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historical facts we can quote. The foundation of the 

 University of Prague, in 1348 (the oldest in Europe 

 after those of Paris and Bologna), by Charles IV; 

 the nomination of a great number of celebrated fo- 

 reign and national professors, spread so much scien- 

 tific knowledge in Bohemia, that it is probable enough 

 that our hot springs, only known as a wonderful 

 natural phenomenon, attracted then the attention of 

 learned physicians, who gradually extended the fame 

 of their medical virtues. 



Before a mineral spring acquires renown, it is in 

 general known in its neighbourhood alone, till suc- 

 cessful cases attract the attention of physicians and 

 of the owners of the soil , who then form establish- 

 ments for the accommodation of visitors. Such was 

 very likely the fate of Carlsbad, called formerly and 

 still now, by the neighbouring peasants: Warmbad. 

 Ellbogen, one of the oldest fortresses of Bohemia, 

 five english miles distant from Carlsbad, was, long 

 before that time, inhabited by kings and grandees, 

 to whom the astonishing phenomenon of the bubbling 

 springs and their thick vapours could no more remain 

 unknown , in a valley open at both ends , than to 

 woodsmen , sheperds , fishers and sportsmen. How 

 could the most ignorant boor not be struck with such 

 a scenery? How could he not notice that the river, 

 lower than the wells, never freezes; that snow never 

 stays on the ground about the thermal chaldron? In 

 short, how could so many uncommon things remain 

 unobserved by the neighbouring population? The 



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