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��· TllE
MTNERAIJ WATERS OF VICHY
��THE
MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY
41-
AND TUE
DISEASES IN WHICn THEY ARE INDICATED
F OLLO WllD TIY
A
KETCH OF SOME OF 'l 'H E PRINCIPAL EXCU RSIONS 1
THE ENVIRONS
T
WITn TWO COLOURED MAPS
llY
DR. O. E. OORMAOK
LAUREATE 01' T Jl Y. YACULTY OF l.I};D , CINY. 010' J'A 1t[S; CONSULT I NG r n YS I CU. N AT
V(O II 'Y DUBl.NO 'rJŒ SUMMEil, AND ll lUCT l Sl NO AT ll yi';UKS
(VAR) DUItINO T U I< WJ!<TY.R
BmLloTHÈQUE
du Science8 médicale8
DE VICHY
LO N DO N
J . & A.
OnUROHILL
11, NEW B UHLINOTON STREE'r
1887
T 'S~
~
Jt
~ 4
S ~ 1-L.rl
f6
��PREFACE.
YEAR by year the number of visitors frequenting
this station steadily increases, and while almost every
nationality is annually repl'esented in a larger proportion, there is one exception to the general l'ule, the
number of English tends to decrease and is considerably less than ü was ten years ago. Why it should be
so, it is hard to say, considering the great value of its
thermal springs in the tl'eatment of numerous diseases
to which our countrymen are particularly exposed, and
the facilities for making the journey thither.
It has been snggestedto me, thatwhile agreatnumber
of French works have beon written upon these Waters,
there are comparatively few English ones on the same
subject, and that if the English were able to consult a
work in their own tongue, written in a popular style,
with a minimum of seientific terms, containing a digest
of what some of the gl'eatest authorities have written
upon the Vichy Wators, it could not fail to draw the
attention of onr country men to what most of them
certainly ignore, the great efficacy of these Waters in
the treatment of a number of complaints which we
describe.
�VI
PREFACE.
This little work is in two parts, and bas been composed not so much for the medical profession as for the
public; and we have endeavoured to explain in populal'
language where the thermal treatment is indieated,
and how the Waters operate .
The Vichy Waters are alkaline, and contain on an
average 5 grammes of bicarbonate of soda pel' litre.
There are numerous springs, varying slightly in composition but more particularly in temperatnre. W 0
give the analysis and temperature of each spring, and
also their individual indications, when they have aDY,
and in a general way indicate why the preference
should be given to one spring rather than to another
in certain diseases, or during cortain corn pli cations of
theso diseases.
After treating upon the genel'alities of the Vichy
thermal Waters, and descl'ibing each individu al
spriug, wc have eXpIaincd the use of these Waters,
how theyare employed iuternaUy and externally j and
before passing to the diseases which are treated at
this station, we have given sorne general hints ou
hygiene which the patient would do weIl to follow.
In describing the different compl:ünts w'hich may bo
relieveù by the thermal treatmeut, we have avoic1ed
touching upon any treatment accessory to it. '1'0
have gono into su ch dotails would have been of no
advantage to tl1e patient, and would l1ave necessitated
a very much larger work.
�PREFACE .
Vil
The second part of this work is intended to show
the visitor how he may pass agreeably his leisure} and
assist his cure. It is to a certain extent an adjuvant
to the treatment} and after giving certain explanations
concerning the joul'ney} &c'} and some details about
the town} and the amusements to be had there} we
have descl'ibed a number of most delightful promenades
in the environs.
Two maps will be found in this volume . The first
a plan of the tOWll} the second a map of the neighbourhood showing the carriage roads and paths to the
different places describod in the excursions. These
maps have been executed especially for this work} and
we trust that the visitors to Vichy will find them
useful. We have avoidcd encumbering the map with
too many names} as taking away from its clearness}
and for the same l'eason omit the mountain ranges.
Should this worle be the moans of inducing more of
our countrymen to come to Vichy} and assist thom by
tho contents of the second part to pass their time
pleasantly while thero} the author's object will have
boon accomplished.
crr. E . CORMACK.
VrLLA FAUBERT, VrOIn: j
1887.
��CONTENTS.
PART I.
CHAPl'ER 1.
PAGE
l
VWTIY AND ITB OmGIN
ClIAP'l'ER II.
Gym ImAT,I'rIIIS
10
Ul'ON TilE MINEUA.L WATERS OP VICUY
CIIAP'l'ER III.
'l'liE 'l'HlllurAL
PJUNOS OP VICUY CONSIDEUJ>D INDIVIDUALLY
22
CHAPTER IV.
'J'IlE DIl'PEltllNT WAYS IN WJIlOIi
l'lIE VICllY WATEUS AUE
70
71
79
EMPLOYllD
A. IutOl'Illl1 'l'l'Olltmout
D. Extcl'Ilu.1 'l'l'catlllout-llllLhs, Douches
. Cfll'bonic Acid 'l'rcutmenL
Jl~GIEN
CllAP'l'Elt
AND
8fJ
v.
93
Dm!'
b
�x
CON'l'ITIN'l'S.
CHAPTER VI.
PAOE
10
DIBliASES TBllATliD AT VXOUY
Disordel's of the Stomnch :
A. Dyspcpsia
D. Gnstralgia .
103
117
VU.
CHAP'lE~
DIBEABES 01' THE INTESTINES
Entcl'itis
D. Dysentery
o. Constipation
121
121
A.
l24
120
CHAPTElt Vlll.
UTERINE OIBEABEB-METRITIS
123
CHAPTElt IX.
DIBEABliB OF TUE J,IVER
Congestion of thc Liver
D. llepatitis
o. Dilinry Lithinsis-Gnll·stoue Colie
A.
137
137
BI
1 4~
CllAP'l'Elt X.
DIBllABllB Ol!' THE UmNARY ÛUQ-ANS
Reual Lithillsis-Gruvcl- Nophl'iLic 00lic8
D. Albuminul'in- Bright'H Diseu se
o. Vesical ClIt~'rh-Oic
Cy8t;i~
A.
J 4·\)
140
157
165
CIIAP'l'lm XI.
GOU'L'
170
�Xl
CON'l'EN'fS,
CHAPTEH XII.
188
A. CHLOROBIS-GIŒEN SlOKNESB-ANlEMIA.
D. CONGES'I'ION
OF l.'HIl
SPLEEN -
MALARIA -
INTEUMIT1.lIlNT
193
l!'llVEU
CHAP'l'EH XlH.
199
DrllllETllB MllLLI1.'US
PART II.
ClIAP'l'EJt 1.
. 235
GllNEllAL INFOUMATION
CllAl'1'lm II.
255
VIOHY 'l'owN
CllâP'l'BH III.
A. 'l)~
!J.
'1'JlllHMAL ESTAllLISHMEN1.' OF VIOHY
'l'lm CASI1IO
CUâP'l' lm
IV.
PltOMIlNADES IN '!'IŒ gNVlltONS OF VlOllY
'J'ho
'l'he
Montllgnc
YerLe
Vosse Intrrmitwnt
Cusset
MnillVlltlX
2(j~
270
SI'I"illi'
2[)U
200
291
294
20G
�XIl
CON1'ENTS.
PAGE
L'Ardoisièro
CÔte St. Amllnd
Hauterive
Le Puys. Grenier
MllUlmont
Randan
Billy Cllstle
Thiers
Ln. Palisse
Effiat
Gannat-Pont de Rouzllt
Bourbon-Busset Castle
Ch/ltoldon
Clermont-Ferrand
Royat
Puy-de-Dôme
Ébrouil
Veauce
Chantelle
300
304
307
308
310
314
317
322
326
333
336
341
346
351
356
360
361
362
361
�THE
MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
CIIAPTER 1.
VICllY
AND
rrs
OltIGIN.
VICllY is situatod upon the south bank of the River
Allior, in tho Departmont of Allior, in tbe centro of
::t valley, sUl'round d on vory sido l)y smaU hills. It
is ono of the. most populal' and frcqnented watel'ing
stations in Franco, owing to iLs numerous minoraI
springs and their gl'oat e:Œcacy in the troatment f
numel'OUS disorders, of which we ::;hall troat in another
chapter.
Vichy is 237 milos south-oast of Paris, about LlO
miles south of Moulins, anù 1] LI•. mile::; ùistaut (rom
Lyons . ILs climate is very similal' Lo that of Paris.
'flle proximity of the Auvergno lUonutains is a cause
for frequent violont sLorms. No cl1demic diseuses
are known in the JocaJity. The bal'Ollleter l'eaüing i::;
1
�2
'fHE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
t
generally about 735 mm., and the town stands at
about 282 yards above the level of the sea.
vVe wiU not stay to diseuss the geologieal stratas
upon which the town is buiIt, and from which the
c1iŒerent springs rise. We give the analyses and
pl'operties of these springs in another part of this
work, and will on]y casually mention hero, tbat at no
very considerable dopth beneath the surface of the
ground lies an enormous oxpanse of watel', the qllantity or which it is impossible to form an approximate
ic1ea. This is easily provod by borings j an artificiai
spring can be produced almost anywhere in and
arounc1 the town by this means, tho mineraI springs
thus obtained being very clos Iy allied to each other
as far as thoir constituent parts aro concernod. 'l'hoy
aro a11 rich in bicarbonato or soda and cal'bonic acid
gasj what varies most lS thoir tomporature. 'l'he
l 'tl\Lo, recognising tho prejudice that woulü bo causod
tCl the town \Vore ovoryono freo to make borings, has
wisely pa~sod
a law forùic1clil1g any borings fol' new
:-:prings in Vichy or wiLhin sorne miles outsitlo of the
town. rrhis is a grertLer boon to tho hcalth-seoking
yisitol'fl than aL first sigM appoars, 101' hac1 evory
individual a right to opon a spl'ing oC liis own, nU 'onll'oi ovel' tho genninonoss and quali.ty of tho c1jIToront
waLers \Vould bo lost, fl,nel tho gual'nntoo ancl ]wotec[ion Wllich tbcy havo DOW fl'om tllO Compagnio FerlIlil'ro woniel l'lm tho risk of being woakenod by
f.j1l1rious waLors boing passcù oIT as gellnine.
IL is a much dobatod qnestion how and Ït'Ol11 whal
�VICHY AND ITS ORIGIN.
3
source Viclly del'ived its name. The most generallyaccepted opinion, however, appears to be, that it is
deriveà from the Latin « Vicus Callidus." It appears
pretty conclusively proved, at any rate, that it is of
Celtic origin, from the different coins, inscriptions,
pottery, &c., that hava been discovered from time to
time both in the town and in its environs. No positive data are, however, fortbcoming, by which it is
possible to fix the actual ara in which the town arose,
and very little is known about it until the eleventh
century.
We kllOW tbat in the Middle Ages Vichy was divided"
into four distinct parts: lst. Le Moustier j 2ncl. Villeaux Juifs j 3rcl. La Ville, and 4th. Le Château Franc.
The thermal estiLblishmont and its annexes now
occupy w]lat was previously known as Le Moustiers.
'rhe Ville aux J aifs was situated between Vicby and
Cusset. La Vïlle, as fat' as the town is concerneù, has
entirely disappeared, whel'eas Le Château Franc, built
upon a mass of calcareous rocks, Iormed by a deposit
of the Celestins (mineraI) waters, is DOW tho site of
OlLl Vichy.
'l'bo Bourbon Dukes played an important part in its
histol'y aL thia tim \; again, in more recent times
Vichy was the theaLl'e of many bitter anù sanguinary
ùispuLes between the Catholic anù Proteslant parties
-the Lown suITel'ed much hom pillage anù sacki1lg',
ln the seventoenth
cculnry, iu the reiO'11
of Ki11O'
.
0
0
llenry nI, a small llOuse with a couple or batlH";, Cu111pl'lsing a system or ùouchcs, was llllilt, anù a lit Lle
�4
'l'HE MINERAL· WATERS OF VICIIY.
Jater, in 1675-6, Madame de Sévigné visited the town
to undergo the water treatment.
So charmcd was nIaùame de Sévigné with the
bcauties al the town, the lovely scenery around it,
the fine wood!'! and the vordant aspect of the country,
and tho benoficial e:ffects she derived from tho waters,
that she wrote many rapturous letters to friends describing her tl'catment, her impressions, &c.
From this moment Vichy may be said ta have
existe d, in the populal' acceptation of the word; for
although lrom time immernorial its springs had been
employeù, thcir nses haù been limited, and alrnost
entit'eJy l'esLl'icLed to thoso people living in close
proximity to thern .
Madame do Sévigné's Jetters found their way to
Paris, :mù sa rnuch wit anù humour were discovored
in thern tbat tltey passeù, so to speak, {rom hand to
hancl. We subjoin a translation of one of thorn; tho
original wil] be lound al, foot of page 5.
ri l comrnenceù to-ùay tho ùOLlche; il, is a fairly gooù
rehoarsal of purgatory. One is perfccLly naked in C~
sr/wU slû,iel'/"aneolls p7acc, whero yOIl fincl a pipe of hot
water, which ll. woman plays upon you wh re you like.
This statc, where you hardly kcop on a fig lear, hy
way of aU atLire, is su(TicionLly Illlmilin,ting. SOll1ebody is bcbincl a sercen who kcops up your eourage
for tho space of halE-an-hou!'; tllü; person, fol' roc,
waS a ùoctot' of Gannat, that Mme. cle oa,illes llas
bl'ought eaeh time ta ]le1' bathR, whoro s110 likes very
much, who is a very ùccent lOUOW, not at an a cha1'-
�VICHY AND ITS ORIGIN.
5
latan, ,vith nothing' to pl'eoccnpy him. She sent him
to me out of pure genuine rriendship. l keep him, at
no matter what cost, ror tho doctors OI this place are
insupportable, and this man amuses one. He is not
tho least bit liko a nasty doctor : he is witty, honest,
he knows tho world j in ract 1 am pleased with him.
" So he used to speak to mo when l was llndergoing
my torture. Figure to YOUl'self a jet or water against
some UnrOl'tunate part or your body as boiling as it is
possiblo rOI' you to imagine. Thoy commence by
alarming overy part so as to mako. one danco, and
then they diroct their attention to the joints that
have been aLtackod, but wh en they get at thc base or
the neck it is a !cind OI :lire and surprise which cannot be understood. That, however, is the knot
(essential) or tho whole a.Œail'. Ono must support
everything, and one bears aIl and is not in the least
bm'nt, and then one gets into a warm bed, whero one
pm'spires fl'eoly, and in this wiso you are curod.
TIoro agaiD my doctor is kiud j for, instead of loaving
mo to a two hours' ennui, which is Inseparable from
tho perspiration, l g t him to l'ead to me, and it
amuses me. To finish, l sha1l continue thi!:! life fol'
Sovon Or C'ight days, c1uring which l tllOught J was to
drink j but they will not allow it-iL would be doing
too rnuch, so my jOUl'lley is thus somewhat length.
oneù."
*
• " .J"li comm llc6 Illljourdhui I~ douche: c'ust UIlC nssez bonne
r6p6titiol1 du purglltoire. On est tout 11UO dlllla 11/1 petit lie" so"tor·
rain, où l'ou trouve Ull tUyllll de cetlc CIIU cllllude, qu'ullC fellllllc VOliS
�THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
We would observe that Madame de Sévigné's
remarks concerning the place and mode of applying
the douche are no longer valid. N o~hing
could be
more comfortable than the present organisation of
the baths.
It was not, howover, un~il
1829 that Vichy can be
said to have had a propel' thermal establishment. It
was in 1814 that the Duchesse d'Angoulème laid the
foundation-stone of the present building, which was
completcd by the al'chitect Beauvais in 1829. At the
fait aller 011 vous voulez. Cet état, où l'orl conscrve il. peiue une feuille
de figuiOl' pour tout habillement, est une chose assez humilill1lte.
DCl'1'ière un rideau se met quelqu'uu qui vous soutien le courage pen·
dant une dcmi·heure; c'était pour lUoi UII n1(JIleciu dc Gaunat, que
Mde. de Nouilles Il mené à toutes ses eaux, qu'elle aime fort, qui est
11n fort honuête g'llt'çon, point churhltnn, ni préoccupé de rien, qu'elle
m'a envoy6 pal' purI' cL bouno amitié. Je le l'cLions, m'en dut·il COll ter
mon bonnet, cal' ccux d'ici me sont 'ntièt'emcnt insuportl\b~,
ct cet
hommo Il''lunuse. lino re"semble point il. uu vilain médecin; iln de
l'esprit, de l'honnêtet6; il connait 10 monde; cnfin j'en suis contente.
"Il me l'a,.}'iÏt donc pendant quo ,j'étais nu Rupplice. Représentez.
vous un ,ieL d'cnu contre quelqn'unc de vos pauvres pllt'ties, toute hl plus
bouillulJlc CJuc vous puissiez imagincr. 011 met d'abord l'alarme par.
toul pour IIIctLre cn mouvement tOllS les c~pl'its,
ct puis on s'llttacho
flUX jointures (Jui ont 01.6 IIfl1ig6es; lllllis qUl\nd 011 vient il. la nUCJue du
COll, c'est ulle 801'1.0 dc feu ct de 8urpi~c
qui ne p ut sc comprenclre;
c'cst là cepclldant 1 uoouù de l'uffaire. Il fuut. tout souffrir, ot l'on
soutIre tont, et l'ou n'~st
point bl'ul6e, et 1'011 se met onsuit.c duns un
lit clrnud, Oll l'ou SllC Ilbont!IUl1mcnt, ct voilà co qui gu6l'it. Voici
encore oll IllOU médecin est bon, Cllr, nu lieu de m"lbandouner à doux
heur08 d'un ennui, qui no se peut sc s6plll' l' de h\ sueur, je le fuit lil'o
ct cela IllC divertit.. Enfill jc l'orui ceLte vio pelllhnt sept il. huit jonrR,
pendnllt Ic~qul8
je 'l'oynis I>oi,'o; mais on no veut pns, ee somit trop
do chooes; du sorte quo c'est une petite allonge il. Illon voynge."
�VICHY AND l'fS ORIGIN.
7
same time the waHs which encircled the towu) constructed under Louis II, were thrown down, and the
trenches fiHed up. The hospital, constructed uuder
Louis XIV, and which was then in a dilapidated
condition, was reb uilt) and the new town of Vichy
replaceù the old.
Us popularity) however, increased temold when
Napoleon III passed a season here in 1861. Every
year from that date until 1865 Napoleon III undertook the most elaborate improvements, had parks laid
out) the banks of the river raised) and drew attention
to the marshy condition of the country along the
banks of the river. He had this state of mattera
ehanged) and whatever opinion Lhe Vichy inhabitants
may have of him in other maLtera they owe him a
doep debt of gratitude fol' what he did fol' the town,
fol' it ia in groat part due to him that Vichy ia now in
such a prosperous condition.
W 0 cannot do better in closing this chapter than
give the translation oE what Ml'. Henry d'Ideville
wl'iLes upon Lhe transformation of Vichy consequent
upon the Emperor's visit :
With tho Emperor Napoleon III Vichy has suùdonly undel'gono a change in appearance and in fortune, just as his Napoleonic Majesty had but to appcal'
at Mal'ly and at Versailles to creaLe these places.
Thol'o, where fol' centuries the river had been fOl'ming
banles upon banks of sand, Lhe now Soveroign has
causeù a magnificent park to al'ise) intersected by
numerous shadyalleys) and adorned \ViLh lakes anù
(C
�8
'.rHE MIXERAL WA'.rERS OF VICHY.
gl'een 13owus) the wholo beiug protoctec1 from the
encroachments of the river by an embankment 1GOO
mètres in longth) the splenùic1 work of the State
engmeers.
The Emperor camo to Vichy for tho first timo in
18Gl. Tho country ploaseù him j he hopec1 to gût
lJ30ck his hoalLh thel'e. 'l'his was tho l'cas on of his
Iiking) anù of the viol ont fancy ho Look for this
thormal station) which) thanks to hilU) was ontiroly
motamol'phosod) onùowoc1 with roads) promenn.des)
and buildings .
cc In 1864) by ordor of the Sovoroign) the OOlllpagnie Fermièro had const,t'Llcted a lal'ge) elegant) and
cOlll[ortahlo Oasino) to which the privilege of worlcing the mineraI springs possessed hy the Stato was
renewed) a pl'ivilego which hac1 boon cOllcccloc1 in 1833.
IIotols rose as hy magic on tho Rides of the Nouveau
Park. Napoleon HI) having chosen Vichy roI' his
summer CI uartors) mtLurally atLracted Lo tho same
, &c.) who
spot tho usual troop of courtiers) ac1li'(~rs
are always roady Lo [ollow tho load of l'oyaUy.
"Napol on III livel] vory simply n.t Vichy. TIo
caused two chaleLs to bo built alongsiJe the park)
vory comfortahlo) but \Vith no proLonsions to luxury,
Bvery yoar he spcut a month thoJ'o, the Empl'OSS
rarcly appcarillg wiLh him. As a gonol'al rulo Ilis
~fajesty
camo accoll1pn,nioc1 only by Gon01'al Fleury)
a fow of the ordonnanco oIIicors) and a picluet or tho
Oont-Gardos. Wo must admit that Lho sojoul'n of tho
Emperor :l.Ud his suite changed considorably the
(C
�VICHY AND l'rS ORlGIN .
9
quiet and somewhat severe appearance of the town.
Distinguished foreigners, artists, and politicians cast
their eyes towards this residence, and during the
Imperial month the avenues of the park had quite a
particular aspect.
"There was l'eason to feat' for a moment that the
unfortunate war of 1870, with its fatal consequencos
to France, would lessen the prosperity of the station.
Nothing of the kind. Since 1870 the number of
bathors at Vichy has doublod, and the reason is easy
to understand, for, not to speak of the efIicacy of its
marvollous waters, which have not their equal, we
believe; but at Carlsbad, patriotic l'casons have contributod to attl'act many French who have been
accustomod to froquont the German spas,
" Tho great num bol' of doc tors at Vichy is expbincd
by the truly pl'odigious numbel' oI patients who come
to drink the waters, and who rOl' the most part l'etUl'n
homo radically cured. UnIorLunate]y a number of
thol1l roLurn next season, having noglected to follow
the strict and rigorous régime orderod by the medical
colcbl'itios or tho place. Onco at ho~e
they roturn
to theïr orc1inary way of living and aIl has to be
commonced aùesh ."
�10
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
OHAPTER II.
OENERALITIES UPON TITE MINERAL WA'l'lŒS
m'
V/cITY .
THE mineraI springs or Vichy are an closely allied
in composition j there are sligllt differcnces in tas te
and sillell, but wLat most distinguishes one spl'ing
froill anothel' is of a pUl'cly pLysical nature, viz. the
temperature.
A eertain number of the springs belong to the
State j tLcse are :
La Grande Gril lo.
Le Puits Oarré.
Le Pui ts Ohomel.
Les Oelestins (three Spl'ingR).
, 'ource de l' II ôpltnl.
Source Lucas.
l'ource dtl Parc.
t:loul'ce Mesdames .
Source de llautel'ive.
OtLers belong to private individuals :
Source Larbaud aîn6.
Prunelle.
Vesso.
Lardy.
�GENERALl'l'IES UrON 'l'lIE MINERAL W ATERS .
11
Sainte Marie) }
Elisabeth}
Tracy)
at Cusset.
St. Jean)
Dubois)
Source Larbaud-St. Yorre)
belonging
Som'co des Acacias)
to M.
Nonvelles Sources de Vichy (three
Larbaudsprings),
Sources des P iouniers (three spring ) St. Yorre .
Source des Graviers)
Source Mallat.
Sourco Gnerrier.
Source Forissier.
Source Charnaux:.
Many of these springs are natural) 'i . e. spring up
naturally hom the ground) while others are al'tificial)
aml obtainetl by bOl'ings} antl constitute what are
tel'med artesian wells.
The springs of ichy and its environs have one
common ol'igin) they aU riso from beneath the alluvial
or lacnstrian soil fOl'ming tho bottom of the V:111ey of
the Allio!') where they probably form an immense
unclorground lake) and tbey issue above ground either
through natural 01' artificial orifices.
M. Dufréllois) gencral inspector of mines) in the
report he sent to the Minister of Agriculture and
Commerce in 1852) on the Vichy waters) wl'itcs thus:
(translation .)
Cl Whcncver one has borod within a radius oI about
�12
TRI!) MINEll.AL W.A'rE
I ~S
OF VICHY .
10 kilornetres of the springs of Vichy, gaseous alkaline spt'iugs have been discovered analogous to those
of Vichy. Thus there is a vast quautity of mineraI
water in this basin. 'fhe borings have proved that aIl
these springs rise !rom the alluvial sail which COYOl'S
the valley of the Allier; they have been stopped at a
layer of red clay, which appeal'S ta exist evel'ywhel'e
at the sarne level, dividing the alluvial sail into two
parts. The bore after having piel'ced this layer bas
al ways brought up analogons sands to those of the
uI pel' pn,rt. Thus one may con si cl r the alluvial soil
siLuated beneath the layer of c1ny' as 10l'ming a kiml
of sponge, which roceives the mineraI waters of
the ascending shaH and conducts them to the SU1'faco .
" This disposition of the minoraI waters of Vichy
diITers ossentially from that Ol the minoraI wators or
lllountaiuous couuLries, espocinlly Lhose of the Alps,
the Pyrenees, Mont Dol' , a,nel the Vosgcs. '1'hose
Rpring np direct lroUl cl'ysLallino J'ocks; thus, hy
means of sllbtel'l'a,noous gallel'i s, in geuorai but of
shorL 10ngLh, one cau geL Lo theil' ol'igin, cil'cul11vcnt aU tho small str amlets, unite, and capLuro
thcm."
M. Bouquet asserts tbat it is i.mpossible Lo donbt
but Lhat Lhese thermal wators al' a11 lerivod fl'oll1 the
alluvial soil, and aro l'cally f geological formation, the
same as the Cl'ysLalliseù rocks. They tako hardly
anyLhing from tho superiol' Jaycrs of clay and
calca.reous layera; on Lho contl'ary, they lorm a
�GENERALITIES UPON THE MINERAL WATERS .
13
doposit which, Iittle by JittIe, forms a solid and thick
layer, which linos the side of the orifice by which
they escape from the soil. So considorable is tbis
deposit in cE::rtain of the springs, that the pipes would
become blocked up if caro woro not taken to keep
thom free,
'l'he e seu tial cbemical character 01 aU the Vichy
springs is the vast proportion of bicarbonate of soda
whicl they contain, aud which gives thom the first
place amongst mineraI wators. This snJt is to be
found in qualltitios varyiug from 4~ to 5~ grammes
pel' litre, according to the spril1g, the avorage beil1g
5 grammes, or a 1ittlo under 1 ~ clracbms pel' quart,
Iron is also to be found in vat'jable quantities, and
arsonic from 1 milligramme to 3 milligrammes pel'
quart, Tbe dilIerent salts aro held in a state of dissolution by an oxooss of carbonic acid gas, in which all
tho springs are very rich .
A great deaI has beell said lately for and agail1l:it
these springs, from Lheil' very richness in bicarbonate
of sodrt, in Lhe tl'eaLmeut of chlol'osis (green sicknoss).
vVo thilllc Lhat tho cbomical rtction 01 the watel' hm;
not beon proporly undol'stood, and a fow '.Yords of explanation on this subjoct will not be ont of place ho1'o,
ln tho first placo, we allow Lhn,t thoro is ch10rosis amI
chlo1'05is, L1u-Lt is to say, maladies which, while bem'ing
the samo nfLme, cliff r essontially aceording' to thcil'
origin. \Vo win discuss Lhat poin L w hen t1'eating the
subject of chlorosis, what we would Hay DOW is that
in Lhe vast majol'ity of cases 110thing could bo 11101'0
�14
THE MINERAL WA'rERS OF VLCBY.
conducive to a cure, or at any rate to a great improvement in the symptoms, than the uso of these waters.
It lS easy to explain their action in a genel'al
way.
The tond oncy tbat the blood has to coagulate spontaneously in aIl cases of cachexia bas long since been
proved by clinical study, Dif[erent opinions have
boon given to explain this ten lency to coagulation,
but tbe one most gonerally crcclitod is, that the [ibrin
anù fibrogonous elements aro in exceS3 . If this bo tbe
correct vi w, it stands to reasou tlJa,t we should
ondoavoul' to diminish the quautity of fibrogonous
maLters conlaiued in tho blood. We obtain Lhis l'esult
by Lho use o[ tlle Vichy watcrs,
Thcso allmli.ue mineraI watol'S nct upou tho wIlOle
mass of tho blood j tllOy accelorate tho circulation by
clefibl'illating tho blood r by pl'evouLing a production
of fibrine in oxcoss, wltich koC'ps np 01' fLggravatos the
tliseaso. 'l'ho blood tIllis bocomes more Quicl, al1ù fol'
this very rcason S01110 physicians cOl1sid '1' that tho use
of nn alkltlino wato1' is contra-indienLctl j bilL th Y
havo 1'Ot l'ully consiùol'eù Lhe fUl'Llwl' action of tlle
watcrs, aucl Lhe flulc1i Ly of blooc1 neocl cause no alat'm
if th pn.tiont do cs noL excrocl tll' qnantity he js
ol'c1ol'où to Lake, fol' 1,110 fLll,thor actioll of tho waLer is
tonie anù sLimulating. 'l'he il'on and aJ'senical coust iLnonLs of tho watel' play also an fLdive part in Lhe
nuLrition allcl in the f01'Ulfltiun of l'ccl 110ocl-col'pnselcs.
'J'lins in this class of a[fecLioml iL if:> clc:trly indicalcd
(as Ims b0011 pl'oyC'd hy OXpCl'illlouttl perfol'mcc1 by
�OENERAL1TIES UPON 'rITE MINERAL WA'rERS.
1&
Pl'ofessor Gavarret and M. Anstral) to lncrease the
fluidity oÏ thc blood, W hi ch result lS most easily
obtalned by the use of these waters. Admitting that
the blood Is already too fluid in these disol'ders, it is
at the same time too rich in fibl'ogcnous matters) which
interÏcrc with the circulation and ln'event the blood
from acquil'ing its l l'opel' tone.
Its ::Lction is not exc111sively confiuec1 to rendering
the blooc1 more fluid by its alkaline properties) but it
Ims a marked and otherwise importa,nt action by its
il'on and arsenic) which, undcr the action oÏ the carbonic acid) aid the assimi.1ation) and tend to increase
the numbel' oÏ red blood-corpuscles, The way in
which tllC iron is assimilated wiLh the carLonic acid,
givcs it the superiol'ity over the artiAcially pl'epared
mcdicu,ments containing il'on, and which freqllently
are uoL ùigestcc1.
1\1, Bouq u t has cstimatcd th qnantity of salts
snpplicd by all the Vichy springs together, The
figure he arrives aL is most formidable j ::Lccording to
him thc daily yield is about 5] 02 kilogrammes, which
woulll lDako a grand toLal of 1)86 l)2aO kilogrammes
ycal'ly, The Thermal Company manufactured 19)12
kilogl'funmcs in 1885, n,nd consic1cl'ing what a very
small '1l1antlLy comparatively of the waters it
employed to extract Lhis largo quantity of salts, we
~hou1d
thin]' that M, BoucplcL's estimn,te cannot bo
Jal' oul. FolV places in Flnl'ope coulet be mcntione(l
(l1joying sueh an aeCUIn ulalion of wcalLh in the shap
of mill('l':Ll waLers,
�16
'l'HE MINERAL WA'rERS OF VICHY.
We have said that the temperature of these Rprings
varies considerably, from 10° Centigrade to 46°, or in
Fahrenheit from 50° to 115°. Doubtloss the difference in temperature depenc1s upon what cours'e they
follow unc1et· grounc1, the Iength of their passage in the
coole1' strata, and also to a certain extent by the comparative preponderance of certain prodl1cts, such as
iron, sl1lphu1', organic matter, &c.
Âs a generaI rule the most abunc1ant springs at'e
those having aIso thQ highest temperature, while those
giving the lowest yield are the coolest. For exarnple,
the Puits Carré and the Grande Grille, which give
l'cspectively a c1aily suppl Y of 240,000 litres anc1
96,000 litrcs, have a temperature of 46° and 40°
Centigrade. The Celestins, producing daily 25,000
litres, have but 11 temperature varying from 15° to 16°
Centig t·ade .
'iiVhen pourecl iuto a glass the wator is clear, limpicl,
and clIervcscent, ancl numbers of srualL bubbles will
he seen eseaping frOlll the body of the water, while
oLllOrs cling to the sicles of the glass. These bubbles
are caused by the excess of carbonic acid which the
watel' contains.
rl'1lOY have a slightly soapy tas Le, more or less perceptibl accol'ding 1,0 the qllanLiLy 01 carhonic acic1,
the savour is slightly n::mseous, n.nd SOlUe oC them
lllLve a decic1ec11y unploasrmt smoU of su lphuretted
Ilydr03'on, particuhLdy those uf tbe Parc, Lardy,
Ultolllol, Vesse, and l.Jucas sprillgs . This sUlcll will
gcnerally disappear in the Course 01 a few minuLes if
�GENERALITIES UPON THE MINERAL WA'rERS.
17
the glass be allowed ta stand. The presence of the
sulphuretted hydrogen IS easily demonstmted by
plunging a Flilver article into the water, which will be
found quite black wh en taken out.
The Vichy waters have a special action other than
that of being an excitant, which is a common property
of an mineraI waters j they give rise ta chemical
changes in the system by their alkaline properties.
With an patients it is remarked that the whole of
the secretions become alkaline) ev en, those whi.ch are
normal1y acid, such as the mine and the perspiration,
and this, no matter what may be the malady for
which the patient is being tl'eated, or from what
spring ho may be drinking.
The bicarbonate of soda is eliminated from the
system pl'Ïncipally by means of the bdneys, anù its
presence in the urine is by no moans a proef of saturation. 'Che urinary secreti.on varies normaIly froID
1200 to J.500 grammos (/j,2 to 50 ounces) pel' twontyfonr hours) and it is only natural that the bicarbonate
or soda should be more concentratod when it arrives
in the urine than in the b100ù, auù consequently that
the chelllicai action will bo morc onel'g tic in tho
urinary system than in the cil'culi1tory system. We
shaH rCV'Ol't La this sl1bject when spelLking of stone in
the bIaùùer and gr av l.
Experience has pl'oveù that the urine can remain
aikaline fol' months, not only wiLhout n-lvil1o' r[se to
'ù
0
0
anyacCl ents, but assisLiug, ou the contrary, the l'oturll
to health.
2
�]8
'l'UE M1NERAL WATERS OF ViCHY.
As the secretions are modified so is the blooù,
which becomes more charged with alkaline principles;
but if one bears in mind that the qnantity of alkaline
elements in the different humours of the body far
exceeds that of the acid elements, and that the
()l'ganic l'eactions and changes take place in a medium
that is normally alkaline, one will unc1el'stand that,
cven supposing the alkalies to bo in excess, the
Janger wiU be less than if Lhe acic1 elements were in
ex cess, auc1 how it is possible to exaggerate the fit'st
wiLhout causing any unfavorable effect on the genentl
health.
By then' exciting and tonic pl'opel'ties, these waters
<\l'e conLraindicated in ail acnto iullammatory maladies,
aud in chronic inflammations which have a tendency
tü become acute afresh; they are iudicated ou the
contral'y in chronic affections, which have not this
tcndelloy, and whenover ODO desires to timulato a
pnl'ticular organ, to accelerate the circulation, excito
tho secl'oLions and regulato the nutrition and as::!iLDilation. By theil' chomical pl'operties thoy are
indicaLeù in cortain cases of congestion, biliary
calculi, complaints of the liver, grav'l, stone in the
bluddOl', chl'onic cys titis, gout., rllOumatism, dia1)eLes, &e.
Ml'. Lucas, in speaking 01 the Vic]lY waters, says:
(translation.)
{( The Vichy waters pl' sont a far more important
<lilIul'onco in thoir thorapoutic us os than one conld
}Javo supposed from thoir chomical aualyais, and
�OENERAL!'l'IES UPON THE MINERAL WATERS .
10
although it is difficult to show à pl'iori) the l'eason of
these di:Œerences, numerous observations, repeated.
dm'ing twenty-three years, leave me without a doubt
on this point."
According to the constitution or the patients and.
the nature or theil' maladies, the same spl'ing will
excite the one and calm the other, cause lethargy in
this caso) restlessnoss in that, in the one diarrhooa, in
the other constipation, calm pains hel'e) cause pains
there, strengthen the one nnd weaken the other.
'ometimes it will prod.uce a tendency to obesity,
while with another person it has an entirely opposite
effcct. Thus it is essential that no patient should
tl'cat himseH, but confide his case to sorne med.ical
man who has made these waters his study, and who,
by rollowing the patient during the whole course of
his treatment, can at any moment modify the trcatment when he sees the occasion and advisability roI'
so doing, and of which he alone is able to judge.
paticnt who takes his caso into his own hands, and.
Lreats himself by drinkillg' at this or that Spl'illg by
the aclvice of sorne non-prorossiollal friend, invariably
comes) soon 01' late, und.er the doctol"S han d, and. gellcrally with aggl'avaLed sympLoms . TI 0 learns too lato
thaL Lhe waters are not so hal'mless as they appeal' to
1 ) und. llOt only will he have wasted his tiwc, bllt
perhiLps 1c obliged to go to sorne other station to tt-y
and. l'omcdy the cIrects of his foUy . These ca!:!CR
OCcur constantly.
We will close this chapLor by rolating the cond.i-
���22
'l'HE MINERAI, WATERS OF VICHY.
CHAPTER III.
'l'RE 'l'HERMAL SPRINGS OF VICHY CONSIDERED
INDIVIDU ALLY.
GRANDE GRILLE.
A NATURAL spring situatcd at the north-east angle
of the north gallory of the bathing establishment,
taking its name from a large iron l'ai.ling which formerl,)' sUl'rounded it, but which has long sillce disappeal'ed.
This spring is uscd both for drinking and bath
pUl'poses. To approach the btwette, which is enclosod
by an iron l'ailing, it is nocessary to descend a couple
of steps. ']'ho water t10ws into a large circulaI' basin,
spul'ting up about haH a yard, and causing a peculial'
11oiso which can be heard fol' sorne distance.
'l'his is one of the warmost springs that Vichy possesses, its temperature being 42° C. Only two othor
springs are hotter, the Pl1its Carré with a temporature
of 45° C., aud the Puits C1lOmel with 44° C.
The prosent output of the spring is close upon
100,000 litt'es in the twenty-four hours, which amply
supplies both buvette ana baths.
�THE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVlDUALT,Y .
23
The output was Ilot always so considerable j in 1859
it amounted only to about 3500 litres. .A.t this time the
G overnment commissioned M. François) engineer, to
undertake certain works with the object of confining
the waters of this spring. The result of these works
was rnost satisfactory j a freer issue for the waters
was obtained, and the outflow enormously increased.
At. the sarne time) as the quantity given out became
greater, the temperature of the water increased. From
38'5° C., before the commencement of these works,
it rose to its present tomperature, 42° C.
This effed was only natural, and is easy to explain;
it has been l'emarked on many similar occasions, fOl'
the more rapid the flow the less time has tlle watel'
to cool .
.A.t Vichy the natural springs, which are the most.
abundant, are the warmest, or) putLing it the othet'
way, those which are the warmest are the mos
abundant.
Dul'ing the night-time the supply to the bn'velte is cut;,
off. 'l'here arc two systems of conduits) one for the
lmvelte and anotber w]1ich opens at a level of four yarùs
below the first . 'l'he buvette conduit being closed at.
night, the output of the second becomes verymuch more
onsiùerable. This latter snpply ls uscù exclusivoly
for bottl1ng) exportation, and bath pnrposes) Lhe watel'
for Lho bath boing pumped up into the bathing establishment as requircù.
'l'he composition of the watol' of thù Granùe Grille
may be consiùered typicalof the Vichy mincraI wators
�2·1
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VIOIlY .
in genel'al. Every quart con tains 4'883 gr. of soda
bicarbonate and about 3 pel' cent. of other saline components.
The exact analysis of the spring is as fol1ows:
Pl'upol'tions of the va?·iotbs saline components, hypothetically att?'ib1ded to one qua?·t of the Gmnde G?'ille
S1J?'ing (M . Bouquet) ,
Clll'bonie neid, l'l'ee
Bicarbonate of soda
"
potash
mngncsia ,
strontill ,
"
lime
protoxic1c of il'on ,
"
pl'otoxide of mnuganeso
ulphnLc of soda,
PI.osphnte of soda
Al'scni'lttl of soda,
B orate of sodn
Chlol'idc of sodium
Silicium,
Ol'glluic bituminous mutters
0'908
4'883
0'352
0'303
0'303
0',134
0'004
tl'llces
0'291
0'130
0'002
tl'nce
0'53'1
0'070
tl'llCCS
'rotol ,
P?'oporiions 0] the vari01MI p?'inciples containecZ in each
q1~a?·t
(M, BouqueL),
Ill'bonic !lcid
Sulphul'ic ucid
Phosphoric Rcid
Arscnic ucic1
130ric ucid
'1"118
0'J64
0'070
0'001
baces
�,ging to the Htale and to priuate indivicluals.
~
·ô
~
cu
~.
!l
-
&.
2'183
~
,cu
~08
~
1 ~405
~
t:Î> cj
ci5~
:g"S
1'6~
~
....
-=
1 l'70
f
.
=5
_
,t;,.'
ci
...
~
00
J:
:40 0'045
~
~
2'O~
~
..
1'4~
4'687 1:01615'130/4'75314'837 4'838 5'205 4'660 4'910
0'1890']89 0'274 0'262 0'253 0'337 0'1')1 0'3800'415
1
(l'501 0'4251
0'463' 0'460 0'274
0'060 0'215
O'53~ 1
0'~9
0'003 0'003 0'005 0'003 0'003 0'007 -
0'080 tl'uces
0"132 0'60 ~ 0'725 0602 0'707 0'683 0'532 0'640 0'740
)'017 0'026 0'0·1.0 0'003 0'022 0'010 0'024 0'012 0'035
mceR truceR
trac~
tl'ileCH Lmt'CR 1l'lices
-
0'0) 2 trace~
}2ûl 0'250 0'291 0'340 0'340 0280 0'278 0'024 0'240
0'024
trae~
}002 0'003 0'003 0'003 0'003 0'002
0'0100'002
tmccs LI'IlCl'S trucC" Lrnccs
0'0100'002
mers LI'IICl'8
)'5:31 0'355 0'531 0·,t53 O'M,!:! 0'555 0'561 0'5)0 0'414
0'032 0'032 0'025 0'034, 0'035
~'071
mcc.
-
0'010 0'04.0
trncc> traces truccs truCCB tmccs 0'030 0'010 tl'(\ces
!3'056 7'811 8'97] 8'660 8'807 8'570 7·8·U 8'314 8'430
] 6u
16°
10°
23°
12°
13°
�Various Saline Components contained in one quart of the va1·ious Spring8 belonginy to the) 'fale and to private indiv icluals.
~~
PRINCIPLES.
•
~
~ g
(t)~
cri
B
~ ë.
]
~
~.g~
~ uo~
~ ~
~
~.E
~
~
B
~ ~
.
1
~ c- ='~ .,
05
~
~
1
~
~
~
.~
~g ~5
~8
~
~
~
Zu
~
~
~>
:e~.
~-5
;:
~
~
èïj
.t ~
c5
----, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- ----,----1--1-- - - - '0
Qi
]
Cd::
Carbonic acid, free ..................... 0'908 0'768 0'876 1'751 1'067 1'019 1'2[J[J 1'555 1'750 1'968 2'183 l'D08 1'405 1'642 1,770 1·54.[J 0'D45 2'008 1'420
Bicnrbonate of sodll ..................... 4'883 0'091 4'893 0'004 5'02D 5'103 4'101 4'857 4,'910 3'537 ·1'687 1:016 5'1304'753 4'837 4, 838 1 5'205 4·6(j0 4'(HO
potash .................. 0'352 0'371 0'3780'282 0·4.4D 0'315 0'23'1 0'292 0'527 0'222 0'189 0'18D 0'27'1 1 0'262 0'253 0'337 0'121 0'380 0"H5
magncsia ............ 0'303 0'338 0'335 0'275 0'200 0'328 0'554 0'213 0'238 0'382 1)'501 0'425 0'532 0'4.6310'460 0'274 0'070 0'060 0'215
1
stl'ontiana ............ 0'303 0'003 0'003 0'005 0'005 0005 0005 0'005 0'005 0'005 0'003 0003 0'005 0'003, 0'003 0'007 -
0'060 traccs
1
Iimo ..................... 0'434 0'4.27 0'421 0'545 0'570 0'4.62 0'600 0'614 0'710 0'601 0'132 0'601 0'725 0602 0'707 0'683 0'332 0,640 0'740
protoxidc of iron ... 0'004 0'004 0001 0'004 0'004 0'001 O·O·j 1 0'001 0'028 0'001 0'0] 7 0026 1 O'OJO 0'003 0'022 0'010 0'024 0'012 0'035
mangancso tl'llCCS lrnces truces trRC'CS truc es
t-"co~
traces tmce, trace' t1'llCCR tmccs trllccs t\'HCCi' trllœH trncl'S tl'l,cesl -
8u1phllto of Bodn ....................... 0'291 0'2!ll 0'291 02D1 0'291 0'291 0'311 0'31
j
0'012 t\'Hces
0'314 0'U3 0'2Dl 0'250 0'2!)l 0'310 0'340 0280 0'278 0'02-1 0'210
PIJosplmtc of soda .................... 0'130 0'070 0'0280'0700'0'16 0'09ltrnN,s 0140 0'081 0'162 0'016 traces truccsltrn{'es tl'llCtS trnces
0'024 tl'ncel'
Arscniatc of soda ....................... 0'002 0'002 0'002 0'002 0'002 0'002 0'003 0'002 0'003 0'002 0'002 0'003 0'00310'003 0'003 0'002
0'010 0'002
Borate of soda ... .... .................... trllces trncCB traceR t1'llCCS traces tl'llCC8 tral'C" trncc' tmco~
0,010 0'002
trnl'es tI'lC~S
tr"ces truCl'S trnccs tI'llCC" Lmccs
Chloridc of sodium .................... 0'534 0'534 0'531 0'518 0'518 0'534 0'550 0'550 0'534, 0'508 0'534 0'355 0'531 0·,t53 0'46B 0'555 0'561 0'510 0'414
Silicium ................................... 0'070 0'070 0'068 0'050 0050 0'060 0'065 0'055 0'065 0'0 n 0'071 0'032 0'032: 0'025 0'034 0'035
-
0'010 0·().10
Orgl1nic bituminous mlltt 'ra ......... tm 'cs traces traces traces tlllCCS tJ1lces trnccs traccs trnccs trneu. tI'llCC' trncc. tmccs tl'Uecs truces tmccs 0,030 0'010 tmccs
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' _ _____ 1-- - _ - -
'fotnls .......................... 7'914 7'059 7'833 8'797 8'222 8'24<.1 7'86G 8'061 !l'1(:5 7'755 13'056 7'811 8'071 8'66D 8'897 8'570 7'S'11 8'314 8'439
--------------------------------------Tomperutures...... ...... .... ..
42°
44°
45°
29°
31°
13°
13°
22°
24"
30'
13
16'
-
16°
I
16°
10°
2ao
12°
13"
�Various P?'inciples contained in onl:l qua1·t of the diffm'ent State and P1'ivate Sp,·ings.
..
,,'"
'"
El
o
~ ~ .
":ZOo"
"'o"
~.
- - - - - - - - - - --- --- - - - - - - ---------_._ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - :!:Ê
,. "'
PRINCIPLES.
o~
Carbonic acid
4'418 4'429 4'418 5'348 4'719 4'705 4'647 5'071 5'499 4'831
5'640 5'029 5'376 5'329 5'489 4'798 1'771
Sulphuric acid .................. 0'164 0'164 0'164 0'164 0'164 0'164 0'177 0'177 0'177 0'137 0'164 0'141 0'164 0'192 0'192 0'135 0'157
Phosphoric aeid ............... 0'070 0'038 0'015 0'038 0'025 0'050 traces 0'076 0'044 0'088 0'025 traces traces traccs truces traces
Arsenic acid ..................... 0'001 0'001
0'001 0'001
0'001
0'001
0'002 0'001
0'002 0'001 0'001 0'002 0'002 0'002 0'002 0'0013 traces
Boric acid ........................ traces tl'aces traces traces trnccs traces traccs traces traces traccs traces traces traces traces traces
Chlorhydric acid ... ............ 0'334 0'834 0'334 0'324 0'324 0'334 0'344 0'344 0'334 0'318 0'334 0'222
0'334 0'283 0'293 0'261 0'341
Silex .......... ............ ... ..... 0'070 0'070
0'032
0'068 0'050
0'050
0'060
0'065
0'055
0'065
0-041
0'071
0'032
0'025
0'034 0'040
_
Protonde of iron......... ...... 0'002 0'002 0'002 0'002 0'002 0'002 0'020 0'002 0'013 0'002 0'002 0'012 0'018 0'024 0'010 0'012 traces
mangancsc ...... tracos traccs traces traces traces tmces traces traces traces trnccs traccs traccs traces traces traces traces
Lime ...... ........................ 0'169 0'166 0'164 0'212 0'222 0'180 0'272 0'239 0'276 0'265 0'168 0'235 0'282 0'257 0'275 0'288 0'208
Stl'ontinnu .... .. '0' . . . . . . . . . . . . , •• 0'002
0'002
0'002 0'003
0'003
0'003
0'003
0'003
0'003
0'003
0'002
0'002
0'003
0'002
0'002 trnccs
Magncsia ........................ 0'097 0'108 0'107 0'088 0'064 0'105 0'177 0'068 0'076 0'122 0'160 0'13C} 0'170 0'148 0'147
Potush ...................... . ... 0'182 0'192 0'196 0'H6 0'228 0'163 0'120 0'151
0'273 0'U5
Soda ........ ...... ......... .. ..... 2'488 2'536 2'445 2'501 2'500 2'560 !H24 2'500 2'486
_
0'067 0'025
0'098 0'OD8 0'142 0'133 0'131 0'195 0'063
1'912 2'368 1'957 2'581 2'344 2'3D7 2'136 2'606
'l'otals ...... ...... ......... 7'997 8'042 7'916 8'877 8'302 8'327 7'952 8'687 9'248 7'835 D'039 7'866 0'051 8'739 8'972 7'D34
��THE 'fHF.RlILA.L SPRINGS CONSrDERED INDIVlDUALLY.
Chlorhydric l1cirl. .
Silex
Proloxide of iron .
mangallese .
Lime
SCrolltin.
Mngnesia.
Potush
SOdll
Bituminous matler.
'L'otnl
25
0·334
0·070
0·002
traces
0·169
0·002
0·097
0·182
2·488
traces
7·997
This water, like that of most 01 the Vichy springs,
is decidedly insipid to the taste, and some patients
have a cel'tain difficulty in accustoming themsolves to
it for the first ono or two days, but the stomach soon
bocomes more tolorant.
Wc woulù remark here, that the }Jatient would do
w 11 to keep 1,0 the quantity prescribec1, fol' patients
have a tendency to go much beyond what is ord l'eù
them, thiuking thereby to hasten their cure j fatal
mistake, instead of hasteniug tbey delay it, for it
frequently becomes necessary in these cases to stop
tllO treatment altogether for some days, uutil the
baneIul [ects or this excess have disn.ppeareà, auù
the system lS once more in a fit coudition to profit by
a jllùiciollS use of these wat l's. The patient must
l'cll1cmbel' that the watol' ùrllnk aL the wells is quito a
ùiH"ol'el1t thing from th wH,tor xpol'teù, fol' whil t11is
htst, botUeù with every care, lS n. mosL usoful drink in
many cases whon it cn.nnot othol'wiso bo procul'eù, it
�26
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VIGIIY.
has lost many of its properties, and notably a large
quantity of its gases. The very fact of the springs
being warm renders this unavoidable, so while one
may drink large quantities of the bottled waters with
little in jury, it is not the same with that drunk at the·
well s, wbere the water has aIl its active principles, and
therofore acts much more powerfull y.
The Grande Grille is specially rccommended for
complaints of the li ver, biliary calculi, congestion of
tho spleen, complaints of the intestinal tract, gravel,.
&c. But as aU the waters of VicIly are approximately
the same in their composition, diffcring chiefly in their
temperature, it may appear curious that some should
be more beneficial in certain eases than oLhers. This
difference depends in l'eality on tile susceptibility of
tho patient . Witb some the stomach cannot tolerate
sucb and such a spring, which with another will work
a specdy cure ror the same complaint. It thus
happens that patients if loft to thems Ives would rrcC)uently incrcase their malady iJJstead of relieving
it j and it a]so follows that thoro is no hard-and-fast
l'ule Lo üldieate a partieuJar spring for a particular
disoaso.
GonernJly speaking, one commences by taking small
quantitios, 50 grammes, but the doctol' alono can fix
tho quantity aCter having examiu cl the pationt.
'['his wator, like many other of the Vichy waters, ia
liable to cause constipation, and if the quantity
absorbed be too grcat, violont hcn,dache and gonerai
nervous symptoms may supervene.
�'l'HE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDEl~
lNDIVlDUALT.Y.
27
The Grande Grille presents a cl'owded and c111·ions
aspect at the drinking hours . It lS the most frequE'uted
of all the springs, and as Lhose with liver complaint
flock in large numbers to this weIl, every tint of yellow
will be seen there at these hours.
(Fol' the English eqnivalents of Centigrade see
table.)
PUI'I.'S
CARRÉ .
This spring is situated undergl'ound, at what would
be about the middle of the northel'n gallel'Y. Temperature 45° C. It is a naturu.l spring.
It bad formerly a buvette attached to it, and was
prescribed for thin and nel'VOUS people. It was used
by the monka until towards tho close of the eighteenth
century, and at that time wont by the name of tho
cc Fontaine des Capucins."
Tho buvetto disappeared
about Lhis time, and over since the waters have been
exclllsivoly llsed for the bath service. It lS the most
abundant spring that Vichy possesses, yielding
250,000 litres a day.
Wo give the analysis, but, as it is no longer employed
for drinki11g, it offers only a secondary interest.
�28
'l'HE MINERAL WA'rERS OF VrcIIY,
Quant-ity of the va?'im./,s saline components hypothetically
Oané walm'
att?'ibute(l to one qua?'t of the P~Lits
(M , Bouquet) ,
Free cnrbonic aeid
HicarbOIJate of soda
llotnsh
magnesia
strontia
"
lime
"
p1'otoxide of i1'ol1
protoxide of mangnllcse
Sulplmte of soda ,
Phospl~te
of soda
Arscniate of soda ,
Born te of sodn
Chlol ido of sodium
Silicinm ,
Organic bituminous matters
Totnl
0'876
4'893
0'378
0'335
0'003
0'421
O'OOc),
traces
0'291
0'028
'002
trnces
0'534
0'06
traces
7833
pl'opo?-lions of the va?'ious pl'inciples cOlltnÎ?/ed in one
qua?-l of the Pwits On?'?'6 ( L Bouquet),
CI~rbouic
Reid
Sulphul'ic neid
PhoBphoric n.('id
il rscn ie aeid
Borie Ilcid
'hlorllydl'ic fi ,id ,
ïlcx
Pl'oloxide of il'on ,
mnngnncR
Lil11C
1:ilrOlllil(
·1'118
0'16,1
0'015
0'001
tl'nC'('s
o3
'~
0068
0'002
ll'lIl'CH
0-161
0'002
�'l'BE THERMAl, SPRJNGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY.
l\1l1gnesia .
Polnsh
Soda
Bituminous ffiuttel'S
Totul
2!f
0'107
0'196
2'445
traces
7'916
This spring and the Puits Ohomel are the two
wal'mest in Vichy, their composition being almost
identical.
PUITS OrrOMEL.
A natural spring situated in the centre of the north
gallery, only a yard 01' two distant from the spot
where the PLlit Oarré rises. The buvette is in front
or the office where the bath tickets are obtained.
lt derived its name from that of a celebrated
physician, Dr. Ohomel, ancient Dean of the FacLllty
or Paris, Physician in Ol'dinary to the King, and
Intendant of the waters, who was Lhe first to employ
the spl'ing, but who was not, it would appeal', its l'cal
discoverel'.
Heing I1t Vichy in ] 775, while the construction of
Lhe 'l'hol'mal Establishment was being proc eded with,
one of the wol'kmen in removing a stone gave exit to
the spl'ing, which the aoctOI' im mediately baptizcd
aftel' himseH.
This spring ü\ a1so caUed Lho "P tit Puits Oarré,"
and in the eightoenth century il; went by the name of
(/ La PeJLiLe Grille."
!tg tempel'atul'e is LMo O., the ouLput but 2600
�30
TlJE MlNERH WATERS OF VICITY .
litres in the twenty-four houl's. For sorne time past
the waters of the Puits Ohomel and Puits Oarré have
been united, so that at present tbese two springs
form but one. The water is conveyeù to the buvette
by means of a pump, and scrved into the glasses from
a tap.
'J'he watel' has a most disagreeable smell or sulphuretted hydl'ogeD, and the taste is almost as bad as
the smell. It sometimes causes nausea from this
CfLUSC, and fol' those persons to whom it is prescribed
and who have difficulty in swallowing it, we would
recommend lotting the water st,tnd fol' a few minutes
in the glas before swallowing it, so as to allow some
of this gas to escape. Many people pre[el' to mix toa,
milk, or syrup with it, but tbis is sim ply a maLLer of
taste.
Tllis watm' is the richest of aU the springs in
mineraI pl'inciples, anù al, the sam time tho least
clHl.l'ged ",ith froe cal'bonic acid.
It is spccially l'ecomm nded for aIl complainLs of
the rospiraLory ol'gaus . Being the lcasL exciLing of
a.ll the springs iL is w 11 suited 101' very nervous and
c1clicaLe P l·som;. Tt is freqnently prcscribed for
women anJ chilùt'en and whell the stomach is wantino'
b
in Lone.
Many 01 th ViclJy pllysicians resisL its beino.
ho1ù
b
fOl'Lh as a (( specific" for theso complaillt!:l, anc1 wo
think wiLh l' ason. It doos good in lllany cases, bul
iL has to b prcscl'ibecl accol'c1ing 1.0 Lho consLiLutioll
01 Lhe paLient, and willnot agrce with vCl'yone. In
�'l'IlE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSlDE~
INDIVLDUALLY,
31
many cases other springs would be as beneficial, ir not
better, ror this same category of complaints, and the
pbysician al one is capable or judging where its use
"Would be judicious 01' baneruI.
It is largely employed rOI' gal'gling pUl'poses.
Former]y the gargling was pel'rol'med in public much
to the amusement or the onlookers; but the Thermal
Establishment, by having pl'ivate l'ooms constructed
rOl' this pUl'pose, have now done away with this
gl'atuitous entel'tainment ,
The analysis is almost identical with that or the
Puits Carré,
Qttantities of the va1'iotts saZ'i ne co?npon ents, hypothetically att'/'ibtded to one qua1't of the sp1'ing (M,
Bouqnet),
~ l'ce curbouic IIcid
BicarboullLe of sodu
"poLnsh
lIlugnesilL ,
stl'onLia .
lime
pl'oLoxide of iron ,
"
pl'otoxidc oï LnangancBc
Sulpllllto of Boda ,
Phosphate of sodll
Ars ni'Ll of Bodil,
130mto of Bodil
Chloridc of Bodium
Siliciulll ,
O"ganie bitumino118 moLters
'1'otl1l
0'768
5'091
0'371
0'33
0'003
0'4,27
0'004
trl1CCS
0'201
0'070
0'002
tl'l\ces
0'534
0'070
traces
7'050
�32
THE MINERAL WATERS Ol!' VICHY.
Prop01·tions of the various p1'inciples contained tn one
qua1"t (M. Bouquet).
4'429
0'164
0'038
0'001
C!\rbonic ncid
Sulphuric acid
l ho~pric
ncid
Arsenic aeid
Boric ncid
Chlorhydric acicl .
'ilex
Protoxiclc of irOIl .
mnnglLllese
Limc
, trontin
~Iugesin
.
Potnsh
Socin
Bituminons tnlltterd
traces
0'334
0'070
0'002
trRces
0'166
0'002
0'108
0'192
2'536
tl"llCCS
8'012
Total
l
'OlJHCE Dl!) L'llÛPI1'A I,
or
l'OURCE H.OSALIE.
IndiITerently indicated by either of these names, it
nerplil'ed the first by l'eason of its situation in front of
tho civil hospitnl, and the se coud l'ro111 the Duchess of
.\1 llclly, who had tho then o."isLing dil'ty and untidy
npproaches Lo tho spri ng done away with, and
gavo orders to hnv its snn'otll1dillgs pnt iuLo a clcall
nnd prorel' sLate of l'epair. IL al.'o went by tho nftlno
of the (( Gros BouleL" 1'01' somo Li Ille.
'['his natllml spl'ing is siLl1alod in fihe contre oI tho
Placo Rosalie, in front, as wo !laYo said, of the -ivil
hospital. It Spl'ingfl up in tho COll Lro of a la l'go
�THE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY.
33
stone basin, surrounded by iron railings, aud is protected by a wrought iron pavilion which, while
affording shelter from abovo, do es not prevent the
water from being contaminated by the dust whlch the
wind blows lnto the fountaiu through the iron railings,
and from losing some of its gases, which the wind a1so
carries off. These inconveniences could easi1y be
remedied, at a very trifling out1ay, and if the authorities would give the necessary orders to have it done
they would be rendering a great service to the
drinkers .
To approach the buvette, four circular steps have
to be ascended.
Tho temperature of this spring is 31 0 Centigrade.
The yield pel' twenty-four hours is 60,000 litros. Tt
not only supplies the buvette but a1so the bathing
establishment situated in front or it.
When dl'inking t.he water a decided taste or sulphurettoù hydrogen is at once percolved. This spl'ing
is analogous in many respects to that of the Grando
Grille, but it is l'ichor in organic matter, and one lS at
once struck, when approaching tho buvetto, by tho
peculiar groen deposit round the sides of tho basin
which, according to M. Jourdan, is exc1nsive1y forllloù
by an aIgus caUed the P1·otoderma thermcde. IL is
tho samo as that froquontly obsorved in certain other
thormal springs ri ch in organic matter, and which
contl'ibutes to make the waLel' soft and unctuous.
This spl'ing ranks as being ono or the least xciting,
and is the1'oforo spocially suitod to norvous patieuts,
3
�34
'fIrE MINERAL WATERS OF VICIrY .
but it is not digested by everyone with the same
facility, and frequently occasions diarrhœa. This
depends sometimes on the patient absorbing too large
a quantity, and also frequently by a special condition
of the stomach.
It is prescribed in numerous diseases of the digestive
orgaus, dysentery, dyspepsia, gastralgia, and also for
obstiuate diarrhœa ; but from the fact that this water
is very active it ia generally necessary ta Lake but
very amaU quanti~s
of it, and for the physician to
watch closely its effects upon the patient.
It has been found very useful for patients who by
too arduous head work have overtaxed the brain
power; thus mauy literary men may be met at this
spl'mg.
For many female complaints, such as congestion,
catarrh, and other complaints of tho uterus it may be
employ d with much advantago, and lust1y, for those
of both sexes whose constitution has bocome enfeebloù
hy excesses it bas proved most usefuI.
Tho analysis is as follows :
P7·oportions of the va1·ious saline component,ç hypothetically attributed to one qua?·t of this sp?·ing (M.
Bouquet).
Fro cnrbonic l'cid
Bicllrbonnto of sodll
potash
"
mngllcsia •
"
strontia
lime
"
1·067
5·029
0·140
O·:WO
0·006
0·670
�r-
THE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY,
Bicarbonate of protoxide of iron ,
protoxide of mnngnnese
Sulphate of SOdl\ ,
rhosphnte of Bod ..
Arseninte of soda,
Borate of soda
Chloride of sodium
Silicium ,
Organic bituminons mntcr~
Total
35
0'004
traces
0'291
0'046
0'002
tracp.s
0'518
0'050
traces
8'222
P1'oportions of the va1'ious p1'incipZes contained in one
quart (M, Bouquet),
Curbonic Rcid
Sulphurie ncid
Phosphoric Reid
,Ô.l'SCU ic Ilcid
Borie Reid
Chlorhydric neid ,
Silex
Protoxide of iron ,
mangancse
Lime"
StrontilL
Magnesia,
POtllsh
SodlL
Bituminous mnttors
.
,
Total
4''719
0'164
0'025
0'001
traces
0'324
0'050
0'002
traces
0'222
0'003
0'064
0'228
2'500
trflecs
8'302
SOURCE LUCAS.
