1838. [Gallaher, John S.] SHANNONDALE: THE QUALITY AND CHARACTER OF THE WATERS AND THEIR EFFECTS UPON VARIOUS DISEASES. CHARLESTOWN: 1838. PRINTED AT THE FREE PRESS OFFICE.

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PREFACE.

The Proprietors of the SHANNONDALE SPRINGS very respectfully embrace the present occasion to present to the public the following notice of these Waters, in order that those who visit them, either for the purpose of health, or gratification, may be acquainted with their qualities.

This statement is prepared by a gentleman, whose experience and observation for many years have enabled him to come to the most correct conclusions, and who has no interest in the success of the concern, beyond that which a regard for truth and the good of suffering humanity can excite in a philanthropic breast.

They presume it will not be considered impertinent, on this occasion, to remark, that it seems to their view very important, that above all descriptions of visiters [sic] who resort to mineral waters, Invalids should be familiar with their locations, and, also, with their composition, effects, and specific differences; so that, with the aid of their medical advisers [sic], they may be enabled to ascertain which is best adopted [sic] to a relief of the various affections for which they may seem indicated.

The indiscriminate use of various waters, of the mineral kind, in this country, by [page 4] persons frequenting them, without any previous knowledge of what they contain, has done, it is well known, serious injury on many occasions. -- Those who drink them, in general, do not appear to be apprised, that they do possess positive qualities, calculated to do good, or harm, according to circumstances, and with as certain effect as many medicines in common use, if judiciously administered; or, on the contrary, taken without proper precaution. The long-continued use, of even the weakest mineral waters, has done injury to those who have continued taking them without due care -- serving to confirm the opinion entertained by those familiar with their employment is disease, that their efficacy is not in the simple ratio of their chemical impregnation.

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SHANNONDALE.

The Shannondale Springs first attracted public attention in the Fall of 1819. Since that time the most ample experience has served to confirm the opinion then entertained of their vale, by numerous visiters [sic] who resorted to them with the hope of benefit, or to gratify curiosity.

After passing through various vicissitudes, and encountering many prejudices, as well as no small share of obloquy, the most impartial, as also competent judges, have at length stamped upon these waters that character to which they were early entitled, and which gives them a just claim to rank with the most celebrated mineral waters of this country.
The late Dr. De Butts analyzed the Shannondale water in 1821. An examination was made from a quantity of the solid contents of both springs, obtained by evaporation. One hundred grains, from the principal fountain, afforded the following results:

Sulphate of Lime, - - - - - - - - - 63
Carbonate of Lime - - - - - - - - - 10.5
Sulphate of Magnesia, (epsom salt) 23.5
Muriate of Magnesia, - - - - - - - 1
Sulphate of Iron, - - - - - - - - - 0.3
carbonate of Iron, - - - - - - - - 0.7

GASEOUS CONTENTS:
Sulphuretted Hydrogen -- quantity not ascertained.
Carbonic Acid - quantity not ascertained.
Solid Contents: -- 30 grains to the pint.
Temperature: -- 55 of Farenheit.

Its action on the liver is very important, in various respects, whether the secretion of bile is too abundant, producing some disturbance of the stomach and intestines, and from which, by the brisk action of the water on the bowels, relief is soon obtained; or, where there is reason to believe in the existence of defective secretion in that organ, marked by a sense of pain, or rather of uneasiness, in the right side, extending to the shoulder, some difficulty of lying on the left side, flatulence, acidity, and constipation, together with general diminution of strength, sallowness of complexion, and the absence of bilious [page 8] appearances from the bowels. In the above mentioned condition of the liver, by premising the use of calomel or the blue pill, and then resorting to the use of the Shannondale water, much advantage is generally gained, and the effect of the water rendered thereby more decidedly beneficial.

In the treatment of dyspepsia, the Shannondale water is generally acknowledged to be a remedy of superior value -- speedily mitigating the most urgent symptoms of that distressing affection, and finally changing the whole train of feelings common to dyspeptics. It is supposed that its usefulness, in this disease, is nearly in proportion to its cathartic effect.

In dropsical swellings, consequent to protracted intermittents, and where some degree of visceral obstruction is presumed to exist, and unaccompanied by inflammatory symptoms, the free use of this water is generally productive of great benefit, as has been most satisfactorily manifested on several occasions. Its virtues in the above affection are so highly appreciated by many physicians of this section of the country, as to be frequently used by them in conjunction with the common remedies.

For the relief of those who suffer from calculous affections, this water has been frequently used with evident advantages; a result which might be expected from its component parts -- its active diuretic properties, as well as the effect of dilution in such cases. It seems not only to lessen present summering, but has also, it would appear, a considerable influence in preventing the formation of gravelly concretions.

In the alleviation of the distress occasioned by Hemorrhoids, (Piles,) this water has in various [page 9] instances produced the best effects -- its mild action on the bowels in this affection, giving it peculiar value; its sulphureous impregnation, too, may have no small share in doing good, should there be reason to believe in the existence of congestion in the hepatic system, which some writers conceive to be a frequent cause of hemorrhoids.

