Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Buxton Waters

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. Jones, of Derby: at which period Buxton appears to have been a place of great resort. Short, 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. Pearson, 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 water has been found to be of considerable service in symptoms of defective digestion, and derangement of the alimentary organs. A judicious use of this simple remedy will often relieve the heart-burn, flatulency, and sickness; it will increase the appetite, animate the spirits, and improve the health. At first, however, it sometimes occasions a diarrhœa, which is rather salutary than detrimental. It also affords great relief, when taken internally, in painful disorders of the bladder and kidneys; and has likewise been recommended in cases of the gout; but, when taken for these complaints, Dr. Denman advises the addition of some aromatic tincture.

As an external application in the gout, Buxton water is sometimes of service, though the bath itself is more likely to restore the functions of the parts afflicted with this disease. In all cases of active inflammation, the use of these waters should be carefully avoided, on account of their supposed heating properties. A full course consists of two glasses, each containing one-third of a pint, before breakfast; which quantity should be repeated between breakfast and dinner. It is seldom administered as a medicine in the evening; but, as the inhabitants of the place use it for their common drink, and also for most of their domestic and culinary purposes, the invalid is apt to take a much greater quantity than is prescribed, and thus to defeat the purpose. In chronic cases, a long residence on the spot is requisite, to ensure the desired effect.

In the year 1773, a treatise on the virtues of these waters was written by Dr. T. Percival, of Manchester; since which period several pamphlets have appeared on the subject: among these we shall mention only those of Dr. Denman; Dr. Higgins, and Dr. Pearson.