So named fl'om ono of tho ancjent cl ircctors 01 the
Vichy waters.
�36
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
A natural spring situated in the .rue Lucas, between
the Military Hospital and the Eden Theatre.
The buvette is of a somewhat humble construction
and but very little frequented. Temperature 29° C. j
daily output 148,000 litres.
This water has a decidedly pronounced taste of
sulphurous gas, but not so strong as to render it
undrinkable. It was formerly employed pretty freely
in affections of the ski n, and more particularly for the
itch. At the IJresent time patients appear to have
taken a great dislike to this spring, probably from
what tradition has handed down about the class of
patients who used formerly to frequent it. It has no
special indication, but frOID its medium temperaturo
might be found useful in many casos where the wanner
or cooler springs are not easily digested.
It supplies tho Military Hospital, which is in front
of it, and the surplus water serves to feed the baths of
the Thermal Establishment. This spring is now joined
to that of the Acacias. Analysis:
Vat'iotls saline compounds hypotlwtically attrilntled tn
one qua1·t of this spt'ing (M. Bouquet).
Fl'ee Clll'booic ncid
Bicl1.rbonnte of Bodo.
poLl1.sh
"
mngneBin.
SLrontin
"
lime
protoxidc of iron .
"
protoxido of mnngnnoBO ,
1"751
5'00'1
0'282
0'275
0'005
0'545
0'004
trnccs
�THE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVlDUALLY,
Sulphate of soda!
Phosphate of soda
Arsenia te of soda
Borate of soda
Chloride of sodium
Silicium ,
Orgnnic bituminous matters
Total
37
0'291
0'070
0'002
traccs
0'518
0'050
traces
8'797
Prop07·tions of the va?'ious princip les contained in one
qua?'t (M, Bouquet),
Carbonic ncid
Sulpburic acid
Phosphoric acid
Arseuic Hcid
Borie /lcid
Chlorhydric aeid ,
Silex
Protoxide of iron .
mangnnoso
Lime
Strontin
l\fngllcsia ,
Potl\sh
Sod'I
Bituminous mntters
Totnl
5'348
0'164
0'038
0'001
traces
0'324
0'050
0'002
traces
0'212
0'003
0'088
0'146
2'501
trnccs
8'877
SOURCE DES CELESTINS,
Tho Celestins Springs arc tlu'ee in numbor :
1. La Vieille Source (tho Old Spring).
2. Source do la Grotte (Spl'ing of tho Grotto),
�38
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
3. La Nouvelle Source (the J ew pring) .
These are aIl natural springs and rise in the Parc
des Celestins, taking their collective name from a
convent of the Moines Celestins, which existed formcrly in this place, and of which certain ruins are
still to be seen .
.A11 those springs rise from a rock, an enormous
mass of arragonite, which has been slowly forrned by
successive doposits from those waters. Theil' waters
are received into a kind of huge resel'voir cut out of
tho stono. By means of a pump thoy are aftel'wards
brought to Lhe surface.
This is one of the most frequonted springs of the
town, and also one of the most oxciting.
rfho Old Spring and tho Spring of Lhe Grotto have
an oxceedingly sman output in comparison to Lhat of
the Now Spring j the fi1'st proùuces onlyabout 150
litres pel' day, tho second about twico as much. They
alono wonlù Lhe1'efol'o bo quito inadequate 1,0 the
ùomanù j but, fortunatoIy, the ew Spl'ing is thel'e,
whoso yielù is considerable, anù as Lhis last closoly
rcsembl s tho two procoding in composition anù temporatul'e, as woll as by its th rap uLic eITects, it will
sullice fol' us to ùescribo tho Now pring.
'1'h N w Spring was discovol'OÙ in 1870; it is a
uatuJ'al one, aud lS what is Lormoù a cold spl'ing.
It l'isos from Lhe sam rock a~ Lbo two preceùing onos,
its tomporature is 13° C., and the daily yiold about
22,000 liLros.
rEhis water bas been and is still cousidorod by many
�THE THERMAL SPRINGS CO TSIDERED INDlVlDUALLY.
39
persons as being one of the richest in carbonic acid
that Vichy possesses. This is altogether a mistako, as
the analysis conclusively proves; the Source Lucas, to
give a single example, has 5'348 per litre, whereas
the Now Spring has but 4'705 pOl' litre. In l'eality it
occupies about the middle place, by its richness in carbonic gas, as compared with the other Vichy waters,
and what has probably led to this error is that the
spring, being a cold one, the gas is more easily perceived by the drinkers.
It is oasily dig sted, most rerreshing and agreeable
to the palate, and recommended in cases of urie gravel,
nephritic colics, gout, diabetcs and albuminuria. It
possessos exciting and enorgeLic pl'opel'ties to a high
degree, and a word of caution to invalids using Lhis
spring may pel'baps not be amiss. The watel' bcing
so palt~1be,
patieuts have a great toudency, more
particularly in summeJ', to drink it almost aû libitum.
li'requeutly no immediate danger lollows this imprudence, but the afLer-consoquences a1'O ofton ùcploru,bl ,
fol' this, 01 a1l the Vichy springs, is one in which
moùoration, temperance, and strict aLL ntion to the
doctor's orùors ought Lo be observed. Taken in excess,
it somotim s produc s at once congestiou or the hettd,
cephalalgia, gidcliuoss, and impaired sight.
AIl the Vicùy meclical men concur iu thinking it
i~ a groat ad van Lage to the patient that this spring is
sItuateù at some litLle distance hom Lhe town, as it
thus a.ITords them the means 01 taking a most salutal'y
walk. We would hero retnal'k that the Celestins
�40
THE MINERAL WA1'ERS OF VICHY,
Park, so prettily and tastefully laid out, has a decided
influence upon the cure, for the scenery soothes and
calms the patient, the digestion is facilitated, and
the whole benefit of the water obtained,
Considerable trouble and much expense have been
incurred to l'en der this spot at once ageeeable and
comfortable for invalids. To protect them against the
raiu a sheltered gallery has boen constructed; a
billiard-room and other amusements are also to be
foulld here. Fine trees, beautiful beds of flowers and
win ding alleys complete the decoration and make it a
fail'Y scene. The situation of the place, garden and
avenue are equally delightful and entel'taining.
'l'he analysis of the Celestins Spring is as follows :
P1'oportions of the va?'ious princip les contained in one
q1la?·t of this sp1'ing (M, Bouquet).
Cnrbonic acid
Slllphuric !lcid
Pho~pric
ucid
Arsenic !lcid
Borie Ilcid
Cblorhydl'ic Rcid ,
Silex
Protoxide of iron ,
mangnnoso ,
Limo"
Stl'ontia
Mngncsin.
Potush
'Odll
Bit\lminous matters
Totul
4'705
0'164
0'050
0'001
trnccs
0'334
0'060
0'002
trucos
0'180
0'003
0'105
0'163
2'560
tl'uces
8'327
�THE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY.
41
The vaTious saline components hypothetically at1'ib~de
to each quaTt of this water (M. Bouquet).
Free carbonic acid
Bicarbonate of soda
potllsh
magnesia .
strontia .
lime
"
protoxide of iron .
"
pl'otoxiclc of mangancse
Sulphate of soda .
Phosphate of soda
Arscniate of soda.
Bol'll te of soda
Chloride of sodium
Silicium.
Organic bitumino\1s mllttors
Total
1'049
5'103
0'315
0'328
0'005
0'4.62
0'004
traces
0'291
0'091
0'002
tl'Rces
0'534
0'060
traces
8'244
SOURCE DU PARC.
Situated in the Old Park, midway between the
Oasino and the Batbing Establishment, in front of the
rue Prunolle.
lt was discovored in 1844 by tho brothers Brosson
by llloans of a boring cal'l'iod down to a depth of
about 48 mctres. Whcn this artesian weIl was first
borod, tho yield of tho Puits Oarré considel'ably
diminished, and feal's wel'O entertained that this
spring was being sapped. Whon laLer on, howover,
cortain works were executed in the Puits Oarl'é-the
�42
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
moutb of tbe spring lowered, and the concrete substance which obstructed it removed-the flow rrom
the Source du Parc lessened while that of the Puits
Oarré increased. In 1853 the Source du Parc was
pllrchased for the State by the Thermal Oompany.
The flow is somewhat intermittent, the mean output being about 48 ,000 litres in the twenty-four hours;
the temperature 22° 0,
The buvette is plH.ced in the centre of an elegant
kiosk, but is little frequented, the se waters being
principally used fol' bathing pUl'poses and for exportation ,
The water has a sligbt sulphurous taste; it is cooler
and less active than that of tbe Oelestins, and can
oiten roplace it with advantage wh en the formel' is not
easily digested.
IIi ie recommended in gravel, cystitis, for persons.
a:Œected wjth a sluggish action oI the digestive organ s,
and Ior di.Œerent a.Œ ctions of the 51 in , Tt js also prescribed rOI' cOl'taiu disorders or Lhe l'espiratol'y organe
sllch as chronic il'l'iLaLion or catal'l'h,
Tho analysis js as follows:
Va?'ious saline components hypothel'ic(tlly att?'iùuted to
one qua1't of this sp1'ing (M . Bouquet).
Froe ClIl'bouio ocid
Bical'bonate vf SOelll
"
polnsh
"
"
mngllobin,
aL1'onLi/\ ,
1'555
4'857
0'292
0'213
0'005
�THE 'rHERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY,
Bicarbonate of lime
protoxide of iron ,
"
protoxide of manganese
Sulphate of soda.
Phosphate of soda
Arsenillte of soda,
Bora te of soda
Chloride of sodium
Silicium ,
Orgllnic bituminous matters
Total
0'614
0'004
traces
0'314
0'140
0'002
traces
0'550
0'055
traces
8'601
P?'oportions oj the va1'ious princip les contained
quart (M, Bouquet),
CarboDic acid
Snlpuurie ncid
Phosphorie Rcid
Arsenic acid
Borie aeid
Ch lorhyddc ucid .
Silex
Protoxidc of iron .
manganoso
Lime
'trOIlLilL
MlIglI{lsio. .
PoLuijh
f<oda
Bituminous maLters
Total
43
'tn
5'071
0'177
0'076
0'001
traces
0'344
0'055
0'002
traces
0'239
0'003
0'068
0'151
2'500
trnees
8'G87
one
�44.
THE MINERAL WA'rERS OF VICHY .
SOURCES MESDAMES .
This spring is situated on the road to Cusset) at
about 1 ~ kilometres from Vichy) on the banks of the
Sichon. Tt l'ises in the AIley des Mesdames) and has
acquirod its present name in romembrance of the stay
that Mesdames Adelaide and Victoire de Franco made
at Vichy. M. Brosson undertook the boring of this
well a short time after the disco very of the Lardy
spl'ing) which it rosombles in many respects . lt
formerly belonged to M. Pajot) but has since been
acquired by the State. By moans of pipes the water
is convcyod to the First-class Thormal Establishment)
and tho buvette of this spring is placed in tho northeast extromity of the gallery.
Tt Iurnishes 20,000 litres in the twonty-four hours;
and has a tempo1'aturo of 16° C.
Very ri ch in i1'on and carbonic acid, iL closely
approachos tho Lardy Spring in composition. The
qua.ntity of iLs chalyboato principles is considerable ,
and iL is one 01 Lhe l'ichest in arsonical salts. Drunk
aL its source it ls cooler than wh en taken at Lhe
'].'hormal Establishment) as iL bocomes boatod in
passing through Lhe pipes. IL is also probablo thatit
]osos SOlliO of i1,s olements in this transit, for altllOugh
every caro lS takon to provent thoÏr escape) tho fact
rOlllains that tho conduit pipes bocomo covered with a
d posiL w hich is und 'niably a porlion of tho constitucnts which aro procipitatod hy the way.
�THE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDEl{ED IN DIV IDUALLY.
45
This spriog is renownod for its curative principles
in cases of anremia, chlorosis or green sickness,
adynamia, goneral depression, and for lymphatic
people. It is most beneficial for wornen aftected with
leucorrhooa (whites), and is generally well suited to
nervous in dividuals.
But as some of thcse disorders have widoly different
origins it will not suit aU cases j on the contrary, it
may do much in jury. To give but one example, a
consumptivo patient, taking this water for anremia,
would only hasten the course of his malady, which
froID the la,tent state would pass into what is termec1
galloping consumption.
By sorne pOl'sons it is very indi.Œerontly supporteù,
and by aIl should be taken ,vith discrotion. The
large quantity of iron which it contains acts energetically opon the circulation, increasing the number of
red blood-corpuscles (bromatosis). It follows that if
taken in too large qun.ntities it proc1ucos congestion,
hromorrhago) and vascnlal' plothol'a.
lt is less stimuJating tban tho Lardy Spring, but it
appears to bo more inc1igcstiblo, as many patients who
caunot support the M('sdamcs Spring havo no c1ifficulty
in digesting tho Lardy wators. In thoso with whom
it thus disagt'oos it causes a hoavy f eling in the
stomach and producos flatuloncy, oolic, and diarrbœa.
We apponù tho analysis :
�THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY,
Va?'ious saline components hypothetically attrimded to
one qua?'t (M, Bouquet) ,
Free carbonic acid
Bicarbonate of soda
potash
mngnesin,
"
stl'ontia ,
lime
protoxide of iron
protoxide of mnllgallese ,
Sulpbate of soda,
Phosphate of soda
Arsenio.tc of soda,
Borate of soda
Chloride of sodium
Silicium ,
Organic bituminous mnttors
Totnl
1'908
4'016
0'189
0'425
0'003
0'604
0'026
traces
0'253
traces
0'003
trnces
0'355
0'032
traces
7'811
P?'oportions of the va?'ious p?'inciples containedin one
qua?'t of this spring (M, Bouquet),
Cnrbonic aeid
Sulphurie o.cid
l'hosphorie ncid
Arscnic ncid
Borie ncid
Chlorhydrie acid
~i1ex
Protoxide of iron ,
mllngnncsc
Lime
(l'on Lia
5'020
0'141
tmecs
0'002
traces
0'002
0'032
0'012
truccs
0'235
0'002
�'THE THERMAL SPRINGS OONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY.
MRgllesin.
Potasb
Soda
Bituminous matters
Total
4·7
0'136
0'098
1'957
traces
7'866
SOURCE DE HAU'l'ERIVE.
rrhis spl'ing is distant about 5 i kilometres from
Vichy. It rises in a large and beantilul park of
the same name. In 1844 MM. Brosson caused
boriugs to be made on the same sito as that on which
two springs had previously existod) but had long since
ccascd flowing . After attaining a dopth of fifty yards
thcy struck the source) which fUl'nishes daily some
30)000 litres) at a temperature of 13° C. In 1853 it
was bought for the State by the Thermal Company.
It takes the third rank in chaly beate springs) and
is by far t10 most important of the three in consoquence of its onormous eÀ'P0rtation. FOl'morly two
springs oxistod) but now tbey havo been united.
IL is exceedingly l'ich in carbonic acid) and) being
a cold spring) is ominently suito(l for exportation.
'l'he illtegrity of tho wat rs thus oxpol'ted is chiefly
duc to the presone of an exeosa of earbonic acid)
which k opa the wholo of the proportiea in solution.
IL is not rare to porcoive small black specks in the
bottlod watol' j this is sim ply som of tho deposita in
suspensioD) and in no wiso dotoriol'ates the water.
�48
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
Although chiefly used for export purposes, there is
a buvette established at the side of the bottling establishment, where visitors can taste the water. Exceptionally a fee of fifteen centimes lS charged per glass,
and twenty-five centimes should one desire to fin a
bottle to take away. It is an agreeable promenade to
Hauterive, and it is rather fol' this reason than for the
waters that visitors go there.
As thls water is gonerally drunk away from the
source, its therapeutic indications are not so weIl
established as those or sorne of the other springs.
For home consumption it is taken in diseuses or the
kidneys anù bladder, for gout, gravel, urinary calculi,
diabetcs, and obesity. Very similar in its composition
to that of the Celestins Springs, it has in genoral
the same indications. Analysis:
Va?'iot~s
saline components hypothetically att1'ibuted_to
(M. Bouquet).
one qt~a?·
Froo clll'bonic nciù
Bicllrbonuto of Bodil
"
potosh
mngnesin.
sLronLia .
limo
pl'otoxido of iroll .
"
pl'otoxidc of ml\ngnncso
Sulplllltc of sodll •
..
Phosphate of
SOÙII
A 1'scnillLo of Bodn ,
1301'11 te
of soùn
2'183
1,.G87
0'180
0'501
0003
0'132
0'017
tl"ltCCS
0'291
0'0'16
0'002
trnces
�TITE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVLDUALLY.
Chloridc of sodium
Silicium ,
Organic bituminous matters
Total
49
0'534
0'071
traces
8'956
P1'oportions of the va?'iotts princip les contained in one
quart (M. Bouquet).
Carbouic Rcid
Sulpburic acid
Pbospboric aeid
Arscnic acid
Horic acid
Chlorhydric acid •
ilex
Protoxide of iron .
mllogllnesc
LilDO"
Strontia
Ml~gnc
ia,
Potusb
Soda
Bituminous mottcrs
Total
5'640
0'163
0'002
0'001
traces
0'334
0'071
0'008
traces
0'168
0'002
0'160
0'098
2'368
traces
9'039
4
�50
'fHE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
PRIV..A.'rE SPRINGS .
IIaving described the springs belonging to the State)
wc will now speak of the pt'incipal pri vate springs.
most of which are at sorne distance from the town.
'l'bese are twelve in numbel'.
Source
Source
\ 'ource
Source
Source
Source
Lardy)
Prunelle)
Ste. Marie)
Elisabeth)
Dubois)
rrracy)
Source St. Jean)
Source MaHat)
Source Larbaud ainé)
Source Larbaud-St. Yorre)
Source Guerrier)
Source]) ol'issiel'.
• OURCE LARDY.
The Lardy weU is situated on the right bank of the
Allior at the junction of the Bonlevard cles Celostins
and Boulevard ational) on tho site of tho old convent
dos Oelestins. IL is tho propol'ty of tho Compagnio
dos I!]aux Minéralos ct Bains de M l'. It is the deepcst
of th.e Vi hy artosian wells) the boring ext nding Lo a
d l th. of 250 metl'es bclow Lho surface. The actual
claily flow is somewher abouL 8000 litres) Lhough
fOl'luel'ly it gave out 20)000 litres in tho samo Lime.
'rompol'atul'e 2'10 C.
�THE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSlDERED INDIVlDUALLY.
51
These waters supply both the bathing establishment situated in the Park, and which we have already
described when speaking about the Lardy Park, and
the buvette.
The buvette is placed in the centre of a rus tic
pavilion; it is very much frequented, not only by those
who arc ol'dored these waters, but aIso by a nnmber of
individnals who froquent the Park because it is cl, la
mode. In tho afternoon, more particularly, it presents
a most animated aspect.
The watel' has a decided taste of iron, and both the
olfactory and gustatol'y organs have no difficulty in
detecting the presence of sulphnretted hydrogen. It
possesses also a notable quantity of arsenic. It has a
tcndency to blacken the teeth, and fol' this reason we
would recommond patients who are particu]ar on this
point to sip the watcl' through a glass tube.
It acts nOl'geLically upon the stomach and ls easily
digosted; but it has a tendency to produco cephalaIgia
and must bo taken in small quantitios.
Ry its iron and arsenic it is most stimulative, causos
incl'oased :1ctiviLy of the circulation and augments tho
numbel' of l'ocl blood-col'puscles. It is Lhus aclmirably suitecl to caSO/:l of ch101'osls, and g1'eat numbol's
of young girls and women ùerive much bonofit from
its uso fol' this complaint. lt is generally useful in
an casos whore the systom is low and unhealthy from
a pOOl' coudition of tho blood. In cases of amenorl'hooa ancl dobility following a groat loss of blooù
it has beon proved of sove1'eigu benefit. lt is saiel to
�52
THE MINERAL WA'fERS OF VICHY.
have wonderfully salutary effects in cases of paludal
cachexia, when taken in combination with the Grande
Grille. It is natural that this should be the case from
its twofold strengthening action, but we have not
had occasion, so far, to try theso two waters in COIDbination for this malady.
The analysis of this weIl has not always given the
same result. The analysis of O. Henry in 1845, of
M. Lefort in 1849, and of the :fficole des Mines in
1852, diffel' in many details, but these differences are
easy to understand and are thus eXplained by the
c Journal de Pharmacie et de Chimie,' T. xvi: (translation.)
cc To admit of a completo uniformity in the composition of a mineraI water, is to suppose an unchangeabl0 uniformity in the composition of the strata, in
the volumo of the spring, and lastly an inoxhaustiblo
abundanco of these salts in the lowor layers of tho soil.
Up to the present time, if science has not boen permitted to penetrate into these immense laboratories,
and to see how aIl these products are Iormed, which
Ior centurios past are depositod in tho soiI, it is nevortholess proved that these waters bocome minoralisod
iu tho bosom of tho oartb by moans oI a high pressuro,
a high temperature, and olootl'icity. Under tho
influonce of terres trial revolutions sorne of these conditions may chango, and on this hypothesis it is easy
to uudorstand the varying composition oI the wators."
Subjoilled is the latest analysis, macle in 1854 by
M. Bouquot:
�THE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY ,
53
Proportions of the various principZes contained in one
quart of Puits Lardy ,
Carbonic acid
Sulphuric Rcid
Phosphoric Rcid
Arsenic Reid
Bode acid
Chlorhydric acid ,
Silex
Protoxide of iron ,
manganese
Lime"
Stroutia
Magnesi,. ,
Potnsh
Soda
Bituminous matters
Total
5'499
0'177
0'044
0'002
traces
0'334
0'065
0'013
truces
0'276
0'003
0'076
0'273
2'486
traces
9'428
SOURCE LARDAUD AINÉ,
It rises on the road to N1mes at the foot of the Côte
St. Amand) and ÜS waters are oonveyed by means of
pipes to a thermal ostablishmont situatod on tho
Boulovard cles Oelestins, It is employed both for the
baths and fol' exportation.
The yield is estimated at 20)000 litres pel' twontyfour hours, Temperaturo 15° C.
A buvette is attachod to the ostablishmont. !ts
indications arc similar to thoso of the IIautol'ivo
�54
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
and St. Yorre springs-chlorosis, gmvel, dyspepsia,
&c.
It bolongs to the group of ferruginous springs, and
its most important principles are-Bicarbonate of soda
4'880 j protoxide of iron 0'023 j carbouic acid 1'320 gr.
pel' litre.
SPRINGS AT CUSSET.
There are four springs at Cusset, viz. Ste. Marie,
Elisabeth, Tracy, St. Jean. The two first belong ta
the I!Jtablissement 'rhermal de Ste. Marie.
SOURCE S'l'E . MARIE AND SOURCE ELlSAllE'l'lI.
'l'hoso two spl'ings are both rcma,rkable for thcir
richllosl:l iu miucJ'al properLies. Thoy are si.tllated
'l'ho firsL datl's from 18·j.9, and
ClOdO Lo OllC a,uothcr.
the borings for th sccond were mado in 1811.. 'J'hoy
bath Hupply 1,110 'l'hermal Establishmont in which thoy
aro siLuatod 1'01' tho bath sorvico and 101' the buvettos.
When speaking or Cussot in anoth l' part of tIlis
volu me wo have occaflion 1,0 doscl'ibo this baLhillg
stablishmonL and also its baths, douchos, piscine, &c.,
und r which heading we rafor the l'cadol' Iol' moro
ample doLails.
'l'ho l'ource IiJlisab th lS the riehost in bicnrbona,Lo
�THE 'rHERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY .
55
of soda, having 5'843 gr. pel' litre, and the amount
of magnesia it contains is four or five times greater
than that of the Grande Grille, l'Hôpital and the
Oelestins, viz. 0'330 gr. pel' litre.
Its applications are numerous: congestion of the
liver and spleen, gout, gravel, &c. One of the qualities
vaunted for this water is that it has no tendency to
constipate.
'l'he Ste. Marie is the richest mineraI alkaline
spring known. It contains 330 milligrammes of Iron
and manganese pel' litre. It is also one of tho riche st
in free cal'bonic acid, having as much as 0'610 gr.
pel' litre. The prosenco in it a.lso of lithia gives it a
certain superiority oVOl' some of the other wators in
the tl'eatment of gout.
It is prescl'ibed in casos of anœmia, chIo rosis, intermittent fevors, diabotos, gravel, and gout.
Tho tomperatul'e of both those springs is 16° O.
Those waters lose a minimum of their proporties by
exportation, and rank as being the best adapted fol'
this pm·poso.
Tho ~'holma
Establishmont at Ousset extracts tho
natural sfllts from theso watol'S and manufactures its
own pastillos &c., in the same manuel' as at the
Th l'mal .EJsLa,b lishm nt at Vichy.
We give tho analysis of these two springs together:
�56
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
For one lit1·e .
Ste. Marie.
inappl'.
0'6100 lit.
Nitrogen
Frec carbonic ncid
(of sodn
. 4'2000 gr.
0'0050
: 0'4360
Bicarbonates,
anhyd.
.
of mngnesm.
0'1200
or strontin . traces
0'4000
Sulpb. Rnbyd. of Boda
"
of potnsh
Cblor. of Boda
: }0'5010
of potash
{~:
~,!:Bh
Iodide }
f. sens.
B rom,'d e alkalino
0'1400
Silicate of sodn
Protox. ofironuud mnngnneso 0'0229
Lithine, phosph., !\lumin, al"}
. nn d organ.e
. ma tt er
0'0210
seme,
l?ixcd substances
Arsenic
5'&150
0'0002
Elisabet~.
iBappr.
0'280 lit.
5'2000 gr.
indicllLioBs
0'6510
0'3300
trnces
0'5020
0'0100
0'4600
{
0'0200
sensibl.
0'1500
0'0090
0'1500
7'5720
0'0002
SOURCE TRACY.
Situatecl in tl1e Cours Tracy, noar tho rrôtol de Ville.
It is only llsod fol' the buvette, which is placccl
soma fiIt 11 stops ùolow the leve] of tho road. 'l'ho
tomperaturo is 12° C.
icb in al'bonic acicl, it js agl'ceablo to tho Lastc,
and weIl sniLocl as an ordinary urinkiug wator.
It has DO Rpccial indications.
The analysis ia as follows (M. O. IIell1'Y).
�THE l'HERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY.
57
For one litre.
Free carbonic Reid
Bicarbonate of soda (anhyc1rous) .
lime
mngnesin,
"
lithine and iron
p"tash
Sulphll.te of soda (auhydrous)
"
lime.
Chloride of sodium
"
potassium
Bromide of sodium
Iodide
Silicate and nlklllin nitrates
1'048
5'120
0'380
0'220
traces
traces
0'903
0'021
0'380
0'020
considerable
}
troc"
indicatiolls
SOURCE Sl', JEAN.
Springs up in the middle of the old slanghter-houso.
Temp ratur 12'5° C, Rosembles cIosely tho pre'
coding) bllt has a stronger taste oÏ iron.
It is not mucb employed) and) Iike the Source
'fracy) 11as) as yot) no pal'ticular indications. In many
rospoots it l'es mblot:! th Hautorive 1 pring) and would
pl'oba,bly bo found as us .fuI as IIa,utorive in tho class
of disol'dol's f l' wbich that spring is proscriboù .
Analysis of one titre.
Frce cnrbonic Ilcid
.
llical'bonllte oï SOdl1 (lIuhydrollft) .
"
limo
0'610
2'633
0'158
�60
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
and two large piscines with running mineraI water.
To con vey the water to the bathing establishment it
would have been necessary to lay down feed-pipes in
the rue de Paris. To do this special permission was
required, and this was refused. For Bome years past
M. N. Larbaud has been engaged in a lawsult about
this spring against the Director of the Thermal Oompany, who, M. N. Larbaud would have one believe, is
an'aid of the competition that a new thermal establishment at reduced rates would cause to the State
Thermal Establishment. We have not to judge this
question, but simply explain how it is that the bathing
establishment pl'omised so long by M. N. Larbaud,
and which this gentleman thinks would be such a boon
to the visitors and inhabitants of Vichy, remains Vn
statu quo.
The indications of this spring are the same as those
of the alkaline waters in generaI. It does noL appear
to have any special indications.
Tho following is tho analysis :
Saline components conlained in one quart.
Froc clLrbonic lLeid
lliClIl'bolluto of sodn
potllsh
"
mllguosiu .
"
lime
ulphntc of SOdlL •
Cblol'ido of sodium
BOl'llcie Ileid- iron
lusol. rcsiduo
Total
0'!)1,5
6'206
O']2l
O'07!)
0'532
0'27
0'561
tfllr:c8
0'030
7'81,1
�'l'HE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY .
61
Various principles contained in one qua1·t.
Carbonio aeid
Sulphurie aeid
Borie ucid-iron .
Cblorbydric ueid .
Lime
1\iagnesiu .
Potush
Soda
1l1so1. residue
1'771
0'157
traees
0'841
0'208
0'025
0'063
2'606
0'030
Total
5'201
SPRINGS AT S'l'. YOl~RE.
Former1 y only two springs existed at St. Yorre)
those belonging to M. N. Larbaud) situated in the
l arc Larbaud. In the last few years a number of new
springs have been discovered) M. N. Larbaud having
adùcd Lhose of the Nouvelles Sources de Vichy (3),
Source des Acacias, situated in the same park) and
a1so the Pioniers (3) and the Source des Graviers, an
wiLhin a few hundl'ed yards 01 the lll'st. Besi.des
LhciOO springs there 0,1'0 the Sonrce Mallat, Source
Guorriol', Source FOl'Îssier, Source Chal'naux) and
alloLhcl' spriug, as yot unnamod, belonging to Lho
Vichy Company.
�62
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
SOURCE MiLLAT.
Situated at St. Yorre between the railway and the
river Allier.
The yield is 43,000 litres in the twenty-four hours.
Temperature 12° O.
It is very rich in free cal'bonic acid, having as much
as 2'008 gr. pel' litre, wbile the percentage in bicarbonate of soda is quite up ta the average, viz . 4'660 gr.
pel' litre. By its comparative richness in arsenic and
in iron it ranks among the first of tonic waters.
Its low temperature and the gl'eat quantity of carbonic acid it conto,ins should malte it admirably suited
for exportation pUl'poses.
This spring has only been wOl'kod since the mic1dlo
of 1885, and it is too saon as yet to commit oneself ta an
opinion as ta its therapeutical properties. Analysis;
Scûine components in one (puwt.
Froc cnrbonie neid
Bicnrbonnto of Boda
pollLsh
1l1l1gno in .
lime
liLhine
""
proloxido of iron .
Chloric1o of Boùn .
ArMoninte of soùn
'ulpulILc of sodn .
'ilicium .
Total
2'OOS
'.1.'660
0'380
0'060
0'6'10
0'005
0'012
0'510
0'010
0'02'],
O'OLO
S'Sl()
�THE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY.
63
SOURCE G UERRI ER.
Tt is within 200 yards of the St. Yorre railway
station and close to the precediug spring .
This spring) opened in 1882) furnished 50)000 litres
in the twenty-four hours. The temperature is 13° C.
Tt bas a notable quantity of litbine (0'004 g r. per
quart) and also of iron.
The water is clear) agreeable to tbe palate) and by
its analysis soems suitable for the treatment of gout
and of graveI. Tt has other indications as well) but
what wo said of the Source Mallat we must also say
of this spl'ing) viz. it is too soon {or one to speak
positively of its qualities. Like tbe Source Mallat)
it is weIl snitod for exportation by l'eason of its low
temporature. This exportation bas already reacbed
a high figure) and experience appoars to show that it
rotains almost the whole of its qualities wh en uncorked.
Tt malces a very agreeable table wator. Analysis:
SaUne components in one qua?·t.
}l'rco cnrbonie neid
Bicul'bollnte of SOÙlI
potnsh
mngncsia .
sLrontill
lime
iron
JI
IDllngnnc8e
Stllphntc of sodll .
1'420
'.kD10
0'415
0'215
Lraces
0'74.0
0'035
tt-nccs
0'240
�64
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY ,
Pbosphate of soda
Chloride of soda ,
lithium
Arseniate of soda ,
Silicium
Organic matters .
Total
traces
0'414
0'012
0'002
0-040
traces
Vari01Gi principles contained in one
Cal'bouic acid
Sulpburic acid
Phosphoric acid
Arsen ic ncicl
ilex
Chlorbydric Reid ,
Protoxide of il'oU
mnngancse
Lime
SLl'ontia
Mngncsin,
l'otush
Sodu
Bituminous mllttcl'S
Total
1
q~Ga?'t
8-443
.
4'798
0'135
tmccs
0-0013
0-040
0'261
0'012
traces
0'288
tl'llCOS
0-067
0'195
!t'13S
truCCB
7'9313
0 Hel!] FORlSSIlut,
l{,ecently opened, but DoL boing WOl'kOd, Situatod
som hundrod yards fl'oro tho Park Larbaud, and at
n littlc distance ol! tho higb rond to îmes, iL js in
tbo middle of a dry ditcb, which in l'ainy woather
UCCOlliOS a small torrent, We understalld t.hat) at any
�THE l'RERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY.
65
rate for the present) aU ideas of working this spring
are glven up.
The flow is continuous and very considerable) but
wc have not been able to ascertain the quantity supplied in the twenty-four hours . Temperature 11 0 O.
The analysis is as follows :
Frec carbonic Reid
Bicarbonate of soda
potnsh
"
"
1'400
}
190
lime
}
mngnesia
iron
"
Cbloride of sodium
Sulphntc of poLnsh !1.ud lime
Silex, arsenic, alulllina
0'85
0'013
0'38
0'19
0'30
8'033
Total
~ 'OURCE OIIARNAUX AND 'rDE UN-NAMED SPRING BELONOING
'rO 'l'IlE TIIERMAL
OMPANY.
We have not been able to ob tain an analysis of
either or these springs) which arc not being wOl'kcd for
the presont. 'rhat oI the Thormal Oompany is said to
l'osemble in many respects the Oelostins waters. Until)
howover) an official analysis has bean made it will be
mOre prudent to say nothing about Lhesa springs.
5
�66
1'HE MI NERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
SOURCE LARBAUD-S'l' . YORRE .
This spring, and aU those that we have yet to describe, belong to M. N. Larbaud.
The Source St. Yorre is situated in the magnificent
Park of M. Larbaud at St. Yorre. 'fills park was
fOl'merly a large field which went by the name of the
"Champ des Boulets," owing to the innumerablo
springs which oozed from the gl'ound on every side.
M. Larbaud opened this spring and another close to it
many years ago, near to the building where packing
and exportation business was carried on .
The outfl.ow is somowhere about 6000 litres in the
twenty-four hours, and owing to its having of late
become somewhat intermittent M. Larbaud has
rosorted to pumps so as to obtain a more r gular
yield.
This water is excellent for exportation j it has a
temporature of 100 C., and con tains aU the principlos for which the Vichy wnters are so note d,
boing indced vory mnch l'icher in the most important
constiLuents than the gr aLer part of the Vichy wators.
We give the analysis at the feot of this article.
The exportation of thcse waters has attained such
proportions that it has boen found impossible to
oxocu to an the orders, although the bottling is carrioc1
on lay and night without intcrmission. Under Lheso
circlllllsLanccs M. Larbaud has causod borings to bo
�THE 'fHERMAL SPRINGS CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY,
67
made in another part of the Park and has found three
new springs; the Sources NO~tvels
St. Yorre (discovered in 1885 and used for expo)'tation purposes in
1886). They are practically the same as regards
quality as the St. Yorre spring, and have been recognised as such by the State. They are intended to
supplement the deficiency of the old St. Yorre Spring.
Ali these three springs are intermittent and give a
supply of abont 24,000 litres in the twenty-four hours.
Theil' temperature is about 10° C. They are refreshing
to the taste, rich in bicarbonate of soda and carbonic
acid gas.
There is another spring in this park, the Puits
Artésien, which is very similar in quality to the
preceding.
These waters are indicated in aIl cases where
exported waters are prescribed, but the distance of
St. Yorre from Vichy, and the inconvenient hours of
the trains, mnke it next to impossible to partake of
them :1S they flow from the springs.
Analysis of St. Yorre Spring :
Froo cHrbun.ic ncid
1'649
Bicnrbonato of soda
potush
4'838
0'337
0'274
0'007
0'683
0'010
traces
wlIgnesiu .
stroutia
.
liwe
Jl'ot
o xid~
of Iron •
protoxido of mungunofc
"Uhiu
Sulphuto of potllsh
tl'llCCB
0'280
�68
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
Sulphate of soda .
Phosphate of soda
Arseniate of soda.
Borate of soda
Chloride of sodium
Silicium
Bituminous matters
Total
0'280
traces
0'002
traces
0'555
0'035
traces
8'570
SOURCE DES GRAVIERS .
This spring Îs situated between the railroad and
the banks of the Allier, in front of the Larbaud Park,
and belongs to the same proprietor as the preceding
sprmg.
Thongh the spring is enclosed it is not yet being
used; but from the analysis it appears altogether
inferior to the St. Yorre Spring, and pl'obably its nse
will be more rostl'icted.
SOUtteE DES PIONNIERS.
The Pionniors sp,'ings o,re thl'oe in number situated
little distance off the OOos road, on the right-hand
sid , about 300 yards belore al'riving at the Lo,rbaud
po,rk.
'fhe outfiow of thoso springs is very limitod, and it is
improbable that the waters will evel' bo pl'ofitably
0,
�THE THERMAL SPRINGS CONSlDERED lNDlVIDUALLY.
69
worked. They belong to M. Larbaud, who appears
disposed to make them rather the object of an excursion, as he has gone to considerable expense in the
construction of a carnage road leading up to them
from the high road, and has commenced the building
of a kind of summer-house ovel' them.
�70
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
CHAPT ER IV.
TITE DIFFERENT WAYS IN WillOH THE VlCHY WATERS ARE
EMPLOYED.
THE thermal treatment may be internaI or external,
or the two com bined. The internaI treatment consists
of dl'inking a cortain quantity from a certain spring,
or from more than ono spring. The external treatmont comprises the use of reclining and shower baths,
differont varieties of douches, with, as an auxiliary,
sprays of mineraI water, vapour baths, the inhalation of oxygen, and various applications of cal'bonic
acid. 'l'Lero is yet another form in which these
waters aro omployed, by being brought in contact with
the mucous membranes, and then thl'own out. In
this mannOl" thoy aro used for washing out the stomach
and fol' gal'gliug purposes.
Wholl a pationt is sont to Vichy for troatment, tho
first point to decide is whotber ho is to drink tho
wators, 01' only use thern oxtornally. Tho greater
num bol' of patients aro benefiteù both by thoir intornaI and exLernal use, but iL occasionally happons
that somo of thern presont a positive counteriudication
�INTERNAL TREATMENT.
71
for one or other methods, and this we will explain in
the foUowing chapters.
By dl'inking the waters and making nse of the
baths an action is obtained which is general and QX tends to the whole system. The shower baths, on the
contrary, produce a local stimulus.
A . Internal T1·eatment .
It having been decided that the patient is to drink
the waters, and the spl'ing having been fixed upon, it
romains to determino the time when the water ought
to be taken, for how long, and also the quantity.
The most favorable time for dl'inking is the morning,
when the stomach is empty, as then it more easily
I1ssimilatos the mineraI water. The waters ought to
be taken at tho spring, bocauso there is then no risk
of any of their properties boing lost. They shonld bo
taken in smaU quantities, with a minimum of twenty
minutes 01' haU an houl"s intorval, tho whole prescribed
quantity boing taken so that at least haU an hour
olapso between Lho last glass and the next meal. If
any ia orc1ored to be taken in the aftornoon, at leasL
one hour ahould elapso after tho lnnch belore c1l'inking
recommences, which natul'ally must be in tho same
manner as recommondec1 for Lho morning.
W 0 have said that the waLer should bo takon in
smaH quantities. Many paLionLs drink as much watel'
as possible, being persuadod that they not only haston
�72
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
the cure thereby, but render it at the same time more
complete and permanent. AU the Vicby doctors recommend IDoderation. It was Dr. O. Daumas who
was instrumental in putting down the excess in
drinking by his recommendation that moasure glasses,
giving the oxact quantity by the gramme) should be
introduced at the Vicby springs. Some years ago
the quantitios apsorbed were most formidable: eight
and ton glasses daily, and even fifteen and twenty
glasses, were ordinary doses. N atUl'ally no doctor
ordered such quantlties, but the patients insisted on
drinking as much as they could .
One of the l'easons that may be given for this abuse
is the freedom accordod to everyone to drink gratuitously. 'l'ho 15th article of tho new rogulations states
that " the Iroo USQ 01 tbo waters is opon to aU, without
being rostrict cl to medical advico, 01' permission of
any kind." We sec no objection to this freedom; il,
lS the pationt's option to tako or not to take advice as
ho wil1, and wo aro stl'ongly disposod against enforced
meelical aelvico as boing prejudicial to the credit of the
profession.
Among tho indications constituting the entit'e
thermal troatrnont not one is invariablo 01' subject to
Ex d rules. .Pathological acoidonts) age, sox, and,
above aIl) the peculiarities of constitution) govern and
vary thern. Every patient has his speoial constitution)
which must bo stmli d scparatoly with a viow to special
treatmont. We l'ep ab that none oC tho Vichy springs
possess al1y spocial qualiLirs j tho one oan constantly
�INTERNAL TREATMENT .
73
replace the other, and the most suitable is that which
the patient is fouud to digest easiest.
To discover what spring is best suited in such and
such a case it may happen that one is obliged to make
several trials, but frequently the only reason why the
patient cannot digest the water is that he takes too
much of it. If some patients can support large
quantities with a relative impunity it is not the same
with aU. Some have difficulty in digesting ev en
smaH quantities . With others it is liable to congest
the brain, and this is particularly so in the case of
very sanguineous people, or those having an apoplectic
tendency.
These waters react upon the whole of the digestive
tract; they increase the appetite, facilitate and quicken
the digestion, at the samo time rendel'ing the assimilation more complete, the bowels more regular, the
urinary secretion more abundant and oasior. 'l'hey
amoliol'ate the nutl'ition, incl'oase the strengtb,' and
causo a gOl1ol'a.l feeling of oomfort. By a too froe indulgence in them the very opposite offects are observed.
Dl'. Durand-Fardel in speaking of the large doses
and their inconveniences, thus expresses himself
(' Lettres M' dicales sur Vichy,' p. 48) :
« Tho small est inconvenience of these large doses
would be their utter uselessness, for such considerable proportions of mineraI substances (bicarbonate of
soda) could not bo inLroduced iuto tho economy with
impunity jf tllOy had Lo be olimiuatod in a natnral
mannel'. 'rhus) ev n iu the most flagrnut cases of
�74
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
abuse) one never observes at Vichy) or after the Vichy
treatment) those phenomena of alkaline cachexia to
which Cullen drew attention) and that Magendie and
Trousseau had met with. But these doses (eight and
ten glasses) considerably fatigue the digestive organs
and the urinary apparatus) produce irritation in theso
parts) exaggerate the symptoms of existing diseases)
predispose to active hyperœmia) greatly exciting the
nervous system) both cerebral and sympathetic) and
frequently occasion febrile accidents.
"If one has to deal with a gastt-algic and paimul
stomach) the minoraI water must be introducecl in
very smaH proportions) for tho organ which receivos it
directly) revolts at once against a, dose exceeclil1g in
the slightest clegreo that which it is able to support.
If ono has to deal with a weakoned organisation)
withouL reaction) it will be necessary again to adruinistor
the waters in small doses) tor tho systom) unablo to
react agaiust the mineralising principlos inLroclncucl,
will rocoive from thom ra.thor a toxic than a mediùinal
action) and l have no dOllbt that iL is in these casos
that Mag nclio aml Troussoau found examples of
alkalille cachexia, veritablo casos of poisoning) of
which many other observers hav s on examples."
These wn.tel's are essentütlly pl' scribed in ùhl'onic
cases; they are contl'o.-indiùated in acute cases. In
certain Cases of gast,'algift they are also contl'a-inclico.ted) th stomach being unfit to support the min 'l'al
water and causing intolerablo cardiac pains. III sotne
cases of clyspepsia) whoro they cause a feeling of
�INTERNAL TREATMENT.
75
heaviness J sickness, and indigestion they must be
:abandoned. Sometimes in these cases the addition of
a little milk or wine, or even water will overcome the
susceptibility of the stomach and still permit with
profit the empIoymont of small quantities. In some
·cases they cause a profuso diarrhœa, even wh en taken
very sparingly, and in such cases the doctor must judge
whether to stop them or change the spring. It is
principally, however, in enteritis and chronic diarrhœa
that the interna] use of the Vichy waters is contraindicated. For though some of these cases may be
cured by their uso, the majerity get worse. By a
judicions use of baths for a few days, or perhaps at
the ond of a season, the susceptibility of the internaI
organism frequcntIy becomes diminishod and pel'mits
of a normal intcrnaI troatment.
Tho question, How long should the treatment last ?
is an important ono. We should remember that the
diseases tl'eated are aU chl'onic one s, tllat the constitution, when seriously a:Œ cted with diseases of long
sLanding, recovers but slowly and gradually under
their influencc, and that time lS noccssary to perceive
tho l'esulLs of the treatment. It is only whcn the
patient has l'oturnoù homo that the improvement in
many cases becomes apparent. Thore is an old saying,
cc Prevontion is betLer than cure))
, and we would have
our patients apply tho moral of this to themsclvos. It
is not whon they arc sorioLlsly ill that they should
come to the wators, buL when, knowing themsclvos to
be liable to any of the diseases tl'eaLed with suc cess at
�76
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
this station, and fearing an outbreak, they wish to
ward off the attack. The twenty-one days' treatrneut
cannot be applicable to aU cases. It does not require
one to belong to the medical profession to understand
that two people may have the same disease in very
different degrees, and that the time that would suffice
for a cure in the first case may be absolutely inadequate in the second, lt is the patient and not the
doctoI' who has fixed upon this interval. Both Dl'.
Oasimir Daumas and Dr. Durand-Fardel have a version
upon how the twenty-one days' treatment became the
custom. As they are both plausible we shallquotethem.
Dr. O. Daumas writes :
(( Formerly, people came to the springs with more
serious viows aud always fol' an important object.
W omen, forced by their ol'ganisation to abstain from
aU tl'eatment for sevoral days, could only submit
themselves to it during twenty-ono days in each
month. Thoy mado use of the watol'S during that
pel'iod, and hence the origin of this pl' tended obligation of twenLy-one days. IL is true that womon have
very propel'ly liberated themselv s from that obligation, buL men still adll 1'0 to it! l do not think they
havo any right to do so, and most cortainly they hvo
not tho same causo."
M. Durand-Fardel giv s tho lollowing explanation :
(( In OVOl'y establishm nt Lh soason ought Lo have
a dUl'aLion fix d in advance, g nerally speaking Lwenhyone days, at 1 ast so it is at Vichy. Who invonLed this ?
This institution dates back from tho commencement
�INTERNAL TREA'l'MENT.
77
of time. May we reproach our predecessors for allowing themselves to be so easily 'subjugated? Whether
you be seriously or slightly indisposed it is aIl the
same; the season is twenty-one days. Previously the
first care,of the patients upon their arrivaI in Vichy was
to secure a place fol' the day of their return journey
(there were no railways then)) that ie to say) in the evening of the twenty-first or twenty-second day; in the
next place they went and consulted their doctor. If
one wished to de tain them any longer they cried out;
if one wished to shorten their treatment) most of them
not being able to leave until the twenty-first day) continued to take baths to while away the time. Indeed)
it is by the number of baths that the number of days
of troatment is counted) and the women do not fail to
add to the obligatory number of days those that they
have been obliged to abstract from the daily baths. n
'J'his is tantamount to saying that each individual
case ShOl.ild speak for itself; on an average twenty-one
days may be sufficient) but then another twenty-one
days may be necessary later on in the season.
The time of year for taking the waters has also its imporLance. For most poopl ) from tho beginning of May
to the end of J'une) and from the end of August to the
fil'st fOl'tnight in Octobel' would be best. The nature of
the diseuse and the constitution of the patient must)
however) sometimes mako it preferable to come in the
month of J uly ; this is applicable to those of a lymphatic
constitution and for rhoumatic people. In the middle
01 the season Vichy is very rolaxing and ought to bo
)
�78
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
avoided by plethoric people and those having a tendcncy to congestion. An excellent system is that followed by a number of our countrymen, who ll1ake a
season at the commencement of May, then goto Switzerland or elsewhere and return for a second season at
the ond of September or the beginning of October.
When the weather is very cold the treatment may yet be
followed, but great care must be cxercised in bathing..
and when possiblo it lS preferable to avoid tho cold
weather.
We have had occasion to remark elsewhere that tt an
easy mind" is of the greatest imp0l'tanco as an adjuvant
to the success of the treatment. Without it the assimilation of the mineraI waters is less pm-fect, and consequently tho cure less rapid and complote. 'l'herefore,
as much as possible leave aU cares behind you, and
without carrying gaioty to an xc ss go in for somo of
tho amusements which abound in Vichy. It is unwise
to overfatigue yourself, but short proLDenados, drives,
an ovening now and then at tho thoatro, will orton
cause as bcneficial a roaction on th general system
Wll n low-Apiritod and doprossod, as will a minora.1
bath, and in some cases moro; fol' assilUilation cannot
Lako placo pl'oporly whou tho miuù is ill at oas .
Artor tho sonson is ovol' it by no ru ans 10110ws that,
the treatmont is ovor. As tho troaLmollt has to bo
cautiously commoncod, so must it bo cautiously
ùroppod. If; lS uSltal to havo t 0 waL l'S ol'ùcrod yet
lor somo liLLle Limo 101' homo
sU l1lpLioll. r[1110 colù
springs 0.1'0 always tItoso whi arc l'ocommcnd d.
�EXTERNAL TREA'fMEN'l'.
79
'l'he artificial Vichy waters can in nowise replace
the genuine waters, the only salt it contains being
the bicarbonate of soda. It fatigues the stomach
more than the genuine water, and while it may do good
to a certain extent it cannot act as the other does, with
its numerous mineraI properties so intimately connected and in su ch a perfeet state of dissolution. The
mineraI water has an the soda it contains absolutely
in the bicarbonated state, whereas this salt in the
al'tificial water is not completely saturated and is also
found as a neutral carbonate and a sosquicarbonate.
In a word, the artifieially prepared water acts simply
as an alkaline solution and has no connection with the
natural water.
B. Exte1'nal ~se,ç
ba.ths, douches, 9"c.
~'ho
minoraI baths are almost a necessity lU the
Vichy troatment, and in those rare cases in wruch
dl'inking the waters is contra-indieated they constitute
in thernsolvos nearly the entire troatment.
'l'heir generaI action is to givo increased activity to
the diITerent functions of the skin. 'l'hey increase the
P 'l'spiJ'ation, recan dischargcs and various eruptions,
and are liablo Lo causo a,n lLrtificial exanthoma when
their .duration has surpassed the propel' limÏls. They
oxcn;lse a double actiOll, stimulating to the skin and
the glands, n.nd, by a feoble proportion of some of
�80
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
the mineraI principlel; which penetrate the cutaneous
surface and is absorbed, they tone the whole system.
Thus to stimulate and absorb is the double mode of
action upon which are based the elements of their
application, and which give rise to beneficial or pernicious results according to the manuel' in which they
have been employed.
They usual1y produce a general condition of comfort,
make the patient feel stronger, ancl so much arc they
appreciated that there is almost always a tendency on
the part of patients to drink to excess, causiug in
some cases most serious effects.
They are not applicable to an cases, and in each
individual case it is necessary to de te l'mine what
sourco by its composition and Lemperature is best
fitted to it. It will di:Œer with tho nature of the
malady, the ago, sox, and constitution of the patient.
The mineraI baths arc contra-indicated under very
much tho sarne circuUlstances as bl1tbs in goneral are
Iorbidden. They should never ùe talcon by patients
predisposed to congostions or cerebral affections of
any kind. In hart aiTections ~LnÛ.
in most of the
functioTJal disorders of tho orgaos situated in the
thorax thoy ought to be prohibiL d, 01', if taken, only
wiLh tho greatest care. ln gouty paticnts baths frequontly bring on an attack of gout. Cases of ascites,
oyen when caused by cong stion of the liver, will
r:1l'oly admit 01 baths. It has b en d bated whether
a pregnant woman should abstain from tho mineraI
ùaths. We have no hesitation in saying that this
�EXTERNAT, TREATMENT.
8]
state is no contra-indication on the condition that the
woman has been in the habit or tl1king ol'dinal'Y rreshwatel' baths berore coming to Vichy.
She must
simply use ordinal'Y prudence) not allow the temperatu!' to be too high) and not prolong the bath j if she
were in the habit or employing them berore) ftnd were
to stop tllem while at Vichy) she might interrere with
the normal termination or her confinement. In the
case where tho patient is very near tel'm) the doctor
alone can advise her upon the practicability or
continuing or ceasing the thermal treatment) as wh en
this moment approaches certain complications might
arise which would render bathing most injudicious.
'l'ho baths ought novor to be wholly mineraI j the
usual proportion or minoraI water is one haH) somotimes but one quarter) or mineraI watel' to three quarters fresh watol'. One of Lhe smallost inconvoniencos
in taking a mineraI baLh too strong is the violent
irritation it produces on the skin) causing considerablo
itching) sometimes accompanied by cephalalgia and
fever. In gouty patients it may produce apoploxy.
Theso accidents aro more {requont in the very warill
wOftthel') and extra precautions should be tak n fol'
OVOl'y 1ass of pationts in tho administration of the
baths dlll'ing tho height or the soason) when tho temperature som tim s borders on Lh tropical.
~a'dl
snfficient attention is paid to slight symptoms
o[ lrntatlOn) spasilla) fovorish and ul'okon sloep) and
norvous anxiety, which aro froqu nLly l' marked in
patients takÎllg tho baths) and in many cases attrib6
�82
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
uted to the constitution of the patient, but which in
rea1ity are caused by the over-stimulating effects of
the bath. lu women and children, persons advanced
in lif of both sexes, in those of a feeble and weak
constitution, these effects are frequently to be observed,
and with them the bath should never exceed more than
one third 01' ono quarter of mineraI watel'.
Sorne patients are very sensitive to even very smaH
proportions of mineraI watel', and at times the stimulating action is such that the irritation becomes intolerable and the baths frighten the patient. It has
been proposed by sorne of the doctors to add starch or
bran to the bath, which oiten causes this annoyanco to
eeaso. We are not partisans of this tl'eatment; the
mineraI baths have generally a sedative effect when
takon in the pl'Opel' proportions, and we simply reduce
the pl'oportiou of mineraI watel'. If the itclting has
b COIDO insupportable an ordinary starch bath wilhoul
a11y min l'al water will generally arrost it, and permit
the pationt to support the next minoraI bath.
The temporature of the È.ath is of vast importanco ;
it is pref 1'a1)10 to havo it rather too low thnn too high,
fol' a bath too warm weakens and prevonts tho stimulating e110ct on tho organism. Natumlly the sarne tomperature will not suit evel'y caso. llt're, as olscwhcre,
tho cotlstitlltion and ag of the invn,lic1, and tho nature
of tIlo complai11t fol' which the pn,tiont is seeking
advic ,hav aU to bo consid l'cd j but in the vn,sL
majority of cnses a t mperatur varying hom 32° Lo
35° C. (80'5° to 95° F .) will be found tü bo tlmt which
will givo tho bost rosults.
�EXl'ERNAL 'fREATMENT.
83
The duration of the bath is of nearly as much
importance as the temperature. The same rules regulate the one as the other, and too long a stay in the
bath will produce very much the same results as too
high a temperature. The normal dnration is one
hour, i. e. the time that the patient normally passes in
the bath. In many cases this is too long, and half
an hour would be sufficient. 'ro speak in a general
way, we should say that, to be of any benefit, a quarter
of an hour is the minimum and one bour the maximum .
.A. special kind ot baths, the pisciue, has special
indications as to duration according to the disease
treated; where a certain moving about is possible, an
bour's duration is oHen not excessive.
In old people with sanguine or irritable temperaments, with wcak and delicate constitutions, baths of
halE an h.our, twenty minutes, or a quarter of an
bour are often more useful and even necessary. In
those cases, a daily bath is rarely indicated; onc every
two or three days is as much as is good for the
patient.
.
The time of day at which the bath is taken is of
soconclal'y importanco provided that it is not just aftel'
a moal. However, tho time that appears to be the
most suitable is in the moruing beloro breakfast. A
short walk after tho bath aiùs the l'eaction and should
always bo taken whon possible. Too long a walk,
howevel', particularly il fasting fol' SOille timo, is not
to bo rccommendod.
H is almost needless Lo add that thcl'c are certain
�84
THE MINEJl,AL WATERS OF VICHY.
times at which women must abstain from the baths,
an l that there is no fixed number of baths for any
disease; the number is decided in each particular case
by the effects produced, or, in other words.. different
constitutions, although they may be aftected by the
same disease, will not respond in the same manner to
the sarne tl'eatrnent, and where a daily bath rnay be
necessary in the one case, in the other a bath every
three days will procure the sarne result and the daily
bath would prove pernicious.
The douches forrn part of the external treatrnent;
thcy are or two kinds, the pe?'cussion and ascending
douches, which in their turn are subdivided into many
secondary classes.
'l'he percussion douches are very Ircoly employed ;
they comprise the difforent kinds of show er-bath
douche, the jet douche, and the circle douche, a
val'iety of the jet douche. The Scotch doucho, in
which hot and cold water arO used alternately, is not
in much Iavour at Vichy.
TIl p l'cussion douche is uscd generally or 10ca11y
accol'ding as to whothcr one desiros to obtain a gonoral
or local oIT ct. Tho fi l'st is dil'ectcd upon tho body, as
far aWlly as possibl from tho soat -F the disoase.
'l'ho principal indications of this claas or doucIl and
tlLO mannol' of Llsing it al' as follows :-In nLlmbncss
of Llle c 'tr miLios, upon tho hands 01' feet, as the caso
may bo, Lo accelerato the circulation and thus pl'oduce
II al,; upon tbe vorL braI column to stiulUlato th
l1crvous system; upon tho skin to excit iLs functions.
�Ex'rERNAL TREATMENT.
85
The local douches, instead of being directed away
from the seat of disease, are directed as neal'ly as
possible to where it lies, and onZy to this place. Theil'
object is to aid in the reabsorbtion of a congested
state, or of some morbid process, by causing an
increased activity in the diseased organ and the surl'ounding tissues .
They ,a re employed in congestion of the liver and
of the spleen, and are directed on the part of the body
nearest to which these organs lie.
Theil' utility has not al ways proved very great, but
certain cures or, at any rate, relieved symptoms having
followed their use, it is a dut y to try them wh en thera
is no contra-indication, it being impossible to for'esee
how much bOllefit may rosult from Lhe treatmont.
Oertain peoplo have a pronouncoJ disposition to
active flux or an extraordinary excitability of the
norvous systom which will not permi.t of a Iree use of
these douchos. Tho only contra-indications, howovor,
or neady the on ly onos, are the xisLellce of painful
symptoms. Thus, congestion of the livel' is frequontly
accompaniod with intorcostal nomalgia, which is
ind pende ut of the livol" complaiut and is frequontly
increasod by the application of douches.
In cases of l'heumatism) pains in the loins, in tho
kidneys) auù with patienLs afBicLeù with gravel, they
have oEten brough L much relief. In cases of chronic
metriLis Lhoy sOlDotimes do more hm'ID tllan good.
The temperaLul'o varies considcl'ably) anù it is hard
to fix evon a normal tempel'ature. As a goneraI ruio
�86
THE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF VICHY.
they are cold, and when warm rarely exceed 35° C.
The minimum temperature is from 8° to go C., and it
is not always easy to obtain the water at this low
temperature. The susceptibility of the patient as
weIl as his complaint has to be taken into consideration. The Scotch douche, in which the warm and
cold water alternate, produces a much more violent
reaction than the cold douche alone.
To facilitate the reaction the patient is generally
rubbod down with a hard toweI, and in some establishments he has the means of exercising bimself with
dumb-bells, of using a gymnasium, &c., aU of which
fUl'ther the object in viow, and may he used both before
and after the treatment.
Tho duration of tho doucho must essentially be
short if it is to bo of any use. Pl'om thil'ty seconds
to threo or four minutes will comprise every caso .
The rorce and the volume of the watel' Pl'ojocted
will vary accol'ding to circumstances. W omen and
childron cannot stand as poworlul a jet as a man,
evon if it would be good for thorn. Where sorno can
support a modorato strongLh thoy would fail to support
a strong jot. The doctor must judge from his examination of tho pati nt both tho duration, tho variety,
and forco of tho doucho which h wishes tho invalid
to take.
'l'ho ascending douches arc divided ioto two prin ipai
classes, th l'ectal and vaginal douches; one rnigbt
evon add a third class, tho p l'inoa,} douches. r:J.'hoso
may bo qualified as intornal or e.' tornal, accol'ding to
�EXTERNAL
TREAM~N
.
87
wh ether they penetrate into the two first cavities, or
are simply directed against the margins of their
orifices.
The rectal ascending douche renders most importaut
services in the Vichy therapeutical treatment j it ia
employed in cases of obstinate constipation. Sometimes the jet is simply played round the margin of
the anus, at other times the cannula of the jet is
introduced into the anus ao that the water may penetrate higher up . The result is an evacuation very
much as would be obtained by an enema) but the
rectal douche dillers easentially from the former by
its mode of action. 'fhe enoma, instead of tonifying
and excitiug the mucous lilling of the rectum) whon
constantly employed) only enfeebles and woakens it)
so that tho more one employs it the more nocoasary
it becoll1es until iL is impossiblo to obtain an evacuation without it. 'I he a cending douche) on t11e
contral'y) has a diroct influence on the mu cous lining)
which it tonifies. It incl'eases the constrictive action
of tho groat intostino anô sLimulatos its sOCl'oLions lU
a hsting mannol'.
'l'hoy are not omployod oxcluaivo]y for cases of
cOllstipation) but aro indieaLed in many othel' casos
whoro d i.Œorent l'gans in the vicinity aro aftoctod) in
cOI'Lain dis ases 01 tho bladderJ conO'oation
of tho prosb
tato glands) congesLion qf LIlO body and ncck of the
utel'~J
and in prOhLpSl1S of that organ. Thoy aro
somoblmos used to l'ecall Lhe calamonia 01' a flow of
blood from piles.
�88
·.rITE 1lllNERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
The duration of these douches varies from five to
ten minutes . They genel'ally cause sorne immediate
relief, particularly to be remarked with dyspeptic
patients ; and this can easily be understood when one
refiects upon the intimate relations which exists
between the functions of the stomach and those of
the intestines; by acting upon the one it reacts in its
turn upon the other.
'l'he vaginal douches are principally employed in
chronic affecLions of the uterus .
'l'hey are administel'ed in the bath and should be
given with care; the CUlTent of watel' should Bow
gontly, and in no caso is a powerful jet necessary.
They are most useful in affections of the uterus. In
cases of catarrh, whites, or leucorrhœa, they render
greaL sOl'vico by the tonifying .lIects they pl'odnce on
tho organ and tho passages. In cases of ulceration
of the neck of the ut.orus, wh en the catamenia aro
irrogulal' they may oHon be employed with most
satisfactol'y results.
While itldicaling some of tho cases in which tùoy
froquonLly givo gl'oat r liof and which th y lUay ovon
euro, we must add that tllOy aro not applicable in
every one of Lhese cases and thaL grea,t jl'udence
should b obscrvod in thei!' use. Tt is not Llllfl'oqu nt
to Eau that Lhoy incl'easo th su.ITol'ing of th pationt,
and) far from diminishing Lho discharg , they illcrease
it. lu oth l' casos, without causing nony p~tin,
they
bring on fatiguo in tho lim bs) a gonm'al sonsation of
ùobility, whioh may mako iL nocossttry to modify or
�CARDONIC ACID TREA'fMENT,
89
even to cease this treatment entirely, at least for a
period,
aplinc~s
C, Oa?'bonic acid t?'eatment.
M, Durand-Fardel was instrumental in causing the
for this treatment to be erected in the
Thermal Establishment, In 1857 he made temporary
arrangements which enabled him to try this treatment,
Both he and Dr, Willemin having obtained some
successes with the carbonic acic1, the 'rhermal Company
completed and perfected tho installation, w hich i~
situated at tho entrance to tho first-class bathing
establishment in front of the Casino,
Th physiological action of the ~ o baths is thus describod by Dr, Rotul'oaLl :
" The lil'st physiological action of a general cal'bonic
acid ba~h
which stl'ikes the aLtention is the sensation
of h aL felt by the pm'son plunged in the bath j this
heat iner ases progl'essivoly Ull ti! it is difficult 1,0 bea!' j
iL is folt in the epigastl'ie hollow, tho internaI parts of
tho mombol's, and pal'tieulal'ly 01 tlw tlrighs.
