The mineral springs of western Virginia with remarks on their use, and the diseases to which they are applicable |
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| II. |
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| IV. |
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 | VII. |
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| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. | CHAPTER XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
 | CHAPTER XIV. The mineral springs of western Virginia |  |
CHAPTER XIV.
Acute, or "galloping consumption," as it
is frequently called, usually runs its course
in from two to nine months, and is wholly unmanageable,
and when it fastens on its unhappy
victim, there is no alternative but to
submit to the decree of that great Being in
whose hands are the issues of life and death.
It is usually the effect of hereditary taint,
roused into morbid action by imperfect nutrition,
bad air, exposure, disappointed affection,
reverse of fortune, fevers, uterine derangements,
and various other causes. The symptoms
of this condition have already been enumerated.
It is one before which the system
falls prostrate, and in which we can do nothing
but smooth, as we may by kind and delicate
attentions, the passage of our friend to a
brighter and better existence. But the chronic
form of this disease is happily more under the
control of remedies, and therefore should be
assertion he has made in the letter above
quoted.
As in all diseases there are different grades
of intensity, so in tubercular consumption
there are grades—1st, of predisposition; 2d,
of tubercular infiltration or deposition; 3d, of
development; 4th, of ulceration; 5th, of ma
rasmus; and lastly, there are grades of the
power of resistance in different constitutions.
This being the case, it is manifest the chances
for recovery, perfect or partial, or of a fatal
result, are in proportion to such grades. Now
all modern writers agree that cases of recovery
are frequent from slight attacks in the latter
or suppurative stage.
The great Laennec makes the following
remarks: "But while I admit the incurability
of consumption in the early stages, I am
convinced, from a great number of facts, that
in some rare cases the disease is curable in
the latter stages, that is, after the softening of
the tubercles and the formation of an ulcerous
excavation." Again, "I have at present under
my care several patients affected with chronic
catarrh, and who afford distinctly the sign of
respect any symptom of consumption. I have
met with several other cases, wherein this
phenomenon was observable along with a
slight habitual cough, very little expectoration,
and scarcely any marked alteration in
the general health.
"In a lady, formerly a patient of Mr. Bayle,
eight years since, and whose case was decidedly
consumption, (as appears from Mr. Bayle's
notes in her possession,) the sign of pectoriloquism
is most distinct. This lady recovered
beyond all expectation; she is now stout; and
the only symptom she has at all referable to
the lungs is a slight cough. I have no doubt
the cartilaginous excavations exist in this
person's lungs."
M. Laennec then gives several cases illustrative
of what he has advanced, from which
it appears fully that recovery is not only not
impossible, but not unfrequent. Again, "I
have often observed the above state of things
without knowing to what to attribute it, and
without attaching much importance to the appearance;
but after I was convinced of the
possibility of cure in the case of ulcerations
might have more ways than one of accomplishing
this end, and that, in certain cases,
the excavations, after the discharge of their
contents by expectoration or absorption, might
cicatrize in the same manner as solutions of
continuity in other organs, without the previous
formation of the demi-cartilaginous
membrane. In consequence of this idea, I
examined these productions more closely, and
came to the conclusion, that in every case
they might be considered as cicatrices, and
that in many cases they could hardly be conceived
to be any thing else." Again, "In
tracing the bronchial tubes near these masses,
I have observed that such as held a direction
towards them were commonly dilated.
In some cases I have been able to trace them,
as also blood-vessels, into the fibro-cartilaginous
mass, with which, although obliterated,
they formed but one substance. This fact
seems to me to leave no doubt of the nature
of these productions, and of the possibility of
cicatrization in ulcers of the lungs."
These observations are followed by two remarkable
cases, which our limits forbid us
remarks as follows:
"The foregoing observations prove, I think,
that tubercles in the lungs are not in every
case a necessary and inevitable cause of death;
and that a cure may take place in two different
ways, after the formation of an ulcerous
excavation: first, by the cavity becoming invested
by a new membrane; and secondly,
by the obliteration of the excavation by means
of a cicatrix, more or less complete, consisting
of cellular, fibrous, or cartilaginous substance."
