17 



On the introduction and use of the Natural Mineral Waters 

 at Landour. By John Murray, M.D., Assistant Surgeon, 

 late in Medical Charge. 



[Communicated by the Medical Board.] 



In laying the following paper before the Medical Board, 

 my object is to record the effects of the natural mineral 

 waters, on the different diseases of the convalescents at Lan- 

 dour, during the period that I was in medical charge of that 

 Sanatorium. 



I endeavoured to reduce within the limits of regular prac- 

 tice, remedies of acknowledged power, but whose use is still, 

 in a great degree, empirical. This is the first Military or 

 General Hospital, in which they have been extensively used. 

 In deviating from established custom, difficulties arose ; but 

 they were not insurmountable. The success has been so 

 manifest, that I trust their use will soon be permanently 

 established. Then will the poor soldier in India, enjoy ad- 

 vantages available to the wealthy alone, in Europe : and the 

 increased health and efficiency of its servants, amply repay 

 the benevolence of the State. 



In commencing the investigation of the action of the mi- 

 neral waters on tropical diseases, I found little assistance from 

 any of the authors on these affections : and on European 

 diseases, the effects are vaguely described ; some even doubt 

 their having any power, beyond the diluent effect of the 

 water, combined with change of scenery, society, and habits. 

 Iron and sulphuretted hydrogen are active remedies when 

 manufactured in the apothecary's laboratory. Do they lose 

 their efficacy by passing through nature's alembic, and ap- 

 pearing as the chalybeate and Harrowgate ivaters ? On the 

 contrary, there is an instinctive prejudice in favour of simples, 

 and faith in the efficacy of natural productions, which is not 

 always placed in the remedies of the physician of the present 



