IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. 1.0 »" ^ IIIII2.2 Hf U4 I.I l.-^l 2.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 ^ 6" - ► S^/ / w. /A /; y PhotogTciphic Sciences Corpordtion ^ A^ sion, or tha bacic covar whan appropriata. All othar original copias ar« filmad beginning on tha first paga with a printad or illuatratad impraa- sion, and ending on tha laat paga with a printad or Illustrated impreaaion. Tha laat recorded frame on each microfiche shair contain the symbol -^^^ (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol ▼ (moaning "END"), whichever appiiaa, Mapa, plataa. charts, etc., may bo filmed at different reduction ratios. Thoaa too imr^m to be entirely Included In one sxpoaure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand comer, left to right and top to bottom, aa many framae aa required. The following diagrama illuatrata the method: L'exemplaire fiimA fut reproduit grdce i la ginirositi da: La Bibliothdque du Parlement et la Bibliothdque nationale du Canada. 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Lorsque la document est trop grand pour 4tre reproduit an un saul ciichA. ii est film* A partir da i'angia sup4riaur gauche, de gauche i droita, at da haut 1% bna, an prenant le nombre d'Imagee n^ceaaairo. Laa diagrammes suivants IHuatrant la m^thoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 f RISE, AND P R O G R E"^ OF ^( ^^i^(Mn\A i^)^t\ti^$ (CAHAIDA wm's^ \ WITH ANALYSES OF THE WATERS, AND CERTIFICATES OF THEIR EFFICACY. MONTREAL : PRINTED BY JAMES STARKE AND CO. 1844. J r- 9im H r- m 99m PREFACE. The Caledonia Springs have attained a celebrity which will make some account of their discovery, rise and progress a subject of interest to the public. The proprietor has, therefore, judged it expedient to issue this brief and unpretending sketch, with a view of conveying correct information on the subject, and of still further disseminating a knowledge of the ex- traordinary efficacy of the waters. I t I \ ?f?:.'/ " ■ ;■■,^~dl^Vf?./;'':r.^'■*Tl^■.WZ:^:'^5;^;^i';iT^^';«i!B h CALEDONIA SPRINGS. INTRODUCTION. The records of the earliest ages, and the experience of later tiroes, have borne ample testimony to the great bene-- fits that mankind has derived from those founts of health, which leaping into sparkling life from the great laboratory of nature, charged with a happier combination of gentle yet searching medicinal powers than the knowledge of the chemist can produce, have swept away before their healing tide, diseases which had baffled the skill of the physician. Among the most barbarous nations as well as in the most civilized societies. Mineral Springs have been received as direct oenefactions from the Creator ; and all men, from the Red Indian of the forest, to the pale exquisite lounging about the Spas of Europe, have subscribed to their effica- cy as medical agents, aud turned with renewed health and vigor from their streams. Holy Writ bears testimony to their curative powers ; and the great cities which have sprung up beside these fountains, founded as it were in their floods, are so many endnnnrr m««„«,„„*. _* .1 , virtues, and of the favor in which they have been held by tho pilgrims, who flocked to the pool that they might be whole. In England — Bath, E*ighton, Cheltenham, Tunbridge, and many other towns have thus arisen from wretched villa- ges to queenly magnificence, and that too, in localities which presented no natural advantages to w^arrant the pre- sumpticn of their splendid fate, beyond the Hygseian wand of Mineral Waters. In France, Germany, Prussia, and other countries, similar and even greater effects have been produced by the like cause ; and these favored spots have become the centres of health and fashion, where the votar- ies of the seductive goddess Pleasure, crowd with faded brows and enfeebled frames, that they may return again to the world with firm and elastic tread, and renewed beauty, looking like '* envoys sent by health, With rosy gifts upon their cheeks." The continent of America, too, has added her share of testimonv to the evidence of other climates ; and while the United States points to Saratoga and the waters of Virginia Canada turns toward the Caledonia Springs, where, con- centrated in one small spot, the bountiful hand of nature pours forth four several streams, differing in their properties and action, each exercising a separate and specific jurisdic* tion over certain diseases. A combination of healing influences so singularly blend- ed, an union which gathers the afflicted to one spot, where they have the advantages of four remedial agents, marks out the site of the Caledonia Springs, as the destined Spa of Canada, around which it is highly probable, we shall see at no very distant day, the wild grandeur of the rugged forest giving place to the mansion and (he cottage, and a great city gradually ariding to compete with those, r • )» 5 1 its brethren, in the Eastern Hemisphere. Already have the Caledonia Springs become the fashionable resort of Canada ; it is there alone that her people congregate in search of health and amusement. Already has the celebrity of their waters spread over the whole continent, and the North and the South, the East and the West have sent forth their sick, to seek their aid and spread their fame yet wider through the world. A solid and sure foundation has been laid, and every coming year will add something to a superstructure, which it needs no very sanguine tempera- ment to imagine may become, both as the tomb of disease, and a source of profit, of no inconsiderable importance to the Province. To the Indian and the hunter we are indebted for our first knowledge of the Caledonia Springs. Before tcie obstrusive foot of the white man penetrated the native t H Is of the savage, and the silence of the primeval forest was disturbed by the ring of the settler's axe ; before the crash of the filling timber told the startled Indian that civiliza- tion was approaching, that its beginning was destruction, such its course, such would be its end, — before the Euro- pean, undf:r the garb of charity, brought the rifle, the knife and the tomahawk into the land, and steeped the hearts of the Red Men in degradation, ruin, and misery, by the in- troduction of ardent spirits ; — while yet their rule extended from the rising to the setting sun, and nor wall nor fence placed a limit to their hunting grounds, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Cape to the Pole ; — befo j know- ledge had brought crime, and crime -destruction, these waters were the " Great Medicine' n- the Aborigines. Jt was hither that they brought from great distances, their tmm 6 sick and wounded, that they might drink and be whole, — It was b'-re that the childless bride of the great chief, whose lodge was dark with the thought that his name must die with him, and no son should sit in his place by the great council fire, and lift the persuasive voice, when he was gathered to the happy hunting grounds of his peo- ple — came like Hannah of old, full of faith ; and went back on her way rejoicing, in that the Great Spirit had answered her out of the waters, and sent her home in honor to her lord. It was here tfiat the young sought beauty, and the aged health, and many and strange were the traditions which th ? sachems ef their tribes preserved of the miraculous effects of these time honored fountains. And though the Red xMen are fast passing away, and they have long since deserted their once favorite haunts, and tradition only preserves the lecord of their locality, yet here and there a solitary mdividual may be found, whoL^ memory can restore the picture of his people's former great- ness, and illustrate it by the tales their wise men have handed down ; but these are broken and imperfect, like melodies which heard in youth, we strive in after years to recall, and the sweetness of the notes we can remember, makes us mourn the more ftr those we have lost for ever. The first European who noticed the peculiar qualities of the Caledonia Springs was the Hon. Mr. Grant, while beaver hunting about the year 1806. They issued at that time, from the centre of a dark and turbid stream, in a ravine, the natural drain of a surrounding swamp. The parched and weary hunters drank eagerly of the waters, and tlie effects produced on each were such as at first to dk «t». ■f ^ I •«fc *$" induce *ht ! ?lief that they were poisonous. But Mr. Grar supposing thein to be highly impregnated witli mi e had resorted to the use of opiates, and was in the habit of taking t^o drachr,^^ of laudanum, rvery night. Every remedy which skill could devise or quackery invent, had been trie.l without access ; .ndeed the details .f some of the latter are too disgusting for pubhcation, and show to what a pitiable state she was reduced when hope could catch at such devices. At length ,n a condition considered hopeless she visited the i'pnngs, and in thirty-one days was able to walk witl, .„=e and was altogether free fro.n pain ; and in a short time morj bad given up the use of laudanum and was in perfect 25 A similar instance will be found in the following letter : " September 24th, 1842. " To Wm. Parker, Esq., " Dear Sir,-It is with unfeigned pleasure, I inform you that I have experienced great relief from tho waters of the Caledonia Springs. I reside at Batiscon, Canada East, and have suffered for a length of time from Rheu- matic Gout, and for the last two years I have not been able to turn in bed. I heard of the Caledonia waters, and and although reduced in circumstances, and scarcely able to move, I resolved to make a trial of them. I have only been here a week, but although I constantly used the waters and my health got better, yet the pains continued, and I felt unable to straighten myself up or turn in bed. I however tried the warm baths, and this day I have reason to thank God that I am able to stand upright, and last night I turned twice in bed. In handing you this certificate I am only influenced by a desire, that persons -vho may be afflicted as I have been, may know that the urinking of, and bathing in the Cale' donia waters will certainly restore them to health. " So remain, ^' Batiscon, C. E." " ^^rgaret Somm.rville. Nor is the testimony of tins extract from a letter of Mr. Menelly, of Niagara, to the propripfor, less strong- "■ The Springs have performed a n ..acle in my case. Since the year 1816 I have been afflicted with Rheuma- tism. Previous to that peri )d, I had been eleven years in the West Indies ; on returning to a colder climate I was I ! 