A HISTORt: 
OF TIIE 
Hot Springs 
OF ARKANSAS, 
Together with the character of the Chronic Diseases, 
FOR WHICH THESE WORLD-WIDE, CELEBRATED, SALINE 
THERMAL (hot) SPRINGS ARE SPECIALLY CALCU- 
LATED TO CURE, WITH REFERENCE AS TO OTHER 
HOT SPRINGS OF EUROPE, APPROXIMATING 
IN CHARACTER. 
HOW TO GET THERE! 
AND 
MucI) additional matter which will interest the Invalid and Tourist. 
BY 
ORIN E. NEWTON, M. D.. 
CINCINNATI, O. 
CINCINNATI : 
Wrightson & Co., Printers and Binders, No. 13 West Fourth Street. 
1878. CONTENTS: 
ARTICLE I. 
PAGE. 
Prof. E. B. Stevens’ Paper, read before the Ohio State Medical Associa- 
tion, upon the Hot Springs of I 
ARTICLE II. 
. History of the Hot Springs of Arkansas, their Curative Qualities. Taken 
from Charles Cutter’s book 4 
ARTICLE III. 
Hot Springs of Arkansas, by the Cincinnati Commercial Correspondent 9 
ARTICLE IV. 
Quotations from a Pamphlet published by the St. Louis, Iron Mountain 
and Southern Railroad Company 12 
ARTICLE V. 
Extracts from the Work of John Kent Spencer, M. D., Lond., upon the 
Therapeutic Means for the Relief of Pain 15. 
ARTICLE VI. 
Bath Life, from McPherson’s work upon the Baths and Wells of Europe, 
their Creation and Use 15 
ARTICLE VII. 
From Bachelder’s Tourist Edition of Popular Resorts 15 
ARTICLE VIII. 
Extracts from Geo. E. Walton’s, M. D., work, being a report upon the 
Mineral Springs of the United States and Canada, to the Medical As- 
sociation of the State of Ohio 16 
ARTICLE IX. 
Quotations from the work of Julius Althaus, M. D., upon the Mineral 
Springs, &c 19 
ARTICLE X. 
Quotations from M. Durand-Fardel’s Work on Mineral Waters 21 
ARTICLE XI. 
Therapeutical Uses of the Alkaline Mineral Waters, from Prof. Roberts 
Bartholow’s Treatise on Materia Medica and Therapeutics 22 
ARTICLE XII. 
Best Route from the East to and from the Hot Springs of Arkansas 22 HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. 
We copy the following article, by one of our most distin- 
guished physicians and surgeons, formerly editor of the Cin- 
cinnati Lancet and Observer, Professor in the Miami Medical 
College, * * Professor at the University of New York, at 
Utica, Professor E. B. Stevens, who, after visiting these 
springs and making a full examination, read the following 
paper before the Ohio State Medical Association, June, 
1876, at Put-in-Bay, and published in the transactions of 
1876, from which I make the following extracts: 
The main street of the city occupies a narrow valley, which has Hot 
Springs Mountain on the east, and a similar mountain on the west. These 
two mountains run almost parallel, north and south, for nearly a mile. Tra- 
versing this valley there is Hot Springs Creek, a rapid stream that serves as 
an open sewer for the valley, with its hotels, stores, shops, saloons, bath- 
houses, etc. 
From the west side of Hot Springs Mountain gush out the thermal springs, 
perhaps about fifty in number, and they have a temperature of from 930 to 
150°. This hot water is utilized by being conducted in iron pipes to the va- 
rious bath-houses, which are conveniently located along the margin of the 
creek at the base of the mountain. 
Climate.—The climate here is delightful; nowhere in this country can it 
be surpassed, either for the invalid or for the well person. There is, to be 
sure, a long warm season, with very little winter. But not only is this long 
stretch of warmth desirable for the invalid, but it is wonderfully relieved, 
both for the sick and well, by the refreshing nights. It is very rare that 
blankets will not be required before morning. 
Cases.—Almost every form of chronic ailment comes here for treatment. 
But especially chronic rheumatism, syphilis, cutaneous diseases (both simple 
and specific), neuralgia and various nervous affections make up the great bulk 
of those who seek relief at the Hot Springs. And I am now prepared to re- 
port that a very large per cent, of these patients go away either absolutely 
cured or greatly improved ; and this result is to be coupled with the other 
fact that almost all of these patients only come here after persistent and long 
time treatment at home by the ordinary legitimate modes. 
Mode of Using the Water.—The bath-houses are fitted up so that: 
1st. You can have a general bath in the tub, the temperature being under 
control by hot and cold faucets, and this temperature is directed by the phy- 
sician just as he writes a prescription to the druggist—both as to degree of 
heat and time to stay in. When the patient comes out he is wiped and 
rubbed and shampooed very vigorously by the bather. Or, second, there 2 
Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
is an apartment for a hot vapor bath. The patient usually enters this after a 
brief stay in the tub. The temperature of the vapor is about 105° to no0, 
and the patient remains in the vapor three to five minutes. Or, third, after 
the vapor, sometimes the patient is put in “pack,” to encourage very profuse 
sweating. This consists of putting the patient-back in the tub and wrap- 
ping him well up with blankets. 
Rationale of Curative effects.—It is quite certain that the hot water, 
as it first gushes from the springs, is quite different from the same water 
cooled and subsequently reheated. But, aside from these considerations, the 
use of pure water of various temperatures—cold, tepid and hot—or of medi- 
cated waters, is as old as medicine—as old as revelation. Undoubtedly, the 
use of this hot water, either with or without medicine, has been thoroughly 
systematized at this place. The patient, of course, has the advantage or 
cleanliness, and the skin is soon placed in its most healthy condition; pro- 
cesses of sweating, together with the rubbing, kneading and shampooing, 
encourage processes of absorption and elimination; the skin, the kidneys, pro- 
bably all the secreting organs, are brought into lively action. 
Then, too, the strict attention which most physicians here enforce as to 
diet; the restraint from various dissipations, late hours, and fashionable ex- 
cesses, all contribute largely to favorable results. So, too, the entire change 
of habits, change of climate, freedom from care, and novelty of scenery, all 
these doubtless have their share in the results which are observed. 
The Amount of this hot water which a person may comfortably drink is 
wonderful; with most persons hot or tepid water produces nausea and vomit- 
ing if taken into the stomach freely. This thermal water produces no such 
effect, a person may absolutely fill his stomach to repletion without discom- 
fort. Indeed, it speedily commences to pass away again by the kidneys. 
The Alcohol and Tobacco Appetite.—There is no question but that 
the poor unfortunate victim of appetite, either of zvhisky or tobacco, or both, 
can, if he really desires, overcome these appetites easier here than any place 
in the world. 
The free use of the baths, and drinking the water, not only tends to a 
rapid elimination of these poisons which have accumulated in the system, 
but at the same time actually suspends the desire for their use, so that the fa- 
miliar phrase at this place, of “ boiling the whisky out of a man,” is literally 
accomplished. I have seen this verified so positively that I deem it very im- 
portant to present to the profession. 
Indeed I have seen patients under treatment for various chronic diseases 
who have assured me that immediately after commencing the use of the 
waters that one of the incidental results was to completely suspend all desire for 
alcohol. 
