USA > Virginia > A history of the valley of Virginia, 3rd ed > Part 36
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they have gone over the ground that we have, but I am writing for those only, who like me, are not satisfied until everything is seen that is worthy of notice. Such would not excuse me, did I not mention one more curiosity, that few are inclined to visit. A few yards beyond the fly trap, there is an opening in the solid wall, at the height of about twelve feet, through which you are admitted by a temporary ladder. By hard climbing, you soon penetrate to end of the recess, where you find the source of the Nile ! This is a beau- tiful, limpid spring, covered over with a then pellicle of stalagmite, yet sufficiently strong to bear your weight ; in this crust, their is a perforation that gives you access to the water beneath.
I have thus very curiously described, as far as it is practicable, this wonderful cavern, but I feel convinced that no pen can ade- quately describe an object so extensive, so magnificent, and so varied in its beauties. I shall only add a few remarks in explanation of the motives that induced me to prepare this sketch, and some gen- eral facts that could not, with propriety, have been stated in the description of individual portions of the cave. To settle a dispute relative to its depth, I was induced to make a full and accurate sur- vey of the whole cavern, which I found had never been done. This was undertaken solely for my own gratification, but the solicitations of the proprietor, and others, have induced me to construct a sort of Map, which is now before the public. This description there- fore, may be depended upon, as being as accurate as possible, for the distances, heights, elevations, &c., are given from actual meas- urement. The dotted line in the map, represents what has so often been called the " main path," and if we measure this line the length of the cave is one thousand six hundred and fifty feet. By follow- ing its windings, the distance may be more than doubled.
At all times, the air of the cave is damp, but the dampness of the floor depends much upon the seasons; if you except a moist place near the fly trap, there is no standing water in all the cave. The temperature remains invariably at fifty-six degrees, in all parts, from which it follows that the air feels quite warm, to a visitor in winter, and directly the reverse in summer, and it is therefore im- portant that in the summer he should become perfectly cool before he enters, and in winter, before he leaves it. The spring and fall are the best seasons for visiting the cave, for then the atmosphere without, is nearly of the same temperature with that within, and it is more dry at these times.
The question is often asked, which of the two great curiosties of Virginia is the greatest, Weyer's Cave or the Natural Bridge ? This is not a fair question, neither can it be easily answered ; for they are totally different in themselves, and in their effects upon observ- ers. You visit the Natural Bridge in the full blaze of noon-day, and when you reach the object of your curiosity, it bursts upon your view, in all its magnificence and grandeur, you comprehend at once the magnitude of the scene, and you turn away, overpowered with
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a sense of the majesty of Him who has spanned that gulf, and thrown His arch across it. Visit it as often as you please, this feel- ing return upon you with unabated force, but no new impressions are made, you have seen the whole.
You visit the cave by the dim light of a few candles, of course no impression will at first be produced, or if any an unfavorable one. As successive portions of the cavern are presented to view, they pro- duce successive and varied emotions. Now you are filled with de- light at the beauty of the sparkling ceilings; again, this feeling is mingled with admiration, as some object of more than ordinary beauty presents itself, and anon you are filled with awe at the magni- tude of the immense chambers, the hollow reverberations of the lofty arches, and the profuse display of the operations of an omnipo- tent hand. Indistinctness of vision, allows free scope to the imagi- nation, and consequently greatly enhances your pleasure.
Many persons go away from the cave disappointed, they hear of rooms and ceilings, and if they do not expect to see them plastered and white-washed, they think at least that they will be mathemati- cally regular in form, and that they will be able to walk in them with as much ease and see as many wonders as they would in a visit to Aladin's palace. A visit to the cave is not unattended with fati- gue, but the pleasure you derive from it, is ample compensation.
[The author of this pamphlet has omited to notice what I con- sider one of the greatest and most beautiful of nature's curiosities in this grand work of nature, i. e., what is called the rising sun. In a dark recess, on the eastern side of the cave, this curiosity appears in full relief. It is a very natural representation of the moon in her last quarter, rising in the morning.]
(NOTE A).
Since the publication of the first edition of this description, a discovery of great interest has been made in the Infernal Regions, which deserves notice, on account of its extraordinary richness and rarity. The floor of this apartment, until recently, has been sup- posed to be solid rock, but it is now ascertained to be a rich mine of calcareous deposits, unsurpassing in beauty anything ever yet dis- covered in this or any other cavern. By perforating the floor with a crow bar, it was found to consist of successive layers of brilliant white crystal, to the depth of three feet, the layers being often in- terrupted, and varying in width.