26 seized with the disease, and have been a martyr to it ever since. For twenty-five years I had never been one day free from pain. I lost the use of both my legs, and I came here on crutches. Now, I have no pain, and you see I can move about pretty nimbly with the help of a walking stick. I am only sorry I cannot remain here long enough to effect a perfect cure, but I shall return next season and stay three months." Extract of a letter from A. Simpson, Esq. of Quebec. " I have derived the greatest benefit from the use of the waters myself, besides having witnessed the most extraor- dinary cures by the use of them for only a few days, by persons suffering under confirmed Rheumatism, and ether diseases." Case of A. Chewett, Esq., of Sandwich. " Sandwich, 26th January, 1842. *' Sir, — I was almost hopeless and helpless with Rheu- matism, which drew up my legs in such a manner as to prevent my using crutches ; and I had been confined to bed nearly ten months by it. This disease I had contracted through exposure during the troubles, on the frontier. In October, as a forlorn hope, I contrived to get to the Caledonia Springs, and had not been there more than fourteen days before 1 felt relief from the excruciating pains in my limbs ; and at the end of three months I re- commenced trying crutches, being nearly free from all pain, Rnn thft rnnfrjipfinn t\f nwj ItmUo tv^..^U -,u„a_j __ *!_ ^ t — , ,^,^ iiixijjo iisuuii auubcu, au inac i was able to undertake and complete a journey home of six hundred miles in winter without much suffering, and to resume my business— the law. Since then 1 have suf- + . 27 fered but little, can walk about with considerable ease with a walking cane, and though still infirm enjoy general good health and cheerfulness, and attribute my recovery and present ease and comfort to the use of the' waters at the Caledonia Springs, and to the kindness and attention of every individual connected with the establishment, which those who have been worn down with pain and disease for any length of time can ap^.eciate. " I am. Sir, " Yours, &c., A. Chewett." Extract of u letter from J. G. Bigelow, Esq., Bur- ling ton, " I have been afflicted with Rheumatism many years of my life, and have received decided benefit from the Cal edonia waters, when used freely. It is now three year, since my last attack, and I attribute my present exemption to the use of those waters. I have also experienced relief from them in other diseases, and find their free and timely use a great preventive of disease." Extract of a letter from P. J. Lacroix, Esq , of Hon- treal, " I beg to state that in July, 1840, 1 went to the Springs for the purpose of testing their eflicacy in a case of the most violent Rheuma ,m, under which I had been suffer- mg for several years previous. After remaining at the ■" '^ ^""'''- ""■"■ «-■«««*. i"il making free use of the waters, my limbs were entirely relieved from all pain, and my health perfectly restored. Several of my friends to whom I have recommended the Springs, assure me ihat D I> ? 28 they have experienced immediate relief from their me. I consider the waters of the Caledonia Springs to be most efficacious in cases of Rheumatism." One of the most extraordinary cures effected by the Caledonia waters is narrated in the following letter extrac- ted trom the Brooklyn Evening Star. To William Parker, Proprietor of the " Caledonia Springs,'* Canada West, " Dear Sir, — The kindness you have manifested to- wards my daughter, induces me to place before the public a brief statement of her case, that the good effects produ- ced by the use of the Caledonia waters and Baths, may be more extensively known, and their value duly appreciated. "In the year 1834, Mrs. L R was attacked with an affection of the spine, which caused a prostration of the whole system, so that her lower extremities were almost powerless ; for three years she could not walk, and it was with some difficulty she could help herself in any way. Some of the most eminent and skilful physicians attended her for a long time ; but although they modera- ted the disease in some degree, they could not effect a cure. The Caledonia Springs were now proposed and re- sorted to ; it was with much difficulty she was conveyed there In 1837. Immediately on arrival, she commenced drinking the waters, and soon began to improve in strength and health, and in the course of a few months could walk with ease} and was quite restored to health. She then left the Springs, went to Brooklyn, New-York, apparently in good health ; but after enjoying this blessing a few t i m^ t i m» 29 months, the pleasure of her restoration to health was mani- fested by too much exercisp, which, together with a fall on the pavement, brought on a rt apse, and a second time she was prostrated much lower than the first, with a ten-fold ag- gravation of her disease, accompanied by a violent attack of liver complaint, which confined her to her room for nearly two years. Some of the most skilful physicians in such cases, in New -York and Brooklyn, tried their skill to effect a cure, but to no purpose. As a last resource we again repaired to the Caledonia Springs with her. She was carried in a chair out of the house to the steamboat, and with much fatigue we conveyed her to the Springs in May last, 1B42 ; at that time she could not walk ; but by drink- ing the waters, and using the baths, she is at the present time, (June 24, 1843,) able to walk actively about the house, and some distance in the open air ; her health is in a measure restored, and from a recent visit to the Springs, I believe that by her continuing to drink the waters, and use the baths throu";h the Season, with the blessing: of our Heavenly Father, she will be almost, if not perfectly, made whole. ** If any person is afflicted with a similar complaint, he would do well to repair to these Springs, as the above case has been considered by her medical advisers most extra- ordinary. ** J, P, Robinson, "73, Cranberry Street. " Brooklyn, N. Y», June 24th, 1843.'* *' Mr, Wm. ParkeVy *' Sir, — Having come a distance of nearly one thousand miles, to try the efficacy of the Caledonia waters, in a 30 most afflicting and stubborn case of Rheumatism, which I have suffered for several year,; and being on the eve of taking my departure for England, after a residence here of four weeks, under the constant influence of the water --by dnnkmg and bathing.-I deem it my duty, thus to declare publicly, and to you personally, my entire convic t.on of the virtue and power of the water over the disease called Rheumatism. And my firm belief in the excellence of these waters, relieving many distressing complaints, that have come under my notice, since my sojourn at the hpnngs I wnte the above for the benefit of invalids, and I strongly recommend to them the healing qualities of the Caledonia Springs, that have proved themselves of so much service to " Your obedient servant "D. KiNNEAR. " Lieut, on IT. P. of Royal Artillery late " resident of Goderich U. C' "To the Proprietor of the Caledonia Springs. ■1 ~^ """"'" '" J"'"'^ *° ""« ®P""g« 'eave the place without acknowledging publicly, the great benefit I have derived from the use of these truly efficacious waters. My case has been a most painful and continued attack of Rheumatism in my knees, ancles, and all through my body. I was here last summer and experienced a perfect cure, but subsequently a violent cold brought on my old complamt, from which I have suffered greatly for six years. have again resorted to these healing waters, and am again restored to healthand free from pain. Thanks be to God for these earthly medicines ; I wLh all that have 9m I 1 1 31 + I 1 such afflictions as I have suffered, knew of the waters of Caledonia, that they might come and be healed. ** I am, dear sir, " Your gratp'^ul and obedient servant, "Martin O'Hara. " Caledonia Springs, Sept. 10, 1841." ♦' To Mr. Wm. Parker^ Proprietor of the Caledonia Springs* a Sir, — It gives mc pleasure to make known the benefit I have received during my sojourn here, from the use of the waters of your Springs, to which I owe the restoration of my health, and which I cannot too strongly recommend to the use of others. " I had been during the past winter and spring ex- tremely indisposed, suffering from Rheumatism, a derange- ment of the digestive organs, feebleness, and a continual dizziness, my nerves being also 'mes much affected. My health being altogether in so precv i-ious a state, I was advised to visit the Caledonia Springs. I arrived about the first of the present month, and immediately com- menced drinking the waters, and taking the baths. In eight days I "ound myself considerably better, the different symptoms of my complaint having disappeared. I have now recovered my strength and appetite, and, at the time of writing this, am in as good health as I could desire. " I am, Sir, " Your obedient servant, *♦ Wm. H. Lemoine. .