As very many intelligent physicians are skeptical as to the value of the 
Hot Springs, I have been somewhat guarded both in making my observations 
thus far, as well as in the foregoing record. I only in conclusion fortify my 
views with a quotation, bearing upon the subject, from that very excellent 
authority, Mr. Fuller, in his well known work on Rheumatism. [See page 
332, Philadelphia, Ed. 1864]. Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
3 
“Under these circumstances, says Mr. Fuller, recourse must be had to the 
various thermal springs, with which nature has endowed both this country 
and the continent, as if for the relief of the disease in question (rheuma- 
tism). When everything else fails, they not unfrequently afford extraordi- 
nary and permanent relief. Whatever the modus operandi of the waters, 
their free use, both internally and externally, exercises a beneficial influence, 
which is in vain sought from medicine and bathing in other places. The 
effect produced is at once sedative and tonic. The pain-worn sufferer, 
irritable and anxious, repairs to the springs unable to sleep, and troubled 
with dyspepsia, connected with a sluggish condition of the skin, liver, 
kidneys and bowels. After ten days, or a fortnight’s trial of their virtues, 
he begins to find himself less irritable, less anxious, and less wakeful; he 
sleeps more soundly, and feels more refreshed by his sleep, his digestion im- 
proves, the whole system is invigorated, and after a time, the excretory 
organs act so much more efficiently that it becomes necessary to have recourse 
to medicines for their relief. Coincidently with this increased freedom, in 
the various channels by which the excretions are carried out of the system, 
and with the greater purity of blood which consequently ensues, there is 
observed a decrease in the articular symptoms, which arise, as I have shown, 
from a vitiated condition of the circulating fluid- There is no fresh accession 
of pain, or inflammation, no recurrence of synvoial effusion, no increase of 
thickening about the joints. On the contrary, the enlargement gradually 
subsides, and by the assistance of the water, applied in the form of douche, 
whereby local friction is combined with fomentation, the stiffness disappears 
and the patient, to a great degree, regains his former activity. 
“It might be supposed that the importation of the various waters would 
render a visit to their source unnecessary. But such is not the case. The 
natural waters may be taken regularly at home, and diligent use may be 
made of baths containing the same constituents in solution, but the effect is 
far different from that observed during a residence at the springs- The vast 
importance of the total change of scene, and air, and habits, consequent on 
a visit to the English or Continental watering places, can hardly be over- 
estimated ; a new stimulus is imparted to the system, the organic functions 
receive an impulse which cannot be communicated to them in any other 
way; and remedies which have proven unavailing at .home, very shortly become 
active agents for good. 
NUMBER OF VISITORS YEARLY. 
Since 1865 the average number of visitors at the springs has been ten 
thousand seven hundred per year, and of these about seventy-five per cent, 
have been radically cured of the diseases with which they were afflicted. A 
description of the most conspicuous cures effected would seem to border so 
much upon the field of exaggeration that they cannot be credited save by 
those who have seen them. 4 
Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. 
History of the Springs—Their Curative Qualities.—liRahl” 
Hole, Com and Mud Baths, &c. 
: SOMETHING TO SEND HOME. : 
[From Mr. Charles Cutter’s Book.) 
The Hot Springs of Arkansas have the merited reputation of being one of 
the wonders of the world, and will pay a visit for pleasure and sight-seeing 
alone. 
The springs are situated on the mountain, the creek, and in the valley of 
the same name, fifty-five miles south-west from Little Rock, the capital of the 
State, and is in direct connection with all parts of the country by rail. 
The curative qualities of these waters are sufficient to give them a world- 
wide reputation. There are hundreds of thousandsof afflicted human beings, 
whose diseases have baffled the most skillful physicians, that can, with the 
intelligent use of these natural medicated waters, be cured, and return, a 
blessing to their homes and families. It is conceded that these springs, for 
many diseases, far excel Baden-Baden and all the celebrated springs of the 
new and old world. 
They issue forth from the western slope of the Hot Springs Mountain, 
(a spur of the Ozark Mountain), at an elevation of 1,300 to 1,400 feet above 
the level of the sea, the most of them from 50 to 100 feet above the level of 
the valley, and a few near the margin of the creek. 
In 1876, Prof. D. D. Owen, in his report, only gives forty-two as the whole 
number of springs, and old citizens inform me the number has increased one 
or two annually for several years, and now they number fifty-seven. They 
have a temperature ranging respectively from 93 deg. to 150 deg. Fahrenheit 
and make a natural discharge of three hundred and thirty-five gallons every 
minute. 
If these waters were concentrated, they would supply 19,296 persons daily, 
allowing twenty-five gallons for each individual. 
The pools known as Rahl-holes, Corn and Mud baths are supplied by two 
streams of water ; one hot, direct from one of the springs ; the other cold, 
from what many suppose to be cold springs, but they are only pools of water 
of low temperature, cooled by being exposed to the air, and by continuously 
seeping into and flowing from these pools, they appear very much like regu- 
lar springs. Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
5 
These Rahl-holes, mentioned above, are enclosed by a common board 
fence, to screen the bathers from public view, and are resorted to by hun- 
dreds. Some very remarkable cures have been effected by bathing in these 
pools and drinking the hot water, without the advice of physicians or the 
use of medicine. Any one who will visit these pools a few times, and see 
the unfortunate human beings who bathe in them, will at once be impressed 
with the importance of some charitable institution, which should be sustained 
by the State or general government, where these unfortunates can be pro- 
vided with proper treatment. 
The waters from the springs flow into a beautiful mountain stream, twenty 
to thirty feet wide, and cause a slight vapor to rise from its surface. In the 
hottest springs an egg can be cooked in fifteen minutes. All the springs on 
the east side of the creek (with one exception) are hot, and all on the west 
side (except the Alum spring) are cold. 
Scientists have estimated, from physical evidence everywhere to be seen in 
the vicinity of the springs, that they have been flowing for twenty-three 
hundred years. 
So many of the springs are at an elevation of 50 to 100 feet above the 
valley, that a large supply can be had for the highest buildings that are now 
(or may be) built in the valley; and the convenience of having a bath in the 
rooms of the invalid will some day be enjoyed. 
The Indians who inhabited the whole western and southwestern country 
were all familiar with the curative value of these waters. Most all the tribes 
of the Mississippi basin sent bands of their sick to these springs to be cured 
of diseases that their greatest medicine men were unable to control. They 
would live a camp life in the valley, and bathe in the pool of hot water, 
until all were able to return to their respective tribes. It was not an un- 
common sight, as late as fifty years ago, to see Indians here from a half 
dozen different tribes. Many romantic traditions have been handed down 
by these aborigines, and many suppose they are the Fountain of Youth for 
which Ponce D’Leon searched in vain throughout Florida and the South. 
D. D. Owen, in his report, says of these springs: “I have been repeat- 
edly asked to what I attribute these medical virtues of these waters. I 
reply, mainly to their high temperatures. Here, at the Hot Springs of 
Arkansas, there is the most abundant supply of water at a scalding temper- 
ature; several of the springs ranging at the fountain-head as high as 148 deg. 
of Fahrenheit’s thermometer, the waters of which, after being conducted in 
open troughs, down the hillside to the reservoirs above the bath houses, and 
standing some time, are just as hot as the skin can bear; and the waste water, 
conducted under the adjoining vapor bath houses, sends up a steam, through 
the lattice floor, of a temperature so hot that few can endure it. If then, 
the Warm Springs of Virginia, which have a temperature of only 96 deg. to 
98 deg., exercise, as experience has proved, a most potent effect in the cure 
of many diseases, “mainly by their temperature,” how much more positive 
must be the effect of waters of so much higher temperatures; especially when 
a stream of it, in diameter as large as a man’s arm, can be directed at plea- 
sure, with great force on any organ. 6 
Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
“In many forms of chronic diseases especially, its effects are truly astonish- 
ing. The copious diaphoresis which the hot bath establishes, opens a main 
channel for the expulsion of principles injurious to health, made manifest by 
its peculiar odor; as a similar effect, in a diminished degree, is also effected 
by drinking hot water—a common, indeed, almost a universal practice among 
invalids at Hot Springs. 
“The impression produced by the hot douche, as above described, is 
indeed powerful, arousing into action sluggish and torpid secretions; the 
languid circulation is thus purified of morbific matters, and thereby renewed 
vigor and healthful action are given both to the absorbents, and to the ex- 
cretory apparatus—a combined effect which no medicine is capable of accom- 
plishing. 
“Silica and carbonate of lime, the most abundant mineral constituents of 
the hot springs, can have comparatively little specific action on the animal 
functions. The carbonate of alkalies present, proved by the distinct alkaline 
reaction of the watery solution of the solid contents evaporated to dryness, 
cannot be without their therapeutic effects, in common, however, with a great 
many of the well and spring waters of southern and middle Arkansas, which 
also contain some alkaline carbonates.” 