"'l'ho Coet, which dUl'ing the fil'st ten minut s
parti ipatod in the gouCl'al heat" becomo almost cold,
t11e pulse 80 lat'l'emains tho sam', but the face l'eddous
and bocomes coverod with beads of perspiration, The
arLol'ial pulsations dimiuish fl'om eight to teu in the
spac o[ a minute and b como il'r gular, tho feot
rogain thoir warmth, tho mombol's acquil'e a great
�90
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
snppleness, and after a quarter of an hour or twellty
minutes spent in the carbonic acid bath one experiences
a sensation of comfort. When oue quits the bath oue
remarks that the saliva i8 usually acid and that theurine has the same reaction. The body undel'goes
such a gl'eat sensation of cold that oue is obliged to
wrap up in very warm clothing so as not to be unduly
af!ected by the outside air, however heated it may beby the sol al' rays."
This sensitiveness to cold after the bath, concerning
which Dr. Rotureau is so affirmative, do es not appeur
to be felt to any great-extent by a number of patients;
perhaps there are reasons why it is less feIt at Vichy
th an elsewhere, snch as more protection against
draughts, &c., until the patient is quite in the open
air, but we are rathol' inclined to Lhink that Dl'.
Roturoau must have formed tha opinion we quota
from sorne a -tra·sensitivo patients. In no caso, howov l', can any ha,rm como from having a shawl or
somothing warm to put on artel' the bath in caso of
being atLacked wiLh this chilly sensation.
The baths may bo pal·tial 01' genoraL When the
application of the gas is limited to a spocial part of the
body, it causes in it a sensation of hoat, aceompanied
SOlDotimcs by a litt10 giddinoss.
In many cases or catarrhs, sorc-throats, spasms,
neul'algia, 1'houmaLism, al1cl paralysis thcy have been
triocl '\Vith v l'y varying rosults.
M. Dl1l'and-.IParclcl has hacl many suce ssos in cases
of norVOllS asthma (dry oata1'1'h or Laennoc) that is
�CARBONIC ACID 'l'REATMENT.
91
accompanied by a very feeble catarrhal secretion. In
sciatic neuralgia he has had some very good results
also .
This gas diminishes or entirely removes pain, and is
often used for this purpOSfl; where it is useless as a
curative agent, it is used internally for different
purposes, as we shan presentIy describe .
For external use it has proved useful in the treatment
of di:Œerent sores which remain chronic, showing no
tendency to hea1. Thus numbers of cases of ulcers,
of wounds which have resisted every attempt made
to obtain their cicatrisation, have been cured with
ease by this treatment.
'l'ho douches are given in the ordinary baths. No undressing is necessary; it is usual slm]Jly to take off the
outer gal'ment. The bath is covered ovel' by a wooden
lid with a hole in the centre fol' the passage of the head.
The body is thus entirely covel'ed in, and if the head
is leH out it ls because the patient would l'un the l'isk
01 suffocation if he wore to broatho frooly the carbonic
acid. Pipes are attachod to Lhe bottom of the bath
and aro opened wh en ovol'ything is l'eady; ovving to
tho gl'eat Jluidity of tho gas it penetrates the cloth s
of Lho patient and bathos 11im as e:ŒectuaUy as if ho
W01'O stl'ippod.
'J'h on1imLl'y duraLion of the bath is from fifteen to
twenty minutes or oven half an hour. An hour is
oxc0ptionally long.
'J ho il) halations and douchos of Lhis gas are indicatcd
in cortain affoctions of the thl'oat and mou th ; for
..
�92
'fHE MINERAL WATEUS OF VlCIlY.
ulcerous pharyngitis it has often a wonderfully curative
e.Œect j fol' acute coryza, or chronic coryza, that most
distl'essing complaint whero the smeU becomes dèstroyed and the patient, without being seriously ill,
is nevor at his ease.
Of aU its indications, however, the principal one is
perhaps its employmont in the tl'eatment of diseases of
the uterus.
Both dysmonorrhœa (painful catamenia.) and amenorrhœa (absence of the montbly flow) are generally much
benefited by carbonic naid douches. In congestion of
the utm'us its action is not at an so sure.
Wo mentioned its curativ properti s for indolent
ulcers, &c. Acting on tllÎs principle it has b en
lal'goly employed in the tl'oatmont or ulcerations and
grauulations of the nock of tho u tOl'US, as also in
uterino neul'algia, and tho l"osults have beon most
satisIactory.
rl'he inhalations and the louches are givon by moans
oI long india-rubber tubes, communicating with the
rosorvoir contaioing the carbonic acül, and are fitted aL
the c,· tremity with movabl pieces to adapt them Lo
t1le dilieront orifices with which thoy are put in
connoction. The inhrtlations last rrom five to Iifte n
minutes. Patients have a difIiculty in accnstoming
themselvos Lo this tr aLwont 101' a fciw thys .
•
�HYGIENE AND D I ET .
93
CHAP'l'ER V.
HYGrENE AND DIET .
JUS1' as indiffel'ent attention to hygiene and diet is
the cause of many diseases} so is due regard to these
two points of parcLmount importance when the disease
has declared itself, for withoat it the most judicious
treatment ofcen pl'oves ineffectual. If this is true with
the gonerality of diseases its observance is especially
caUed for in the number of ailments treated at the
thermal springs both at Vichy and elsewhere} and
although cOl'tain maladies may, and oHen do} l'equire
a special hygiono and a special diet} there are general
l'ales which apply to aU casos; the exceptions will be
pointed out when treating of thosc diseases in dotail.
As one of the principal propertics of the Vichy waters
is to stimu late the fllnctions of the skin and of the
<1ig stive orgnns, th hygienic tl'oatmont to b followod
must bo OllO that will socond the action of the waters.
'1'0 assist the socreting power of the glands of Lhe
skin, exorciso is necessary. Long and fatiguing walks
arc contra-indicatod; it is only moùorato exercise that
will fortiry and act ben ficially . Drivos in the op on
air, or sitting in a placo ncither too cold nor too warm
�94
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY ,
and free from dmughts, must be resorted to by those
who cannot take a moderate walk,
Tbe fresh air, by reason of the large quantity of
oxygen i t contains, is sllfficient of itself to causo a
certain stimulus to the skin, and thereby accelerates
the circulation and increases the activity of tho skin
glands, Another kind of exercise which may be
employed with profit is the use of dum b-bells,
gymnastics &c, j all these means tend to the same
object, viz, to increaee the activity of the circulation
and the secreting powers of the difIol'ent ghmds of Lhe
skiu, If for the majority of the patients coming to
VieIl y, wnlking is strongly indicateù, sllch as in cliabeLic cases, in cases of gont, &c" Lhere al'e other
ca es in which it is as stt-ongly contra-indicat cl j th i is
so in most afIeetions of Lhe utel'Us, whe!' r poso and
rest, and often' the horizontal position, are absolnLcly
n e ssary, Patients bolonging to this category ShOllld
hardly put th il' foot to tho gl'otmd, at any ratc at the
commonc mont of tho tl' atmont j som till1 s ovon
carriag drives musL bo prohibitod beeauso of LIlo jolting, lIor, as olsowhore, howover, th r is no hardand-fast rul , and wo IDeoL with som pati nts Bufforing from uLOI'in disol'dors who al' ho hotter for a
liLUo walking i of cours it will do}) nù lirOn th
naLuro of the diseuso-its [~dvane
cl, aeut , or eill'ouie
sint,
.l!'or a1l patients the amount of xel'cis' must be
proportionato to the ag , Bex, ancl sLr ugtll. 'l'IlllR a
young gil'l of sixLo li, snIT 'rillg from ùyspopsia, wOllld
�RYGIENE AND DIET .
95
be able in the majority of cases to take longer walks
with lesr.; fatigue than a young girl of the same age
suffering from ehloro-anœmia. Roth have need of
-exercise j but in the second case, if exaggerated, the
pn,lpitation of the heart would be more violent, the
bl'eathing more laborious, and, instead of deriving
profit hom the walk, the over-fatigue would pI'oc1uce
the very opposite effects.
Whi10 the body shoulc1 have plenty of exercise
where it is practicable, it is the very contrary with the
mina. AH business maiters should be rigorously set
asiae dudng the cure if one wishes to obtain the full
benefit of the treatment. We are aware that this is
not a1ways possible, but the patient who studies his
own intercat will do his best to havo as littlo to do
with theIU as possible. It is not necessary that the
mind should remain quite unoccupied j on the contrary,
sometlling to change the train of morbid thoughts
which so often harass the pati nt and interfere with
tllO efficacy of the trcatrnont is to be dcsired.
Hl'sid s tho different promenades, let him frequent
Lh reading-room, go to tho th('atr , and, in a word,
tnke any quiet amusemont which ho nmy fool disposed
fol'. Thel'o are cCl'lain amusem nt8, howovcl', which
instead of ca1ming will on1y excite, and which shoulc1
thol'ofol'o bo avoidod by the pati nt who is rcally
so1icitous about his llOalLh and who has como to Vichy
hoping to obtain a cme 01' alloviation of his sulIel'ings
-w m an tho gaming ta,bles-which monnR, not
ullÎl'oquently, late hours and restI ss nigltts. The
�96
THE MINERAL WA'rERS OF VICHY .
exhausted system is not able to react under the tI'eatment, and the patient may return home no better than
wh en he first arrived.
Speaking about the theatre makes it necessaryfor us
to say a few words about clothing. 'rhe heat at Vichy
is often very great, almost unboarable, during the day,
and that more or less during the wbole season, if fifteen
c1ays be curtailed from each onc1 j the temperature at
night-time is very considerably lower, so much so, that
at times it is almost chil1y, wheu the day temperature
may have been unusually high . A natural conseqnence
i that if the same clothing be wom duriug the day,
and no ac1dition be made wh on returning from the
th atre, ban, concert, &c., great risks are run of
gotting a chilI. Th sam risks are l'un in the daytime if the clothing i too light, sitting down in the
open air after a brisk ... allc with very light clothing
boing 0. very usual way of getting a chill,-chill that
noL only aggravates most of the complaints treatod
h01"o, but may ovon l ad to faLaI conseql1 ncos. 'ro
avoicl Lhis risk, the chess must bo n ither too warm
nor 1.00 light; if too warm iL cans s profus perspira,tion, w a,kons and ffLtigll s Lbo patient. Wo have
o."plainod tho risles l'un by havillg it too lig11t.
propel' medium is Deccssary for tho c1aytim ; 101' Lùo
ev ning a light ovorcoat Or shaw l shollid always be at
hnud w110n l aviog th Lhca.Lr or whon sitLing clown
in the open air. BoLh s , os should w al' flanne]s,
w]lich absorb Lho l)ol'spimtion and keep np a gentlo
Leruporatlll"e ovel" the wholo body.
�HYGIE NE AND DIE'l'.
97
Another point to which attention has to be pai.d is
the digestion. It has to be facilitated; exercise will
materially aid in this result, but certain rules should
be remembered. It must not immediately follow the
meal. An interval of about an hour should elapse to
allow the chymification to commence or the digestion
will bo too rapid.
The quantity and quality of the food must be considered, whether liquid or solid, and also the cooking.
N ormally most poople eat a groat doal more than is
either necossary or good for them, and particularly is
this the case at Vichy, where the waters and the exercise stimulate so poworfnlly the appetite. Before
indicating certain substancos which it wül bo as well
to avoid, we will say a few words upon what Iliot is
suitable in health, both as regards the quantity and
quality, and then show in what respocts it should be
modifiod by patients under trcatmont.
To arrive at the proper estimation of a reasonablo
diet in Lw nLy-four hours, it 1S nocossary to consider
tho amounL of tho cxcrota daily eliminaLed ft'om the
boùy; tho ingcsta or a,limental'Y substances inLroducod
into tho digosLive tubo ought to bo in Lllo samo proportion whon tho woight of the inùiviùual l' mains
sta,tiol1ary. 'l'ho OXCl' ta conLain chio.fly carbon,
})ydl'ogen, oxygon, and niLrogon; tho othor substances,
slich as sulphur, phosphorus, chlol'ino, potassium, soda,
&c., TI od not occupy us.
Cl1l'b?uic acid and ammonia arc giv n olI frOID the
lungs, ~. B. tho olomonts or cal'bon, oxyg n, nitl'ogen,
7
�98
'l'fiE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF YICI:fY.
and hydrogen j the urine con tains the same principles
in differQnt proportions. In the sweat and fffices the
elements chiefly rcpresented are carbon) hydrogen)
and oxygon. ByaU the oxcretions large quantities or
watel' are got l'id of daily, but chiefly by the urine.
The following tabla (Landois) gives the relations
between the amounts of the chier clements contained
in these various xcreta in twenty-four hours.
1-
- -Waler,
C,
N,
JI,
0,
-----330
24.8'8
By thc sk in ...... . ,,1 660
2'6
By the urine .. " .....
1700
0'8
l3y the fwccs .. ,. .. ".
128
20'
Qmwmcs ......
2818
2Hl'il
l3y the lungs .. " .. ",
651'15
7'2
3'3
~
3'
1 ~'8
Hi '8
11'1
3'
12'
681'4.1
1
'ro this should bo ac1d d ",00 grarnmos watel' whieh
aro prodncoù. by tho unlon 01' llydl'ogon and oxygon
lUl'il1g tho l'l'ocess of oxiù'1tion. 'l'hol'o ara 2G
gramll1es of salts got l'id of by urino and ü by the
fmeos. As the watol' cu,n bo supplied as sucll) wo have
ouly 1,0 diroct Our attoutiOll) in fU1'lli shing footl) 1,0 the
lossos in cu,l'bon, nitJ'og '11) ancl oxygcn.
Carbon and nitl'og n al' oxcl'otcd in the proportions
of 28J'2 gl'fLmmoH amI 18'8 J'l'ammos l'ospoct.ivoJ)
daily) and will sufIico for Our l.msis.
�99
IIYOIENE AND DIE 'l' .
II the diet could consist or these elements alone, the
problem would be solved at once; a corresponding
weight oI charcoal and oI atmospheric ail' would be
aU that is necessary, but it bas been pl'oved byexperiments that it must consist of several substances .
Not to enter too deeply iuto pbysiology, it will
suillce to say the mixer}, diet is the ouly one suitable.
The quautity or Iood req uisite rOI' a healthy man or
avera.ge height and weight may be stated in the Iollowing table (Park es) .
Nitrogenous substances
.I<'tlts
CUl'bo-hydl'atc8
Sults
lu luborious occupation.
AI rcsl.
6 to 7 oz. o.v.
3'5 to '1'5
16 to 18 "
"
1'2 to 1'5
2'5 oz.
l'
"
12·
_. -
2(j'7 to:31
"
"
'5 "
"
]6 "
The above is dry food, buL aS Lhii::! is nearly always
comùinod with 50 to 60 pOl' ceut. or watol', these
numbers sho111d be douhleù, and Lo this should be
addod 50 Lo 80 oz. or f1uid.
Brcad and mcat will fUl'nish Llle n essary quanLiLy
ni Ll'ogen . 'Phe approxi mate 'IuanLiLy or
of carbon ~Lnd
bread neCC8SHl'y to Sllpply Lhe lOi::!soli in theR clemonLs
would Il 1000 gl'aHlmCi::!, conl;Lining' :300 (J'ramilles or
carbo~
.and 10 01 niLrogoll, aud :300 grammcs oI IDeaL
couLalUlllg , 0 gramm '8 of carbon aml JO of nitl'ogell
~l'hcso
qultlltitios \Volllù, sLI' ict1y s]1on.king, be suIDcient, hLÜ are gonm'ally couHiùcrably sllI'passCll, wh110
�100
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
vegetables and fruits replace the one or the other in
certain proportions.
Man l'equil'es that his food should be cooked, otherwise the greater part of the substances introduced
into the alirnentary canal could not be digested, By
cooking, certain substances becorne soluble which were
insoluble previously j uncooked flour, for instauco,
cannot be acted upon by the hurnau saliva, but, once
cooked, the grains separate and split up and bocorne
arnenable to the influence of this liquid.
Upou vegetables, the cooking produces the necessary :lIect of rendering thern soiter, so that they can
be more readily broken up in tho rnouth; it also causos
tho starch to swell up and bUl'st, and so aids the digostive fll1ids to p netrate into their substanco.
Coffee, tea, beer, spirits, and wine are aU of thorn in
diIIer nt degl'ees stimulants, and aid the digestion
when Lak n within propel' limits j they are unneces8fw!J,
howevol', in the rnajority of cases.
Having thus rapiùly passeù in l'eview what is
nocdfu] Lo sl1stain lif in a heuIthy individual, and
what he can eat as regards quantity anù quality, it
remains to consic.l.or h w the c.l.i t of patients unùol'
trcatmonL wo uld be aL'foctcd.
In tho first placo jt must ho borno in mina t11O,t von
whon in pOl·fcct h alth ail stolllachs hav noL t110 smno
toloranc. Some pooplo lJave a stomach thaL mighL
bo likonoù 1,0 LhaL 01 an ostl'ich j th Y can <.lige!:!L
ev ryLhillg, ev n thos Lhings wltich are re])ntcü
mosL indigostible, whilst anothor cannot toloraLo
�HYGIENE AN D DIET .
101
certain substances that pass as being very easily
digestible.
It is necessary, then, for those people who have
special repugnances for certain aliments, or who may
have special likings for certain substances, but who
are aware that they digest them with difficulty, to
eschew them altogether during the treatment.
A great proportion of the patients are affected with
diseases of the stomach j sometimes this is the only
disease j in other cases it is simply a complication, or
secondary to the disease for which they have come to
ob tain relief j these should only eat easily-digestible
substances. They still havo a largo number of aliments
to choose from, and their diet ca.n bo both varied and
choice. We subjoin a tab le of substances in their
appl'o -imato order of digestibility, beginning with
Lhose which are least digestible. This tablo has been
compiled by Dr. Beaumont, who, having a patient
afflictcd with a fisLula of the stomach, introduced tho
a1im nLs direct into the stomach by the fistula, and
\Vas able to follow the process of digestion.
Four to five hours' digestion:
Wilcl duck, boiled c:1bbnge.
'fht 0 and a haH to four hours' digestion:
Roilod or Eriod pork, grilled veal, l'oast duck,
sour mado from boilea b or.
Throo to three anù a haU hours' digestion:
liard boil d oggs throo anù a baU bours j soft
boilod, threo ho urs j l'oast boer, bed-steak,
�102
'l'II}!] Ml NERAL WA'I.'ERS OF VICHY .
boiled beef, grilled pork and grilled mutton,
apple pudding', boilod carrots.
Two and a baH to throo hours' digestion :
U nboiled milk, boiled gelatine, cream, boans,
roast potatoos, l'oast or boHed turkey, l'oast
duck, l'oast sucking-pig, chickon, gl'illed
lamb, oystel's.
'['wo hours' digostion :
Tapioca, bru']ey, boiled milk, l'aw eggs, boiled
cod-fish, cauliflowor, grilled ox li ver.
One and a haH to two hours' digestion:
Sago, applos, salmon trout, brain.
One hour's digestion :
Rice, tripe, pigs' foct.
Tho conclusions to b drawn from this table at'e that
dolicate stomaehs should in gen l'al avoid vegotablos,
which are mnch less easily digestod thf1n animal
mattol' j truillos am1 mnshl'oolTIs aro pal,ti 'ulul'ly indigesLiblo. Amongst thoso which aro tho ] ast inchgesLib]o are gr en peas, asparagus, and artichokes.
PotaLocs, plain boiled, arC beLtor than fl'ied potatoos.
Ac orùing to tho weakn ss or 1,]10 stoml1 'h pationts
should limit thorns Iv s t Gsll, chickon, and Lh slOaU
kiud of ga.mo j for thoso loss clolicate, underdono heof
:tnd mutton .
Tho lundi mig]lt ho composcù, with cortaill varintioHs, som what as follows :
WggR, plain boi10d r omo] t, cutl L, 'hop, beefstoak, salmon trouL, whiti ng, soles, potatoos, gl'C ns,
�ITYGIENE AND DIET.
103
French boans, asparagus, artichokos, lettuce, spinach,
cherries, apricots, currants, gooseborries, ripe poars,
figs, grapes, Cl'oam, cheese, jelly.
For dinnor, any of the precoding, to which roight be
addoa: tapioca soup, vermicolli soup, carrot , roast
boef, l'oast lamb, game in moderation, ducle, &c.
Spices s110tlld bo sparingly used. Our cOl1ntl'ymen
inclulge too freely in roustard, peppeT, and cayonne;
a littlo may do no harro, but an excess is injurious.
Salt al, discrotion.
Tho question whether acids should be oliroinated
from the diet as being cOlltrary to the 1aso of tho
troatment, which is al1mlinc, was a much disputed
quostion somo timo ag , butnow tboro al'O Jew doctors
who havo not resolved this question in the samo
mann r. Tho question was put thus: an alkalino
rnedicamont boing int1'oclucocl into tho cconomy, tho
acids which arc introducod afLorwal'd will neutraliso
tho fi1'8t in thepl'oportion Lo wIli·h []1 ypclletrate inLo
th sYSL 'ID, and will thol'oforo noutrali so its e1tects.
At a 111'St glanco thoro might appear to bo SOUlO tl'Uth
in thif! ]lypotIlosis, but whon tho (luostion lS 0 'amin d
in a scionLific manncr, wiLII tho aid of chomistl'Y and
physiology, it LUrDS out 1,0 10 almost doveid or Iounda.tion,
,M. Durand-Fardol, wb has oxamin d LIli quosLion
with LIto S:1lue caro and C lIRci ntiousn ss which chamctoris s ail his l'eso:1rch 'S, wriLes thus: (trauslaLion.)
« rl'hol'o i8 an impol'Lltll t di!:ltinction 1,0 ho mado llpon
tho subjoct of the illLredu 'Lion of aliments, condimonts,
�104
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
or acid drinks. There is a distinction to be made
upon the action that they may exercise as acid, in
the one place upon the stomach, and, on the other
hand, on the blood and the whole system .
cc When one takes acid substances, it is as acids that
the stomachreceives thern. Now, among the patients
who :h equent the thermal springs, and Vichy particularly, tLere are a great number whose stomachs tolerate
with difficulty the presence of acids. These substances
causc a painful sensation upon the sUl'faco of this
organ, or else do not flnd iLs liquids in a suitable
condition to enable thern to undergo the necessal'y
transformations. ~ehis
is the cause of pains, acid
eructations and burning sensations (pyrosis), symptorns
so w 11 known to dyspeptics, and ab ove aU to gastralgie
patients. This appears to bo a probable roason why
acids 0.1'0 forbidden with tho uso of mineraI watel's.
cc But if one studies tho acids with a view to discovor
how th y penetrate the systom, th il' action on the
blooù, &e., this is what one finds: tho acids ot aliments alld or drinks, boiog organic acids, on introduc d into tho systom, are decomposed in sllch a way
that the l'esnlt of theil' assimilation no longer coustitutos an acid, but an allmliu production."
~'he
principal acid coutainod in wino is tat·tarie acid,
auc1 wino has of ton be n {orbidd n und l' the mistakon
boll r that it iutorfel'od with the fficacy of the tl' atIDon t.
onsidoring that Lal'Lal'ic acid, as w Il as mn,lic
and ciLric acid, aro convel'tod into alkaline ca1'b natos
wh u onco intl'oduccd iuto the systom, this cannot b
�HYGIENE AND DIET .
101)
a reason for prohibiting its use. What is of far more
importance is the quantity of alcohol contained in the
wine.
The effects of the Vichy waters are sufficiently
exciting in themselves to render it judicious not to take
any great quantity or stimulants. Those who are in
the habit of taking wine, beer, or liquors at their
meals have no nced to drop wino entirely, unless there
al'e special indications which the medical adviser will
approciate j but it will be weIl to replace the more
alcoholic liquors by a light red wine ; the Beaujolais is
what lS 1ll0st drunk at Vichy and cannot do any harm.
W 0 do not think that a glass or two of good beer in
tho course or a day can do any harm to thoso in the
habit of taking it, aud iE boor is frequ ntly excludoc1
from Lhe diet it is becauso the patients will not contont
th Illsolvos wiLh a, limitcd quantity, but, whenevcr
thit'sty, call Iol' a glass or boer.
Wo ontirely disappl'ovo oE stl'ong' co[ee. lt acts
powodully on tho nol'VOUS systom, and is spocially
conLl'~-iJ1atd
in nervollS women and children. Wo
would say tho samo Iol' Lea,. English ladios, since tho
cc alLCl'llOOn t fI." pracLico bocamo Iashionable, simply
SaLLll'l.Lo Lhomsolv s wiLll this boy mg . .A.t tho pl'esolü
momont Laa is de 'Ll'oyi ng Lho nOl'VOllS systems oI our
c mpatl'iots in a dogl' not raI' l'omovod Il'Om that l
ale holie drinks. It dostroys tho stomach, makos
tho drillker nervous and wltttt i8 popularly tormcd
hyl-Lol'icu,l. In modcraLioll it cau do no harill, but
whcu you come aCross peoplo who tako Irom tou to
�lOô
TEE MINERAL WATERS OP VICHY.
twonty cups n, day of this bevel'ago, lt aIters matel'ial1y
the face of matters, and we have had many patients
suffol'ing from dyspepsia, &c., whose ailments have
entirely been brougLt on by abuso of this drink.
French peoplo do not dl'ink much teaj they indulge,
howovel', pretty froely in black coffeo, the mon more
th an tbowomoll, and tho samo effocts aro to bOl'omal'kod
with thorn. rrh1'oo cups of tca daily ought 1,0 be a
maximum. TIow many Englishwomon wou1d ho aLle
to content thorn e1vos with this qnantity?
'l'ho watel' dl'awn .from tho gr ater parts of the wells
in Vichy is not good drinking watel' j il, contains a large
proportion f challi:, and is inel iu d to aggrava te the
symptoms of some dis a cs, notnhly in sorne a.IToetions
of tho stomaeh and intestinos. 'l'ho \Vatel' suppliod
from the rcsol'voir sitnated a littlc ontside of V ichy,
and \Illich comos from the Alliol', [eeds most of t110
town .foulltains, and is the \Vatel' supplied w]lCrevor
pip s aro laid on. Wit]lout being exce ll ent, il, if! of
goocl medium qualiLy, ami can he dt'Llllk with impnllity.
rl'hof! , howevcl', who 1 l'uf l' l'cally gOOI] Lablo wat 1')
shonld Lako tI} llaLura) wntol'S or Old1Lo!dOll 01' Oondilla " which cau b llUù ftt aIl the hot ·ls in 1JoLL] s.
Both thcsc al' good Lablc waLer;:, and il' Lh 1" is a
pl' f l' Tlec wc tllink iL ia in l:WO\ll' of tl1 firsL.
rI' 'on ·Ind lhis cLaptül' anù l'CSUll10 wl]fl,t W' lmv
saic1ll}lon 1,110 cc aeid qucstiol1," wo IHl,v bnt 1,0 sn,y
"hat, 'x 'ept ill L110 cas s wll(.ll'o the Vi 'hy wn,tors aro
aüw i nisl 01' li 1>y way of ILùsol'bouts 0 r 1,110 gnstl'ie acids,
th, a -Liou of LIli!:) lI1inent! watol' is tho SlUUC, wlleth '1'
�HYGIENE AND DIE'!'.
107
one allows or forbids the use of wine, vinegar, or very
acid fruits, such as lemons and currants, at the same
time as the water is being drllnk. What is still more,
if, whilo employing these waters, one takes at the same
time fruits or drinks, containing aeids not nearly free,
buL in lact acid alkaline salts, such as are found in
straw berries, grapes, and cherries, the alkalisation of
the system is much more marked than if the Vichy
waters had been administered alone.
Thus, far from effacing from Lhe Vichy diet aliments
and drinks containing acid alkaline salts, it is useful
on the contrary to tn,ke them whenever the digestive
and assimilating powers will permit it. These aliments
and these drinks are particularly indicated in the
treatment 01 diseases whon Lhe Viclly waters have to
be taken in considerable quantities j by th ir meaus
one obtains a sufficienL alkalisation with a smaller
amonnt of ingested waLel'. Again, in the euro of
gravo] by tho use of cherries, and still more so in tllO
grape euro, a beLLer and spoodier reslllt is obtaincd in
joining Lo the troatment the llS0 of tho Vichy wators j
thoso wn,tOJ's in saturating Lh acid-alkalino salts COlltaillod in tho cherries and grapes, assuro thoÏr absoluLo
physiologie cOlubustion.
�108
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VI CHY.
OHAPTER VI.
DISEASES TREATED AT VICUY.
DISORDERS OF l'HE S'fOMACII.
A . Dyspepsia.
DYSPEPSJ.A (from ~uCT7nt/la)
difficulty in digesting,
is one of the most common complaints that exist.
Tho function of digestion is of a physico-chemical
nature, and any interfel'ence with the due perf rmance of the several phases of tho functiou will load 1,0
indig sLion. It is a pl'ominent symptom of a number
of acuto and elu'onic malac1i s. Whethor dyspopsia
can OVOl' exisL as ,a sopal'ato malaùy is a di puted
point.
'onsiùering, however, that it is frequent1y
the 0111y ùiagnosis that ono ean mal-o, wo think that
fOL' eonveniollee' sake it is as woll to consider that
cssential dyspepsia is possible.
Jl'Or dig stion 1,0 be possible two factors 0.1'0 nocessary: ] st, movements Or museular contractions,
211ù, SCCl" tions .
hould tho l' gnlarity or energy of
tho mllsculn.r action of the stomaeh be interIm'où wiLh
Ül any wn.y, should it bocomo 1,00 slow or 1,00 fast,
shoulù 1,110 haL'lUony between Lhi!:! mochanical action
�DISEASES 'l'REA'fED AT VICHY.
109
and the chemical action) i. e. the secretions) no longer
exist) the digestion becomes irregular and incomplete)
theTe is) in a word) " difficulty " in digestion) i . e. we
have dyspepsia. This is) generally speaking) rather
an inconvenience than a disease) which patients often
consider of little importance) but it is ofton a painful)
dangerous, and distrossing inconvenience. Before
detailing the many causes which may give TIse to this
complaint we shall describe its symptoms.
Ono of the principal characteristics is its intel'mittent forro : it always appears before or artel' a meal.
Thero is a genoral feeling of discomfort) a heaviness
in the region of the stomach) frequently accompanied
by headache. These symptoms gonerally disappear
when the food has been digestod) to recommence
again ut tho next moal; somotimos a drowsy f eling
corn s over the patient :OLS soon as the l'opast is ovcr.
The appetite is languid) but the meal once begun) it
appears to increase. Cortain alimonts cannot be
taken; the digestion is fl'equently accompanied with
fiatulency; paiu) oructatious) and sickness may supervouo during or artor the meal; constipation is uaual.
Thoso diJI l'ent pheuomena may exist in a highol' 01'
10wol' degl'ee; aU may bo prosent 01' a singl oue.
Tho gouOl'al henJth may remain protty good) but if
tbe dyspepsia incl'cases in intensity) artel' a tilllO the
whole systom ia aITccLod and a state or cachoxia declaros iLaclf; the al in bocomea pale) of an carthy
COlOUl') Lho patient bocomos vcry thinJ and quito unfitLod for ally laborious work.
�110
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
W 0 have already remarked that dysp psia is frequently associated with sorne othor ùiseaseJ of which
it may form one of the symptoms. Tt will often be
r markod in dilloront disoases of the li verJ cancor of
the stomach pulmonary phthisis; dilIeront diseases of
the intestinal tube genomlly bring it ODJ such as
chronic ga,stritisJ ente·titisJ anù ùysentory. Tt appears
in the convaloscence of aU sorio us ùisoasosJ aU cases of
dobility and organic decay. It iB very commonly obsorv d in women suIIering from uterine complaintsJ
amennorrhœa J leucorrhœaJ m triti 'J in ca es of pl"OgnancYJ both towarùs the commencement and at the
endJ and sometimes ùuring the whole course of this
pltysi logica.l aet; in the dist'as B oC Lile heart) kiùDeYSJ bladderJ &c.
r!'L mcchanical actiou [LIle BLomach may be ùiminish ed J and cause consti pation J or increased) anù cause
dianhwa. We have alrcady Haid thut perIoct harmony in action shoulù exist botweoll th, sccretor
functi ons of tllO sLomach and iL!; lTIuscular a ·tionJ
othcrwiso iuùigcstioll will ho L110 rcsult.
rrh lUocLanical action is undcl' tho cOllt1'ol of tho
11 'l'VOUH Rj'Htelll; no sntl.tlcn ll'ightJ a cltill J n, 8hock or
ally killll J 1Il0nLIt! wOI'I'y) any HU 'h i1l0110110e iB sll(fici nI,
1,0 iutorforo wit Il tho mnRClllaI' acLioll J wlticlt J iu Huch
C'a!:!e:-1 J i8 g 'l1orally acc 'lom,Led) ulIIl dianhœa CllHlI ·S.
'l'h a 'tiolllllay he ùirniniHllOÜ by u di81('lltkll conditi01l
of tbo SLolllach ; 1'1'0111 1he lltLtlll'O alld quality of 1'00d J
boLl1 Jiquid aud Holitl) oiL]lol' l'oHIIIL llIay be prOallCCÜ.
'l'he socl'uting POWc.n'8 of th, 8Lolllach lIlay uu iUC'l'cas(·t!
�DISEASES 'l'REA'I'El) AT VICHY.
111
or diminisheù; they may be ùeficient in quality. The
stomach) however) is not alone to be consiùered
wheu treating of the imperfections of the chemical
changeo.
The various secretions) whose office it is to convert
into a fluic1 and diffusible fOl'm those alimelltary principles without whicll such preparations cannot be
absorbed) have also 1.0 be cOllsiùered) but) not to enter
too deeply iuto the physiology of digestion) we will
content ourselves wi th simply mentioning them. They
are formed by tho blooù from tho sali.vary) gastric)
pancreatic) hepatic) anù intestinal glands. It is olear
that for these juices 1.0 be secl'oteù in proper quantity)
or of proper compositioD) the blooù) no less thau the
secreting colIs) must bo in a hoalthy conc1ition.
'l'he secretions may bo imperfect in quality) deficient
in q uantity) or both) and th following arc sorne of
the causes leac1ing to SllCh rcsults.
1. Pm'vrrlc(l nC/'VOWi -i?iflucnce.-'rhis action we have
all'eaùy roJ'elToù 1.0. 'l'he direct cOlltrol of lhe nervous
systom OVOl' the quantiLy anù <junJity of tho sOCl'etions
is well known) anù there is OVCl'y reuson 1.0 suppose
that the temporal'y al'rost Gf the salival'y Iluid so frequ ntly accompf1nying any HOVOl'O moutal clislul'bauce)
sllch as fright) l'Olll'oHCnll:! bnL in a Lrausitory mannor a
distul'ballCe that lIlny bo mOre lasLillg aud sOl'jolll:! iu
lOl:!iollf.l or th ct'Iltral HOl'VOUS organl:!.
2. Lilmo'I'mnl bloorl-lmppf!J.- A d 'ficielley in blooll
boing almost al ways aSl:!ociatcd with un altemtioll ill
its quaIit)') il. is c:tsy 1.0 seo W]IY iu a ca ~ o of ttnrulllia
�112
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
the digestive function suffers, whilst the more it fails
the more will the amemia increase.
Having passed in review sorne of the principal
causes which occasion dyspepsia, and which are more
or less beyond the direct control of the patient, we
will now mention certain causes over which he has a
very powerful control.
Diet befo?'e eVe?·ything .- The contact of solid bodies
excites the glands of the st,omach, and determines
tho secretion of gastric jnice. If tbe food introduced
into the stomach is dil'ecly attackable by tbo gastric
juice, it is probable that tho secretion diminishes or
ceasos as soon as tho food is sufficiontly olabol'atod.
Should the food, on the contmry, be indigestible or
difficult 01 digestion, oitbel' by l'eason 01 boing badly
cookcc1, or being too abunda.nt" the flow or tho gasLl'ic
juico "will bo more conl'liaorablo, the digostion will
last longer and bo less periect. This state 01 things,
continuod for somo tim ,occasions dyspepsia. Wh on
1,110 Joad inLrodLLC d into tho conomy is insufficiont in
quant,i!y or in qun.1ity, or in bot,h, tho gastl'ic juico ia
lil- ly to b boLh inleriol' in quality n.nù qnant,ity j
whon it becomos too aciù iL pl'oducos a burning sensation in th opigast,rie rogion.
rPhero ia vory litLlo doubt but t,hat moro food ia
dn.ily in t,he llabit of boing t,akon t,han is act,nn.l1y 1'0quircd 1,0 l'csLoro tho tissuo wast,o. Tbo l'csulLs of an
oxccs ivo ing st ion f food givo l'iso, in a largo 1110.jOl'it,y of indivicJuals, part,iculnrly if tho oxol'cise Lakcn
1)0 but 1it,t,10, to 11 foeling of lassiLuc10 n,nù want 01
�DISEASES l'REATED A'l' VICHY.
113
energy, both muscular and mental, a liability to headache, chiefly frontal, constipation, or, more rarely,
diarrhœa, and other symptoms of indigestion. By
abuse of dillerent kinds of food the same results may
be brought about. Immoderate eating and dl'inking
cause the stomach in the long l'un ta become dilated,
and. thus diminish its natural irritability and secreting powers. Other abuses, su ch as an inordinate
use of condiments, or indigestible food, fatigue the
stomach .
There are three abuses to which we would particularly caU the read.er's attention : smoking, abuse of
co.l1ee, abuse of tea. We consider that in moderation
aH these are rather beneficial than otherwise, as they
certainly assist a languid digestion. We most cel't~inly
d.o not wish to cry down smoking; it has beCome very popular amongst some members of the
llled.ical prolession of late years to t1'y and make out
tltat smoking is most dangerous ta liIe, that it wcakens
the brain and. hasLens the final termination. The reverse could. be said for it; it stimulates tho brain, aid.s
il1Lollectual work, and Pl'olongs life in that it caIrns
and. 800thes. These romaI,ks apply, 01 courso, to smoking iu mod ration. Ca1'l'iod. to OXCI3SS it is certainly
most ban Cul; it inter! l'OS with the digestion, and,
inst ad. 01 causing a sa thing lIect, pl' d.uces an irritable d.isposition. By aU menns whilo suffering from
dyspepsia limit yOlll' smoking ta a maximum of two
or tb·oo pipes or cigars pOl' d.ay, as if smoking can
and ùoes produco dysp psia whon carried to excoss
8
�114
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
so will it aggravate it, if not diminished, when the
dyspepsia is in existence. In moderation smoking is
a most innocent habit.
Both tea and coffee act powerfully on the nervous
centres. Tea in England and coffee in France have
much to answer for in the production of the complaint
of which we are treating. Tea is ingested in much
larger quantities than cofIee, and has a mecbanical
action as well as a nervous one. lt tends to cause
dilatation of the stomach w hen three, four, and five
cups are taken one after the other, and, through the
nervous centres, reacts upon aU the organs of tbe body,
the stomach being one of the first to be a:fIected.
Black colIeo, that is, very skong coffoo takon without
the addition of milk, acts moro energetically than tea,
but as iL is taken in sman quantitios its action is 1"1'0portionately tho same. Ono or two cups of tea, one
strong, or two ordinary strength cups of cofIeo, should
be the limit in most cases of dyspopsia, and oHen
woulù bo much betLer left ontirely alone. Pastry is
an articlo of diet that will not suit al] stomachs.
Meals ought to be bakon at r gular hours, Lho food
properly masticatod, anù a Cor tain proportion shoul11
exisL botweou tho solids anù the liquids.
In spoaking of masticaLi n, we would mention that
Lho waut oC it is sufficiont causo of itsolf to bring about
indigostion.
ome of our patients, whou w havo
tolcl Lhom to masLicate thoir food botter, say that the
imporfocL or disoasod state of their tecLh will not
allow,thom Lo chow. Wo always tell Lhom Lo go to
�DISEASES 'fREA'fED AT' VICHY .
115
the dentist, and get their teeth attended ta and if
they have lost a number of teeth ta have false ones.
Without teeth one cannat chew. When the mastication is imperfect nothing will get the digestion rigbt j
and as there is nothing ta be ashamed of in wearing
false teeth, we cannat see why they should not be
procured, particularly when in some cases, Iooking at
it from another point of view) they may advantageously
replace teeth that can no longer be likened nnto
pearls.
Excessive labonr, sedental'y habits, l~abits
of indolence, the abnse of pleasure j sorrow, emotions,
nnhealthy food) unhealthy dwellings, all tend in the
same d irection ta produce thif:! disorder. We have
shawn that one of the iilpecial characterif:!tics of this
disoase, and which fOl'ms its poculiarity, i that the
symlltomf:! of dyspepsia appcar a/lm' meals. Do away
with tho nocessity for eating and you do away \Vith
dyspopsia, but as this tr aLment is Ilot vracticable
anothol' has ta bo sOllght) anù one of the speediest anù
snrest ia the judicious use of thermal waters.
~rhe
stimulating oITeots of tho wators (11'0 saon felt
upon the diITel'ont coats 01 th stomach: the appctite
gmclually incl'uases) tho liges tian b cOrnes accolol'atec1,
anù tho disLl'ossing a111 paillIul symptoms which
accompanioù iL proviously disapp al',
Mocl.oratioD, howov r, must b obsorvod in tho use
oE thoso waters, othorwis a Loo stimlll::tting action
may be caused j Lho ben fieia10ff cLs of tho tl'oatmont
will thon disappoal') an l the cmo if:! Dot only onLlangcl'Cü
�116
'fHE MINE RAL W A'fERS OF VIOHY.
but there is a risk that the disease will increase lU
intensity.
Again, aU kinds of dyspepsia are not amenable to
the water treatment. Acute dyspepsia, dyspepsia
symptomatic of acute affections, and certain chronic
affections in which cancer takes the first place, would
be treated thus, not only without profit, but positive
in jury wight ensue.
Mo t chronic cases of dyspepsia, howevel', are
speedi1y improved or cured by this treatment, which
must be seconded by a propel' observance of the indications l' sulbing from tho symptoms and their causes,
::ts already explained.
We have shown that great attontion must bo paid
to the diot, both in regard to the liquids and to the
solids; aU highly indigestiblo substances must be
avoided; great mocleration must bo employ cl in the
use of stimulating boverages. Regillarity must be
obsol'ved in the timo of taking the meals. Modorate
exorcise should follow each repast to assist the digestion, buL an iutervalof about an hour should bo iirst
allow d to olapse.
Th change of air and l'est from montaI WOrl'Y and
anxioty are IDOst important. This is oasily obtainod
at Vichy, and it is the pationt's own fault if, insboa l or
taking quiet amus mont, such as going to tho Lhoatro,
making oxcursions on foot Or tahng driv s in tho
nvirons, h profera to frequont the gaming tablos.
In tho lattor caso ho might almost as woll 1'e111ai11 ab
homo, 101' ho i8 nogl cting ono of tho IDOst important
�DISEASES TREA'fED AT VICHY .
117
adjuvants of the treatment,-rest from mental worry
and excitement.
The last but not the least part of the treatment 1
the washing out of the stomach. This is not applicable
to an cases; the milder cases do not require it) but in
tho more severe forms of dyspepsia it is pl'etty genera11y indicated and largely made use or by most of the
Vichy medical men. It is generally applied before
roeals, and from the results that this treatment bas
given we think that it is now proved that its officacy
is both real and powerful. We never he itate to
proscribe it when the indication appears to exist .
. Dyspepsia is sorootimes accompanied with very
violent pains, cramps, &0 .) which OCCUI' independently
oI aliments being inLroduced inLo the stomach, and
quiLo inuopondont or the digostion. This constitutes
anoLhor di 'ordol") gastl'algia, which we shan doscl'ibe
in the noxt section.
B. Oast?"algia.
GasLralgia (!'ucrTlI(J, tho stom:1Ch, and aÀ!,o{:, pain)
a noul"nlgia 01 th n l'V S of tho stomach, the pneumogusLt-ic aud tho groat sympathetic.
'l'llis cOlllplaint lS mot with in diITeront Ionns, but
th r all1lost éLhvays xisLs hoarLbul"ll (cardialgia) and
oralUps. 'l'ho 1)aio js s motim s oxoruoiating, cOlUillg
on aL intol'vals and lasting Il"Om haH an hour t ~uo
01' two homs.
It is froquently accompanicd with
vomiLi lJg, which mayor lilay not l' lievo tho symptol1ls.
lS
�118
'fnE MINERAL WAl'ERS OF VICHY .
Sometimos there is but a mitigated feeling of bu1'ning,
which may or may not be continuous . 'l'his sensation
may be limited to the cardiac orifico of the stomach or
mayextend some distance into the œsophaglls. Theso
pains do not occur onlyat meal timos, as in dyspepsia,
but are altogether of an intermittent nature, tho
introduction of food into Lhe stomach sometimes
causing momentary reliei. 'l'hey are most varied in
their nature; somotimes tll y spread in ovory diroction, into the back, the sides of the thorax, down into
the beUy and even affect the kidnoys. Whou the
attack is violont the coloUl" q uits the sufferer's face,
the Eeatures become contra te 1, the pain causes him
to cry out, and instinctively ho tri.es 1,0 alleviate tho
torLure by pressing wiLh an bis 10rce on the part
where Lhe pa,in is mosL inL use.
GasLralgia can be an s llLial clisoas , that is 1,0 say
indepollJent of aDy organ ie lesion or oLher l aLhological
condition.
Whou il, is sympLoma,Lic of :111ot1le1' ùisefLse its
cbamcLors arc still pl' tLy D11wh Lh sarno. Evcry
diso l'c1er of the stoma IL lllay givo ri8e i.o it, ca,ncer,
ulcenttion, gasLl'iti s or ùysp PSift. IL may bo met wiLh
in hystcri 'al patients, ait 'cLions oC tho uterus, in gout,
phthisis, &0 .
.A noolllia, J'rom whaL VOl' C::1Use, is a fl'UiLful source of
Lhis malady. ~I'hor
is a parti 111al' 10nn f gastralgia
ID ,1, with in 0]1101'01,10 subjects, in which ft 'risl!:! is
bl'ought on Il,t on '0 up D th snmllest particle of fOOll
bei ng ill troùucoù ÏJlto LII stomn,cb. 'l'bis gast"a,lgia
�DISEASES TREATED AT VICHY .
119
is thus produced as in dyspepsia by the introduction
of food into the stomach, but it dillers from dyspepsia
in that its principal character is the pain it gives rise
to, which is absent in ordinary dyspcpsia without complications.
GasLl'algia and dyspepsia may be associated the one
with the other, the latter having given ri se to the first .
The principal causes which may prodl1ce this complaint are irregular hours in eating, chills, all kinds of
fatigue and excess, and a too exciting diet.
The Vichy waters having an exciting influence are
contra-indicated in cases of gastralgia where the
pains are continuous; here thoy appear only to make
the su:Œering greater. 'l'hey give vel'y good resulLs
when the attacks have a determined character) such
as cramps in the stomach; a cure or a considerable
improvement in the symptoms may be obtained in thesc
cases. If the discase is recent the improvement does
not app al' to be so cortain or so prompt as in chronic
cases. The vomiting Lhat so oHen forms part of the
symptoms seoms to be mosL Il1vol'ably influenced by
the waters; but they must not bo Laken il the pain be
acute anù incessant and the vemiting continuous, as
the waLers in such a case do more harm than gooù.
Tho waLers ougllt always to be :1dministel'eù during
the intOl'vals of the aLt:1ck!:!, HI1Ù as far off !rom their
begiuniug as po!:!siblo.
'l'ho waLers shoulù b druuk lU small quantitics)
abovo ail at the commencement ol tho Lroatment) as
Lhis clas!:! 01 patients have <1, ùiŒculLy in supporting
�120
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
the waters. The slightest abuse of them may bring on
a fresh attack, and patients will do well to bear this
in min d, as not only will the pains be more violent,
but the tren.tment will have te be discontinued for
some time.
When the mineraI ,vaters cannot be borne, recourse
may be had to mineraI baths, but the proportion of
mineraI watel' to that of fresh water must bo determined by tho doctor in each individual case.
�DISEASES OF TITE INTES'rlNES .
12 1
OHAPTER VU .
DISEASES 011 l'ITE IN1'ESTINES.
A . Entm·itis.
a bowol) signifies an inflamE 'l'ERITIS (~VT€rO,
mation of the intestines. Unde!' this hoad aro includod aU those structural changes or the mucou
mombrano of the intostinal tl'act which primarily
follow the apI)lication or an abnorrual irritant, providod tbat the irritant bo not of snfficient intensity to
produce absoluto destruction of tissue. The inilammatory proce s may present considerable varioty in
type. IL may sim ply b a ({ cata1'1'h," occasioned by a
slight inflammation, 01' belong 1,0 the dysenterie type,
whcl' 1,110 inflammation has acquired vast proportions.
130tween thcse two typ s thol'o exists a vari ty of
intonnodiaLo ones . Th inflammation may bo localisod
1,0 som
dofinite part of th ilJtestinal tract or b
gen rf.l,1. ln tbo fil'st placo, tho name oI the part ls
adù U. 1,0 ntel'iLis, as onLoro-colitis, &c.) buL tItis
nOUlon 'laturo is of s coudary importance as fal' as tho
lay l'oad l' is concOl'llod.
IL lS useloss for us L onL l' inLo an xplanation of
�] 22
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICllY .
acute inflammation of the bowels} as in their case the
waters are contra-indicated. We will therefore limit
onrselves to chronic inflammation} where their efficacy
is undoubted.
Enteritis is rarely chronic from the commencement;.
it almost always has b en Pl'eceded by an acute or
subacute stage. 'l'he bowels exceptionally may be
connned; as a general rule} however} there is a good
deal of dial'J'hooa; in an average case some four to
eight stools daily. This dial'l'hooa genel'al1y follows
each meal} iL Is accompanied with considerable pain}
whicb varies greatly in intensity in tbe dilIerent cases}
but Ulese colics arc always less violent than in the
acuLe stage o.f t11e disease. ~'he
chal'acLel' of Lbe
sLools is very variable; as a l'ulo theyal' semi-liguid
when clial'l'hooa exists} 01' they may consi t chiefly of a
liqniù wiLh a fow .recul nt flakes} mllcus being consLantly prosent. Tho s liù and Lho liquid evacuati ns
fl'O(l'lCntly altornate. rl'he a,pI tito stil l l' mains} but
as th assimilation of th, lOOÙ il1tl'ocluceù iuto the
body is v l'y impol'foctly JI rfonDccl} the l' !\Ult ÜI tbat
th pationt loses f1esh} and would becom ca -h ctic i.f
IlOt JlU t UIHl '1' pl' pOl' tr atlllonL. 'l'ho .face b cornes
dl'awJ1} the comploxion has a muùc1y npp arance} and
to l1 casl la l o1JSOl'VOl' would b consiüol' cl pllLhisical.
'llJ'Ollic ntcritis may IfLSL fol' mon ths f\.l1d 'v n
yeal's} and pl' 'sont wany alLol'llativ s} now imp"oving}
now g'(,ttillg IVors} but llIusL cv nLually tcrmillat in
ca·lwxia. ln chiltll"ll iL 1'1IUS iLs COU l'se very Inuch
mol' rapi(lly.
�DISEASES OF l'HE lN'l'ESTlNES .
]23
Some of the causes which bring on the diseaso are
improper diet) whothor it bo wanting in quality or
quantity) or be excessive. The climate is another
cause j unhealthy and damp climates predispose ta it.
Ânothel' very important cause is obstruction) either ab
the right side of the hoart or affecting the portal circulation in the liver.
Wh on it is symptomatic of another disease) it is in
cases of Bright's disoase) or of a herpotic) scrofuloLl )
rhoumatismal dia the is) &c.) that it will frequontly be
met with,
Tho waters of Vichy are clifficult for the stomach ta
bear with the groater numbor oI pationts affocted with
this malady) and in any caso l'equiro ta bo administerod
in s11la11 quantitios and with gr'o at prudence. Bathing
and douching al' employ d with profit) and prepa.re
for the absorption latel' on of the mineraI waLo]') hut
it i ossontial that tho doctor should regulate this
tl'catmont) aud watch cal'eful1y hi8 patient thl'ough the
whole course of it.
Tho value of the minoraI waters varios g'I'cH,tly
aocording to tho cause wllich has occasiollod the
malady, but in al! ch1'o11ic cas 'S of eutorlLis this troaLmont might be tl'icd) and olighL to ho Ll'ied whon aU
othors kwo [uil ü, 1'01' H,t u 'sL iL is a ID ost l'ouelliolls
üù:!Onso) u,nü b LLo!' l'oslll Ls :11'0 obLained lrom Lho L1!:lO
of Lheso millol'al WlLLOI'!:l than uny oLhor IOl'lll of Lroatmont.
R} ecial attenLion must h' j1füd to Lho llieL. WiLh
some patients large ql~tLics
of Illilk will be orùe!'cd j
�124
THE MINERAL WA'URS OF VICHY .
others cannat support milk; hore again the physician
must particularise in each individual case) as no hal'dand-fast line can be laid down. The patients must
l'omombol') howovor) that this quostion of food plays
a vital part in their chancos of curo) and that they
must keop strictly to what is ordored 01' allowed thorn)
if thoy do not wish to wasto their time and hazal'd
their cure. il. a genoral rulo) tho Jiet should be
abundant and nutritions) in consideration 01 the
debilitating and wearying character 01 the malac1y.
TI. Dysentm'y,
Dysentery (2i~·,
with difficu l ty; ~VTE(>Ol),
an intestino) is a spocific {obril disoaso) charactol'isod by considemble nel'VOUS prostration and an ulcerous inOammati n of the large inLestine. It may bo spol'adic)
ond mic) pidomic) acuto l' cluonic. In tills articlo
w hav ooly the chronic rorm in view.
Th RympLoms 01 chl'onic dysonLory are consid rably
modificc1 11'0m thoso of acute uysontory. Tho stools
aro mado IIp of sorous o." udaLi on anû slim ; blood is
lOoL with thall in tl] acut foern) thel'o lS
mol' l'~tey
sOUlotimospnrifol'ID maLL l')wiLllloeul nc genol'ftllyuulOl·lllod. '1'110 ten Sll1 li s) J' painful straining in Lho flet
01 c1eJ'rocatioll) is much rnodifi d) and is l'aLh ]' l'opb· d
1)y a pftilllUl sonsation f weighL LowaL'ùs th tCl'lllillfttion f tho lurg intestine allu l'ound LII ftl1US. rj'h
belly iH pu,infLll Lo the Lou ·h and l' Lraet d. '1h 1'0 is
�DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
125
little or no fever. The appetite may be either normal r
exaggerated, or diminished. Multiple abscesses of the
liver frequently supervene, and though the disease may
last for months and years, if not checked it leads to a
state of cachexia.
Dysentery is a discase contracted in warm climates,
and is very common in 1ndia and Africa, particularly
among the Europeans. Unwholesome drinkingwater
is one of the exciting causes, as is also bad and unwholesome food . There is no doubt but that malaria
plays an important part in its productiou, but it is
difficult to specify, as, though it is frequently prevalent
in the same districts as malaria, this is not always the
case j for example, Guadeloupe and Pointe-à-Pitre are
ravaged by paludean fevers, yet dysentery is hardly
to ba m t with thera. It raigns in an endemic form
at enegal, Cochin China, Mexico, 1m1ia, Algel'ia, &c.
Of course the first indication to be followed in this
disease is to quit the inlected country, when it is possible, for exported Vi.chy waters WillllOt be of much
avail when the poi.sonous conditions which give rifle
to and keep up tho discaso aro on overy sido.
rrhe thormal troatmont at Vichy has givon some
surprising rosults in m::m y obstinate and long-standing
cases. Tho large numbel's 01 soldiers from Senegal
and Algoria trcated at the Military IIospital of Vichy
101' L1is disease tostily to the powerful lIccLs Lhesa
waters havo upon chocking its progl'ess and rostol'ing
tho pationts to a r lativo stata 01 health.
The waters must be taken in very smaH quanties~
�126
'J'UE MINERAL \VA'l'lmS OF VICUY .
and oHon it is fonnd necessary to dilute them. While
10110wing the thermal treatment, special attention will
have to bo paid to diet .
The effects 01 the waters are general1y somewhat
slow, and it is only when the treatment is over that
their utility can he ful1y appreciated.
C. Constipation.
Constipation (con, together; -tipo, l cram) is not in
itseH a disease, but a fow worc1s on this subject will
not ho amiss ta close wbat wc have to say concoming
Lhe complaints of the intestinal tract.
Constipation monns, in a goneral way, infrequont
evacuatiolls, which arc solid and deficieut in quanLity ;
thoy dilfor in solidity according as to whothor tho
constipation is moro or loss pronouncod; thoy oCton
consist of Lard concroti.ons caUod scybala. Tho dofrocation is g norally more or 1 ss painfuJ, ::md evon sorueLimos impossiblo, theso masses having to bc romovod
by arLificial moans. lofroC]L1oncyof deFrocation aJono
i8 not a sigu of constipation, Lho frequoncy of the
ovacuations orLon dop nding on individual poculiarity.
A claily ovncuaLion is Ilot nocossal'y for tho maintonance
of good h aUlt; iL is only wholl heaclacho, fovorisllllcss,
lOSR of appoLiLo, &c., manifost LhoU1s lvos, or LlmL Lho
ovacl1aLions bocom difFi 'lilL and painCul, that intol'f OI'011CO bcc0l110S necS(~)'!J.
Wc l :wo alLog thor the patbological causos of con-
�DISEASES OF TRI!) INTffiS'l'TNES.
127
stipation snch as tnmours, malignant growths, &c., to
direct our attention to the genoral causes.
The principal cause is inertia of the large intestine.
The peristaltic action of the bowels drives the faJcal
matters gradually towards the inferior pn.rt of the
rectum, where they accumulate. Normally, the faJoes
should pass withont difficu1ty by the contraction of
the different muscles used in defaJcation, but if from one
cause or another these matters aro allowed to accumulate in too large a quantity, tho ID USC11 laI' powor becomos
insufficient, and after a certain timo the rectum becomos
more or less paralysed.
Sedentariness is one of the principal causos which
bring on this inertia j opiatos, &c., havo the salUO
l'esult.
The indication of tho Vichy wa tors js to givo tonicity
to tho walls of tho roctum so as to ;:],11 w thorn to regain
their normal functions, which will havo to be mainLainod afterwards by certain hygionic l'nles as to diet
and occupation as tho caso may call for.
'fho Vichy watol'S arc ral'oly found nnsnccessful in
bril1gil1g about the do sir d l'osult. Tho tl'oatmont
should consist of asceuding l'ocLa,l dOIlC1JOs, which mu L
be takon daily or every Lwo 01' Lhree days accol'llil1g Lo
the doctol"S proscription. 'fho duratiol1 of Lhe douche
will dOpOllU upon circumstanoeA, fL'om a, [ew minuLcH
Lo ton minutes or a qIULt'Lel' of n.u hou!'.
BmLIOmQUB
du SMweI mldicala
DB VUlBT
Il
�] 28
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
OHAPTER VIII.
UTERINE DISEASES .
Met1·itis.
metritis) or chronic inflammation of tho
womb) lS unfortunately one of the most common complaints ta which women are liable. 'l'ho inflammation
may be e "clusively limited to the neck of the uterus)
Or the whole body oE the uterus may sulIer at the
same time. As the thermal trcatment is the 'ame in
both cases, wa shall more parti Lùarly describo Lhosa
sympLoms which are observed in the first case as heing
more evident) easi l' 1.0 explain and casier La recognisc)
the meLritis of Lhe body of Lhe uterus only prcsenting
signs and symptoms more. or less vaguely cllaractoris d.
The symptoms ::te ompanying th1s mOl'bid stato of
the uterus may be bri fiy cl sCl'ibed as follows: The
volume of the organ is in Tonsad) it is more asily folt
through th abdominal wall&) the neck is indurutod,
and tho orifice dilated in an in gular manner j it i
usually rough and granula1') pl' senting erosi ns or
ulcerations) and is g nerally very painful t.o th touch
OURONIC
�UTERINE DISEASES.
129
there is an abundant dis charge (leucorrhœa) of glairy
or purulent matter. A constant pain prevails in the
lower part of the abdomen and back associated with
or distinct from severe uterine pain which in some cases
acquire great intensity. The urinary functions are
reacted upon, and the sufferer has a constant desire to
pass water. A like necessity to defrocate is constantly
felt.
As would be naturally expected, menstruation is
seriously affocted; tho periods are generally irregular
and accompanied with severe uterine paiu. In these
iutol'vals it is not raro to soe copious uterine hromorrhages. As a geueral l'nIe tho periods last longer, and
come closor together, so that the pOOl' patient complains
of being constantly bathod in blood.
vValking and exercise of any kind may bocome
lmpossible, and the recumbent position, whether in
bed or on a sofa, is an tbat the patient can bear, Or
that bl'ings any relief.
W 0 havo doscribed a chronic attack of moderato
intonsity; an Lheso symptoms exist in every caso in a
groaLer or 10ss degreo.
] L is oasy to understand tbat the general hea1th
soon becomos nJfectod in its turn. Tho digestion is
impall'od, giving rise 1,0 dysp psia, hystoria, sickness
or vomiting, headacbo, insomnia, &c. 'l'hose symptoms
may becomo 80 prominont as to mask the l'cal disease.
'.l'ho patient becomes emaciated, her liIo is a bUI·don to
her, aU choel'Inlness deserts hol' and nel'VOUS irritation
becomos excessive.
�130
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
:Manifold are the causes which bring about this
disease. Tt may succeed to an acute attack of
metritis, or be from the commencement chronic. In
this last case it is impossible not to reGognise the
importance of general predisposing causes, which give
rise to a special group designated by certain authors
by the name of « constitutional metritis." Under this
group may be placed those cases of metritis occurriug
in subjects of a weak constitution; a:ffected with
chlorosis, chloro-anromia, scrofula, or tuberculosis;
women who have borne a number of children; the
result of a too prolonged lactation, unhealthy hygienic
<:onditions, &c.
The predisposing local causes arc more important,
and are principally duo to the strain put upon the
uterus, when the confinements have been numerous and
at short intorva1s, by displacement of the uterus, &c.
Certain occasional causes must also bo meutionod,
such as fatiguo and n. want of temp rance in tho intimate relations between man and wife.
Chronic motritis js a very long and tronblosomo
diseaso, and, abandoned to itself, will fatally lead to
ruined health. Before entering upon the explanation of
howtho waters operate in this disease, wewould saythat
both medicinal and surgical troatmont havo genorally
to be resortod to, and that it is only altor snch treatment that tho pationts gonorally como to theso springs.
Thoir efficacy is recognised by tho who10 of the medical
profossion, who invadably sond thoir patients, particulady in tho latter stage or the diseaso, to drink the
�UTERINE DlSEASES.
131
mineraI waters; they frequently come when every
other treatment has failed, and when the symptoms
have been going from bad to worse j they leave with
the symptoms considerably ameliorated.
The erosions and ulcerations of the neck of the
uterus cannot be cured by the Vichy waters, which
have no cicatrising influence j they appear rather to
oppose the cicatrisation of wounds in generaL Whlle
the waters would thus relieve the general symptoms
they would aggravate, 01' at best leave in sta~
q~w,
those lesions which as long as they last keep up the
malady. Thoy must thereforo have other and special
rtreatment. An immediate surgical treatment before
rocourse is had to the waters is best to secure the
-cicatrisation. The means employed are usually ca.uterization, IV hether by the use of the thermo-cautory or
by the nitrate of silver. Should the erosions and ul-corations still exist when the patient cornes to Vichy,
tho surgical treatment may be continued, or replaced
by douches of carbonic gas, which exercise a most
salutary influence upon them. Tho minerai watel' has
much more officiency wh n this l'osulb has boen obtained.
The first aaLion of the waters lS on the digestive
orgaus, which thoy stimulato . 'l'he appotite improves,
tho digestion becomes more regulal', and ail the painiul :m L trylng symptoms which are to be met \Vith in
dyspepsia, and w hich are so common with patients
affected \Vith almost any uterine complaint, are aUeviated, and tend to disappear. Consequent]y the
�132
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
nutrition becomes more complete} streugtb returns}
the countenance recovers its colour} and the patient
recommences to put on flesh. At the same time a
great improvement takes place in most of the other
general symptoms. The bladder becomes less irritable} micturition i.s less frequent} constipation still i.s
the ruIe for some time} but the pain in defrecatiou is
entirely} or almost entirely} removed. The wind in
the stomach} the distension of the beUy by gases} the
sick sensations are aU done away with.