Possessing in common with all waters containing a sufficient quantity of Sulphuretted Hydrogen, (the most important as a medicine of all the gaseous substances,) the property of acting on the skin, different persons have had recourse to the use of the Shannondale water in various obstinate affections of the cutaneous kind, with considerable benefit -- deriving from it nearly the same good effects attending the employment of those waters whose mineral impregnation has been sulphur alone in some form.

As an alternative, its claim to merit (independent of its purgative effect) is presumed to depend mainly on the union of the Sulphuretted Hydrogen. In Scrofula, as well as other affections indicating the use of alternatives, much benefit may be expected from the Shannondale water -- if the opinion is well founded that most of them are owing to a diseased condition of the digestive organs, and in the removal of which, mineral waters, of almost all kinds, are fitted to be useful by their immediate action of the lymphatic system.

However long kept up, the use of this water is not attended with that debility that follows even the mildest medicinal preparations; hence its efficacy in removing the languor, want of appetite, nervous irritability (depending on the want of power in the system) incident to females [page 10] under certain circumstances, and which has been often manifested. In those cases, whilst it actively promoted all the secretions, it imparted, at the same time, tone to the stomach, inspired the subjects with their former cheerfulness, and ultimately dissipated the pallid aspect, &c., so characteristic of such affections.

In the condition of the system above alluded to, the warm bath will serve as a very important auxiliary to the water, being well adapted to allay local irritation, as well as give strength to the system. It is generally believed to be a much safer remedy than the cold bath, and more particularly applicable to persons of weak and irritable constitutions, who could not bear the shock produced by cold bathing, in consequence of their not possessing sufficient vigour of circulation to bring about the proper re-action.

If may be safely said, that the whole train of morbid symptoms which generally constitute chronic affections, and having different names, are more or less benefitted by the use of this water. These symptoms are often the effect of irregularity, as well as peculiarity of habit, and are generally connected with constipation of the bowels. The symptoms, usually termed nervous, and which impel so many persons to seek relief from mineral waters, are, according to one of the most distinguished medical writers, so irregular and anomalous, that it is exceedingly difficult to embody them in a connected view, or even to enumerate them; in fact, they imitate with the greatest exactness, the symptoms of almost every other disease; and there are few chronic derangements, whether of function, or
structure, with which they are not more or less blended or [page 11] associated. Their principal focus, however, appears to be in the line of the digestive organs, from which they seem to radiate in every direction to the various other organs and tissues throughout the body. Thus (the same writer states) that among the primary and most constant phenomena may be reckoned flatulence in the stomach and bowels; nausea; deficiency, or great irregularity of the appetite; indigestion or nervous craving for food, with rapid digestion, followed by a sense of faintness and emptiness about the stomach -- sometimes pains or cramps of that organ, with a feeling of oppression there; low spirits, anxiety, timidity, strong pulsations occasionally in the abdomen, &c. For the alleviation of these feelings, so inimical to comfort or enjoyment, mineral waters are more likely to prove salutary than most articles of the Materia Medica, even when directed by skillful physicians. The necessary change of scene that takes place in visiting watering places, the
exercise of the body, the abstraction of the mind from the cares attendant on business, the interruption of a uniform train of thought and attention, all certainly co-operate with the beneficial effects of the waters.

With regard to the best time to drink the Shannondale water, morning is considered the most suitable -- drinking it at the springs if practicable. It seems proper here to observe, that the contents of both springs are similar in general; the upper one, however, containing a larger proportion of Sulphuretted Hydrogen than that which is commonly used. Invalids, suffering from calculous complaints. or those affected with dropsical swellings, should drink it at intervals during [page 12] the day, with as much freedom as is consistent with safety. It may also be taken at night by those who are desirous to secure its full effect on the bowels.

The quantity to be taken must depend on the condition of the system -- the state of the stomach -- and the effect of the water on the bowels. -- It is safest to begin with a moderate quantity, and to increase the dose if necessary. It should never be taken in such quantities, however, as to occasion a sense of oppression or weight at the stomach. The continuance of its use should be regulated by the nature of the disease and the effect it has on the system. In obstinate cases, which require a complete alteration of the habit to bring about salutary effects, it should be continued for some time. When the action of the water is slow, which will occasionally happen, much benefit will be derived from the Blue Pill, or (if there are prejudices entertained against mercurials in any shape) the compound Rhubarb Pill. A sense of coldness at the stomach is sometimes felt from drinking the Shannondale waters, -- some mild aromatic or cordial will soon relieve that feeling.

SCENERY, &C.

The annexed graphic description of the situation of these Springs, is from the pen of Professor Hall of Maryland, a gentleman of talents and distinction. The sketch, glowing as it is, does not in any respect overrate the attractions of the scenery or the beneficial effects of the water.

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SHANNONDALE SPRINGS.

