Polynesian., 1844-06-08

S' 49, ~ ~ ''tohN iohi tV outSi utNuu W
the lagoon is much less than the breadth of some barrier
reefs.
The succeeding article, taken from the
Boston Medical Journal, contains information
of much value to invalids, and even to per-
sons in robust health; for we speak from ex-
p%erience when we say that a sulphur bath is
a luxury of the most grateful and s~alutary ma
ture. The sulphur beds which abound in
the theatre of volcanic action on Hawaii, are
capable of being turned in this respect to ex-
cellent account. AT a small expense a suit
able house for the accommodation of travel
lers could be erected near the crater of XII
lauea, from which they could sally at any
hour, eitherto enjoy the luxury of a thorough
steaming over the hot sulphur, or a view of
the %wondrous phenomena of the yawning pit
beneath:
SULPHUR FUME BATH.
ORIGIN.-ln Italy there is a volcanic dis
trict called SOlfatara, containing a natural
laboratory for generating sulphurous vapor,
the healing properties of which nave been
NOW to the neighboring population for ages.
This gas is continually poured forth through
assures in the earth, and over these the in
habitants build small huts, in which they ex-
pose their bodies, to the action Of the warm
vapor Tor the cure of various diseases. In
1916, DIR. Gales, an eminent French physi-
clan, published, by order of that government,
"A report on the efficacy of sulphur fumiga-
tons, combined with artificial heat, in the
treatment of diseases of the skin, chronic
rheumatism, paraly tic affections, govt, sc.
About the same time the "Faculty of Physic
OfParis, also made a favorable report touch
ing the efficacy Of this remedy in the dis
eases above named. This report was signed
by Dupuytren, Richerand, and several other
distinguished physicians. After receiving
the appreciation ofsuch eminent men, the Sui
phur Baths Immediately enjoyed the conf
dence and extensive patronage of all the
leading members of the medical faculty of
Paris, and have been in active operation in
the principal hospitals of that city for nearly
thirty years. The annual number admins
tered at some of these establishments is very
great. AT the hospital of st. Louis alone.
the lumber is more than 10000, besides
those given at the Hotel Dieu, Maison Roy
ale de sante, SC. For many years, Dir.
Green, of London, has been connected with
a hospital where the Sulphur Bath has con-
stituted the principal item in the cure of GU
taneous diseases, and other maladies. He
states that the success attending the practice,
the satisfaction given to medical men whose
patients have been subjected to the remedy,
and the happy results to the patients them
selves, equally contribute to encourage their
use and extend their advantages. They of.
ten succeed after other remedies have been
tried in vain.
MODE OF TAKING THE BATHs.-The in
dividual sits in a box about the size of a
coach. The face is not included within the
apparatus, and the individual inhales a pure
atmosphere and is as comfortable as though
he were seated in a parlor, and is uncon-
scious that his whole person, except the head
and face, is enveloped in a dense cloud of
dry sulphur vapor, at a temperature varying
from 100 to ll5 degrees. In six or eight
minutes the pulse is somewhat accelerated,
full and vigorous, but always soft; an ANNA
ted blush is diffused upon the countenance
and the whole sruface is covered with per-
spiration as if the individual had been enga-
ged in some powerful athletic exercise.
While he is thus situated, with the circulation
quickened, and the pores of the skin expand
ed and excited to increased activity, he is in
the most favorable circumstances possible
for the absorption of the sulphurous vapor.
No smell of the sulphur remains after the
bath is completed. Hence this process COM