Again, "When we consider that the formation
of tubercles in the lungs seems to be the consequence
of a general diathesis; that these
are frequently formed contemporaneously in
the intestines, where they ultimately occasion
ulceration and colliquative diarrhœa; and
that, in some cases also, they exist in the
lymphatic glands, the prostate, the muscles,
bones, &c., we must be led to believe that the
most perfect cure that can take place in consumption
is merely temporary.
"Admitting, however, the justness of this
conclusion, in those extreme cases of tubercular
diathesis, (which after all are but rare,
we are still entitled to hope for
the cure of many cases of phthisis, or, at least,
for such a suspension of their symptoms as
may be deemed almost equal to a cure, since
the individuals may enjoy such a state of
health as may enable them to fulfil all the
duties of civil life for several years, or until
such time as a fresh development of tubercles,
at present immature, produces a fresh and
final seizure."
Dr. Williams, in his dissertation on pulmonary
consumption, says—"Tuberculous consumption
is in its ordinary career a chronic
disease; but the cases that particularly deserve
this title are those in which the disease
lasts for many years. Bayle and Laennec
record instances in which patients appear
to have had the disease thirty and forty
years. But it is not to be supposed that in
chronic cases the disease is always progressive.
It owes its long duration to its limited extent,
and although the lungs are never free from
some of the lesions described as characteristic
of phthisis, yet the continuance of the disease
is chiefly marked by many successive attacks
development of new tubercles, and their successive
changes and elimination. As the rapid
form of the disease occurs chiefly in young
subjects, so this in most instances is met with
at or after middle age; but it is by no means
confined to any period of life.
"It is this chronic or limited form of tubercular
disease that affords the best chance
for the remedial powers of nature and art;
and there can be but little doubt that a considerable
number of cases are cured. On
this paragraph the American editor, Dr. W.
W. Gerhard, adds the following note: `There
is no doubt many such cases recover; cicatrices
or calcareous tubercles remain often in
healthy persons.' " We might proceed to
quote a great number of other authorities on
this subject; but we think that we have already
demonstrated that the opinion expressed
by Dr. M. on the incurability of this disease
is untenable.
Now, while we think that we have proven
that the disease is not necessarily incurable in
all cases, we trust it will not be inferred that
we hold forth delusive hopes to any poor invalid
We seek not to deceive a human being in this
matter. We candidly acknowledge that there
are annually many persons presenting themselves
at the Red Sulphur, that are not, and
cannot be benefitted, and whom, if we could
have seen them before they left the comforts
of home, and the kind attentions of friends,
we would have advised against the journey;
—but again, we do say, that if there be a hope
left, it is in the water of the Red Sulphur.
We agree altogether with the opinion of
Laennec, that it is in the suppurative stage
alone that a cure may be looked for. It is
evident that if the tubercle be quiescent, there
is no inconvenience from it; when it has begun
to soften, it progresses in spite of all
remedies, and in slight cases, the sooner the
better. When it is ripe, and in a condition
for absorption, or finds its way into the bronchus,
then is the period for the action of the
Red Sulphur. It allays the general febrile
condition of the system, without impairing
the quality of the nutritive fluid, distributes
the latter more equally amongst the different
tissues and organs, and not only places the
existing disease, but also prevents the deposition
of other tubercles. If, while the tuberculous
matter is discharging, the condition of
the blood can be improved, so as no longer to
form a degraded deposit, and the general
powers of the system invigorated; if, moreover,
we can find a remedy that will reduce
the hurried action of the heart and arteries,
without having recourse to depletion; that
will calm the system, whilst it imparts tone
and energy to it; that will restore to the kidneys
their true share in the excretions, and
prevent extenuation of the body by colliquative
perspiration; then we may hope that we
have found an agent that will enable the vital
powers to resist and shake off the existing disease,
and in a great degree remove the tendency
to degeneration. Such an agent is the
Red Sulphur.
The great principle upon which the Red
Sulphur acts is the sedative principle. From
whatever elements this principle has been
imparted to it, it is manifest that it is the great
lever by which it operates. Is it now denied
that it possesses this power? Some few, who
evidence, have expressed their scepticism;
but they would not believe though one were
to rise from the dead. To essay to convince
such were a fruitless task, but we think the
evidence is now, at least, too strong to be rejected
by any one who is open to conviction.