« Caledonia Springs, 18th July, 1843." ! I li 32 '' To the Editor of the Springs Mercury, " SiR,~I cannot leave the Caledonia Springs without contributing my mite to the support of tho character this Spa has already so justly attained. We have now been here a fortnight ; on our arrival Mrs. McKenzie was in most wretched health, from long cont-nued attacks of Rheumatism. She could scarcely walk. The alteration that has taken place, must be seen to be believed ; it has been to me most astonishing to witness her daily improve- ment and rapid steps tov^^ards health, and my only regret is, that the lateness of the season should prevent us re- maining any longer. "Alex. McKenzie, " Capt. 67th Regiment. «' Caledonia Springs, Oct, 2, 1840." '' Montreal, January 29th, 1844. " William Parker', Esq. " Dear Sir,— I have great pleasure in accordance with your letter of the 25th instant, in sending you an account of the benefit I received from my visit to the Caledonia Springs, which 1 more readily do, in the hope that it may meet the eye of some sufferer, who, by these means, may be informed of the move than probability, of a speedy relief of his illness. " My first attack of Rheumatism was on the 10th of May, 1842, and continued until the mouth of Novem- ber, but never durinsr that time nrovpnfprl mxr „ff^„^: to business ; but in the latter month, the cold and rain setting in, the pains in my limbs and joints were severe to 33 an extreme, that I was obliged to confine myself to my bed for six weeks, during which period, I tried all the quack liniments I saw advertised in the public prints, to the amount of, from twenty-five lo thirty dollars, and de- rived no benefit : I consequently called in Dr. Crawford —whose kind attention I shall never forget,— he gave me relief in a very few days, but unfortunately it was for a few days only, for the pains in my legs returned, and re- mamed more or less violent during the whole winter. In the beginning of April I was so bad, that all the remedies usually applied, failed, and the Doctor, after six weeks trial, informed me that he w.s afraid my complaint was chronic, and I began to despair of ever being able to rise from my bed. At this time I was actually reduced to a mere skeleton, and nearly exhausted for want of rest • sometime about the middle of May, the Doctor advised me to go through a course of mercury, that he thought it would relieve me, and that, as 1 was determined to go to the Caledonia Springs, my constitution would be better prepared to take the waters, the effects of which, by these means, would be more rapid in relieving me from pain • the fifteenth day from the time I commenced this course of mercury, I was quite free from pain and able to walk about the room. On the 6th June, I was allowed to go out, to see how it would affect me ; I was very weak, but I continued gaining strength until about the 18th! when in the evening of that day, I felt some slight nains about the ancles, and the next morning my joints Vere very painful and stiff; I mentioned these symptoms to the Doctor, who advised me to go to th^Springs as soon as 34 possible, that he was certain I would feel better very soon, and gave me directions how to use the waters, and highly recommended the vapour baths. Accordingly I prepared myself, and on the 24th June I left Montreal and reached the Springs the next morning about nine o'clock, so lame that I could not get from the stage without assistance. I immediately sent for some of the Sulphur water, so as to commence without loss of time the course recommended to me by Dr, Crawford. The first draught I took was very disagreeable both to the scent and taste ; but after taking the second draught the taste was lost, and only the Sulphureous smell remained. I took about twenty tumblers of this water before I retired to rest, and did not feel any way incommoded further than from its effects upon the 7t:id- neys and the urinary organs ; and in the morning I found a quantity of gravel had been discharged with the urine, which proved to me that these waters must be beneficial to persons afflicted with that dreadful complaint — the rfed gravel — which is a complaint I have been a martyr to for a number of years ; and I must say, that since the use of the Caledonia waters, I have perceived no symptoms of this disease. The third evening after my arrival I took a vapour bath, and immediately went to bed, and perspired the whole night so profusely, that it was impossible to take any rest, until day light, when I fell asleep and did not awake until nine o'clock, when to my great astonishment and delight, I found my joints quite supple and no pains in any part of me. 1 got up and walked about all day until evening, when I felt slight pains in the knees and ancles, but not^ufficient to disturb my rest. On the ^ € 35 third of July I was perfectly free from pain, and that evening I took another vapour batb, which was not so warm as the previous. I now could get up at five o'clock, and go down to the spring, which I did every morning, after I established a regular course of treatment, namely, to clnnk e.ght tumblers of Saline before breakfast, and of Sulphur water, from ten to fifteen during the renmining part of the day. * « Unfortunately for the invalids, bad weatb-n- set in for ten or twelve days, which threw us all back ; I felt my old pams flying about me, and I commenced forming no favorable opinion of the waters ; but as the leather cleared *=P and became fine, these left me ; and as soon as we could take the baths every person's countenance began to bnghten, and every day gave proofs of the wonderful cures the waters were making. When I had been here thirty- five days I felt perfectly well, only that my legs were very much swollen from the efi-ects of the waters, all of which disappeared very shortly after my return, and I have contin- ued ,n good health ever since. I have such confidence in these waters, that I am certain, that persons afflicted with the Rheumatism as I was, by proper attention to drinking the Sahne in the morning, and Sulphur through t!,e day, and taking two vapour baths per week, maybe guaranteed a perfect cure ; and at the same time, I would rec^-nmend them to continue the bath and drinking the waters at laast one month after all svinntom- ^ — j,----, j " During my short stay at your springs, I must acknow- ledge your great attention and politeness, and must tender my humble admiration of the manner in which your large establishment was conducted. 36 " I now conclude in wishing you that success which the virtues of the Spa deserve, i^nd thanking you for the benefit, which through you I have been fortunate enough to receive. '* I remain, dear Sir, *' Your obedient servant, " VViLLiAM Henry. " William Parked', lUsq " Nor is it alone in Rheumatic affections that the cura- tive powers of the Caledonia waters rule, as will be seen by the following opinion of Dr. Stirling, a physician of great talent; whose long residence at the Springs, and the opportunities he has enjoyed of watching the effects of the waters upon all constitutions, in every form of disease, en- title him to more than ordinary weight as an authority. " These celebrated waters belong to that class of mine- ral springs termed Sulphureous, and possess as thea.ialysis shows, a happy combination of gaseous and saline ingre- dients. *' They are particularly indicated in those chronic affec- tions which pass under the names of nervous, bilious, dys- peptic, &c., and which generally depend upon congestion, or chronic inflammation of some internal organ. " In diseases in which the physician is least successful, in diseases which batfle all the ordinary therapeutic agents, and in aii those obscure and obstinate maladies, which have l>een quaintly styled oj^prohria mcdicorttmi there the Sulphureous mineral waters are most beneficial in their effects. «NI .. 37 .. *' The waters of chalybeate springs are useful only In cases of direct debih'ty, but Sulphureous waters by pro- ducing a change in the secretions, act powerfully as an alterative and tonic. " That disease is cured by restoring and improving the secretions, is an axiom in medical science. These waters effect this in an eminent degree. They act upon the bowels, the kidneys, the skin and the capillary exhalants generally, and have this advantage over all the medicines in the pharmacopoeia, when judiciously used, they never produce debility. The physician in attempting the cure of chronic disease, whatever mode of evacuation he may adopt, will frequently find his patient sink from exhaustion, before the disease can be arrested ; but in the waters we possess an agent, which acts as powerfully on the secretory organs as mercury, without the risk of injuring the gene- ral health, or breaking up the constitution. The dose may be repeated day after day and week after week, and large evacuations produced, and yet the invalid gains flesh and strength and health, and ceases to be an invalid. " It is a prevalent opinion that these v iters are hurtful in pulmonary complaints, but this requires further explan- ation. That no benefit can be derived from their use in the last stages of plithisis, 1 allow ; and indeed what can then «tay the progress of this fatal malady ? But I affirm after having observed their operation for the last ten years, t.iut brneiicial effects frequently result from their use in incipient phthisis, and I have never seen one case of the kind in which they did harm. In support of this opinion I may quote the words of the celebrated Dr. Armstrong 38 when speaking of the Sulphureous waters of Dinsdale and Harrowgate. " They seemed," he says, " exceedingly useful in several instances where phthisis was distinctly threatened. But this has been more especially observ- able, when the pectoral symptoms were complicated with hepatic disorder, as frequently occurs ; and indeed in the commencement of most fevers of the hectic type, the Sul- phureous waters have afforded more relief than any thing else." " Cases of chronic inflammation sometimes occur, in which mercury will not affect the system till venesection has been premised. I have observed that these waters operate as an alterative in such states of the system, if iirst taken in purgative doses, and that without the aid of the lancet. ** I have found these waters a safe and cooliug aperient in febrile and inflammatory affections, and I consider them a specific in most diseases of functional disorder; and even in some cases where I had occasion to suspect the existence of organic lesion, their action has proved highly sanative. " It is the opinion