Morman, in his “Mineral Springs of North America,” devotes about four 
pages to the Hot Springs of Arkansas, from which I will quote the following: 
“As a stimulant, when taken internally, it arouses the absorbent and 
secretory system, stimulates the hoemic glands, produces more rapid mete- 
morphosis, and alterative action is the result. The water is easily assimilated 
and brought rapidly into the circulating system, thus producing, when ela- 
borated, an active eliminative agency. Thus we have all the blood-making 
organs aroused by the pure, tasteless, inodorous, natural stimulant through 
the medium of the blood. It rapidly courses through every part of the cir- 
culation, and if no organic disease exists, the efficacy, as an adjunct, in the 
treatment of all blood diseases, is sometimes truly marvelous. In uterine 
diseases, as a class, these waters are unrivaled in efficacy. In that the tedious 
form of chronic metritis, where ulcerative action ensues, and neuralgia and 
functional difficulties follow, no agency can be made more valuable to the 
sufferer.” 
“Where sterility is alone functional, the causes can generally be relieved 
by the judicious use (internally and externally) of the waters. Cutaneous 
diseases, the opprobium generally of the medical profession, especially when 
of a specific type, are treated here with the greatest advantages, not only 
from the agreeable detergent action of the baths, or the maceration of old 
morbid surface-tisues that are cleansed, but in the treatment of all skin dis- 
eases, where we find integumentary alterations or lesions existing, the natural 
tepid, warm and hot baths in efficiency cannot be excelled. In all rheumatic 
conditions of the system, after the acute or inflammatory action subsides, the 
thermal waters enjoy great celebrity for their good qualities and curative pro- 
perties. In the treatment of gout and gouty rheumatism, the waters have 
like reputation in controlling the diathesis, if persistently used as directed. 
As a remedial adjunct in the treatment of scrofula, syphilis, mercurio syphilis, Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
7 
mercurial diseases and climatic (malarial) ills, where prompt, depurative and 
eliminative agency is demanded, these wraters have no superior, in fact, stand 
unrivaled in combined properties for that agency. 
Walton, in his “Mineral Springs of the United States and Canada,” first 
gives the location, post office, access, hotels, &c., then the analysis of the 
water, as given by Prof. E. Hill Larkin, (to be found in the chapter devoted 
to the springs.) The following I will quote in the language of the author: 
“These waters resemble the waters of Gastien in Austria, and Pfeffers in 
Switzerland. Properties: they are very highly esteemed, and deservedly so, 
in the treatment of chronic rheumatism, gout, contractions of joint, second- 
ary and tertiary syphilis, and neuralgia. In paralysis, unaccompanied by 
organic lesions, they are of considerable utility as auxiliaries. In dartrous 
diseases of the skin, functional diseases of the uterus, and chronic poisoning 
by metals, either lead or mercury, they are efficient. 
“ How do these waters act? Having a continuous flow of three hundred 
and sixty gallons per minute, and ranging in temperature from 93 deg. to 150 
deg. Fahrenheit, we would expect favorable results from their judicious use; 
and we are not surprised to learn of cures under their employment that have 
resisted all other modes of treatment. It is asked, “ Why not use hot water 
at home?” Because it is impossible to procure it in sufficient quantity and 
of uniform temperature. Some consider that terrestial heat possesses pecu- 
liar properties, rendering it more efficient than artificial.” 
AS A RESORT FOR INVALIDS 
The Hot Springs of Arkansas stand without a rival. At no place in the 
known world can so many diseases be effectually cured or greatly benefited. 
Within the last ten years, over ten thousand people have been cured of dis- 
eases that the most skillful physicians of our land considered past recovery. 
The wonderful cures performed by the use of these thermal waters are truly 
miraculous; they almost require occular evidence to be credited. Language 
that would only do justice, seems exaggeration. 
Whilst it is admitted that all who come here are not cured—for it must be 
remembered that with a majority of cases every remedy is tried before they 
come to the springs—yet it is believed that ninety out of every hundred are 
cured or benefited. 
Hundreds come here every year to die, expecting only a little longer lease 
of life, but to their great surprise they are cured, and joyously return home 
to their families and friends. Too much cannot be said to induce those suf- 
fering with diseases that can here be cured, to come and try the efficacy of 
these waters. Delay is death, or worse than death with many, causing un- 
told misery to their posterity for ages to come. 
One of the great objects of the author is to herald far and wide the great 
benefits to be derived by suffering humanity by the intelligent use of these 
waters. 
No one can come to Hot Springs without receiving a good moral lesson. 
Parents would do well to send their wild boys to this school. If they would 
not learn wisdom here, there is but little hope of preventing the sowing 8 
Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
their wild oats. The very restraint I now feel in writing plainly all I would 
wish to say on the subject, is the cause of much of the misery in the world. 
Parents, be candid, and speak freely to your children; do not allow them to 
suffer through ignorance. 
HOT SPRINGS AS A RESORT FOR LADIES. 
When the beautiful ladies, and those who would be beautiful, fully under- 
stand the effect of these thermal waters upon the skin and complexion, their 
numbers will increase yearly, until thousands, who have ruined their com- 
plexion by the excessive use of cosmetics, will visit Hot Springs to renew 
the beauty of youth, and regain a clear and fair complexion. The writer 
had the pleasure of meeting a lady from Ohio, who accompanied her sister 
to the springs, who had been a sufferer for many years with rheumatism. She> 
herself, had been troubled with nervous headaches, and was advised to bathe. 
She did so, and after taking one course of baths, had gained eight pounds 
in weight, and looked as fresh as a lady of thirty-eight. Her complexion 
was made fair, her hair soft and pliant, to the surprise of all who knew her. 
Her age was fifty one. 
Those who feel the heavy hand of time being placed upon them, and their 
looking glass revealing wrinkles, moth-patches, etc., can, by bathing in and 
drinking of these waters, so improve their complexion as to appear several 
years younger than their actual age. Young ladies who, by sickness or other 
causes have lost their youthful beauty, after the free use of these waters come 
out as fresh as a rose. The complexion of all, old and young, male and 
female, are thus improved. Of late years there has been a large increase of 
lady visitors, and the treatment of many female complaints has proven the 
efficacy of these waters in that line of diseases. For the grand climacteric 
change of life, these waters are regarded with particular favor. Where 
sterility is a consequent of functional disorder (the most frequent cause) the 
baths are of great importance. Uterine diseases, as a class, especially leu- 
corrhea, have been very satifactorily treated. Owing to the great relaxation 
of the system, improvement is not always evinced by the bath, but they 
greatly improve the health and after a return home and a sufficient time has 
elapsed, they express themselves greatly gratified with the result. 
As a resort for ladies, the Hot Springs are increasing in favor, and many 
gentlemen now bring their wives and daughters with them. Last season a 
large portion of the visitors were of the first society of the United States, 
north and south, and not a few from Europe. This class of visitors will be 
much larger this year than ever before, as the accommodations at the hotels 
and bath houses are vastly superior to anything expected. The best hotels 
now have bath houses connected with them, having separate apartments for 
ladies. 
Ladies need have no delicacy in visiting these springs; that day is past, 
and the time will soon come when Hot Springs will not only be an invalid’s 
retreat, but a fashionable watering place, and could be made the prettiest in 
the land. Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
9 
HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. 
HOW TO GET THERE. 
(Correspondence Cincinnati Commercial.) 
“The Arlington,” Hot Springs, April 12, 1877. 
The starting point from Hot Springs to the north and meridian line east 
and west is St. Louis. Hither there is but one route—the Iron Mountain 
and Southern Railway. The train leaves daily at io a. m., and arriving at 
Malvern, three hundred and eighty miles south, at 4:45 the next morning, 
connects with the train on the narrow-gauge railroad leading to the Springs. 
The distance of twenty-five miles is made in an hour, which brings the 
weary traveler to his destination in time for an early breakfast. At best it is 
a tiresome ride. The track of the Iron Mountain and Southern Railway is 
delightfully smooth, the coaches are comfortable, and the attention all that 
could be desired. 
The narrow-gauge railroad from Malvern to this point is a private enter- 
prise. It was built by Mr. Joseph Reynolds, of Chicago, better known as 
“ Diamond Joe,” for the line of “Diamond” steamers of which he is the 
owner. The Hot Springs Railroad is constructed in the best manner, and 
the coaches are beautiful and commodious. There is but the one daily line, 
intended merely for the accommodation of passengers. There is no freight 
line. There is no freight but that of invalid, gay and sporting humanity, 
and their luggage. It is surprising how much luggage some of the invalids 
bring. Saratoga trunks, hand-bags and shawls, and often packs of blankets, 
and enough kitchen furniture to stock a ranch. The most of the last kind 
of luggage is brought by people who have been here before. I need not add 
that some months were required to put the Hot Springs Railroad on a paying 
basis. The fare is $2 50, rather more that double the customary railroad 
rate, but those who have traveled the old stage route consider it cheap at that. 