In the pamphlet published by Dr. Huntt on
this Spring, and which we adopt as part of
our essay, there is evidence enough to satisfy
any reasonable person of this and other qualities
of the water; but we can furnish other
and more recent evidence, and from a source
that must command universal confidence.
The letter which we subjoin was written to
us by Dr. Scott, of Lexington, Kentucky.
His motive is explained by himself. The
reader will perceive that it bears the impress
of truth, and is written for no other object
than to do justice to the water, and to benefit
the community. He had previously visited
all the other Springs; first the Blue Sulphur,
next the White, then the Hot and Warm, at
the last of which we think he was seized with
hemorrhage. He next visited the Sweet
Springs and the Salt Sulphur, and finally
proof beyond cavil, that the waters of all those
Springs except the last were, if not actually
injurious, certainly not attended with any relief;
but the result of his experience in this
equally demonstrates that he had finally found
the appropriate remedy.
The distinguished reputation of this gentleman
as a physician, and his great moral
worth, entitle his testimony to all confidence.
Sept. 3d, 1841.
On my way to this place, at a
public house where we stopped to dine, I
picked up a newspaper, the Western Whig,
dated 14th August (last month), in which I
find there had been a committee formed to
take into consideration a report prevailing
prejudicial to the curative qualities of the
Mineral Waters at the Red Sulphur Springs,
&c., &c., which report was proven to be false
by said committee, as well as by a number of
certificates signed by gentlemen of high reputation
and intelligence.
"My object in now addressing you is a
kind attentions of yourself and family while
we remained at your romantic and beautifully
secluded village, and add my mite to show
that the waters of the Red Sulphur have not
lost any of their medicinal and positively good
effects in cases such as my own, viz., a vicarious
discharge of blood from the lungs of
nearly two years standing.
"I arrived at your establishment on the 23d
or 24th of last month, with but little faith in
the efficacy of the waters, yet was determined
to give them a fair and impartial trial, divesting
myself as much as possible from preconceived
opinions and impressions derived
from many reports for and against their medicinal
qualities. First day, drank nine half-pint
tumblers of the water in the course of
the day, at different periods, and as it is usually
directed to be drank. Second day, twelve,
and third day sixteen tumblers full, which
last number I continued to take five more successive
days. First and second days, they
(the waters) operated profusely as a diuretic;
third day, very delightfully also on my skin
as a diaphoretic, preserving my bowels in a
bilious evacuations, as much as I ever experienced
from an active portion of calomel.
"At the commencement, and for three
months previous, my pulse had been not less
than 100 and 110 distinct pulsations in every
minute, that is, 100 beats in the morning, and
110 in the afternoon and evening, attended
with occasional cough and hemorrhage from
my lungs. Using the Red Sulphur waters
as above stated, my pulse was gradually lessened
in strength and quickness, on the third
day, to 70 beats in the morning, and 80 and
84 in the evening, at which it (the pulse) continued
regularly, without the variation of a
single pulsation, during the five more days I
remained with you. I used the waters eight
successive days only, and I do assure you, sir,
that my health has not been at any time in
the last two years so perfectly good, and free
from all uncomfortable feelings.
"My statements cannot be any advantage
to you amongst strangers to me, but I humbly
hope they will be relied on by my friends and
acquaintances in the West and North-West,
where I have been known extensively as a
years.
We subjoin, also, a letter we have received
from Daniel Gold, Esq., of Washington, which
is of great interest, on account of the low condition
of Mr. Gold's health when he reached
the Springs. This case also exhibits an important
case of arterial excitement, and we
think should satisfy any reasonable person of
the value of the water in pulmonary affections.
I have purposely delayed
advising you of the state of my health since
my return to this city. The change which
came over me while under the operation of
the Red Sulphur water was so sudden, and so
great, that I confess I doubted whether the
good effects would be permanent. It is now
upwards of two months since I left the Red
Sulphur Spring, and I am happy to be able
to assure you that my health is even better
than when I left you. My cough and expectoration,
to the morning when I returned to this city,
has now pretty much subsided, and my lungs
are evidently stronger than they were then.
