The analysis and medical properties of the tepid springs of Buxton : with cases and observations.

  • Charles Scudamore
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The analysis and medical properties of the tepid springs of Buxton : with cases and observations. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    coldest day of winter as in the hottest day of summer, it is obvious that in itself it must always possess the same proper- ties ; but we are taught, by constant observation, that the in- valid receives much greater benefit from bathing in mild fine weather, when the atmosphere is dry, than when it is cold and wet. It happens, as might naturally be expected, that in a genial atmosphere the important functions of the skin can be more favorably maintained, and its sentient nerves be placed in better harmony with the rest of the system, than when it is cold and damp ; added to which, the inducement to take exer- cise is so much the greater ; and this aid to the general health, always so important, can be obtained with more regularity. Therefore it may be stated in general terms that the Buxton season begins with the merry month of May, and concludes with the shortening days of the end of October ; and in this range of time, the one month will claim the preference of the other, accordingly as the season of good weather may be, which, in the variable climate of this country, is without any rule. Some invalids remain with advantage through the month of November. No stated time can with propriety be mentioned for the course of bathing, since it must vary in almost every case. Most invalids allow too short a period, and fall into the error of expecting an immediate cure from the baths, forget- ting that, whatever may be the remedy used, the evils of chronic disease can only be overcome by slow degrees. It must be a slight case indeed, for which one week's bathing could prove sufficient. The usual full period is from five to six weeks; and the utmost that need be mentioned, from ten to twelve. It is important that the patient, who can find it convenient to make a protracted stay, should occasionally intermit the use of the bath for a week or more ; and he might derive pleasure and advantage from changing the air and the scene by a little excursion, and so return to resume the bath- ing under the most favorable circumstances. I have before adverted to the nature of the limestone soil of Buxton, as being remarkably adapted for] the quick dis- appearance of moisture. Hence, although from its hilly si-