There is nothing in all the ride from St. Louis here to arrest attention, let 
alone interest. Iron Mountain, is, of course, a curious study with its surface 
mining. The tramways are placed like a ladder from the top down, and the 
collection of ore is simply a leveling of the mountain. I was very much 
deceived in the appearance of Pilot Knob. The conductor took me to the 
rear platform of the train saying: “Now for seven miles we will ascend 
grade to the summit.” It was not a tedious passage, and arrived at a point 
which seemed upon a level. I was told that it was Pilot Knob. I experi- 
enced just such a disappointment as I felt on the way to California when I 
reached the highest summit of the Rocky Mountains. It was as level as my 
hand, and excepting a sensation of difficulty of breathing, I would not have 
realized that I was up above the world so high. Then we steamed (a train 
of seventeen coaches with two mighty engines) down grade, score upon score 
of miles, at an easy pace. The other day, on the Iron Mountain and 
Southern Railway, we fairly coasted for fifteen miles with the speed of a 10 
Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
cutter, and with an exhilaration little short of that caused by the wintery 
sport. We arrived at Malvern at the earliest break of day. Here for the first 
time we could reckon the number of travelers bound for Hot Springs. There 
must have been a hundred in all, for the two coaches of the Hot Springs 
Railway were pretty well filled. It was raining in torrents when we boarded 
the train, and all the way over the rain fell in fitful gusts. Our little train 
treaded its way around and between the wild hills upon which even the 
growth of trees looked stinted. The foliage was at an incipient stage, and 
there were no wild flowers yet in bloom. The water poured in rivulets down 
the red gullies and were lost in the creek, which was nearly always in view 
from the cars. Seven miles from Hot Springs we stopped at a station which 
is one mile from the famous Sulphur Spring. To this point a great many 
invalids come every day for the benefit of their health. 
I 
The appearance of the depot at Hot Springs, as we drew near, was truly 
metropolitan. The building is large and is surrounded by a covered platform, 
to which was backed up half a dozen stages and a large number of carriages. 
The stages are built something like mountain wagons, and are covered with 
yellow oil-cloth. On account of the rain the curtains were buttoned down 
closely, which gave them the resemblance to an ambulance. There was also 
a street car in waiting, and soon every vehicle was crowded with passengers. 
The question which agitated my mind much more than I admitted to my 
companion, was what would become of us. The word at the depot was that 
every hotel was full, and there wasn’t a room to let in the “Valley.” The 
depot is a mile from the headcentre of the “Valley” and as we came up I 
observed that there was only one street, that took the direction of the hollow 
between the mountains. 
Beyond the busy thoroughfare, on the line of the railroad track, north 
and south, and branching off where the hollow takes a turn or widens into 
a genuine valley, there are picturesque and inviting homes that remind one 
of the outskirts of a watering-place. 
Withal it is difficult to realize that there are between four and five thousand 
inhabitants. A great impetus has been given Hot Springs by the prospect 
of a settlement of land claims. There is wonderful business activity. There 
is a large amount of building going on, and the process is a rapid one. In 
the last three days I have seen from my window three two-story fifty-feet 
houses begun, completed and occupied. Two have saloons on the first floor, 
and were occupied and established on a paying basis the second day. All 
the buildings are wooden. Happily, the city is supplied with a fine fire 
engine, which is kept ready for service day and night. From this hotel, 
which is very large, there are escapes from every floor, in case of fire, to the 
mountain. Each story has wide halls leading directly out upon the mountain 
side, and there are porches or porch roofs running all around the front and 
sides, by which the safety of the guests in front of the house is secured. 
It is not in the memory of the oldest inhabitant to say when Hot Springs 
first became the resort of invalids. 
HOT SPRINGS. Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
11 
The peculiar hygienic properties of the Hot Springs no one has been able 
to find out. A very scientific physician here says they do not differ from any 
other tasteless, inodorous water. 
“ Why then,” I asked Mr. S. M. Shoemaker of Baltimore, “ could not the 
same benefit be derived from hot baths and drinking hot water at home?” 
“It can’t be done,” he replied. “I tried it thoroughly. I built two 
metallic bath-houses, but they did no good. There is no way of transporting 
the water, either. It loses its virtue when exposed to the air. And yet the 
air thoroughly impregnated, as it must be here, must have a certain healing 
effect. We have the double advantage of a humid atmosphere and a moun- 
tain breeze.” 
While we were discussing the virtues of the waters, a lady remarked that 
what is known as “tonic food,” is eaten in proportion to the large quantity 
of medicine taken. Beef tea, for instance, was drank by the wholesale. 
Some of the delicate ladies kept the tea constantly on the stove, and she 
“ reckoned ” they drank two or three concentrated oxen a fortnight. That 
was a little exaggerated, but the quantity really consumed was incredible. 
It was,the same with delicacies in the way of fruits, everything in fact, but 
wines and other liquors; and the wonder was how many ladies were bene- 
fited notwithstanding. 
There is, unquestionably, something in the place to give one an appetite, 
provoke sleep and invite repose. 
There are parlor concerts beside. We have just been invited to one of 
them to be given to-night by Mr. Robertson, Mrs. Falley, Miss Stockton, and 
Mrs. Stewart, of Lafayette, Indiana. The natural inference would be that 
this gentleman and these ladies are to be the musicians, instead of which a 
famous banjo player is to be the single performer. In this way the wide, 
wide world is forgot at Hot Springs. 
OHIO PEOPLE. 
Among the guests at the Arlington is Mr. Amasa Stone, Director, Lake 
Shore Railroad. He is here with his wife. I have the honor of sitting at 
their table, and the pleasure of my stay has been very much enhanced by 
their society. Mr. Stone is improving perceptibly in health. 
Geo. W. Chapin and family, Mrs. S. M. Hanna and daughter, and W. H. 
Corning and wife, are the other citizens of Cleveland here. 
J. D. Ellison, of Cincinnati, Superintendent Little Miami Railroad, has 
just left, after a stay of six months. 
I may also mention, as nearly akin to Cincinnati, a portion of the family 
of Hon. Joseph C. Holman, of Indiana, his daughter, Mrs. Fletcher, Miss 
Cox, a niece, and Mr. and Mrs. Ward, relatives. 
Secretary Bristow was here for a short time, a few weeks ago. 
The 28th of this month the Commissioners will meet at this point to set a 
price upon and sell the land of the United States reservation, known as the 
Hot Springs. L. R. 12 
Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. 
The following is taken from a pamphlet published by the 
St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad Company :— 
THE HOT SPRINGS 
Are fifty-nine in number, and issue from the west side of the southern spur 
of Hot Springs Mountain, the highest being one hundred and eighty-one 
feet above the level of the creek, while the lowest find vent in the bottom 
of the stream. The waters are clear, tasteless and inodorous. The highest 
temperature is 153 degrees Fahrenheit. An inspection of the accompanying 
map will show the relative location of the springs, and the curious fact that 
a line drawn around them represents the lower portion of the human leg 
and foot, and that the famous “corn holes” are located at the toes of the foot. 
The lowest of these springs is six hundred feet above tide water at the 
Gulf of Mexico, while the highest is seven hundred and eighty-one feet 
above tide water. The estimated quantity of water discharged daily is about 
five hundred thousand gallons, enough to provide ten thousand persons with 
a bath in fifty gallons of water each day. 
THE CHARACTER OF THE WATER 
Of these springs, from a quantitative analysis made by David Dale Owen, 
exhibited the following qualities : 
Silicates, with base. 
Bicarbonate of Lime. 
Bicarbonate of Magnesia. 
Carbonate of Soda. 
Carbonate of Potassa. 
Carbonate of Lithia. 
Sulphate of Magnesia. 
Chloride of Magnesia. 
Oxide of Manganese. 
Organic matter, a trace. 