No wonder} il with snch a relief from snffering} the
mental condition of tbe patient improves at the same
time. Instead of the despondent} woebegone} and
miserable look so common while the disease lS at its
height} no sooner do they get under the influence of
tho thel'mal tren,tment than their cheerfulness returns}
and tbeir irritability of tempor} iusornnia) &c.) disapp ar.
']'h sovore lumbar and inguinal pains are also
amongst the first symptoms to disappear undor the
thermal tr atment, wbich oxerciso bore tho sarne
sedativ action which thoy constantly xorciso against
pain, wh n symptomatic and not in the diseased organ.
Tho piscine is most applicablo to tbis part 01 tl,
tr n.tJ1lont j its inilnonce appears much more active
thé1n tIlo ordil1al'y min l'al bn.th. 'rhe pationt should
romain somo time, .from two to flye hours) iu the
piscin ) according to the particular aso. Some 'asos)
however) would dOl'ive harm instead of good from th se
baths. V ry nervous WOrnon cannot support thom)
�UTERINE mSEASES.
133
and they are in general contra-indicated nnder the
same circumstances as those in which the Vichy waters
are contra-indicated.
The patients are soon able to move about with
greater ease. Those who were confined to their beds
are able to take drives, and those who could do little
more than crawl are able to walk with comfort.
However, in the midst of theso chauges, so favorable while the strength returns, and tbe more painful
symptoms cease, there is one symptom which holds
its sway-the leucorrhcca, the flow continlling with
the samo abundance and of the same quality. It is
raro that tbis symptom is at 011CO and manifestly
modified by the thermal tl' atment; ü is incoutostably
tho one symptom or aU others which the Vichy wators
have tho most difficulty in modirying, no matter in
what manner thoy be administered. It is onlyaCter
the waters have caused their elIects to be felt ovel'
the systom in general, and the diseaso is in a fair way of
boing curoel, that the leucol'l'hcca in its turn shows a
tendeucy to decroaso and disappear. Thus, whilo Dot
acting diroctly on this discharg ,the thermal tl'eaLment
indüocLly tonds to suppress it. rfhe congested sLato
01 tho utorus is manifestly modified, and it is easy to
noLe how Lho neck of Lhis organ docreases in volume.
W 0 havo alrcady r markod L11at tho thormal troatm nL is counLer-indicaLcd in acuto cates, or whoro
thero is tl,cuto inllammation prosent.
There aro also a cOl'Lain num bor of wornen affocteel
or thl'eatonod with hystericl11 dis aso with whorn the
�134
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
malady will probably only increase under this treatment.
The principal difficulty in diseases of the uterus
is to enable the patients to support the thermal
treatment. Many women, constitutional1y irritablo,
become still more so, owing to their prolonged sufferings and debility. The waters m many cases
increase their nervous excitement. They may give
rise to cardialgie pains, anorexia, insomnia, and
hysterical attacks. The waters, therefore, should be
given with caution and in small dosos.
From the foregoing remarks it will be seou that the
thermal treatment appears to have but a very slight
action upon the alteration of the uterus itself, but that
its influence is considerable in restoring the general
health of the patient.
Another influenco bas to be exercised upon tho
patient other than tbat or the mineraI waters. Tho
physician must use bis moral influonco to cheer and
comfort the patients; he must encourage thom to keop
up their spirits and to l'es1st the depl'essing effects of
their malady. Tho patient on her side must be submissivo, and however disagreeablo certain examinations must be to her-aud no ono better than tho
physician knows what they cost to sensitive women,
-sbo must understand tbat if not necossary ü wonld
not bo askod for, and facilitato tbo medical man's
work by not raising groundless objoctions to a nccessary though unpleasant duty .
Tho mineraI baths should not be too rich in mineraI
�UTERINE DISEASES .
135
water; one quarter of mineraI to three quarters of
spring water is ample, so as to excite as little as possible. The temperature must not be too high, for fear
of weakening still more an already enfeebled system.
They should be prolonged, and it is for this reason
that we have spokon in the first place of tho piscine,
which will almost always replace advantageously the
ordinary bath.
Douches on the loins and in the hypogastric region
have proved useful. M. Durand-Fardel recommends
the ascending douche at a temperature of from 15° to
20° externally, genorally upon the anus, or the IJerinœum and the vulva, sometimos allowing a little
mineraI water to penetrate into the rectum, rarely into
the vagina. There is always a fear of too much
stimulation with this treatment, as applied to the
malady we are discussing.
One thing that patients affocted with this disorder
should make up their minds to before Ieaving thoir
homes, is that the three weeks' treatment applied to
many other diseaBes which arc trcated at Vichy is
altogether insufficient for them, and that from six to
eight weoks is what is roquired to do permanent good.
At the ond of theso weeles the improvement may be
so groat that the pationt may think herself noarly
cUl'ed-in some cases they may be so, but in the
majority more timo is necessary.
W 0 bavo purposely refrained from spoaking of tho
displacoments of tho utorus frequontly to be obsorved
during the courso or this malady, whother produced
�136
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
by it or pre-eristing, as theïr treatment is rather surgical than medical. Pessaries, &c., have generally to
be employed, and while the waters may give tone to
the organ by improving the general health, they are
insufficient of themselves to bring about a cure.
In the same manner we bave not spoken about the
constipation which is so oHen to be observed. !ts
treatment will be seen in the article under this heading.
AlI uterine tumours, fibroid or others, appear to
derive very little benefit fl'om the Vichy thermal
waters. For some it is absolutely contra-indicated;
cancer, and in general aIl malignant growths, far from
improving, will only get worse under this treatment.
�DISEASES Ol!' THE LIVER.
137
CHAPTER IX.
DISEASES OF TITE LIVER.
A, Congestion of the Live?'.
mineraI waters of Vichy have long sinee
acqnired a well-merited reputation in the treatment of
a number of diseases to which tlte live1' is exposed,
It must not bc supposed, however, that they are suitabl0 fol' aU the complaints which may affed this
gland j cancor, an organic diseases, tuberculosis, and
hydatids of the liver will dorive no benofit from this
thormal treatment.
'l'he diseases of the liver which are most bcnefited
by tho Vichy water are chronic and passive inflammation, fatty diseaso, inflammation or the biliary ducts,
gall-stones, hopatic colic, and in a generai way hypertrophy of the livo!',
M. Durand-Pm'deI, in explaining the generai adiou
or tho wators in tlioso diseasos, says :
cc 'l'ho direct e:l'focts that the Vichy waters exel'ciso
npon theso diseases may bo oxphinod perhaps by the
facility with which the medicinal properties thoy contain approach tho hopatic appal'atus j one may say, in
TITE
�138
THE MINERAL WA1'ERS OF VICHY.
fact, that the liver reCelves at :!irst hand those mineraI
principles introduced into the stomach and seized
upon by the absorbing vessels." Congestion of the
liver is the complaint or aU others affecting this gland
which is the most easily amenable to treatment.
By the richness or its vascularisation and by the
peculiar disposition of its blood-vessels, its double
system of capillaries, and the activityof its circulation,
the liver is very liable to become congested. But
with congestion of the livm·, as in congestion of the
lungs alld brain, the description of the congestion of
an organ cannot be confined to tho organ in question,
but other morbid conditions have to be considered at
the same time.
'l'he congestion may be oither active or passive.
The activo congestion is caused by an increase in the
pressure of the efferent vessels, the portal veins . A
copious repast, improper diet, digestive derangements
in the stomach and bowels, constipation, abuse of
alcohol and of ardent spirits, &c., combined 01' alone,
may pl'oduce this state. It is also met with in the
course of certain intermittent Ievers, &c., or which we
shaH speak hereaftm'.
When tho congestion ls d tormined by an increased
pressure in the e:Œeront vessols, Lhat is in tho hepatic
voins and vena cava, thi.s passivo congestion may be
duo oither to disease or the hoart, or or the lungs,
or to the presenco of somo tumour impec1ing tho flow
or blood, but Lho usual canso ls a mitrallesion.
Naturally tho troatmont will have to bo modifiod,
�mSEASES OF THE LIVER.
139
and the case will be more or less complete according
to the cause which has occasioned the congestion.
The symptoms are various and are rarely aU present
in the same casé. The liver is enlarged and extends
below the borders of the ribs and across the epigastrium, there is often tenderness on pressure.
There is a sensation of oppression and fulness on the
l'ight side. The digestion may remain apparently
normal or be attended with nausea, vomiting at times
of bile and bilious diarrhœa j the skin becomes sallow)
sometimes jaundice coloured; headache) dl'owsiness,
and general depression are habituaI. The congested
condition of the liver induced in India and other
tropical climates, as the l'esult of high temperature,
and malarions influence, DJay terminate in chronic
enlargement. The bowels are generally constipated
when this malady has passed iuto the chronic stage, the
norvous system is more deeply affected, as shown by
the increased depl'ession or spirits, disinclination fol'
offort of any kiud, hoadache, giddinoss, &c.
'l'ho DJost favorablo timo for omploying the thormal
treatment appoars to be wh on tho disease has already
oxisted a few months, but not in long-standing cases.
In oth r words) it must neithor bo too recent nor too
chl'onio ; between four months' and four yeal's' duration
may be given as approximate oxtromes.
~ I 'ho
Lroatmont, is absolutoly contra-indicated whon
any considerable amount of ascitos is prosont. When
there only exists a slight swelling of the ankles or feet)
alld whon wo believe the disoase to be simple congos-
�140
'fUE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
tion of the liver, the treatment may be followed, but
the patient will have to be watched carerully.
When the congestion has beeu brought about by
some derangement of the digestive organs, or by
exposure in sorne tropical climate under the influence
of the hca.t and malaria., the thermal treatment is 0.11poworful. It lS worse than usoloss if it is due to some
lung complication or other ol'ganic malady. It is
therefore of primary importance that patients should
discovor the cause of their malady before setting out
on a journey which cannot fail to cause them much
disappointment if it sbould turn out tbat it has bocn
takon uselessly.
So far we have always insisted upou the sma,U dose
that ought to be taken of the minera.l water. In the
case of the disoaso of which wc are 1l0W treating this
principlo need not be followed; on the contrary, largo
doses aro necessary, from six to sovon glasscs daily
when the digostivo orgaus cau to]orate it. It is
necossal'y, however, to stal't with vory much les s, and
patients will do woll to rcmem bel' tbat sovou glasses
aro the maximum tltat can be talcon at any time oE
tho tl'oatment. The Grando arillo and nôpital suit
most casos .
Douch s and mineraI baUls will be employ d at the
sarno timo, thoi!' numbor and duration as woll as
sLl'ength boing fixod accol·:ting to each inc1ividual caso.
�DISEASES OF THE LIVER.
Hl
B. Hepatitis.-Jnjlarnrnation of the Live?'.
We have more especially in view in this arbicle the
hypertrophy of the liver) the result of paludean
intoxication .
Chronic inflammation of the livor is usuaUy contracted in tropical climates.
The symptoms are
rarely aU to be found in one and the same case,
but those most usually met wibh are a duU) heavy)
boaring-down sensation on the right side) which is
more or loss sensitive to prossure. Frequently this
pain will also affect the right shoulde!') always jaundico
in a mild form) and somotimes very pronounced.
The liver becomes considorably hypertrophied; by
its displacing to a cortain extent the right lung aud
occasionally the heart also it may give rise to trouble
in the respiration and in tho circulation.
Tho digestive Lunctions aro disbu!'bed; loss of
appetite) dyspepsia) diarrhma or constipation are the
rule. ').1he froces and urine havo charactoristic foature8
wllOn jaundice i8 marked.
Tho principal causes which may bring on inilammatiou of the liver are oxposuro to heat and to changes
of temporature-both 01 which have a largo 81aro in
what is caUed tt'Opical influoncos-in gular habits of
lifo alld spirit drinking) and dilleront malarious
inflnences. Tho chronic form gonerally succeods to
tho acute form of this disease.
N ow and again acute symptoms will dovelop them-
�142
'l' HE MINERAL WA.TERS OF VICHY.
selves, and as long as they last the thermal treatrnent
should not be atternpted.
The same treatrnent as that indicated for congestion of the liver is oHen applicable here. It has to
be varied according to the period at which tho disease has arrived and various other conditious which
the physician will noto, but as a general rule pretty
large quantities of the water will be fouud usefuI.
Douching in the hepatic region and mineraI baths
are aU indicated, and assist each other in the treatment.
As soon as any acuto symptorns occur it will be at
once necessary to modify tho treatment or very sorious
and even fatal accidents may ensue.
The waters act in the tirst placo on the goneral
health, improving the appotite and assisting the
digestion. It oHen hapl ons tbat no appreciable
benont is derived until after the patient bas left
Vichy. TIo has no reason to be discouraged, for it has
been reruarked that the improvoment is generally
long in manifesting itsolf, but once bogun it bocomes
speedily markod.
C. Bilia?'Y Lilhiasis.-Gall-stone Colic.-Hepatic
Calculi.
Tho production of gall-stones is one of tho most
common lesions to which tho human race is subjoct.
They may bo iormed in any oI the parts whoro the
bile remains for sorne timo, oithor within or without
�DISEASES OF l'HE LIVER.
143
the liver, but they aro usually forrned ID the gallbladder 01' the cys tic and cornmon duct.
They vary in size from fine gravel to calcnli, which
may exceed the size of a largo nut or even that of an
egg. The large st are generally single j the smaUer
calculi are usually numerons and wedge shaped.
They vary much in COIOUl' according to their composition, brown, yollow-green, and white being the most
usuaI. They are of a very low density, but somewhat
more so than water before being dried. They are
usual1y soft, and can be moulded by the fingers.
Age appeal's to havo a very gr'eat influence on the
production of gall-stones, and until puberty they are
ral'ely met with. W omen would appear to bo more
1iable than mon to this complaint, and it is pal'ticularly tho affliction of heavy eators who take but littlo
exercise.
The real causo of theïr production is very obscure,
but it is gonerally admitted that a certain predisposition (diathesis) exists among some poople to theie
formation, and that :1rthritic, go uty, and rheumatic
subjects are more exposed to contract them than
others. No doubt can oxist that there is a close
connoction botween urinary lithiasis and biliary
lithi:1sis.
It frequontly happons that the existence of gallstones gives l'iso to no discomfort during lifetime,
and is only discoverod after doath in the gall-bladder.
It ls when the stones begin to lcave the gallbladder and escape into the cys tic and cornmon duct
�144
~'HE
MINERAL WA1'EHS 0]' VICllY.
that symptoms of gall-stone colic arise. These symptoms might be divided jnto four principal groups
if we were writing a medical treatiso, but for the purpose we havo actually in view it will simplify matters
to consider an the symptoms together, l'emarking
merely that they are not aU to be seen simultaneously,
and that they depeud upon the stage of tllo disoase
and also upon its duration.
Hepatic colic is the most ireq uent of any of the
accidents to be observod. It would sel've no pL1l'pose
to oxplain its mecha,nism other tl1all by saying tbat
tho stone passing through ducts too small to allow of
its froe passage, forcos its way and causes an irritation by its rough surfaces, which varies mach in
intensity. The disoaso oHen bogins with a dllll pain
noal' tho livor, with vomiLiug, rigors, and olovation of
tornporaturo, or quito suddoDly, a severo pain on Lhe
right sido cornes OD, of a sllOoting kind. 'l'he pain
irradiates in difTorent direcLions, and moro parLiculady to tho right shoulùol·. It lS very intonso, and
may givo riso to delirium in Dervous persons or to
hysLorical attacks in w mon . ']'bo pati nt is in sLlch
agony that ho crios ouL, anù throws lJimse]f about in
ovory position on tlte boù in his onde:wollrs to obtain
reli f. Thes coli cs may last many homs aL a time,
aHor which Lhore is gen ra11y a poriocl 01 calm .
Vomiting is raroly absont. 1 omotimes tho food
alone is thrown up, but gonorally a vomiting of bile
follows. Jaundico nsunlly exists during the attack,
but noL always, iLs intensity val'ying according to tho
�145
DISE ASES OF THE LlVER.
form of the calculus, whether it blacks up compietely
the passage or allows room from its irregular surface
attack generally ends
for the bile ta circulate. ~rhe
very suddenly,-as saon as the gall-stone has passed
into the dl1odenum.
When the gall-stone reaches the intestines it is
commonly evacuated with the freces.
It is not always easy ta form a correct diagnosis of
the disease, as many othor things may givo rise ta
hepatic colics. U ntii a gall-stone has been discovered
in the stools a certain doubt, very slight pel'haps,
may always exist l1pon the true nature of the malady.
It is incontestable that the Vichy mineraI waters
constitute a remarkably efE.cacious treatment in hepatic
calculi, but their aGtual mode of action is far from
boing solved. It has been suggested that they dissolve
tho calculi by the modifications they occasion in the
composition of the bile. ']'his is by no meaDS proved,
and no chemical data can be produced to substantiate
this thOOl-Y. 'fho principal substances met with in
biliary caIcuIi are cholesterino, amorphous or crystallised, in addition ta which are tho dillerent colouring
mattors of tho bile and the calcaroous salts. Chomistl'y toaches us that alkalios will not dissolvo tho oholostOl'ine, and the Vichy minoraI wators are remarkable
for thoir alkali.nity.
The more easi1y accepLod the ory is that given by
M. Durand-Fardel, who thi.nks Lhat the principal
action of tho wators ia to accelerate the flo·w of the
bilo, by causing a special activity in tho hepatic socre-
10
�146
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
tions, by giving renewed tonicity to the excreting
organs, and possibly in causing a certain modifico,tion
in the bile, but not such as had been supposed by
those who hold to the theory of the calculi being
dissolved.
There are certain indications to be foUowed in this
treatment which may be summed up as foUows :
lst. To calm the pain. 2nd. To facilitate the expulsion of the calculi. 3rd. To prevent the formation
of fresh calculi.
'l'ho first indication cannot be obtained from the
Vichy waters. We l1ave to address ourselvos to
general therapeutics and have a numbor of agents at
our disposition which will alleviate the sufforing, of
which it would be out of place to treat in this work,
which has but one object in view,-to show how the
Vichy mineraI waters operate.
Tho second indication, the facilitatting of tho passo,go
of the calculi, is most officaciously carried out by tho
troatmont with these minero,l wators. Tho colics
genol'ally becomo moro froquent whilo under troatmont or immodiatoly after the pationt has loft Vichy.
Sometimes tho colics become so severe and so continuous that it requires much perseverence and
patienco on the part of the sufferor to continuo the
cure, and on tho part of the physician great tact
and caro in the diroction of tho treatment.
Tt may be askod, llow can tho pains incroasc in
intonsity and frequency, and the thermal treatment bo
termed eIIicacious in their cure? Tho oxplanation is
�DISEASES OF THE LIVER.
147
very easy. We have already eXplained how the pain
is caused by the passage of the calculi through ways
which will not allow of their easy exit. They may
remain a long time in the gal1-bladder or pass slowly
and with more or less difficulty into the intestine.
The Vichy waters hasten this passage and cause more
stonos to pass through in a limited time; hence the
incl'ease of pain; this pain is goneral1y but more
or less momentary) and the sufferer has a long
l'espite aIterwards. Instead of being discouraged)
therefore) the patient should consider these pains a
good omen, as being a sign that the waters are acting,
and that shortly the suffering will be much abated if
not entirely done away with.
'rhe third indication-to prevent the formation of
frosh calculi-is also fulfil1ed) but in a les sel' dogree
than the former. Thus these waters cause an incroased flow of bile that facilitates tho passing of the
calcnli which so to speak, it drives ont) causing large
calculi to pass, whose passago would otherwise be
oithor impossiblo or very much more difficult; by the
modification it causes in the consistency or the bilo,
and 1y rondering it more flnid it becomos an obstacle
to tho production or frosh calculi.
Tho tl'oaLmont consists of mineraI baths which
should not exceed twonty minutos to half an hour.
Pl'otty considerable quantitios of the waters must be
takeu,-from Live to sevon glasses. The Hôpital or
Grande Grille is tbat most commonly employed.
Douchos aro gènerally indicated) particulal'ly the
�148
THE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF VICllY.
ascending douches, as constipation is the l'ule. Great
care must be taken in the treatment, the effects
having to be closely watched. Should acute colics
supel'vene the treatment must be stopped for some little
time, and the doses will be smaller when the treatment
recommences.
Generally speaking the treatment should be somewhat prolonged, say for thil'ty or fort y days. It is
necessary to return to Vichy the next season, oven if
the hepatic colics have not returnod, on the pl'inciple
of prevention being better than curo.
�DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
CHAPTER
149
X.
DISEASES OF i'HE URINARY OROANS.
A. R enal Lithia5is.-Œravel.-Nepllll'itic Golics.
By gravel is understood a deposit in, and escape
from, the urinary passages of gritty particles with the
urine. Acid urine, leaving a red brickdust deposit
along the side of the vase, is not sufficient to constitute gravel,-the deposit must bo sueh that the
fingel' can recognise its gritty character.
These concretions, formed by the deposit of one or
more of the solid constituents of the urine, may be of
all sizes and dimensions. The smallest are called sand
or gravel, the lat'gel' ones, wruch may be as large as
a fowl's egg, are tel'mod stones. These deposits may
commence by minute concrete pal'ticles and as the
malady goes on gl'adually increase in size, uniting
and becoming calculous.
In its first form it often constitutos sim ply an inconvenience, and it is not raro to see people pass large
quantities of sand and graveI, sometimes evon smaU
calculi, without feeling oither inconvenience or pain.
This is no l'eason, howover, for neglecting the disease,
�150
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
which may culminate in agonising renal colics; and
various diseases arise in the urinaIT organs by the
inflammation occasioned by the gravel, &c., such as
pyelitis (inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney),
hydronephrosis (dropsyof the kidney), &c.
U sually but one kidney is a:Œected. The urinary
secretion is diminished as long as calculi block one
of the ureters . Should a stone penetrate both of
them at the same timo the secretion would be totally
suspended until the stono passed into the bladder.
The bladder may retain the gravel or stone for an indefinite time, an important fact to bear in mind, the
treatment being thereby influence d, as will be shortly
explained. 'rhis tondency to rebain the graveI, when
it exists, increases as one advancos in age by certain
anatomical changes which take place in tho bladder,
some of the fibres of its muscular coat becoming
hyperbrophied and lorrning what are tOl'med columns,
that is, certain depressions are formod into which the
gravel falls, and from which it is with dilIiculty dislodged by the simple act of micLurition, easy enough
wh on tho bladder presented its normal smooth
appearance.
Gravol is most commonly fOl'med of uric acid Ol' 01
urates; ü is vory hard and of a roddish colom'.
Othor varieties, however, may ho met with; they may
bo formed of oxalato of calcium and aro then of a
brown coloUl'; or of ammoniaco-magnesian phosphates,
in which casO thoy are white and vory friablo. 'l'hoso
concretions may be simple or complex, and when
�DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
151
they have been fOl'ming for a long time, consist of
stratilied layers of varying composition.
Thus the uric acid, the urates of soda, of lime, of
ammonia, the phosphates of limo, magnesia, and of
ammonia, which are normally to be fOllnd in the urine,
may be precipitated under certain circumstances; but
other principles not normally present mayalso appear
under decomposing influences or by a transformation
process, and be pl'ecipitated in the same manner.
'rhe same causes which produce dyspepsia are
frequently productives of lithic acid graveI, such as
too generous diet, insufficient exercise, the too free
indulgence of fermented liquors, the impaired conditions of the functions of the skin, and in fact aU
causes capable of augmenting the quantity of uric
acid; indeed evel'ything tending to interfere with the
nOl'mal nutritive changes of the system and which
diminishes the solubility of the uric acid, may give
rise to this malady.
Endemic canses connected with climate and the
naturo of the drinking-water must also be noted.
'J'he frequency of gravel in England, Holland, and
cerLain other localities has boen ascribed to this cause.
D e?·ed'ila?'y p?'eCZi8position, and many slight or
sorious organic diseasos will give riso to gravel. The
nrinary llthiasis ja fl"oquently united to the gouty
diathesis; it appears to be somewhat allied to rh oumatism also,
We have remarked that the passage of uric acid
crystals or gL"avel frequently oauses no subjective
�152
l'HE M1NERAL WATERS OF VICIlY .
symptoms. Sometimes, however, it gives rise to, or is
accompanied by, both genel'al and local distul'bance
and function.
The genel'al symptoms aro those of dyspepsia,
namely, flatulence and heftl'tburn aftel' meals, el'uctations, headache, musculal' cmmp, depression of
spirits, and a sense of malaise. Thero is usually some
degl'ee or lumbar pain, generally restl'Ïctod to tho
si de alIected, spreading more 01' less to the fl'ont or
the body and down towards the g['oin or bladdol'.
The pain is apt to bo aggravatod by exerciso, espeally by cal'riage exerciso, and is liable on su ch
occasions to becomo very sevoro. Micturition ls
froquont and often ca.uses pain.
When tho urinary concretions pass into the ureters,
particulal'ly thoso which aro too voluminous or whiuh
from thoir rugged odgos are not ablo to bo easily
ovacuated, they give ris 0 to renal colic. 'l'his colic may
be bl'ought ou by somo violent movomont 01' by the
action oE the minoraI wators Laken fol' tho curo.
Tho aLtack begins by shal'p pain, limitod in tho
fil'st p1n.co to tho sido alIocte L In a short time the
paiu becomes agonising alJd radiatos towal'ds tho
lll'oter, bladdor, urethra, tosticle, and lower extl'omitios.
'l'ho pationt twists himsolf about in OVOl'y position in
]11S ondeavours to obtain somo l'olief. 'l'ho bladdor is
omptiod with difficulty and pain, only a few drops
oseaping at a Limo, t]le uri no beeomes cloudy and
som times contains blood. 'l'ho attack may stop horo
or bo l'eproùuccd many Limos, thus lasting for hours,
�DlSEASES OF THE UR INARY ORGANS.
153
or cyen days. His without exception) wh en the attack
takos t,he severe form just described) one of the most
painfnl maladies that exist. After the attack, and indepcndently of the attack) the patient has a painfnl
sensa,tion or weight and discomfort in the 1nmbar
reglOll.
The nephritic colic is but Olle part of the ma1ady,
and tho tl'eatment must not on1y be di rectod to calming
tbo pain) but a1so to l'emoving tho causes which give
riso to it. To do this it is necessal'y to get l'id of the
gravel, and to prevent fl'esh gravel from forming.
~rhe
thermal waters of Vichy have no equal in
briugillg about this twofold obj ct) and wo shaH now
explain their mode of action and how tley must be
ad011nistered) adding a few words on the diet) &c.,
which must be followed.
One or the lirst effocts of the waters is in generaI
to rendor tho urino moro clear) and to get l'id of the
sedimcllts and sand if they cxist. Mm1y people
affocLod with gravol cease to havo any fresh gravel
formod by simply using tho exportod Vichy waters.
Tho first action of tho waters is foUowcd immcdiatoly
aftor by anothel' of an essontially calming naturo) tho
pains iu tho kidneys are soothcd, and the unploasant
sOllsaLioll of weight in tllO Iumbn.l' rogion is romovcd.
Gravel composed or uric acid is frequently completo]y cured after one or two seasons at Vichy, if the
paLient continues to uso the oxported waters whon ho
roturns 110me and follows a proper ?'égime.
'J'be l'adical cure of grave], howovol') is not very
�154
THE MINERAL WA'rERS OF VICHY.
usuai uuloss it be the result of accidentai causes. Tho
special constitution of the patient, his hygienic habits
may bo a constant cause of perpetuating tho malady.
The waters, 11Owever, eveu in these cases are of gl'eat
utility j they are the means or proventing an acute
attack of graveI, aud dirninish the intensity of an tho
minor symptoms or the diseaso. RonaI colic is almost
sure to subside after treatrnent by the Vichy waters,
but at the beginning of tho treatment they may bo the
means of giving rise to these colics by forcing the
gmvel to be eliminated. These colics are produced
in tllO same manner as the hepatic colics which wo
have already described, and instead of alarming the
patient should on tho contl'ary cheer him, as they arc
a proof of the efficacy of tho waters. We by no means
wish Lo imply that they arc a nocessary l'esult of the
tr atment j in many cases they will not ariso, but it
ls as weIl that the patient should know that they arc
not raro.
n ls admitted by mosL doc tors tbaL tho mineraI
wators tend Lo destroy tbe gravel already rormed, and
1,0 prevent the formaLion of fresh gravel, at any rato if
the gravel cODsist 01 uric acid. We do not bolieve in
thcir officacy in attacking stone or gravol of aDY size;
they at most pre vent the stono from iUet'easing in
volumo, and the only tr aLment 101' stono when it
becornes tronblesomo is a surgicai operation, which
consists of crushing tho stone and thon washing ont
the fragmonts by l' peatod injections, or romoving it
lltiro by cutting down upon it. We rofrain !rom
�DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
155
discussing the surgical treatment as being foreign to
our subject j but after the stone has been removed,
the thermal treatment is indicated to prevent fresh
calculi from being formed .
The mineraI waters act by their alkalinity. We
know that a liquid renderedalkaline by the bicarbonate
of soda exercises a dissolving action upon uric acid
dust, and that this action increases in proportion as
the dust is more minute in size; this is provod by
chemistl'Y, and gives rise to the following theory :-If
an aIkaIine Iiquid tends to dissolve uric acid, it should
at, any rate prevent its formation if introducod in
sufficient quantity into the system . 'l'he bicarbonate
is eliminated by tho urine w hi ch stagnates for a longer
or shorter time in the bladder. 'l'he bicarbonate is
evidontly more concentrated in the urine than in Lhe
blood. If it cornes across any inert bodies in its
passage through the urinary system, such as gravelor
stone or even pus, some chemical action should arise
ny fine sand should be entirely
from its alkalinity.
dissolved, while gravel may or may not be attacked
aecording to ibs size, and stono pI'obabIy remains absolutely uuchangcd. Even a very f:llight decrease in size
in gravol may be or immonso servico by permitting
perhaps to pass tlll'ough tho urinary passages that
which by having a volume slightly too big coula not
previously pass.
'fho action of tbo waters thoroforo upon gravel
formod of uric acid is certain if it be in very minuto
particles.
How gravel of other composition is
�156
THE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF VICHY.
chemical1y affected is not so easy to prove; in any
case the action of the waters is much more limited in
tho case of gravel other than that composed of urie
acid.
By augmenting the urinary secretion the waters
exercise a mechanical action. More urine is secreted
within a given time; consequently pressure in the urinary tract is augmentod, and more purticularly in the
leidneys and ureters. The foreign bodies that may
stand in the way of the urine receive this pressure
direct and force tho passages to dilu.te, and thus let
them pass .
The Celestins springs are those most commonly
recommended for this complaint. When they are
found to be too exciting Ot' too irritating those or the
Grande Grille or l'Hôpital must replace them. The
quantity may vary from three to six glasses daïly.
Wlten the patient has difficult or painful micturition
or is suffering from a more or less continued pain in
the kidneys, the tl'oatment must be followed with
precaution, for tho renal pains wm increase in
intes~y
if tho doses be oxcessivo.
Douching in tho lumbal' rogiou is to b recommended
unless thero are special contra-indications; but it mnst
bo instantly ceased if nophritic colics becomo imminent.
The thl'eo weeles' tl'eatmont is outil' ly inadequate
to arrive at a satisfactory result. If tho patient can
dispose of his time he should remain unLil the urinary
organs begin to show signs of being saburabod. When
�DISEASES OF TITE URINARY ORGANS.
157
he leaves he must continue to drink the exported
waters, giving them up for a fortnight or a month now
and again, and then beginning afresh. One or two
successive seasons are invariably necessary.
'r he diet must be somewhat severe. Good living,
rich wines, beer, and alcoholic liquors should bo
avoided. Reasonable exercise, when possible on foot,
is to be recommended.
B. Albwmmu1·ia.-B1·ight's Disease.
Albumin is a common morbid constituent of urine,
oithor temporary or permanent. Temporaryalbuminuria may bo artificially produced by the ingestion
into the stomach or by subcutaneous injection of raw
albumon of egg; and it sometimes rcsults from derangement of the digestion, due to the use of indigestible articles of food . It is orten but one of many
symptoms of a po,thologico,l condition. It is met with
in various heart complaints o,ccompo,nied with asystolë,
that is to say, with insufficient contractions oÏ this
organ, by which the pressuro in the venous bloodvossols is incroo,sed and that of the artorios diminished.
It is to bo met with froquently in certain orupLive
fevors, sco,rlct fover, typhoid fover, smallpox, measlos.
It is common during pl'egnancy j it may also bo
brought on by the abuso of diuretics and irrito,Ling
substances, such as turpentino, copaiba, o,1coho1, cantharidos, &c.
�158
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY,
Albuminuria may consist of serum albumin, oleine;
it lS then termed t?-ue albuminu?'ia; or of some other
albuminous body without serum albumin, whon it is
termed fal:;e albumimwia.
In true albuminuria there is always some change
either in the circulation through the kidney or in the
structure of the kidney itself. lu false albuminuria
the albuminous body passes out throngh the kidnoy
without there being any alteration either in its circulation or structure.
Some regard the altorations in circulation which
produce albuminuria as of two kinds: increased pressure of blood in the renal arterics, 01' increased pressure in tho renal veins. Experimonts seom to show,
however, that increasod tonsion in tho renal artories
does not produco albuminuria, and that the only
change in circulation which will produco it lS increasod
pressuro in the ronal veins, i . e. congostion of the renal
veins. This congostion may be pl'oduced in many
ways: a, cold bath may cause it, or a varnish applied to
tho skin, whon not only are the cutaneous functions
diminishod or elltiro]y suppressed, but visceral congestions aro a nocossary consequence.
Tho structural chn.nges in tho kidney which cause
albuminuria arc acuto and chronic inflammation, waxy
d goneration and cirrhosis.
P rsistent albuminuria may bo oither acuto or
chronic, according to tho form of disoase of which it
is symptomatic, and the ncute forms may a]most an
pass into the chl'onic stage. Some aro chronic froID
�DISEASES OF l'HE URINA~Y
ORGANS .
]
59
the very first, such as in gouty and diabetic pationts,
and in Bright's disease. We will take Bright's disease
as a type of chronic albuminuria.
Bright's disease comprises three distinct diseases of
the kidney : lst, an inflammato7'V qtJ"ection, affecting
tho tubules, or the stroma, or bath; 2nd, the 'Waœy 01'
a117yZo'id ajJèction, originating in the vessels; 3rd, the
ci1-rhotic 01' gOttty qtJèction, originating in the fibrous
stroma.
The most common of thern aU is the inflamrnatory
affoction, ta which we shaH confino oUl'selves more
particularly.
Bright's disease is a general disease of the system,
and is not due ta the diseased state of the kidneys,
which succeed and do not precede the disease. '1'0
descl'ibo tho anatomical changes which take place in
tho kidney would obligo us ta go into very minute
anatomical and histological doscriptions which would
provo of no Înterest ta the general reader j we shaH
thol'ofore at once pass ta the causos which may givo
l'ise ta this disease.
Cold is the eommonest causo in the adult. n acts
espocially on those who have been exposed to its
inflLlence whilst porspiring; febrilo exanthema, alcollQlism . Cortain diathosos predispose to it: rhcumatism, gout, &c. Malaria must also bo considored as
proùisposing to BrighL's ùisoase. An injury is somotimes snfficient ta cause it.
This disoaso is a very sorio us one; littlo by littlo it
lJUl1ermines the constitution, evory organ is affecteu,
�160
THE MINERAL WA1'ERS OF YICHY.
the blood becomes modified in its composition, and the
number of red cOl'pusclos decreases.
Tho disease rarely declares itsolf suddenly; usually
the commencement is insidious and slow, and tho disoase cannot be l'eadily recognised. It is gonorally
chronic from the commencoment, and those casos in
which it is said to como on sudclenlyare probably
cases whero some acute attack has taken placo cluJ'ing
the courso of the disease, which previously hud not
been recognisod or suspected .
More commonly for som time past the pationt has
prosonted a number of symptoms appeariug 1,0 bo
insignificant in themselves, but of which the uur cognisod origin has oHon g ivon l'ise to mistakos in
diagnosis. Soyore headaches, a frequont inclination
to micturato, slight opistaxis (bleeding from tll noso),
palpitations, painful cramps, shortnoss in broaLllillg,
a Tiuging in tho oars aud slig ht deaIness. Th , sight
is affectod, tho skiu bocomos dry, somotimes üciIy; a
croepiug sonsation in tho fingors, a f eling as though
the fingors woro doad j d ranged digostion; aH Lleso
sympLoms, cith r Iugitivo or tonacious, mayappoar
and disaI poar during many monLlls, beloro 0110 gr aL
sympLom appoars-tho mdoma. During aIl this Limo
thoro Jl1ay ])0 sorne acn to aLLac1 s, more or less l imiLod
Lo ono of thoso sympLoms, an atLaclc simulating asLhma,
au intonso cophalalgiaj palpit[Ltions anclgroat slol·tnoss
of br aLh simulaLing SOU IO organic hoart disoas j
sicknoss which mighL load ono Lo snppose somo lUab ly
of th digostiye organs j mdc1l1a of tho face or oxLl'omi-
�DISI!:ASES OF 'l'RE UIUNARY ORGANS.
161
ties; eventually these attacks lead one to suspect the
renl complaint, and often to consider that its origin
has been acute from not having observed the milder
symptoms.
'l'he diagnosis is, the1'efol'e, often difficult, but it can
be made with ce1'tainty by an examination of the
urme. We shaH have to enter somewhat into details
concerning some of t.he symptoms, but the composition
of the urine will occupy us in the first place.
The composition of the urine and its quantity vary,
according ta the period of the malady at which it is
examined.
In the acute form it is diminished but remains acid j
from 1200 ta 1800 gr. pel' twenty.four hours it fans
ta 200 or 1000 gr. The u1'ea faUs fl'Om 30 gr. to 10
or 20 gr.; the density is augmented; instead of J018
it varies from 1025 to 1047. The other salts vary in
a less degree. In the ch1'onic state the quantity of
urine may be mu ch in excess of the normal or belO\v
it-the density 1S much below the normal, avel'aging
from 100L.L ta 1015. In both these phases of the
disease there is generally an excessive frequency in
lOicturition, whieh somctimes, and more particulal'Jy
with women, is painful. "Vatel' may be passed as
often as twenty times in the course of twenty-foul'
hours, and perhaps not 1110re th an a taùlespoonful ::Lt
a Lime. Thero arc doposits in the urine of tubo casts,
l.mces of bloud, &c. Albuminul'ia oxists in vfLriable
pl'oportions, and may momentarily clisappear dUl'ing
the intcrmecliate siage of the acuto and chronic fol'U1.
11
�162
l'HE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF VICHY .
'l'he heart is constantly hypertrophied, particularly
·the left ventricle. The blood is much modified in
composition, its albumen is diminished about 50 pOl'
cent., while the urea is considerably lncreased, instead
of 0'016 being as mu ch as 0'070 or 0'084. After some
timo the l'od corpusclos dimiuisb, which occasions tho
peculial' charactel'istic paleness of those affected with
thlS cornplaint. Not only lS the skin white aud
pasty-looking, but it becornes dry, and l'esists evel'y
effort to make it regain a certain degreo of moisture.
Œderna is rarely wanting j it may bec omo gonera.1
and constitute what lS termed anasal'ca. It mOro
commonly commences in the face j the pationt notices
that his eyelids are swollen in tho m01'lling j thoy bocomo aU right dUl'ing th day, but the following
morning they are again heavy and s'Wollen. The faco
also bocomes swollen j th anklcs, legs, and thighs at'O
att.acked in their turn. The anasarca may bo comp] te
in n, few wooks, or take months beforo it is generalised.
'rh sight becomos uffoctoù, tho vi sion is indistinct,
and absoluto cecity may sUI orvene.
'l'ho ùisease is oHon comp]icated with a SOVero fonu
of c1yspepsia, accompaniod by const:1lIt vomiting, and
dysentorie diarrhooa. 'l'hero lS fLlUctional dOl'ang mont
of tho ]ivet', and amongst oth l' complications may bo
mentioned ascites, hromol'l'hago, &0.
W have been obliged te 'be as brief as possible in
describing the symptoms. It wou Id bo necessat'y to
write a separate volumo on this subject to fully oxplain
�DIS~AJj;
OF 'l'HE UnlNARY OnGANS.
163
all the symptoms and the pathological changes which
the different organ s, ::tnd pal'ticularly the kidneys,
undergo during the course of the disease, but we think
we have said sufficient on this subject to convince the
l'eader of the gravity of the complaint, and to enable
him to understand in a generai way the course of the
disease, and to follow the action of the thermal waters
which we are now about to ùescribe.
The first indication is to assist the general nutrition.
We have frequently eXplained how the mineraI waters
produce this result.
At the first period of the disease the waters are
contra-inc1icated, as the two kidneys are gorged with
blood, and wùuld only be ful'ther irritated ::md inflamed
if an extra strain were put upon them to get l'id of
the bicarbonate. of soda and their activity increased
by these waters.
It is "hen the disease is fully established, but not
yet chronic, wh en in the intermedial'Y stage between
the acute and the chl'onic pel'iod, that the waters are
pal,ticularly indicated and have most influence. Taken
befol'e this period the wators are dangerous ; they will
increase the ::tlbuminuria, and very likely pl'oduce hm mOl'l'hag , Taken after this perioù. they are only palliative; but taken luriog the intormodiary stage, when
the kidneys, although still inflamed, have not the
same abnol'mal activity, when the urine has once more
become nearly normal and the albumen has netably
ù creasecl, the thermal waters may proùuce 0, complete cure.
�164
'l'HE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF VWHY.
The disorders already produoed may be repaired,
. and those which are to be feared may be prevented.
The waters rnay be employed both internally and
externally. The functions of the skin will be stimulated by thern, the urinary secretion increased, and
thereby the œdematous state of the whole system will
tend to disappear. At the same time, the digestion
and assimilation being rendered more easy, the genel'al
nutrition in its turn will be favorably influenced, and
last, though not least, the mOl'bid condition of the
kidneys will speedily be rectified and the organ 1'8generated.
Most patients are recommended to drink oE the
Celestins Springs, but in many cases these springs
will b e found too exciting, and may be advantagoously
replaced by that of l'Hôpital, whioh has a more call1ling effect, and a marked action on the digestive ol'gans.
The baths must be employed with precaution as
weIl as the doucbes. In advanced dropsy thcy are
dangerous.
N cithcI' fol' the quantity of watel' to be absol'ùed,
nol' for tho number of baths to be takon, can any
c10unite Jaws b laid ùown; the nature of the malacly,
its num l'OUS complications, the antocedonts oC the
patient, pCl'iod of the complaint, havo aU to bo cal'cfully weighed and cousidered, for an intomporato use
of tho thcrmal treatmont may oasily lead to fatal
rosuUs .
It will fI' qnol1tly bo found 1l0CeSSal'y to ombiliO
LIle use of gcnerai thel'npculical agcnts with ~lte
Ul l'mal
�DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS .
165
treatment) and attention will have to be paid to hygiene and diet.
C. Vesical Oata1'?"h.-07wonic Oyst'itis.
Chronic cystitis) that is chronic inflammation of the '
bladder) is a complaint which is most common in advauced life) but it is occasionally to be met with in
youth.
Vesi cal catarrh is often idioFathic or results from
acute cystitis. It may be deve10ped by general or
by local causes. It is most1y the l'esult of stricture of the
urethra) or congestion of the prostatic gland. It is also
brought on sometimes by an acquired habit of retaining
the urine long in the bladder. Professional gam b1ers
and thosewhose professions necessitate assiduous work)
are apt to ncglect emptying the bladder) aud thereby
contract vesical catarrh. It may arise from the presence of calculi) or of growths in the bladder) from
paralysis or disease affecting a nervous centre, such as
chrOllic rnyelitis.
'l'ho inflammation of the neighbouring organs may
react IIpon tho bladder and infiame it in its turn j it
will thus be seon frequently to accompany diseases of
the uterus and of the urethra. Certa,i n idiopathie
conditions must also be mentioned, such as the presence of gout) rheumatism) &c. There is also a special
var iety) of tuborculous origin .
'l'he principal symptoms of this malady lie in the
..
�16ô
'fIlE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
nature of the urine passed and the manDer ln which
micturition is e:ffected.
The pain in passing water is very variable. When
the disease has been oI but short standing there is
only a sensation of weight above the pubes and a
slight pain at the commencement, and not at the end
of this act) as long as the prostate is not affected.
Micturition is a.lways more fr-equent) and a greater
effort is necessary to void the bladder. Sometimes
there js incontinenco from an incomplete l'etention)
and at other times there may be absolllte retention.
The general health does not su:ffer unless the affection is prolonged or severe; in the latter case the
digestive functions bocomc dérange d, there is loss of
appetito and also loss or sleep from tho constant do siro
to void tho bladder j the paLient losos flesh and acq ujrcs
a cacltectic hue.
1'110 cllaractors or thc urino aro of the utmost
importanc . .A.t tho earlier stago of the disoase it
coutrLins but littlo ID DCUS, whicll fOl·ms a cloud in tho
middle zono of tho liqnid) but as the diseaso progresses
tho ul'in b comos morO clouay, of a rnilky-whito
app al'anco) and glairy deposits form round the sides of
the vaso. The wn.ter tho l1l0m nt it is passod is oiLher
noutrnl or alkalino) but in any caso iL b c mes alkalino
very shortly aftorwards. rrhe smoll is IDOSt 011 nsivo,
boing strongly impl' gnatod wiLh ammonia. 'l'heso
charactol'istics becorno still moro pr-ononnced a[tor tho
urine lias boon voidod for soma time. iLs donsity is
usually augmonLod.
�DISEASES o~'
THE URINARY ORGANS.
167
The Vichy waters are not indicated in every case
of catarrh; when it is dependent upon a nervous
affection such as ch1'on1c myelitis, or when it is of
tuberculous origin, the waters are powerless to effect
a cure.
Whenever chronic cystitis depeuds upon some
obstruction or impediment in the passage of the urine,
the first indication is to get l'id of this obstacle by the
means most appropriate to its nature. If it is dependent on strictnre of the urethra, the canal
must in the fil'st place be enlarged. 'fhe waters
employed after this operation will prove most benencial. Th!:'y are also particularly effective, and may
ronder important service after the operation of lithotrity, oither to assist in expolling fragments and
provont tho formation of new calcu1i, or in combating
the effects of vesical catal'l'hs gonorally following this
disoase.
Tho bicarbonate of soda containod in those W:1ters
lI::LS a powerful action upon the mucous coat of the
bln.dder. 'l'his coat ls much inflamed in vesical
catarrh, and. the inflammation is kept up by the presence of mucus in the urine. 'fhe bicarbonate causes
n, slight irritation to tho mucous Iining, which may be
termed. substitutivo irrit;ation, and by its anti-putrid
pl'operties l'cacts also upon the composition of the
urine which may injuriously affcct the bladder.
In inflammation of tho prostate the waters are genol'aUy contl'a-ind.icatcd until the primary affection is
improved. When the cata1'l'h is dependent upon
�168
.'l'HE MJNER.A.f. '\VA'fERS OF VICHY.
a gouty or rheumatic diatbesis the waters will bring
about sorne improvement, but will not cure.
When it is dependent upon a strictul'e that has
been operated on, upon some foreign body tbat has
been removed, or upon some complaint amen able to
tbe Vichy waters, such as some affections of the
uterus, a radical cure may be loolced for.
It js necessary when prescribing tbe waters to
beware of a return to the acute stage, particularly in
the beginnlng of the treatment. Great caution and a
regimen of small doses then become necessary in or der
to prevent the painful straining in micturition being
followed by an impossibility of passing watel'.
The spring has to be determin ed upon with care.
When the patient can support the Oelestins' waters
they are generally prescribed in preference to the
other spring, but in many cases it is found to be
too exciting, and recourse is had to tho Grande
Grille.
The quantity to be talcon will vary in each individu al
caso. With some as many as four or live glasses
daily will not prove excessivo, while in other cases
small dos os are neCOSSl1l'y, as with aIl possiblo procautions the patient is liable to symptoms of strangllry and pain in passing water .
.A.ftor 1 aving the springs the patient should continuo the treatment by the uso oi the exported waters,
to prevent a l'olapse, which is very li able to occur.
llygiene and diet hola an important place in tho
treatm nt. The patient should romain in a warm and
�DISEASES OF THE UlllNARY ORGANS.
169
dry climateJ avoid aH chillsJ abstain from alcobolic
liquors J and be sparing in the use of nitrogenous food .
A milk diet may prove a most userul adjunct to tbe
thermal treatment.
�170
'l'HE MTNEIlH WA'l'ERS 01/ VICny .
OllAPTER XI.
GOUT.
TUE name gout (from gutta, a drop) lS supposed to
]lave ol'lginated ln tbe idea of the dl'opping of a
morbid :/luiù iuto tho joini , anc1 is of very aucient
date.
Straugers from a11 parts oE the wOl'ld floek to Vicby
to obtaiu reli f from this complaint, which, wi~h
diab tes, are tLe two maladies mosL common amongst
tùe patientsvisiting tho thermal station; the dyspepsia,
gastralgia" &c., of wllich many complain, and for the
treatment of which th Y como io Vichy, being only
symptoms oE th oso c1üieasos, as a,lso so ma of the other
~ 1l'y
systems.
complaints of the digostive unù Dl'in
Sueh being the case, wo will givo this subject special
consideration. Gout is iL p l'version of tho nutrition,
which is shown an atomically by an alterati n in the
bloocl ancl by certain dCIJosi Ls iu the srnallel' joints,
ancl sOllletimes iu oiher parts of the body; it is a
geuOl'al or cODstitutional cliseaso, proùaùly cloponding
upon tbe presence in tho system of an exc ss of urie
acid, the complaint b iug in fact a maniIestation of
the liLhic 01' uric aeirl diaLllCsis, litlliasis or lithromia.
�GOUT .
17 1
It may be heredital'y or acquirec1, anc1 is characterisec1
orc1inaril y by peculiar inflammation of the jointsa7·ticula7· 07' 1'egt~la7
gout, attended with the deposit of
urates in their structures, affecting usually and espeeially the smaller joints, and at fil'st more particularly
the metatal'SO-phalangeal articulation of the great toe,
but afterwal'ds extending to other joints. Similar
c1eposits of urates may occur in other tissues in course
of time, and certain Ol'gans of the body are lia,bIe to
become the seat of functional disorders, or of patltological changes, during the progress of the diseasenon-a?"tiwlm' 07' in'egtda1' got~-whil
it is oHeu attended also with general syrnptoms. Gout in the
early part of its course is usually an acnte affection,
occurring in periodic attacks or "fits," but sl1bsequently it tends to become more or 10ss clwonic and
permanent, though even thon genemlly presenting
exacerbations from tirue to time. Tbe gouty diathesis
InCLY, howevel', be present without giving rise to any
joint affeetion or other evident organic mischief
(Frederick T. Roberts).
The immediate pathological cause of the gonty
c1iathcsis and its accompanying phenomcna is somewhat obscure. By sorne the complaint is attributed
to a certain morbid condition of the blood and secl'etions; this constitutcs the htt?7W?·((.l tb ory. Oth rs
attl'ibuto jt to some fllnctional disorder or organic
change affecting certain syste ms of the body, and
especially the nervous, YllSClllar, or digestive sysboms ;
this ia tIle anti-humoral theol'y. Dr. Ji'. '1'. Roberts
�172
TH/!; MINERAL WATERS OF VICl:lY.
attributes it to the presence of sorne special morbifie
agent in the system, and it is now universally admitted
that this agent is uric or lithic acid which accumulates
in the body in abnormal quantity. But this excess of
uric acid would not be of itself sufficient to produce
gout, for it otten appears in an acute form in certain
acute maladies or in a chronic state (cirrhosis, leucocythromia) without there being the slightest manifestation of gout. Professor Bouchard, of the Faculty of
Medicine of Paris, attributed less importance to the
causes which bring about this exccss than to the
causes which retain it in the blood. These causes are
the diminution of the alkalinity of the blood and the
predominance of oxalic and lactic acids. The predominance of the acids facilitates the precipitation of
the uric acid whether it bo in ;1, freo state or in the
form or urates. This morbiël condition of predominanco of acid is clue, according to Professor Bouchard,
to Lh fact that in gout the formati n of the organic
acids is exaggerateël or thoir destruction too slow.
It is another form of wlmt this eminent Professor
stylos «nutrition retardanto." Woare entirely of tho
opinion 01 Profossor Bouchard.
Dr. Garrod was the fil'st 1,0 ëlemonstrate the existenoe or uric acid in the blood of gO Il ty patients. lie
indicatcd a very simple modo of proving its existence.
A smaU amount of serosity is collcctod in a glass capsule; a fcw droJls of acetic acid are then added to it,
and a thread is suspenëled in it. Within thirty-six Or
fort y- ight bours, jf the liquid be DOt distul'bed, urie
�GOUT.
173
acid cl'yscals will be found on the thread, if it be
examined under the microscope.
This experimenc proves that the uric acid is not in
its free state in the blood} but in the form of a urate,
which in the preceding experiment has been decomposed by the acecic acid. In the blood of heaUhy
persons the presence of uric acid is so minute
that it cannot be detected by any ordinary tescs .
It has also been fouud in the fluid contained in blebs
raised by blisters} provided they arc applied at a distance from the seat of any acute gouty inflammation,
in inflammatory effusions in serous cavities} and in
deopsical fluids !luch as ascites.
While the uric acid is being formed in excess in the
system it is excreted in a smaller quantity than normal
with gouty subjects . Sorne authors had asserted that
the urine was more charged with it} but Garrod Conclusively proved the contrary. He tested the entire
,amount of urine passed in the twenty-four hours
during an attack of gout} and found the quantity of
uric acid to be but 0'25 gr. fol' this period instead of
0'50 gr.} the normal quantity. In the intervals of the
atcacks this figure is much increased.
In chronic gout the uric acid in the urine is generaIly in ve::y small quantity. Garrod in seventeen cases
found the average to bo bolow 0'6 gl·.
Gout} 01' l'achar the gouty diathesis} is hereditary
in about ono haH of the cases. It is much more
frequent wiLh men than with womeo} and with tho
wealthy thall wich LLo pOOl' l' classes. It is probable
�17·1,
'l'UE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF VICHY.
that living tao well) cxcesses in wine) and tao little
exercise) {avour its development when the he1'editary disposition exists) or may originate it de novo.
Tao much animal food) partic111arly those which are
richest in nitrogen) are parti cul êLl'ly baneful; but excess
of any kind of food may bl'lng out the gouty diathesis.
Garrod) in speaking of the inflnence oÏ drink on this
malady) remarks that gout wonld perhaps bave nevel'
been lmown had man been ùeprived of fermellted
drinks. The most injurious drinks appear to be port
wine) champagne) MadeÎl'a) she rry) Marsala. .Malt
liquors) portel' and beer, are undoubtedly baneful, but
spirits and ùistilled liqllors in general donotapp al' la
do D1uch hal'ID.
Lead impl'egnation ot tho system is a cn,use which
may produce this disease (le novo) Dl'. Garro l huving
found among bis hospital pationts that about 30 pel'
cent. of Lhoso suJIering from gout hud been subjected
ta tbe influenco of lead in their val'lous occupations.
Dl'. F . '1'. Robel'ts l'emarkec1 the sarne thing in his
pl'acLice) êLlld adds that some of the worst cases of this
diseuse in iLs chronic {orill occurred in persans who
wore distillctly \Jnder the influenco of load-poisoning.
Gout usually appears befol'e fi ft y yeal's or ago; it
genol'ally makes its nl'st appearallco in pOl'sons of thirty
and thirty-.fi.v0 or forLy years old. Well-marked gout
is xceedingly raro nudel' twenty; but it mayocClll' ovon
in childl'en) boing then) howovel' lllvariably heredital'Y.
QlimaLcs whicb are cold al' tomperato) and at the sn,mo
tiroo clamp ::mcl cJ1ang ablo appcal' ta huvo a cOllsidor-
�GOU'!'.
175
able influence in tho proùuction of this complaint,
particularly wh en the hereditary taint exists.
An acute attack of gout differs essentially from aU
other acute affections, which invariably disappear
without leaving any traces bohinù them. With the
gouty patient, each acute attack leaves sorne symptoms
after it, and predisposcs more and more to furthcr
attacks. When an exccss of urie acid in the system
exists, an individual is at any time liable to an attaek
of distinct gout, from the action of certain causes
which would have no such effect upon other persons.
The fever and tho pain which accompanics overy
attack of gout arc thus explainoù. ':Phe first is tho
result of an abnormn,l q uantity of an injurious principle
in the blood and from ÜS roaction upon the organism .
Gal'rod attributes tho pain to the presonco of ëloposits
in tho cartilages, and from the tons ion which l'esults,
for whou tho gout ls intel'articular the pain is much
moro sovore. When tho ùeposits, on the contral'y, tako
place at tho exterior, the pain is vorymuch milc1er and i8
somotimos almost nil, although tho inflammation duri ng
tho attack remains well characterised. Everyono
knows tho tenùency that gout has to attack the smaller
joints, anù abovo aIl, tho motatarso-phalangen.l joint of
the groat too.
Thi.s i8 oxplainoù in the followiog
mannor :-In gout it lS boliovod that thoso tissuos aro
chiefly attacked which aro eithol' non-vascular or which
arc supplie cl with but fow vessols and through whicll
the liquiJs pasl:! with ùilliclllty (cartllagos, ligaments,
�176
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS 0]' VJCHY.
&c.) The gl'eat toe offers aU these conditions, as do
aU the smaller joints. In an acute attack several
joints are usually affected in succession, while the inflammation subsides in those :6.rst affected, often most
suddenly. This is accounted for by the deposit of
urates in different joints successively, and when inflammation is thus excited in them it tends ta subside
in tbose previously affected.
An acute attack oH en occurs without it being possible
to explain the l'eason of the sudden outbl'eak. Oertain
,symptoms, however, genorally manifest themselves
before the primal'Y attack of gout. These may be
briefly relatcd as follows :-Dyspepsia of a special
<lharactel' attended with flatulence, distension of the
stomach, and pyrosis (waterbrash). Nervous symptoms
al'e devoloped, such as spontaneous lassitude, cophalalgia,and great mental depression. The urinary soCt'otions
are usually diminished, the urine is very dark coloured,
strongly acid and ]aden with solid pal'ticles and
sediments. Should the blood bo examined at this
time tbe presence in it of uric acid will frequently he
detected.
Whon the attack is imminont, no mattor whother it
ho rL prima!'y attack or one of several, sorne of the
goneral phenomona particular to the uric acid diathcsis
hoeome oxaggerated. Thus, the urine will scald, be
seant y, and highly colourod, the digestive systom
will ho doranged, &c.
'J'h causo of tho outbrcak at ther timos may bo
casily tracou to soma oxccss in diot, to cxposurc to
�GOC'l'.
177
d,tmp) a chilI) some mental worry; sndden joy) grief
acute illness) or sorne injllry.
It is usual ta describe separately 1'egtÛal' gout) from
ùTegtÛa1' gout.
Eegttlar or normal gout) that which has been do scribed for centuries past under the name oE podagra
(1T OII Ç) foot; ay!lU) prey) is articulaI' gout) either acnte
or chronic) partial or generalised.
Ir1'egtûa1' abnm'maZou8 gout) also caUed non-articular)
misplaced) and retrocedent gout) is that which affects
sorne internaI organ) and of which Ü is oHen difficult
ta identify the seat.
Acuto articulaI' gont is fl'equently only an episode
in the Me of a gouty individual) particulady when it
is a case of hereditary go ut) whichis the most common .
'l'he attack cornes on dllring the night in the majority
of cases) whilo the patient is asleop in bed) usually
botween the hours of midnight and three o'elock in
the morning. He is awakcned by a violent pain in
the metatarso-phalangial joint of the great toe. Artor
on or two hours tItis pain becom s exerueiating) and.
th unfortllnate sufferer undol'goes Il. perfoct torture.
~' l e woight of the shoets becorues insupportable) his
pain js illCl'eased by the slightest vibration of the bed)
sLlch as Lhat caused hy a person walking in the l'oom or
by a vohiele passing in tho street. Theso pains aro
noL neeessarily limited to Lho joint primarily a{Eected
sometimes they affeet the foot and the whole of the leg,
alld Lhe patient will compare the suiIering ta that which
wOlllc1 he c:J.llsed by boiling oil) or liqnid lead bcing
12
�178
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VIcny .
poured OU the member. AU the affected part becomes
red and swollen, while the veins are often enbrgeJ
and turgid; a certain amount of œdema generally
exists. Towards the morning the intensity of tho
pain is much diminished, the shivering which accompanied it disappears, and the patient is able to obtain
a little rest. These symptoms are reproduced for
four, five, or eight successive nights, the daytimo
being always relative]y calm, and it if'! tho whole
series taken together which constitutes an ::Lcute
attack of gout. During aU this time the urine is generaUy seant y in quantity.
General symptoms always accompany an attack of
gout. 'rhere is ::L certain amount of fever to which
Professor Bouchard gives the uame of "fièvro goutteuse." After two or three days the headache which
existed at the commencement of the attaek disappears.
The skin is hot and dry. The patient complains of
thirst, sleeplessness, and is usuany constipated. The
temper is generally very irritable.
Acute gout has 11 marked tendency to bocome
chronic; tbo attacks at tho commencement may be
separated byan intorval of one or of ::L number of
years, but they gradually b come mOre frequent, until
on , two, or more attacks occur in the course of a
year. While they increaso in numbor theïr sphere
,videns. Each successive attack affects fresh joints,
and tends to doform them more and more.
Chl'onic articular gont js genm'ally only met with in
subjects of a cOl·tain age. lt is rorely chronic from
�GOUT .
179
tbe very first, and is usually preceded by a number
of acute attacks. There is no distinct line or demarcation between acute and chronic goue. The chron1c form
resembles the acute form wieh successive paroxysms,
cc with this important difference, that the attacks are
longer, and that during tbe intervals the patients are
never completely free from it" (Trousseau) . The
malady also affects a number or joints at the same
time, and the swollen state of the joints is more persistent and oHen never completely disappears. The
hands are particularly liable to be affected, as also the
feet and tbe knees. While in acute gout the sufferer
regains the liberty of aU his movements, in cbronic
gout tbe movements become embarrassed, are more
01· less difficult or impossible, so that tbe patient
may be utterly unable to walk. In general tbe acute
attacks occurring during chronic gout are less painful
and or longer duration than those which take place in
the true acute articulaI' form.
The formation of concretions of urate of soda, caUed
tophtts or chalk-stones, bolongs more particularly to
tbe cllronic stage or tbe disease. These concretions,
as Mooro showed in 1811, roquire three poriods to
atiail1 theïr definite development. After a paroxysm,
during an interval of remission, and sometimes without
any pain, a fluctuating liquid is seen to l'aise the skin.
In the second period solid deposits are formed which
incrcase in size. ln the third period an ulceration or
the skin takes placo, with or without inflammation,
and a chalky substance in larger or smaller quantities
�180
TIIE 1UNE(!AL WATERS OF VICBY .
escapes . These chalk stones are not only to be met
with in the joints, they develop also in the external
ear, and have been met with in the nostrils and in the
eyelids.
The nrine in chronic gout genel'ally becomes abundant, is pale, of low specifie gravity, deficient in solid
:iugredients, especiaUy in urie acid.
Chronic gout affects the whole system; the patient
loses strength, the circulation becomes languid, and
the tissues become f1.abby. The digestion is seriously
interfered with, and a state of cachexia is fl'equently
the result.
Irregular gout) or visceral gout, may give rise to
pUl'ely functional troubles, or cause permanent lesions.
There are many di:fferent forms of irl'egular gout, as
we have all'cady eXplained, but we will describe the
general symptoms belonging to them aU taken togother.
Severo cephalalgia, asthma, gravc], hromorrhoids, and
eczemas.
'rh se symptoms may appeal' in an individual who so far has had no attack of articulaI'
gout, and thoy continue without ovel' producing
articnlar gout. GeneraUy, howeveI', articulaI' go ut is
pl'ocedod somo timo b ofor o if; brsaks out by somo of
those manifestations. In some cases articulaI' gout
alternatos with attacks of asthma Or nephl'itic colic.
lu reb'ocedent gout tho maniE stations arc gouOl'any
very much more suddon and more severo tban those
which occur in an attack of articulaI' gout. 'l'ho
pationt suITol'ing from :111 aLttLck of gOLlt, boiug sub-
�GOUT.
181
jected to too acbive a tl'eabment, or from some inappreciable cause, the inflammation attacking the joint
no sooner appeal's than it disappears at once, prematurely j the gout then attaeks sorne organ, or some
particular part of the system, giving rise to the
following symptoms.
