is discarded, and one of Taylor's own composition, of a very different
character is substituted for it. In it occurs the following, which is of
bibliographical interest: "The importunate desire of my friends has
forced me to reprint this little Treatise of Dr. Dean's Spadacrene
Anglica, which the vacillation of these distracted and ruinous times had
almost lost and obliterated. To this of Dr. Dean's I have added the
Observations of Michael Stanhope, Esquire, which I have excerpted forth
of his two books of the Spaw."
1654.
"Spadacrene Anglica," etc., York, printed by Tho: Broad, etc., 1654. The
title is the same as the 1649 reprint, except for the fact that
Taylor's name does not appear on it. His dedication is also omitted.
1734.
Thomas Short, M.D., "The Natural, Experimental and Medicinal History of
Mineral Waters."
In this volume, there are summaries of Deane's "Spadacrene Anglica":
Stanhope's "Cures without Care": and French's "The Yorkshire Spaw," etc.
1736.
"Spadacrene Anglica, or The English Spaw." Being An Account of the
Situation, Nature, Physical Use, and admirable Cures, performed by the
Waters of Harrogate, and Parts adjacent. By the late learned and eminent
Physician, Dr. Dean of York, and also the Observations of the ingenious
Dr. Stanhope. Wherein it is proved by Reason and Experience the
vitrioline Fountain is equal to the German Spaw. To which are added Some
Observations (Collected from modern Authors) of the Nature, Vertues and
Manner of Using the Sweet and Sulphur Waters at Harrogate, Leeds, etc.,
1736.
1921.
The present edition, reprinted from the 1626 edition.
* * * * *
[Footnote 1: "Encyclopædia Britannica," 11th ed., 1910-11, vol. xiii,
page 27.]
[Footnote 2: J. Aikin, "Biographical Memoirs of Medicine in Great
Britain from the Revival of Literature to the time of Harvey," 1780. Wm.
MacMichael, "Lives of British Physicians," 1830. T.J. Pettigrew,
"Medical Portrait Gallery," 1838. G.T. Bettany, "Eminent Doctors, their
Lives and their Works," 1885.]
[Footnote 3: Watson, J., "The History and Antiquities of the Parish of
Halifax in Yorkshire," 1775.]
[Footnote 4: "The Register of Halifax," Part 1, 1910, page 205.]
[Footnote 5: "The Register of Halifax," Part 2, 1914, page 253, The
Yorkshire Parish Register Society.]
[Footnote 6: Anthony A. Wood, "Athenæ Oxoniensis," ed. Bliss, vol. ii,
page 660. "Alumni Oxoniensis," arranged by Joseph Foster. Vol. 1,
1500-1714.]
[Footnote 7: Camidge, Wm., "Ye Olde Streete of Pavement," York, c.
1893.]
[Footnote 8: Davies, R., "Walks through the City of York," 1880, page
247.]
[Footnote 9: cf. "Spadacrene Anglica," page 125.]
[Footnote 10: "Spadacrene Anglica," page 92.]
[Footnote 11: "Pedigrees of the County Families of Yorkshire," Joseph
Foster, 1874, Vol. 1 (West Riding).]
[Footnote 12: E. Hargrove, "The History of the Castle, Town, and Forest
of Knaresbrough, with Harrogate and its medicinal Springs." 2nd. ed.,
1775, page 45. I have not seen the 1769 ed.]
[Footnote 13: Thomas Short, M.D. "The Natural Experimental and Medicinal
History of the Mineral Waters, etc." 1734, page 238.]
[Footnote 14: Grainge, W., "Memoir of the Life of Sir Wm. Slingsby."
1862. Page 16.]
[Footnote 15: "Athenæ Oxoniensis," ed. by P. Bliss, 1815, vol. 2, 174,
footnote by Rev. Joseph Hunter. Dictionary of Nat. Biography, 1886, vol.
VI. "Dr. Timothy Bright, Some Troubles of an Elizabethan Rector," by
Rev. H. Armstrong Hall, 1905, in vol. xv; and "The History of the Parish
of Barwick in Elmet," by F.S. Colman, M.A., Rector, 1908, in vol. xvii
of the Publications of the Thoresby Society. "William Shakespeare and
Timothy Bright," by M. Levy, 1910. "Timothe Bright, Doctor of Physicke,
A Memoir of the Father of Shorthand," 1911, by W.J. Carlton. His Will is
published in "Yorkshire Archæological Journal," 1902, vol 17.]