The crystals are usually pendent from the lower surfaces of the layers, though very many of them serve as pillars to support the superincumbent mass. After penetrating through the layers, a large geode or hollow space was discovered, extending many yards horizontally, but only three feet deep, which was half full of limpid water. In this cavity the crystals assume the form of well-defined dog-tooth spar, and are unrivalled in brilliancy and beauty. In the
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course of extensive and minute explorations in different caves in this and other States, I have never met with a similar formation, or with crystals of such transcendant beauty. By the kindness of the proprietor, I have been enabled to make a choice collection of speci- mens, embracing almost every variety. For one of these I have re- fused $100.
(NOTE B).
Much has been said of late, of another cave that has been dis- covered within two years, in the immediate vicinity of Weyer's. A few words respecting it may not be uninteresting. You gain admit- ance by a long flight of steps, and immediately find yourself in a large apartment, the first view of which, (under the circumstances in which I first saw it, by the light of several hundred candles) is very imposing.
Pillars and enormous pendant stalactities impart an air of wild- ness and irregularity to the scene, that is not observed in the other cave. There are few narrow passages ; the cavern seems to be com- prised in one immense room, its floor however being so uneven and rugged, and the view so much curtailed by pillars and stalactities that extend nearly to the floor, that the effect which otherwise would be produced by its vastness, is very sensibly diminished. I have not space to describe this cave more minutely, but will briefly give my impressions of the comparative merits of these rival claimants of our admiration. We are immediately struck with astonishment and pleasure, at the general view that is presented to us in Weast's Cave, as long as we look at it at a little distance, but our emotions are not very varied ; and when we examine closely the objects of our ad- miration, our emotions subside, for their beauty is gone.
As we enter Weyer's Cave, we are not transported with those violent yet agreeable emotions, but as we proceed, new and richer beauties rise successively before us, and our feelings rise with them, until they reach an almost painful degree of intenseness, nor is the effect lessened by the most minute examination of the objects of our admiration. Weast's Cave richly deserves a visit from all who love to contemplete the works of nature, but in variety, in beauty, and in general effect, it must yield the palm to Weyer's.
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CHAPTER V.
ACCOUNT OF THE MEDICAL PROPERTIES OF THE GREY SULPHUR SPRINGS.
The great reputation which the Mineral Springs of Virginia have of late years acquired, causes them to be resort to, in great num- bers, not only by invalids from every section of the United States and foreign parts, but also by individuals of leisure and fashion, whose principal object is, to pass the summer in an agreeable man- ner. The properties of the Warm, Hot, Sweet, White Sulphur, Salt Sulphur, and Red Sulphur Springs, are generally known. Those of the Grey Sulphur having been ascertained only within the two last years, have yet to be made public, and in order to do so, we are induced to give, in this form, an account of the situation and medical properties, together with a statement of some of the cases benefitted by the use of the waters.
The Grey Sulphur Springs are situated near the line, dividing the Counties of Giles and Monroe, Va., on the main road leading from the court-house of the one to that of the other. They are three-fourths of a mile from Peterstown, nine miles from Red Sul- phur, and by the county road, and twenty and a quarter miles from the Salt Sulphur Spring. In traveling to the Virginia Springs, by either the Main Tennessee or Goodspur Gap Road, and crossing the country from Newbern, by the stage road to the Sulphur Springs, the Grey Sulphur are the first arrived at. They are thirty miles distant from Newburn. The location is such as to admit of many and varied improvements, which, when completed, will ren- der their spot an elegant and desirable resort during the summer months, independent of the high medicinal properties of the Mineral Waters.
The present improvement consist of a Brick Hotel ninety feet long and thirty-two wide; two ranges of cabins one hundred and sixty-two feet long each, which, with other buildings in connection, afford accommodation for from ninety to one hundred visitors.
There are two springs at this establishment, situated within five feet of each other and inclosed in one building. Although rising so near to each other, yet they differ most materially in their action on the system. Both appear to be peculiarly serviceable in dyspeptic cases, and in such as originate in a disordered state of the stomach, the one in those, in which inflammation exists, the other in such as
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proceed from torpidity. They have hiterto been known as Large and Small Springs ; but having succeeded towards the close of the last season in procuring a much larger supply of water at the Small Spring than is afforded by the Large, a change of names became necessary. The large will hereafter be known as the Anti-Dyspep- tic, and the small as the Aperient, which name will serve to point out their peculiar characteristics.