In thc digestive system will be noticed inflammation
of the œsophagus, difficulty in swallowing, cramps in
the stomach, continuous vorniting, cold sweats, tendency to syncope. There may be fever, intestinal colic,
with or without cnteritis. '.).'he nervous system is also
affected : violent headache, delirium, epileptiform convulsions, coma. Sometirnes the power of speech is
lost.
Gout aŒects certain of the organs and prodllces
permanent lesions in them. Fatty degeneration of
the heart is corn mon and also somo valvular disordors.
The arbories become britble and there is a tendency to
gangrene of the oxtremitios j the li ver shows the
characters of chronic congestion. The kidney is
diseased, as is indicabed mainly by the changes in the
urine, which may be slightly albuminous or even contain a few casts.
Wo have go ne somewhat luto detail in describing
the syll1ptoms as iL is as w 11 that the patient should
undor'stuud with whaL precautions the troatment has
to be adminisbered, and how il two pl1Lients can be
varieLy 01 circum tanc s
troated alike in every case.
must bo dllly considered beIore tho doctor can decide
what will be best. Ail cases oC gOllt will derive
�182
'l'HE MINERAL WA1'ERS OF VICHY.
benefit from the Vichy waters j but there are certain
moments when the treatment is contra-indicated j
whenever the patient is suffering from an acute attack,
or is just free from acute attack, the waters would be
more harmful than usefaI.
There are three points upon which tae whole of the
treatment is based :
l st. To prevent 01' diminish the formation of unc
acid.
2nd. To assist its eliminn.tion from the system .
3rd. To rend el' its formation and elimination inoffensive.
We are prepared to affirm that no treatment exists
that can fulfil these indications better than the thermal waters of Vichy, wh en assisted by a proper and
suitable c1iet and hygiene.
We have already shown that the digestive fnnctions
and those of the skin and kidney are seriously a-/Iected
in this disease j those individuals in whom these functions are about normal are thoso who l'un tho smallest
risles of gout, for the intogrity of the whole phenomena of digestion tends to prevent an excess of uric
acid, and when ü exists it is then more easily eliminated.
One of the first and. most manifest effects of the
Viohy mineraI waters, when taken in proper doses and
according to the exigencies or the case, is to regulate
the digestive and stimulate the cutaneeus and urinary
functions, and thus, directly and indirectly, the Vichy
waters assist in maintaining the integrity of tbe 100sb
�GOU'I' .
183
intimato phenomena of nutrüion. We are therefore
justified in asserting that tho Vichy waters tend to
preserve from gout, or to modify the gouty diathesis,
by maintaining the integl'ity of the nutrition, or, wh en
it is all'eady affected, bringing it again into its normal
state, aud as it is precisely the phenomena of a defective
nuLrition which precede the gouty attack, we clearly
show that the Vichy wators strike at the root of the
malady.
'l'ho waters must be used in the intervals of attacks,
and as far as possible from the last attack. If too
near the last attack, a now one is to bo feared, and it
is necessary to be most prudont, for thero is almost as
mu ch danger in provo king natnre as in resisting its
action in a crisis. 'l'ho Vichy waters, drunk immediatoly, and baths taken injudiciously, cause very
sorious results in the caso of 11 considerable number
of gonty patients .
Dl' . .Lavigerie) in speaking of the influence of these
waters in cases of gout, says: (translation.)
(( It is true that the Vichy troatment does not prevont the production of uric a,ciel j but) aided by a proper
hygione) it notably diminishes it. Whereas a more or
less l'igorons abstinollcefromnitrogenous aliments dries
up one of tho sourcos or this acid, the wators interfere
with the marked movomont of disintogration which
gives birth to it. lt is by Lhoir special action upon the
functions of nutrition) pl1l'ticularly upon tho digestion)
tho absorption, and assimilation, that they bring about
this result. It is more than probablo that thesofunctions}
�184
THE MINERAL W A'l'ERS OF VICHY.
once seriouslyaffected.. are neverdefinitelyrestored) and
that the uric diathesis, although profoundlyattacked)
r esists aU our efforts j but its manifestations are di minished and confined for a pretty considerable time.
The disease would then little by little regain the upper
hand if entirely left to itself.
But who
is such an enemy to his own health as not to resort
again to a treatment the efficacy of which he has
already proved ?
cc The Vichy waters facilitate the elimination of
the uric acid) as they increase the aceivity of the
functions of the skin, notably the sweat secretion,
whi ch with patients affected with this diathesis) contains
a certain quantity of uric acid j but principally because
they increase tho activity of tho renal secretioD) the
normal road of exit for this acid.
cc They render inoffonsive its formation and its
elimination. Hardly is the uric acid formed than it
finds itself in presence of carbonate of soda in the
blood-vossels) and is immec1iately transformec1 into
urato of soda. This cannot take place without dimimsIling tho aIkaIinity of the blood, that lS, without
modifying its composition and compromising the
goneral nutrition. It is from the aliments, and principany from the vegetable aliments, that the blooc1 will
in the end rogain this carbonate of soda. B~lt
the
Vichy wators will give it back to tho blood at once,
for it lS impossiblo to admit tlat the cil'culation, deprivod of a principle which is nocossary to it, will not
Lake it back as soon as Lho cllance of so doiug is
�GOUT.
185
offered. And if the nutrition were languishing from
this insufficiency, would it not be at least temporarily
re-established ? Thus the disturbance, consequent
upon the production of uric acid is neutralised by
employing these waters.
"lt is the sarne with the inconvenience depending
upon its elirnination. Urate of soda, when secreted in
great abundance, tends to be precipitated as soon as it
passes into the kidneys, sometirnes preserving the urate
forro, somotiroes being decomposed and passing agaln
nnder the form of uric acid.
The waters of
Vichy are all-powcrful to prevent the precipitation of
the urates and uric acid in the urinal'y system. This is
one of their incontestable effects j they [tct precisely
in suppressing the causes of precipitation. If the
urine is concentrated j they render it more abundant j
if it is acid they rendee it n,lkaline, so that the urates
in their presence can no longer be cither precipitated
or decomposed."
'fhe springs that appcar to be the best suited and to
give the best results in go nty cases are the Hôpital and
Celestins. Wo have ahaady observ d that the waters
will not be always indicatcd, but even when indlcated
tho Lreatment must bo condu.cLecl with great prudence. Gout is a malrtc1y ill which l' spect must be
paid Lo the c1ilIe1'enL outbreaks, and in which one
must bo careful not t interfol'e wiLh the l' gular
course oE the attack, whi1 grac1ually moùiJ'ying Lho
organlc conditions which aSslst in iLs dovelopmont. AU
active medlcation in go nt is dangerous, and no medi-
�186
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
cation can be more :tctive than the Vichy waters
absorbed in large quantities .
'l'he Celestins spriugs are very active and will not
suit every case in which the waters are indicated, but
in combination with the Hôpital spring they will
suit the majority of cases. 'l'he habit of prescribing
a warm sprin g in tho moming such as l'Hôpital, and a
cold spring in the evening slloh as the Celestins, has
the following ad v::m tages, putting aside the special
properties of those springs : these cold waters act moro
rapidly and more powerfully upon the urinary secretion,
by increasing the tension of the renal arteries . 'l'he
uric acid is thus more prornptly eliminated. 'l'he warm
water remains longer in the tissues, and thus tends to
moàiFy the lllost intimate composition of the humours
of the system.
Concerning the C]uantity to be prescribocl it will
vary in evory case j ie varies from ono to eight
glasses daily .
']'ho batlls :1l'e oEten beneucial, but this is not always
tho case. When the patient is subject to faintness and
pa.lpitat ions, if the gaut lms a tendency to Lu brought
out by a slight cause they sbould be abstained from.
Tho cliet will fonLl an important auxilia.ry in tho
trcatment. Mod ration in the quantity oE foocl is to
be observed, but a very low diet is unnecossm'y and
baneful, as it will onlyassist the ùevolopmont of the
complaint by diminishing tho patient's power of resistanco. 'l'ho moro easily digestod ments should be talcon
iu preference. Pork, salmon, and saltod ments aho uld
�GOUT.
187
be avoi.ded. Meals should bo taken at regnlar hours.
Gouty patients should either abstain altogether from,
01' ouly take a very limited quantity of, sugar and
saccharine articles of diet. Vegetables may be takon
freely wh en digestible and not too rich in woody fibre.
The juice of oranges and lemons is considered beneficial. Malt liquors and aU the stronger wines aro
lDJurious. Claret, brandy, whisky, and gin may be
taken in moderation. Excess of every kind must be
avoidod.
Exercise in the open air is most necessary, whether
on foot, horseback, or in a carriage. Sedentary llabits
should be avoided, and also, whon possible, aIl excessive mental work. Active habits should be encouraged-oarly rising au:l. oar]y l'otiring aro to bo
recommended. Avoid aU chi118, clamp, &c., and wear
clothing in keeping with tho weatber.
�188
'l'HI!: MINERAL
WATERS OF VICHY.
CH.A.PTER
XII.
CHI.OROSIS-GREEN SICKNESS.-ANJEMTA.
CHLonoSIS (XÀwpàç, green or sallow) is the name
given to a morbid condition of the system; characterised
by a peculiar pale COIOUl' of the skin, and by various
troubles in the dillerent functions . .A.nœmia (CI pl'iv.;
(IL/.ta, blood) signifies a cl eficiency of blood inquantity,
ither genel'ai 01' local j aiso deficiency of the IDOSt
important constituents of blood, particular1y albuminous subsLances and red corpuscles. 'l'herefore, chlorosis
and anromia are not synonymous tCI'ms j anromia is
only a sympLom, which may have various clifferent
ol'igins, but as the Vichy waters have very much the
sam a,ction in boLh cases, we will describo them togeLher.
Cillorosis is a vari ty or anromia Lhat occurs most
particulal'ly in young wornon about tho time of pubol'Ly.
'l'ho subjccts of this diathosis aro said to bo chlo~'i
,
Occasionally it affocts mal'ried wornon; but so raro is
it with meli that an exanrpl is 11l1rù1y OVOl' mot wiLh.
Hs fil'st appeal'anco so ms Lo bo in Limatoly connocL cl
1
�enLOROSIS-GREEN SlCKNESS.-AN.iEMIA .
189
with the sexual development} the establishment of
menstruation and its disorders. Tt mayexist} however,.
before puberty} and in this case is probably due to the
physicial development of the child exceeding the
recuperative powers of the system.
Heredity is one important cause in the development.
of this malady. Irregularities in the menstruation}
nervous disorders} emotion} grief} fatigue} badly ventilated dwellings} a deficiency of light} are all causes
which may occasion it.
The chlorotic subject is rarely thin j the face and the
hands have an increased fulness about them} and in
colour somewhat resemble the yellow tint of old wax,.
sometimes with a shade of green in it. The lips and
gulUS are pale.
r1'he nervous troubles are more or less pronounced j
som times a mild forro of hysteria exists; the patient
is sad} morose} irritable, subject to headaches} faintness} and neuralgia. There is a gencral lassitude
breathlessness on the least exertion} and accompanied
with palpitation. The appetite is 11sua11y affected}
sometimes exaggerated} sometimes diminished j there
may bo a craving for unwholesome and impl'opel' food.
Constipation is habitual.
The ltearli is usua11y increfLsed in size} particularly
the leIt venliricle. The cal'diac symptoms and cardiac
and vascular signs are ::;pecial) but it would be out of
place to describe them here.
'Ehe menstruation is generally painful} irl'cgular,
scanLy} and very pale j sometimes it is altogcther absent.
�IDO
'l'HE :nJ INERAL WA'l'EllS OF VlCllY.
Rarely tbe1'e is menorrhagia (profuse menstruation).
Lencorrhœa (white discharge) lS the l'nIe.
rEhe only part of the system that appears to be
affected in this disease is the blood, which lS affected
in three ways :-lst. The total quantity of blood lS
below the normal. 2nd. Both the red and white corpuseles are deficient in numbor and that proportionately. 3rd. The individual l'od corpuscle conta.ins less
tlmn the normal amonnt of hremoglobin, and this
doficiency may be so gt'eat that the total amount of
hmmoglobin in the blood is reduced to one fourth.
With a cblorotic subject, the globular alteration is
such that hœmoglobin oscillates between 30 and 70
pOl' thousand instead of 110 pel' thousand, the normu.l
proportion. This alteration in the composition of the
blood is sufficiont to explain the pale COlOUl' of those
a,:Œected with chlol'osis.
'J ~hl1s
in chlorosis Lhel'e is a decroase in the number
of globules. 1'his is precis&ly what occurs in anœmia,
and in this anatomical rospect there is identity between
anromia and ch101'osis. Tho only di:Œerenco lies in
tho manner in which tItis resnlt is bronght about in
tho two cases .
We have already stated the principal causes which
predispose to chlorosis, and shown how it gonerally
occurS when the woman lS appl'oaching puberty.
Anromia, on the contrary, may Occur at anyage, and
t]1O causes which occasion it aro very much more nLlTIl rous. It is more frequentwith women than with men,
bLlL not uncomroon with the latter. Ono of the primat·y
�CJILOROSIS-GREEN SICKNESS.-AN.iEmA.
Hll
causes is a 10ss of blood, whether it be the resuIt of
hroroorrhage or profuse discharges, such as suppuration
catarrah, and albuminuria, by rapid gwwth and clevelopment; want of proper nourishment and defective
hygienic conditions affecting the formation and
nutrition of the blood, as want of light, ail', and
muscular exercise. It is often consecutive to acute 01'
c111'onic maladies, &c.
Once these two complaints are fully declared they
both give l'ise to vory much the sarne symptoms as we
have doscribed for chlorosis, In both cases, we repoat,
there is a deficiency in tho numbor of globules; thoy
therefore noed very much the samo trentment, which
may be iudicatod thus :-'1'0 restore to the blood, become too watery, the globules that it requires, Once
this rosuIt obtainod, tho chlol'otic tLlld anœmic symptoms will disappea,r.
Iron in diffm'ent forms has :EL'om timo immemol'ial
been employed in theso cases and with much benefit,
as an excitant to the llutriLion, Tt is not, however,
always easily tolerated by tho stomach, and is not
nearly so easily assimilatod as whon intiroatoly associ·
atod with othor salts snch as in tho Vichy waters.
'J'he Vichy waters stimulat tho digestion, and,
proporly administol'ed, t nd to l'ostoro the nel'VOUS
functions which regulat it to Lhoir normal condition ,
Tho fil'st efIect 01 the waters to l'omedy the generaI
and constitntional clorangOluont is to net upon L110
digestive organs, which thoy sLimulato, howevol' enIooblocl thoy may bo, 'l'he llutrition in its tum bo-
�192
'l'HF. MINER.AI, WATERS OF VICHY .
comes normal, and the blood is able to reconstitllte
its globules; procuring the necessary il'on from the
different aliments and from the Vichy waters, if a
choice has been made of a spring rich in iron. In a
few d.ays in the majority of casos the appetite retllrns,
and. digestion go es on vigorously and regularly, and
in a few weeks, when the thermal treatment is finished.,
the blood, being regonera,ted., is capable for the future
of assuring the proper working of the stomach.
rl'he entire system S0011 feels the effects of the nrst
stimulating action. 'l'he menses, if absent, return and
become both regular and. normal,-the difficulty and
oppression in breatbing, the palpitations, &c., all disappear, the strength returns, and. the sallow complexion is replaced. by that of health.
'l'he ad.v;l,utages of those mineraI waters over the
i1'on takon aloue may be thus briefly stated. .
It'on d.oes not increaso tho appetito j it rather t nd. s
to decrease it and. cause ind.igostion.
'Tho Vichy waters, on the contrary, stimulate th!)
appotito, and raroly fatigno tho stomach when proporly aùmi.nistered..
']'ho injurions oIIccts oE tho i1'on are iutensined wllOn
tllO stomach is in auy anomalous conc1ition, particuhl'ly
in c1yspopsia and. gastralgia, so cornmon with chlorotic
and anromic subjocts.
Not only aro tho Vichy wators easily toloratcd by
pat.ionts a1Ioctec1 with thesc smno malad.ies, but thoy tend
to euro these very complaints.
'l'hus the Vichy waters, while stimulating tll o
�CONGESTION OF THE SPLEEN, E'l'C .
193
nutrition in the same way as the iron, have this advantage over it, that they exert a favorable influence
over the principal digestive Ql'gans, which the iron, on
the contrary, tends to inconvonience.
It is preferable to prescl'ibe a spring fairly ri ch in
iron, as a certain amount of iron is necessary to regenel'ate the blood; the Mesdames, Lardy, Sain teMarie, and Nonvelles Oelestins are aU springs that
can be recommended, though, according to the particnlal' case, a judicious choice among them will be
necessary.
Concerning the quantity of water to be absorbec1,
we repeat here, what we have already said on many
occasions, it must be determined according to the
state of the patient at the tilDe she cornes to this
station. Small doses are generally necessary at the
commencement.
MinoraI baths will do good, but tho temperaturo
should not oxceed 30° C.
 numbol' of patients will der ive rnuch good from
douchos, but in sorne casos thoy will bo contra·indicated.
Congestion of the Sple n.-Mala?-ia.-Inle?'m'ittent
Feve?·.
Malaria is a peculiar cal'Lh-bom poison which is tho
causo of aU tho types of intormiLtont and l' miLtont
fevors, and of the degoneration of the blood and the
tissues resulting .trom long residonce in places whoro
13
�194
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
the poison is generated. By the researches of Professor Thomassi Crudeli, of Rome, and Klebs, of
Prague, who made the physical cause or poison to
which malarial fevers are due the subject of careful
investigation in the ilgt·o Romano, in 1879, and who
discovered a microscopic fungus to which they gave
the name of BacilZ~t8
mala1'im, much important information concerning this malady has been obtained.
Marchiafava-Ouboni and others have also made it a
special study, but it still remains a very obscure
subj ect and one which it will not serve any userul
pm'poso for us to discuss.
Malaria has generally boon said to be the product
of hoat, moisturo, and vegetable c1ecomposition.
Marshos, the combination of fresh and salt waters,
tho distul'hanco of large tracts of land, such as in the
construction of canals, tho clearing' of ground for
arable pm'poses, the digging of pits and carting away
the oarth, the eroction of buildings, &c., are aIl favorable conditions for tho outbl'oak of this malady. It is
not necossal'y for tho countl'yto be mal'shy,-the malaria
may be undor the crust of the soil, and only do its
mischief when tho ground is worked upon. This was
tho explanation of the malarial fevol's in Paris in 1811
when tho St, Martin Oanal was boing dug, and again
in 18<J.O dUl'ing tho construction of th fortifications.
In some cOllntrios it is endomic, and particularly in
tho wn,rm l' climatos, In .I!'ranco, it is common in
.I31'OSSO and Sologno j in It:ûy in th Pontino mal'sh s
and Roman Campagna j at tho mouth of the Danubo>
�CONGESTION OF l'HE SPLEEN, ETC.
195
Lower Egypt, Senegal, Madagascar, Algeria, India,
Persia, Cochin China, the Gulf of Mexico, Central America, &c. Malaria may also de\"elop in
ships returning from unhealtby climates, and then
may be the result of unwholesome water, the bad
sanitary condition of the ship, or the sufferers may
have had their systems charged with malaria before
embarking. Temperature exercises great influence
ovel' its development and activity and it is very rare
in cold countries.
Malaria may be characteriscd by febrile symptoms,
:intermittent or remittent fever, or the febrile symptoms
may be wanting, and the discase be specially charactel'ised by a state of cachexia and other symptoms.
As the acute form of this disease will not benefit
by Lhe thermal treatment we will limit our description to the chronic form, ovel' which the Vichy waters
have great influence.
r[,he chronic form may bo primary, but usually it
succeeds to the acute form . One of the most stl'iking
symptoms is the anœmia, which is developed at a
very early date and with grcat rapidity. This anromia
is tho rosult of tho vitiatod stato of the blood, and is
Dot surprising wh en one knows that a siugle attack is
sufficient to destroy many hundrcds of thousands of
l'cd blood-corpusclcs pel' cubic millimetre. At the
same time the proportion of tho white globules is
generally considcrably increas d. The albumen is
dilllinished, the blood loses its plasticity, bocomes more
iluid, and tends to give rise to œdcma. The skin be-
�196
'l'HE MINERAL WA'l 'ERS OF VICHY .
comes of an earthy hue, the patient loses flesh, suffers
from lassitude, palpitation, &c.
rfhe internai organs suffer aiso j the liver becomes
enlarged j but the most charateristic lesion is enIal'gement of the spleen, which may acquire an enormons
volume. This hypertrophy is graduaI and may not
be very pronounced for sorne months, but it is continuous as long as the malady is not checked. 'l'his
condi.tion of the spleen occasions a painful sensati.on of.
weight, and causes a certain amount of inconvenience
in walking, but it is not necessarily incompatible with
a relatively fair state of health. Nem'algic pains are
corn mon, particulady over the eyebrows.
The efficacyof the thermal alkaline tl'catment in
this disease has been long since provec1. l"{.eb Iliou s
intermittent fevers, notably the fevers contracted in
Africa, ovel' which sulphate of quinine has llO,a no control, are also cured by the thermal treatment, as
numb rs or cases so treat d in the Vichy milital'y
hospital prove.
'f hose waters contain, besides bicarbonate of soc1a,
to which we havo had so orton to refor, and tho iron,
anoth r principl which in those c1isorc1ers is of great
valuo,-we mean, arsonic. AlI tJl0 springs of Vjeby
contain a minimum of at loast two milligrammes of
arsoniato of soda pel' litro, whi.ch is equivalont to
twenty drops or Pearson's arsonical soJution. l'omo
springs contain as much as throe milligrammes pOl'
litre.
Thus wbere sulphate of quinin e i6 poworloss, tho re-
�CONGESTION OF THE SPLEEN, ETC.
197
constituting effects of the Vichy waters can be utilise d,
which act not only by their alkaline and ferruginous
qualities, but also by the arsenic which they contain.
Tho beneficial effects or arsenic in this kind of fever
are wcll known as also their efficacy in cases of
cachexia. In the treatment of intermittent fevers it
holùs the second place to sulphate of quinine, and is
specially recommended in in vetel'ate intermittent
fevers.
'l'ho thermal waters act by aiding the nutrition so
intensely a:Œected, and commence their action by restorillg tone to the ol'ganism, thereby ellabling it to
copo with the disease.
Tho digostive functions are tho first to be influenced,
tho appetite increases, the digestion becomes easier,
and t10 food is morc perrectly assimilated. Tho
ncuralgic symptoms disappear, tho skin becomes of
a moro hoalt1y appearance, and evontually the spleen
bogins Lo decl'ease in volume. This decrease is very
gradual, aud it will sometimes happen Lhat the spleen
will novol' altogether regain its normal size, but this
is of Ji.Ltle moment if the malal'ia. be cured. At othor
timOI:> tho congostion appoal's to g'ivo way much more
l'apidly under the tl'oatment, aud in the course or a
fow 11l0nths the spleen willroturn to about its normal
cOlJlLiLion. A groat deal dopends upon how long t1e
complaint has oxisted bOl0ro the pationt cornes up for
tr atment.
~[\ho
Vichy wators, takon inLornally, or administerod
by ID ans of baths or do Llchol:!, aro most effectuaI
�198
THE MINERAL WATERS OF - VICHY.
against the congestion of the spleen. The lJatient
should drink at the Grande Grille or at l'Hôpital
according to the state of the digestive organs. Âccording to the case, the doses will vary from two to six
glasses daily. Generally it wül be found useful to
associate some ferruginous spring, su ch as Mesdames or
Lardy, with the above, to combat the anœmia.
The baths, if indicated, should be taken with the
same precautions as we have suggested when treating
of complaints of the liver.
.
�DIABETES MELLl'rUS.
CHAPTER
199
XIII.
DIABETES MELLITUS.
DrABETES MELLITUS ( lita, through; (3afvw, l flow;
and IllÀLTTa, a bee) is a malady characterised byan excessive urinary secretion containing a notable quantity
of sugar, and accompanied at the same time by an
exaggerated appetite and great thirst.
Sugar is indispensable to life; it fixes itself in the
anatomical elements and there undergoes certain
transformations . It is essential for the renovation of
the tissues, for the internai combustion, and is a source
of heat and of power.
F w diseases have been more carefully studied or
have given rise to more numerous theories than
diabetes. 'fhough much has been discovered con corning its origin; though Claudo Bernard, Bouohardat,
Roug t, Mialhe, Pavyand others have made many important physiological discoveries directly concerning
it, it still romains one of those diseases upon the origin
of which opinion is most divided, and upon the intimate
nature of which thero yot romains much to be ruscovered.
Before discussing the caus os and symptoms we
�200
'l'nE MIN.E llAL WATERS OF VICny.
will explain a few of the theories held on the origin
of this malady.
ugrw is introduced into the body with the different
articles of diet. Glycogen, a substance closely allied
in ch mical composition to grape sugar, is of organic
formation, and is found in considerable quantity in
the organism, most abundantly in tho liver. Alter a
certain time) sugar takes the place of glycogen;
but the exact mode and timo of this conversion are
not known.
Normally the blood contains a proportion of 1 pel'
1000 of sugar) and that withont reference to the ql1antity of sugar, much or littlo) that may be introduced
into tho system with the difIerent articles of food .
N ormally sugar ne ver app ars in any notable
quantity in the urine) and as it does not appear in any
appreciable quantity in any of the other excretions it
follows that this sugar must disappear in the body, and
that there is equilibrium botween wbat is intl'odllCed
into or fabricatedin th system and what the system
mpl ys. When this eqnilibriulU no longer exists a
paLhologic:tl state interven es, ither by the over-production of sngal' 01' its ùiminished consumption. Tho
sllgal' is then found in larg qllantities in the nrino,
and in th blood may attain as much aS 3) 4, 5
P r 1000. Pavy has lound it as mllch as 5) 3 pel'
1000.
The qu stion to be solvecl IS this: Undor what conditions and ft'om what causes 100s the quantity of
sugar nOl'mally contained in tho blood attain tho
�D fABE'l'ES MELLITUS.
201
patbological :6gure? To explaiu this it will be
necessal'y to follow a few of the trausformations tbat
fooel unelergoes aHer having been introeluceel into the
sysLem) as the sagar in the eeonomy and the blooel has
clivers origins) partieularly from stal'eh and diffel'ent
substances containing sagar.
The first aetion that the food undel'goes is salivation. The saliva has the power of converting
st/arch into gh1Cose or grap sugar; dextrine) eane
sugal') the sugar of milk) uudergo the same changes
unclor the influenee of the saliva) the pancreatic and
intestinal jaices, they are absol'bed by the pOI·tal
veins and conveyed to the liver. In the liver they
unelel'go another change and becorne trn.nsfol'med
into glycogeu) anel leave the liver under the form of
glueose.
'l 'he important fact that the liver normally fOl'ms
gl ucose 01' grape su gal') or a substance l'eadily convertible iuto it) was cliscovel'od by Claudo Bel'llarcl in
the course of some experiments which he undertook
for the plll'pOSe of finding out in what part 01 the
cil'cillatory system tho saccharine matter which was
absol'beel from tho alimentary canal disappeal'ed .
With Ll,i>l pm'pose ]10 fed a elog for sevou days witb.
foocl contaiuing a large quantity of sugar anel starch)
and) :18 might be xpectocl) founel sugar ln both the
hevatic anel portal veins . He repeated the experimont)
empl ying meat only) and still found sugal' in the
h patic veins. Repoateel exp l'imonts gave always
the saffie resul ts-no sugar being found in the portal
�202
'l'HE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF VICHY.
veins, under a mea.t diet if care were taken, by
applying a ligature on it) to prevent the reflux of
blood from the hepatic venous system. Bernard found
sugal' also in the substance of the liver. It thus
seemed certain that the liver formed sugar, oven when,
from the absenco of saccharine and amy 10ic1 matters
in the food) none could bo brought directly to it from
tho stomach or intestin s.
Bernard founa, subsoquently to the above-mentioned
expel'iments, that a. liver, removed from tho body, and
from which all sugar had been completely washed
away by injccting a stream of watel' thl'ough its bloodvessels, will be found) after the lapse of a few homs}
to contain sugar in abundance. This post-mortem production of sugal' was a fact which could only be
explained by tbe supposition that the liver contained a substance} refLdily convertible into sugal' in
the courso merely of post-mortem decompositi.on;
and this th ory was proved correct by tho discov l'y
ot a substance in the live!' allied to starch} and
DOW generally termed glycogen.
W 0 may boliev }
thol'efol'e, that the liver does not form sugar dil'ectly
from the mat01'ials brought to it by tho blood} bLlt
that glycogen is first fOl'mecl and stOl'ccl in its su bstance} and tbat the sugar} when prosent} ia the !'osnlt
of the transfol'ma.tion of th lattor.
Albuminoua mattors aro also subjoct to decomposition by the livor in auothor way. AU are agl'eed that
glycogen is fOl'IDOd} and stOl'od t mporarily} by the
]iver-cells} and that it ls not formed xclusively from
�DIABETES MELLITUS.
203
saccharine and amylaceous foods, but from albuminous
substances also, the ::tlbumen in tbe latter case being
probably split up iuto glycogen, whicb is temporarily
stored in the liver, and u1'ea, which is excreted by the
kidneys.
.
Fats, glycerine, and gelatine also produce sugal'.
'1'here are two chief theorles on the sllbject of tho
destination of glycogen: (a) That the conversion of
glycogen into sugal' takes place rapidIy during life
by the agency of a ferment also fOl'lned in the I iver,
and the sugar is conveyed away by the blood oE
the hepatic veins, and l'apidly undergoes combustion .
Where the combustion, or oxidation, occurs is not
quite clea1'. (b) rEhat thc conversion into sugat' only
occurs aftel' death, and that c1uring Me no sugar
exists in healthy livers, glycogen not undergoing
tbis transformation. The chief arguments adV:l.llced
in support of this view are: (1) 'rh::tt scal'ccly a trace
of sugar is found in bloocl drawn during life from the
l'ight ventricle, or in blood collected from the right
side of the heart immediately after an fl,nimal has been
killed; while if tbe examination be delayed for a very
shoxt time aftel' death sugar in abundance may be
found in sllch blooc1. (2) 'l'hat the livel', like the
venous blood in the heart, is, at the moment of doanl,
completely froe from sllgal', althongh aftcrwards ibs
tissue speedily becomes saccharine, lluless the formation of sugar be prevented by Ireezing, boiling, 01' other
means calculated to intedel' with the action of a
ferment on the amyloid substanco of the organ.
�201
'rBE MINEIM.L WÂ'lE~S
OF VICHY.
Instead of adoptiug Bemard's views, that normally,
dnriug life, glycogen passes as sagar into the hepatic
venous blood, nond thereby is conveyed to the lungs
to be further disposed of, Pavy inclines to the belief
that it may represent an intermediate stage in the
f01'rnation or fat hom matel'ials absorbed from the
al im entary canal.
We have already shown that normally the arterial
blood contains about 1 in 1000 or sugar, and the venous
bloou much less j that this normal state is the result of
the production and the consnmption of the sugar being
in the snol11 proportions j tha,t should the equilibrimn
betweon them be dest!' yed, sugar will bo found iu the
uriuo in notable qllanLiLy, p rhaps only fol' a short time,
constituting glycosuria (-yÀVKVÇ', swoot j oùpov, urino) j
or it may bo chronic and constitute diabotes. Tt romains
to be shown how the pl'ouuction becomes oxcessivo or
tho cOlJsumption diminished. Thoro 0.1'0 numbors of
thoories ou this subjoct, anu it wouIel bo impossible to
explain tho wholo of them, so \VO shan contont Ul'selvos with tonchiug upon thoso most genomlly
ac 'opt d anu tho most impol'tant.
Theo}''!! of Mialhe.-'l'ho sllgar which exists in the
oconomy is dOl'ived from tho fü ul nt aliments. In
th stomach theyare convortod into glucoso by tho
sal i vary s cretion, whiclt ncLs as a fermont, and that
noLwiLllstanding tho acjclity of Lho gastric juices. On co
in th blood it do composes tho alkalino carbonatos,
whi -h aro found the1' in profusion, it displacos tho
cltl'bonic acid and forms glucosaLos with the basus,
�DJABETES MELLITUS .
205
vory unstable salts] which by a series of transformations soon produce water and a fresh proportion of
carbonic acid.
Thus carbonic acid is formed both by the decomposition of the carbonate and by the combustion of
the glucosates. Part of this acid is eliminated, while
tho remainder combines with the alkalies which are
freed by the combnstion, and fOl'ms carbonates which
in their turn will decompose :fresh qun.ntities of
glucose. These transformations are reproduccd over
and over again.
Should the alkaline carbonates] however] be in insufficiont quantity in the blood] the glucose is no
longor dccomposed and is found in the secrotions.
Wh on the proportion of glucose is not oxcessive, the
system will get l'id of it by the easiost road of ogl'ess,
that is by the kidneys, but this is not a sufficiont
outlet when there is great superabundanco in the
blood. Sugal' may thon be found in almost every ono
of tho secretions or excretions.
Diabetes, tberefore, accol'ding to Mialhe, is essentially due to an insufficiency of alkalinity in the blood.
]30uchardat was of opinion that the digestion of
aliments l'ich in starch was very l'apid witL the
diabetic subject, probably owing to soma modification
in the structure of the pancreas, and that the stomacll,
to correct this, secl'oted a gl'eatOl' quantity of gastric
juices; sugar being thus form d in a lal'ger quantity,
and its combustion decreased bocallso of the diabotic's
tempol'ature boing always Iowor than normal.
�206
'l'Hl!l NJNl!lRAI, WATERS OF VJCHY.
Â.ccOl'ding to Claude Bernard, the li ver had the
pl'operty of secreting sugar in the same manner as it
secretes bile, no matter what food might be introduced
into the system, as long as it was in its normal condition; this sugar is transfol'meel into water anel carbonic
aciel by the respiration as it is pl'oeluced, Lut shoulel
iti be formed in too gl'eaL a quantity the respiration
is no longer capable of effecting the transformation of
the whole of it into water anel carbonic gas, anel the
ex cess is got riel of by the urine. Therefore, for Clauele
Bernarel, eliabetes is the result of an exaggerateel proc1nction of glycogen, causcel by a general derangement
Ül the nutrition, but more particularly by some disord l' of the li ver.
MM. Sanson and Rouget have individually trieel to
prove that it is not the liver alon e that pl'oduces
sugal' but that it is to be mot with also in the kidneys,
spleen, lungs, &c., and that elextrine is to be founel in
the tissues of aU animal s, in that of the herbivol'a
as well as that of the carnivora; Lhat this glycogenous
sllbstance is not produced from the substance of these
Ol'gans, but is the rosult or a diet in which starch
10l'ms a large part, or an animal cliot in which there is
normaJly a consielerable quantity of dextrine.
M. Heynosoo adroits tha.t the sllgar forme el in the
economy is destl'oyed by combustion by roeans of th
oxygen introduced into the system by respiration, and
he pays little h ed to the influence that the alkalinity of
the blood may bave in getting l'id of the sugar by the
reactions we have already described. Considering
�DI.AJ3ETES MELLl'l'US .
207
the influence that the respiration has npon the decomposition of the sugar, and losing sight of aU other
influences, he holds that should the respiratory
functions be interfered with, the sugar can no longer
be completely consnmed and that it then appears in
the miue. Claude Bernard, in initating the pncnmogastric nerve of rabbits, produced a certain
pantlysis of respiration, and sugal' appeal'ed consequently in their urine. Roynosco attributed this
presence of sugar entirely to the partial pal'alysis;
he also experimented on animaIs by giving thom
substances that rendered tho respiration embanassed,
snch as anrosthetics and gasos, irrespirable gaso!!, and
constantly found sugn.I" in the ul'ino of the animaIs
aftol" the oxperiment j ho has also remarked that in
the coursa of certain maladies in which tho rospiratory
functions al'O affoctod, sl10h as in pulmonary phthisis,
plOlll"isy, asthma) chroo'ic bronchitis, &c., sugar is oEten
to bo found in the urino; ho thcl'ofol"C conclud El that
diabotes is the rosuIt oI somo obstaclo to respiration.
~'ho
gonerally aceepted thoory now lS that th
diabctes rosults 1l"0111 some gon l'al troublo in tllO
nutl'ition, without making tho livel' solely responsible
fOl" aIl tho mischiof.
~'hi
s dorangemont in tho nutritivofullctions has b on
omo authol"s attributo it to
iill rently intorpl'otod.
an exaggorated disassimilatioll, an abnol'mal aocomposition of th tissucs causing an oxcoss of glycogonons
subsLanco to be libol'atcd. For othe!' authors, tho fol'mation oI glycogon is normal, but tho system aoos not
�208
THE MINERAL WA'rERS Olf VICHY.
use a normal quantity of it} so that an excess of
glycogen remains.
The first theOl'Y adrnits the exaggerated disassirnilation of the nitrogenous substance of tho tissues
(Locorché) j the decomposition of the nitrogenous substance into glycogen and uroa (Jaccoud) . According
to another theOl'Y (Mialhe)} tho sugar is insufficiently
consumod in tho tissues, or tho ferment tbat should
decompose the sugar is wanting. Accordiug to
M. Bouchard} the nutritive trouble which leads to
diabotes is ({ primarily and essentially chal'actorised
by an insufficioncy in or soma troublo in the assimilation and more particularly by an insufficiency in the
consuruption of sugar in the anatomical eloments."
Tho classification of casos or diabotos according
to causation has boon attempted by some autllOl's)
but is practical1y impossiblo in very many cases.
Two pl'incipal divisions are usually l'ecognised: ossontial or truo diabetes, of which tho goneral causes
are not very clearly dofined j and symptomatic dÜLbotos
associatod with soma norvouS lesion. The division
may bo admissible for the extreme and well-mal'ked
cas os} but it is absolutoly impossible fol' a host or
intermodiato cases.
Diabetos may appoal' at any age; it is more common
in children than is generally supposed} as frequontly
the parenLs and relatives do not have their attonLion
caUcd Lo this disoase unLil it has assumod very s rio us
proportions. It is most Iroquent} howovol'} beLwocu
tho limita of thirty-fivo and forty-fivo years oI age.
�DIABEi'ES MELLITUS ,
209
Men appear to be very much more liable to this
malady than women, the proportion being two thil'ds
of men to one third of women, There appears to be
an undoubLed teudency to heredity, This heredity, as
in many other maladieEl, lS peculiar, the diabetio
tondency in one branch of a family being represented
in another branch by various nervous disorders,
espocially epilepsy and imbecility, No malady appears
in a more insidious manner than diabetes, Fol' a
long time its oxistence is usually ignored, as those for
the most part who are a:lfected are well-buiU, powerfullooking men, who fol' a considerablo time preservo
theil' hcalthy appeal'ance and their activity.
Climate has a decided influence in the production
or this disease, for it is more common in cold and
damp couutl'ies than in warm and dry countries. This
is proved by the great number of porsons who are
alfectod wiLh this diseaso in England, Rolland,
France, Russia, &c, Vernouil and ] Ul'del consider
that malaria, may bo an active agont in its production.
Of tho so-caUed exciting causes thero arc two of
tho iil'st rank, namo]y, injul'Y or diseaso or the bl'ain,
aud montaI oxcitement, or perhaps still moro, worl'y;
tumoul's aod other local brain mischiofs. Oortain
mo~tal
ollotions, at onco powerful and prolonged,
whlCh may bo opiLomisod in tho single word, stl'ain,
appal'onLly
act as excitiug causes or diabetes, such as
.
contmuouB anxiety, long-lasting grieE, or oxcitemenL
followod by roaction, Oertain 01'1'Ors in diot-au
excess is moro apt to produce the malady tban an
14
�210
l'lIE MINERAL WA.l'ERS OF VICHY.
insufficiency of food) but both conditions may produce
it. More especially may be mentioned the excessive
use of hydrocarbons) and sugar in pal'ticular. Besides
the solid amylaceous food) tho action of fermented
liguors has been held for th as an active agent
in its production when the heredito.ry tendency to the
disease exists. We think that in this particulal'
case they are much less baneful than many people
suppose) although we admit that if taken in excess
they may have a certain influence) on account of thoir
deletel'ious action on the liver.
U sually the pationt has been i1l for many months
before he consults the physician or has any idoa that
he is suffering from so serious a malady) and it is
only when sorne one of the symptoms becomes troublesorne that ho seeks advice. nis healLh will have bcon
failing for SOrne time) and the principal symptoms he
will complain or are tho rollowing: gl'eat thirst)
hungor) and a constant desil'o to pass watoI') whi1e ho
will a1so bo probably losing Ilosh.
AIl thoso symptoms arc 01 great importance and
roquil'o to bo studiod soparatoly as woll as othor loss
markod symptoms that gradual]y bocome devolopod.
It will bo usefLlI to comm nco by descl'ibing LlLo
quality 01 tho mino) as it will onable us to oxplain
sOmO or tLo othor symptoms .
The abundanco or tho ul'ine is one of tho most
constant symptoms or tho malady) and is gonerally in
direct proportion to the thirst. rCho pationtfrequ nLly
passes as much as eight) ten) or moro pints of urine in
�DIABETES MELL1'fUS .
211
the twenty-four hours. It is generally light in COIOUl',
acid, and contaius a high proportion of su gal'. The
presence of the sugar causes the density of the urine
to be much greater than the normal; instead of 1018
or 1022, it will be 1030 or 1050, and in certain cases
may reach as high as 1060 and 1070. Its characteristic quality is the presence in it of a notable
quantity of sugar, which varies considel'ably according to the sbge oF tho malady and to the particulal'
ca e.
In the earliest and slightest fOl'ms of diabetes it
may only appear in an intermittont form after the
.consumption of an unusual quantity of starchy or
saccharine food. 'rhe sugar in the urine is glucose,
of the kind called dextrose. 'J.'he initial pel'iod, more
.QI' less latent, may continue for some time, but eventually the proportion of sugar will inc1'easo. To obtain
the correcb amount it is necessary that tho analysis
should be made upon the entit'e quantity passed in
the twonty-Iour hours; jt is usnally from 8 to 12
pOl' cent., but varies.
The total quantity in a mild
case ls from 50 to 100 grammes (or from 2 to 4
.Qllncos); j u a Sovoro caso jt may bo as much as 1000
grammes (38 ouncos); the more usual quantity varies
rl'~U
200 to 250 grammes (G to il ouncos) . Along
wlth the prosonco or sugar will be found a notablo
i~croas?
iu tho quautity or urca; tho pm'centago pel'
lItro wIll be bolow the normal, but tho total quantity
.excreted in tho twonty-Iour hours, which normally is
�212
THE MINERAL WA'I'ERS OF VICHY .
25 grammes, will vary from 60 to 100 grammes aud
may even exceed this last figure .
The chlorides and phosphoric acid are also increased;
the fil'st from 10 grammes, the normal, averages 36
grammes, and the latter from 2 attains 10 grammes.
V cry great inconvonionco may arise in diabetic
femalos, or even iu males, by tho arrest of saccharine
urine about tho external gonita1s, producing a l'aw or
eczematous condition of tho inside of the thighs and
groins. Involuntary passing of the urine is common,
especially at night, and among diabetic children.
'l'o discover the presence of sugar in urine, recourse
can bo had to Pavy's, Trimmor's, Fehling's, or
Boettgol"s tost.
Ey Pavy's mothod one obtains a quantitative
analysis or the sugar. According to the Engljsh
system or moasul'emont Dl". Pavy's solution is the
most convouient. It consists oE sulphate of copper,
320 grains, dissolvod intou ouucos of distillcd watel';
and tartrato of p tash (nalltral) 640 grains, with
caustic potasll, 1280 grains, a1so dissolv d in ten
ounces oC distilled watel'. Ono hundl"ed minims or
this mixod finid ara decomposod by haH a gl'ain of
sugar. On1y a minim men.sul'O and a pol'colain capsulo
or othor vessel wllich will stand leat are necessal"y.
The proceduro is as follows :-Most specimens oE
diabctic urine, containing too mllch sugar for accurato
testing, Jirst l'equire dilution with water, and tho
mast convenient degree or dilution is when one tenth
or 1,110 solution is urino. Noxt put ten cubic .centi-
�DIABETES MELLITUS .
213
metres aI the metric coppel' solution (snlphate aI
copper 40 grammes, tartrate of potass. (neutl'al) 160
grammes, liquor sodre (sp. gr. 1·12) 750 grammes,
water ta 1154·5 cnbic centimetrcs), or one hundred
minims oE Pavy's solution , careful1y measured in a
smaU porcelain capsule. The porcelain capsnle with
its contents is ta be placed on an iron retort stand at
snch a level that the Bame of a spirit lamp will
easily playon the capsule. Meanwhile a pipette,
graduated from above downwards, eiLher in minims
or cubic centimetres, is filled up exactly ta the 0 in
the graduated scale with the diluted urine. When
the solution of copper is boiling, the urine is added
ta it from the pipette, drop by drop, stirl'ing carefully
the while, until signs are shown of a decoloumtion of
of the cupric (blue) solution. As saon as the liquid
is quite clear, the addition of the diluted urine is
stopped, and the quanLity already used l'ead oIT on the
graduated pipette. '1'0 ascertain the quantity of
Sllgar in Lhe urine is a simple calculation. We know
how much urine has been employed in reducing the
ten cubic centimetres, or 100 minims of Lhe cupric
iluid, but Lhcse measures represent exactly {HLy milli.
grammos tmd haH a gmin of sugar respectively.
'l'he quantity oonLaiuod in the diluted urine bciDg
henco. doducod, mulLiply ibis by 10, 1,0 get tho quantity
contamod in the urino as passed. N ext mulLiply by
the total amount 01 urino passed in twenty-four hours,
ta ~scerLain
the lull amount 01 sllgar passod in this
porlOd.
�214
THE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF VICHY .
A simple way of recognising the presence of sugar
without making the quantitative analysis is Tl'immer's
test, which consists in the addition of a drop or two
of a solutiou of coppel' sulphate, followed hy a larger
quantity of caustic potash. When the liquid is boiled,
an orange-red precipitate of coppel' suboxide Îndicates
the presence of sugar.
We should not advise diabetic subjects to analyse
theil' own urine j it is bettel' fol' them to keep thei1'
thoughts as much as possible occupied otberwise than
with their malady, and the constant watching every
morning for a decrease in tho quantity of sugar, wh en
perhaps it remains stationary 01' is even incl'easing,
cannot but be baneful to them, as worry ollght to bo
avoided. Ân analysis lS necessary from time to time
and should then bo confidcd to the caro of the
chemist.
The thirst is in direct proportion to the uri no
passod and the quantity of sngar excreted or contained
in the blood. In oxtreme casos the blond may contain
as much as 400 grammes, and how it affocts the thirst
is asily explained. Professor Bouchard says : " Th thirst which tormonts diabetic subjocts ls oxplaillod sanisfactol'ily by facts that wo know coucorning
tho action of dias'tase upou sLarclt. In order that
tho tl'ansformation oE starch into sugar may bo
complote) it is necessal'y tbat the stm'ch be dissolvod in
at l ast soven timos üs weight of water. This sarno
phenomonon takos placo wiLh tho diabetic subjoct.
Beroro the transformation of starch into su gal') which
�DIABETES MELLITUS.
215
is a necessity in their state, is possible, they reqllire
seven fractions of water, and as long as this quantity
has not been ingested it is impossible for them to
resist drinking. With the diabetic patient, thirst is
in direct proportion to the feculent aliments and sugal'
that they take. l have observed that for a quantity
of aliments representing' one kilogramme (2 lbs.)
they usually drink seven kilogrammes (about six
quarts) of watel' and excrete about eight kilogrammes
of urine."
Though this is generally true it is not always so.
Some diabotics are tormented with thirst (polydipsia)
for a lengthened pel'iod when the sugar contained in
the urine is relatively smaU j on the other hand, cases
are met with in which the sugar is excessive and the
thirst little more than normal. This only proves, howeve!', the saying that there is no rule without an exception. To alleviabe trus insatiable thirsb the patient
is frequently obliged to get up in the night, and many
before rebiring to l'est will be particular ta see that a
large quantity of drinking-water is within their reach.
Th polydipsia is more marked in diabetes insipidus
than in diabetes mellitus.
Tho mouth is generally dry and clammy, the gums
are covored with scanty, sticky mucus, tho breath is
oLten swootish, or it may bo foul. The lips and the
gums become livid, the latter soHen and appear
to retract, tho teeth become 100se and faIl out, usually
without pain and without being necessarily attacked
with caries.
�216
THE l'tUNEI/,AL W.A.'rERS OF VI CHY.
Another feature in this disease is the increased
appetite j the food, however, seems to do the patient
little good, for he is constantly growing thinneJ'. The
appetite is often ravenous (bnlimia) or may sim ply
be exaggerated (polyphagia) . This symptom is less
constant and later to appear than tho other symptoms
which we have described j its cause lies in the heavy
losses that the systom is undergoing in sugar, salts,
and urea. This exaggeration in tbo appetite tonds to
compensate for a time the heavy drain tbat tho system
is undorgoing, and may result in the patient putting
on flesh at the commencement or tho malady, but latel'
on this large quantity of food is no longer digested
and the patient begins to lose flesh, unless the disoaso
has been choeked in time, Constipation is the rulo.
'l'ho skin is dry and harsh, As a consequence or
the sugar in tho blood, a11 the socrotions are moro or
less sweetened, notably the clltaneous se cr tion, which
contaüls sometimes so much. sugar tbat tho skin
appeal's to be covorod witb a kind of 11Oa1' host o In
the saliva su gal' will also bo Jonnd, and Lhis secrotion,
instoad 01 being alkal ino, is acid .
With tbe emaciation is associated woakncss, woarinesa, and disinclil1ation to exertion. 'l'his may be
observed at an early stage of the mahtdy, buL it increas cs IDm'kedly towal'ds the close of the diseaso,
To this long list or goneral symptoms must be
added a certain number of secondary symptoms and
complications, many of wllich mu,y inter fore mu,LOL'in,uy
with tho successful treatment of tho diseaso .
�DIABETES :MELLI'l'US.
2]7
The diabetic suoject is liable to a number of skin diseases j bis skin is dry and rough, and eczema, prurigo)
intertrigo, &c') are frequent. At a very early stage oÏ
the disease may be seen boils and caI'buncles) though
the latter teud l'ather to make their appearance at a
late stage oÏ the disease.
'l'he anthrax lS almost always single, and has a
predilection for the back of the neck, the back, or
the tllighs . lts appeanmce lS geadual, tho pain is
sligbt, and it usually cures as soon as tbe mOl' Wied
tissues are eliminated. Gangrene has a gre}1t tendency to develop, and when it attacks deeply the extremities is a very serious symptom j when it is superncial it is generally cl1l'able. 'rhe , tenèlency to
gangrene requires the surgeon and physician to be
very cautious befol'e perÏorming the most insignifimmt
operation on a èliabetic sllbject j the application of a
simple blister has boen tho cause somotimes oÏ pl'Oducing most sorious results.
Phlegmons and phlegmasia (inflammation) occur in
overy stage of the èlisease, and have a notable tendency to end in gangrene, whethel' they attack the
viscel'a or simply the skin . Pnellmonja is far fl'om
mro and frequently ends 111 gangrone of the
lung.
PUlmOllal'y tubel'clilosis is onother frequont complication j it genoraJly app ars in a late stago of Lho
diseaso when the patient has for sorne time bean losing
flesh. In many respects it dilIers from ordinary
pbtllisis as it rarely gives l'iso to spitting oÎ blood
�218
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VIClIY .
the fever is not so pronounced, nor is the perspiration as considerable as in normal pulmonary tuberculosis.
The sight is very fl'equently affected and becomes
imperfect. This condition is termed diabetic amblyopia. The patient finds sorne slight difficulty in
reading, tlle characters becomo hazy, or the patient
may becomo ncarly blind (amaurosis). This condition
may occur at any moment during the malady, and
is generally in proportion to the quantity of sugar
eXCl'eted. It frequently incl'eases or decreases in the
course of the disease and umler the influence of a
salutary 1'égime may suddenly disappear at the sarne
tirno as the glycosuria diminishes; in three days
sometimes tho sight becornes normal. M, Lecorché
remarked iu some casos that the vision became exceedingly troubled after a meal, whon tho urino
contained a larger quantity of sugal', and that at
other moments of the day it bccamo much more distinct, A form of rotinitis not unliko that of albuminul'ia is sornetimes found ,
Tho most important visual troublo, however, is the
formation of diabeLic cataract, which diLIers from the
O1'dinal'y caLaract by tho rapidity of its evolution, in its
being usually double, and in its attacking young subjacls, Operations in such cases do bad1y till tho
discaso is cUl'ed, amI are seldom tricd, for the oataract
occurs laLo in the diseaseJ and advances l'apidly, It
appeal's to be more ft-equent in mon than in women
and is of the soft variety. It is sometillles preceded
�DIABETES MELLITUS.
219
by neur'algia affectiog the temporal or supra-orbital
regions, but more usually by slight amblyopia.
Early in the history of the d:sease aU sexual
appetito c1isappears and sexual power soon fails in the
male, but with improvement this may return. Evon
when the power exists it is rare for the woman to
conceive as the spermatozoa arc placed in au unfavorable medium when sugar is present. W om en
who are thoroughly under the diabetic influence become l'aro1y enceinte and arc llsually affccted with
troubles in the menstruation, which beoomes irregular
or may entirely ceaso .
'l'he oerebral troubles occupy an important placo
in the history of the diabetic subjeot. The mental
pOWOl'S fail and ho is indifferent to aU around him,
becomes dreamy, and Jazy. Oongostion of the bmlu
is Dot rare; aphasia (difficulty in expressing by
words), tl'ansitory or permanent, and coma are to be
observed. ~'his
last is one oE the mosL terrible
accid nts of diabetes; it is goneraUy proceded by
gastro-intestinal troubles, vomiting, cliarrhœa, &c.
Diaùotic ooma varies in duration from sorne hours to
th,·oo Or lour clays. It is mOt·O Iroquont with young'
patients, and tho attack is otton bl'ougbt on by somo
violent oxoroiso, fatigue, or journ y, which is a caution
to tho diabotic subject not to over-fatiguo himself.
Albuminnria oxists in two tbirds of aU diabetic
casos and is mot with as Iroquontly in the ruild as in
tho sevore forms of the t1iscaso. Tho prosence of
albumon in the urine causes tho spocific gravity
�220
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
to faU, and is liable to give l'ise to !aIse hopes
if not recognised, as the inference would then
be that as the specific gravity had docreased the
diabetic state must be improvod. rrhe only tl'ue
test of recovery is the power of consuming ordinary
mixed food with impunity. Though albuminul'ia is
an unfortunate complication it has not aU the gravity
that used to be attach ed to it whou it was supposed
to be an indication of Brig-M's diseaso. Bright's
disease may appear, but the nsual diabetic albuminuria
has a different ol'igin. ,c It is probable that it is causcd
by some more considerable derangement in the l1uLritian, the anatomical elements pormitting tho passage
or tho a1buminoid mattor without having made i t
undorgo the chomical transformations which shou1ù
cause it to acquiro the nature of crystalloid matter"
(Bollcharù). Albuminurin, is without any direct 1'0lationship to azotlll'ia.
Azotul'ia may oxist aftol' tho Sft11lC mallllCr as albuminurin,. Its gravi ty is difforon Lly apprcciatecl, but
fol' most authol's, nnless iL b ocol11es excoss ivo, lt should
not bo l'egal'ded as ft very sorious complicatioll . '!\Then
the quantity of urea rCllch s 50, GO, llud 100 grammes,
then it has a very sOl·iou s siguification. lb is 1,0 be
mct wit]1 in evel'y varioLy or diab Lic cas ,Lh 111 ilclost
or Lho most severo are oqually liable Lo prosont
azoturia.
At diiToront pOl'iods oI tho cli soaso it is 1l0L r:LrO to
soo mdoma or tho oxtl' miti s, wllich may som clays be
vory much more mal'keù Lhan ou thers.
�DIADE'l'ES MELLI'l'US .
221
Tho temperature of a diabetic subject lS genorally
from 2° to 3° C. below the normal.
With all these various and serious symptoms it is a
remarkable fact that the auatomicallesions are ailliost
nil, and none which are peculiar to the malady.
Tho liver is sometimes very congested aud largely
increased iu volume, but this may quite as easi1y be
tho ?'esnlt as the ca~tse
of tho disease.
Tho kidneys are frequont1y found diseased, but the
changes are not uni-form. They arc usually very congested . Sometimes they have become modified by fatty
changes; arnyloid changes havo also been observod.
It wou1d be puerile to snpposo that the Vichy wators,
unaidod by any treatment, would cure this malady.
although th y may beneDt it. Thus hygiene and <:1,
propol' ?'égim8 are indispeusable adjuncts to the tl'eatment, without whiéh the waters are almost useless .
Bicarbonate of soda has been ernployed for ages
past in tho curo of this malady, upon tho principle of
l'endol'ing the blood more alkalino, and thus aiding
tho combLlstion of tho glycogen. It has proved most
llsoful, buL is far frolU 11aYÏng tho samo efficacy as the
thormal waters; fol' whon it can no long or bl'ing about
any Iurthol' improvol11ont, the Vichy waters produco
surpl'ising and mosb favorablo rosults. 1'ho bicarbonate of' soda which thoy contaiu in so large a pt'OporLion is donbtless tho principal acting factor, but
thero must bo something moro, 01thor in the other
salLs, 01' in the peCLlliar mannel' in which it is hold in
soluLion, which allews tho system ta assirnilate it with
�222
'l 'HE MINImAL WATERS OF VICllY .
more profit, and pcrmits it to penetrate with more
facility the minute anatomical elements of which the
system lS made up . We know what a wonderfully
powerful agent tbese waters are, and if we are unaùle
to explain exactly the manuel' in which theyopcratc,
how is it that under this treatment, within a few days
the quantity of su gal' contained in the urine may be but
one baH or less than that it was before they wero administered? W 0 say therefore tbat this is no l' ason
for discarding such a powerful and beneficial agent.
Some day, and perhaps at no far-off date, physiology
and chemistryaiding, moro light will be thl'own on
this subject. In the moantimewe mu t employthom,
knowi11g the results that we sbaH obtain from thom,
thollgh unable ta ex]ain by what mechauism they are
brought about.
rrhase waters have beeu judg d by tbe first medi al
men al the world as ta their f1icacy in the tl'eaLment
of ùiabetes. Professor Locorch/, of Paris, thus expl' sses hims If (' Traité ùu Diabote,' p . 4,32, 1887) :
" The offocts f the Vichy waters saou maIco themselv S loIt. '1'11 il' ffocts may be perceived aHel' Lh
seconù 01' thirù day al the cure. ln the nrsL phl.cO
they onsist in hcmical modiFi 'aLlon in the composition
the urine. ~ l 'he
urino which was aciù becomes
a1ka]i110 j polymia diminishes j micLlll'ition is modilied. It is 1 ss trequent dUl'ing Lh nighL and. 11 al'
ta the houl's of the meals, tllat is to say, tllaL liLLle
by liLLle it regains its normal chal'actor. .At th sarne
tim , the thirst and dl'yness 01 the mouLh disappoal'J
or
�DIABETES MELLlTOS.
223
and from the very first week-sometimes from the
very first days-the glycosuria diminishes. It may
completely disappear. U sually the elimination of
sugar continues, bub in a lesser proportion than when
the patient arrived. The appetite increases and by
degrees the patient loses the disgust that he had fol'
nibrogenous aliments.
« The improvement in the general condition, the
return of strengbh, tone, and sleep, closely follow
upon the changes that the urine is undergoing. The
alkalille waters, without a doubt, cause aU the symptoms due to the glycogenic poisolling to disappeal'."
And fUI·ther on, Pl'ofessor Lecorché remarks that
if the action of the Vichy wabers was only temporary,
that they would sbill be most useful for the patient,
as the glycosuria does not retUl'll at once wÎth the same
intensity, and that one is able, by paying strict attention to diet and hygiene, to keep it within reasonable
bounds, so that the health does not materially suffer.
(( lt will suffi ce, then, to returll now and again to the
use of the Vichy waters, to take out anether season,
to check the progress of diabetes."
Professor 1'I'ousseau thus expresses himself :
(( Alkaline salts are of incontestable value in the
treatment of diabetes mellitus. 1'hey act as powerFnl
modifiers of the digesbive apparatus, of which tlley
regulate the ranctions. They have not a curative
action in diabebos, but by placing the patients iu a
particalar condition favorable to nutrition, the abnormal production of sugar no longer takes place."
�224
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
Thus the Vichy waters, in tho tl'eatment of diabetes,
tend to cure the disease even when employed alone,
without any special attontion to diet or hygiene,
although diet and hygiene requiro special attention to
obtain tllO full benefit of tho waters.
The VOl'y first offect of the treatment is to eause
tho quantity of sl1gar in tho urine to diminish. It is
raro that ono has to wait fol' ruoro than a week to soe
tho ros111t, and it may bo ovon reillarkod from the
second day of the tl'eatillent. The cheillical composition of the urine is at tho SalUO tillo modified and
appl'oaches neal'Cl' to its normal condition.
Tho sugar ùoing Jess abuodant, the mechanical and
chomical conditions which acted so powerfully in
causing tho n01'1J10US flow of urino are considol'ably
modifiod and the polyul'ia decl'eases 01' disappears.
'l'ho tbirst and dl'yness of tIlo mouth aro reliovod
at tl10 samo time an l by Lhe sam causo. 'rho pati ut's
uighLs bocol11o calmor aud ho is ablo 1,0 sleep. 'l'he
skin takos a l ng Lime to regain iLs normal mois 1,
condiLion aml healthy action, ùut this it will do in
time, and no long l' oxhibit a constant tondency to
phlogmons and gangl'en. Tho saliva, from boing
acid, bocomes alkaline. 'rh appeLiLe deel'oases, the
food is mOro easilyassimilated, and the g neral health
improves. 'l'ho patient l'ega,ins stl'ongLh, puts on flesh,
and loses th feeling of gcnel'al lassiLude which ü; so
nsual with diabotic subjects.
IL i8 IDOst oxcopLionn,l to moot with a case of diaboLos
whiclt tho Vichy waters will noL bonefit) and sLill
�22G
DUBE'rES MELLJTUS.
more exceptional to flnd a case in which they will do
harm.
Thus not only are the symptoms relieved, but the
disease is attacked at its very root. The reader may
be surprised, on reading the above, to remark that
one of the results of the treatment with the Vichy
waters is to decrease the appetite and to dec1'ease the
urinary secretion, when we bave so oHen explained
in other parts of this work that it inC?'easBd the appetito and secretion of urine. This needs a word of
explanation. The considerable appetite and the
copious and frequent micturition of the diabetic
subject are due to the abnormal production of sugar.
Tho waters by their energetic action in preventing
the formation of sugar, react upon the symptoms that
the presence of sugar gives rise to, and an exaggerated secretion of urine, as also great hunger, are two
marked symptoms of the diseaso, which are both
decreased as the production of sugar decreases.
The waters are taken internally, and also employed
externally in the form of douches or baths, or both.
~[,ho
choice of a spring has a certain importance
and must be decidod upon onlyaiter the physician
bas studied tho whole history of the case, and examined tho actual condition of tho patient upon his
an-ival at the springs. 1'he ql1antity of water to be
absorbed, the number and duration of the baths and
douches must be prcscribod artel' tho samo data. We
can theroforo only give a very general indication on
thusc points.
15
�226
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
The Nouvelle Source des Celestins is perhaps the
best suited for the genel'ality of cases. Cold, 1'ich in
iron and carbonic acid, it exercises both a tonic and
exciting influence j it thus fulfils certain indications
in the diabetic treatment where the organism is so
thoroughly disorganised by an incessant decomposition and hl:ts such need of tone and to be sustailled.
Special symptoms may require a less exciting spring
and derive more beneflt from l'Hôpital, which may bo
taken alone or iu conjuncf;ion with the previous one.
The quantity recommended is from two to eight
glasses, according to the suceptibility of the patient.
Usually they support protty considerablo qllautities of
these waters without having any of the inconveniences
so liable in sorne of tho othor maladies to occur whon
the waters are takon in large doses. This doos not
mean that the patiout can take an eœcess with impunity,
but he will flnd that his physician, if there is no contra-indication, will prcscribo a quantiLy more neal']y
approaching eight glassos than two.
Daily minoraI baths 0.1'0 necessal'y, and douches,
where they can be borne) will givo satisfactol'Y 1'0sults.
Attention to the diot is of paramount imporLance,
and though wo 0.1'0 ignorant on many points concerning
diabetes) yet we know that sugar cannot be lorruod
out of nothing, and that the series of substancos
out of which it can bo forrued is limited. And though
we cannot absolut Iy succood in fooding the patient
on substances which will not yiold sugar wo cn.n
�DIADETES MELLITUS.
