Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Tunbridge-Water

TUNBRIDGE-WATER, a chalybeate mineral fluid, obtained from numerous springs that rise at Tunbridge, in the county of Kent. When first drawn from the well, it is transparent, being divested of all colour; not emiting any peculiar odour; and tasting slightly of iron. If exposed for several hours to the air, this water evolves numerous small bubbles, that adhere to the sides of the vessel; becomes turbid; and, in the course of 24 hours, its properties are totally dissipated. Hence Dr. Hales recommends five drops of the aromatic acid of vitriol, to be added to each bottle containing the water; as, by this expedient, its chalybeate ingredients may be preserved for two or three months, when carried to distant places.

The Tunbridge-water is asserted to be of eminent service in irregular digestion; flatulency; in the incipient stages of those chronic disorders, which are attended with great debility; in chlorosis; and numerous other complaints incident to the female sex. The dose varies at each time, from half to three quarters of a pint, according to the age, constitution, and case of the patient: it is taken at two or three intervals, between 8 o'clock in the morning and noon. As this water is apt to produce a sensation of coldness in the stomach, together with nausea or sickness, when drunk fresh from the well, it will be advisable to pour it into a bottle; and, after closing it carefully with a cork, to immerse the vessel in hot water, where it will acquire a moderate warmth; and thus such inconvenience may be easily obviated. Sometimes, however, this chalybeate occasions pain in the region of the heart; a slight degree of giddiness; and a sense of fulness over the whole body; but these symptoms generally disappear in a few days after commencing a regular course; when it produces effects totally different, by increasing both the appetite, and the circulation of the blood, while the animal spirits are said to be improved.

There are many chalybeate springs in England, possessing similar properties with the Tunbridge-waters; but which our limits will not permit us to specify: we shall therefore only notice the Islington, or New Tunbridge Spa, in the vicinity of the metropolis. It is of a ferruginous taste; and, when first drunk, occasions a slight degree of vertigo, and a propensity to sleep, in persons of plethoric habits; but such symptoms may be prevented, by adding a small portion of pure water. Farther, the Islington chalybeate parts with its volatile ingredients within two hours after it is drawn: it will, therefore, be advisable to drink this fluid, if possible, on the spot; or, where such method is impracticable, to adopt the expedient before suggested by Dr. Hales.—The New Tunbridge Spa may be safely resorted to by persons labouring under the complaints before mentioned, especially in scrophulous, and other glandular obstructions; as likewise with the view of reducing corpulency.

Those who are situated at too great a distance from mineral springs, may prepare such water artificially, by dissolving six grains of the salt of steel, or vitriolated iron, in one pint of common water. This solution possesses, though in a weaker degree, similar properties to those of the Islington Spa.