Where are they? In Jefferson County, Va. 5 miles from Charlestown -- 13 miles, by the best road, from Harpers-Ferry, situated on a tract of land, of 200 acres, worked into the figure of an ox-bow, or a horse-shoe, by that beautiful stream, the Shenandoah river. A rim of land, of alluvial formation, in some places twenty rods in width, and it others, less than a single rod -- productive as the banks of the Nile -- encompassed the whole bow, except the open part. Back of this border, over which the river, beyond question, anciently flowed, the grounds rise gradually on the North, to an elevation of four or five hundred feet -- affording the looker-abroad a splendid observatory -- and then descend precipitously to the opposite water. The substratum of the hill, or mountain, is a species of blue transition limestone, on the South side, jutting out, here and there, in ragged, irregular crags of enormous magnitude. The stone is, with comparatively little expense, convertible into lime of the best quality.

How can invalids of the Monument City, get to these Springs? Nothing in the wold is easier. Step into an elegant car on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, early in the morning, and you will be transported to Harpers-Ferry before 2 o'clock, 82 miles. Here you will have leisure to breathe and to take a bird's-eye view of those beauties and sublimities of nature, so graphically described by the pen of the philosophic Jefferson. By this time, you will be summoned into the dining-room, where you will find as sumptuous a repast, and as good attendance, as you will meet with at Barnum's or at Page's. After dinner, you get into the cars of the Winchester [page 14] and Potomac Railroad Company, and in three quarters of an hour will reach Charlestown, ten miles. Here, a good Stage will be found in waiting, with a most obliging and careful driver. In this vehicle you proceed to the Ferry, by which you cross the
Shenandoah, and are bro't on to the broadest part of the horse-shoe. Moving along the margin of the winding river, your ears are now greeted, for the first time, by its never ceasing murmurs, occasioned by the passage of the flood over the numberless rocks which oppose its progress. A few yards from the path, you see the health-giving fountain, whose waters incessantly bubble up from the waters beneath, and are surrounded by a circular block of sandstone. In three minutes more you alight at your lodgings. The whole journey is performed in a single day, and with very little fatigue.

As you descend towards the Ferry, you see on the Northern side of the hill, and near its base, a long two-story brick edifice, made snow white by lime, and back of it, farther up the hill, a dozen or more small dwellings, mostly of wood, and now in good repair.

Back of these, and withdrawn a few rods from them, stand two one-story brick lodgments, separated each into four small convenient apartments. These are the best private rooms belonging to the concern, and are preferred by those who love and seek retirement. The upper stories of the long edifice are divided into twenty-five lodging rooms. The dining room, in the first story, is 80 feet long and 30 wide. In this spacious apartment, the light-footed nymphs and joy-seeking swains often mingle in the giddy dance. The buildings are neatly finished. Comfort is consulted.
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Can visiters find any amusements? Yes, many -- such as may accord with their taste. Are you a pedestrian? You have an agreeable promenade of a mile on the banks of a stream about as wide, but not so deep, as the Thames at London, but far more beautiful. Are you an angler? The home of the perch, the sucker and the eel, is the Shenandoah; -- a boat and fishing apparatus are prepared, and a colored man ever ready to attend you. Are you fond of hunting? Four or five fowling pieces are now standing in one of the rooms for your use? Do you like excursions on the water? A skiff is at hand -- you can go down the river in it to Harpers-Ferry in the evening, and row back in the morning. Are you a mineralogist or geologist? Gratifying ambulations may be made for examining the structure
of rocks, and the collecting of specimens. "I have not strength," you may say, "to perform these excursions." Then you can sit in your apartments, and amuse yourself in looking at the long rafts of lumber which are continually passing, and boats freighted with flour, some destined to the city of power, but more for the city of shot towers, and steamboats, and fine hotels. Backgammon, checker and puzzle boards, are at your call. Do you wish for the society of well educated gentlemen and ladies? No where in this country, or perhaps in the world, do you meet with better informed or more polished people, than very many of those who reside within the compass of six miles around Shannondale.

What is the appearance of the country around the Springs? I have seldom seen such scenery; so beautiful, so varied, so romantic. I have visited the medicinal fountains of Bath and [page 16] Bristol, in England, and often those of Saratoga and Ballston, in New York, and can safely affirm, that the prospect around none of these celebrated places, is, by any means, so delightful, so charming, as that around Shannondale Springs. Your view on the East, is limited by the long range of the mountains, called the Blue Ridge; on the North a hugh rock of lime-stone, with wonderfully contorted strata, stares you in the face; on the North West and West, you have before you a broad range of hill and dale, of country seats and farm louses, of pastures and fields and forests; on the South, you trace the rich valley of the Shenandoah, as far as vision can reach. -- Nearer, you behold the river, line on both sides by lofty umbrageous
sycamores, of natural growth, winding its current around the oxbow, and passing off in its serpentine course to unite with the waters of the mightier Potomac.

When I went to the Springs, I was afflicted with a rheumatic affection in my right arm, a total loss of appetite, a costive habit, and a fever, which visited me every night, producing great exhaustion and debility. Eight or nine tumblers of water, taken in different parts of the day, shortly occasioned regular and frequent evacuations, recalled an excellent appetite, and subdued the fever and rheumatism.

Indeed, at the close of the short period of six days, all my complaints had taken wing and departed. If there are, in this great city, and unfortunate individuals, similarly afflicted -- and doubtless there are hundreds -- I hope they will
make the same experiment that I have done, and experience the same happy result.

A BALTIMOREAN.