[Footnote 16: "A Treatise: wherein is declared the sufficiencie of
English Medicines for the cure of all diseases cured with medicine,"
T.B. 1580.
"Hygieina, id est de sanitate tuenda, Medicinæ Pars prima." 1581.
"Medicinæ Therapeutiæ pars: de dyscrasia corporis humani." 1583.
"Therapeutica, hoc est de sanitate restituenda. Medicinæ Pars altera."
"In Physimam G.A. Scribonii Animadversiones." 1584.
"A Treatise of Melancholie. Containing the causes thereof, & reasons of
the strange effects it worketh in our mindes and bodies, with the
phisicke, cure, and spirituall consolation for such as have therto
adjoyned an afflicted conscience, etc." 1586.
"Characterie, an Arte of shorte, swifte and secrete Writing by
Character. Invented by Timothe Bright, Doctor of Physike." 1588.
"An Abridgement of the Book of Acts and Monumentes of the Church." 1589.
Better known as "Foxe's Book of the Martyrs."]
[Footnote 17: E. Hargrove, "The History of Knaresbrough." 2nd ed., 1775,
page 45.]
[Footnote 18: W. Wheatear, "A Guide to and History of Harrogate," 1890,
page 58.]
[Footnote 19: Thomas Short, M.D., "History of Mineral Water," 1734, page
243.]
[Illustration: TUEWHIT WELL THE ENGLISH SPAW FOUNTAIN 1571]
[Illustration: Original title page of Deane's manuscript.]
Spadacrene Anglica.
OR, THE ENGLISH SPAWFOVNTAINE.
Being A BRIEFE TREATISE of the acide, or tart Fountaine in the Forest of
_Knaresborow_, in the West-Riding of _Yorkshire_.
As also a Relation of other medicinall Waters in the said Forest.
BY _Edmund Deane_, D^r. in Physicke, _Oxon_. dwelling in the City of
YORKE.
_LONDON_, Printed for _John Grismand_: and are to be sold by _Richard
Foster_, neere the Minster-gate in _Yorke_. 1626.
THE EPISTLE
TO
THE PHYSITIANS OF YORKE.
_Though it was my fortune first of all to set a new edge on this
businesse; yet my journeyes to this Fountaine have not been made without
your good companies and association, nor the severall tryals had there,
and at home, performed without your worthy helpes and assistance; nor
this little Treatise begun without your instigations and incitements.
Therefore I find none so fit and meet to patronize it, as your_
selves: being able out of your owne knowledge and observation to defend
it against all malicious detractions. To extoll it above the_ Germaine
Spaw, _may be thought in me either indiscretion, or too much partiality;
but why I may not parallele them (being in natures and qualities so
agreeable) nor I, nor you (I suppose) know any inducing, much lesse
perswading argument. Wherefore being thus confident, I thought it no
part of our duties, either to God, our King, or Country, to conceale so
great a benefit, as may thereby arise and accrue not onely unto this
whole Kingdome and his Majesties loving subjects, but also in time
(after further notice taken of it) to other foraigne nations and
countries, who may perhaps with more benefit, lesse hazard and danger of
their lives, spoiling and robbing, better partake of this our_ English
Spaw _Fountaine, then of those in_ Germanie.
_It were to be wished, that those two famous Physitians, Dr._ Hunton
_and Dr._ Bright _had beene yet living, to_ _have given testimony of
the great good hopes and expectation they conceived of it. The former of
which did oftentimes request me to publish it to the world: and the
other was resolved (in case hee had longer lived) to have done it
himselfe. So carefull were they both to promote their countries good,
and studious to procure the health of their Countrimen._
_I am as briefe and plaine, as possibly I may, to the end the Reader may
not be wearied, nor the patient deluded; and, if for these causes I may
seem to bee censured, yet I am well assured, that to your selves brevity
and perspicuity cannot, but bee acceptable. So wishing you all
happinesse, I shall ever rest and remaine_
From my house in _Yorke_,
this 20th. of April,
1626.
Your assured friend,
_Edm; Deane_.
The English Spaw.
* * * * *
_CHAP_. 1.