227
supply a nourishing diet furnishing sugar-forming
materials in the scantiest proportion, an end best
attained by a pure meat diet.
Sugar itself is absolutely to be avoided as weIl as
aU substances rich in sugar. Most patients will easily
submit to this, but another substauce, star ch, which,
as we have already explained, becomes converted into
sugar by the different chemical modifications it undergoes during digestion, has also to be avoided, and
proves a great deprivation. Starch constitutes an
essential part of most of the common aliments, such
as bread, potatoes, and, in general, aU aliments formed
from cereals.
Bouchardat gives the following list of substances
which should be avoided. This list is a long one; we
reproduce the principal part of it.
Feculents and su gars, such as sugars, bread made
from any of the cereals, pastry, rice, maize and other
feculent grains; potatoes, potato starch, arrowroot,
sago, tapioca, and other alimentary fecules, 01' parts
of vegetables which contain starch j farinaceous
pas tes of every kind, such as semolina, maccaroni)
vCl'micelli) &c. j French beans, lentils, bcans, chestnuts)
raùishes) can'ots, turnips, and other starehy 01' sweet
l'oots j aU fruits, pal'tieularly sweet fruits, sueh as
plums) pruncs) apl'ieots, grn.pos, raisins, figs) pine-apple,
pcars) appIes, melons, &e. j jeUies and other sweetoned
aliments or drinks j honey) milk, beer, eider, ne\v and
sweetened win es) aeratcd waters, lemonade, and other
acicl drinks, particularly if they are sweetened.
�228
'rBE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
Wheat flour, or flour from any of the cereals, and
an starchy substances sbould be exc1uded from the
sauces, &c.
Meat should be the patient's main food.
Three of the ordinal'y constituents of meat, gelatine, glycogen, and glycerine, being sugar-formers,
the parts of animaIs containing these should, as far
as possible, be avoided.
It is very important, in constructing a diet scale, to
give tho patient as much variety of form as possible,
the basis remaining the same . Bouchardat, in the
appendix to his work on diabetes, givos a very long
and detailed list of the things suitable for a diabetic
subject. Among others we may quote the following :
Beef-tca, soups from meat, cabbage scup, leek soup,
soup fl'om gluton paste, &c.; oystors, an shen fisb,
sbrimps, lobstors, olives, 1resh sardines or preserved
sardines, butter, aU pol'k-butcher's moat; beef, voal,
lamb, mutton, fresh pork, l'oasted pork, pork propared
with vinogar, kidneys, ln'ain, chickon, capon, turkey, duck, duckling, pigeon; chicken salad with
mayonnaiso sauce, partridgo, quail, hare, rabbit, deer ;
aU fish with capor sauco 01' pl' pared with oil, butter,
01' fino herbs; fresh eggs, poachod eggs, ornel t;
al'tichokos, caulifiowor, Brussols sprouts, lottuco,
greon Fronch boans, asparagus, spinach, trumos,
cucumbers. Lettuce salads, chicory or cress salads:
oil and cream should form a largo percentage of their
seasoning; the vinegal' sbould be scanty and l'eplaced
by wine. Cream choese without sugaI'; Brie choeso,
�DIADETES MELLIrUS.
229
Gruyère, Roquefort, Parmesan, Cheshire and Stilton
cheese; almonds, walnuts, cob nuts, &c.
As a general rule aU green vegctables, or the green
parts of vegetabIes, may be eaten. There are certain
exceptions to this, however; tbus the green parts of
asparagus and celery may be employed, whilst the
white portion should be discarded; green al'tichokes
may be uscd, but J erusalem artichokes are dangerous.
Rinsing the mouth with iced water will often give
more relief than a hearty draught, but there is no objection to drink water to any extcnt, and it is useless
to resist slaking the thirst, fol' by absorbing water the
dehydration of the tissues is prevented and the elimination of sugar facilitated.
Champagne, ginger beer, lemonade, porter, stout,
rum, and gin must be avoided. Whisky is tho least
dangerous of aU spirits and may be employed in
moderation.
'l'hree substances are recommended as substitutes
for bread and potatoes :-Gluten bread, bran bread,
anel almonel bread. The two first soon become almost
insupportablo to the patient, and it may bo founel
nec6ssary ta allow him to partake of a little bread
Loasted hard or torreLied boforo ontirely fOl'bidding
the use of bread.
Almond cakes wero introduccd by Dl'. Pavy and
are much appreciated by the majority of patients.
To obtain a palatabIe, nourisling) and) at th samo
time) inolTensive substitute fol' broad was Dr. Pavy's
dosirc in introducing Llis kind or food. Th y are
�230
THE MINERAL WA1'ERS OF VICllY .
prepared in different forms-as biscuits or cakeskeep without spoiling for a long time, and appear
to be a great improvement upou the ordinary gluten
bread. They are composed of eggs and bleacbed
sweet almonds reduced to powder, carefully washed,
and the small quantity of sugar they contain removed
by treating the parts with boiling water, to which a
small proportion of tartaric acid has been added.
The patient should not be subjected to this strict
diet aU at once; it must bo enfol'ced gradually. The
sugar, bread, and potatoes will be the first substances
to put away; the l'est of the forbidden articles will
foUow in their turn. Tho patient must on no account
be disgusted with his food; to avoid this constant
change is necessary, and the range of alimonts tbat
may be used with impunity rond l'S this a comparatively casy task. Whon convaloscence bogins, and
tho urine has for sorne time been free from sugar, the
diet may be gradually l' laxed, beginning with tbo
substances containing little starch or sllgal', gradually
extonding to bread in small quantity. Potatoos should
como last, Bugar itsolf novor should be takon.
l!Jxercisc is cssentia), wh ther it be walking} driving,
or riding, but it must not be cal'l'ied to excess so as to
cauSO fatiguo. By exercise a larger quantity or
oxygon is absorbed and the combustion is accolerated;
more sugal' is consoquently consum d and one of tho
primary indications of tho tl'oatment roalised. Gymnastics, cricket, lawn tonnis} swimming} aro aU useful
in moderation and have the samo effect upon the
�DIABE'1'ES MELLI'1'US.
231
internal combustion. In these exercises, however,
and, in fact, on an ocoasions, great care must be taken
to avoid chills. Wet feet, damp and col d, must be
strenuously guarded against. The patient would do
weIl to constantly wear flannels, which should be
changed aftel' the sJightest exposure to damp, as a
very little will suffice to givo rise to a very serious
pneumonia in the case of a diabetic subject.
��PART II.
��CHAPTER 1.
GENERAL INFORMATION.
MANY of our countrymen take Vichy on their way
south or whon returning from the south of France)
and for them it may not be amiss to give an idea of
the train service between Vichy and some of the
principal towns of that region. The hours mentioned
are liable to slight alterations) but we think that they
will generally be found correct. When starting from
Paris the departure is from the l aris-Lyon-Mediterranée Rail \Vay Station) J.Jigne du Bonrbonnais. With
one Or two exceptions aU trains stop at St. Germain-desFossés (direct train to and from Lyon s)) where travellers
must change carriagos and wait about haH an hour
before proceeding on their journey. The station is
commodious and has a vory good bullet. It is hore that
one shoulù breakfast or lunch) as tho case may be,
thoro being ample time for so doing. In returning
from Vichy the traiu only stops a few minutes. The
distance betweon Vichy and •'b. Germain-des-Fossés
i8 18 kilometres. 'l'he time occupied in the journey
is l5 minutes. Thore is 110 intermeùiate station.
Refere arriving at Vichy it is as weIl to have secured
�236
'l'HE MINERAI. WATERS OF VICHY .
aparhmenhs in advance, more parhicularly during the
height of the season, J u]y and August, otherwise a
deal of disappoinhmenh and annoyance may resulh.
TRAIN SERVICE.
Vichy to Pa?·'is.
123
n.m.
Dep.5.5
Arr. 4.50
p.m .
Exp.
a.m.
1 23
n.m.
123
n.m.
10.5
5.57
8.5G
9.32
9.30
9.1
p.lO.
p.m .
p.m .
Exp.
p.m .
Exp.
p.m.
9.30
5.15
Il.m .
a.m.
Pa,?'is to Vichy.
1 23
Exp.
p.m.
n.lll.
Exp.
p.m .
9.10
4.52
8.7
4.29
p.UI.
H.m.
Dep.6.5
Arr. 4.29
n.m.
Exp.
n.m.
123
n.m.
7.30
9.3
p.m.
p.m.
Vichy to Lyons.
1 2 3 Cll lSS .
1 2 3 clllss.
1 2 3 cluss.
Vichy 000 Dop. 5.5 a.m .... 8.5G a.m. 00. 2.1 0 p.m.
Lyons ... AlT. - p.m .... 1.48 p.m. 000 8.30 p.m.
Lyons to Vichy .
l 2 3 cluss.
1 2 3 cluss.
1 2 3 cluss.
r,Jyons ... Dep. 8.30 a.m. 000 3.30 p.m .. 00 3.55 p.m.
Vichy... 1'1'.3.32 p.m . ... 9.3 p.rn . 00.10.42 p.m.
�237
GENERAL INFORUATION.
Vichy to Olermont-Fen·.
12 3 cl.
123 cl.
a.m.
Il.m.
Dep. 7.0
Arr. 9.54
12 3 cl.
p.m.
8.56
12.45
2.10
5.17
Exp.
p.m.
1 2 3 cl.
3.58
5.38
7.53
10.35
p.m.
Ole?'mont-Fe1'?' to Vichy.
n.m.
1 2 3 clnss.
p.m.
l' 2 3 clnss.
p.m.
1 2 3 clnss.
p.m.
7.25
9.45
12.25
3.32
5.34
9.3
8.0
10.42
1 2 3 clnss.
Dep.
Arr.
Vichy to Thie?·s.
1 23 cl.
It.ID.
Vichy ... Dep. 4.45
Thiers ... Arr. G.20
123 cl.
Il.m.
11.29
1.14
12 3 cl. '
p.m.
12 3 cl.
p.m.
eExcu1'sion.)
5.5
6.57
12.25
1.38
Thie?'s to Vichy .
1 2 3 clnss.
1 2 3 clnss.
1 2 3 clnss.
Thiers ... Dep. 7.5 a.m . '" 11.56 p.m .... 7.36 p.m.
Vichy ... Arr. 8.51 a.m .... 1.54 p.m .... 9.17 p.m.
Vichy lo jJ[ct?'seilles) Nice) ancl Y-intimille.
l st cInss.
lly Lyons.
...
Vichy
Marseilles
Nice
Vintimille
...
Dep. 8.GG a.m.
Arr. 4.23 a.1I1.
1'1'. 3.7 p.m.
Arr. 4.57 p.lU.
1 23 claas.
By Langeac.
3.G8
8.18
G.19
7.H
p.m .
a.m.
p.m.
p.m.
�238
THE MINERAL WATERS OF V IClJY.
Vintimille, Nice, Mm's eilles ta Vichy.
1 2 3 class.
.,. Dep.
... Dep.
. .. Dep.
... Arr.
Vintimille
Nice ...
Marseilles
Vichy ...
11.55 a.m .
7.·U p.m.
9.49 p.m.
3.32 p.m.
Vichy ta Nîmes and Oette.
By Clcrmont-F.
Express.
Vichy
... Dep. 3.58 p.m.
Langeac ... Arr. 8.20 p.m.
Langogne ... Arr. 10.30 p.m.
Nîmes
... Arr. 2.42 a.m.
Cette
... Arr. 5.11 a.m.
By Lyons.
Vichy
Lyons
Nimes
Cette
1 2 3 clRss.
... Dep. 8.56 a.m.
... Dep. 1.48 p.m.
... Arr. 2.57 p.m.
... Arr. 5.11 p.m.
Gette and N 'îmes ta Vichy.
123
Cetto .. .
Nîmes .. .
Langogne
Langeac
Vichy ...
...
...
...
...
...
Dep.
Dcp.
Dcp.
Dep.
Arr.
10.40 p.m.
12.34 p.m .
4·.56 a.m.
6.45 a.m.
11.19 a.m.
CIIJ.5S.
3.25 a.m .
7.21 a .m .
1.35 p.m .
3.53 p.m .
10.42 p.m.
Vichy ta Ba?·ûea1uv .
(By Montluçon.)
1 2 3 clnBs.
Vichy .. .
Dop. 8.56 a.m.
Gannat .. . ... Arr. 11.21 a.lU .
... Dep. 11.4.0 a.m.
do.
1 2 3 clnss.
7.53 p.m .
8.58 p.m .
8.20 p.m.
�239
GENERAL INFORMATlON.
Montluçon
do.
Guéret .. .
do ... .
Limoges
do.
Périgreux
do.
Coutras
do.
Bordeaux
...
.. ,
. ..
.. .
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
123 clu8s .
1 2 3 cInss.
Arr. 1.44 p.m.
Dep . 1.50 p.m.
Arr. 4.15 p.m.
Dep. 4.17 p.m.
Arr. 6.22 p.m.
Dep. 6.45 p.m .
Arr. 9.11 p .m.
Dep . 9.19 p.m.
Arr. 11.2 p.m.
Dep. 11 .8 p.m.
Arr. 12.25 p.m.
11.16 p.m.
11.28 p.m.
1.27 a.m .
1.31 a.m .
3.20 a.m.
3.27 a.m.
5.25 a.m .
5.33 a.m.
7.13 a.m .
7.17 a.m .
8.23 a.m .
BO?'deauœ to Vichy.
(By Montluçon.)
1 23 clnss.
Bordeaux
Coutras
Do.
Périgreux
Do.
Limoges
Do.
Guéret .. .
Do. ...
Montluçon
Do.
Gannat .. .
Do.
Vichy ...
Dep. 9.0 p.m.
. .. Arr. 9.55 p.m.
... Dep. 10.0 p.m.
Arr . 11.46 p .,m.
Dep. 11.53 p.m.
Arr. 2.5 a.m .
... Dep. 2.14 a.m.
... Arr. 4•.8 a.m .
. .. Dep. 4.10 a.m.
... AIT. 6.8 a.m .
... Dep. G.18 a.m.
.. . Arr. 8.18 ".m.
.. . Dep. 8.38 a.m.
.. . Arr. !:l.45 a.m .
...
...
123 clnss.
...
...
7.30 a.m.
8.25 a.m .
8.30 a.m .
10.12 a.m .
10.21 a.m .
12.44 p.m.
12.53 p.m .
3.25 p.m.
3.28 p.m.
5.53 p.m .
6.l0p.m.
8.28 p.rn.
8.53 p.m.
10.42 p.m .
�240
'fHE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
RAILWAY FARES FROM THE FOLLOWING TOWNS
TO VICHY ,
Single Fa1'es .
Aix,les·Bains
Avignon
Boulogne·sur·Mer,
Calais
Canncs by Lyons,
Clermont·Ferraud
Dieppe
Geneva
Havre
Hyùrcs by Lyons,
Lyons
Milcou
Marseilles ,
Meaux
Melun
Mentone
Monaco
Montpellier by Lyons
Nico by l"yons
NimC8 by Lyous
Orl I\I1S
Pm'is
P l'pignou
Poiliers
Rouen
Royat
'l'ouloll by Lyons '
Toulouso •
15t clnss,
Francs.
2nd class,
Fraucs.
3rd CI"5.,
Froncs,
35'50
48'65
76'30
81"60
87'30
8'85
65'70
40'70
73-15
74:20
20'15
25'10
63'10
40'45
39'60
94'S
92'05
61'60
91"10
54.. 55
33'65
15'5
72'S5
42'75
61'SO
9'35
71'65
56'SO
26'65
36'50
57'25
61'20
65'45
6'65
40'80
30'50
54'85
55'65
15'15
18'85
47'60
37'30
29'70
70'60
69'76
45'55
6S'40
40'95
25'25
33'80
54'70
32:15
1G'30
7'10
53'75
42'65
19'55
26'75
42'5
45
48'5
4'85
36'20
22'40
40'30
40'85
11'J5
13'85
34'90
27'15
21'80
61'80
61'16
33'40
50'15
30'5
lS'60
2 ~ L'SG
40'5
23'50
34'5
5'10
39'45
31 '30
�G~;NERAI,
Rettwn
Fa~
lBt clll".
Clermont-Ferrand
Cl'échy
Gannat
Lyon-Perrache
Moulins-sur-Alliers
Palisse-La
Puy Guillaume
l~iom
Ris ,Chateldon
St. Galmier
St, Germain-des-Fossés
St, Rémy
St, Yorre
Th iers
Villars
241
I NFORMATION _
- e8
_
2nd
CI1l8'.
} 'ranes .
}'rl\Des.
12'60
3'40
5 '70
29'90
9'60
5'20
3'90
10'90
2'80
24'30
1'90
2'40
1 '70
7'10
24'30
9'40
2'50
4'30
22'40
7'20
3'90
3
8'10
2'10
18'30
1'40
1'80
1'30
5'30
18'30
3rd cla ••. KiloFrancs. mctres.
6'80
1'80
3'20
16'50
9'30
2'00
2'20
5'90
l'50
13'50
1'10
1'40
'90
3'90
13'50
70
18
31
174
52
28
21
58
15
136
11
13
9
38
137
'l'he fares from Paris to Vichy are: 1st clas8,
j 3rd class,
24 f , 65 c.
The Vichy station is situatod at the extl'smity of
tho Ruo do Paris. Omnibuses from the hotels await
the arrivaI or aU the trains. Cabs aro also easily
.obtainable. An omnibus in connection with tho railway goes to ovùry part of the town. 'J'ho hotols charge
101' tho use of theil' omnibus from 7 c. to l f. 50 c.
'.rhe l'ailway omnibus fare is 30 c. and 25 c. fol' oach
tl'unk.
rrho cab fares aro as follows for tho town :
44. f. 95 c, j 2nd class, 33 f , 55 c.
16
�242
THE M1NERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
From 6 n.m. to 12 p.m.
Course.
Rour.
From 12 p.JU. to 6 n.lU.
Course.
Hour.
One-h orse fiy. l f. 25 c. 2 f. 25 c. 2 f.
Two-horse fiy 2 f.
3 f.
2 f. 60 e.
3 f.
3 f. 50 e.
The ma,jority or the hotels at Vichy are very good,
and they vary in price according to the qnarter in
w hich they lie.
The best are situated on the sides of the Old Park;
their priees vary from 10 to 20 f. a day. 'l'he cheaper
hotels are in proximity to the station, where one can
get bOcHd and lodging froID 7 to 10 f. pel' day.
Candles are generally charged from 50 to 75 C., buL
generally the former price.
lt may not be out of place to pnt the travel1er upon
his guard against the hotol touts who meet the different
trains at St. Germain-des-Fossés, and, passing themselves o.ff as being travell rs nlso, l'ecommond hotels
w hich they pretend thoy are going Lo. U nfortunatoly,
the numbe1' of tbese touts is 1 gion, thoLlgh it is
unue essal'y to say that nono of the l'ospectabl hotel. '
employ thos g ntl'y as a means ol obtaining custom,
~ 'houlù tbe visitor prof l' a quieter life to that of
Lhe llotel h will nnd a numbol' of first-class boal'ding honses in the town; and if he should pl'ofel' :~
hous to himself many pretty anù most elcgant villas
are constantly to be hacl. What ]l e will have more
<1.ifficnlty in obtaining is wlf1wnished apal'tments, flS
ev ryon in Vichy who hol<1.s houso property and
wish s to l'ent it fol' the scason commences by stoeking
jL wiLl) fll1'uituro of a moro 01' l ss substantial cha1'-
�GENERAL INFORMATION .
243
acter. In any case we would recommend taking a
room temporarily in an hotel so as not to l'ent in haste
and repent in leisure. Let the travener look especially to the installation of the w. c. ; frequontly it is in
the court or gardeD, and even wh en inside the house
is not always iu the most sanitary of conditions.
As it very oIten happens that visitors have letters
awaiting them poste restante, and are anxious to
obtain theil' letters at once, before closiug this chaptol'
we will give them the hours fol' the deliveryand the
clearing of the letter boxes.
Post and TeZegmph are united in one building on
the Boulevard de l'Rotel de Ville, at the back of the
Rotel des Ambassadeurs.
The telegraph office is open from 7 a.m. llutil
11 p.m.
The post-office from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.
The first distribut.ion of letters is at G a.m., the
second at 11 a.m., and the last at 5.45 p.m., the
fil'st and second distribution being the foreign mails.
The boxes are cleared as follows :
Town.
Gen. Post.
For the direction of
... 3.50 a.m. Cusset, Busset, Ligne de
1'hiers, and St. Etienne.
7.45 a.m .... 8.25 a.m. Cusset, Moulins, Paris, Clormont, Lyons.
12.0 a.m .... 1.45 p.m. Cusset, Moulins, Dijon, Lyons,
Marsomes, Clermont .
... 4.25 p.m. Basset ([.ligne de Thiors).
�244
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF
Town.
Gen. Post.
vrcmy.
For the direction of
7.0 p.m ... . 7.15 p.m . Limoges, Perigueux, Charentes, Bordeaux, Pyrenées .
.. . 8.45 p .m . Paris, France, and foreign
mails.
A final clearing at the Vichy Station at 9 p.m.
The second and sixth clearings are fol' the foreign
mails. The Casino clears its box about ten minutes
aHer the hour for the general post.
Wh en the invalid has settled upon his quarters his
first care should be to calI upon the physician he
intends to consult so as to lose no time in commencing
his treatment. As a genorall'ule the doctor visits the
patient early the following morning, and sees him in
in his bed j he is thus able to mako a thorough examination, and to institute at onco a propol' troatment.
Wh en possiblo, it is advantageous that the patient
sboulù bring a letter from the pbysiciun who has
been previously attending him, so that any obscuro
points in the diagnosis of the caso may have special
attention.
Should tho pati nt not be recommonc1ed to any
medical man in particular he wül do w 11 to koep cl A.l'
of the touts tbat certain doctors largely mploy, and
who infost the hotels and ev en assail the travoller at
the railway station. That such 11 state of things
should oxist is a di sgl'aco to tho prof ssion, but the
public who allow tbomsolvos to bo ontrapp d by th f i
must bo doficiont in tho most ordina)"y corn mon sense,
�GENERAL INFORMATION.
245
Îor if they gave themselves the trouble to think they
would pel'ceive at once that anyone employing such
unworthy ways of obtaining clients could not be worthy
oÎ their confidence.
One of our much respected colleagues, who has been
in practice over Îourteen years at this station, wrote
rather strongly on this subject quite recently. We
quote him: (translation.)
« There is an ugly sore in Vichy j the touting, of
which one cannot be too careful. Vainly has one tried
to eradicate it; but it shoots up constantly aÎresh, as
do certain para ites affecting the dirty pOOl'.
« The touts have orders Îrom some or the ho LeI
keepers to bring them, Îor a certain consideration,
clients, doomed to be :B.eeced, to the disadvantage of
respectablo houses where the visitor could put up in
periect confidence.
« There are even three or Îour doctors who have
recourse to tllÎs
becoming procedure.
As tho person who gulls has a percentage upon every
hoad one can understand the value of his information.
This is not aU; this miserable individual (the tout),
generally in low circumstances, dosires ardently to
win daily Lho fuirly high remuneration that Ml'. Xor Ml'. Y- allows him. 'T'herefore nothing stops him,
not evon calumny, to prevent the unfortunato dupe
who listens to him from going straight on his road.
l am al ways surprised that there should be snch
simple-minùed folk who wiU listen to the first person
they meot rather than to their usual adviser, 'who is
�24,6
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
worthy of their confidence and who has given them a
lett.er oi introduction for a doctor whom he knows.
" No belief should be attached to the information
of these touts) and should they becorne importunate
they should be handed over to the police) &c ."
Fortunately for the invalid the list oi honorable
and capable physicians is a long one) and year by year
it increases in the sarne ratio as that of the visitors)
whose number has more than doubled since 1870. We
give a table showing the progression of strangers
coming to Vichy Irom 1821 to 1886.
Yonrs.
1821
1822
1823
1824
1825
1826
1827
1828
1829
1830
1831
1832
1833
1834
1835
1836
1837
Number.
Years.
:N'urober.
335
420
375
470
444
390
426
429
559
418
387
504
575
515
853
1013
1342
1838
1839
1840
1857
1841
1940
2230
2543
9922
2573
3062
3211
4012
4,126
18 /'/'2
1843
1814
1845
1846
1847
1848
1849
1850
1851
1852
1853
4666
4.872
2352
5840
6709
6954
6823
6653
�247
GENERAL INFORMATION .
Ycnrs.
1854
1855
1856
1858
1859
1860
1861
1862
1863
IBM
1865
1866
1867
1868
1869
1870
Number.
7802
8882
0626
11,918
12,909
12,690
16,044
17,401
19,625
20,673
19,092
21,357
20,599
22,939
23,262
17,035
Yenrs.
1871
1872
1873
1874
1875
1876
1877
1878
1870
1880
1881
1882
] 883
1884
1885
1886
Number.
17,209
25,524
25,433
26,145
28,777
30,177
28,065
30,833
33,805
37,067
40,058
42,702
43,314
34,841
46,477
These figures are composed of an nationalities, the
French naturallyforming the bulk, the English coming
nc:xt; thes(-J are the official figures for 1885 :Americans
497
Bnglish
2103
Germans
11<j.
Belgians
64
French Colonists 123
Egyptians
31
Spaniarùs
1754
Italians
231
Brought forwa,r d 4917
Portugllese
71
421
Rllssirms
02
~ wiss
14
Turks
4 1,568
French.
'l'otal .
4,7,083
�24.8
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICIIY.
'rhe English are less numerous than they were ten
years ago; why, it is not very easy to understand, for
the waters have not lost any of their reputation; on
the contrary, they have never b een held in greater
favour by the medical proression thau they are now.
'l'he physician usually commences the treatment by
ordering a certain quantity of mineraI water to bo
dmnk daiIy ; he indicates the springs, and if he judges
it necessal'y, orders at the same time bathing or
douching and internaI treatment.
rrhe State possesses at Vichy five natural springs
and five artesian wells.
atm'cd sp?"ings.- Grand Grille, Puits Chome],
llôpital, Lucas, Ancient i pring of Celestins.
A?·tesian wells.-Grotto of the Celestins, New Spring
of Celestins, Parc, Mesdames, Hauterive.
The pl'ivate springs are:
Lardy, Larbaud alné, V sse, Prunelle, Dubois.
l 'te. Marie, Ste. Elisabeth, 'l'mcy, Ste. Jean, at Cusset.
Larbaud, Ma,llat, Guerrier, J 0rrissiel', at St. Yorre.
harnaux at Abrest.
rro th s springs a1'e attae]led buvettes," and at
nllllost aU of Lh ln tll waL r drllnk at the rountain is
gratuÏL us. Wh n the pati nt goes to the spl'ing
indicat cl he will find wom n employeù in serving out
the water. Most bath rs have their own glasses,
wllich al' maù to hold a stiplllat d quantity. 1'hey
can be purchas d at the wolls, 01' at most of the
chcmisLs' shops. If the bath r do es not wisl! to take
his glass l1way, it is llsual to give it to the person who
j1
t(
�249-
GENERAL INFORMAl'ION .
bas been serving bim during bis stay and at the same
t ime to give a gratuity. Tbis gratuity is also expected
at the bathing establishment.
The drinking commences at 5 a.m. and continues
till 7 p.m . at aIl the springs. Usually it is from 9 to
10 in the morning, and from 3.30 to 5 p.m . it ceases,
that is to say, an interval of about hall an hour sbould
clapse after the drinking before taking m eals. Water
may be taken away from the springs gratuüously if
put into decanters, and can be used during meals
mixed with winc if so ordered, but no one is aIlowed
to fill bottles.
Before describing what is to be seen in the town
wc will give a few tables for the reader's bencfit.
KILOMETRIC AND ME'l'RIC 'l'ABLES.
For thosc of our readers who may wish to know the
exact equivalents or the kilometre to the mile we
nppcnd the following table. Roughly speaking a
kilometro is ~ of an English mile, 10 kilometres G
miles, 16 kilomotres 10 miles; the metre is near]y 1-to
yard, and 10 metres nearly 11 yards.
Table of Met?·os, Ym'ds, and Feet.
Molrc•.
2
a
4
6
G
Yarù •.
l'cet.
1'00
2'18
3'27
4'36
6"15
6'64
3'281
6'662
0'8J3
13"123
1(N04
19'685
�250
'fllE MINEllAL WATEHS OF VICHY .
Metres_
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
8 0
000
1000
8000
Yarùs_
Fect_
7-63
8-72
9'81
10'936
12'3
13'12
14'22
15'31
16'4
17'5
18'59
19'68
20'78
21'87
32-81
13'74
G4'68
(i5-6lfi
76'58
87-49
!)8'42
100'36
218-72
::J2S'8
1,37"14
22-966
26-247
2D-527
32'809
36-9
39 -37
42-65
'15-93
5,16-8
656-16
765'G2
874'88
98,],'2/1
JOoa'G3
G lllilcij llCfll'ly
'19'21
52'49
55'76
59-6
62-34
65'61S
08'427
131'236
104"15
106'81
229'66
262"17
295-28
328-!)
656-18
98'1'27
1812'36
1640'15
10GS'54
2296-63
2621-72
2952'81
3280'0
�251
GENERAL INFORMATION,
Table of Kilomet1'es ancl JjJnglish Miles ,
Miles,
Kil.,
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
200
300
100
500
600
700
800
000
1000
0'621
1'242
1'863
2'484
3'105
3'726
4'347
4'968
5'589
6'21
6'831
7'453
8'074
8'695
9'316
0'937
10'558
1]:179
11'8
12'421
18'G3
24'8 L
31'5
37'26
43'47
1%8
55'89
62'6
124'2
186'3
21~N
310'5
372'6
434'7
1D6'8
558'D
6201
Kils,
Miles.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1'609
3'219
4'829
6'437
8'047
9'66
11'27
12'87
14'48
Hi'9
17'7
19'31
D
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
200
300
100
500
600
700
800
900
1000
20'D2
22'53
24'15
25'76
27'37
28'99
30'59
32'2
48'28
64'37
80'47
96'56
112'65
128'75
144'8,.L
100'D3
321'86
4,82,70
643'72
80~'6
D60'5D
1126'52
1287'15
1448'38
1609'31
�252
'l'HE MINERAL WA'rERS Ol!' VICHY.
To reduee the Oentigrade thermometl'ie seale to
Fahrenheit you must multiply the numbcr by 9 and
thon divide by 5 j to the sum thus found add 32 iE the
Oentrigrade number be above O} as the French or
Oentrigradc freezing point is Oo} whereas it is 32° Fahr.
English. 1101' example} suppose you wish to find the
Fahr. equivalent of 35° Oontrign1de :
+ 32
= 95.
To ob tain the Fahr. equivalont in Oentigrade the
reverse operation has to be performcd. Deduet 32 if
tho numbe1' bo above 32} multiply the remainder by
5 and divic1e by 9. Taleo 104° lTahr.} for ex ample} to
bo 1'e lueed into Oentigrade :
]04 - 32 = 72} 72 x 5 = 3GO} 3GO -;- 9 = 40°.
35 x 9 = 315 -;- 5 = G3
The7'71wmelm·s.
Rcumur.
ecntigrudc.
80°
7G
72
68
100°
!J5
00
85
G3~
GO
5G
52
48
44
'.t3
40
36
32
2n
28
79~
75
70
65
60
55
53
50
45
40
37
35
}·uhrcnhcit.
212°.... . .l30iling point for water.
203
101
185
IN
1G7
158
149
140
131
127
122
112-3
101
08 ...... Dlooù hcut.
05
�253
GENERAL lNFORMATION
Reaumur,
24
20
19
16
12
10
8
li
0
-4
-5}
- 8
-10
-12
-14
-16
-19
-20
-24
Centigrade,
30
25
24
20
15
13
10
2
0
-5
-7
-10
-12t
-15
-18
-20
-24
-25
-30
}'uhrenhelt,
86
77
76
68
59
55 .. .... Tempel'utc,
50
35
32 ...... Fl'cczing point fol' \Vatel',
23
20
14
10
5
0
-4
-10
-13
-20
The barometrical Lablo may also prove userul :
Bw'omet8?' 7'able, }l''rcnch and English,
.\J illimctres,
715
720
725
7:.10
73;;
710
745
760
2'001e /01'
li II.
Juches,
Inchcs,
Millimetres,
755
760
765
2 ';;4
770
2 '7<1,
775
2 '94.
780
20']:3
785
29'33
2%3
700
illlel'r>lcdialc lwigltls-to oe adclecl
29'73
20'92
30'12
30'32
30'51
30'71
30'91
3UO
28'15
28'35
10
tILe lIbove:
Jllch es,
11 ill.
lnchc.,
1
2
'039
'079
4
5
'158
'197
3
'118
�1
254
'l'HE :M:INERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
The French curroncy is still a subject of so much
bewilderment to some or our compatriots as to make
an apolog-y uunecessary for introducing this table of
equivalents.
If you l'omember that 4s. is equal to 5 f.) and ls. to
1 f. 25 c.) that 50 c. is equal to 5d.) and If. to 9~d)
you
will be able to calculate any sumo
--Vnluo ill 1 Uniteù
EI~lish
Stutcs.
SO\'8.
Description of roin .
GOLO.
I.e s.
f
gllglisb overeiA'u ..... . ... 1
Twenty lfrnn o Picco ........
German 20 Mark Picce ... 0
Dlltch 10 Florins ....... . ... '1 0
lIlllf Imperial (Rlissillll)
1'wcoty Kl'onor (Swcd ish,
NOl'wcgillll flnd Dllnish) '1
Alfonso (5 dolla. Spllll ish) ... 0
Eaglo (5 dolls. U.S.) ......... 1
SILVEU.
Shillill!; .... .. ...... 0
I,'i vo l!'mnc Picco ............ 0
Ono l!'l'IIIlC l'icc ............ 0
'l'hol r = 3 i\111I'lcs ............ 0
Ono 1arlc ..................... 0
Ono Florin (Dntch) ......... 0
Olle Kroll l' (1)(\lIi8h, Swcdish, antlNorwcg-i.ul) ...... 0
One Dollar ( pnni_h) ...... 0
0110 Pesotl\ ( ' p"llish) ...... 0
Ono Dollnr (U.S.) ......... 0
Gcrmau
EDljlirc.
1
Ilolluml.
1
d. Dol!. Cts.
l~rs.
Cts. M.
25 20
20
0
24 70
20 80
20 50
20
16
20
16
16
PI.
38
13
0
60
50
GI. Ct.
27
22 20
19 45
20 90
13
11 DO
12 40
0
10
6
4
3
4
3
4
3
3
88
85
71\.
96
97
1 9
19 8
0 6
()
4,
5
25
80
0
1 0 0
3 Ui 0
o D* 0
211 1 0
o l~
0
1 7i 0
2L
95
10
70
21,
'10
25
5 0
1
0
3 65
1 22
2 5
0
0
0 80
3
0
1
0
1 70
0
2
0
1
0
1
1 1
311
0 Di
4 1
27
U1.
19
0
1
1.
0
5
1 ]3
3 D8
0 70
4 10
0
0
15
19
16
"llG
l ~ngliRh
}t'rauce,
Bol~ium,
Switzcrlanù
40
80
25 85
2,1,
12
6
0 50
11 80
10 0
0 0
10 1
1
0
0
0
l
30
95
05
10
1
4
2
(JO
37~
'.ln
76
59
0
fiG
3G
0 4G
2 16
-
�255
CHAPTER II.
THE l 'OWN OF VICIIY.
TIIERE are very few monumonts or buildings of
bistoric interest to bo seen here} and what is to bo
soen is quickly got ovel'.
We will tako the visitor rapidly through the tOWl1}
thon through the parks} and close this chapter with
an account of the availablo amusements. 'l'ho thermal
ostablishment and tbe Casino will form matter for a
soparate chapter.
Before} howover} touching upon the sights} it may
be of inter ost to the visitor to know how the day is
usuallyemployed. Early rising is compulsory. Some
peeple get up as early as 4 a.m.} if they have to batho
in an early serios} though of course the programme
followed hy an invalid is differ nt from that which a
tourist woulù. wish to rollow. VV 0 suppose tho visitor
to he undor treatmont.
From 6 to 8.30 a.m. drinking at tho wells and
bathing; walk in the parks in tho intervals until 8.30}
when tho first morning concert Lakes placo in tho Old
Park) at the Kiosque of tho Casino. This concert
�"256
TITE MINERAL Wâ'l'ER:; OF VICHY .
lasts until 9.30 a.m. After or during the concert
return to the springs. At 10 a.m. breakfast, which
lasts about one hour. From 11 to 2.30 p.m. attend to
-correspondence, go to reading-room at Casino, or
repose in hoteI. ,A t 2.30 attend the afternoon concert
in the Old Parle This is the time of the day that
ladies enjoy the most, for it is then that an the most
elegant toilets are to be seen, and there is DO place
that can surpass Vichy for extravagance in ru·ess . In
our humble opiuion it is carried to a ridiculous excess ;
but be that as it may, it is the fashionable hour for
promenading about and meeting friends and gossiping.
The concert is over about 3.30 p.m., when a return is
made to the wells, and the prescribed quantity of
water imbibed. As the waters are only taken in
Iractional doses, the parks are again frequented, or
tllO benches of the gallery 01 the thermal establishment if it be a rainy day. ~ 'he
central aUey of the
Olù Park on a fine day will be crowded. The dinner
hour lS 5.30 p.m. 'rhis meal is over in an hour.
rrhe vening can be spent in many ways . In the
Casi.no, at the thea,tr ,restaurant, café, or Eden Theatr ,
or in taking a quiet stroU iu Ll1 parks.
As the moming begins so at'ly, it is usun.l for tllO
pc plc wl10 do not Cl1l"e f l' tho thoatr to retir to
rosL about 10 I·m. We woulel r mark, howover, thaL
g n l'a11y sp aking, the theatricals and operas givon
~,L
Lh Casino commence at 7.30 or 8 p.m. and are ov l'
n.t 10 01' 1J }J.m. With the name of the play for tho
cv ning lS always giveu the hour whou the pieoo will
�2[j 7
THE TOWN OF VICHY.
be over, so that those who do not wish to sit up late
can always choose a pie ce that ends early.
Boulevards.
Right and left of the railway station are fine boulevards, which form a circle round the town. To the
right tho Avenue Victoria, to the left the Boulevard
des Celestius. The Boulevard National unites the
Boulevards des Celestins and Victoria. Parallel with
and exterior to the Boulevard Victoria is the Boulevard de Ceinture by the side of the Sichon. The
Avonue de la Gare leads into the middle or the town,
passing by the side of the market, and ends in the
Rue de Nîmes, a street that runs l'ight thl'ough the
centre of the tOWll.
The Boulevard National forms the outer boundary
of tho New Park, and is flanked on eithel' side by
elegant villas. The Boulevard Victoria, ",hore nearest
to tho Boulevard National, has also many pretty villas,
but as it approaches the railway station it loses much
of its prottinoss.
La Vieille T07L?' or the TOtt1' de l' Hm'log e (Clock
'l'owor) is in tho oid town of Vichy, just ofi tho Placo
do la Mairie, and close to the Boulevard des Celestins.
It is the only historical monument to bo found in
Vichy. In olden times it formed part oI a castle built
by Louis II in tho fifteenth centul'y, and it ü; tho only
vestigo of the castle that remains. Tho name or
17
�258
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
Clock Tower" was given to it from the clock that
was placed on it. A good view is obtained from the
top of the town of Vichy, the New Park, and the valley
of the Allier. A sman gratuity is expected by the
custodian .
La Maison du BaiZliage, quite close to the tower in
the Rue Verrier, datos trom tl1e sixteenth century. It
was built in 1581 by the Gravier family, and aU that
now remains for tho antiquarian to admire lS the
entranco door and the beautif111 corkscrew staircase.
Le Pavillon Sévigné.-The house that Madame de
Sévigné occupied is situated within a cou plo . of
minutes' walk of the Maison du Bailliage, between the
Place de]a Mairie and the Boulovard des Celestins, and
has beon givon its prosent namo to porpetuato the fact
of Madame de Sévigné having lived thero. Very little
remains here of the fl1rnituro or accessories used by
this good lady. Ono or two pieces of old furniture
and LllO old chimney is all t]lat lS now to be shown.
As for the house itself, it presents but littlo to attract
the attontion .
Lc 01~V
e lt dcs Oelcstins.-ITardly any traces romain.
Part of 0110 of tllO wings ]1:1S boon convortod into fi,
bouso for tho gardoner aLtachod to tho Parc des
Celostins) and anothor part is nscd as a placo for presorving tho orange-troos. 'rho Conv nt has playoc1
such an important p::u't in tho hi sLory of Vichy that
thoso romains aro worth visiting.
Le Ohâtea1t d'Eau, situn.t d in the Placo du
'MLcau d'Eau (by tho Huo Lo îmos), is tho name
«
�'rITE TOWN OF VICITY.
259
given to a fountain built in the sixteenth century. It
is massive and heavy, but presents no artistic beauty .
.A. walk through the old town is not without interest, for although so very little of what is historic
remains to be se en , the old houses and irregular streets
havo a cortain charm .
Chtwches.
Saint Blaise.-Is in the old town, and was the only
Catholic church in Vichy before tho building of the
new Catholic cl1Urch of Saint Louis. It is sm an, dark,
and presents no architectural boauties. Lately it
has been pal'tially restored.
Eglise St. LOt~is.-In
the middle of the Rue de Nîmes
was commenced in 1861 and was a gift of Napoleon
III to tho town. Owing to tho l'apid incl'easo of the
population, and the greator numbor of stl'angors that
yoar by year flocked to this watoring station, the church
accommodation had become inadequate. It is a striklOg building, constl'ucted in the Roman style, but
appears to be TIluch wa.nting in many points of architectura. It is dividod into thr e naves, and is scventoon
yar ls wia. Its two towers s l'Ve as a landmark when
at some disLance from the tewn.
E'I1gZish P1'olcstctnt Cltttr·ch.-Is siLun,tod in the Market Place. Very simple in construcLion, devoül of a11
beauty. Inside, the usual pows are replacod by chairs.
The Colonial and Continental 'hurch Society seucls an
English mini tel' here aurina·
the seaSOil J but there iB
b
�260
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICIIY.
no regular clergyman attached to it, and it frequently
happens that there is no service for want of a minister.
The English services are at 11.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.
The Sacrament is administered every Sunday after
morning service. In the afternoon there is a French
Protestant service.
Synagogue.-For persons of the Jewish persuasion,
on the Boulevard de l'Hôtel de Ville, in the Hôtel des
Colonies. Service on Friday at 7 p.m. and on Saturday at 8 a.m.
Ohapelle de l' Hôpital.-Place Rosalie .
Ohapelle des Fmnciscaines.-Rue de la Chaume.
Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) .-Facing the Place de
l'Hôtel de Ville, close to the New Park and Casino.
A most unpretending building, without any attempt
at ornamentation. Here the « civil marriages" are
celebrated. It contains a public library and council
chamber.
At one side oI' the building is tho office of the Comroissal'y of Police.
Pont de l'Allim·.-A handsome bridge crosses the
Allier. The former bridges had frequently been swept
aW:1y by the force of the stream when the river was in
flood. After an accident of this !cind on the 27th of
Sep tomber, 1806, a temporary bridge was constructed
and the foundation of the present bridge laid in 1868.
This was iinished and oponed to the public on the 20th
May, 1870.
From the bridgo one admires the fino quay, 1000
matres long and 5 yards high, in tho forro of a haH
�THE TOWN OF VICHY.
261
circle, which was constructed to pre vent the frequent
inundations that this capricious river used to give
rise to .
Hôpital Civil.-Place de Rosalie or de l'Hôpital,
near to the spring of the same name.
The Civil Hospital was founded in the seventeenth
century. Since its foundation it has been considerably enlarged, and is now composed of three distinct
parts : 1, civil hospital j 2, home j 3, thormal hospital.
1. Tho civil hospital, which romains open the whole
year, is dosigned for the pOOl' and indigent people
inhabiting the sixte en parishes round Vichy.
2. The home (hospice) affords shelter to twenty-six
old pers ons and fifty-six childl'en of both sexes bolonging to tho same parishes.
3. The thermal hospital is only opened during the
soason, from May 15th to Soptember 30th, during
which time it places oighty bods at the disposaI of
pOOl' invalids living in tho various Dopartments. To
obtain admission it is necessary that tho invalid proCure a certificate from the prefect of his Department
cortifying to his indigence and setting forth the nature
of his malady. TIo then obtains a bed when there is
a vacancy.
'fhe hospital has two doctors attachod to it, a senior
and a junior.
rrho hospital comprises a chapol, largely frequontcd
by the bathol'S, at which a servico commences at
5 a.m. j and also a gratuitous school for girls under
the diroction of the Sistors of ~ t. Vincont-do-Paul.
�262
TUE MINERAL wA.'rERS OF VICHY .
Milita7'Y Hospital.-Is in close pro:rimity to the
thermal establishment) at the corner of the Rue Lucas
and Rue de Ballore) in front of the Lucas Spl'ing)
which supplies it in part. It was constl'Ucted in
1847.
The hospital is divided into two principal buildings)
one for the officers and one for the rank and file. The
officers have 120 rooms at theil' disposaI) the soldiers
60 l'ooms.
Besides several rooms for the needs of the service
there is a complete hydropathic establishment, with
baths) douches) &c. 'l'he bospital only receives patients
from May lst to September 30th. The treatment
lasts thirty dRlys, so that five series of patients are
l'eceived during the season, thus permitting or GOO
officers and 300 mon undergoing treatment during the
course of the year.
A ho ad physician hus chargo of the entire hospital ;
he is seconded by other military doctors.
A largo barracks with gardon is attached to the
hospital, and botb officers and men havo comforts that
aro mre1y to bo mot with in military hospitals.
Le View:u Pa7·c.-Tho Old Park, or, as it is more
usually caUed, 'l'he Pa7'7c, is a promenade bonndod on
two sidos by tho first-class Thermal BatLing JDstablishmont and tho ORiSiIlO; On the thol' si clos by tho Rue clu
Parc ancl tho Ruo Ounin-Gridaine.
'J1his is the promonado pal' excellence of Vichy. A
contraI alloy rounites the Oasino r:Lncl Thermal 1JJstublishmont. It is liberally supplieù with bonches aud
�'l'HE TOWN OF VICHY.
263
chairs, and its magnificent chestnut trees, planted in
1861, offer abundant shelter from tho sun on a bright
elay. In the evening it is i11uminated by gas lamps
which are scattered a11 over the park.
Besides the Oasino and Thermal Establishmont,
which wo clescl'ibo elsewhere, the park includes: a
restaurant, situated at the side of the Oasino, caUeel
tho cc Restauration /' a large space devoted to concerts,
with two kiosques fol' the band, and a number of other
kiosques fol' the sale or difforent articles, tho principal
ones being those for the sale of artistic porcelain;
the Rotonde fol' the salo of tho Vichy salts :mel other
proelucts or the Vichy Thermal Establishmont; a
kiosque fol' the sale of ladies' fancy work, besides less
important on es where one can pm'chase flowel's, nowspapers, jowel1ery, &c.
This promenade is cl'owded in the early mOl'Uing
wh on the bathors aro aU out to drink tho prescribod
waters, and to walk ~bout
or sit and listen 1,0 the
mOl'lling concerts in tho intorvals betweon visiting the
springs. In the early mOl'ning' but little attention is
lJaid to dross; at 10 o'clock, the nsual breakfast hour,
1110st of the people retUl'n to thoir hotels, and tho park
is more 01' loss dosol'tod until 2 p.m.
]}rom 2 o'clock in tho aftornoon until 5 o'clock
(dinner hour) it onco lUoro becomos vory animated.
The afternoon concort bsts from haH-past two until
half-past four, and during th so hours arc to bo seen
the most brilliant tLUd exponsivo toileLs. Dl'inking is
continuod d.ul'ing this tilllO, and the park once more
�264
THE M1NERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
bec:omes nearly deserted as the dinner hour aproches~
to be again frequented in the eveniug by strollers.
The chairs in the park are free for the subscribers
to the Casino j for others a charge of 10 c. is made .
The streets fOl'ming the limits of the park aro
almost entirely taken up by hotels . These are the
dearest hotols in the town} but thoy are aU fil'st class}
and largely frequented by the English.
Pare.-The New Park, sa caUed to
Le Notwea~
distinguish it from the Old Park of more ancient
creation, is of far greater dimensions than the Old
Park} and in many respocts much more agroeable}
more particularly for those who have no great de siro
ta see or show off brilliant toilets.
rrhis park stretches fol' sorne distance along tbo
banks of the Allior ta tho l'ight and left of the bridge}
on tho sarno bank of the river, and being comprised
hetweon this bank and tho Boul vards National and
des Colestins.
It is laid out somowhat on the plan or an English
gard n; numerouS shady alleys) green lawns) and
flow l' beds making it a rnuch cooler and more 1'0Iroshing place ta sauntor in than tho Old Park. Thel'
is no Jack f scats, and 101' tho so who pl'efol" quiot to
turmoil and noise it is aU that could be wisllod ror.
'l'hat part of tho park limitod by tho Boulovard dos
Celestins is tho ma st Irequ nteù becauso of its proximity ta the Oelestins springs.
IL ls ta apoleon III that the town owos this park~
101' it was he who orùercù the n ecessary works te.
�THE TOWN OF VICHY .
265
redeem this land from the frequent inundation of the
river, and who, after having had the magnificent quay
constructed, gave directions for the planting of the
trees and the laying out of this park.
In the park is a piece of ornamental water, crossed
by a rustic bridge, the ":Étang aux Cygnes," a
({ cottage," Punch and Judy show, &c.
Parc La?·dy.-Almost touching the New Park, at
the j unction of the Boulevards National and cles
Celestins. It is frequentocl by those who are orderecl
to drink the Lardy Spring waters .
The park 1s small but prettily laid out. On the
left, near the eutrance, is a shop for the sale of pastilles,
&c., and a buvette supplied by the Source Lardy.
An establishment of baths is comprised in the park,
with an accessoryof douches, &c. There are thirty
baths roI' ladies and thirty fol' gentlemen, also a special
service for sulphul'oUS baths.
Pa?·c des Oelestins.-Contiguous to the Lardy Park,
but cljfferin g considerabJy by the manuel' in which
the grounds are laid out.
It also comprises a hydropathic establishment and
three buvettes, supphed by the Lhree Celestins springs,
aIl of which riae from the same rock, which support
what remains or the ancient CeJestins Monastory-a
half-l'uined, tumble-down old house.
We will finish this chaptor by noticing a few of tho
other therapeutic establishmonts to bo found in the
town.
Etaùlissemont IIyd1·othérapique of D? .. Lejewto, Rue de
�266
'l'UE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF VICHY .
l'Établissement, hot and cold baths, douches, showerbaths, &c. The two rollowing are or the same
nature.
Établissement Hyd7'othé7'apiqtU3 01 Dr. Ve7'sépuy and
or D7·. L~gane,
tho first in the Hue de Ballore, the
second in the Hue Sornin.
ÉtcLblisse?nent M ediccû Thm'mo-ResinetulJ, under the
direction oE Dr. C. de la Salzède, Boulevard des
Celestins.
Le Ia1nm?7~
(Turkish bath).-Hue Bumol. Besides the regular Turkish bath, both mineraI and
fI' sb-water baths are to b had here, as well as
diff rent medicated baths, such as sulphuI', star ch,
and gelatine baths, also vapour baths. 'l'here is a
special installo.tion 101' olectric bath s, inhalations or
oxygen, &c.
8alon de Vichy .-At the commencoment or tho
season or 1886 a picturo gaUery was opened undor the
auspices of the Thermal Company in the old Salon or
the Company, abovo the baths or the fil'st-class
establishment. The pictul'es exhibited are aU modern,
many 01 thorn 01 great al'Listic beauty) and signed by
woll-known arLists.
rChis exhibition prov d such a succoss that it has
boou decided to l'onow it annually.
Admission 1 f. On Sundays, 'l'hul'sdays, and leasLÙtLyS 50 c.
Banlrs.-Bl'anch ofIico o[ th Sociét6 Généralo, Ru
Cunin-Gl'idaine. Banquo do Vichy, Colombier oL
PétillaL, l)laco de l' JlôpiLal.
�'l'HE 'l'OWN OF VICHY .
267
Eden Théat?·e.-Oonstructed in 1882 . In rront or
the military hospital in the Rue Lucas.
It is sornewhat of the music-hall class. Refl'eshmenLs are served in the garden, or in Lhe car .
'rhe thcatre is ellipticai in form and prottily decorated, and can seat 800 persons. The entertainment is
fairly good.
Cm'cle Intemalionale.-This club is situated at the
corner of the Rue Sornin. It has a handsome balll'oom and gives a ball about once a weck.
Races.-The raccs take place about the 4th or 5th
of August. They last for thl'ee days. The racecourse is quite close to Vichy. Priees for the Grand
The othel' i1·ibunes are 10 Land 5 f.
l 'tand 20 f.
Admission to the ground, 1 f.
The value or the prizos ranges from 10,000 L to
J000 f., and the conditions upon which horses Ul'e
ontcred for the races are the sarno as those existing on
most Ji'rench racecoul'Sos.
�268
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
CHAPTER nI.
A.
TITE THERMAL ES1'ABLISHMEN'l' OF VICITY.
FÙ'st-class Baths.
DR. LUCAS was the founder of the first class bath
establishment in 182 0. The establishment now consists or two prin cil al buildings and the Rosalie or
nôpital Baths.
Tho I1l'incipal building} in the form of a parallelogram} lS 57 metres long by 76 motres wide. It is
devoid of aU architectural ornament. Thl'ough the
centro l'uns a gallery j the gentlom n}s baths are in
the wosL gallory and tbo ladies' baths in tho east
gallory. AIl tbo batbs in tbis building aro first class.
Tbese baths are suppliod by mineraI 01' soft wators
as the baLher may desiro. The minoraI springs which
supply them are: La Grande Grille} which gives a
debit of 98}000 litr s pel' 24 hours, and has a temp raturo of ,1-2 0 C. j SOUl'CO Mosdam s} 150 C. j PuiLs
Cham 1} dobit 200}000 litros, tempcraturo 4,40 C. j and
Pllits 'arr', dobit 252,000 littos, temporature 450 C.
This last is the Wal'ID sL minoraI spl'ing thaL Viclly
�'l'HERMAL ES'rABLISHMENTS.
2ô9
possesses, We content oUl'selves with the nomenclature
of these springs, having already described them in
another chapter, and will only add that a buvette is
attached to each one, the source of the Grand Grille
being at one extremity of the northern galleryand
Mesdames at the other. The buvette of the Puits
Chomel is between that of La Grand Grille and
Mesdames.
The fil'st-class establishment comprises 100 baths.
The bath-rooms are luxuriously fitted up, and offer
overy comfort; there are thl'ee taps in connection
with each bath, according as one may l'equire a mineraI
or ordinary bath. Both on the ladies' side and the
gentlemen's side there is what may be termed a « bain
de luxe." That on the gentlemen's side censists of
one or two rooms, dressing-room, lounge, &c., and
was built originally for Napoleon III. It has a
separate entrance, and surpasses everything for elegance and comfort that can be imagined for a bathl'oom. On the ladies' side it is somewhat less sumptuous, and was built aftel' apoleon III's bath-room,
so that the ladies desirous of a " bain de luxe" might
not be worse off than tho g ntlemen. The tariff of
the baths will be found further on, but fol' these two
exceptional baths the price is 5 f. each.
Both on the ladies' and g ntlemen's si de are two
douching l'ooms, fitted up with evel'y modern appal'atus, lance jet, shower bath, &c.
Thel'e are anne:x.ed to these baLhs side rooms for
certain special treatruents, i. e. washing of the stomach,
�270
'l'liE MINE
J ~AL
WATERS OF VICHY .
douches for the ears, nose, &c. Each séance costs one
franc.
No piscines exist on the gentlemen's side, which is
a, great want; on the ladies' side there are two.
At the southem end of the gallery there is a room
fitted up for the inhaling of carbonic acid gas, and at
the extremity of the northern gallery a like room for
the inhalation of oxygen.
The second and third-class baths are situated in
close proximity to the first -class baths. The entrance
:is by the Place des Thermes through a small garden.
rc'hese baths are in every rospect identical with
tbo first-clas as far as the minoraI waters, douches,
&c., are concerned, but they differ in that the fittings
aro loss elogant, and in the third-class the bath lin en
:is reducod to a minimum .
1
econcl and Thi?'(l-class Baths .
'fhoro arc 180 second-class baths, and 24 thirdclass. They are distributed in the same mannCr as
thoso in tho {irst-class establishment; tho ladies' baths
al' on one side and the gont1 mon's baths on tllO
oth r sido or tho gallel'Y·
Ono fcatul' which wo havo noted with pleasul'o is
tho thorongh cleanliness in V l'y part or the stablishl11 nL. ln this rospoct, at any rato, th thil'd
clnss 0.1'0 as w 11 off as the first.
�'l'HERMAJ. ES'l'ABLISllllIENTS .
271
Bains de l' Hûpital.
'r he Company has another building in the Place
Rosalie; its popnlar name is Bai DS de l'Hôpital. It is,
perhaps, the most frequented of all the baths, and is
certainly the most coquettishly got up, for although
the appliances and an the etceteras in each room are
the same as thoso found in the first-class establishment, the fact of their having been fitted up and
freshly decorated in 1875 gives them a much smarter
appcarance.
There are thirty-four baths her(', and a very fine
piscine, the only one reserved for tho ladies.
The number of baths given ùaily is about 3500
d Ul·iug the season .
In very one of these establishments is a small
room for the" dOLlclle asc ndantc," oE wlrich we have
already haù occasion to speak.
'J'he bathor has to apply to tho office at tho entrance
of the central gal1ery For h18 ticket, and to got his
namo in8cribed. lie will then be put in a series
accorùing as to what vacancics may ho loft opou, anù i t
is important thaL th bathor present himseH at the
stipulatod hour or ho rnns t110 l'isle of loslug his turu,
�272
THE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF VICHY.
and might possibly have ta defer his bath uutil the
next day.
Each persan is allowed one hour and a quarter for
the bath, dressing and undressing being included in
this tiwe j should he exceed this time he is charged
for a second bath.
During the height of the soason the series are as
follows:
lst sories
2nd
3rd "
"
4th
5th "
6th "
7th "
8th "
9th "
"
4.45 a.m.
6.15 a.m.
7.30 a.m.
8.45 a.m.
10.0 a.m.
11.15 a.m.
1.15 p.m.
2.30 p.rn .
3.45 p.m.
Theso sories are subject to COl' tain modifications
according to the requiroments of the servico, and one
or other of the sories cau be suppresscd if the uecds
of the sorvice render them unnecossary. The most
fl1voul'ite series are those comprised between the hours
01 G.1l> a.m. and 12 o'clock.
Tho soason commonces on May 15th and fini shes on
~ 'eptembel' 30th, but the bathil1g ostablishment remains
open the whole of the year.
'l'he priees arc as follows :
�27
l'HERMAL ES'1'ABLISHMEN1'.
Reserved bath or douche (luxe)
:Mi ll cral bath, 01' piscine
Mincrnl bath and douche
Fresh-water bath
Hip bnth
F oot bath
Vllpour bath or douche
Carbonic ucid bath or douche
General percussion douche
Lirnited or cold douches
Ascendillg douche
Vaginal douches
lot clnss,
5 f.
2m] class.
3rtl closs,
2'50
3'75
l '50
1
'50
3
1
2
1
1 f. 50 c.
2'75
1
'75
'30
60 c.
Thore is but one price fol' :
I nhalation of carbonic acid gas
oxygen
"
mineraI
waters .
J)
)J
)J
1'50
1
'50
0
~
60
60
30
50 c.
If.
1 f.
For extra linen the charges arc as follows :
'rowel
10 c.
Dressing gown .
15 c.
Shcet fol' covering the bottom of the
bath.
20 c.
Baths can be had at the house botween the hours of
5 a.m. and 6 p.m. The charges arc:
Fol' mineraI baths 3 f. Fol' ft-esh-water baths 2 f.
Bctwcen the hours of 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. thore is an
additional charge made of 2 f. pOl' bath.
Should any bather wish to add chcmicals to his bath
a charge or 1 f. is made as compensation fol' the
damage done to the bath.
18
�274
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
Shower baths are given du ring the whole working
time of the day. No series are required for these
baths.
Baths and Douches at Reduced P1·ices.
18t CIIlS8.
2nd cluss.
Douche and bath taken together . ..
3 .f. 50 c.
2 f. 25 c.
Douche or bath at the series
of 10 a.m., 11.15 a.m.,
and 1.15 p.m.
2 f.
... 1 f. 25 c.
It is usual for the bathers to give a gratuit y to the
attendant at the end of the treatment. rrbo money
thus collected is put into a money-box and divided
among those employed at the close of the thormal
soason.
Gmtuitous Baths.
The Company are bound to give gratuitous baths to a
certain class of persons dwolling in the Departments
of Allier-Loiro, Haute-Loire, Puy de D8me, &c. Tho
Company fixes tho hours for theso baths, which aro
givon betweon May 15th and J uno 15th, and August
15th and Soptember 15th.
�THERMAL ESTABLISHMENT.
275
][anufact01'Y of the 2'he1'1nal Establishment.
To visit this establishment it is sufficient to make a
l'eq uest at the office (Administration, northern gallery).
rrhe Oompany will immediately accord the desired
permission and designate one of their employés to
conduct the party over the premises .
.
No visitor to Vichy should leave without having
seen for himself how the natural salts are extracted
from the waters and how they in turn are incorporated
iuto pastilles, lozenges, barley sugar, chocolate, &c.
l 'eeing is believing, and no one, after having gone over
these preruises and seen the working of the different
apparatus, will be able to doubt the geuuiueness of the
salts, &c., sold under the name of (( Sels de Vichy."
W e will give a short sketch of what is to be seen.
These premises are situated opposite to the bathing
f'stablishment. Upon penetrating into the building
you are shown on the ground floor six large cisterns
placed in two parallellines. A steam engine works a
rump which day and llight pours volumes of water
lUtO them. This mineraI watel' is obtained from the
Grande Grille and Puits Carré, its normal temperatul'e
being 45° O. The cisterns communicate by means of
syphons, so that the salts held in suspeusion by the
wators may be the easi.er precipitated. The two superior reservolrs are the least heated, and it is here that
the insoluble salts and bicarbonate of calcium are
pl'ecipitated j the two following tanks bave a higher
�276
THE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
temperature and also leave deposits in the last two.
By a series of successive evaporations the mineraI water
is brought up to a density of 27° Baumé.
The entire evaporative process Iasts eight days. In
twenty-four honrs twelve cubic metres of water are
evaporated) and after eight days, of the 96,000 litres
of water operated npon, there remains but 3600 litres.
This water is next carried by pipes into underground
chambers and l'un into stone vats) where it crystallisos.
The crystallisation lasts four days. If the visitor puts
his hands into one of these vats he will find crystals
aU along the sides and on the surface, while deeper
down he will feellarge blocks of many pounds weight,
prismatic in form and having rough edges ; they might,
be compared to blocks of rough ice, only they have
not the same transparent appearance and are much
more brittle) being more like salt in colonr. The
water leaves an unpleasant soapy feeling to the hands.
Tho crystals are removed, placed on racks and submitted to a current of carbonic acid gas fOl' somo time.
Theso salts, obtained by natural crytallisation) are the
only onos employed in tho preparation of pastillos and
tho artificial waters.
Tho water remaining aLter the natural crystallisation lS still vory rich in salts and is ovaporatcd al'tificiaUy by hoat. Tho salts thus obtainod are infol'ior
in quality, not boing absolutely puro as in the first
case; they aro dried and exclusively nsed fol' baths.
'rhe fabrication of these salts is cal'l'ied on more
parLicLllal'ly in tho wintel', as the salts crystallise more
�THERMAL ESTABLISHMENT.
277
rreely in the cold weather, and during the season the
establishment has need or most or the water ror the
baths.
