An History of Birmingham (1783) | Page 6

sometimes of gravel; at the depth of about twenty yards, we come to
plenty of water, rather hard. There are in the lower parts of the town,
two excellent springs of soft water, suitable for most purposes; one at
the top of Digbeth, the other, Lady-Well. Or rather, one spring, or bed
of water, with many out-lets, continuing its course along the bottom of
the hill, parallel with Small-brook-street, Edgbaston street, St.
Martin's-lane, and Park-street; sufficiently copious to supply the whole
city of London. Water is of the first consequence, it often influences
disease, always the habit of body: that of Birmingham is in general
productive of salutary effects.
That dreadful disorder, the stone, is seldom found among us. I can
recollect but very few, in my time, under this severe complaint, which
is perhaps owing to that valuable element. I mentioned this remark to
an eminent surgeon, who assured me, that, in his long course of
practice, he had never been concerned in one operation in that unhappy
disorder.

BATHS.
At Lady-Well, are the most complete baths in the whole Island. There
are seven in number; erected at the expence of 2000l. Accommodation
is ever ready for hot or cold bathing; for immersion or amusement; with
conveniency for sweating. That, appropriated for swimming, is
eighteen Yards by thirty-six, situated in the centre of a garden, in which
are twenty four private undressing-houses, the whole surrounded by a
wall 10 feet high. Pleasure and health are the guardians of the place.
The gloomy horrors of a bath, sometimes deter us from its use,
particularly, if aided by complaint; but the appearance of these is rather
inviting. We read of painted sepulchres, whose outsides are richly
ornamented, but within are full of corruption and death. The reverse is
before us. No elegance appears without, but within are the Springs of

life! The expence was great, the utility greater.
I do not know any author, who has reckoned man among the
amphibious race of animals, neither do I know any animal who better
deserves it. Man is lord of the little ball on which he treads, one half of
which, at least, is water. If we do not allow him to be amphibious, we
deprive him of half his sovereignty. He justly bears that name, who can
live in the water. Many of the disorders incident to the human frame are
prevented, and others cured, both by fresh and salt bathing; so that we
may properly remark, "He lives in the water, who can find life, nay,
even health in that friendly element."
The greatest treasure on earth is health; but, a treasure, of all others, the
least valued by the owner. Other property is best rated when in
possession, but this, can only be rated when lost. We sometimes
observe a man, who, having lost this inestimable jewel, seeks it with an
ardour equal to its worth; but when every research by land, is eluded,
he fortunately finds it in the water. Like the fish, he pines away upon
shore, but like that, recovers again in the deep.
Perhaps Venus is represented as rising from the ocean, which is no
other then a bath of the larger size, to denote, that bathing is the refiner
of health, consequently, of beauty; and Neptune being figured in
advanced life, indicates, that it is a preservative to old age.
The cure of disease among the Romans, by bathing, is supported by
many authorities; among others, by the number of baths frequently
discovered, in which, pleasure, in that warm climate, bore a part. But
this practice seemed to decline with Roman freedom, and never after
held the eminence it deserved. Can we suppose, the physician stept
between disease and the bath, to hinder their junction; or, that he
lawfully holds, by prescription, the tenure of sickness, in _fee_?
The knowledge of this singular art of healing, is at present only in
infancy. How far it may prevent, or conquer disease; to what measure it
may be applied, in particular cases, and the degrees of use, in different
constitutions, are enquiries that will be better understood by a future
generation.

AIR.
As we have passed through the water, let us now investigate her sister
fluid, the air. They are both necessary to life, and the purity of both to

the prolongation of it; this small difference lies between them, a man
may live a day without water, but not an hour without air: If a man
wants better water, it may be removed from a distant place for his
benefit; but if he wants air, he must remove himself.--The natural air of
Birmingham, perhaps, cannot be excelled in this climate, the moderate
elevation and dry soil evinces this truth; but it receives an alloy from
the