Sulphate of Lime, 
Arsenite of Lime. 
Arsenite of Iron. 
Bromine. 
Iodine, a trace. 
Alumina, with Oxide of Iron. 
MEDICAL TREATMENT. 
As most -of the visitors to the Hot Springs for the benefit of their health 
find the advice and services of a physician necessary and important, it is grati- 
fying to be able to state that that profession is ably represented there, and 
that the very best medical skill and ability can always be obtained when 
needed. In the treatment of the several forms of Chronic Diseases, for 
which these waters are recommended, the resident physicians have possessed 
the best opportunities to improve and extend their knowledge by actual ex- 
perience, and have thereby acquired national reputations and become fami- 
liarly and favorably known in their profession throughout the country. 
The following is the testimony of one of the most celebrated of these: 
“The cures produced by the waters of these springs seem almost like 
miracles. It is impossible for words to exaggerate the facts, and the truth 
is stranger than any fiction that could be invented. 
“I have seen persons—rheumatics—who had not walked a hundred yards 
for years, restored to health and vigor by a few weeks’ use of them. I have 
seen those who had been tortured for years by neuralgia and spinal disease Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
13 
relieved in a few days, and ultimately made happy by a perfect cure, by the 
use of this wonderful curative agent. I have seen the victims of scrofulous 
diseases—with shattered constitutions, and the evidences of their terrible 
affliction exhibited upon every square inch of the surface of their bodies, 
and to whom existence was a condition of hopeless, humiliating misery— 
restored to perfect health by bathing their ulcers and drinking freely of these 
waters for a few months.” 
BATHING AND USE OF THE WATER. 
The place contains some excellent bath-houses. As most of the visitors 
travel hundreds of miles to bathe in these thermal waters, a description of 
the bath-houses and manner of bathing should be interesting. The physi- 
cians give special instructions and written or printed direction to each inva- 
lid after they have undergone a thorough examination. 
THE CLIMATE AND HEALTH 
Of the country about the Hot Springs is particularly favorable. The Ozark 
range of mountains acts as a guard against the extreme cold winds of the 
North and Northwest, and the climate generally is as mild and delightful as 
that of Southern Georgia and Northern Florida. Any season of the year is 
favorable for bathing, and at all seasons the weather will be found pleasant. 
In summer the mountains shade the valley until after nine in the morning, 
and again from three o’clock in the afternoon until sunset. The nights are 
always cool, there being no time when the visitor cannot sleep with co,mfort 
under a sheet or blanket. 
The early voyagers who landed on our Southern coast were told by the 
natives of these wonderful life-giving springs, and the adventurous Ponce de 
Leon searched for them, believing they were the fountains of eternal youth. 
That De Soto found them there can be no doubt, as the evidences are indis- 
putable that he was at one time encamped on the banks of the Ouachita, and 
the Indians in later times told the tradition of an army of white men who 
came with tattered banners and encamped beneath the solemn pines and 
branching oaks in the valley below the springs, and how they bathed in these 
waters and were cured. The Indians carried their sick and aged people 
there, and they may be called the first settlers. 
There is no known difference in the efficacy of these waters at any season of the 
year. It is possible that some constitutions may be more strongly affected, or 
that some diseases may be more easily cured at one season than the other; 
but the difference, if any, exists in the invalid or disease, not with the water. 
The best plan is to make use of them at any season of the year when their 
benefits are needed, and they will prove to be equally efficacious at all times. 
By statistics, Arkansas stands at the head of the list of States for health, and 
has the lowest percentage of consumption. 
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR VISITORS. 
Hot Springs is well supplied with hotels and boarding houses. Five of 
the leading hotels charge for board, with room, from $60 to $80 per month; 
while the boarding houses and the smaller hotels charge all the way from 
$30 to $60 per month. 14 
Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
The United States Government is now offering for sale the property adja- 
cent to the springs, and there can be no doubt that, within a year or two, 
Hot Springs will rival any American watering place in the size and style of 
its hotels. At present, the hotels at the springs are equal to the demand, 
and visitors will have no trouble in finding suitable accommodations at reason- 
able rates. 
IMPROVEMENTS AND ATTRACTIONS. 
The completion of the Railways begat other improvements. A street 
railway was built from the depot through the valley and town, ending at the 
Park on the north. New hotels were erected, among them the Arlington, 
Grand Central, Hot Springs, Avenue and Waverly, all of which were con- 
structed with a view of accommodating the sick or well. New and better 
bath-houses were built, roads were laid out in every direction through the 
beautiful valleys and over the grand mountains, affording the most delightful 
routes for horse-back riding amidst the most enchanting scenery. A good 
road was made to Crystal Mountain, thirty distant, and an enterprising 
jeweler (J. M. Blake) set up a lapidary establishment, the first one opened 
west of New York. In this district are found the “Plot Springs Diamonds,” 
riiany crystals, agates, porphyries and other stones, which are made by the 
hands of the skillful lapidiary into jewelry of latest styles. These, and 
specimens of various kinds, picked up in places noted, or for which one has 
affection, in any part of the world, furnish most pleasant memories from the 
jeweled hand. 
The mountain views are unsurpassed, while the beautiful streams in the 
narrow valleys, winding among the rocks, beneath the shade of the luxuriant 
growth of evergreens, oaks and holly, are as attractive as any in the world. 
The mountains offer every attraction to the lover of the chase ; the bear, 
deer, wild turkey, and all the smaller game being found in abundance. The 
beautiful Ouachita river (pronounced Washita) passes within six miles to the 
southward, offering the rarest sport to the fisherman, either for a day or a 
week’s camping out; shad are plentiful in this stream. To the lover of 
nature, to the invalid needing out-door exercise, where the attractions are so 
varied that the same route need not be traveled twice, Hot Springs and 
vicinity offer every inducement. So admirably adapted to the wants of 
health-seekers are all the surroundings, that the horses at the public stables 
have been selected for their easy movements, and horse-back riding is a 
favorite pastime and exercise for convalescent visitors 
VISITING LITERARY PEOPLE 
Are, in point of numbers here, largely in excess, persons who come to rest* 
with a view of reinvigoration, universally admit more relief in the shortest 
space of time, over any place they had heretofore visited. Men belonging 
to all the executive departments of the country are to be found here, includ- 
ing Governors, Congressmen, United States Senators, steamboat men, railroad 
men, ministers, professors, physicians, editors, newspaper correspondents, 
etc., besides the fanners, mechanics and tradesmen generally are strongly 
represented here. Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
15 
We extract from the work of John Kent Spender., M. D., 
Lond., Associate of King's College, London, Surgeon to the 
Mineral Water Hospital, Bath., upon the ‘ ‘ Therapeutic Means 
for the Relief of Pain," being the Prize Essay for which the 
Medical Society of London awarded the Fothergillian Gold 
Medal in 1874, on page 166, as follows: 
“ Warm and hot baths are admirable remedies for pain. They mitigate or 
even take away the pain of some internal spasmodic affections, such as biliary, 
renal, and intestinal colic. With regard to the general object of the relief 
of pain, the Bath thermal waters are of immemorial value. The action of 
these waters and the ingenious appliances for utilizing them, deserve a special 
and local study; the Bath waters, says a writer of the last century, “are a 
medicine consisting of many ingredients, exquisitely united together by the 
inimitable chemistry of nature. Local pains of various kinds, especially 
lumbago and the aches of muscle-fatigue, are easily and pleasantly cured by 
soaking for twenty or thirty minutes in water the natural temperature of 
which is above ioo° (Fahr.) Movements of the body in the water increase 
the therapeutic value of the bath; and its salutary effects are developed 
more quickly by the hot water being put in motion, i. e., by a douche being 
directed on the painful part. As a matter of daily experience, recognized 
particularly by the professional staff of the Bath Mineral Water Hospital, the 
torments of lumbago and sciatica are often completely removed by frequent 
And systematic bathing, assisted by a douche at the same time. In the last 
century there was no scientific discrimination of gout, rheumatism, and 
rheumatoid arthritis—but all sufferers from these diseases were submitted to 
the healing influences of the Bath Waters, and generally with notable relief 
to pain.” 
BATH LIFE. 
