Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 004.djvu/94

 good in all cold and moist distempers and weakness of Nerves, Stupefactions, Relaxations, and violent Pains: in all which it gives ease, except the Lues Venerea; for in that (except the malignity be overcome by the methods of Physick) it exasperates the pain more. 'Tis an excellent remedy to remove the remaining weakness in Gouts, as hath been remarkably exemplified in old men, even to the age of 83. years.

11. There is no instance of Cures perform'd by it in former times, but we have experience of the same in ours; yea and in some others, as in Dropsies, Cachexies, Spleen &c. In which cases they were shy heretofore of using the Bath, for fear of confirming those Obstructions, whereas 'tis now found, that their Cure is facilitated by it.

12. The Bath-guides live to a very great age, sometimes to near 100. years; ordinarily, if they are temperate, to 70. There are two at this time above 80, a man and his wife.

13. in the Cross-bath the Guides have observed a certain black Fly with sealed wings, in the form of a Lady-cow, but somewhat bigger. They say, it shoots quick in the water, and sometimes bites. It lives under the water, and is never found but in very hot weather: They suppose, it comes up with the Springs. It is not to be seen elsewhere. I had one of those Insects sent me last year, which I preserv'd till I came to London, intending to have given it you; but I know not, how I lost it there.

14. The Cross-bath eats out silver exceedingly; and I am told, that a shilling in a weeks time hath been so eaten by it, that it might be wound about ones finger. The Baths agree (as the vulgar speaks) with Brass, but not with Iron: for, they will eat out a ring of this metall in 7. years, when Brass-rings seem to receive no prejudice at all from it.

15. When Women have washt their hair with the mixture of beaten eggs and oatmeal, this will poison the Bath so, as to beget a most noisome smell, casting a sea-green on the water, which otherwise is very pure and limpid. This will taint the very walls, and there is no cleaning of it, but by drawing the Bath.

16. In Summer the Baths purge up a green scum on the top, but in Winter never; but then leave a yellow on the Walls. Rh