of Dr. Armstrong, that the Sulphur- etted hydrogen gas is the most active curative principle contained in such waters ; it follows that Saline Springs, not impregnated with this gas, and which are numcrouj in many parts of this continent, cannot have the same eflicacy in the cure of disease, and probablv possess little advantage over the waters of the ocean. " I may remark in conclusion, that chronic maladies cannot be cured by iny means whatever, in the space of a I 39 ; I i few days. When diseased action has existed for a long time, it is idle to expect a cure by merely tasting the waters. A perseverance in their use for weeks, nay sometinaes for months, is necessary for the complete removal of chronic maladies. " In regard to diet, some circumspection is necessary, as I have frequently seen the good effects cf the waters greatly counteracted by too free indulgence at table. An unnatural appetite is sometimes created by the waters themselves, which the invalid ought not to gratify to its full extent. ** The waters of the Gas and Saline Springs, I have found most suitable to gastric, hepatic and nervous disea- ses ; that of the Sulphur Spring, to rheumatic and cutane- ous affections, and the incipient stages of pulmonary con* sumption ** The Saline water has been particularly useful in Scro- fulous affections, probably from the quantity of iodine con- tained in it. *' None of these waters are Indicated in diarrhaea and dysentery." In ChlorosiSf that unhappily too general and fatal disease to which young females just budding into woman- hood are subject, the use of the Caledonia waters has been invariably attendeil with such success as to warrant their being considered as a specific. This alone, did they pos- sess no other healing virtue is sufficient to establish them a high reputation, and to recommentl them to every family. How many of the fairest of Earth's daughters, year after droop beneath this insidious malady and become at ye 40 lei.gth the victims of consumption, who by a course of the waters might have been spared to bless their families and the world? There is scarcely an individual in whose knowledge such cases have not occurred— who has not seen one, in whom all the hopes and affections of a house- hold were centred, just at that age when life puts on its brightest garments, and love looks forward to the consum- mation of its hopes and the reward of all its cares,— just when the blossom was opening to a flower, •' Like a rose at fairest Neither bud nor blown" nipped to the very heart, and in spite of the skill of the physician, and the anxious care of parents and friends, hopelessly sinking day after day to a premature grave. To those who have daughters and who feel that such may be their fate, shall we speak in vain ? Providence has placed a cure within their reach — will they refuse to stretch forth their hands to it that they may live, and bless them with children's children ? In all stoppages ot the secretions, no matter from what cause arising, the waters of the Caledonia Springs have been found to infuse a new life into the pale and emaciated patient, the /% has been dethroned from the cheek, and the rose of health has resumed its proper empire, the eye has gathered brilliancy, and the lip its former hue, and the wasted form has been restored to more than former full- And here we would introduce a subject, to some full of vital interest, but one which from its delicacy, and the diffi- culty of narrating evidences in language sufficiently explicit. ,. 41 and yet not such as to offend the most sensitive mind, compels us to limit ourselves to a single certificate from' a physician of eminence. " Dear Sir,— Having observed in your paper some ac- count of " remarkable cures" by the Caledonia waters, I have thought the following case, which occurred in my own practice, well deserving of notice. " Mrs. M'M had been a patient of mine for two or three years, complaining of Dyspepsia, Nervous Headache, and much irregularity of the bowels, as well as in other respects ; though still in the prime of life, there had been no increase in the number of her family for the space of five years ; she had taken a great deal of medicine, and I frequently prescribed for her myself, without any perma- nent relief. About that time I heard of a lady similarly circumstanced having been cured by the Caledonia waters, and r advised my patient to try the prings. She accord- ingly went there, but owing to my absence from the coun- try, I did not hear any thing of the result for about a year. On my return I called at her residence, and found her as usual in bed ; she looked pale, and believing that she was still suffering from her old complaints, I said 1 was sorry to find her in bed. "Well," exclaimed she, "7 am not sorry, and when you know the cause, you will not, I am sure, be sorry either." Saying this, she withdrew the coverlet, triumphantly displaying the smiling face of a young representative of the clan M<= 1 " —glowing from hia rosy sleep, Her cherub boy she kissed." " She then told me of her having been restored to health 42 i ft I by the Caledonia waters, and thanked me heartily for send- ing her to try their efficacy. ** Since that time 1 have recommended others to try these waters for like complaints, and generally with very beneficial effects. Some such cases have also been men- tioned to me by neighbouring practitioners, and were you but to give su^cient notoriety to thi? and similar reports of cases, vi^hich must have come under your own notice, there is no doubt but the waters of Caledonia would soon become as celebrated in this country, for the restoration of maternity, as the waters of Plombieres are in France. ** I am. Sir, *' Your obedient servant, J. S." The dearest, the most enduring ties which bind the af- fections of husband and wife with an indissoluble bond, are those sweet representatives of love, — children. How many wives have mourned and prayed like Han. nah, and longed to sing her song of rejoicing ? In ancient times it was the keenest reproach that could be levelled at a wife, that she was childless ; and not one that loves her husband can do other thai, mourn over her barren state. How many instances are there around us, in which this, and this alone is the bitter drop in the cup of married life, the ^.j joy wanting to crown its otherwise perfect happiness. But here, it has been shown iU^-'^ I" ""* Vir»r»o . ani\ wlioro no i« mnsf frflnuentlv the bucic; »3 jvi ii^jj^>- I «"-t „.....-. — . — J ^ case, the bar is merely constitutional, the Caledonia waters by invigorating the whole system, will assuredly remove it. ,, 43 1 i. Although only in the incipient stage of pulmonary con- sumption, benefit has been derived from the waters, yet in confirmed cases of Asthma their use has been highly be- neficial, as will be seen by the following : — Extract of a letter from W. Ross, Esq., of Montreal* ^' I received much benefit from drinking the waters, and shall return to the Springs if ever agi. .1 afflicted with Asthma, I believe this to be the most satisfactory way of expressing my favorable opinion of the waters." In dyspepsia and all diseases arising from the digestive organs, the waters have never been known to fail to pro- duce a speedy cure ; and though these disorganizations, weighed according to their immediate efibcts, are regarded as small evils in comparison with other diseases, yet as being frequently the seeds of more serious maladies, their early removal cannot be too eagerly sought. " Quebec, 31st October, 1843. " Sir, — My object in visiting your establishment is fully obtained. I have been since several years subject to dyspepsia, which has often put me to some trouble ; but I am now fully convinced that my digestive organs have re- sumed their proper tone ; and I do not hesitate to say, that the cure is owing to the waters I drank at the Cal- edonia Springs. " 1 have also been subject to head-aches, and frequent bleeding of the nose, but I am glad to state, that since I have taken the baths, I have not been troubled with any thing of the kind, and I now enjoy tolerably good health. " I could not expect to see the ulcer that had broken out on my leg, healed by a course of the waters, being aware that it originated from varicose veins. However, I have reaped great benefit by bathing the leg with the Sulphur water, and it is at present as strong and healthy as if nothing had happened it. *' Wishing you every success in your very praiseworthy enterprise, and feeling persuaded that your difficulties will vanish in proportion as the waters become known, and justly appreciated* " I remain. Sir, •' Your humble and obdt. servant, "Joseph Painchaud. William Pa'^ker^ Esq'^ <( " Hawkesbury, 9th January, 1843. " Dear Sir, — In answer to your's of the 9th instant, requesting my opinion of the waters of the Caledonia Springs, I take pie ure in stating that 1 have been ac- quainted with their medicinal qualities from their first having been discovered, both upon myself and others, and have no hesitation in saying, that I consider them a most sovereign remedy in all cases of dyspepsia, and many other diseases, in fact, in all chronic complaints, with the ex- ception of pulmonary consumption. " I am. Sir, " Your obedient and humble servant, *' David Pattee. " William Parker^ Esq,, Caledonia Springs'* In the summer of 1838, Mr, Abel, Post-master, Chi- cago, Illinois, came to the Caledonia Springs, by the advice of a person acquainted with the virtues of the waters. 