The Springs have been classed by Professor Shepard, as " Alka- lino Sulphurous," a variety so rarely met with, that another is not known in the United States. The waters are beautifully clear, and highly charged with gas, wnich render them light and extremely pleasant, especially that of the Anti-Dyspeptic Spring, which pro- duces none of those unpleasant sensations so frequently felt on the first drinking of Mineral Waters.
When first purchased some of the water was submitted to a chemist for analysis ; the quantity, however, was too small for him to ascertain all its ingredients. A more recent examination has been made by Professor C. U. Shepard, who has furnished us with the following abstract of an article which appears in the April Num- ber (1836) of Prof. Silliman's Journal of Science and Arts.
" The following is the most satisfactory view which my experi- ments enable me to present of the condition of these waters :
Specific gravity, 1,003.
SOLUBLE INGREDIENTS.
Nitrogen, Hydro-Sulphuric Acid,
Bi-Carbonate of Soda, *
A Superb Carbonate of Lime,
Chloride of Calcium,
Chloride of Sodium,
Sulphate of Soda, An Alkaline or earthly Crenate, or both, Silicic Acid.
INSOLUBLE INGREDIENTS.
Sulphuret of Iron, Crenate of Per Oxide of Iron, Silicic Acid, Alumina, Selicate of Iron.
My experiments do not permit me to point out the differences between the two Springs with precision. The new Spring appears
* It cannot be determined whether free carbonic acid exist in these waters, without going into a quantitative analysis .- C. U. S.
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to give rise to a greater amount of hydro-sulphuric acid, as well as of iron and silicic acid. Probably it may differ in still other respects. I have not examined it for Iodine or Bromine."
As no regular analysis was attempted the quantities in which these several ingredients exist, still remain undetermined. That they are in different proportions in the two Springs, is evident not only from their deposits, but also from their action on the system. The action of the Anti-Dyspeptic Spring is diuretic and gently aperi- ent, tending to restore the healthy performance of the functions, and reduce or diffuse the local irritation of disease. The Aperient Spring while it possesses all the alkaline properties of the other, has an aperient and alterative action. Possessing more iron, (of which the other has but a trace), it acts more powerfully as a tonic, whilst its other ingredients causes it to act in some cases as a very powerful aperient.
As these Springs have been visited by invalids, only during the two last seasons, it is reasonable to suppose that all their properties have not yet been discovered, nor all the cases ascertained in which they can be beneficially used. In fact, owing to the small quantity of water furnished hitherto by the Aperient Spring, its qualities have been but little tested, and there can be no doubt, (judging from its constituents) that it will be found equally salubrious as the Anti- Dyspeptic Spring, only better adapted to another class of cases. To give a general idea of the properties of these waters, we might say that they are peculiarly serviceable in these diseases which originate in a disordered state of the stomach and bowels, and also in hepatic affections. It is proper, however, to enter more into details, and we therefore submit the following synopsis of the medical properties of the Anti-Dyspeptic Spring.
MEDICAL PROPERTIES.
I. It relieves nausia and headaches, arising from disordered stomachs.
2. Neutralizes acidity, and if taken at meals, or immediately after, it has a tendency to prevent those unpleasant sensations so often experienced by invalids, from indiscretion in dieting.
3. Is an excellent tonic, exciting appetite and imparting strength to digestion.
4. Quiets irritation to the alimentary canal.
5. Controls and lessons the force of the circulation when un- naturally excited by disease, and often in this way, is remedial in internal inflammation of the organs.
6. It tranquilizes nervous irritability.
7. Is a mild and certain expectorant, often allaying dyspnoæ, and promoting recovery from chronic ailments of the chest and wind-pipe.
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8. It alters the action of the liver, where this has been previ- ously deranged, in a manner peculiar to itself, and under circum- stances in which the ordinary alteratives are forbidden by reason of their excitive or otherwise irrelevent properties.
9. It is also sudorific or diaphoretic ; and
IO. When taken at bedtime, often proves itself soporific ; ap- parently stilling that indescribable, but too well understood in- quietude which so frequently and unhappily interrupts or prevents the repose of the invalid, and especially of the dyspeptic.
