Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/390

358] From these investigations of the Hotwell water it is evident, that the principal component parts are, a large proportion of carbonic acid gas, or fixed air; and a certain portion of magnesia, and lime in various combinations with the muriatic, vitriolic, and carbonic acids. The general inference is, that it is considerably pure for a natural fountain, as it contains no other solid matter than is found in almost all common spring water, and in less quantity.

On account of these ingredients, especially the carbonic acid gas, the Hotwell water is efficacious in promoting salutary hemorrhages in green sickness, as well as in the blind hemorrhoids. It may be taken with advantage in obstructions and weakness of die bowels, arising from habitual costiveness. It is one of the safest and most efficacious remedies in neutralizing and sweetening the acrimony of the vitiated humours of debilitated and consumptive patients, as it is supposed to pervade the most minute capillary vessels, and is well known to have a salutary effect on the first passages. Hence it has, for upwards of a century, been justly considered as a specific in diabetes; but if, in this disease, as well as in hectic fevers in general, the water should disagree with the stomach, as is frequently the case with persons who have impaired that organ by intemperance, or if there be room for the least apprehension of plethora, or a determination of the blood towards the breast and head, the use of it should not be attempted, without proper advice.

But the high reputation which this fountain has acquired, is chiefly in the cure of pulmonary consumption. From the number of unsuccessful cases, however, among those who have used the Bristol water in this disease, many have denied any peculiar efficacy in this spring, superior to that of common water. Experience has proved that it alleviates some of the most distressing symptoms of this formidable disease; and it is particularly efficacious in moderating the thirst, dry burning heat of the hands and feet, partial night-sweats, and hectical symptoms. Hence, in the earlier stages of phthisis, this water may materially contribute to the restoration of health, and even in the latter periods, mitigate the disease, when the cure is doubtful, if not hopeless.

The sensible effects of this water, when drunk warm and fresh from the spring, are, a gentle glow of the stomach, succeeded sometimes by a slight and transient degree of head-ach and giddiness. By a continued use, in most cases, it is diuretic, keeps the skin moist, and perspirable, and improves the appetite and health. Its effects on the bowels are variable. On the whole, a tendency to costiveness seems to be the more general consequence of a long course of this medicinal spring, and therefore the use of a mild aperient is requisite. These effects, however, are applicable only to invalids; for healthy persons, who taste the water at the fountain, seldom discover any tiling in it but a degree of warmth, which distinguishes it from the common element.

The season for the Hotwell is generally from the middle of May to October; but as the medicinal properties of the water continue the same, throughout the year, the summer months are preferred merely on account of the concomitant benefits of air and exercise. A gentle laxative