Artel' having visited this part or the establishment
the visitor is shown the place where the springs rise
rrom the soil, and receives certain explanations upon
the « captage" question. He will be shown and have
the meaning or a vast system or pipes conveying the
waters to and from different parts cxplained. The
rnost trying part or the whole visit is wh en ono
approaches the place where the Puits Chomel and the
Puits Carré intermingle their waters, the vapour
.arising !rom these waters, who se normal ternperature
is 45° C., being sim ply suffocating, and causing large
boads or perspiration to form on the race. N ear to this
place will be round threo onol'mous reservoirs, soventy
motres long, where the surplus of aU the mineraI
waters are storod, to be used in the soason fol' baths,
when, by reason or the great demand, the daily supply
hom tho springs would not sufficc without this reservo
ql1antity. Thore is always a certain surplus, however,
not utilised, which l'uns straight into the river Allier
bya systom or canals, which at the sarno time carrios
oIT tho wator that has boen employed in douches,
baths, &c. 'rhe store-l'ooms roI' drying tho salts, tho
bottling' of the waters, aro also to bo seOn hero, artel'
which the visitor regains the ground flool' and enters
.a l'oom whel'e the pastilles aro being pl'epared. Ho
wHl soo tho salts boing crushod, mix d with a corbain
proportion of sugar, l'oUed into a pasto by the adtlition
�278
THE MINERAL WA'l'ERS OF VICHY .
of tragacanth gum, cut into the well-known lozenge
forms by machinery, and stamped with the Company's
mark. The mixture is in the following proportions :33,800 gr. sugar, 1200 gr. salts, 300 gr. gum tragacanth.
From 140 to 150 kilos. of these pastilles are manufactured daily, and the annual production exceeds
55,000,000 kilos.
Some people flnd the Vichy lozenges very insipid,
and for them the manufactory has introduced certn.in
modifications in the preparation of the pastilles, such
as flavouring with peppermint, &c.
Barley sugar is prepared somewhat on the same
principle. It has to be kept in a dry place) howevol')
or it becomes of a white iloury colour. Chocolate
lozenges and cakes n.ro also prepared.
The only remaining thing to bo seon is tho l'oom in
which the difforont preparations are being put up into
packets fol' sale.
But that the visitor may havo a still better idea of
the vast proportious which ihis manufactol'y has obtainod we should advise llim to wind up his visit by
going to see the
Pcwlcing and Eœpo1·tation Depa1·tment.-The same
omploy6 will show him this building) which is situatod
closo Lo tho railway station on tho l'oad to Cusset.
TI r th bottles of mineraI wators and aU the di.ITel' nt
articl s manufactul'ed by the Company arc p:1Cketl.
'fhe cases Îor packing m'e manufactur d on tbe premis s. TIero the retl1rnec1 boLtlos aro wash d) &c.,
the th1'oO gl'oat operations porfol'IDed on tl1CSO pre-
�279
THE CASINO.
mises boing rinsing, putting the capsules upon the
bottles and gumming a notice on each, and packing.
The exportation exceeds 5,500,000 annually.
The entire production of salts during the last five
years has shown a steady increase. The Company has
favoured us with its official returns for this period
which we will give to the reader:
10,918 kilogrammes.
13,527
"
15,839
"
17,300
"
19,112
1881
1882
1883
1884
1885
"
Thus tho quantity has beon nearly doubled in these
last five years.
B.
TITE CASINO.
The Casino, a large, rectangular building, facing the
Thermal Establishment and situated at tho southern
extromityof the park, covors a surrace of 2500 metros.
It was built in 1865 by Mr. Badger, the Company's
architect.
It is one or tho principal builclings or the town, and
forros a pl asing contrast ta mauy liko establishments
by its elogance and comrort. 'l'ho architecture is llOt
cOllfinod to one style, but pal'Lakos largely or tho
Renaissance.
�280
'fHE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
The building has a small semicircular garden in
front, and lS separated from the Old Park by elegant
iron railings. It is composed of two pavilions, in
front of which is a verandah, where concerts are given
in the daytime shoula the weather be rainy, and evening
concerts three times a week. On both sides of these
pavilions are statues by Carrier-Belleuse, representing
the four seasons. On the south front is another allegorical group by Carrier-Belleuse, "The Nymph of
the Waters."
There are two entrances to the Casino; the one in
front of the Casino Kiosque is the handsomer of the
two, and has an elegant stone staircase. The second
entrance is on the other side, in front of the" Restauration."
These two entrances are united by a gallery, which
div ides the Casino into two parts. In this gallery is
the booking office for the theatre and the Vestiare.
N al' to the first entrance aro posbed up the latest
tolograms, quotatiol1s or the" H.ente," &c., and also the
playbills. A lotter-box is placed by tho side oE the
reading-room.
To the south 01 this corridor are to be found: l,
Tho billial'd-l'oom, (2) the theatro, and (3) the cardl'oom.
'l'he BilltiMd-1'oom lS twenty-soven metres long and
eight broad j in it aro four billiard tables, and ab an
hours of tho day play is going on.
The Oa1·d-room has tho same dimensions as the
billjard-room. It 1.S l'eservod for gentlemen, but that
�281
THE CASINO .
does not prevent the ladies frequenting it during the
cr entr'actes" of the theatre, not necessarily to take
part in the gambling, but as a promenade.
The Theal1'eis of rectangular for m, twenty-six metres
long by eighteen broad, and of a horseshoe form at the
entrance. It will hola 1200 spectators. Along the
sides are stalls. An the central part is composed of
one c1ass of places; the seats are aIl equally good,
and if those nearest to the stage be styled dress
cil'cle," those by the door pit," and the intel'vening
cc orchestra stalls," it is simply for convenience in
booking, as the prices are the same an over the
house. Wherever one may be seated ODe is most
comfortable, and by a clever arrangement in the
construction one sees and hears equally weIl in any
part of the house. StroDg pillars support a gallery
which gocs right round the theatre to either side
of the stage.
DUl'ing the season there is a performance overy
night. On Sunday, Tnesday, and Thul'sday it is generallyan opora; the other nights are devoted to comedy.
'l'ho variety in tho solection of the pie ces is very g reat,
and tho same pieco will rarely be perfol'mcd moro
than haH a dozen times in tho same season, unI ss by
special request. Of the quality of the performances
the public al'O the best judges, and during tho llCight
of tho season, July and .é1ug~st,
the theatl'e cannot
contain ail thoso who apply for places. About onco a
weok special castes como down from Paris.
On tho north side of tho galleryal'o to bo founel ;C(
C(
�282
'l'HE MINERAL WA'fERS OF VICHY .
lst, the ladies' drawing-room j 2nd, the concert-room j
3rd, the reading-l'oom.
Ladies' d'l'awing-?'oom presents the same breadth as
the billial'd- and card-room, but is not nearly so long,
only seventeen metres. The ladies have everything
here to while away time, a splendid pianoforte, newspapers, albums, &c. The room lS nice and airy, and
of a very cheerful aspect.
The Reading-?'oom has the sarne dimensions as the
ladies' drawing-room. Tables covered with newspapers in every language, Spanish, French, English,
German, &c. j in a word tho principal papers of every
couutry,-the (Times,' (Daily
ews,' (Telegraph,'
( tandard,' (.J ockey,' ( Journal des Débats,' (Le
~remps,'
(Le Figaro,' (La Libert6,' (La France,' (Le
Potit Journal,' ( La Paix,' &c.
Papers of every shade of politics can be l'ead here.
'rhe room is liberally supplied with writing matel'ials,
and many people appear to do a11 their correspondenco
thoro.
'l'ho Conce?'t-?'oom is a most sp.acious and tastofully
arrangeù l'oom. It is second to Lhe theatre as far as
its sizo is coucorned . nopons both on tho contraI
gallery anù the vOl'andah . It is usod for tho eveuing
concorts and for balls.
'J'ho 'asino orchestra givos two public concorts
ùaily, in tho morning from 8.30 Lo 9.30 a.m, in the
afternoon from 2.30 to 3.30 p.m., and throo evenings
in tho w ok uuùor the verandah aL 8 p.m.
'J'he asino opens on 15Lh May and closes on 15th
�'l'IlE CASINO .
283
October. The theatre opens on 15th May and closes
on 30th September.
Operas are only performed
between the 1st of June and 15th or September.
R egulations of the Casino and Theat?·e.
Art. l.-The Casino is open from the 15th of May
until the 1st of October) but the billiard-room is open
to the public until the 15th or October) on condition
of their paying a supplementary sum of 50 c. per day
or 5 f . for the fortnight.
Art. 2. The subscription to tho Casino or to the
thoatre is for one month. To become a subscriber it
is necessary to be introduced by somo respectable and
known person .
Art. 3. The subscription to tho Casino gives the
l'ight:
1. '1'0 free admission to the card-room) billiardroom) reading-room) ball-room) verandah)
and to the pri vate garden.
2. To admission to the bans and concerts given
in the ball-l'oom.
3. To t}1e gratuitous use of the chairs in tho
park) Celostins and other p1'omonades b longing to the Company.
Art. 4. Four timos a wook a ball or conCOl't is
given in tho concert-room of tho Casino) from 8 to 10
in the ovcning.
Art. 5. Onco a week t.he Company reserves to iL~clf
�284
'rBE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
the use of the ball-room and its dependencies. On
this day, due notice of which should be given fort yeight hours beforehand, the subscribers are not
entitled to admission. The Company will fix a special
price for admission.
Art. 6. The scale of prices is as follows :
Individual subscription
25 f.
For a child under 15 years of age
10 f.
Entrance for a day, ev en on ball or concert days 2 f.
Art. 7. From 7 a.m., subscribers have access to
the card-room, reading-room, concert-room, ladies'
drawing-room and billiard-room. Under no circumstances can these l'ooms be closed until at least a
quarter of an hour after the end or the evening performance. From the 15th SeptemboI' to the lst
October they will romain open until10.~
p.m.
Art. 8. It is forbidden to smoke in the reading-room,
the concert-l'oom, or undel' the verandah white a
concert is going on.
Art. 9. ln the r eading-room, the subscl'ibers will
nnd a suIDcient number of political and litel'ary
papors.
Art. 10. The authorised games are those which are
designated society games, such as piquet, ~carté,
impériale, douze points, whist, boston, bosique, backgammon, domino es, chess and billiarc1s.
Art. 1] . ~'ho
chargos are as follows.
Whist
Piqn t
5 f.
f.
�285
THE CASINO.
Écarté
Billiards) in the daytime) pel' hour
Bil1iards) in the evening) pel' hour
Dominoes) backgammon) chess)
the game
2 f.
1'50
2'50
1 f.
Art. 12. The changing of cards is obligatory every
hour.
Art. 13. The admission or subscription to the theatre
is distinct from the admission or subscription to the
Casino .
Art. 14.. Smoking is forbidden in the theatre.
Art. 15th. The prices are as follows on ordinary
days :.Admission with numberod stan
Box for four persons
lndividual subscription with numbered
staIl .
Admission to both thoatl'o and Casino
fol' ono day
lndividual subscription to both Casino
and theatro
Family subscription) including the husband aud his wife) or one of them
with a child
4 f.
16 f.
45 f.
5 f.
60 f.
100 f.
Art. 16. Special performances) that is to say) those
�286
'rHE :àUNEHAL WA'rERS OF VICllY .
in which the performers do not belong to the nsual
troupe, must be announced a couple of days in advance. Bills and programmes will indicate the priees
for these special performances .
The Oompany reserves to itself the right to use the
theatre once a week. On these days. which must be
announced forty-eight hours beforehand by bills fixing the priees, as a general :I;ule subscribers' tickets
cannat be used.
Membe?'s' Tickets.
Art. 17. Mem bers' tickets for the Casino are personal, and signed by the holder. They must be shown
whenevor asked by the Company's employés, and can
neither be lent, given away, nor sold.
Tho tickets fol' the theatro are :11so personal. The
holdOl's, however, have a right to dispose of thom to
respectable people, if they give notice to the Company
before 5 p.m., and payan additional 2 f. upon each
place. Should the ticket-holdor havo left Vichy withont having availed himself of this l'ule, the Comp:1ny
has a right to dispose or his placo aHer 5 p.m.
Should an expired ticket be used, or the ticket be
nsod by any other than tho lawful ownor, or oxcept in
accordance with abovo l'ule, the holder will have to
pay his place at tho priees fixed by Art. 6 and Art.
15, and the ticket will be taken from him, the Company
�'l'HE CA!:iINO.
287
reserving to itself the right to prosecute the offendiug
party.
Art. 18. The saloons in the Cal.lino and the theatl'e
should be closed at 11 p.m., or at latest, at midnight.
The tourist who is only stopping tweuty-four hours
at Vichy can participate in aU the advantages accorded
ta a mem ber (the days of special performances excepted) on a payment of 5 f.
Charges J01' Ga1'riage d1·ives.
From 6 o'clock in the morning until midnight, a
one horse carriage, the course If. 25c., the hour
2f. 25c. A two. horse carriage, the course 2f., tho
hour 3f.
Prom midnight until G o'clock a.m., a one hOl'se
carriage 2f. the course, 3f. the hour. A two horse
calTiage 2f. 60c. the course, 3f. 50c. the hour.
To or from the station, with or without luggage, to
an hotel, or from the hotel ta the station, from G a.m.
until midnight, If. 50c. for a one horse carriage, and
2f. 50c. for a two h01'se carriage.
For this fare travellers are conveyed from the station
until they can obtain a lodging.
Ousset.
Ono hor8e carriage, the course H. 60c., the hour
2f. 50c. Two horse carriage, tho course 2f. 50c., the
hour 3f. 50c.
�288
THE MINERAL W A'l'ERS OF VICHY .
The course for Vichy and Ousset is the distance
compriscd between the starting point and the end of
the journey, and the return journey is not included in
these priees.
Oarriago drives outsido of Vichy without any
definite point in view are charged 3f. Îor the first
hour and 2f. Îor the Îollowing hours, for a one horse
carriage j the haH day 9f., the whole day 18f. Fol' a
two hor5e carriage, 4f. the first hour, and 3f. aÏterwards j the haH day 12f. 50c., the whole day 25f. The
day is fixed at twelve hours, during which time two
hours must be allowed for resting the horses.
D7'i'Ues beyond Vichy .
1 horsc. 211orecs.
Oharmeil
Oô te t. Amand .
Oôto St. Amand (return by Ousset)
Hauterive
Los Malavaux
La Montagne-Verte
St. Rémy
L'Ardoisiel'o
Oogn at--Bois-de-l' Eau
Busset (return by route ationalo
No. JOG)
Bu sset (roturn by L'Ardoi sière) .
hatoWon
Maulmont (l'eturn by route ationale
No. lOG)
7 f.
7 f.
8L
7f.
7 Î.
7 f.
7î.
8 f.
12 Î
10 f.
10 f.
12 f.
10 Î.
10 f.
10 L
10 f.
12 f.
J5f.
15 Î.
16 Î.
15 Î.
20 f.
22 r.
20 f.
15 f.
20 f.
�2SU
DRIVES DEYOND VICHY.
l horFc. 2 hfJrscs.
Gannat
Randan (By Bois Randenez
Randan (return by Maulmont)
, t. Germain-des-.I!'ossés
Billy
Effiat .
Ruins of Mont Gilbert
Grotto of St. Martin
't. Yorre
15 f.
15 f.
18 f .
7 f.
12 f.
18 f.
30 f.
30 f.
8 f.
20
20
24
10
1G
24
40
40
12
'l'he l'clum journey is eompl'ised in thpse priees.
19
f.
f.
f.
f.
f.
f.
f.
f.
f.
�290
WATERS
THE ~INERAL
O~'
VICHY.
CIl APTER IV.
PROMENADES IN
'l'nE
ENVlIWNS
O~'
VICllY.
Montagne Verte.
'l'HE MONTAGNE VER'l'E is one of the most frequented
promenades in tho environs or Vichy} and is well
worthy of a visit. lt is situated wiLhin about three
kilometres of the town} and althe ugh the grenter part
or the way it is u]) 1lill} the ascellt is graduaI and casy.
You quit the town by the Ruo de Balloroj alter afew
minutes} walk you pass on your 1eft a hydropathic
estnbli!:!hment} and then cross the River Sichon by a
stone bridge} which is abso llltely êlovoid or artistic
mûrit. .From this point ontil y011 come within a few
h11Itc1l"ed yards of the MonLagno Verte} the road offel's
but little protection frOUl the sun . You pass through
Pinnsson} turn down a sheltered rOfLd} and reach in /1,
fcw minutes a similar hamlot} tho 'lin,umo Guinard j
another sma1l road} and you tUO at the Montagne
Verte.
Hero you flnd an establishment} a kind of rostaurant}
n<lmittanco towhich is 1 II·uue. You ontera gl1rùen in
\\'hich 111"0 a variety of games) wiLh plcnty of bosquets
�PROMENADES IN 'l'HE ENVIRONS .
291
and bench~s.
At the end of the garden is the
restaurant, where one can breakfast or dine according
to the time of the day one makes the excursion . To
the l"ight of the l"estaurant is a tower from which, with
the aid of a telescope, one obtains a magnificent
view of the surl'ounding country. The names of the
different places thus seen we will give by copying the
nctice at the entrance ta the garden :
"Le grand panorama de la Montagne Verte' se
compose de la chaine de Forez du Mont Dore, des
Montagnes neigeuses du Puy de Dôme des Géants
d'Auvergne, des Monts de la Creuse, de St. Léon, et
ÙEI St. Martin Destréaux.
Du Belvedère, par 10
moyen d'un' telescope d'une force extraordinaire, la
vue embrasse de plus de' 40 lieues et permet de voir
une foule do details tels que les Chateaux de Randan,
Bourbon, Busset, Nades,Veauce, la Fauconniére>
Moulins et la Cathédrale dé Bourges, &c."
1'UI!:
VESSE INTERMI'l'i' ).I,N'l' SPRING.
1'his spring is onlya fow hundred yards beyond tho
Vichy Bridge, on the left-hand side of the roud. You
have but to crosS the briclge , and follow Lhe road in
front of you until you come ta a amaU building on the
leIt-haud side, which has written upou it "Source
Intermittente de Vesse." 'l'he admittance i8 50 c.
whon the spring is bl1rsting forth, anù 2fJ c. whon lt
is DoL in action.
�292
THE MINERAL WA'I'ERS OF VICHY.
This is one of the most curious phenomena to be
seen neal' Vichy, and amply repays a visit. Before
the year 1870 the intermittence was regular, and took
place about once every hour, but in 1870 the pipe
which gave exit to the water burst, and was replaced
by a fresh pipe having a larger diametel' (teu ceutimetres). Since that time the eruptiou has beeu
irregular, and takes place about once every six hours.
The hours at which the spring cau be seen spurting
out are posted up dailyat the Thermal Establishment,
the person in charge of the spring calculating aftar
cach eruption when the next is Iikely to take place,
his data being the atmospheric pressure, the temperature, and other meteorological conditions.
The spring is situated in a small garden, and rises
in the centre of a stono basin, around which are placed
l1 number of benches fOL' the use of visitors.
Previously the water was allowed to faH upon the ground,
which made the place resemblo a swamp, but now tbat
the water falls juto a basin and that trees are plauted
aH around the rise aud fall of the spring cau be
watched without any discomfort.
Wh eu the hour for the outflow approaches, the
man in charge follows the IOovomont of a float which
is let down into the pipe, and which risos as the watel'
in tho tube rises. Wh en the fIont is near to the top
of the tube he withdraws it. lu a few minutes the
water is seen to dribble over the side of the pipe, anù
nt the same time a considerable quantity of gas is
discngaged; this stage lasts sorne ten minutes, thon
�203
PIWMENADES IN 'l'Hl!.l l!.lNVIIWNS .
a SpUl't upwards takes place) followed by other spurts,
each acquiring a higher elevation, until the jet attains
some fi ve 01' six yards in height. It is now steaming
and or a snowy white nppearance, in consequence of
the large quantity or gas it contains) and emits a
stI'ong sulphurous smoll. It is somewhat rostrained
and prevented from wetting the people around by a
kind of iron cupola fixed over the top of the basin .
Aftor about five minutes it has attained its maximum
height and rapidly fa1ls; in another twenty minutes it
has descended once more into the pipe) and not a
ûngle drop flows outside. This intermittent spring
has been comparod to the geysel's of Iceland, and it
certainly does present a certain similarity.
This watel' has no medicinal uso, and is only drunk,
01' rathol' tasted, by tbe visitors out or cl1l'iosity.
It
hus a very strong sulphurous tasto and smell, and few
pooplo cal'e to do more than morely sip it. It is estimatcd that at cach oruption it gives out somo 6000 or
7000 litres of water. 'rho tempcrature is somewhoro
about 30 0 C. Tho analysis offers but little interest, as
this spl'ing is in no way utilisoc1, and if wc givo it it
i8 simply to compare it with the other Vichy spl·ings.
P1'oportions of the va1·iou8 p1'inciples ccntctÏned in one
litre.
elu'bonÎo neid
ulphuric ncid
Phosphorlc ncid
Arsenic IIcid
4'831
0'137
0'025
0'001
�29/1·
'l'BE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
Boric Rcid
Chlorhydric Rcid
Silice
Protoxide of iron .
of mangancsc
Lime
Strontia
Mugnesill
Potnsh .
Soda
Bitumiuous IUl1ttCrs
'l'otul
traces .
0'318
0'041
0'022
traces.
0'265
0'003
0'122
0'115
1'912
trace',
7'335
CUSSli1'.
Cussot is three kilometl'es hom Vichy. The roud by
which you quit the town is to tho left of the railway
station as you stand at the ond of the Rue do Pal'is,
facing the station. A level crossing over tho railway
being passed, you bave tho exportat.ion dopartment of
tbe Vichy Wator Company to your left, and a few
yards furthor on you pass the Wallon Printing Establishment on your right.
You continu skaight on, and aro almost immodiately in tho "Alléo des Mes hmes," so named in
momory of Mesdamos Adélaic1c and Victoire of Franco,
who planted tho tI'ces which lino it in 1785, a nicol y
shelterod av nuo which will] nd you direct to usset.
Tho Rivor ichon is to your 10ft, but it is not hcre that
it is seen at its bost. About midway between Vichy
and Cussot you pass the gaswol'ks.
�l'HOMENADES IN 'l'HE ENVIRONS.
295
To enter Cusset you have to cross a bridge over the
Sichon.
You have then the thermal and hydropathic estab1ishment of Ste. Marie on your left. As this establishment is much frequented we will give a few
details concerning it.
This establishment is supplied by two springs: (1)
Ste. Marie and Elisabeth, two of the richest and
coldest mineraI springs that the environs of Vichy
possess. We give theil' analysis in another part of this
volume. There are thirty baths for ladies and gentlemen, and a very complete douching establishment
with aU the latest improvements in the way of appantLus. A H piscine," with running water, six metres
ùy five, is agreeably arranged and much frequented.
The establishment is surrounc1ed by a garden, in
which are seell the two buvettes attached to the
springs, anù also a smaH kiosque fol' the sale of the
pastilles, &c., which are manufadured from the salts
contained in these waters.
Aftel' having visited this establishment you continue
in a straight lino, passing by the Place de l'Hôtel de
Ville. YOLl will tllen perceive anether spring, tho
Boutce Tracy, and should you wish to drink at it will
have to descend sorne fiftoen steps .
Thore are two oth r springs, tho ource St. Jean,
tho slaughter-house, and a Source as yet unnamed
in the 'ours Lafayette, bu t these arc hardly worth
visiLing.
A l'l1mblo over tho town offers a certa.in amount
�206
'JnE MINERAI, WA'l'EUS OF VICny .
of interest, on account of its old and picturesquc
hou ses ,
Cusset is much frequented during the Vichy season,
when it forms almost an annexe of the town, as many
people lodge there who have been unable to flnd the
accommodation they expected in Vichy, Its normal
population, out of the season, is about 6500.
There are gl'eat facilities of communication between
the two towns, numerous cars running every few
minutes. They stal't from the Place des Quatre
Chemins, fare 20 c. A tramway leaves the thermal
establishment in front of the Gl'ande Grille eve]'y
thirty-flve minutes. It commences running at 4.30
n.m . and ceases at 7.4:0 p.m. Bathers for tho Ste.
Marie l!}stnblishment can uso it free of charge to the
bathing establishment. .A. special tram l'uns in coul1ection with the theatre and Casino, ten minutes after
the performance is ovel'. 'l'ho fare for this special
Rervice is 50 c. pel' passcnger.
From Cusset ü is an asy walk to Malavaux, which
wo shallnow describe. 'l'ho Puy <10 la Oarde, Châteaux
de Vernot and of Viermeux, Chassignolles villago, and
the hateau of Champagnat, are in tho vicinity and
worth a visit.
M.ALAVAUX .
Malavaux is three kilometr fi from Cusset and consequentIy seven kilemetl'es from Vichy. One can tako
tho Ll'am to Cusset 01' continuo tho promenade alter
having visitod Cusset.
�PROMENADES l N 'l'HE ENVIRONS .
2ü7
From the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, near the Tracy
Spr'ing, you reach the Place de la République, which is
a continuation of the preceding Place. Arrived at the
end of the Place de la République you turn ta the le ft
and take the Rue du Faubourg St. Antoine. After
having walked for about one kilometre you camo ta a
smallriver, which l'uns at right angles ta the road, and
over which a bridge is thl'own. This is the River
J olan. You turn abruptly ta the right without crossing
the bridge j a signpost tells you that you are two kilometres from Malavaux. You follow the banks of the
Jolan, which flows on your left, for about another
kilometl'e, when the river crosses the road, and you
have to pass ovel' 11 wooden bridge wbich bl'ings the
l'ive l' on your right hand. After about another ten
minutes' walk the river crosses the road agl1in, and
you bave ta pass over a second wooden bridge, the
rivol' being thus placed once more ta your left. ln
five minutes more you are at Malavaux.
The derivation of Mall1vaux is from the Latin words
maladicta vallis," i . c. eursed valloy. 'rhe term is
hardly appropriate, however, fol' that part of the walk
compl'ised between the fil'st bt'idge and Malavaux
prosents many very pt'etty greon spots. Tho way
along tho J olan is tbI'ough a nal'l'OW valley j on the
rigl1t hand si de and fol' about tho first milo the bank
is green and fresh, and the wholo way along aro ta be
Seon forns and many wild flowers, sueh as digitalis and
forget-mo-nots, in abundaneo. It is only after about
twenty minutos' walk that the country on your left
t(
�298
'l'Tm MINERAL W.A.l'EHS 01>' VICIIY .
becomes really rugged and wild looking, but even then
tho scenery l1as something faseinating about it from
its very wildness. The river, whioh as you first turned
to the left had but the appearance of ~L brook, gl'OWS
wider and the str'eam more rapid as you proceed j you
will notice many miniature waterfall s, the bed or the
river becomes more and more rocky, and finally, by the
time you arrive at Malavaux, you have "omething very
mueh like a good Scotch burn before you.
The Malavaux: is the name given to the Café
Restaurant, and it is to the proprietol' of the rostaurant
that one has to apply for permission to visit the difterent objeets of interest in the vicinity. 'l'his permission
is graeiously aceorded upon the production of one franc,
or, as a notice informs one, is gratuitous if you tako a
breakfast or dinner there. 'l'he pI'iee for the first is
3 f, 50 e. and of the second 4 f. 50 e. Wino is not
included in these priees. Tho meal generally eonsists of
tl'out, crayfish, ehieken, or steak, and a dessert. 'l'hey
are wen propared, but quite snfficiently paid for. H
one intends to take a moal, it is as weIl to see whatis
to be seen whilo it is boing pl'epared.
You will see on a sign board, Rilines du ChtLteau
de Jvfontélal' de l'ordre des Tellll)liers, le plateau do la
()Olll'onne avec son muséo al'ch ~o l og iqno.
If. d'ontréo.
G l'lttuité si on pronel un l'opas."
A guido Lakes you by a 1110st steep nml tl'ylng
mount (for aSLhmatic people), to the romains of the
con vent, which is l'enched arte l' a ten minutes' clirnb.
lio show s you some of tho romains oE Lho foundation
(1
�ruoMINADK8 IN THE ENVIRONS ,
299
of the building where the chapel stood, points out
what in olden times served as tombs for the Templars,
who, in parantheses let it be said, acquired fol' themsolves great reputation by l'eason of their pillaging
forays; and he will tell you that quite recently sorne
more old femurs, tibias, and perhaps a tooth or two
have been found , 'l'his information having beeu
given, and a fe\v minutes accorded to you to digest it
properly, he will suddenly calI your attention to the
wonderful view to be obtained fl'oru the Plateau de la
Couronne, and will point out to you, in the distance,
the Montagne Verte, Bois de Randan, Montagne
d'Au vergne, Montagne du Forez, &c, 'l'he next sight
is the Musée Archéologique, Hero are a few remains
(said to bolong to these Good Templal's), snch as
SOme of tho long bones and ribs, but what the
guide shows with g l'eatest gusto is cc an ontiI'e
skoleton," anù ho begs you to rOfUn.rk that aU the toeLh
:1.1'0 comploto.
An old marmite (iron kottlo) is a1so to
bo seeu, and itis a fact to be noted that theso k ttles
aro nev r absent fl'om collections of this kind.
Yon arc next shown the cc The Dovil's W cil" (Puits
du Diablo), said to have beon dug by tho 'r ll1plnrs in
tho soal'ch fol' tho treasul'O thoy novor fountl. l!'l'om
this samo point ho calls yOUl' attention to whfl,t is
stylod Ct 'l'ho Monk on his Kno s." lt is two rocks
SOIDO little distanco off, one placcd abovo the othol',
wltich, with a strotch of tlle imagination, you fancy to
bo a monk in that dovout posture, A fow stops
lUl'thol' n,nd moro remains of tho con vont aro showl1
�300
'l'HE MlNERAL WATERS OF V1CRY.
you. Another slight elevation ancl you come to the
"Source des Sarrazins" ou de la Vierge (Spring of
the Virgin), which it is satisfactory to know has nevel'
l'un dry, ev en during the greatest dearths. The guide
then makes you listen to the echo, tells you that thore
is nothing more to bo seen, and gives you to understand that he is qui te l'eady to accept any gratuity
you may feel inclined to offel' him .
L'ARDOISIÈRE
(SLA'l'E
QUARl~Y).
L'Ardoisière is a.bout twelve kilometres from Vichy.
To got hore one has to pass tbrough Cusset and then
make fol' the banks of the Sichon. rt is nine
kilometres from Malavaux, anel fol' a good walkel' who
has the whole day be[ore him, Cussot, Malavaux, and
L'Ardoisière can an bo easiIy managed. We havo dono
tho tlnee places with ase, leaving Vichy at Il o'clock
and l'ogaining tho town at 7 p.m., but as tho distance
in aU is about thirty-two kilometros, wo woulel advisQ
pedestriaus to mak an oarly start, sayat 7 a.m.)
pal'ticulal'ly on a wa.rm day. 'l'hey will enjoy tho
scenory much more by walking than by dl'iving. Wo
sha11 indicato iu the firsL place th way from Malavaux
and then doscribo tho l'onel back to Vichy from
L'Ardoisiere along tho banks of tho Sichon . 'rl1Îs
latter road is tho usual one taken, anel tllo tourist wj]}
asily follow the way to 1'Ardoisi 1'0 if wo givo him the
way bacle. It is hardly practical to roverse tllO order
u,nd tako Cusset, L'Ardoisi re and then M a,}avaux,
for to gain the Malavaux rond from L' rdoisière th oro
�PROMENADES IN THE ENVIRO~S.
301
is a. fatiguing nscent of one and a LaH kilometres to
be made, which in the reverse direction, being a
descent, is very casily accomplished .
]! rom Malavaux you continue stl'aight on the road
which brought you to it. It is very sel:pentine, but
of a graduaI and easy ascent, with occasional descents,
fol' about fi ve kilometres. You pass one or two isolated
farmyards dUl'ing this walk, and the countt'y off ers no
very wonderful scenery. You next come to a wood
through which the road passes for about haU a kilometre j about one kilometre fm·ther and you perce ive
a signpost on your right hand indicating that
L'Aréloisière is at two kilometres distance. You
must look out for this signpost as it is easily passed
by, not being on but slightly off' the road. You turn
down to your right and enter immediately into a lovely
valley j a rapid descent of one and balf kilometres
bt'ings you down to the banks of tbe Sichon, where
you join the road from Cusset to L'Ardoisière, this
latter place being about one kilometre farther on. As
you 11ave to retrace this part of the road on your
l'etul'll jOUl'lloy we will descl'ibe it later, simply saying that the road if:! now dit'ect j after reaching the
banks of the Sichon you turn to your loft and in ton
minutes aro at L'Ardoisière.
Tho entrance fee is 50 C., or if one takes a mcal
hero it is gmtis (lunch 4 f. 50 c., dinner 6 f.) .
'rho naille signifies slate quan'Y, and this is the tirst
l.hing to visit. A guide will take you round fl'om one
place ta the other.
�302
'J'HE MINERAL WATIHIS OF VICIlY .
1.'lto entrance to the quarry has the appearance of a
dark cave, and it is necessary tu employ fi, lantern for
this part of the . excursion. One is struck by the
cllillinoss as soon as one en tors this dark hole, and it
woull be weIl for the tourist 1,0 cool down fi, bit if he
has lTIftde the excursion on foot before visiting the
quarry. One go es through a large gallery, which
leads to a deep weIl, formerly constructed for tho
extraction of slate, but which, having been abandoned
aftel' maoy attempts to work it profitably owing to its
fJ-iability, has sinee beeome :/illed with watel'. It
oozos from the sides of the quarry, and tbo visito!' hears
it constantly d1'ipping into tho weIl, sixt y metros deep.
'l'ho depth can be co.lculated by letting a stone faU
in the wollo . Ten soconds OlfLpSO beforo the splash is
llCal'd.
'l'ho guide will next conduet the visitor ·to tho
a Olll'l'O.-, 't1.illant, by a shaded path on the left of tho
entrance.
'J'llo Gourl'O- aillant is a magnificcnt watedall, in
tho uoù of the Sichon. In dry weather there is little
to bo ReOIl, but aft l' a few in ys' raïn the SiellOn
rescll1 bles a rnonntain torrent) and the water having fi
e IIsic10ntblc faU here lS eov l' ù .with white foam, and
as it goos dashing a.long a.gainst thorocks its l'oal' can
bo lwarù rôr somo 111 iles.
'J'llis part of the progr[Lmme ov l') it remains fol' the
visitor to decide whothor ho will muko the
Mont P eYl'o1tX excursion. '1'0 do 80 it is ncecssnl'y to
climb tho mountain) which boillg uccolUplished, sorne
�PROMENADES
IN 'l'HE ENVIRONS .
303
remains of what lS said to ùe a castle having ùelonged
to tho Knights 'l'emplars will be shown. vVe may
remark here that eve )'y rnin is said to belong to this
respectable body) and we sbould not always ad vi 0 the
visitor to go out of his way to visit them. In this
particulal' case we cel'tninly do not consider that the
gamo is worth the candIe) the only satisfaction to bo
obtained after this laborious climb being the chul'ming
view fl'om tlJO summit.
L'Ardoisière is renownec1 for ]ts trout and cl'ayfish.
'l'he Sichon is stockec1 with both) and .you cau be persnaded of tho freshness of the fish by seeing swimming
abont the very fish upou which in a few minutes you
are going to l'l'gale youl·selves. 'l'his lS a delightfnl
-plllce to dine at) and the walk back in the cool of the
cvening lS most c:njoyaùle.
'l'he way ùack is along the banks of the icllon.
II pon leaving L' .Àrdoisi :\re you cr03S a bridge ovel'
the 'ichon and then turn to your l'ight, whenco tho
whole way to Cusset ls stl'aight and caunot be mistaken.
On this backward journey one willremark that the
valley through ,,,hi ch on Î!; passing gets narl'ower on
approl1ching Cni'set, and the scenery less effective.
l~or
tho fil'st kilometro 011 tho hOll1owal'd jourlloy tho
v:ll1ey is aIl thc\t coutd bo dcsil'ed fOl' loveliness j fcrns
(nmongst othors the AdiuntuID nigrum) being found in
grettt variety: On UlO left bank particulady they
[1bouuc1, whilo on your riglit rolls tho 'ic11ol1, moro or
less striking according lO tho d)'ynesi! 01' wetllcss of
tlle scason.
�30,t.
'l' HE :l\lINERAL WATERS OP VICHY.
After a walle of fi kiloroetre you pass on your right
11and the bridge ovel' which you cl'ossed ta gaiu this
l'oad on your way from Malavaux. You do not cross it
now, but continue straight on and soon reach the village
of Grivats, four kiloroetres fl'OUl L'Ardoisière and
tllree froro Cusset. Grivats used ta be renowned for
its linen manufactories, which were called (( Toiles de
Vichy," aud was ab one time a ma st thriving and
industrious little village. 'l'he manufactory belonged
ta the Counts of Bourbon-Busset, and employed some
300 workpeople. Tt was burnt down in 1867, and has
never sinee been rehuilt; its blackened walls, however,
are yet ta he seen.
Between this and Vichy one passes on the left a
rock caUed the" Saut de la Chèvre" (the goat's leap),
but which does not now nttract much atbention. A
little later one gots into the sllburbs of Cusset j contiuuing on the same road, you fall iuto the Cours do
la Fayette of Cusset. You now turn ta the right,
then first ta the left (Place de la République), ",hero
you will see the stand for the Vichy cars, or you can
return by the itineral'y already described under the
section Cusset.
C8TE ST. AMAND.
This is nn excursion that may be made on foot, as
t llo mountl1in ls but a.bout five kilometras from
Vichy, but as thera is a good bit of climbing, more
�:J05
l'RO)) ENADES IN 'l'RE EN\'lI:ONS.
particu]ar]y as you approach the summit, it will be
better for those who are not fond of climbing to avail
themselves of the back of a donkey or take a carriage.
One fol1ows the Nîmes road, passing through the
Place du Château d'Eau, and a little farther on by
-the Celestins and Lardy Parks. Still continuing the
same road you come to the railway line goiug ft'om
Vichy to Tiers, which you cross by a level crossing
and turn immediately to your left, where a signpost
stand, with cc Restaurant de la Côte St. Amand"
writton up. After a. walk of some thirty yards you
tUl'U to the right and follow a lane until the road
branches to the right [Lnd left. You follow the right
branch, and after sorne thl'ee hundred yards' walk nnd
youl'self upon the roud to Abrost, which is only one
and a half kilomotres distant. You continue to the
l'ight, and in about five minutes come to another and
much smoller roud to your left, wl1Ïch you take. Here
is also a signpost.
If yon have taken the precaution to provide yourseH with a field glass, it can be u ed with advantage at this point, as you have a. fine view of the winding river. Before coming thus far you will have
pa Bod the reservoir which suppli Bthe town of Vichy.
]!'rom ber , un til yon arrive nt tbe summit of tho
ll1ounLain, where tho rostftnrant is pÎtchod) the ascont
is moro rapiel, and pftl'Liculrtl'1y so whon you roach a
tmning on yOUI' rigllt, which you take, and where n
hwgo boarl in[orms yon that tho cutry to the restam'ant) nnd tram from tilis point incluc1oel) costs one franc.:.
20
�30()
l'liE MINERA.L WA.TERS OF VICHY .
Do not count too much on the tram, or you may nnd
yourself disappointed; ft'equently it lS not running.
After a very laborious clim b you reach the restaurant,
mount a tower, and by means of a telescope obtain a
very nne view. 'fhe valley of the Allier, the \vindings
of the river, the Forez Mountains, Bnsset Castle,
Mountains of Thiers, the woods of Auvergne, Randan
Castle, and Maulmont can aU be easily seen, as well
as the town of Vichy in 0.11 its details.
'J.1he altitude is 433 metres and therefore superior
to that of the Montagne Verte. The road lS through
vineyards and nelds, and makes a most agreeable
promenade.
'fhe Côte St. Amand is situated between two smaH
villages; V ornet, at the foot of the hill towards
Cusset, and Abrest on the other side of the hill on tho
banks of the Allier.
Instead of retnrning by tho sarne road, one can
visit those two villages and return by Cusset, or vjsit
Vernet, then Abrest, and push on to Hautorivo.
Vern et.-.Aiter le:wing the restanrant turn to your
right, and aftor walking sorne twonty-nve yards to yOUl'
loft you will s e Vernet in front of you, and ln about
ten minutes will reach this village. 'J'here is nothing of
much interost to notico horo; the houses are generally
of a very pOOl' clllSS, tho stroets ill-paved and not very
clean.
Ab1·est.-After having passod through the village
of Vornot take the second turnil1g to your rightthrough
the vinos, and in haU an hour you gain a high road.
�PflOMENADES IN 'l'HE ENVIRONS.
307
A. liLtle to your left you see a metal pla.te indicating
that Abrest is three kilometres frOID Vichy. YOll tum
to your right where you see this a.nnouncement and
traverse the village.
It is somewhat larger than Vernet, cleaner, and 11::18
a larger populatiou.
'fhe c11uI'ch is worth looking into, and if you continue
to your right after leaving the church you come to the
Château of Abrest. This is not open to the public,
but the extel'ior nlerits inspection. '1'0 get back to
Vichy retrace your steps to the high road which leads
.
you straight to the town.
llautel'ive is not far off) about tht'ee kilometres.
W 0 will doscribe llOW to reach it from here, and how
to get there) staJ'ting from Vichy) under the heaùing
Hauterive.
llAU'J'lmIVE.
A.t about !ive kilometl'es !rom Vichy, an casy W[j,llc
If oue wishes, donkeys can be hired fol' this promenade.
Population GOO.
Oross the bridge of the Al1iel', take the first tUl'Ding
to tho left) and for four kilometres keep on the sam
l'oad; you ",ill then arrive at the villago of Hauterivo,
tho 'pring being a good kilometre further on. VisiL
tho church here. 'l'l1rning to your left) you follow the
l'oad fol' sorne ten minutes, whon you will pass :L
stl'ikillg mansion, tho châtean of the Besse family.
'J'ho Hauterive Spring ls about five to ten minutes
�308
'l'HE MlNERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
further on. You enter a large park of many acres
extent, follow the central alley, and arrive in front of
a house. On one side of it you will see the word
" Rafraîchissements." You enter, and cau taste the
watel' of the spring, which is conclucted by pipes to
this building, where the bottling is carried on. The
water is principally used fOL' exportation, and for the
sorvices of the buvette. 'fhere is no bathing establishment.
In the park, near to the house, is to be seen the
spring whence the watel' is obtained by boring.
Should yOll desiro to make the excursion from
Abrest, descend, after passing Abrest Oastle, to the
rivor, take the ferry boat am'oss and then follow the
banks on the left until you get to the village of Hauterive about ono and a half kilometres distant, whelJJ the
l'oad is tho sarne as that indicated above.
'l'ho fel'1'y boat is attached by a pulley to an iron
cable thrown acros8 the river, and the CUl'l'ent 18
sufficient to carry tho boat across without the use or
oars.
LE·PUY-GRENIER.
An oasy and ploasant walk from Vichy, being but
oight kilomotrcs distant.
f--lcaving Vichy about 7 a.m., one can oa8ily roturn by
12 o'clock, although ma.ny people profel' to sta.rt lator
alld breakfast at the restaurant of this place.
~bkc
[or tho bridge, cross Ït, and follow tho rond
�PROMENADES IN THE ENVIlWNS.
300
ta Gannat. A few minutes after crossing the bridge
you pass the Vesse Spring on your right. From this
point until you arrive at a signpost, distant two kilometres from Vichy, the road is quite straight} even,
and along a broad and well-shelterecl avenue. Wheu
yon get to the signpost} turn sharp ta the left anù
you are on the Gannat road. N ote} the signpost is so
placed that it misleads rather than indicatcs this
road.
Here the ascent is pretty steep and continues sa for
about a couple of kilometres. On tllO loft, at a distance
of but about a quarter of a mile, will saon bo seen n.
part of the Bois-de-l'Eau. At four kilometres from
Vichy, one reaches tho bord ers of the Bois de Charmeil} <md aftel" a few minutes' walk the road takes a
sltarp turn to the left. 'l'he road then passes thl'ough
tho wood . After another ten minutes' walk you come
ta fi, couple of mean houses on your left. Opposite to
them} on yOUl' right} is a smaIl road} leading throLlgh
the wood, at the entl'ance ta which is a signpost indicll.ting that it is tho ra ad for Vozolle and Espinasse.
YOLl turn down hel'e} and will find it one of the most
pl asan t l arts of th 0 wood. You will fo Uow th is roatl
without tnrning to the right or loft until you have
passed VozolJe, a small hamlet composed of somo
cIoz n h uscs, which you reach in about a qUfLrter of
an hour. ACter having passcd the houses the roaa.
biflll"c:1tes where you turn to the left. About n.
hunc1rcd yards fm'ther on thero is a second bifurcn.tian, und this Lime you Lum ta the right; in five
�310
'l'HE MINE~AL
WA'J'IŒS OF VJCllY.
minutes a third bifurcation, wheu you turn to the
lef~.
You are now quite neal' your journey's end j the road
is downhill and win ding aod in teu minutes more you
come to an iron cross on your l'ight hand. In hont
of it is a turning to the left. Avoicl this turning, and
keep to the right. 'l'he Puy-Grenier is at twenty yards
distant.
The Puy-Grenier is a l'uised plane, weIl wooded, converted into a garden and restaurant . 'l'hence a very
good view can be obtained of the sUlTounding country,
but the walle to the place, and in the shaded alleys
of the garden, is more of an attaction than the prospect, whic11 is certain ly inferior to those to be had
from mnny other points, notably, La. Montagne Verte,
L'Ardoisière, and Côto ~a int
Arnaud.
MAULMON'l'.
Although Randan and Maulmont aro distaut from
each other about eight and a half kilometl'es, it is usnaI
to inc1uùo both in tho same promenado, as it gives
on the opportunity of. returning by n. diffel'ent l'oaù
hom that taken on tho outward journoy, and which
wonld otherwise have to be ropeateù on the way home.
'j'ho excursion to and !rom theso placos l'equires
nC'al'ly a day, Or at any rate a start not lator thau 11
o'clock in tho morning, to bo done comfortably.
'l'ho distancofor tho rctul'U joul'noyis thirty·.foul· kilomctrcs. A good walkor cau do il; on foot. An omnibus
�!'/lOMENADES lN 'J'HE ENVIHONS .
311
starts fl'om the Place de la Marine every Thursday
and Sunday during the season at 11.15 a.m., returning
at 4.30 p.m. Return fare 3 f. 50 c. Places can be
secured beforehand at the tobacconist's in the Place
do la Marine.
As tho Chateau de Maulmont is ooly open on the
'l'hursdays and Sl1ndays it is necessary to ohoose one
or other of these days for the excl1rsion.*
The Mn.ulrnont Castle is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
to visitors, and the park from 1 to 4 p.m., both on
Thursdays, Sundays, feast-days, and fair-days, from
:NI n,y 9th to October 17th. Tt is usual to visit in tho
first place Maulmont on ::tccount of tho early hour at
which access to the castle is obtained, and to rctl1rn
to Rtmdnn.
'l'ho first part of the road ls the sarno as tbat for
Hauterive, which has already been c1escribed olsewhere. Leaving the town by tho Rue dll Pont, yon
cross the bridge, take the first tuming to tho left,
lwoiding the road by the river side. A post inciicates
tlle road for Hauterive.
You follow this road through fields fol' fout· kilom tres, when you arrive at H:wtorive. The chul'ch
i8 to your left, which visit if you have Ilot dono so
alreac1y. 'J'ho rond for Manlmont is at your right, and
you will sc h re a signpost iudicating that St. Priest
is at ü'5 kilometres. ~'olw
this road.
For the Rrst milo 01' so, housos are scattercd n.bout
on both sides or the wood; artel' sorne lifte en minutes'
• Llltoly ndmission ii rofused to the pu blic.
�312
'l'HE M1NERAL WA'l'ERS OF VICHY.
walk you pnss a small pond on your right, and about
a couple of hundred yards further on, same side, a
stoue cross. A small rivulet crosses the road prescnt]y, and from this point for about the next kilometre the road becomes more circuitous, and is uphill.
At about four kilometres from Hauterive you come
to the first village, Les Oaires, and immediately after
passing through this village you pel'ceive on your left
a pl'Ominent building about fi ft y yards oft the road,
presenting a number of towers. '1.'his is La Poivrière.
At about a quarter of a mile distant [1re the small
streams ot Germinal and L' Andouette, which you cross;
you are th en at the village of St. Priest. A quarter
of a mile more and you come to a bifurcation; tum
to the right. The signpost on your left indicates
that you are now 8'2 kilometres from Randan.
Almost immediately upon turning to your left you
pel'ceive, on a height, the Ohâteau de Maulmout. If
you have a carriage you should get down hore, and
entoring a wide road, with a barrier in front, proco d
on loot to the castle, a walk of sorne ton minutes.
The cal'riage will rejoin you higher up whon you hav
finished your visit.
'l'he ]Jfanlmont OMleau, belouging to the Duke ot
Montpensier, was built by the Prin cess Adelaide,
sister to T.Jouis Philippe, for hor J10phows, as a
meoting plaeo for huuting. lt is built in the Gothie
style; iLs battlements and turrets are most picf.ul'esque,
and tllO grounds abont tbem very beautifu1. '1.'he
château, ft-om the elevation upon which it stands,
�PIWMENADES IN 'l'HE ENVIRONS.
313
commands an extensive view of the surrounding
country.
The visitor ls shown in the first place the reception
room, tastefully but simply decorated . The panels
are in Dutch oak and the chairs covered with em bossed
leathel'.
The dl'essing-room of R.R.R. the Duke of Montpensier is next entel'ed, and is vory similar, both in
decorations and in furniture, to the preceding.
Thence one passes to the Court of Ronour of the
« rendezvous de la chasso," the stables and kitehens
being on the left. The latter with their various
offices aro most spacious. You will be shown hero a
orém:1illièr of the twolfth century, and a spit dating
from 1625. 'l'ho enormous firoplace ls large enough
to roast an ox ontil'e. li'urther along, on the sarne sido
of the court, you pass the well and then reach the
terrace, from which a good view is to be obtained.
(Beroro passing on to the tenace you will remarIe that
the old loopholes in the walls fol' musketry still oxist.)
']'he dining-room is next entored, through a door
sl1rm oLlntod by an inscription, and on either side two
pie ces of sculpturo. In tho in tOl'ior will bo seon a
handsome oak chest of the fourtoenth century, boiug
tho Corboille de Mal'iag of 11 01' HoyallIighness, and
two other pieces of fnrllitul'O in oak, tllO oua with the
fOLlI' soasons ca!'ved upon it boing of the fourteenLh
centll1'y, tho other, with a carving of tho four
Evangelists, of tho sixteonth centUl'y, Tho stained
windows are modorn, only dating bacle from 18<11.
�314
'l'TIl!: MINE RAL WA'l'EHS 011 VICUY .
lJndel' the table will be noticed the skin of a lion
killcd by the Duke of Montpellsier in Algeria in 1841,
a silver suspension lump and massive sil ver ink
bottles, candlesticks, &c.; a glass for beer dating
from 1577. 'rhe study of his Royal Highness communicates with this l'oom.
'l'Ile vestibule lS next cl'ossed, and thon you mount
tho tUlTet, an ascent of sixt Y steps, from the top of
which you will see Bourbon-Busset CatitIe, St. Amand,
and the Montagne Verte.
The custie having been seen, one of three tbings
can be donc. 1st, take Il. walk in the grounds; 2nd,
proceod to Randan; 31'd, return to Vichy, passing by
tbo Pont de Ris.
'l'ho Pont do Ris is three kilometres distant from
Manlmont. You pass thl'ough tllo smnJl hamlot of
G uél'inets, and continuo on the l'ight by :1 1'0ad bordorod with poplar troes . 'l'he Pont de His \Vas bnilt
at th sl1me timo as Maullllont by M. Ad. Boullnnd,
anù is quite in architectural keeping witb lt. A smn,ll
toll has to he paiù to crOSS t.his bridge.
R.ANDAN.
Randan is usnally visited Itft01' Maulmont, and
forllls, sa ta speak, part of th e sarne exclu·sion.
'1'0 proceed ta Randan you descend the alley in fl'ont
al th (( rondezvous do la chasse JJ until you got npou
tllO high roae1. You thon tUl'U ta the loft. .Â. sigu-
�l'lW.llENADJ<:S IN THE };NVll:0NS .
315
post at tbis point inc1icatos tbat it is eight kilometres
to Randan . 'Che l"Oac1 lies the whole way thl"oug-h
woods until you get within n kilometre or Randan,
when it becomes more open and is flanke l by houses.
The c1iffel'ont woods you pass through are the Bois
c1e Uharve-Chave, Planisso, and Pouble. Wh en you
enter the town you keep somewhat to the left, and in
a few minutes are iu front of the gates of tbe Randan
parle Tbe town itselE oITers Dothing or illtor·est.
'fhe park is large, nnd from the tenace an expam,i ,'e
view or the surrounc1ing country can be obtaincd,tho Mont Dome, &c. 'l'he 1;:J,ke amI farrnhouse are
worth a visit.
The castle used to be open to tho public on 'rh ursdays, 1 undays, feast- and fair-days during the sens on
from 1 to 1) p .rn., but llOW it ls difficuU to obtain n,clmission in cOllsequcnco of a robbery which took place
thc:ro sorne time ago.
'.l'ho Castle of Randan, built in tho Middlo Ages, belongs to tho Duke of Montpensier. 'J'ho Pl'inccss
M l'c~dès
was betrothed here to Alphonse XII, King
of f:ipain . Hardly a vestigo, howevor, or the old.
casLIo romains, it having beon entiroly restol'od in
1822, in imitation or tho architecturo of IIonry l V's
t im .
to visi t arc:
'l'ho prin ci pal p~Lrts
'l'he Scn;nnts' lVaitillg-?'oom, containing a numbol' ot
]li tltrcs, sorue of which wore exocutee! by King 'Louis
Philippe ane! his bl'otllCl', th DLlko of 'Montpen ier.
Bedon cIe jJ.[nûcone, so Damee! in romombrance of tho
�316
THE MINERAL WA'rERS OF VJCHY.
Princess Adelaide, con tains portraits of the Duke and
Duchess of Orleans, Louis Philippe, Queen Amélie,
&c.
Gmnde Salon de Fa?niZZe, with a billiard table,
piano, &c.
Salon du Roi contains family portraits. It communicates with the apart.ments of tho King and Queon.
The Chapel.-Two remarkablo stained windows representing Faith and Hope; the facsimiles of the
tombs of Madame Adelaide and her bl'others, of the
Duke of Montpensier, and the Count of Beaujolais.
Kitchen. -Vaulted like crypts.
R eception-?·ooms.-Composed of three rooms.
SaZZe d'Armes (armoury).-There are Il number of
arms hero which diffel'ent sovereigns have given as
l)!'osents, a mnsket usod by Henry IV, &c.
To retUrD to Vichy, aftor lon.ving the park tUrD to
your l'igh t, and take tho second to yOUI' loft. Vichy
is fourtoen kiloJUotros distant. The first thl'ee kilomotros tl'averse the Bois de Randan,* thon tho rond
biEurcates. You koop to the right, pnss thl'ough a
smnJl llamloL, Beauv Ir. t, and fol' tho noxt haU mile
Ol1countor Il rathol' st op ascont. rl'h rOfLd do os ]lot
pass thl'ough the wood, which you only onter aftor
you bav cl scended the other sid of the hil!. LJlILil
within six kilometres of Vichy the l' maind r 01 th
journey lies through woods. Once out ol the wood
yon continue along the samo rond, pass through one
• Sincc tho cxpuls:on of the ltoyo.1ist ]lllrty from FfIlncc ltlllldllU
ClIsLI' nnel Purk [\J'C no longol' opon to the public (1'387).
�PROlllENADES lN 'l'HE JŒVmONS.
317
or two hamlets and eventllal1y get into the Gannat
road. Rere you tUl'll to the 1eft, cross the Vichy
Bridge, and are once more in the town of Vichy.
BILLY CAS'I'LE.
Billy, sixteen kilometres from Vichy, can be reached
by train or by taking a carriage.
The drive being the most agt'eeable, we will describe
the ronte to te taken by a carriage, simply remarking
that if the vi si tOI' should wish to go by train he must
get out at St. Germain, and either drive or walle thel'est of the way, three leilometres, following the road
to be shortly described, after the carriage has reached
St. Germain.
Follow the road previously indicated to Cusset, pass.
the Thermal Establishment Ste. Marie, and slightly to
your left you will percoive the road to St. Germain.
 signboard indicatcs the distance from Cusset toSt. Germain as ten kilomotros. In a few minntes you.
cross the Jolan, whon the country becomes moro open.
For the ncxt six kilometres you traverse vel'dant fields,
and can enjoy a pleasant view or the surrounding hills ..
Meanw hilo yOll pass by the village of Creuzier-le-Neuf,
and close to the Chateau of Chm'mont, tho residenceof tho Lucinge princes.
At six kilomotres from Cusset tho road bifut'cates.
Kcep to the right. 'rhree kilomebt'es IUl,ther on, you
cross tho railway line, enter the faubourg of St.
�;:31R
'l'HE MINERH WATERS OF VJCHY,
Get'main-des-Fossés, and in a few minutes more pass
under a l'ailway bridge of the T.Jyons-Boul'bonnais line,
From here you c:m pass in fl'ont of the l'ailway
station, and take the l'oad directly opposite to it.
You have now but Hll'ee kilomett'os to co ver to get to
Billy, ..A.t about one and a half kilomett'es tho l'oad
bifurcates, Keep to the loft, In a few minutes more
you are at Billy,
Billy, formel'ly one of tl,e most importa.nt of the
seventeen Bourbonnais châtellenies, has now a population of uuder ] 000 inhabitc1nts, In the fi ftecnth
centuryit occupied an importa.nt position as a fOl'tiiied
town, anù matters of life and d ath \Vere settled her8
without appeal to any highcr tribunal. It. is said that
the Jast death warrant was executoc1 in 1760, when a.
woman was bUl'nt alive in the mark t-plaee for having
mUl'dered her husband,
een from a certain distance the castle presents a
most imposing aspect, and great is ol1e's disappoiutment when approaching near l'and penetl'atingwithin
üs walls to see what a sad state of disrepail' it !las
fallen inl.o,
This ca8tle was constructeù in tho fourteenth centnry, and rcstored sOll1owhat iu the fifteenth contury by
Louis rII, Duke of Bourbon. It ceased to bo inhaùitcd
artel' the sixteenth ,
'1'0 visit tJlO interior of tho ru ins a.pplication must
be made 1,0 the faison forand, an inn on tlte l'ight
Ml you ent r the town.
'fhis ]1011S0 i8 worthy of fL visit,
cyon 11 ono c1ic1 not requll'o to oùt:1În th l<oy. lt is of
�PROllENADI.:s lN '1H~
RNVIRONS.
319
3:ncient date, and until recently thol'e was a little
tower supported by a smaU statue of a man at the
angle of the house, with thefollowinginscription undel'neath: « L'homme est plus accablé do ces péchés que
moi de ma tour," A.U but this writing has now been
removed. Ove1' the door of the samo ostablishment,
in old characters, ls written : "Malheur à celui qui
déla.isse Dieu, pour servir aux ridesses . Que sert à
l'homme amasser bien et perdre l'âme. Dieu est ma
haute tour et forteresse."
To entel' the citadel one has to ascend twelve wellworn stone steps and then pass through a smaU dool'.
The door is ludicrous in comparison to the massive
walls on either side and above it, with their nino feet
of thicknesB.
To the left of the eutry is a smalt cltamber, the
guard-houBe, and to the right, immediately opposite
to the guard-llOuse, 0. larger construction, which lS
said to havo been the chapel. It lS difficult to conceive at the present time how this could ever lluve
been the case. Not ft sign remains which could Jend
(lue to suppose that this building had ever served {or
sacred pm'poses, the walls, in a fairly good state of
preservn.tion, being absolutely devoid of any attempt
at ornamentatioll. 'l'he building is about twenty-one
feet high, tho roof being destroyed in many parts, and
presenting notably a holo of over four fcet in circumference.
Passing onwards one enters tho court of this aneient
castle, and is Ilt OI1CO struck with its dovastatod appeal'-
�320
'l'HE MINIŒAL WA'l'EI!S o~'
VICHY .
ance. 'fhe interior appears ta have suffered much
more from the effects of time than the exterior. The
walls are crumbling away, tho towers, with one exception, have nearly disappeal'ed, the battlements are
more 01' less destroyed, and rank vegetation springs
np everywhere. vVe should not be surpl'ised to see
the court turned in ta a potato field at no very distant
date.
If you make the round of the court you first see ou
your right a smaU chamber, a (( cachot;" further
round a prison for the prisoners taken dUl'ing the
diffe1'ent skirrnishes. 1'his generally goes by tho
name of the" oubliette," and one is supposed, wheu
visiting tbis place, to conjure up pictul'oS of pOOl'
prisoners dying from starvatîon and 110glect, A large
and deep hole in the floor of the chambm', and which
the wholo of this surface, is a nseful
nearly ab~ors
auxiliary to the imagination, pal,ticularly when you are
toM of bones, chaîns, &c., having boen found hero.
Continuing your round, you next come Lo the
dungeon, of which tho towor is still in, a protty good
state ai prevervation, and forms an imposing monument. Unfortunatelyone can no longer mount to tho
top. 'l\vico has tho staircaso (stone) been ropail'od
and twico has it been destroyod by lightning. Absohüo]y uothîug remains of it now, xcopt a fow pl'Ojocting stones 1I0I'e and thoro ombeddod in tho sides or
tho lowol' steps which 111'0 amalgamated iuto one hy
decny. 13y tho sido of tho dnngeou is I1nothcl' f'mall
" cachot,"
�321
PROMENADES IN THE ENVIRONS.
Almosb in fronb of the entry by the side of the
dungeon are ta be seen the remains of a large fireplace.
From this point the low height of the walls enables
one ta obtain a good general view of the country,
and ta follow the course of the Allier in some of its
windings.
In the centre of the court are two large stone balls,
specimens of those empIoyed in ancient warfare as
cannon balls.
The visit ta the castlo being finished, the visitor
should take a walk round its oxterior, as he will thus
ob tain a better idea of its vast proport,ions and of the
architecture.
Many of the houses in this smo,!l town present a
cerbain interest as still proserving sorne remains of
sixtoenth and seventeenth century architecturo. We
]lavo already montioned tho (( Maison Morand." The
« Mait'ie " has one of these old towers restorod, which
DOW serves as a bolfry.
Tho girls' school bas an old
ALone staircase in a state of pOl'foct preservation.
Inscriptions in old characters may also be diseovered
on sorne of the buildings.
One should tako a viow from the Pont de Billy
before l aving, and ta vary the roturn journoy ana
migllt cross it, and roturu by the left bank of the
Allior, passing through Marcenat, St. R6my, and
Charmeil.
A small gratuity, 50 c. or If., is expoctod for visiting the castle.
21
�322
THE MINERAL WATERS
OF
VICHY.
THIERS.
Thiers, forty-two kilometres distant by rail from
Vichy, one of the most interesting excursions that can
be made in the environs. The train service is not
convenient, as the hours at which the trains start
make it a day's business to get there and back. There
is one train, how«~ver,
an excursion train, at reduced
rates, thatruns once a week (generaUyon the Tuesday),
from about the 16th of June to the commencement
of September. This train leaves Vichyat 12025 porno,
arriving at Thiers at 1.38 porno The retum train
leaves at 505 pomo, arriving at Vichyat 6020 pom., io eo
in timo for dinnor. Excursionists have the privilego,
however, of returning by a later train if they liko,
7036 p.mo, from Thiers, arriving at Vichy a\ 9017 p.mo
The return fares for tbis special train are 1st class 5 f.,
2nd class 4 f., 3rd class 3 f. On other days it would
bo nocossary to take a train leaving Vichy fi bout 11
aom., and the return train from 'l'hiers at about 7.15,
arriving at Vicby about 9 pom. The singlo fares by this
service aro 1st class 4 f. 75 Co, 2nd class 3 f. 50 Co, 3rd
class 2 f. 55 c. If you wish to tako a carriago you must
make your own bargain with the coachman.
By rail you pass tho station of St. Yorro, and will
remark on your right hand, if you sit facing tho
engino, the mineraI springs of Mallat and Guorrier just
beforo. Ris Châteldon, Puy-Guillaume, Noalhat and
Courty follow. .At this 1ast station tho line joins that
�PROMENADES IN 'rHE ENVIRONS.
323
of Clermont to Thiers. The next station is Thiers.
The train now changes on to another line, and gues
in the contrary direction.
The scenery between Oourty aud Thiers is most
striking,-one succession of mountains and valleys.
li. little before entering Thiers station you pass through
two tunnels. Occasional glimpses of the town are to
be had, but from no place can the whole of it be seen
at once.
Thiers, with a population of 18,000 inhabitants, is
the sous-préfecture of the Departmont of the Puy-deDÔme. It is a very ancient town, and history tells us
that it was laid waste in 523 by the soldiers of Thierry,
Son of Clovis. It is one of the principal centres in
France for the manufacture of cutlery, having no less
than 416 workshops devoted to this industry, employing 12,000 workpeoplo. It also has many important
papel' manufactories, and hore much of the Government paper is mado.
