The Texas Almanac for 1868 Page: 89
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MEDIGATED WATERS '.E RAb. 89
It does not discharge exceeding one twelfth the quantity of water that flows
from the big spring. The smaller spring is the one from whence the inva-
lids dip the water they drink, using the larger one to bathe in. On both
sides of the creek, in the vicinity of the large springs described above, there
are many smaller ones oozing from its banks. Three quarters of a mile be-
low this set of springs, in the valley, on the north side of the creek, rises
another spring nearly as large as the largest one described above : water
exactly the same. This splendid fountain of mineral water is situated at the
north-east end of the town of Lampasas, and is the spring, on account of the
accommodations afforded there, that is principally resorted to by the afflicted.
Seven miles below this, in the valley on the south side of the creek, is still
another quite flush spring of the same kind of water. Altogether, these se-
veral fountains of medicated waters, being precisely the same in their sensi-
ble properties, must evidently arise from the same reservoir. In the aggregate,
according to the best estimate I could make, these springs discharge three
hundred and sixty barrels of water, heavily charged with several mineral
principles, every minute. Just think of it! Whence comesthis inexhaustible
supply of salt and sulphur, magnesia and iron, and perhaps several mineral
principles not yet detected?
Previous to the war, in the proper season, invalids laboring under all forms
of disease might be seen at these springs, fnany of whom were relieved of
their complaints by the use of the waters, whilst others again received no
benefit. The cases that seemed most favorably affected by its proper applica-
tion were dyspepsia, indigestion, enlargement of the spleen, all skin diseases,
sore eyes, mercurial and syphilitic taints, and other chronic complaints. I will
here give it simply as my opinion, predicated on too small a number of cases
to establish it, that the waters of these springs, carefully and systematically
applied, after the manner of the water-cure doctors, would probably result
more favorably in the removal of many forms of diseased action, than would
pure water alone, applied hydropathically. The few cases in which I applied
it, after the manner of the water-cure doctors, consisted of enlargement of
the spleen, abdominal dropsy, dyspepsia, and a case or two of chronic sore
eyes. The results were quite satisfactory.
There are several fresh-water springs gurgling up from the same locality,
constituting this the most favorable point for a grand water-cure estab-
lishment that can be found in this or any other country, unless the celebrated
Sour Lake waters maybe excepted. Were I a young man and ambitious of
fame and a cash fortune, I would go instantly to work at the Lampasas
Springs. There would be no risk in building up a large water-cure establish-
ment at that place; and I would greatly prefer the upper set of springs.
Properly arranged in the best hydropathic style, I do not know of an enter-
prise that would attract so much attention, or that would remunerate the in-
vestment of capital so thoroughly.
On Wixson's creek, Gonzales county, is another set or series of mineral
springs, different in the character of their chemical properties from the waters
of the Lampasas springs. They are situated in a kind of basin, a mile and a
half in diameter, the north-eastern side of which is cut and drained by the
San Marcos river. These springs, flowing into the basin from various points
at the base of the overhanging iron ore hills that bound it, are of several dis-
tinct characters, differing widely in their chemical properties. All in the
same valley, and not far apart, there are three chalybeate springs, two white
sulphur springs, two warm springs, two gas springs, and several freshwater
springs, all flush and gushing forth their clear, transparent waters in great
abundance. This-can be made into a splendid watering-place at little cost.
This place has been for many years resorted to by the invalids of the sur-
rounding country, andit is said that many bad and painful forms of disease
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The Galveston News. The Texas Almanac for 1868, book, December 1867; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth123773/m1/93/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.