45 Mr. A. was suffering from disease of the liver, which had afflicted him for many years. His appetite was gone, the digestive functions being altogether very much deranged — his nights were sleepless — his eyes and face deeply tinged with bile, and his whole complexion sallow and cadaverous. He drank the waters for fourteen days, and was rapidly improving in every respect, when business obliged him to return home. After arriving there he addressed a note to Mr. Parker, from which the following is an extract : — " Dear Sir, — I should have written you before, but on my arrival, I was called away to a remote part of the State. It is with great pleasure I now acknowledge the kindness I received while at your place in Canada ; and it is with a grateful heart I declare the great benefit I have derived from my visit to your Springs. I have not enjoyed such health for six years> and I attribute it altogether to the Caledonia waters," Miss M. a young lady, about eighteen years of age, had been suffering for nearly a year with severe inflammation of the eyes. At the time she came to the Springs there were ulcers on both eyes, which appeared to have penetra- ted so deeply as to endanger the collapse of these organs and total loss of vision. Her general health was much impaired, she was in short chlorotic. It was not supposed that the Springs could be of any use to her, and a phy- sician, who saw her here, said she ought to so immediately to New- York, for the purpose of getting the best advice that could be procured. She hnwever used the waters, and after having me so for two weeks, a change peculiar 46 to females took place in her system, brought on by the use of the waters, and was followed by a marked improvement in the appearance of her eyes. From this period she con- tinued gradually to recover, the inflammation disappeared from her eyes, her general health became confirmed, and her eye-sight perfect. Indeed were our only object to multiply eviden ces of this nature, a volume might be filled from the grateful certificates presented to Mr. Parker, by those restored to new life and hope, by the agency of the Caledonia waters ; but we think enough has been said to convince the most sceptical. Henceforth, with such a cloud of witnesses, what sufferer will be foolish enough to despise or leglect this simple means of restoration to health and the enjoyment of life ? Who, when a remedy so easily attainable, so speedy in its effect, and so permanent in its power, is offered to him, will imitate the conduct of the Assyrian of old, when commanded to wash in Jordan and be whole, and turn with distrust from what may appear from its simplicity, a means of cure too contemptible ? The following is a list of the diseases in which the waters have been most successful • — Chronic and Inflammatory Rheumatism ; Affections of the Liver and Spleen ; Bile, and disorganization of the Gall Bladder ; Habitual Head-ache and Costiveness ; Scrofulous AiTections, Eruptions on the Skin, and Ery- sipelas ; Dyspepsia, and Indigesdon ; 4 '^ » 47 Inflammation of the Eyes ; Asthma, Incipient Consumption ; Female Diseases, and Diseases of the Urinary Organs ; Gravel and Stone ; Dropsy, Gout, and Swellings of the joints ; Diseases of the Spine, Partial Paralysis ; Effects of Mercury, and other imprudences, &c. &c. OPINIONS OF PHYSICIA.NS ANT> OTHEIliS. Nothing has tended to establish the high reputation which the Caledonia waters have obtained, so much as the opinion expressed of their virtues by the Medical Faculty of this Colony, and the recommendation its mem- bers have given to their use. Testimony from so high a source, and drawn forth by such evidently disinterested and liberal motives, must carry with it a double weight, and were evidences of the great utility of the waters wanting, would convince the most unbelieving. From among the numerous certificates in the possession of the proprietor of the Caledonia Springs, we have selected a few ; and those gentlemen whose letters we omit, must attribute it to the true motive, a circumscription of spac^, rather than, a disparagement of the ability which dictated, or a want of appreciation of the generous motives which influenced them. A volume double the size of this 48 would not be large enough to contain these records, were we to publish all that have been received. The following letter from the late William Robert- son, Esq, M. D. of Montreal, a physician of the highest standing and whose frequent opportunities of judging of the effects of the waters upon his own patients, render his opinion deserving of the highest consideration :— "Montreal, 21st April, 1839. Dear SjR,~-In reply to that part of your letter inqui- ring whether the opinion I formerl entertained of the Caledonia Springs has changed, frc .. what has come to my knowledge of their effects in certain diseases, I have only to add what I stated last summer .^hen leaving the Springs, after having derived so much beneat from drink- ing the waters, that the favorable opinion I then enter- tained of their efficacy in relieving and curing certam diseases, is more and more confirmed by the favorable reports made by persons who have experienced relief from the use of the waters of the different springs. The com- plaints, as far as my experience extends, in which they prove most beneficial, are, derangements of the digestive organs, dyspepsia, affections of the l^'-r and urinary organs, and some diseases of ihe skin ; but the disease, above all others, in which their good effects are most decided, is Rheumatism. Some cases of this complaint came under my observation within the last few years, in which the benefit derived from the use of the Caledonia Springs Tvater was extraordinary. I have known a few individuals who had suffered much from the improper use of mercury, and the effects of disease, for the cure of which that 'A ■ 49 * medicine is generally administered, who were restored to health by the use of the waters. " I have heard of manv cases of recovery from v?»rious other diseases b;, *he the use of these waters, particularly diopsy, and those affections of the system formerly dcsig- nared chlorosis ; I cannot, ^owever, speak so confidently from personal knowledge of the efficacy of the Caledonia Sprin' -, water in these and some other complaints, as in the dii ' ases I have just mentioned. ***** " I remain, dear Sir, " Your most obedient, ,^ _ , " Wm, Robertson, M. D. ''Mr, Parker:' " Montreal, December 2nd, 1842. " My Dear Sir,— It is with great pleasure that I sit down to answer yours of the I7th ultimo, requesting my testimony as to the efficacy and repute of the Caledonia Springs. I may truly say that I never met with any per^ son that had once resorted to them, who has not ;nly een satisfied with their efficacy in various chronic compk )ts, but has made it a point to go there as often as theii ^voi tions would permit, and give them every possible praisy. '* I cannot take upon myself to enumerate all the com- p'^^ints for which their aid is invoked ; but I believe in Rheumatism they are preeminent, especially in conjunction with the baths. In dyspepsia they are also very efficacious, .tx xivpiiicii-^ t«uu i;uiuuii^ cuiijpiainis iney are inghiy suc- cessful, Cuticular and erysipelatous affections, readily yield to a course of the Sulphur spring and Sulphur bath. Many more analagous diseases have been benefited by their 50 JM^gi^b'T. I I use; but doubtless there are some complaints in which they may not be advisable. But to derive the utmost benefit from the waters, no course should be adopted, without consulting the intelligent physician of the estab- lishment. Dr. Stirling, who has made them his particular study. The analysis of the different springs, I am not competent to state, but the Saline has a strong taste of muriate of soda, and must also contain a sufficient impreg- nation of sulphate of soda, from its laxative quality ; — but the carbonic acid renders it quite an agreeable drink, and what may appear surprising, though no less true, a person may drink five or six tumblers before breakfast, and make a hearty meal nevertheless, and a breakfast at the springs is no trifling affair. The Sulphur spring must contain a strong impregnation of sulphuretted hydrogen, as I saw at least a pail-full of sulphur laded out of the cauldfpn, in which the water was heated for the bath. " Mrs. A , and her daughter, Mrs. F -, spent a couple of weeks thera three years ago, the former for an erysipelatous affection with constitutional symptoms, — the latter for an alarming debility. They both derived the most marked benefit from the waters, and have continiied vory well ever since. The few days that I passed at the Springs, in 1841, I witnessed several most astonishing cures, especially M'C — . The baths have been improved since my day ; and I have seen several persons, who siute tlmt ttiey have derived the utmost benefit from thyir judicious use. In my practice, I have frequently prescribed the Cale- donia waters, and I have witnessed the most salutary effects at 51 l» ' ■n a variety of dyspeptic complaints, as well as chronic affections of the liver, and skin. As a place of resort and recreation, there cannot be two opinions, every convenience and comfort is cheerfully supplied by the attentive host, whose greatest anxiety seems to be, to render his guests happy, providing every rational amusement, and innocent diversion that can be asked for-which in itself is a power, ful assistant to the waters, in cases where sedentar- habits have led to a tendency to hypochondria. In .v.ontreal the Caledonia Springs are most decidedly in favor : and few people, who, at the busy season, if they could spare the time, but what would willingly enjoy a fortnight of such peasant relaxation. The scenery is also romantic, especi- aHy to foreigners ; and many are the pleasant walks about the spot. It cannot fail to become a place of resort to gentle and simple : esUWishments for the accommodation footil ''''■ "'""^ ''''" "P°" "^^ "'°'' ^«'P«table " Although I was called to the Springs professionally, 1 nevertheless found that the use of the waters powerfully .ncreased my appetite and spirits; and had it not been for the melancholy occasion of my visit, I should have enjoyed myself very much. As it was, I shall never forget Mr. Parkers kind gentlemanly attention; and in common gratitude, I cann.t help wishing him the success he so nchly deserves, a more persevering individual under most trying circumstances scarcely exists. Thi. Province is beholden to him alone, for haring brought this^most in" est mable blessing into notice ; and creating a little Para- dise in a spot, that was but a few years ago an absolute Wilderness. 