1 70] A TOPOGRAPHICAL 



In Pensnet-chase, south from Dudley, there was a brine found upon 

 the estate of Lord Dudley, where they once attempted to make 

 salt, but the brine proving too weak, they thought proper to desist. 



The following information respecting the MEDICINAL WATERS 

 in this county, is extracted from Plot (ch. ii. sees. 115 129) 

 without strictly regarding, in some places, either his precise words 

 or arrangement, though such are for the most part observed. 



Whatever may be the opinion of some, most certain it is, that 

 divers strange unaccountable cures have been performed at various 

 Wells in Staffordshire : and more there might be were the waters 

 attended (as some others are) with a skilful physician to prepare 

 the body before-hand, direct the use of the waters, and how to 

 order the body after drinking and bathing. Lord Bacon well ob- 

 serves, that some medicines, if unadvisedly administered, will do 

 no cures, but being orderly applied, will do great ones ; even so 

 the success of using medicinal waters depends much upon method. 

 Various waters may be taken inwardly, or applied outwardly, for 

 the prevention or cure of divers distempers : both drinking and 

 bathing in such waters have been attended with beneficial effects. 

 And no one need to wonder that there should be any such thing 

 as a cold sulphur bath, or one in waters which hold an oily sub- 

 stance and salt. 



The Well of St. Erasmus, situate in the parish of Ingestre, and 

 grounds of Walter Chetwynd, Esq. was formerly of so great 

 esteem, that there was a chapel built near it, and endowed ; where 

 the offerings were so considerable, that the rector of Ingestre pays 

 at this day (1686) for the dismes (tenths) of them more than for the 

 profits of the whole parish beside; notwithstanding its revenue, 

 with all other such lands given to pious uses, were taken into the 

 king's hands at the Reformation, and the chapel be now demo- 

 lished, and all applications thither long since ceased. Although 

 the well is wholly neglected and overgrown with weeds, the water 

 is clear, remains as good, and might be as beneficial as ever it 

 was. It has no very eminent smell or taste, and is exactly of 

 the colour of sack. 



Codsall Well, situate near Codsall-wood, is such another. 

 Though its water is much clearer than at Ingestre, yet it most 

 certainly is sated with sulphureous particles; for it always emits 

 a sulphureous smell: and in winter, and sometimes against rain, 

 the odour is so strong, that, with the advantage of the wind, one 

 may smell it now and tiien at least 23 yards off. Moreover, so vo- 



