The thermal baths of Bath : their history, literature, medical and surgical uses and effects, together with the Aix massage and natural vapour treatment / by Henry William Freeman.

  • Freeman, Henry William, 1842-1897
Date:
1888
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The thermal baths of Bath : their history, literature, medical and surgical uses and effects, together with the Aix massage and natural vapour treatment / by Henry William Freeman. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

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    chair baths. The frequency of the pulse and the temperature of the body are increased, and as a consequence the amount of the urinary discharge augmented. After the use of the bath there is a consciousness of increased elasticity and vigour of frame, the appetite is improved, and the exhausting perspiration and fainting which often follow the use of warm baths of ordinary water, rarely if ever occur after the mineral bath ; nor again is its use under ordinary circumstances produdlive of the copious perspiration consequent upon common hot baths. In cases of rheumatism, in which the limbs are stiffened or contradled, the power of using them is restored, whilst in other cases the power is regained with remarkable quickness. In certain cases of palsy, the employment of the bath is attended with similar results. In sciatica the pain is often relieved during the process of bathing, and though at first the stiffness of the limbs, as well as the pain, often return soon after leaving the bath, yet it will be observed that the recurrence of pain or stiffness gradually ceases, and finally the symptoms dis- appear. There are cases in which bathing, whilst not disagreeing, yet is not productive of any appreciable effedts ; and when this is so it is advis- able for a time not to persevere. It frequently happens after such cessation that recovery follows. When, however, this result does not occur, bathing may be resumed with manifest advantage. After the withdrawal of the stimulating effec5ts of the waters, nature reasserts itself, and permanent recovery may ensue. When the use of the bath is attended with marked redness of the skin, flushing of the face, throbbing of the temples and giddiness, the temperature of the water should be lowered, and the period for employ-
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