52 ** I hope he may meet with the support he so justly merits ; and that he may live to see his place, the most favored watering place in America, " I remain, dear Sir, ** Your's, &c. " Danl. Arnoldi." " Montreal, December 7th, 1843. " Dear Sir,— In reply to ^ ar request to know my opinion of the efficacy of the Caledonia Springs, I beg to state, that for the last few years, I have known several instances of their beneficial eflfects in rheumatism, scrofula, and in chronic affections of the urinary organs. " In dyspepsia, I can speak highly of them. Many cases of this disease came under my observation, that were most remarkably relieved by them: some permanently cured by the continued use of the waters, *' I have also had occasion to know, that individuals labouring under various other chronic diseases, ajid per- sons, whose constitutions have been weakened and worn out by different causes, have derived much benefit from their prolonged use. " I am, your very obdt. servt., " W. Fraser, M. D. ** To William Parker^ Esq*' <* Montreal, 13th December, 1842. '* Dear Sir,— I have to state, that I consider the use of the Caledonia waters a very valuable curative aLrent, in the treatment of many forms of disease. Circumstances en- able me to grant you a favorable certificate with more than usual propriety, many of my own patients having tested *} 53 t» the efficacy, and derived great benefit from the use of the waters. Of all diseases that have come under my notice, in which a persevering use of the baths and waters prom- ises the most beneficial results, chronic rheumatism tanks the first. Many of the cures in this disease have been truly astonishing. I met with a case last summer, where the individual, a delicate female, had been suffering severely for more than nine months ; she had completely lost the use of her hands, and could only walk a few steps with great pain and difficulty. After a residence of six weeks at the Springs, she returned free from pain, and strong enough to walk a considerable distance without fatigue. I have also found the waters useful in dyspeptic and uri- nary complaints, in chlorosis, secondary syphilis, and some of the forms of cutaneous disease. " In conclusion, allow me to add, from a personal visit to your establishment, that independently of the acknow- ledged virtues of the waters, the great outlay jou have been put to in the improvement of the place, and the unwearied care and attention which you bestow to the comfort and convenience of your boarders, justly entitle you to a large share of public patronage and support. " I remain, dear Sir, your's very truly, «* Geo. W, Campbell, A. M, M. D. " Lecturer on Surgery, M'Gill College. ** To Mr. fFm. Parker, Proprietor \ of the Caledonia Springs*'* J " Montreal, December 8th, 1842. *♦ Sir, — I beg to state, that I consider the Caledonia waters efficacious in cases of dyspepsia, chronic rheuma» 54 tism, or where the constitution has been impaired by the injudicious use of mercury, and illtreated syphilis ; I would also add in certain cutaneous diseases. I have frequently recommended their use in the above complaints, and wit- nessed their good effects. I hope that the benefits that are derivable from them, may not be lost to society, by the indiscriminate and almost universal use they have been lately put to, and like the fate of many of our other ex- cellent remedies, fall into unmerited disrepute. " I have never visited the establishment, but I have often heard it most favorably spoken of. " I am, Sir, your obedient servant, " James Crawford, M. D. " Wm. Parker, Esq,^' " Quebec, November 26th, 1842. •* Sir, — I feel pleasure in giving you my opinion, based as it is upon the observations of several years. " In rheumatic affections I consider them invaluable. Few persons, excepting those who have suffered from these diseases, and those who have made them their study, can appreciate their wonderful medicinal properties. I have repeatedly seen individuals who have left their homes for the Springs, worn out by protracted sufferings, and with their general health shattered by confinement and want of exercise, return to theii families free from pain, and with health, strength and activity perfectly restored. ** I have also known remarkable instances of benefit derived from the use of the waters, in persons afflicted with scrofulous complaints, and with diseases of the diges- tive organs, and kidneys ; and I am convinced that many 55 €f of these cases that have left the Springs greatly benefited, but not cured, would have been restored to perfect health by a more extended use of the waters. *' It is absurd to suppose that functions or organs which have been diseased probably for years, can be restored during two or three weeks by any course of medicine, no matter how potent or how efficacious. '* I remain, yours, &c , "J. Douglas. " Member of Royal College of Surgeons. ''Wm. Parker, Esq.y Caledonia Springs,'' " Quebec, February 10th, 1843. " My Dear Sir,— In answer to your letter, requesting iny opinion of the efficacy of the waters of the Caledonia Springs in disease, permit me to say, that for several years I have been in the habit of recommending patients to resort to them ; and I believe I am strictly within the bounds of truth, when I say, that in every instance, they have been either cured, or very much benefited. '* It is seldom, however, that the invalid either does himself or the waters justice, his stay being always too short to eradicate chronic disease, for which they are more particularly and justly celebrated. Rheumatism, chronic liver complaints, dyspepsia, and a variety of diseases of the skin, kidneys, and bladder, and I may add eyes, are those which have come more immediately under my per- sonat observauoii, unu lu wuiv^n m^ a^^-rx, .. v^..-^,- - -,.rt_i. Report of their efficacy, however, goes much further. ** With every good wish, I am faithfully yours, "Joseph Morrin, M. D. M Wm Parker, Esq.'' 56 *' L'Acadie, June 7fh, 1842, " Sir, — I certify that in the month of May last, by the advice of my friends, I visited the Caledonia Springs, where I spent several days ; I was at that time, and had been for upwards of twelve years previous, lingering under an affection of the kidneys and bladder, which caused me such severe pains, that I was very often totally unable to attend to my professional, or even private business, I had no sooner made use of the waters, than I found great relief. My urine, habitually scarce and high colored, became abun- dant and clear, and my stomach sympathetically affected, became in better order. The daily use of a few tumblers of the Saline spring every morning, fasting, with gentle exercise afterwards, had the good effect of keeping my bowels gently open, and free from the usual pains which 1 was in the habit of experiencing, my appetite became good and my sleep f )und. "I therefore think it my duty for humanitifs sake, highly to recommend to invalids in general, the use of the Caledonia Springs. But more especially to people affect- ed with rheumatism, liver complaints, and diseases of the kidneys, and urinary organs. To dyspeptics, they will also prove beneficial. The very powerful diuretic effect of the Caledonia waters induces me firmly to believe that mild venereal and incipient dropsical diseases, would be relieved, if not radically cured by the use of the Caledonia Springs water only. « T. OUESNEL, M. D. " Member of the Montreal Medical Board. *• To Wm. Parker Esq , Proprietor) of the Caledonia Springs. ' J ^> 57 m tP, " Montreal, 8th September, 1841. "Sir,— I beg leave to recommend to your favorable attention and advice, Mr. Hood, a well-known resident of this town, who is subject to severe attacks of rheumatism which, until last year, were quite intractable. He has lately undergone a course of medicine, and I have advised him to try your valuable Springs, in hopes of ensuring a perfect cure. I have found them of the greatest benefit in several cases I have sent this season of a most hopeless nature. " I remain your obedient servant, " S C. Sevtell, M. D. " Wm. Parker, Esq.y Proprietor \ of the Caledonia Springs'* J # * * " Frost Village, Shefford, Jany. 8th 1844. " As relates to the medicinal properties of your Springs, I can only speak of them by relating the effects of the water on the diseases in the treatment of which I have used it. I have used it in acute rheumatism in the following manner. The evening previous to commencing the use of the water, I gave the patient a full dose of blue pill. The following morning, fifteen hours from the time 1 gave the pill, I gave him a bottle of Saline water which cleansed well the " prima via."— I then divided a bottle of the Sulphurous Spring into three portions, one of which I gave every eight hours duriug the next forty-eight hours. After the patient had taken two bottles of the sulohurous water in this manner, I gave another blue pill, and followed it precisely as before for the next forty-eight hours. I then divided a bottle of the Saline water into three 58 portions, one of which I gave every eight hours for three days. I then altered the diet of my patient, which, up to this time, had been very abstemious, to one more nourish- ing, and in a very few days he was perfectly free from rheumatism. From the many experiments which I have made in this manner, on the disease in question, I am fully convinced that if the Caledonia Spring Water is not a specific for acute Rheumatism, it is a most powerful agent in freeing the system from that disease. I kept my pati- ent clothed in flannel. I am myself subject to acute Rheumatism, and cure my- self exactly by the means above mentioned. I would here remark that in thirteen cases this mode of treatment has succeeded to the perfect satisfaction of both patient and physician. « Dyspepsia.