Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/443

Rh External applications of the root, are, according to, a good vulnerary; and, if credit be due to him, decoctions made of the whole plant, tend to restore the hair to a.  BUXTON WATERS are those warm mineral springs which rise in a village of that name, in Derbyshire, and have long been celebrated for their medicinal properties. One of the earliest treatises on the virtues of this spring, was published in the year 1752, by Dr., of Derby: at which period Buxton appears to have been a place of great resort. , in his "History of Mineral Waters," mentions that several remains of Roman antiquities have been discovered near this spot: hence it is probable that the fountain was known to the ancients.

The springs issue from several small fissures, in a calcareous free-stone. They are very numerous, and always afford a sufficient quantity of water to supply the various baths. The most ancient spring is called Saint Anne's Well, which is now inclosed in an elegant stone building. There are several others, that supply a number of beautiful baths, both public and private.

With respect to its sensible properties, the Buxton water cannot be distinguished from common spring water, when heated to the same temperature. It is clear and colourless, and does not become turbid on being exposed to the air; it leaves no sediment, nor does it form any incrustation on the pipes, or stones, through which it flows. Its temperature in the gentlemen's bath is invariably at 82°. During the cool of the morning and evening, a thin column of steam is perceptible over the surface of the bath; but, if this continues throughout the day, it is considered as an indication of approaching rain. The principal peculiarity in the appearance of this spring, is a large quantity of elastic vapour that rises, and forms bubbles, which pass through the water, and break as soon as they reach the surface. The air of these bubbles was ascertained by Dr., to consist of azotic gas, mixed with a small proportion of atmospheric air. By evaporation to dryness, he found that a gallon of the water contained only 15 grains of residuum, of which he estimated $1 3⁄4$ grains to be muriat of soda, $2 1⁄2$ sulphat of lime, and $10 1⁄2$ carbonat of lime.

Buxton water is frequently employed both internally and externally; one of which methods often proves beneficial, when the other would be injurious; but, as a bath alone, its virtues may not be superior to those of common water.

As the temperature of 82°. is several degrees below that of the human body, a slight shock of cold is felt on the first immersion into the bath; but this is almost immediately succeeded by a pleasing glow over the whole system. It is, therefore, proper for very delicate and irritable habits.

The cases which derive most benefit from the external use of Buxton waters, are those in which a loss of action, and sometimes of sensation, affects particular limbs; in consequence of long-continued, or violent inflammation, or external injury. Hence, the chronic rheumatism, succeeding the acute, and where the inflammation has been seated in particular limbs, is often wonderfully relieved by this bath. The internal use of the  ter