Having thus briefly stated the properties of this Spring, we sub- mit the following statement of cases, treated at the Grey Sulphur, illustrative of the effect of the waters, and in corroboration of what has been advanced. Except those which are noticed in their proper places, all are either directly from the pen of the sufferers them- selves, or were immediately dictated by them in the form in which they appear in the notes. The original are in our possession, signed by the individuals whose cases are referred to.
No. I.
Dear Sir,-I take pleasure in stating that the waters of the Grey Sulphur have proved quite beneficial, during a visit of ten days, both to Mrs. S. and myself. We have both been suffering with that distressing malady, Dyspepsia, for a long time, and in my case with a general nervous debility, a weak and torpid state of the stomach and bowels, and at times great distress of the head and mind, and nervous excitement, even to spasms. After drinking freely of the Anti-Dyspeptic Spring, even at meals, the water pro- duced a fine glow and perspiration, suspended the nervous irritation and distress, and acted as a tonic for the stomach, created a strong appetite and enabled me to partake, with impunity, of any or all the solid and delicate dishes with which your table abounded. The water of the Anti-Despeptic Spring, corrected and prevented acidity of the stomach, and seemed to give activity and strength to that organ, but we required a free use of the Aperient Spring, in the mornings, to prevent a constipation of the bowls, which the Anti- Dyspeptic Spring seemed to produce .* A glass or two of the Anti- Dyspeptic Spring, on retiring, produced a glow, allayed nervous irri- tation, and induced a fine night's sleep; and we have, as well as our servant woman, who was in a debilitated state of health, ex- perienced more benefit here than from any of the waters we have as yet visited.
Respectfully yours, &c.,
* In a few instances this effect was complained of, but we found it was only in those cases where habitual costiveness existed, and this was easily remedied by making use of the Aperient Spring before breakfast.
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No. 2.
Dear Sir,-It gives me great pleasure to inform you of the general effects of your Anti-Dyspeptic Spring, in my case. During the three day's trial of the waters, I am convinced of its diuretic and diaphoretic qualities, and in one instance it acted as an altera- tive on my liver, producing a free discharge of billions matter. My general health has improved, the symptoms of my disease (Neural- gia) have mitigated, my appetite increased, my pulse has become more tranquil and regular, and my sleep more continual and refresh- ing. I have also gained strength and weight, (three pounds in three days), during my short sojourn with you.
Yours respectfully,
No. 3.
On the 6th of August, 1835, I arrived at the Grey Sulphur Springs, in a state of much depression, accompanied by a fever and rapid pulse, both arising from a complication of disorders belonging to the throat, the stomach and bowels. In the afternoon I drank of the Anti-Dyspeptic Spring, and immediate effect was to produce a gentle moisture of the skin, and to reduce the pulse from an hundred beats in a minute to about eighty. In the evening, my system gen- erally was relieved. On going to bed I drank of the same spring, and on the following morning felt a continuance of the same agree- able influence, and an improved appetite. In the afternoon there was a further reduction of pulse, and my fever entirely subsided, but partially returned in the night, with quickness of pulse, but by no means accelerated as it was when I came. In the course of the second day, the pulse beat sixty per minute, but quickened again. The first twenty-four or thirty-six hours experience was followed by similar effects, the two following days, one of which I confined my- self to the Aperient spring, and perceived no difference. Neither of them had the effect to move my bowels, but on the contrary to con- stipate them. I am much inclined to believe, that a continuance of these waters might have a salutary influence upon my very singular, very troublesome, and very obstinate case, if I can judge of their agreeable effect upon my skin, my spirits and system generally, in so short a time as three days. There was a continued reduction of the pulse from accelerated action, produced at the - Sulphur Spring, by drinking its waters; but it varied, being considerably quickened in the evening and during the night. The appetite was much improved and continued uniform. I regret that I could not remain long enough at the Grey Sulphur to test its effects upon my chronic complaints.
No. 4.
