Page:Essay on the mineral waters of Carlsbad (1835).pdf/21

 historical facts we can quote. The foundation of the University of Prague, in 1348 (the oldest in Europe after those of Paris and Bologna), by Charles IV; the nomination of a great number of celebrated foreign and national professors, spread so much scientific knowledge in Bohemia, that it is probable enough that our hot springs, only known as a wonderful natural phenomenon, attracted then the attention of learned physicians, who gradually extended the fame of their medical virtues.

Before a mineral spring acquires renown, it is in general known in its neighbourhood alone, till successful cases attract the attention of physicians and of the owners of the soil, who then form establishments for the accommodation of visitors. Such was very likely the fate of Carlsbad, called formerly and still now, by the neighbouring peasants: Warmbad. Ellbogen, one of the oldest fortresses of Bohemia, five english miles distant from Carlsbad, was, long before that time, inhabited by kings and grandees, to whom the astonishing phenomenon of the bubbling springs and their thick vapours could no more remain unknown, in a valley open at both ends, than to woodsmen, sheperdsshepherds [sic], fishers and sportsmen. How could the most ignorant boor not be struck with such a scenery? How could he not notice that the river, lower than the wells, never freezes; that snow never stays on the ground about the thermal chaldron? In short, how could so many uncommon things remain unobserved by the neighbouring population? The 2