— In five cases of Dyspepsia, what I con- ceived to be the occasional cause being first removed, I gave a blue pill at night. Fifteen hours after, I gave a bottle of the Saline Water, which cleared the " prima via." During the day, the patient took light diet only. At night I gave°another blue pill, and followed it in the morning with another bottle of the Saline Water ; after which, I gave a dose of sulphate de quinine, once in eight hours, with half a tumbler of the Gas Spring Water between each of the doses of quinine. Under this mode of treatment, I had the pleasure of seeing my patients all recover rapidly. As soon as they could ride in a carriage, I encouraged them to do so almost constantly. ** I am now trying the water on seven different diseases, and I think with great advantage, the success of which n t 59 experiment, I will communicate to you as soon as circum- stances will permit. " In conclusion, I would remark, that the moro I see of the use of the water, the more I am convinced that the Caledonia Springs, when properly analyzed and applied, will prove by far the best antidote that can be found in the mineral waters of North America for a numerous class of diseases. " I remain, " Your obedient humble servant, " Stephen Sev^tell Fosteb, M. D. " William Parker, Esq" i At the moment of putting this work to press, we have received from the talented medical attendant at the Springs the following letter, with which we close the testimony of the Profession : — ** Hawkesbury, 8th February, 1844. " Dear Sir, — In compliance with your request, I shall endeavour briefly to state the result of my experience, as to the effects {)roduced by the use of the waters of the Caledonia Springs. " I first visited these Springs in the autumn of 1830 ; and at that time made sufficient examination of the waters to convince me that they contained valuable medicinal properties. Since that period, I have had ample oppor- tunities of witnessing their effects ; and for the last four years, have been in regular attendance at the Springs, during the watering season. 6a *' The disease in which I have seen the most remarkable cures, is Rheumatism ; and both in the acute and chronic, forms of this disease, the waters seemed to be equally beneficial. *' Every person who visits the Springs fails not to ob- serve the rapid improvement of this class of sufferers^ On his first arrival, the limbs of the rheumatic patient are swollen and rigid ; his step, aided by a crtuch or staff, is painful and constrained ; and the expression of his coun- tenance, anxious and sorrowful. He uses the waters ; and every day brings some amelioration of symptoms. His limbs assume their wonted form and elasticity ; his step becomes easy and unrestrained, and the expression of his countenance placid and cheerful. He throws aside his crutch or staff, and walks, and leaps, and praises God who mingles the waters. " That these waters are a specific in this painful malady, seems now to be generally admitted ; and so much respecTt- able testimony to this effect has already been laid before the public, that to say more, would be only a work of supererogation. In Gout, Sciatica, and Lumbago, (kindred diseases,) the curative action of the waters has been nearly as efficient. '* Striking as such results are, still there are numerous diseases in which the benign influence of the waters, though less remarked, is assuredly not less certain. For exaiiipie, m i^eurci, uommuUiy caiicv* Kji.vib jt !,/£&«««.•, wis affection of the skin, prevalent in this country. Many persons who had suffered for years with this complaint have visited the Springs, and I do not remember a single ^ 61 % instance where the waters, when properly used, both in- ternally and externally, failed in effecting a cure. In Delirium Tremens (a disease brought on by the use of intoxicating drinks,) the waters have acted like a charm. In every case of this kind which has come under my observation, (and they have not been few,) a perfect cure was speedily effected ; nor have I found it necessary to prescribe any other remedy. The stimulus given to the stomach, and the mental exhilaration produced by the waters, at first allayed, and finally subdued, all desire even for ardent spirits. And here I may remark, for the infor- mation of those who wish to abstain from " strong pota- tions," and find it difficult, that there can be no better substitute nor more efficient auxiliary to their efforts at re- formation, than these waters A considerable number of cases of Tic Doloureux, (a painful affection of the nerves of the face,) have been seen at the Springs, during my residence there ; and all have been cured, or at least the patient's sufferings greatly alleviated. Several persons afflicted with other forms of Neuralgia have also received much benefit. Hundreds of persons, worn down by that *' Protean malady," Dyspepsia, have been signally benefitted by the judicious use of these waters. Sometimes, however, it has been found necessary, in this complaint, to call in the aid of other remedies, such as blue pill at night, followed by wntpr in ino mnrmnnr Tho c£»nr>c» pniivcjp 11100 /-jprv»-./^»r.ll.. pursued, and with nearly equal success, in affections of the liver, blood-letting being premised, if the state of the pulse indicated the necessity of it. This treatment, — as the 62 waters, when properly used, never bring on debility, — I have found more successful than that advised by Mr, Abernethy, of blue pill at night, and salts and senna in the morning. ** Many females affected with Chlorosis, have been restored to health by the use of the waters ; and, as might have been expected from the powerfully diuretic properties of these waters, few patients seemed to derive more benefit than persons suffering under diseases of the urinary organs. — (See the case of Dr. Quesnel, as reported by him- self.) <' Time will not permit me to enumerate all the diseases in which the waters appeared to do good ; but those in which their curative effects were more remarkable, besides the above mentioned, are — Inflammation of the Eyes, (in particular that very intractable species. Strumous Opthal- mia,) Ague, Hypochondria, Melancholy, St. Vitus's Dance, Hysteria, Spinal Irritation, Barrenness, Scrofula, Jaundice, Gonorrhea, Secondary Syphilis, and the effects produced by the improper use of mercury. " Hoping you will excuse this hurried production, and wishing you every success your laudaole endeavours to bring these waters more fully into notice deserve, " I am, Sir, *' Your obedient servant, "James Stirling, A.M. &M.D." . In addition to these, we may here adduce a few letters from gentlemen of the highest standing in the Province, commencing with one written at the direction of His 63 Excellency the Governor Gei.eral, after his visit to the Springs in August, 1843. " Government House, Sept, 6th, 1843. ** Sir, — I am directed to convey to you the expression of His Excellency's sincere thanks, ior the cordial wel- come and kind sentiments contained in your Address. " The Governor General desires me to assure you of the great gratification afforded him, by his visit to the Caledonia Springs, and to acquaint you, that he highly appreciates your zeal and assiduity in the furtherance of an object likely to be prod ctive of the most beneficial results to the people of the Province — that he observed with irmch satisfaction, your unremitting exertions to ren- der 3' Mir visitors comfortable and happy, and that he wishes ^ou tliat success, which, in his ostimution, your unwearied perseverance deserves. " In reply to the Memorial annexed to your Address, His Excelkncy commands me to inform you, that he sanctions with pleasure your proposal of giving the name of " Government Cottage" to the building which you arts about to erect. " I have the honor to be. Sir, " Your obedient servant, "J. M- aIigginson. " jrm. Parkevy Esq,'' *' Caledonia Springs, 27th July, 184S, " Sir,' — I cannot take mv denartnre withmjf evnTPooJ a deep sense, not only of the attention I have personally received, but of the remarkable manner in which it is evinced to all residents in your hotel ; leaving nothing G 64 untried to ensure health, comfort, amusement, and hap- piness. *' This solicitude on your part, combined with an ex- cellent and abundant table, cannot fail to secure the good feeling and regard of all who visit the Springs, whether in search of health or pleasure. " As regards the waters themselves, I am most certain that a course of them cannot be otherwise than beneficial in eruptions of the skin, obstructions of le liver, rheuma- tism, indigestion, and generally in restoring the system to healthy action. It seems to me that persons suffering in health, usually do not give fair play to the Springs, by not continuing their use long enough to entirely remove^ but merely remaining sufficient time to alleviate their com- plaint. " I will not fail to recommend to favorable notice these Springs, as also the incessant kind attentions your visitors are certain to receive from yourself. " Heartily thanking you for those shewn to myself and party during our sojourn, I remain, wiui every good wish for your success and prosperity, " Sir, your most obedient servant, " R. Armstrong, Major-General. <' Wm* Parker y Esq'' " Montreal, 20th August, 1843. c( SiRj — Having received your flattering letter on the moment of my departure, I could not then reply to it in the manner it deserves. I assure you I feel grateful for the very kind attentions you shewed mc at your hotel, and ghall ever remember with unfeigned pleasure the agreeable Bocietv 1 met there. " .. 