Mr. H- had had frequent hemorrhages, accompanied with a 45
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pain in the chest ; his cough was slight, but he suffered much from phlegm. Twenty-four hours after being at the Grey Sulphur, on examining his pulse, it was found to be about one hundred. Made use of the Anti-Dyspeptic Spring, taking about three tumblers per diem. Three days after, (about the same hour of the day), his pulse was again examined and found to be reduced to seventy-six beats per minute, and he felt much better. Having left home for Spring, he thought it is duty to go there. About a month after, he returned. He had gradually improved in health, and looked much better, and was evidently so. His pulse, however, was much too frequent, and he could not get it lowered. After leaving the Grey Sulphur, it had risen up, from eighty-five to ninety, and in the afternoon was frequently at one hundred. In the afternoon of the day he arrived, his pulse was counted, and found to be one hundred. After remaining five days, he again left for the Spring, his pulse varied, during his stay at the Grey, from seventy- five to ninety, but never reached as high as one hundred. His com- plexion became clearer, his spirits better, and his cough entirely left him. It had been gradually lessening at the - - Spring, but he could not get rid of it altogether, and was, moreover, very annoying to him early in the mornings. In reply to an enquiry, he stated, after a little reflection, "that he had not coughed once, that he could recollect, since his (recent) arrival at the Grey, and expectorated with more ease the phlegm which collected in his throat."
NOTE .- The above is extracted from notes we kept of a few cases during last summer. Not intending, at first, to publish them, we did not ask the consent of Mr. H., and we hope he will pardon the liberty we have taken.
The three following cases, which occurred in 1834, we give from notes made soon after, and while the circumstances were fresh in our memory, and for the correctness of which we hold ourselves responsible.
No. 5.
Mr. A. W., of Baltimore, arrived at the Grey Sulphur, in Aug., 1834. His health had been feeble for some time, though in appear- ance he looked but little like an invalid. On the morning of the second day after his arrival at the Grey Sulphur, he had, whilst standing at the Spring house a considerable hemorrhage-a half pint of blood, at least, was spit up in a very short time. A little common salt was administered, which had the effect of stopping it. It being deemed improper for him to move immediately, he was in- duced to lie down on one of the benches. About half an hour after this occurrence, his pulse was felt for the first time. It then beat one hundred and eighteen per minute ; nor did it vary for the next half hour. He was persuaded to take some of the water of the Anti- Dyspeptic Spring, which he was loth at first to do, lest a recurrence
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of the hemorrhage should take place. He took about a half pint of water, in small quantities at a time, with intervals of from fifteen to twenty minutes between each. In abont an hour from the drinking of this portion of the water, his pulse was reduced to ninety-eight beats per minute. Soon after, he was assisted up to his room and put to bed. His pulse was not again examined until about four o'clock in the afternoon, (the hemorrhage had occurred about ten o'clock a. m.), it was then found to have fallen to eighty-six. In the course of the day, he had taken about a pint of water, in quan- tities of about a half tumbler at a time. The next morning his pulse was again examined, and found to have fallen to eighty-four beats per minute. In the course of the day, he left his bed and came down stairs, and the day following, he left the Grey for the Red Sulphur, to obtain medical advice. His pulse was not examined after he left his bed.
No. 6.
Mr. M., of South Carolina, had been long a dyspeptic, and had suffered, for many years, from Chronic Diarrhoea. Early in the season of 1834, he visited the Saratoga Spring, the water proved in- jurious to him. From thence he visited the White Sulphur, Salt Sulphur, and Red Sulphur Springs, without experiencing material benefit. When he arrived at the Grey Sulphur Spring, he was ex- ceedingly feeble and had to be assisted about, and for several days scarce ever left his chamber, except at meal times. His passages were very frequent, from eight to ten during the night, and about the same number during the day. He had entirely lost the power of secreting urine, and all liquids which he drank passed through his bowels mixed up with undigested food. His passages were thin and of a whitish clay color, apparently made up of water and undi- gested food, the latter so little changed as to be easily recognized. In three days, his passages were reduced to from two to three each night, and about the same number during the day, the consistency and color also changed. In a week's time the change was still greater. The number of passages were about the same, but they became of a bright yellow color, and similar to a child's in consist- ency. He moreover secreted urine free, and one occasion he in- formed us, that he had passed a large quantity of " pure bile." His bowels remained nearly in this state, during the time he remained at the Spring, (about a fortnight), but he improved greatly in bodily health, walked out, was cheerful, and in every respect appeared bet- ter. The intended stoppage of the stage hurried him off earlier than he wished. He left the Grey Sulphur with the belief that he had derived considerable benefit from the use of the waters. It is proper to remark, that his appetite was enormous, and that he did not re- strict himself in his diet.
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