 10.

WoodhaU m......... 5. 6. 8. 9. 10*. 11. 12.

SinuuT* Beulah •....•.Mn.vMua.M.M 8. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. II.

Meg's Well, asolitarycold
spring (near Dorking)... 2. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10.

StreathamSpa^chalybeate 2. S. 4. 6. 6. 8*. 9. 10*.
Wabwxcxshibb. Leamington, sulph. hydr.

MontpeUer, Noe. 2 ft 4 . 2. 4. 5. 6. 8*. 9. 12.

Willoughby 2. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10.

Westmobblavd. Shapwell (near Appleby) 1. 2. 4. 5. 9. 10.
Yobkshibb. Aldfleld (near Ripon) ... 1. 2. 3. 4. 8.

Askeme, near Doncaster,
strongest in sulphur ... 2. S. 4. 5. 7. 8.

Crickhffl (near SUpton) . 1. 2. S. 4. 7.

Craft (near Darlington^
excess of sulph. hydr.... 1. 2. 8. 4. 5. 6. 8*. 9*. 10. it.

Harrogate, sulphuretted
iiycix* •*•••••■••••••••■«•••••• z« 0* o • o • 9» Jv« !«•

chalybeate 5. 6. 9*. 10*. 11*.

Horley Green (near Hali-
fax), strong chalybeate... 8. 9. 10. 12.

Hovingham(near Ri vaulx

nUey, intensely cold...... 4. 6. 6. 8. 9.

Sjiaiesborongh m.m. ...... S. 5. 6. 9.

Lockwood (near Hudders-

field) 1. 2. 8. 4. 8.

New Malton (near York) 2. 4. 6. 8«. 9*. 10*. 11.

Scarborough 5. 6*. 8. 9. 11.

Thorpe Arch (near York),

strong chalybeate... 4. 5. 6. 8. 9*. 10. 11.

MINERAL WATERS. 45

SCOTLAND.

Mofl&tt 8. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11.

WALES.
Llandrindod ^ 5. 8^. 9. 10.

CONTINENT.

Bagneies de Luchon 4. 6. 8*. 9*. 10*. II.

Bareges 2. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Alxla ChapeUe 6. 8«. 9. 10. U. 12.

Bochlet, Schwefel quelle 5. 6. 8*. 9. 10.

Boll 5. 6. 8. 12.

Chsude Fontaine, Liege, muriat. add. 2. 6. 8*. 9. 10. II. 12.

Franzazenbad, gas bath.,.. 2. 4. 5. 9. 10. II.

Gastein 5. 7. 12.

Gk)de8burgh, Rhine 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Homburgh, Bad quelle 6. 8*. 9. 10. 11.

Kissengen S. 5. 6*. 7. 8. 9.

Kissengen^Bnickenau, excess of carbonic add 5. 6u 8. 9*. 10*. 11*. 12.

XkXcUvZDruUllcu ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 0* Sra 1U« lis 1«»

Leuk, foot of the Oemmi 1. 2*. 3*. 4*. 5*. 6. 7. 8.

Leibenxell 1. 4. 5. 8. 9.

Marienbad 4. 6. 9. 10.

Pfefbis 2. 4. 5. 8. 9. 12.

xTlHIlft ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• !• «• tl« T« 0« / • lU* Al«

A jr f lUOU w ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••»••••••■•••••• !• Ta 0* #• O • w • lv« AA«

Pynnonti acidulous 5. 6. 8. 9^. 10^. !!•

Schwalbach, Weinbrunnen 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Schlangenbad 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 8. 9. 10.

Seidlitz 1. 2. 3. 4. 8. 9.

Seidschutz 6. 9. 10. 12.

Spa, salino-chalyb. excess of iron « 5. 6*. 8*. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Teplitz 2.4. 5. 9. 10. 11.

WUdbad 5. 6. 7. 8. 9*. 10. 11*.

Wiesbaden, Kochbrannen 5. 8*. 9. 10. 11.

Castellainare , 2. 4. 5. / . o .9 . lu. ii.

Ischia, Fumarole, warm 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 6. 7. 8.

Villa Fnmca, Caldeira 1. 2. 3.

Naples, acqua solftirea 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11.

ferrata 5. 6. 8. 9*. 10. 11.

46 MINERAL WATERS.

This is of course not to be considered as excluding
many other baths, or as limiting the effects of those
enumerated to the diseases named ; indeed, at many
spas, as at Harrogate, the variety of waters promises
relief in almost every malady. It is merely an index,
by consulting which, disappointment, perhaps some
degree of peril, may be averted from those who indis'^
criminately employ them.

When an inactive disease has been too much ex-
cited, or when an inflammatory condition subsides,
such diseases of course change their character, and
may then be subjected to those waters that would be-
fore have caused an aggravation.

After a temporary amendment, during the course
of bathing, headache, anxiety, coated tongue, and
dreamy slumber, will often occur ; — this is the crisis,
saturation, or bad sturm as the Germans term it, and
requires suspension of the bath.

In conclusion, I may add one comprehensive rule
regarding the temperature of the bath. The degree
of heat generally most agreeable and safe is that
which we term tepid or warm. i. e. from about 75° or
80° Fahrenheit to 96° (or 21° Reaumur to 28°) ; this
temperature may indeed be used almost indiscrimi-
nately in common cases. The hot bath, from 96°
upwards, must be only employed under scientific
management ; while the cold bath, i. e. below 75°,
may often be injurious except in stages of perfect
convalescence or general health, in robust constitu-

MINERAL WATERS, 47

tions, and where we are quite free from anxiety re-
gard a want of reaction on the skin, or the ill effects
of a chill, and the repulsion or driving in of erup-
tions.

THE EKD.

QiLBKRT & RiviNGTON, PrinUrs, St. John's Square, London.

BY THE SAME AUTHOR.

I.

In 8vo. boards, 6t, 6d,

PRACTICAL REMARKS on the DISEASES of the
SKIN, &c. during Infancy and Childhood.

^ Much useful infoxmation conyeyed in very few words." —
Lcmeet.

II.

In lai'ge 8yo. 12g.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF MYSTERY.

Illustrating Spectres, Illusions, Dreams, Somnambulism,

Mesmerism, &c.

^ The elegant and laborious work of Mr. Dendy." — Times.

^ The ideal representatiyes of an intellectual and a material
philosophy are drawn with fiincy and elegance." — Athenceum.

^ A work exploring almost every labyrinth in the boundless
fields of metaphysics." — Medieo-ehirurgiGal Journal,

III.
In 12mo. cloth gilt,

THE BOOK OF THE NURSERY.

Precepts for the Management of Infants, &c.

^^ Mr. Dendy has done valuable service to the rising gene-
ration." — LUerary Crozette,

/