From McPherson’s “The Baths and Wells of Europe, 
Their Action and Use : ” 
“ When his journey is once over—when a patient is settled at a bath—the 
routine of home habits is altered; a special diet is usually enjoined, and 
sometimes adopted. Patients will often obey implicitly the directions they 
receive when away from home, who turn a deaf ear to the judicious, but as 
they think routine, advice of their home attendant. What does not by its 
novelty arrest the imagination is apt to be treated with indifference.” 
Bachelder, in his “Tourists’ Edition of Popular Resorts,” 
speaks of Hot Springs as follows: 
“It is being rapidly developed, and in a few years will take its place as 
the Saratoga of the State.” 16 
Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
We extract the following from a work on “The Mineral 
Springs of the United States and Canada, with Analyses,” 
etc., etc., by Geo. E. Walton, M. D., Committee of the 
Medical Association of the State of Ohio, on the “Thera- 
peutical Application of Mineral or Thermal Springs,” pub- 
lished by D. Appleton & Co., New York : 
THERAPEUTICS. 
In pursuing this most important branch of our subject, we will treat sepa- 
rately of each disease in which mineral waters prove beneficial, and refer to 
the classes of water adapted to them. 
Mineral waters are only applicable to the treatment of chronic diseases. 
ACTION OF MINERAL WATERS. 
Many, and, in this country, perhaps, the majority of visitors at springs 
journey thither, not because of any specific malady with which they are af- 
flicted, but to obtain relief and rest from the harrassing cares of business, or 
the not less exacting demands of society. They go for diversion ; they wish 
to leave for a time the dusty and traveled highway of life, and wander in 
the shaded by-paths. After a month or two passed at the springs they re- 
turn home refreshed and recuperated, possessed of a vigor they may not have 
known for years. 
The influences which thus prove restorative to those who are not the sub- 
ject of disease, also contribute to the cure of those who are really sick. But, 
from acknowledging that change of air, scene, and exercise take part in the 
salutary result in disease, we are apt to overleap the legitimate conclusion, 
and deny that spring water has had any agency in benefits that have accrued. 
Nothing could be more unwise, and nothing more inconsistent with facts and 
the testimony of those who are regarded as the best authority in the practice 
of medicine. 
In the study of mineral waters it is difficult to eliminate the causes which 
contribute to the cure of the patient. Change of air has a most remarkable 
effect in many diseases. Change of scene is another agency in the cure of 
certain diseases. 
Those who are well experience a lightness and buoyancy of spirit, a posi- 
tive rest and recreation, when they exchange the monotonous routine of 
business for the always varying views of a pleasure tour. How far the dis- 
eases of the hypochondriacal, the melancholic, and the over-tasked, are fa- 
vorably influenced by the journey to a summer resort, and the mirthful soci- 
ety congregated there, it is impossible to determine. But these auxiliaries of 
mineral water treatment will never modify or eradicate the gouty or rheumatic 
diathesis, they will not arrest the formation of gall stones, they will not cure 
catarrh of the bladder, or relieve diabetes; all of which the waters themselves 
will do. Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
17 
CONSTITUTIONAL AND GENERAL DISEASES. 
Under this title are embraced cachectic diseases, depending on a peculiar 
vice or condition of the fluids and solids of the body—diseases due to a spe- 
cific poison introduced into the blood from without, either by direct contact 
or by breathing an atmosphere charged with the infecting poison. Although 
they frequently present local manifestations, they do not uniformly affect the 
same portions of the body, and the person is in a condition in which it is 
impossible to say what part of the organism will testify to the morbid state. 
The treatment applicable to the different forms of chronic rheumatism 
does not vary materially. In all the thermal (hot) waters should be chosen. 
The temperature of the baths need not be high;' from 950 to ioo° Fahr., is 
sufficiently warm when the rheumatism is of the ordinary chronic articular 
kind. A course of baths usually consists of thirty in succession. Thermal 
or hot waters in the form of baths and douches may be employed with great 
benefit for the purpose of removing gouty deposits. 
SYPHILIS. 
The method of treatment which has received most favor in this country, 
when springs are resorted to, is that by hot baths. This manner of elimina- 
tion, by exciting all the emunctories of the system in an unusual degree, 
highly commends itself. In this way changes of tissue are wrought in a few 
weeks that would otherwise require years; and, along with the debris, the 
syphilitic poison is expelled. And when suljjhur and saline waters are em- 
ployed, the hot bath can not well be dispensed with ; indeed, at all springs 
where this disease is treated, it is an important auxiliary. 
METALLIC POISONING. 
Workers in various metals are subject to various symptoms, both of the 
digestive and nervous systems, due to the slow absorption of the metal 
through the skin and lungs, producing a condition of chronic poisoning. 
Painters’ colic is an ordinary form of this poisoning by lead. We may also 
class certain cases of syphilis that have been overtreated with mercurials 
under this head. 
SCROFULA. 
In this malady, or class of maladies, the best authorities bear uniform tes- 
timony in favor of the value of mineral waters. * * * Hence there is 
no resource but to send persons who have in vain tried cod liver oil, and 
other anti-scrofulous remedies, to some watering-place, in the hope that they 
may be among those • to whom the baths will exhibit their anti-scrofulous 
virtues, which are by no means illusory. 
CHLOROSIS. 
The deficiency of the cellular elements of the blood—the red blood glo- 
bules—is the prominent characteristic, the number decreasing so that they 
may not amount to one-half the usual quantity, while the other elements of 
the blood remain normal. Chlorosis is essentially a disease of early woman- 18 
Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
hood, and is in some unknown way connected with the process of develop- 
ment. The skin and mucous membranes are of a pallid hue, accompanied 
in some instances by a yellowish or greenish tint. The changes of scene, 
and air, and exercise, associated with a season at the springs, contribute 
largely to the effect of the waters. 
The waters which have proved most efficacious in paraplegia are those of 
the thermal class. They are used both as a bath and douche. Locomotor 
ataxia is characterized by an inability to properly control the movements of 
the limbs in walking, though muscular force remains. It is due to organic 
changes in the posterior columns of the lower portion of the spinal chord. 
Niemeyer favors thermal waters. 
NEURALGIA. 
The thermal waters are those which most frequently produce favorable results. 
ENGORGED LIVER. 
In almost all chronic hyperaemic conditions of the liver mineral waters 
prove curative. In the application of mineral waters for the cure of en- 
gorged liver, it is exceedingly desirable to add the employment of prolonged 
warm baths to the internal use of the water, and warm douches over the re- 
gion of the liver also, and the action of the water. 
ANCHYLOSIS. 
From whatever cause false anchylosis occurs, decided benefit or cure is al- 
ways to be expected from the appropriate application of mineral waters. 
The waters to be preferred are thermal waters. A high degree of thermality 
is essential. The waters are to be employed in the form of warm baths to 
the body and hot douches to the joint. The douches should be accompanied 
with shampooing and friction. The internal use of waters at the same time 
probably aid in procuring absorption of exudations. 
CONTRACTIONS. 
In the treatment of this condition by mineral waters, regard is to be given 
to their causes; but the especial virtue of the waters depends on the warm 
baths and hot douches, such as are found at thermal springs. 
DROPSY OF A JOINT 
May arise from external injury, or it may depend on a rheumatic, scrofulous, 
or gouty constitution. Sometimes it is a result of syphilis. When the con- 
dition is chronic, mineral waters prove valuable in the form of warm baths 
and douches. Those thermal waters are especially valuable which answer the 
constitutional indications. Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
19 
The following remarks are quoted from “The Spas of 
Europe,” by Julius Althaus, M. D., Member of the Royal 
College of Physicians, London, Fellow of the Medical Soci- 
ety of London, and of the Society of German Physicians of 
Paris; author of “A Treatise on Medical Electricity,” etc., 
etc.; published by Triibner & Co., London. In his “ Pre- 
face ” remarks, he says: 
Mineral waters have a special claim upon the attention of the medical 
profession, not only on account of their remarkable physiological and thera- 
peutical properties, but also because they are the only medicines offered to us 
by nature in a state fit for immediate use. In mineral waters we have a great 
variety of gentle, as well as powerful remedies ready prepared, which the 
experience of thirty centuries has proved to be of a most admirable compo- 
sition so as to suit the most various diseases and constitutions. 
