The sulphur waters of Strathpeffer, in the highlands of Ross-shire, with district guide / by D. Manson.

  • Manson, D. (David), 1839-1884.
Date:
1881
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The sulphur waters of Strathpeffer, in the highlands of Ross-shire, with district guide / by D. Manson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Leeds Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Leeds Library.

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    ACTION OF THE SULPHUR WATER ON THE SYSTEM. Being sulphuretted and sulphated, it acts as a stimulant to the muscular movements of the stomach, and to the muscular, peristaltic, or worm-like motion of the bowels, by which their contents are propelled. Probably its coolness, and the presence in it of carbonic acid gas would contribute to the natural movements of the stomach. Received into the general circulation, it acts as a stimulant to the nervous system and to the skin. In most cases its action on the nervous system is not such as to be felt by the drinker, but in some, a distinct feeling of exhilaration is experienced, while in others, drowsiness some time after partaking of it is most marked. This is caused by the large amount of sulphuretted hydrogen gas, aided by the phosphorus, carbonic acid gas, and sulphate of lime, the effect being somewhat similar to that of alcohol, or of carbonic acid gas when largely ingested in aerated drinks. In its action on the skin also, the effects of the water are comparatively seldom such as to be felt, but if a smart walk be taken after drinking a glass or two, an unwonted feeling of heat with perspiration will, in most cases, be experienced (and in such cases the patient should avoid taking cold, by not sitting or stand- ing long in cold places). It has the effect of deriving the blood to the skin, and of stimulating the circulation in it, increasing in so doing the skin's natural excretion. This is the effect mainly of the sulphur-element in the water. Even the sulphate-salts in such weak solution appear from experi- ment to contribute to this effect. The water also aids in the nutrition of the skin, by supplying it with sulphur—one of