The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1869-07-13
FROM FRENCH LICK SPRINGS.
Ahaut The Waters and their Aedl"
cinal Virtues.
FRENCH LICK SPRINGS,
Go Ind .Inlv IL. 1859.

/ Some Of the singular ana munlH-
cent provisions of Providence for the
restoration of lost health, and relief
from many of the ills which afhiet
humanity, are the many mineral
springs which are scattered here aud
there over the country. 1t may be
that scientific and medical men have
mastered the subject, and fully under
stand the workings of the subterra-
mean laboratory, whence these healing
waters flow CT am not read up on
this branch of science): but to the
unsophistieated public the questions
presented by the fountains which,
combined, constitute the French Lick
Springs, are inexpllcable. at.
1t is not so surprising to see a
never failing spring of water, possess
sing certain curative qualities, coming
up from the bowels of the earth, be-
cause we can imagine how the clear
and sparkling water, struggling up
through the rocks. and the mineral
substances beneath, which become
imprepnated with the properties
which operate favorably on the hul
man system. But here there are
within a radius of fifty yards, twelve
separate aud distinct springs of water,
most of them grouped very closely to-
gether, which, upon chemical analy-
sis, develop different mineral elements.
No tl0O of them are alike GR chem
icaI properties, and most OF them are
distinguished one from the other, by
the inexperienced visitor, by the taste
and smell. So that, accepting the
teachings of medical science and the
facts as established by experience,
their effects upon those who use the
waters freely are different, one reach
ing a disease which another does net
materially or formally influence. How
it is that these twelve different springs
(the thirteenth being sOmew hat re
moved), issue from apparently the
same source, should be so distinct In
their properties and curative qualities,
is to US, of the uasclentihc world,
deeply hidden mystery OF nature; aud
! yet, such are the facts readily ascer-
| tanned by every visitor.
But few words on the more prac-
tical subject of the medicinal virtues
| Of these multifarious waters.
The Central Spring, and the one
which emits the largest volume OF
| water, has for its base the sulphate Of
magnesia and the sulphate OF iron,
and embracing other ingredients. The
water has an Alternative and cathartlc
effect upon the stomach and bowels,
and is especially eHicaclOus IN the
cure of dyspepsia, dlarrhea and kin
| dred diseases.
The Spring next IN size has for its
] baSe earhonate of magnesia and high
ly impregnated with the oxide OF
iron, black and red. Its special
virtue is its effect upon the liver
aud blood. The use Of the water,
both internally aud ex ernally, proves
very efiicacious for the cure of cutan-
eous diseases, rheumatism, and
various species of inflammation.
| Another Of the Springs, bubblIng up
| through the fsure Of a large rocky
bed, has for its leading properties
carbonate of magnesia and suiphate
of iron, aud is said 10 be specially
| beneficial Tor throat and lung difficult
ties, and bronchial affections, aud Is
much stronger, apparantly, to the
taste than the others.
One of the springs. in close pros i'm
ity to the central or principal foun-
tain, has for its base the phosphate of
| lime. and is used particularly for
dental affections. Its effect is to
harden the gums and remove tartar
from the teeth. Some remarkable
cures of salvation are mar ated; and
it is said to be O sure remedy tor
| nursing sore mouth.
Still another of the springs has for
its base sulphite of lime, with earbO-
nate of magnesia, sulphate of iron,
&c, and its peculiar virtue is felt III
cases of pleurisy and affections or the
heart.
Such are some of the properties of
portion of this group of mineral
springs. and the diseases which at Is
claimed they favorably affect, and In
many cases entirely eradicate. But
the afH icted who have never visited
this watering place, and who have
vainly sought for relief, will inquire
do these waters really possess the Gu
rative qualities claimed for them?. i
cannot answer the question fully trem
, perSOn1L kROiCledge. and a three days
sojourn would hardly be sufficient to
give much weight TO that character OF
{ testimony. But from what have
seen and heard, | have 20 question
: but they are very eficaeous In the
cure or alleviation of many of the dis
cases mentioned, and even Of others
There are many other persons now
here whose personal experience estab.
fishes the great medicinal virtue oi
the waters.
But / have already written enough
for a Tuesday mornings issue o
the crowded columns oi the JOUR
r NAL, and my letter commences lanc
concludes without what most pros
peetive visitors would think thl
proper introduction-the mode o
J. reaching the Springs; and another
5 usually interesting matter, the accom-
!: modations, attractions of scenery
amusements. &c. I have, however
i written of that most valuable K
r those seeking health, and will tell yor
of something, in my next, Of the To-
! cation and mode of reaching tht
# Springs, of the hotel and it's com.
forts, and the attractions of scenery
= and amusements. j. w. +.
The young aud fourishiug State c
N / II d .