I have, moreover, gained some two or three
pounds in weight since I returned.
"I started for the Red Sulphur with very
little faith in the virtue of the water, and the
little I had was destroyed before I arrived
there, by reports which I had heard injurious
to its character. It was represented as being
situated in a cold and foggy place, and to
have lost all its healing qualities in consequence
of a vein of common water having recently
found its way into the Spring, All
who went thither with lung complaints were
said to die there, or to go away past recovery.
The road, also, between the White Sulphur
and the Red was spoken of, and I. with others,
was occasionally entertained with accounts
of frequent stage accidents which happened
thereon, not unfrequently attended with
broken legs and broken heads, &c., &c.
"Those things, however, were mentioned,
not as if to deter any one from going to the
Red Sulphur, but merely for information as
hardy enough to venture beyond the White,
and particularly beyond the Salt. I went
there because my physician, Dr. Miller, of this
city, a gentleman eminent in the medical profession,
directed me to go; and I was agreeably
disappointed in finding not only as good
roads beyond the White Sulphur as I found
this side, but the Red Sulphur Spring situated
in a place, to my taste, infinitely more wild,
beautiful, and agreeable, than that of either
the other Virginia Springs, the Blue excepted,
which I did not visit. During four weeks I
spent at the Red, I gained thirteen pounds,
and strength enough to climb any of your
little Alleghanies except that one directly
back of your hotel, which is so steep, you
know, that it hangs over a little. All soreness
about my lungs, which I felt in leaning forward,
lying down, or inhaling a long respiration,
and which had grown to be very unpleasant,
vanished entirely. A rattling, as of
phlegm in my throat, but which probably was
in my lungs, pretty much subsided; and before
I left I could lie without inconvenience
upon my right side, or the back of my right
many weeks before.
"My cough was first occasioned by sleeping
in damp sheets in the berth of a steamboat
at the North, on a chilly night about the
last of August, 1840, and it had become very
obstinate. I left here after the adjournment
of Congress, that summer, worn out with the
fatigue and hard labour always consequent
upon the close of a session, poor in flesh, and
poorer still in health. In short, altogether
unfit for official duty, and undoubtedly far
more liable to severe injury from such exposure
than I otherwise should have been.
"The day after my unfortunate night's rest,
I felt sorely afflicted, and soon my cough
commenced. I thought it but the result of a
bad cold, which I could easily brave out, and
neglected that early attention to it which it
required. But instead of getting rid of it, I
was constantly taking little colds, and the
consequence was, that I was unable to attend
to business half of last winter. As spring
opened I partially recovered, and for a few
weeks I was nearly rid of the cough. Early
in June last, warm as it was, I was so unfortunate
on my cough again worse than ever. Soon
after, indigestion, which had troubled me
slightly during the latter part of the winter
and spring, became very severe and destroyed
my appetite; and from that time I wasted rapidly.
When I left here for the Red Sulphur,
I could hardly pull myself up into a
stage-coach, I was so feeble; and when I arrived
there I weighed but 105 lbs. My pulse
too was on an average above 90, and when I
left it was below 70.
"If I have the good fortune to escape a
cold the coming winter, I have no doubt that
I shall eventually enjoy as sound health as
ever.
The following extract is from Hare's Chemistry,
an authority always entitled to confidence,
but especially so when he speaks, as
in this instance, from personal experience.
He was a visiter at the Red Sulphur in 1832,
when we purchased, and experienced in his
own family the benefits of that water.
"It has already been stated that water impregnated
with sulphuric acid exists in many
natural Springs, which are much frequented
by invalids. The celebrated White Sulphur,
Salt Sulphur, and Red Sulphur Springs of
Virginia are of this nature. They appear
particularly efficacious as remedies in cutaneous
diseases.
"The Red Sulphur Springs are thought to
be particularly useful in some pulmonary
complaints, and have a surprising and unaccountable
influence in lowering the frequency
and force of the pulse."
| CHAPTER XIV. The mineral springs of western Virginia | |