'l'he town is most picturesque, tho houses being
built in a most irregular manner. Thoy appear to be
one on the top of the other, for tho town stands on fL
mountain, and no attempt has been made to levol
the ground so as to obtain anything approuching symmotry. The streets arc generally narrow and dirty,
and wo doubt if any other town exists where such
steep ascents and descents are to bo mot at overy turn.
li. walk through the town lS therofore vory fatiguing;
We would caU it ct violent exercise," in the proper ae ceptation of this term, and would strongly recommenJ.
�324
THE MINERA.L WA.TERS OF VICHY.
invalids not to attempt it, but to content themselves
with a carriage.
Most of the houses date from the fifteenth and
sixteenth centm'ies. They are scattered about in a
remarkable manner, some being pitched on the top of
a hill, others on the slope, while sorne will be found in
the valley. This wonderful disposition of the buildings,
which adds so much to the artistic effect, and which
calls forth the admiration of everyone, has caused the
town to bolikened to a group of houses built with cards.
Withdraw one card and the wholo lot will faU. One
could fancy the same thing hore; were one houso to
give way it appears certain that it would bring down
the rest with it. Tho houses are anything but luxurious, insido or out. They are mostly timber-framod,
with plastor fillings, and almost aU bistro colol1rod.
This last is one of the peculiaritios of the town.
The principal objects of intol"Ost in the town aro :
The Sous-Préfectwre, and the IIôlel de Ville, which
alLhough devoid of aU architoctural boauty, ofiol' a
cortainlintorost by reason of their functions.
The Château, in the l")laco du Piroux, dating from
the fiftoonth contury, and lwo ltouses in the Ruo de
Lavour, Nos. 17 and 18, are intel'osting by reason of
their architecturo.
The Eglise St. Jean, in the Gothie style, dating
from the fourteenth contury. From tho place on which
it is built a protty view of the Durolle river is to ho
obtainod.
Eglise de St. Genet.-Built in 575, by the order of
�l'ROMENADES IN 'rHE ENVIRONS.
325
Avitus, Bishop of Clermont, upon the site which had
formerly served for the old fortress, it was reconstructed in 1016 by Wido and again in the twelfth
century. In the northern porch to the left on entering
is to be seen a magnificent tomb of the thirteenth
century.
Te1"?"asse du Rempart.-From wbich a splendid view
roay be obtained of the whole of Limagne and the
Auvergne mountains.
The Église du Moutier, 80 caUed from a Benedictine
monastery of which it formerly fOl'med part, dates
from the oighth century, but was partially restored in
the eleventh century. The tower is much more
modern. By the side of the church is to be seen an
oId fortified gate of this same monastery. From many
parts of the town very fine views can be obtained, but
there is one point situated close to the Château dos
Ores, which is particular1y renownod for the beautiful
view to be had from it,
Having visited the town, much still romains to be
soen in the environs, If you have but little timo at
your disposaI, take a stroll along the banks of the
Durolle, and you will bo rewarded by scenery that is
rar01y to be met with. At overy fow minutes you
will see smaH watorfalls, any number of manufactorios,
both of cut1ery and papor, and espocially the manufactory for tbo French bank notes. You will Bee
horns being prepared for tho backs of knives, large
quautitios of bones alroady prepared bleaching in the
Sun. A twenty days' exposure is onough in summor if
�326
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
the weather be fine to bleach them. At other parts
you will see millstones being prepared. We think
the walk along the river, with all the animation which
the different industries there pul'sued calls for th, the
beautiful valley, and the mountains on every side, in
no way inferior to visiting the curiosities of the town;
we would even say that it is much more striking,
certainly less fatiguing, and more beneficial to the
health.
A pretty walk ie to cross the Durolle at the foot of
the town neal' to the Église du Moutier, and then
follow the right bank and pass the Degoulat and Pont
Haut hamlets.
No one with time at his command should leavo
Vichy without visiting Thiers. It is a multum in parvo
for curiosities and scenery, and although Vichy is so
l'ich in excursions of every kind that it is difficult to
find time for them aIl, particularly if one has come
as an invalid and is under treatment, wo think that
this one is the fines t, and that the visitor will be weIl
rewarded for any little inconveniences that the distance
from Vichy to Thiors may occasion.
LA
PALISSE,
Situated twenty-seven kilometres from Vichy by
l'ail, can be r eached either by taking the t~ain
to
St. Gormain-des-Fossés and from there changing ior
the Bourbonnais line (Lyons, St. Etienne, Hoann e,
Paris) 01' by taking a carriage. Whichever means be
�PROMENADES IN l'HE ENVIRONS.
327
adopted, an entire day is necessary for this excursion.
There are no trains for La Palisse between the hours
of 10.35 a.m. and 3 p.m. from St. Germain, and no
return trains between the hours of 2.6 p.m. and 7.23
p.m. It is therefore necessary for one to leave Vichy
by the 8.56 a.m. or 10.5 train, to catch at St. Germain
either the 9.24 a.m. or 10.5 train if one wishes to
return by the 2.6 p.m . train from La Palisse. Otherwise one would be obliged to dine at La Palisse. The
earlier train is preferable, as it gives more time, and
allows the excursion to be managed with more ease.
From St. Germain the train takes about thirty-five
minutes to cover the seventeen kilometres. There is
only one intervening station, Saint Gerand-le-Puy, a
smaU town of sorne 1800 inhabitants and distant about
five kilometres from the station. It possesses a smaU
castle of the fifteenth century, and a chm'ch of tho tenth
century, with some very well-preserved mural paintings.
J..Ia Palisse is ten kilometres further on, and is reached
about a quartor of an hour later.
If one chooses the more agreeable way of locomotion, vil:l. a carriage, it is necessary to pass through
Cusset and make for the Rue du Faubourg Saint
Antoine, which leads direct to the La Palisso road.
About midway the village of Bost is passed (eleven
kilometres). Shortly aftel' leaving the village you
cross Il smaU stream, and a little beyond, to your left,
will be soon the Beaumont castlo among the trees. The
road becomes after this rathor steep, then slopes down
and meets the road of Varonnes à la l alisse. Turn
�328
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICllY .
to the right, and in ten minutes you are in the Grande
Rue de la Palisse. At the end of this street, after
crossing the River Bébre, you will be by the side 01
the castle.
If you have come by rail you have two kilometres
to walk before you get to the town, or you can take
an omnibus, for which the fare is 50 c. perpassenger.
The road to the town is immediately in front of you
as you quit the station. Tt is bordored on either side
by a double row of trees, and if time permits is an
agreeable walk. When at tho end of the road turn to
your right (you will see the castle at the bottom of
the street), cross the River Bébre, then turn to your
1eft (Ruo du Commerce), and foUow upwards until
you anive at the Chnrch of La Palisse.
La Palisse, a town of somo 3000 inhabitants, is a
ct chef lieu" of the arrondissoment, and presents but
two objects of interest, the chateau, pitched on the
summit of a hill, and the church. Important fairs
are held in the town about twice a month, when a very
large business js done in cattle. 'J'he town itself is
the seat of severaI smaU manufactories in prints,
sheetings, wooden shoes, &c.
The church is only worth y of a visit to note its disgracoful, and p1'obably intentional, atate of dilapidation. Moro than one haH of it is inundated on a
stormy day, the roof is fuU of great holes,the plast91'
has fallon long since, laying baro the mfters) and
every now and a.gain wbilo walking about tho place
you may hoa1') and perhaps feel) sorne of. tho roo·t:
�PROMENADES IN 'rHE ENVIRONS .
329
giving way. A notice is stuck up in the church by
the side of a money box that contributions -mU be received for the building of a new chur ch) and probably
it is supposed that the charitably inclined may be
more liberal if things are allowed to go on from bad
to worse.
'l'he entrance to the castle is opposite to the church.
An effective lodge is being built at the entry. The
castlo lS built of stone and brick. It presents two
faces) one turned towards the tower) the other facing
the park. It lS a very imposing and handsome monument with its numerous tUlTets and towers.
We take the following oxtract concerning its history from what M. A. de Conty has written about it:
(translated. )
"The documents concerning the history of La Palisse
do not date back fl1rther than the thirtoonth contury ;
the name is oven ignored of the founder of the castle
which existed at this period.
"What one can assert) howovor, is that in 1230 it
belongod) as weIl as the Seignory) to l~oger
de la
Palice) and later) in 1430) to the celebrated Jacques de
Chabannes) commandant of the advanced guard of
Joan of Arc in the siege of Orleans) who was mortally
woundod in the siego of Chilti1lon) and whose body
was brought to La Palisse) and intorred in the chapel)
whero the tombstone is still to bo seen .
"The grandsonofJacques de Chabannes) Jacquos II)
Marshal of France, who added yot more ronown to
the name of La Palice) and increased tho size of the
�330
TBE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
castle by uniting it, on the si de of the town, to the
chapel.
(( Tho body of Jacques II, killed in front of Paris, as
weIl as that of his grandfather, were brought to La
Palisse, and a magnificent tomb was raised over them,
which was destroyed, however, during the Revolution.
e< Later on, the domain of La Palisse, through different alliances, passed to the Rouse of Tournon, then
ta that of Guiche, who modified the castle, changed
the disposition of the park, anù rased the greater
part of the fortifications. In 1713 it was given to the
Rohan-Soubise family by one of tho descendants of
the Guiche, who took tbe veil.
cc Two years later, the Roban-Soubise family sold
this domain to Alexis-Gilles Brunet d'Evry, who, in
1731, resold it to the Ohabannes family.
(( Thenceforward tho castlo has nover ceased to
belong to this family, except during the Revolution;
but as the local authority had occupied it during this
time, and used it as a tribunal, it was not sold, and
the Ohabannes were able to reinstal themselves in
1802, after their return from emigration.
cc 'l'he presont proprietors for a long timo past have
been occupied in restoring it. rrbis work is proceoding,
unfortunately, but slowly."
The first room shown is the ùining-room. In it
you will perceive two large portraits, one of the
Marshal Ohabannes and anoLher of his wife. The
dining-room communicates with tho dl'l1wing-room by
�pnoMENADES IN THE ENVIRONS.
331
means of an ante-room. Against the wall is a beautifuI tapestry from the Gobelins manufactory. There are
four other tapestries of the same kind, which are not
exhibited, being intended for the walls of the diningroom, which is being restored at the present moment,
and which will replace later on the present diningroom.
The ceilings in these two rooms and in the drawingl'oom are most handsome, and give one an ide a of what
the castle must have been in former times, for although
it is still most tastefully and elegantly furnished,
most of the ancient souvenirs and « meubles" have
disappeared, having been stolen during the Revolution of 1793, wh en the family waB exiled. AIl, howover, has not been carl'iod off, or if carried off has
boen acquired again. Thus in the drawing-room are
two or three pieces of old furnituro in carved oak
dating back to the fifteenth contury. In this room
are tho portraits of Gilbert de Ohabannes and his two
wives. The fireplace is a monument j the sides are
covorod with ancient oak carvings, all in a thorough
state of preservation. The upper part is modern.
The waUs have a pretty anù effective style of tapestry,
which is modern. An ancient picturo, the crucifixion
of our Saviour, where tho soldiers arc seen with cards
in their hands playing for the sharo of our Saviour's
miment, merits a few minutes' attontion.
] rom an upper cham ber one passes (by means of
a spiral staircase) to the loads, from whence one
ob tains a view of the country and of the course of the
�332
l'BE MINERAL WAl'ERS 01' VICHY.
Bébre. The country round is not particularly beautifuI, but the view is most extensive.
To visit the chapel one has to quit the castle and
make a few steps in the garden, as the communication
between the two is for the present done away with.
To enter the chapel you pass by what was prioI' to
the Revolution the (( escalier d'honneur."
Before
entering remark the portico, a handsome stone staircase. Tho chapel is in a very dilapidated state, the
walls are cracked, though in many placos they have
been strengthened by supports; aU the stained windows have disappeared, and are now replaced by
ol'dinary white glass. In the chapel are the tombstones of Marshal Ohabannes and his wife, which have
been stolon three successive timos and as often repurchased. They have been somewhat damaged in these
removals, and have beon partially rostored. Tho
mortal romains of the Marshai and his wife are really
at 'Versailles. Thero arc two aHars. In the vestry
aro the remains of tho old pulpit, &c.
After the chapel a short walk round tho grounds,
and you havo seon aU that is to bo soen of interest at
La Palisse.
In closing what wo lmvo bad to say upon La Palisso
castle, wo should te]l intonding visitors tùat it is not
a public show-plaoo. Tho Marquis and Marchioness
livo in tho castle, and they havo to be asked for
permission to visit; but they aro most courteous and
always roady to gratify tho logitimato curiosity of
visitors wbo come to inspeot this mansion. 'rhe
�PROMENADES IN THE ENVIRONS .
333
eus tom is to gi\e a gratuity to the servant who accompanies you.
EFFIAT,
One of the prettiest drives in the environs of Vichy.
About eighteen kilometres distant. The only means
of getting there is by taking a carriage, as it is
seven kilometres from tho nem'est railway station
(Aigueperco).
Crossing ovel' the Allier bridge, you foUow the ronte
to Gannat until you are opposite to the Vesse Spring;
you then turn to the left and take the road to Serbannes.
]} or the first three ki10motres the road lies uphill,
and rosembles 80mewhat a country lane, but afterwards
it l'uns through a wood. Mter about four and a half
kilomeires you pass by the si de of Serbannes, which
is to yOUl' left. You must not go through this village,
as it will take you off your road, but continue straight
on. For nearly two kilometres a1readyyou have been
passing through the woods, and your road still continues Lhrough them for another eight kilometres.
The way cannot be mistaken; it is pedectly straight,
and you must avoid turning either 1eft or right.
Onco out of the wood the country becomes open and
the l'oad uninteresting, until you arrive at Effiat, sorne
seven kilometros {urther on.
Tho town of Effiat numbers somewhere about 1400
souls. A smaH town, it has onlya church and a castle
�334
'rHE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
worth visiting. The church is situated to the right
of the high road, after you have proceeded to the
extremity of the line of hou ses which flank this sarne
road.
His devoid of any architectural beauty. Hs exterior is more striking than the interiOl', which from its
bare appearance, tbe almost entire absence of pictures,
tbe stained and discoloured walls, would make one
tbink tbat its excbequer was not in a very flourisbing
condition.
Upon leaving tbe churcb you will perceive on your
right a smaU door opening into a narrow passage
through the fields to the château. You will pass
through it, remarking wbile so doing the high waHs
which forrned the boundaries of the moat in times
pasto
This passage willlead you to the principal entrance
of the castle, a massive irou gate. On either side of
the entrance is a largo dog konnel, in which you will
usually soe a large number of hounds.
When you reach the château it is necessary to send
in your card beforo permission can be obtained to
visit it.
In the sixteenth century this castlo belonged to the
illustrious Antoine Coitfier-Ruz6, born in 1581, Marshal
of France and Governor of the Bourbonnais for Loui s
XIII, who receivedit frombis maternalancostor, Gilbert
Coiffier. One of the sons of the Marshal, Cinq Mars, died
on the scaffold along with De 'l'l'OU for the part ho had
taken in a conspiracy against the Cardinal Richc-
�PROMENADES IN THE ENVIRONS.
335
lieu ; another was accused by Saint Simon of having
poisoned Madame with the assistance of the Chevalier
de Lorraine; while the third son distinguished himself by his licentious and scandalous proceedings. At
a later period this property passed into the hands of
Law, who, running away in debt, virtually abandoned
it to his creditors. M. Boucart acquired it in 1844,
broke up the park in lots and sold it piecemea1. Sorne
of the antique furniture was bought by the Government for the Cluny Museum of Paris. lt is now
illhabited by M. Moroges, who has restored it in part.
Thore is nothing very striking about the exterior of
the castle, and of the inside only a few rooms can be
visited as the castle is occupied by the present proprietor and generally by a number of his friends .
The salles d'armes in the centre of the building on .
the ground floor dates from 1636.
It is a spacious apartment which has been converted
into a billiard-room . From this room one passes into
cc 10 gt'and salon."
Sorne half dozen large and very
handsome pieces of tapestry, dating from the commencement of the sixtoenth century, hang on the walls.
One or two pieces of old furniture will also be seon.
On either side of the chimney-piece is a portrait,
ono of the Mal'sbal and tho other of Cinq Mars.
Tho bedroom of the Marsbal d'Effiat, the salles des
garùes and the chambre des év8ques are worthy of Il.
visit but are not always open to the public.
On the whole the sight is disappointing. Tho
modern has almost everywhere replaced the ancient,
�336
'l'HE MINERAL WA'l' ERS OF VICHY.
and one fancies one self at times visiting simply an old
country mansion.
The garden, with its pieces of artificial water, 18 laid
out with taste.
One leaves the castIe by the il'on gate above mentioned, but instead or taking the smaH passago tl'aversed on ontoring one fol10ws an avenue of very handsorne chestnut trees which 10ads direct on tü the high
road.
The return journey can be made by tho Gannat
road, by passing through St. 0 onest-de-Retz (four kilomotres), and thence taking the high road to Gannat,
turning to the right j four kilometres more and ono is at
Gannat. If timo pOl'mits a visit may be made to the
Pont de Rouzat from Gannat, or a returu to Vichy by
tho road to Vichy j ahot' compassing a diRtanco of
sovontcon kilomotres you l'each tho Gannat l'oad, you
thon turn to the right and in ton minutes arc onco moro
on tho othor si do of tho Gannat road. As this last Oxorciso incl'oasos by some twonty-foul' kilometres tho distance to bo gono over, it will bo nocossary to como to an
understallding with tho coachmrtn bofore stal'ting and
aIso to devoto an entiro day to tho promenade.
GA.NNA'l'-PON1' DE RouzA.'J'.
Gannat is eighteen kilomotros distant from VicLy,
tho Pont de Rouzat seven kilometres beyond Gannat.
This excursion can be made by train, vin. St. Oer-
�337
PROMENADES IN THE ENVIRONS .
IDjNÎn, by carriage or by diligence. Neither by the
tl'ain nor the diligence can one go fnrther than Gannat.
To got to the Pont de Rouzat it wonld be necessary to
take a carriage froID that town, or if the visitor is a
good walker he could easily manage it on foot, the
return journey being but fourteen kilometres. Three
hours would suffice to go t.here and back on foot .
'l'he diligence for Gannat passes at about 8.30 a.ID .
by the Oarrefonr dos Quatre Ohe min s, where it
waits a few minutes to pick up passengers . Its starting-point lS from Ousset. The single journey costs
1 f. 50 c.
There is another way of going, by taking the train,
passing, of course, by St. Germain to St. Bonnet,
which is ae aboue one and a haH kilometres from the
Pont de Rouzat; but this is a tedious journey.
Refore doscribing tbis oxcursion we would sayat
once that we consider it should be loft as one of the
1ast to be undortaken as being one of the 1east interoseing. ~'ho
oightoou kilometres' drive to St. Gormaiu
ou Lhe high road is very monetonous aftol' the th1'oe or
fonr 11rst kilomotros, aud it is only upon nearing the
Pont do ROUl:lat t1mt the sccnery becomes roally flno.
It may ba ono way of takil1g tho fr-e sh air, but wc
would l'ecommoncl, Randan, Manimont, .L'Ardoisièro,
Effiat, &c., as boiog much more hygienic and agreaable. in theso excursions one is constantly passing
through woods, the air is soft and porfuIDed, wheroas
011 LllO l'oad Lo St. Gormain, aftor tho nrst few kilomolros, thero is 110 defenco frOID a broiling suu and
22
�338
'j'HE MINERA.I, WA'l'EUS OF VICHY.
pecks of dust. n is an excursion, however, very much
à la, vogue, so we shan proceed to describe it.
The fil-st part of the road is the same as that taken
for the Puy-Grenier and already indicated,-cross the
Vichy bridge and follow the road to Gannat. Alter
two kilometres there is a steep ascent, and at about
five kilometres from Vichy you pass on your right
hand the road for the Puy-Grenier. Thenceforward,
the road is almost straight, there are a few up- and
down-hills, and at nine kilometres from Vichy you pass
through
Cognat, a small village of which the population is
nnder 1000. It has a small church of the twelfth
century, which is worth a YÏsit. The steeple has been
restored, having been struck by lightning. This
village has a certain historical fame, as it was here that
the Prince de Condé, nt the head of the Protestants of
France and Germany, in 1568, beat the Catholics, led
by Montaret, Lieutenant of the Duke of Nemours.
At some little distance from Gannat, on the right
hand side, about two hundred yards from the high
roa.d, one passes the Château de Fontorte.
Just before entering Gannat one crosses the railway
line of St. Germain-des-Fossés to Clermont.
Gannat, from the Latin (( Gannapum," cc Gannatum,"
is a s~aU
town of some 5500 to 6000 inhabitants. Situatod upon the Andelot nt tho foot of the hills, it dates
back to a very early period. It was Olle of the anciont
fortifiod towns of Auvergne, though the only romains
of the fortifications now to bo seen are two towers in
�PROMENADES IN 'l'HE ENVIRONS .
339
ruins and the castle, with its four towers, which serves
as a prison.
The only thing worth a visit in this town is the
chnl'cb, Eglise St. G1·oiœ. This historical monnment
dates from the eleventh century. Of the original
building there remain but three chapels and a part of
the choir, the l'est having been restol'ed in the fourteenth cent ury. This accounts somewhat for the want
of harmony wmch prevails in this churcb.
To the left, on entering, will be seen a large
picture, the" Adoration of the Magi," signe d, "Guido
Franciscus A.niciensis." Sorne people have attributed
it to the famous painter, Guido, but it has been conclusively proved that it is the work of a paintor of
Puy. Sorne of the stained windows are very handsorne and are by Jacques du Paroy. They are:
St. Ambroise, St. Augustin, St. Jerôme and St.
Gregory.
At the back of the altar you will remark a picture
of Ste. Pl'ocule. She is decapitated and holds her
head in her hands. A.gain, near to one of the bénitiers,
you willsee a figure, likewise decapitated, and holding
a head in its arms. This is also Ste. Procule, and we
wore grievod Lo seo how shab by her clothes had become.
'l'hero is a money-box ati her side, the contents of
which are said to be for the poOl', but we think that a
portion might be appropriated to the purchaso of a
new dress for her, particularly as hor history is most
pathetic.
Ste. Procule was a young lady of noble birth wltom
�340
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VlCHY.
the Count Gérard d'Aurillac asked in marriage. The
damsel refused, preferring to devote her life to prayer,
to fasting, and deeds of piety in a grotto. Gérard
followed her, and not being able to overcome her
resistance, he cut the mattcr short by lopping off her
head. The legend adds that Ste. Pro cule quietly
picked up her head and carried it ta the Gannat
ChUl·ch.
Gérard was struck blind, and, deeply penitent for
his ungentlemanly conduct, founded an abbey.
At about one kilometre from Gannat is to be seen
the cr Chapelle de Ste. Procule."
Ta get ta the Pont de Rouzat, seven kilometres
distant, you follow the road ta St. Bonnet, which is by
the side of the railway line. After about four kilometres you cross theMontluçon lino by a level crossingj
the road thon takes a sharp curvo, and thero is a
completa transformation in tbe scenery. Before you
is a deep vaney, on either side are high hills, and at
no great distance you see and hear the River Sioule. In
a minute the handsome bridge, Pont do N euviat, cames
in view. 'l'his bridge is more than sixtY yards in hcig h t
if measured from its central pillaI". It is made of iron
supportcd by masonry on either side, with a atrong
bu ttress in the middlo. The apan of tho bridgo is
considerable, and as tho road bonds here you hava to
pasa twico through ita arc]los ta continno your way.
From this point until yon l' ach tho Pont do RouzaL
tbe scenery is wild and captivaLillg. ft now lios along
\'ho si do aI tho ~ 'ioulo, and nothing conld bo moro
�PROMENADES IN 'l'RE ENVIRONS .
341
charming tban these three kilomctres which separate
you from the Pont de Rouzat.
The Pont de Bouzat, the next bridge, i8 very similar
to the last, only higher, being at an elevation oÏ
seventy-six metres . ').1he span is also greater. It is
constructed of iron, and appears most light. It is,
however, of the strongest construction, two iron
supports being placed between the extremities, which
are embedded in huge masses of masonry, and these in
their turn are dovetailed iuto the rock. Tbe supports
are composed of four iron pillars, placed perpendiculady at a certain distance the one fI' am the other, and
united by means of iron girders. Each support represents a kind of square column, of wbich the base is
larger than the apex. One of these supports is placed
lU the centre of the torrent, the others on the road.
lmmediately after passing through the railway bridgo
you get on ta a bridge crossing the Sioule. If you
have time you may push on ta Veauce, distant about
nine kilometres, otherwise you must returu by the roaù
you came.
BOURBON-BuSSE'l' CAS'I'LE.
SiLuateù at twolvo kilomotros from Vichy. 'l'hero
nro lUany moaus of gotting hore, by private carriage,
by omnibus, or by train ta St. Yorre, and a walk from
this station of four kilometres.
The four-horse omnibus leavos Vichy daily from
tho Placo de la Marine at 11.15 a.m.) arriving at
�342
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
Busset at 1, and returning ta Vichy Vil1 L'Ardoisière
at 3 o'clock. The return fare is 3 f. 50 c.
If you go by train you should leave Vichy at 11.29
a.m., dine at Busset, and return by the 9.1 p.m. train.
This, however, being hardly practicable we shan
describe the carriage drive.
You leave Vichy by the road to Nîmes, which you
follow until you arrive in front of the Parc Larbaud
at St. Yorre, eight kilometres distant from Vichy.
The road so far has for the most part been through
vineyards following closely the River Allier, and being
very much higher than the river, admits of a beautiful
view the whole time. You pass on your left within
about half a kilometre La C8te St. Amand) as you go
through Abrest) distftnt tbree kiloroetres from Vichy;
one kilometre further on and you are just opposite to
Hauterive, on the side of your river to your right. At
about eight kilometres from Vichy isSt . Yorre, a small town of but three to four hundred
inhabitants j it is destined to become an important station somo years hence ou accouut of the number of
mineral springs lately discovered there, roost of which
are excellent for exportation.
You should visit the Park of Larbaud-St. Yorre if
you have time. It has a vast area, and has in its
grounels six different springs: tho Nouvelles Sources
de Vichy, comprising three springs, the Puits Artesian,
the Old Source, St. Yorre, n.Jld Sourc des Acacias.
In the vicinity are the tbroo Springs of the Pioniors,
and the Spring des Graviers, belonging ta the sarne
�PROMENADES IN 'fHE ENVIRONS .
343
proprietor. Also the Springs Manat, Guerrier, a
spring belonging to the Thermal Company, &c.
At a short distance beyond the Larbaud Park, and
on the left hand side of the Route de Nîmes you wiU
come to a road which leads direct to the castle. It is
very circuitous, and more or less uphill the whole
way. From St. Yorre to BOUl'boI;l-Busset by this
road is about four kilometres. Before getting into
the village of Busset one perceives the castle perched
high up on a hill, and commanding the whole surrounding country.
Busset is a very small village, and of no importance.
There is nothiug iuterestiug to be seen other than the
castle, to visit which it is necessary to ask permission. 'l'his, h owevor, i8 a simple formality, and admittance is never refused to visitors who come between
1 and 4 p .m .
Busset Oastle is a feudal one. Two large towers
protect the entrance, and a drawbridge has to be
crossed before it is possible to penetra te into the
cast]o. 'rhis takes yOIl into the court of honour.
The history of the castle cannot be traced back
farther thau the fourteenth century. In 1374 it belongod to Guillaume do Vichy. It successively passed
to tho d'Allègro famiLy, and to tho Bourbon-Busset
Iamily by a marriago botwoen tbose two families,
Mn.rguerite d'Allègro becoming the wifo of Pierre-deBourbon, eldost son of tho famous Louis-de-Bourbon.
j ierre-de-Bourbon, by his marriago with Marguerito
d'Allègre, became tho founder of the Bourbon-Busset
�344
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
House. His efforts to get the legitimacy of his birth*
recognised by Louis XII were fruitless.
His son Philippe, who married Louise Borgia,
daughtee of the famous and redoubtable Calsar Borgia,
was more successful in his appeal to Francis l in 1518.
Intermarriages afterwards ta ok place with the
Larochefoucauld family, the Montmorillon, ClermontTonnerre, Lafayette, and Gontaut-Biron families.
The present proprietor, Count Charles Robert de
Bourbon-Busset, is the granùson of François Louis
Antoine de Bourbon, who made himself famous in the
latter haH of the eighteenth century by the brilliant
part he took in the wars of the Empire.
The entrance to the castle dates from the fifteenth
eentury, and the fOl'tified gate is worthy of more than
a passing glanee.
Crossing the drawbridgo into tho cour d'honneur,
you see before you the castle and the chapel. The
castle propor is composed of two wings, united bya
pavilion, caUcd the clock pavilion (Pavillon de
l'ilorloge). The wholo building partakos of the
modern Gothie style, and is sODlewhat severe in its
architecture as seen from this part.
To the l'ight is a massive tower, known by the
name of the Tour de Riom, very much highorthan
*'
Louis·dc·TIOUl'bon, who nt eightcen ye[~1'8
of age WUA ttlrctlùy ono
of tho high dignitllries of tho Cburch lit Liège, threw ur the episcopnl
throne to morry Cutherine d'Egmont, widow of tho Duke of Guolche,
witbout obtnining his fllthcr's permiijs ion, 01' t1l0.t of tho King of
France. 'l'brec sons were the issue of this marriuge, und becauae of
the informlliities in the IDurrilige were consiùcred illcgitimutc.
�PROMENADES IN 'rHE ENVIRONS.
345
the other towers. It commands an extensive and
very interesting view. This is of the foul'teenth
century.
The Tour de l'Horloge to the left) which unites tbe
preceding to a wing containing the chapel) is of
much sm aller dimensions.
The flooring of the vestibule is of finely inlaid
mosaic.
To visit the interior the tourist cnters the Riom
Tower) and by a very handsome staircase reaches the
first floor) containing the apartments which have been
restored. Â gallery l'uns along the whole of them)
giving access to
The dmwing'?'oom) in which the ancient chimney)
a beautiful oaken chest of Louis XII's time) and a
number of handsome vases attract the visitor's attention. From the drawing-room one can paBs on to the
terraco and enjoy a view of the grounds and the environs. The Bourbonnais plains) the fertile valley of
Limagne) the Puy-de-Dôme, the Forez mountainB) and
the famous Montonces can a11 be seen. From the
drawing-room one passes to the billial'd-room and
libl'ary) where are many handsome pieces of furniture
of cal'ved oak.
The dining-room is a spacious and lofty apartment)
in which most of the furniture is of thè fifteenth and
sixteenth centu!'y, though the table and buffet are
modern. The fil'eplaco is most tasteful1y enamelled
in blue and gold. You next enter a
Bedroom) Baid to have beon inhabited by Henri IV.
�346
THB MINERAL WATERS OP' VICHY .
The bed is ancient, as well as the prie-Dieu . You
will remark a tapestry given by Charles X to Madame
de Gontaut.
The old dl'awing-room is contiguous to the bedroom. It is decorated after the style of the Empire,
and contains sorne of the family portraits.
Tho picture gallery has sorne good pictures. You
are invited here to write your name in a book.
The cha pel serves for the inhabitants of the adjacent country, the (( tribune" alone being reserved
for members of the Bourbon-Bussetfamily. It is very
simple in its architecture.
The last piece to be seon is a second bedroom, also
containing some handsome furniture .
Instoad of taking the sarne road back to Vichyit iB"
usual to roturn by L'Ardoisière, which is only distant
sorne tbree miles.*
CH!'l'ELDON.
This placu cannot be easily visitod by train, as the
hours aro most inconvenient, and it can only con voy
ono as far as Ris-Chatoldon, which is about four and a
half kilomotl'os from Châteldon. 'rhoso, howover, who
profeL' the train, must leave Vichyat 11 .22 o..m., arriving at Ris at 12 o'clock. ':(1horo is only ouo intermediato station, that of St. YOl'l'e. 1'hey may thon
take an omnibus to Chateldon (when there ia ono to
• 'ince the expulsion of the Roynlist fftmilio8 Irom France BU8set
CnsLlo iu no longer open te tho public (j 887).
�PUOMENADElS IN l'HE ENVIRONS.
347
be had, which is not always the case), fare 30 C., or
walk. The wood is very easy to follow. Keep the
high road to Nîmes, turning to your right as you quit
the station, for about a kilometre, when you will come
to a turning on your left hand, with a signpost indicating the road to Châtel don, which is three kilometres further on. This turning willlead you direct
to the village. The road is straight from here, and
rather monotonous. The only train one can take to
return is at 8.30 p.rn.
The best means of visiting this place is to take n,
carriage j the distanco is only just over twenty kilometres.
The l'oad is the same as that described for Busset
as far as St. Yorre, but, instead of turning to the left
soon after passing the Larbaud Park, one continues
along the h1gh road untii one reaches tho Ris-Chateldon station. 'l'he l'est of the way lS the sarne as that
already described as if the train had been taken.
Betwoon St. Yorre and Ris-Chatoldon you pass throllgh
the small commune of Ma.ison Blanche.
Châtoldon is built on the banks or the Vauziron, on
a granite soil upon the extrome confines of the Forez,
Bourbonnais, and Auvet'gne mountains. It is surroundod on overy side by vineyards and pl'oducos one
of the best wlnes in Auvorgne.
It is caUed a town, but in reality is little moro than
a village, num bering about 2000 inhabitants. It is
interosting from its quaint old houses, its castle,
church, and belfry.
�348
nIF. MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY .
The houses have little pretensions to architecture,
but they are vory ancient, with timber frames arranged
in every variety of form, in crossos, squares, and
lozengos, the intervals boing filled in with plaster.
The Maison Sergentale, situcLted at the anglo ot tho
rue des Boucheries, prosents one or the best types ot
this kind of house that can bo met with in the town.
It was built at the end of the fifteenth century upon
the samo ground as the smaU château belouging to
the Seigneur or Ohâteldon. It was fOl'merly occupied
by tho lower rank of officers attached to the local
j nstice courts.
The inhabitants havo a povody-strickon appearance ;
tho streets are ill-paved, dirty, and badly kept. 'l'ho
principal stroet, which has no official name but is
usualJy known as tho rue do la Tour, has a brook
running through the entire longth, and taking up haU
tho way. Tho housos on ono sido aro aU connoeted
with tho other haU of tho road by stono bridges, oaeh
houso haviug its own parLiculal' bridgo. 'l'hoso bridgos,
oC a singlo span, are VOl'Y massive and strong and givo
a peculiar ail' to the street. Many other streots havo
strearns l'llnning Lhrough thorn, but none of thorn llavo
th1a arrangoment of bridges.
In tho Middle Agos, Ohû.toldon was an iml)ortan t
commol'cial town, and had fol' motto, (( Ohatel ondon"
(1itt10 Lown and gl'eat renown). A sorios of epidemics
decimated the population; thoso who Burvivod omigl'atod, and tho industry of Lho town, chieny cutlory,
was transferl'ed to Thiers.
�PROMENADES IN 'IRE ENVIRONI:l.
349
Chûteldon is one of the most picturesque types of
an old feudal Auvergnat town, and off ers in this
r espect much which will interest those who take a
delight in antiquities.
The church, on the left, is the first building ~ of any
consequence one comes to upon entering the town.
The exterior is of a dirty black aspect quite in keeping with the l'est of the buildings. lt is within the
old walls of the town and belonged to a convent of
Cordeliers, fouuded by Philippe de Vienne in 1463,
Seigneur of Châteldon and of Listenois, and by
])etronille de Chazeron, his mother. The entry has
yot a few remains of sculpturo in stone, but they
arc much damaged by time.
Tho intoriOl' is divided into thl'ee aisles. In the
prinôpal one are to be found copios of some of the
paintings of the great ltalian mastel's.
The pulpit (seventoenth contul'y) is of oak and has
fivo carved figures upon it. Tho panols fOl'mmg the
sido of tho stail' leading into the pulpit have also a
littlo sculpture about thoru.
'l'ho chapol dedicated to tho Virgin, and the chapol
opposito to it, havo a few smaH figures painted upou
tho coiling. 'fho wholo chul'ch has a look of poverty
about it; tho walls and roof aro cracked in many parts,
and tho bonches and chairs are such that the wonder
is Lhoy caU still serve.
Tho castle has an imposing appoaranco when viewed
from a little distance, but one sees, on nearing it, that
iLs condition is wofully dilapidated. Though in-
�350
'l'HE MINERAL W A'fERS OF VICHY .
habited, DO attempts appenr to have been made to
stay the work of time upon it.
'l'he road thither is rather steep. You pass through
an iron gate, follow a wido path in the grounds which
leads straight up to the castle and takes you to the
ancient entrance, where formerly a drawbridge existed,
but which has been done away with long since, and is
now rcpresented by an ordinary stono l'oad.
In the middle of the court is a deep well which is
eaid to contain 200,000 quarts of water. There are
parapets aIl round the court of honour, from which
one has a very good, if not a very lovely, view of the
smaH town.
'l'here iB a completo want of luxury in the interiOl'
of the co.stle, very little furniture and that of no
interest. The rooms are very indifferont.
By a spiral stone staircase one ascends to the loft,
whicb, with the cellars, is wbat is most worth seoing.
One might fancy oooself in the interior of a ship in
courso of building tm'ned upsido down, the skeleton
alono being comploted.
In desconding you pass by what has been the
ancient chapel; there are still many romains of mnral
paintings, bnt most of thorn aro quite efEaced by the
~Lctjon
of tIle damp and rain, from which tho dilapidn.tcd condition of tho roof bas ofEered but littlo protection.
'l'he ccIlars, whose handBome roof and gallories give
thorn quite 11 church-liko I1ppearanco, I1re weIl worth
a visit. Unfortuna.tely the most interesting and the
�l'ROMENADES IN 'l'HI!: ENVIRONS.
351
greater portion cannot be visite d, as it is full of water
sorne two or three feet deep. The guide, however,
will give you an idea of the beauties of the inaccessible
part by throwing a lighted paper upon the waters.
It is a sad pit Y that no care is being taken of these
cellars, for with a little trouble and at a smaH cost
they could be dried and cleaned. Rarely will you come
acl'OSS any cellara on which so much architectural skill
has been lavished.
The Tour de l'Horloge, or belfry, a striking monument of quadrangular form, is quite close to the chur ch,
and merits inspection.
Châteldon has still a certain renown, which as time
goes on lS likely to increase. This it del"ives from its
mineraI springs, of which it possesses four,-the
Source St. Eugénie, le Puits Ronq., le Puits Carré,
and la Source Nouvelle. 'l'heyare situated at about
ten minutes' walk from tho town, and, if time permits,
may interest the visitor.
CLERMON'l'-FERRAND.
On account of its ùistn.nce from Vichy it is hardly
possible to go by carriage unless ono is prepared to
stop there two days.
The only aVl1ilable train is thllt leaving Vichy at
7 a.m., and St. Germain 7.33 a.m. By taking this
train it ia possible to visit Clermont-Ferrand, Royat,
and tho Puy-da-Dôme aIl in one day, x:eturning to
Vichy eitller by the 5.34 (parly.), or 8.55 p.m. express
�352
'l'HE MINERAL WATEHS OF VICHY .
from Olermont, reaching St. Germain at 7.50 and
10.4 p.m., and Vichy at 9.3 and 10.42 p.m.
The first part of the journey has already been mentioneù in our description of Gannat, which one has to
pass. The distanco by rail from St. Germain is sixtyfive kilometres, and the dUl'ation of the journey
about two hours and a quartor. To this distance must
bo added the ten kilometres from Vichy to St. Germain, and an allowance of at least one hour has to be
made on an average for this little bit of the journey,
owing to the delay at tho latter station.
After passing by the following stations : St. Romy,
"NIontoignot-Escurelles, and Gannat, the lino l'uns by
Aigueperce, Pontmort, Riom, and Gerzat, the next
station being Clermont. Tho sconery is very varied,
and will not fail to charm tho travoner. Near to tho
line aro fertile fields, whore tho golc1en tint of tho ripe
corn Pl'edominates and is set oi! to advantago by a
good Bprinkling of vineyal'ds. In the backgl'Ound
aro high mountains, whose summits are froql1ontly
ellvelopod in mist.
Olermont-:Forrand, the CI chor liou" of the Dopal'Lmont or tho Puy-do-Dôme, has a })opulation of 43,000.
Tt 18 built at an altitudo of 407 ID trcs upon a h.iH, ut
tlw foot oI w}tich flow s the rrirtaino. II ills surrounù
j t on overy side.
'l'ho town co vers a cOllsiderabl oxtont, and boasts
many fino, hwge, and open sLreets, avenues, and.
boulovard.s. rrhe g l'eaLel' part of the houses aro largo,
substantial, and weIl Luil t.
�PROMENADES IN TUE ENVIRONS .
353
'fhe principal industries are pottery of a coarse
kind, the manufacture of different kinds of pastes
such as the cc pate d'Italie," india-rubber goods, &c.
The principal curiosities to be seeu are :
The Cathedral, a magnificeut historical mouument
belonging te the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
Some time before entering Clermont this cathedral
can be seen from the windows of the railway carriage.
By its lofty spires and large size it seems to dominate
the whole town.
It is of Gothie architecture, and was commenced in
1248, under the direction of the architect, Jean
Deschamps, being consecrated in 1348, but, like most
oE the French cathedrals, it is still unfinished. It has
a very handsome exterior, and its two spires, eighty
weLl'es high, aro as striking as they are graceful.
'J~be
interiOl' presents many points of interest; the
grand lofty roof, and the haudsome staiued windows
ca.unot fail to fix one's attention as soon as one enters
the building, More carefully examined, there is much
of intel'est to be seen here.
On the left of the entrance you will remark, in one
oE the side chapels, a most elaborately carved group
in oak, representing the rrwelve Apostles. Another
cal'ved oak picture l'eprosents a Confirmation scene.
Both are works of the thideeuth contul'Y' If you now
turn round and cross to the other side of the cathedral
you will face a magnificent stainod window l'epresenting the marriage of St. Louis.
Making your waya little further round, you will
23
�35,.1,
THE MINERAL WATERR OF VICIIY .
see on the wall an ancient clock, captured from the
town or Issoire during the religious wars. It is what
is termed a "jacquemart," i . 8 . a clock with figures .
These figures are about life-size, and repr esent Mars,
Time, and Fame. Mars is most to the left, Time in
the middle. Every hour t he figures strike Time with
iron bammers.
If you penetrate the aisle you will notice a mural
painting, in great part effaced, and over wbich another
pictllre bad been painted. The entire altar is or gilded
brass, tbo lower part being of very delicate workmanship und beautifully chisellod. lt belongs to the
thirteenth cent ury, as does a1so the cast-iron do or
round the ais le.
'l'he confessionals aro aU of carved work, some of them
real works of art. 'l'he stainod wio 10ws arc or tho
sarne opoch) though hcre and thero slight rostorations
mal' tho symmetry) part or tho original having beon
brokon.
In a side chapel) at tho back 01 tho high nlta!') is
anotho!' or gr y marblo, upon which are sculpturod the
'l'wolve A.post1cs. This carving presents particular
inLerest in that it bolouga to the Iourth cent ury. lt
wus placed in tho cathedral in the Lhirteenth century,
and its presorvation is porfoct. 'l'horo aro many othor
most illterosting things to bo seon hore, but we must
con te nt om·solves wi th noting one moro. 'l'his is tho
chapol 01 St. Pierro, whero a splenclid carved oak or
gl' aL dimensions represents tho 'l\volvo Apostles .
Besiùes the valuo attachoc1 to ancient sculpturo in
�PROMENADES IN 'l'HE ENVIRONS
355
general, it has another and exceptional merit in that
the carving is executod on one piece of wood. Opposite to il; is to be seen a picture of the martyrs.
This is the principal sight in tho town, aud should
satisfy the visitor if ho intends to do Royat and Puyde-Dôme on the same day. If, on the contrary, he
intends to pass a couple of days at Clermont thero aro
still Qno or two things worth seeing.
Notre Darne-du-Po?·t, another historical monument,
the most ancient and perhaps the most pOl·foct type of
what is caUed Romane-Auvergnate" architecture of
the tenth and thirteenth centuries. Tho outside may
not be very imposing, but there is mu ch to admire
within. The chul'ch of St. Pierro-des Minimes, built
in 1630, possosses two fino pictures.
Ste . Marie, an old Dominican chu1'ch, of tho oarly
Gothic stylo, built in th beginning of tho thil'teonth
century. lt possessos two very handsomo tombs of the
fourteenth century.
The P?"éJecttwe, the IIôtel de Ville, Palais ùes
Facultés, and somo, old houses, nobably the Maison do
Pascal.
The Fontaine de JacqttRS d'Amboise, ol'ected at tho
commeucomont of tho fiftoenth contury, siLuated in
the Cours Sablon, with its three supel'posed basins.
rfhe statues of Desaix and Pascal, in tho Place de
Jando and tho Placo do St. IIérem.
The Mttseum, which contains many valuablo picturos.
Th e Pel1·1f'ying Fotmtain of St.llllyre.
Closo to this last are the Pont Natutrel anù G1'ottoes
(C
�356
'l'HE MINERAL WATERS OF VICHY.
of St. AllY7'e in the Rue du Pont Naturel. There are
four gr otto es in which dillerent objects are constantly
being submitted to the petrifying process. In the
garden are to be seen a cow and its calf, a horse and
sorne half-dozen personages of natural size, dancing
one of the Auvergnat dances to the tune of a fiddler.
The Pont Naturel is a bridge which has been formed
entirely by the action of these potrifying waters. It
was fOl'merly known as the cc Devil's Bridge,"
The Hôtel Dieu hospital, the Ba?'rac7cs, and sorne
similar institutions, are not to the taste of everyone,
so we refrain from giving any details concerning
thern,
ROYAT.
The best way of getting to Royat is by train to
Clermont-Ferrand, and from this station either walking or taking a cab, The distance is about three
miles. Cab fare lS 3 f. in the daytime, and 4 f.
Ü'om nine o'clock in the evening to five o'clocle in the
morning, Trams and omnibuses from the interior of
Clermont loave every fow minutes for Royat. Tho
faro is 25 c,
Should you prefer to walk, asle to be dirocted to the
Avonue de Royat, whence you will have no difficulty
in finding your way, as this road Ieads direct to Royat.
'L'he walle is somewhat uphill tho whole way, much
exposed on a bright suuny day to the direct rays of
�PROMENADES IN THE ENVIRONS.
357
the sun; it is not then to be recommended, but in
cooler weather it is an agreeable promenade.
Royat, one of the French thermal stations, dates
from the Roman era. Quite recently the Royat
Thermal Company, during the progress of certain
works undertaken with a view of embellishing and increasing the size of the park, came upon the ruins of
what had once been the Roman thermal establishment.
Royat has a population of between 1400 and 1450
inhabitants, and derives its importance from its
mineraI waters.
It possesses seven mineraI springs, of which it will
suffice to give the names.
The Source Eugénie, which has the extraordinarily
large output of 1,400,000 quarts pel' twenty-four hours,
the Source St. Mar t, Source St. Victor, Source du
Médecin, Source Marie-Louise, Source Fonteix, Source
César.
Royat has many beauties, naturai and artificial.
Few places can boast so charming an array of villas
and houses. 'rho hilly nature of the ground and the
rich growth which overspreads it combine to malee
Royat a lovely spot for a su mm el' excursion.
Tho tOWD, or rather village, is somewhat limited in
size, and may bo considered almost a suburb 01 Clermont from tho constant traffic which go es ou between
tho two places.
In Royat itself there is but littie to visit other than
what pertains directIy or indirectly to its thermal
springs.
�358
'.rllE MINJ!:l{AL WA'l'ERS OF VICHY.
The chur ch is an historical building of the twelfth
century. !ts crypt dates from the eleventh century.
The belfry is modern and in the Roman style.
In the centre of the town is a beautiful Gothic cross
orected in 1646 and restored in 1881, upon which are
carved the Twelve Apostles .
The Casino, weil in keeping with its surroundings,
is in the form of a châlet and has been considerably
enlarged during the last few years. The park containing the Source Eugénie is very tastefully laid out.
Musical concerts are given here daily.
What will most interest the stranger whose time is
limited is tho famous Grotto St. Marc or, as it is now
commonly called, « The Dog's Gratta." This is within
but a faw steps of the thermal establishment, and has
bcen compared ta the Dog's Grotto neal" Naples. The
compal'ison is not far-fetched, fol' they present the
same pllenomena, being essentiaUy characterised by
the escape of carbonic acid gas from the soil, tlle
effects of which upon the organisation are naturally
tho same in both places. For thoso of our readers
who may not have visited the grotto at Naples wa will
givo a briof description of the one to bo seen at Royat.
The St. Marc Grotto is an oxcavation of eighteell
roetres largo and eight deop, of which tho 1'001 is
forme a by some of the enormous scoriro vomited by
the Gravenoire volcano when in activity. Thel'e is a
gl·eat scape from the soil in summer of carbonic acid
gas, whicb, being heavier tban tho atmosphere, forms
SI. dense layer at some distance from the soil.
1'110
�PROMENADES IN 'l'UE ENVIRONS .
359
l1eight of this layer varies with tho temperature and
the 116ight of the barometer, Tho higher the temperature and the lower the barometer, the higher will be
the height of the layer of this gas ; it disappears wben
tI1e tomperature is under 41.° F., and in winter is oHen
enti1'ely absent or at any rate cannot be recognised.
Oal'bonic acid gas, as overyone knows, is nnfit both
fol' respiration and combustion. As the height of the
lay l' of cal'bonic acid varies normally from about two
and a baH 1,0 five feet, acco1'ding to tbe part of the
grotto measured, it stands to reason that if one's
mouth ls below this beight asphyxia will ensue. This
result takes place with a dog led into the grotto, while
the maste!' is unaffecteà, both standing together, but
not broathing the same air, as tho man's mouth is
hlg11er than tho gas. 'l'ho animalrecovers in a few
minutos wh n brought out iuto tho open air, if the
exporiment has not boon calTiod too fal'. '1'0 show the
lwight of the gas it is sufficient 1,0 light a candlo and
to 10wo1' it gently. Tho flamo will be extinguisheà as
soon as it roaches tho gas, To demonstrate that tho
gas is heavie1' than the atmosphoric air a can is talcon
JI' m olE tho grouna and tho gas in it pou~'l3d
over a
canàl ; 01' a hat can be fillod with it and ca1'riod ontsiàe the grotto, wh on it will immediately extinguish a
bghL jf poul'od over it.
I!Jvoryono entering tho grotto feels a difficuUy or
broathing, at least rOI' somo minutes, as the lower
layol's of tho gas have beon àistu1'beà, and the shorter
ono lS tho greator the discomfort.
�360
TnE MINERAL WA'fERS OF V1CllY .
'l'he visit to the gr otto need only occupy a fl:lw
minutes, and if the tourist wishes to return to Vichy
the same evening he should, as soon as this sight is
over, take a carriage for the Puy-de-Dôme, that is if
he intends making that excursion.
PUY-DE-DôME.
To reach the Puy-de-Dôme from Royat a two-horse
carringe is necessary if more than one person is going.
The fare varies from 20 to 30 f.
The Puy-de-Dôme is ono of the loveliest drives
imaginablo. To get to the summit of the monntaln
a distanco of about twelvo kilometres has to be accomplishod. 'l'ho whole distance is ono steep ascent. 'l'heroad is vory winding with, on eithor sido, loftY hils~
covered with vegetation and rich green trees; smaH
mountain torrents roll down by the side of the road at
short intervals and innumorablo streams flow on evory
side through the pastures. The sconory is su ch as is
rarely to be mot with. The towering mountains, ruslling streams, the well-laden apple- and pear-trees in the
orchards which line the road an contribnto to vary tho
scono and mako a charming promonado.
During somo part of the season there is al'tillery
practico on the heights, which the tourist wm do wolL
to bear in mina, as, while it is going on, no ono is
allowed to proceed beyond certain limits, that is, only
ahout ono haH the distance. As the firing takes place
�PROMENADES IN THE ENVIRONS .
361
between 1 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon} it is possibleeither to make an ea1'lier sta1't or not to set ont until
about 2.30 from Royat to avoid the disagreeable enforced detention.
Besides taking the splendid view to be had from
the summit of the mountain the visitor should go to
Gravenoire} and descend into the crater of that extinguished volcano.
ÉnREUIL.
This excursion, with the two foUowing} Veauce and
Chantelle} may be done in the same day if a very ea1'ly
start be made.
It lS necossary to take the train to Gannat} and
then a carriage for the l'est of the trip.
Ébreuil is about ten kilometres from Gannat} and a
very good carriage road unites the two places.
liibreuil} with a population of 2300} is situated on
tho left bank of the Sioule} upon which stream arc to
be soon a groat numbor of water mills.
The o1'igin of this smaU town can be traced to the
earliest ages. In the oighth century it possossed a
castlo be]onging to the kings of Aquitaine. Until
971 liibrouil belonged to the Frank kings; it was then
handed over by Lothaire to the monks} who foundod
a convent dedicated to St. Leger} Bishop of Autun.
This convent in 108 was tru.nsformed into an abboy,
and putunder the immediato protection of the Roly Soo.
�362
TH.!!: MINERAL WA'rERS OF VICHY.
In 1115 it possossed fifty-two churches . The relics
of St. Maixent did much to enrich it. About the
beginning of the seventeenth century it began to lose
its importance, and in 1765 Louis XVI and the Bishop
of Clermont ordered the ab bey to be suppressed, and
established in its stead a hospital worked by the
isters of chal'ity.
At the present c1ay it possesses but one monument
of interest, the chnrch belonging to the abbey. The
belfl'y is of the thirteenth century, in the "Ogival
naissant" style. In the sacristy will be founel some
relics of St. Leger.
VEAUCE .
Veauce is seven ki.lometres c1ista.nt from Ébreuil.
The carl'iage road passes through Vicq, a small village
of sorne 1000 inhabiLants, which possasses an interesting histol'ical monum nt, the Ohâteau de la Mothe, now
in ruins.
'hortly artel' passing Vicq you must leave the high
road and tum to the l H. In a qual'ter of an hour
you reach Veauce.
Veauce is a very small village, the numbor oJ: its
inbabitants being only just over 200 . It is built on
the banks of a small stream beal'ing the sarne name.
It is very pictul'esquoly situateel, a.nd presents mu ch
artietic beauty. The cc grcat attraction," however, ie
tho Ohateau de Veauco.
�PROMENADES IN l'HE ENVIRONS.
363
The Château de Veauce is built upon some enormous
rocks at a considerable elevation, and forms a majestic
monument, visible at a great distance.
Round about are high hills which form a sort of
semicircle. In the distance can be seen the chain of
mountains of the Puy-de-Dôme and the mountains of
Auvergne. N earer at hand lies the beautiful valley
of Ébreuil, and at your feet flows the Veauce, lashing
the rocks in its impetuous course.
For the description of the castle we will quote P .
Joanne.
"The Castle of Veauco, as its formidable position
shows at the first glanco, was an ancient feudal fortross. Under Richelieu the castle lost its imposing
aspoct and at the same time its military importance.
ILs walls wero in great part domolished.
,( In HOO the domain of Veauce was constituted a
barony by Louis II, Duko of Bourbon, and from this
timo it has always belonged to the family of Cadier,
or to houses allied thereto. Towards the ond of the
seventeonth century this samo family got togothel'
again aU the domain, and still possess it. Rostored
by its present proprietor, M. ùe Cadier, Baron of
V auco, the castle has once more acq uired its foudal
appoal'anco, with tho oxcoption of the wing occupied
by tho proprietor, and which ls decorated in tho
Renaissanco style.
(( 'l'he large court of the castlo is laid out as a garden.
li. wing of tho castle, with a number of Gothic windows,
bas a crest of open-worked zinc upon its roof. The
�OF VI C II\'.
,IIP
V1 1.
1\
th-
or
�1N '1'11:
IU,'k.
III 1.1.!7,
~;
V 1ft
��INDEX.
A.
Abbatoir Spring
Abuse of the water s
Acids in relation to diet
Action of the waters upon the digestive trnct
Albuminurin .
Alkalinc minernJ waters, how they net upon the economy
All00mia
Auulysis of the difI'erent spri ngs
Artiflcial springs
Ascending douches
PAGE
57
72
103-106
73
157
14-
1 8
70
2
86
ll.
llnromcter table, French and English
ll'ltb, durntion of
Bttths
" charges for
" second and third clnss
Bilinry lithiasis
Billy Castle .
Boulevards
Bourbon-Busset Cnstle
Bright's diseuse
253
80
82
271
269
142
317
257
341
157
�368
INDEX .
C.
faros
-Carbonic acid trentmcli t
Carré Pnits
Casino
Catarrh, vesical
-Celestins Springs
Chantelle
Charges for curriagc dl'i ves
Charnanx Spring
-Chateau Frnnc, Le
CMteldon
Chcrnical char!lctcrs of the Vichy sprillgs
Chlorosis
Choice of a spring
Chornel Pnits.
Chronic cystitis
Clermon t·Ferrnn d
'Climate of Vichy
Clothing
'Congestion of the liver .
of the spleen
Constipation .
Côte St. Arnnncl
Couvcnt dcs Celcstins
.cU1'rCllcy, Frcnch
.cusset
sllrings nt
C~b
rA.GE
· 242
89
"27,70
· 279
· 165
37,70
364
287
65
3
346
13
188
73
29
105
351
1
!JO
137
193
126
304
250
254
294
295
D.
Dinbetcs mcllituB
Diet
" in dio.betes
199
93
227
�369
INDEX.
PAGE
Different manners of employing the Viclly wnters
Disenses of the intestines
of the liver
of the urinary orgauB
Disorders of the stomach
Douches
nseending
durntion of
local
percussion
l'ectal
vaginnl
Dubois Spring
Durntion of bntbs
of digestion of certain Illimcnts
of douches
"
of trentment
Dyscntcry
Dyspcpsin
70
121
137
149
108
84
86
86
85
84
87
88
53
83
101
86
75
124
108
E.
361
Ébreuil
Effiat
Elimination of the bicarbonate of sodn {rom the system
Elisabeth Spring
English Pl'otcstallt Chul'ch
Elltcritis
.
E:xercisc
Externat uses of the wnters
333
17
54,70
259
121
94
70
F.
241
64
251
Fm'cs 10 Vichy
l!'orisRier Spring
l~'cnh
cuucncy
24
�370
INDEX .
G.
r.\GE
Gall-stono colic
Gannat
Gnstrnlgin
Genernl nnlllysis
inf'ol'lnntioll
Genernliti s upou the mineraI waters of Vichy
Gout
Grande Grille
Gravel
Gmviers Sprillg
Grecn sickneFs
Grotto St_ >lInre
Guorrior Spring
142
336
117
70
235
10
170
22,70
149
68
188
35!:!
G3,70
II.
307
-17,70
Hauterivo
Sprillg
llopntic ealculi
llepntitis
HÔpitul, ivil
112
. 142
. 2G1
32,70
93
'Jl"i 1Ig'
llygicno und ùict
1.
InOnmmntion of the livel'
Intermittent fever
Internul trclltUlPllt
Hl
]93
71
J.
J cun, SPi ing St.
57
�INDEX.
371
K.
PAGE
Kilometric and metrie tables
· 249
L.
La PHlisse
Lm'baud ainé Spl'ing
Larbaud St. YOITe
L'Ardoisière
Lardy Spring
Le Moutiers
Liver, congestion of tllc
L Olal doucheR
Lucas 'Pl'ing •
326
53
66
· 300
51
3
137
85
35
M.
Malaria
Maillvaux
Mllllnt pring
Mlluufnetory of the thermal ostablishment
Mal'ie Spl'iull' .
MaullIIout
M 'sdl\ll1cS Spl'iuS'
1\{ 118111'0 gillsses
MeLriLis
:r,<[Olltngno Verte. the
Most fllvorable time fol' dl'Ïnking the IVIlLer.
193
296
62
· 275
· 51.
, 310
15,70
· 72
128
290
71
N.
Nl\]loleon, his \'isit to Viehy
Nephl'Ïtic eolies
7
119
�372
INDEX .
O.
Origin of the Vichy springs
FAGE
. 11
P.
P'lfC des Celestins
Pllrc Lardy
Parc, Spring of the
Pavillon Sévigné
Percussion douches
Physicnl qualities of the waters
Pionniers Springs
Piscine
Pont de Rouzat
Post·office ho urs
Privnte springs
Prunelle Spring
Puy·do-DÔme _
Puy-Grenier, the
· 265
· 265
41,70
.258
84
16
58
83
· 836
. 243
64
·
69
· 360
· 308
Q.
Quantity of salts suppliccl by nll thu Vichy springs together
. 1
R.
!landau
Rectal douches
Itennl lithiasis .
Itosalie Spring .
Royat
· 314
· 87
.149
· 32
• 366
�lN Dl!:X.
373
S.
l'AGE
Sévigné, Madame, and her lettera
Smoking und dyspepsia
Spleen, congestion of the
Springs:
AblJUtoir
Carré
Celestius
Chomel
Dubois
Elisnhcth
Forrissier
Grande Grille
Guerrier
Hauterive
HÔpital
Larbaud aIllé
Larbaud St. Yorre
Lardy
Luclls
MesdaUles.
Nouveaux Celestins
Prunelle
St. Jean
Ste. Mario
'l'I'ucy
Springs Ilt Cnsset
at t. YorJ'e
bclonging to the Stuto
privute iudividl1l11s
"
St. Louis Church
SLimulunts
4
113
193
57
27,70
37,70
29
58
54,70
64
22,70
63,70
4,7,70
32,70
53
66
51
35
45,70
37,70
59
57
54
56
54
61
10
10
259
. 105
•
�374
INDEX.
T.
PAGE
'l'en. Dyspepsin
'l'cm pernture of thc bnths
springs
Thentre"
Thcrmal Company, its obligations anù privilegcs
estnblishment of Vichy, wh cu founded
spri ngs of Vichy cousidered iudividually
'l'herl11ometcl'. English Rnd French scnle compal'cd
Thiers
Toul' do l'Horloge
Touts at rnilwny station
Town of Vichy
Tracy Spring .
'l'min Mel'vice to Vichy
Tl' ntmcnt, durntion of
.114
. 82
16,70
285
20
6
22
252
322
257
245
255
56
236
75
U.
. 128
Uterine disensos
\'.
Vilgillili douchcs
Venuce
V cHicnl cntllrl'h
Vcsso intermittent Rp"ill [;
Vichy nnd Its origill
"
deri vntion of IIl1mC
its climnte
its waLers, nnù manncra ill \\ hi,·}' thry IIru omployed
spri ngs, their chelllicni chllrnclcrs
88
362
165
201
1
3
1
70
13
�INDEX.
375
PAGE
Vichy, the town oC
" waters, their physicnl qualitics
Vieux Parc, the
Ville nux J uits
La
1'IllNTIlD DY ADLAnD AIID EON, DAnTllOLOllEW OLOSE.
255
16
262
3
3
�SM D E VICHV
111111111111111111111111111 1111111111 11111 11111 11111 11111111
115747 0044
���
Dublin Core
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Title
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Le Thermalisme
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https://bibliotheque-virtuelle.bu.uca.fr/files/vignettes
/BCU_Vichy_album_de_photographies_247365.jpg
Description
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<p>La médiathèque Valery Larbaud de Vichy conserve plusieurs centaines d'ouvrages consacrés au thermalisme.<br />En partenariat avec l'Université Clermont Auvergne, est ici mise en ligne une sélection...<br /><a href="https://bibliotheque-virtuelle.bu.uca.fr/exhibits/show/lethermalisme">En savoir plus sur le Thermalisme</a></p>
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Vichy
Creator
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Cormack, C. E.
Title
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The mineral waters of Vichy and the diseases in which they are indicated followed by a sletch of some the principal excursions in the environs
Publisher
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J. A. Churchill
Date
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1887
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Médiathèque Valery Larbaud (Vichy) S.H. V 10 910.2 VIC
Bibliothèque Université Clermont Auvergne
Subject
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Cures thermales -- France -- Vichy (Allier) -- 19e siècle
Vichy (Allier) -- 19e siècle -- Guides
Vichy (Allier) -- Circuits touristiques
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375 p.
application/pdf
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Contient deux plans : "Vichy" et "Vichy et ses environs". Dédié au Dr Glénard
Type
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text
Language
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eng
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Domaine publique
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BCU_The_mineral_waters_of_Vichy_115747
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vignette : https://bibliotheque-virtuelle.bu.uca.fr/files/thumbnails/22/26571/BCU_The_mineral_waters_of_Vichy_115747.jpg
Cures thermales -- France -- Vichy (Allier) -- 19e siècle
Vichy (Allier) -- 19e siècle -- Guides
Vichy (Allier) -- Circuits touristiques