1: 65 t " I have of late years visited the Schooley Mountains, Saratoga, and the Virginia Springs, but at neither of them did I derive the decided benefit which a faithful and moderate use of the Caledonia waters has afforded me* My friend and medical adviser, Dr. Crawford, of this place, w*ll fully corroborate the surprising improvement my health has so ha^^pily experienced ; and 1 shall not fail to recommend those valuable waters, together with your well regulated establishment, to any person who may unfor- tunatelv be afflicted as I have been, vi^ith dyspepsia, nerv- ous debility, and paralysis. " Wishing you that patronage and success, which I, for my part, feel you deserve. ** I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, " W. C> H. BuRNABY, Baronet. *' Wm, Parker i Esq,'* " Quebec, I4th January, 1843. " Dear Sir, — I have much pleasure in complying with your request, to slate my opinion of the waters of your Springs, and of the establishment generally. I have, as you know, visited the Caledonia Springs for my health, and resided there with a part of my family for several weeks. The good impression which I originally entertained of those Springs, was mere than confirmed by my actual observation. The reputation of the admirable curative properties of the waters, is so well established in Canada, and in the neighbouring States, that any testimony from me, as regard'* these countries, must be superfluous ; but if my name can be of use at a greater distance, I can freely attach it to an assurance, that I believe the virtues of your 66 Springs not to be inferior to those of the most celebrated Spas of the same class upon this continent ; and my further conviction is, that as a property, your undertaking cannot fail to increase with the growth and prosperity of this rapidly advancing Province, and that, consequently, the speculation must be a safe and advantageous investment for an infinitely larger stake than you have had it in your power to embark in it. I am so convinced of this, that, had I available funds, I would not hesitate to employ them by taking an interest in the concern. " I remain, dear Sir, " Your verv obedient servanf, " T. A. Stayner, D. p. M. *' Wm. ParheVt Esq." The Hon. Mr. Justice Pyke, of Montreal, writes as follows ; — •* Montreal, 28th December, 1842. *' Dear Sir, — As well from my own personal experience, in the use of the waters, while at the Caledonia Springs, as from what I tl n witnessed of their beneficial effects on others, I am thoroughly convinced of their efficacy and value in the many complaints which have already been enumerated, and made known by the professional men who have analysed these valuable waters ; and so far from my faith in, and good opinion of them, being subsequently les- sened, I have from time to time, procured them in bot- tles from your agents at Montreal, and have uniformly found relief on using them : and am at this very moment taking them with good effect. It is now four or five years iince I vioited the Caledonia Springs, but I have heard 67 with much pleasure, of the gradual increase of visitors to that place, and of the extensive improvements you have since made for their accommodation, comfort, and amuse- ment ; aiid I sincerely hope, that after so much unceasing exertion cod expenditure on your part, you will at length obtain that general support and success, to which I consider you have so just a claim, " I am, dear Sir, " Your obedient servant, "George Pyke " Wm» Parker, Esq'' THE TJSE OF THE WATERS. Although to receive the full benefit of the Caledonia Springs, the patient should reside upon the spot, and be a partaker in the many adjective goods which it presents, yet so far as the absolute virtue of the water itself is concerned, when obtained fresh in bottles, as it can be now, from the depots in Montreal, Kingston, Toronto, Quebec, Boston, and other places, it is doubtful if its removal occasions any deterioration. The waters bottled under any circumstan- ces, will in a few days deposit silky filaments consisting of Carbonate of Magnesia, which has become disengaged by the passage of a smill quantity of the solvent gas into the space between the water and the cork. This may slightly impair the brilliancy of the water, but does not affect its virtue, indeed an examination of the Springs themselves 68 ti ( ! Bi will show that this deposit is momentarily occurring within them. There cannot be a question that the adventitious advan- tages which the Caledonia Springs offer, must, when viewed independently, be considered as powerful restora- tives to the invalid. Change of air, and scene, many and innoxious amusements, quiet and agreeable society, absence from business, and a casting off for the time, of the cares and anxieties of life—these are the additional advantages to which we refer. In organic diseases of long standing, it is best that the patient should prelude a course of the waters by a moder- ate dose of calomel or blue pill, overnight, cleaning it off the following morning with sufficient of the water to affect the bowels freely. By this means the stomach is cleansed and prepared, and becomes more susceptible to its medicinal powers. Some persons when resident at the Springs, seem to think that their recovery depends entirely upon the quantity they can drink, — now this is a great error, and one which affects not only the health of the patient, but the reputation of the waters. Intemperance of any kind if it be only in water, is detrimental: there is a certain limit to which we may venture with benefit in medicinal as well as more domestic matters, beyond that, excess commences and we must retrograde ; as we should consider it madness to overload the stomach of a convalescent per- T»u e^^A «rt la It nnt looa al^unrrl in rlrpnrh thfi invalid sou Willi iUUU, 3\i i^ '^ ""-- '- • with medicine. Although there is no medicinal agent from the use of which, less bad consequences are to be feared, yet thero will be an entire suspension of the good 69 T effects of the waters if taken in immoderate quantities. It is better to drink a little often, than to distress the stomach by a large dose at any one time. As a general rule, from three to six half pints should be the maximum taken to commence the day, and the earlier in the morning the better. It should be immedi- ately followed by gentle exercise, previous to breakfast ; an excellent appetite, improved digestion, increased gaiety, and general constitutional amendment will be immediately apparent. The most beneficial effect is found from taking a tum- bler or two of the water, previous to retiring to rest, it induces the most delightful and refreshing sleep, prepares the stomach for the morning draught, cleanses the mouth and removes that dryness, and disagreeable taste to which nearly every one is subject, and indeed has in every way so salutary an effect, that it needs to be tried to be believed. Were those who are in the habit of taking spirits as a *< night-cap" at bed-time, once to take a glass of Caledo- nia water instead, its superior advantages would lead them to a general abandonment of this pernicious habit. After indulging too freely in the pleasures of the table, two or three tumblers of the Saline or Gas water taken in the morning, will remove all disagreeable consequences, and restore the tone of the stomach. As a general drink they cannot be too much recom- mended, being preferable to Soda or Seidlitz water, or others of the same class, unlike which they leave no pre- judicial effects ; but on the contrary, the most healthy may receive some benefit from their use. As a summer drink, 70 ^■IKX. the Gas water is the best, as it possesses but little aperient properties, it cools and cleanses the blood, removes all febrile symptoms, and dissipates the lassitude generally felt in times of exr-essi e heat. Nor are the waters less wholesome in the coldest weather, giving a tone and strength to the stomach which can be attained by no other means. In the spring and fall, when every person requires the aid of medicine to j/repare the body to meet the change of season, tlie Caledonia waters are the simplest, the safest, and the nost efficacious remedy to be obtained : — to say nothing of thei'* economy. When the stomach is very foul, it often happens that a slight headache, and a considerable degree of drowsiness is induced 1 y the first doses of the waters, but as soon as they begin to operate this passes off, and in a short time it ceases entirely, leaving behind an invigoration of both body and mind. Persons suffering from great acidity of the stomach, under similar circumstances experience a sensation of fulness and oppression, which, however is but . temporary, and seldom recurs. Invalids cannot be too careful in observing simplicity of diet while under a course of the water ; plain nourishing food, in moderate quantity, should be rigidly adhered to. Wines, spirits, and beer should never be taken. It is im- possible that the patient can receive the full benefit of the indigestible or highly seasoned dishes, washed down with heating liquids. Gentle exercise before and after meals should be per- pj mi 71 severed i. as one of the most powerful auxiliaries of medi- cine. Early hours are indispensible to secure the proper action of the water. ANALYSIS OF THE WATERS. The analysis of the Saline, Sulphur and Gas Spring* was first made by Dr. J. R. Chilton of New-York, in 1836, and the conclusions formed by that eminent chemist of heir constituents have since been confirmed by the experi- ments of the first chemists of this Province. The following is the result of Dr. Chilton's examina- tion : — GAS SPRING. One guart of water. Chloride of Sodium, 89,75 do. Magnesium, 1,63 do. Potassium, ,55 Sulphate of Lime, 1,47 Carbonate of Lime, 2,40 do. Magnesia, 2,50 do. Soda, 1,00 do. Iron, ,03 Iodide of Sodium, ,35 Resin, a vegetable extract, ,52 Grains,, Gases, i Carbonic Acid, } Sulphuretted Hydrogen, ( Nitrogen. 72 WHITE SULPHUR SPRING One quart of water, ^ Chloride of Sodium 60,48 do. Magnesium, ,66 Sulphate of Lime, ,82 Carbonate of Lime, ,42 do. Magnesia, Iodide, do 3,60 'Vegetable Extract, &c ,30 Grains, 66,46 P r Carbonic Acid, 3,20 Uases, -j Sulphuretted Hydrogen, 6,14 9,34 cubic inches. .'* SALINE SPRING. One quart of water* Chloride of Sodium, 108,22 do. Magnesium, 2,01 Sulphate of Lime, 1,28 Carbonate of Lime, 2,00 do. Magnesia,... 5,12 do. Soda, •• ,82 iodide of Sodium, }38 Vegetable Extract, j61 Grains, 120,44 50,48 ,66 ,82 ,42 3,60 ,30 ,'* 7