We now quote from the book proper: 
THE THERAPEUTICAL USE OF MINERAL WATERS. 
The Greeks appear to have been the first to use mineral waters as remedies 
for disease. For this we have the testimony of Aristotle, and the pre-IPo- 
merian myth that Hercules had imparted power to the warm springs by 
bathing in them. Most of th.e thermal waters, in which Greece is so rich, 
were, in fact, sacred to Hercules, and numerous “Herculean baths” existed 
of old in all parts of Greece, Sicily and Italy. Hercules was likewise be- 
lieved to have been the originator of the douche, and on some ancient coin, 
which were found near Himera, in Sicily, he is represented standing in a tub, 
with his broad chest exposed to a jet of water issuing from the mouth of a lion. 
The oldest Greek physicians had great faith in the curative powers 
of mineral waters, and when temples were erected to the God of Medicine 
the priests of Aesculapius took care that these should be in close proximity 
to mineral springs. Places of this kind were not only destined for worship, 
but also for the cure of the sick; they were connected with medical schools, 
hospitals, theatres and other places of amusement for convalescents, many of 
which might have rivaled the contrivances existing for such purposes in a 
time which continually boasts of its civilization. The most remarkable of 
these was the sacred grove of Aesculapius, near Nauplia, which was the 
constant resort of the sick and feeble from all parts of Greece, it being the 
birthplace of Aesculapius, and therefore reputed to possess special curative 
powers. Pausanias relates that a great many columns existed in the inclo- 
sure, upon which were inscribed the names of those who had been cured 
there, as well as the nature of their maladies. Of the many edifices which 
existed in this grove, there are still to be seen the remains of a theater, in 
which, according to Dodwell, who visited it in the early part of this cen- 
tury, there were fifty-four pink marble seats in good preservation, and which 
were evidently contrived with the view of accommodating a feeble audience 
of convalescents. 20 
Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
Numerous fables were current in antiquity concerning the extraordinary 
effects of mineral waters. Several authors mention two springs which 
existed in Hestiaotis, in Thessally, the first of which caused sheep to turn 
black, and the second changed them again to white, another near Clitorium, 
in Arcadia, which made the odor of wine insupportable to those who had 
once drunk of the water; the spring of Alysson, near Nonacris, which was 
a specific for hydrophobia; and another in Magnesia which improved the 
voice of singers. Herodotus mentions a spring in the country of the Ich- 
thyophagi or fish-eaters, the water of which made the skin shine as if pol- 
ished, and at the same time imparted to the bathers a perfume as t>f violets. 
This water was of such small specific gravity that pieces of wood and other 
light bodies did not float in it, but immediately sank to the bottom ; it also 
possessed invigorating and life-prolonging powers, so that those who con- 
stantly bathed in it lived beyond one hundred and twenty years. 
From the New Testament, we learn that thermal waters were extensively 
used by the Jews, before Christ; and that “ a great number of impotent folk, 
of blind, halt and withered, lay in the porches of the lake of Belhesda,” (which in 
Hebrew means House of Mercy, or Charite), “by the sheep-market at Jerusalem, 
waiting for the moving of the water;'’' and that “'whosoeverfirst after the troub- 
ling of the water stepped in, was made whole of whatsoever disease he had." 
On their great conquest of Greece, the Romans became acquainted with 
warm bathing, which they soon learned to appreciate. One of the first who 
erected thermal baths in Rome, was Scipio Africanus. The fashion soon 
spread, and at the time of Columella and Ammianus Marcellinus, there was 
scarcely a village in Italy without such establishments. The most luxurious 
baths were erected by Titus, Diocletian, Hadrian, Antonius and Caracalla. 
More attention was at the time directed to natural hot springs, a great num- 
ber of which were then found to exist in all parts of Italy; and Bajae, Pu- 
teoli, Stabirn and Cumae, became the most fashionable watering places. 
In the course of their warlike expedition to other parts of Europe, and to 
Asia and Africa, the Roman Generals used to station their troops where they 
encountered hot springs, which had become almost a necessity for them ; and 
large and comfortable bathing establishments were erected at most such 
places. The Romans discovered a great many of the most important thermal 
waters in France, England, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Pannonia, 
Transylvania, and even Africa. Mr. Tristram in his recent work on the 
Sahara, informs us that on the eastern extremity of the desert, in the oasis 
of El Kantara, there exist the ruins of a Roman town and thermal baths, 
near a natural basin which receives the contents of a hot spring and which 
had no doubt decided the selection of the site. 
Pliny mentions a very large number of mineral springs in all parts of 
Europe. Pie speaks especially of the waters of Bajae, which were so hot 
that they were used for heating cold baths of the springs of Puteoli, which 
were believed to be a specific remedy for diseases of the eye ; of the Thespic 
spring in Boeotia which made women fertile; of the spring of Linus, in 
Arcadia, which prevented abortion; and the hot springs of Mattiaci, (Wies- 
baden), which cured rheumatism. 
Caelius Aurelianus who practiced at the end of the second century, recom- 
mended mineral waters for a number of diseases. Patients suffering from 
paralysis after appoplexy were sent by him to the thermal baths of Padua 
and Siena; such as complained of torpidity or blennorrhea, were advised to 
use the Albula, and for stone in the bladder he prescribed the alkaline saline 
waters of Ischia. 
Experience has shown that even during severe winter, they may be em- 
ployed with the utmost advantage. There are many diseases from which a 
mineral water cure proves more successful than any other treatment, and 
where it would be wrong to delay at all the use of the waters, as in the 
meantime the complaint would probably be aggravated, and the chances of 
a cure be thus lessened. Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
21 
The following is quoted from M. Durand—Fardel’s—Gen- 
eral Dictionary of Mineral Waters : 
DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 
Waters of feeble mineralization are reputed appropriate to cure diseases of 
the skin. It is thus with alkaline, bi-carbonated waters, which are especially 
applicable in exzanthemous (skin) affections, with a specific dyscrasia (a dis- 
eased state of the blood.) 
Among the waters called by the Germans indifferent (which are hot 
springs) there are hardly any at which cutaneous affections are not treated, 
and where they do not obtain the most satisfactory results. 
SYPHILIS. 
The veritable use of mineral waters is better determined to-day. They 
represent a very useful auxiliary in the specific medication of this disease, 
subordinated according to the occasion, to the march of its manifestations, to 
their complications, to the development of the cachectic state, and to the 
effects of treatment. 
PARALYSIS. 
Waters feebly mineralized (these are the class of waters the Hot Springs 
are classified with) find, above all, application to cases of paralysis. 
PARAPLEGIA. 
Waters of a relative feeble mineralization in comparison with those of 
which we have spoken, approximate themselves in their action upon paraly- 
sis of the lower limbs by their quality of an elevated (hot) and virtually 
powerful temperature. 
■ One comprehends that the bathing processes assume a capital importance, 
being directed, for the most part, for the purpose of procuring abundant 
perspiration, and of obtaining the salutary revulsion. 
RHEUMATISM. 
It presents this particular indication, that it is almost independent of the 
quality of the waters, or their peculiar mineralization; it requires only the 
union of two factors: I. High temperature ; 2. The intervention of hydro- 
therapeutic agents. One could not know precisely how to obtain from ordi- 
nary soft waters of an equal temperature the same effects that are obtained 
from mineral waters. It is thus that mineral waters and the less mineralized 
of them offer this peculiarity, that their application determines always a cer- 
tain degree of excitation of the functions of the skin, and a peculiar tonicity 
which entirely distinguishes them from soft waters. 22 
Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
THERAPEUTICAL USES OF THE ALKALINE MINERAL WATERS. 
(Taken from Prof. Roberts Bartholow’s Treatise on Materia Medica and Therapeutics.) 
“ As we have seen that alkalies, taken before meals, increase the produc- 
tion of acid gastric juice, the alkaline mineral waters are serviceable in 
atonic dyspepsia. They are especially useful in catarrh of the duodenum and 
of the bileducts, and in jaundice dependent on this state of the mucous mem- 
brane. In incipient cirrhosis, in congestion of the portal circulationy and in 
hemorrhoids, due to the hepatic obstruction, they render important service. 
Obesity, which is frequently diminished by a course of alkalies, is better 
treated by alkaline waters, for, at the springs, these patients can be induced, 
more easily, to conform to the plan of exercise and diet necessary in these 
cases. 
The alkaline springs have long had a deserved reputation for the cure of 
gout and rheumatism. With the internal use of the waters should be con- 
joined baths, douches, &c. Gout and rheumatic affections of internal organs 
are equally amenable to the same treatment. 
These alkaline waters, long used, are especially serviceable in the so-called 
lithic-acid diathesis. There is little doubt that the continuous use of alkaline 
waters for a long period will cause the solution of uric acid renal calculi. 
When diabetes is heptic in origin, and occurring in obese subjects, the alka- 
line mineral waters are extremely useful.” 
BEST ROUTE FROM THE EAST TO AND FROM 
THE HOT SPRINGS OF ARKANSAS. 
At New York or Philadelphia passengers can purchase 
tickets and sleeping berths through to the Springs, via Penn- 
sylvania, Pan Handle, Vandalia, and Iron Mountain Rail- 
ways. By this route through Pullman Palace Sleeping and 
Drawing-room cars are run from New York and Philadelphia 
to Malvern with but one change—at St. Louis. At Malvern, 
direct connection is made with the Hot Springs Narrow 
Gauge Railway, running through to the Springs in one 
hour. 
Returning, the same facilities are the attraction for the 
invalid and tourist. The above railways are among the best Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
23 
in the United States—smooth tracks, steel rails, stone ballast, 
free from dust. The equipment, the finest and most dura- 
ble in use. This, with the Block Signal System and West- 
inghouse Air Brake for the control of its trains, makes this 
line superior to all others. 
DISTANCES TO HOT SPRINGS, ARK. 
FROM Miles. 
Atlanta, Ga 651 
Augusta, Ga 822 
Austin, Tex 455 
Baltimore, Md 1,342 
Boston, Mass 1,540 
Buffalo, N. Y 1,116 
Cairo, 111 318 
Chattanooga, Tenn 513 
Charleston, S. C 959 
Chicago, 111 683 
Cincinnati, O 690 
Cleveland, 0 933 
Columbus, Ky 324 
Dallas, Tex 347 
Denver, Col I,327 
Detroit, Mich 907 
Fort Worth, Tex 379 
Galveston, Tex 505 
Houston, Tex 455 
Indianapolis, Ind 653 
Kansas City, Mo 688 
Little Rock, Ark 68 
FROM Miles. 
Louisville, Ky 580 
Malvern, Ark 25 
Marshall, Tex 201 
Memphis, Tenn 203 
Milwaukee, Wis 768 
Mobile, Ala 625 
Nashville, Tenn 435 
New Orleans, La 598 
New York City 1,467 
Omaha, Neb 890 
Philadelphia, Pa 1,377 
Pittsburg, Pa 1,032 
Richmond, Va 1,083 
St. Louis, Mo 413 
St. Paul, Minn 1,092 
San Antonio, Tex 668 
San Francisco, Cal 2,806 
Salt Lake, Utah 1,960 
Savannah, Ga 954 
Sherman, Tex 280 
Texarkana, Ark 126 
Washington, D. C 1,316 
BATH HOUSES. 
The place contains some excellent bath-houses, the chief 
ones being Balentyne’s big iron bath-house, just constructed 
at the Great Iron Spring, and the Rector bath-house, adjoin- 
ing the Arlington Hotel. The Hot Springs and Grand Cen- 
tral Hotels also have bath-houses in connection with them. 24 
HOTS^f 
' 
The more prominent hotels* of the place are the Hot 
Springs Hotel, Arlington Hotel, Grand Central Hotel, St. 
Cloud Hotel, Sumpter House, American Hotel, Avenue 
House, Waverly House, &c. The main hotels of the place 
only are mentioned, there being many smaller places which 
furnish first-class private accommodations, givingto the visitors 
their choice between first-class private boarding in private 
houses, or that of hotel accommodations equal to any in the 
country. By looking at the number of hotels mentioned, it 
will give the reader a general idea of the magnitude of the 
transient hotel business at this celebrated resort. 
Hot Springs;- As&dnsas. 
THE CLIMATE AND HEALTH 
Of the country about the Hot Springs is particularly favor- 
able. The climate generally is as mild and delightful as 
that of Southern Georgia or Northern Florida. At all sea- 
sons the weather will be found pleasant. In summer the 
mountains shade the valley until after nine in the morning, 
and again from three o’clock in the afternoon until sunset. 
The nights are always cool, there being no time when the 
visitor cannot sleep with comfort under a sheet or blanket. 
During the hottest days the temperature seldom reaches 
beyond 93 degrees and never over 95. 
At the Hot Springs we have mountains ot moderate eleva- 
tion, a semi-Southern climate, and freedom from the ex- 
tremes of heat and cold. Those accustomed to the sea shore 
will here have no violence inflicted upon the lungs by rarefied 
atmosphere; invalids of a cold climate are not exhausted by 
excessive heat. Those from the warmer countries find relief 
in the summer. 
Arkansas stands at the head of the list of States for 
health, and has the lowest percentage of consumption. This 
healthy country, of excellent climate, of mountainous as well 
as lower lands, gives forth Medicinal Springs of both hot and 
cold waters, and of many varieties. •r 
■JpflVSICIANS. 
The medical profession of rtiijj city will compare favorably with that of 
any city in the Union. It is co'mposed of gentlemen from all points of the 
Compass, representing every school of medicine. For a long time the idea 
prevailed that the waters of the springs were sufficiently efficacious in most 
diseases which are relieved here, to dispense with medicine, but of late years 
this has been proven to have been fallacious, and now all parties who visit 
th's place for health, put themselves under the care of a physician, who says 
to his patients : first, follow directions closely; drink no liquor; use no 
tobacco; bathe regularly; drink the waters freely; take regular exercise; 
keep regular hours, and eat plenty of digestible food. 
The Hot Springs of Arkansas are called by many the Baded Baden of 
America.” 
Since the body of this work has been printed, the Hot Springs Hotel has 
been burned down. 
PASSENGER AGENTS OF THE ST. LOUIS, IRON MOUNTAIN & 
SOUTHERN RAILROAD COMPANY. 
E. A-. Ford, General Passenger Agent, St. Louis, Mo. 
W. L. Van Nest, Eastern Passenger Agent, 415 Broadway, New York City. 
H. H. Marley, Northern Passenger Agent, 122 Randolph St., Chicago,111. 
Ed. F. Sisson, Southern Passenger Agent, P. O. Box 132, Chattanooga, Tenn. 
John Howard, Southeastern Passenger Agent, St., Cincinnati, O. 
R. W. Gillespie, Southwestern Passenger Agent, Houston, Texas. 
W. C. Gregory, Ticket Agent, 513 North Fifth Street, St. Louis, Mo. 
J. N. Conger, Superintendent and Agent, Hot Springs, Ark. 
William Hooker, Ticket Agent, Little Rock, Ark. 
W. H. Winfield, Ticket Agent, Texarkana, Ark. 
N. S. Morse, Agent, Columbus, Ky. 
J. C. Zimmer, Agent, Cairo, 111. 
Hot Springs Reservation.—The Hot Springs Reservation contains four 
sections, or 2,560 acres. 
Hot Springs Railroad.—The Hot Springs Railroad was constructed by 
Diamond Joe Reynolds, of Chicago. It connects with the St. Louis, Iron 
Mountain & Southern road at Malvern, 25 miles from Hot Springs. 
Hot Springs’ Surroundings.—Within a few miles of this place are the 
Sulphur, Mountain Valley, Chalybeate, Snow’s and Iron’s Sulphur Springs. 
The waters of all these springs are highly medicinal, and are fine adjuncts to 
this place, Being surrounded, as this place is, with springs of such varied 
properties, suggests that nature intended it to be the great sanitarium of the 
world. Certainly it is not predicting too much to say that within a few 
years it will far surpass any watering place in America. Each year there is 
a marked increase in the number of visitors. Hot Springs 
OF ARKANSAS, 
THE AMERICAN RESORT 
FOR 
REVITALIZATION OF THE SYSTEIj 
AND THE 
% H 
CURE OF CHRONIC DISEASES