_=Of the situation of the Towne of_ Knaresborow.=
_Gnaresbrugh_ (commonly called _Knaresborow_) is a very ancient Market
towne in the West-Riding of _Yorkeshire_, distant 14 miles from the City
of _Yorke_; where the Pole is elevated 54 degrees, and 20 odde minutes.
On the South-west part thereof is that faire, and goodly Fort, so much
renowned, both for the pleasant situation, and remarkable strength,
knowne by the name of _Knaresborow Castle_, seated on a most ragged and
rough Rock; whence (as learned Mr. _Camden_ saith) it is so named.
Both the Castle and the Towne are fenced on the South and West parts
with the River _Nid_: which is beautified here with two faire Bridges of
stone, which lead from the Towne into the Forest adjoyning, as also unto
a large empaled Park of his Majesties, called _Bilton-parke_, well
stored with fallow Deere: part whereof is bordered with the said river.
The Towne it selfe standeth on a hill, having almost on every side an
ascent to it; and about it are divers fruitfull valleyes well
replenished with grasse, corne, and wood. The waters there are wholesome
and cleare; the ayre dry and pure. In briefe, there is nothing wanting,
that may fitly serve for a good and commodious habitation, and the
content and entertainment of strangers.
Many things are very observable in this place, which because they rather
do appertaine to the volumes of Geographers, & Antiquaries, then to the
purpose intended in this little treatise, are here omitted.
_CHAP_. 2.
_=Of the severall earths, stones, and mineralls found neere and about
this place.=_
Although there are in sundry places of this Kingdome as many, or moe
severall kinds, and sorts of earths quarreyes of stone, minerals, and
mines of mettalls, then in any other Realme whatsoever; notwithstanding
no one place hath beene observed to have them either in such plentie, or
variety in so small a distance, as this. For here is found not onely
white and yellow marle, plaister, oker, rudd, or rubricke, free-stone,
an hard greet-stone, a soft reddish stone, iron-stone, brimstone,
vitreall, nitre, allum, lead, copper, (and without doubt diverse
mixtures of these) but also many other mineralls might (perhaps) be
found out by the diligent search and skilfull industrie of those, who
would take paines to labour a little herein.
All which do manifestly demonstrate, that nature hath stored this little
territorie with a greater diversitie of hidden benefits, then great and
spacious Countries otherwise abounding in outward native commodities,
and that the fountaines, or springs of water hereabouts cannot otherwise
then participate of their severall natures, and properties.
_CHAP_. 3.
_=Of the fountaines, of pure and simple waters neere, and about the
Towne.=_
As generally most parts of the West Riding of _Yorkeshire_ (especially
the hilly and more mountaineous places thereof) are stored with
fountaines and springs of cleare, limpide, and pure simple waters; so
likewise the territorie here abouts is not without plenty of them. Two
whereof have gotten and purchased that reputation, as to be saincted:
The one called by the name of Saint _Magnus_, or _Mugnus-Well_: th'
other, that of Saint _Roberts_.
These, formerly for a yeere, or two, have beene in great request in
these parts amongst the common sort, much sought unto by many, and great
concourse of people have daily gathered and flocked to them both neere,
and a farre off, as is most commonly seene, when any new thing is first
found out. _Fama enim grescit eundo_, even unto incredible wonders and
miracles, or rather fictions, and lyes. All which commeth to passe as
wee may well suppose, through our overmuch English credulity, or (as I
may better say) rather superstition. For to any such like Well, will
swarme at first both yong and old (especially the female sexe, as ever
more apt to bee deluded) halt, lame, blind, deafe, dumbe, yea, almost
all, and that for all manner of maladies and diseases, both inward and
outward.
But for as much, as these are springs of pure, and simple waters
meerely, without any mixture at all of minerals to make them become
medicinable, it is verily thought, that the many & severall cures, which
have bin attributed unto them in those times, when they were so
frequented, were rather fained, and imaginary, then true, and reall;
and that those, who then visited them, were desirous (either to uphold,
and maintaine the credit, and reputation of their Saints, or else, to
avoyd the scorne and derision of their owne delusion) to have others
likewise deceived.
Time hath quite worne all their strength, and consumed all their
vertues; so that nothing of worth now remaines with them, saving onely
their bare names and titles: _Sic magna sua mole ruunt_.
Wherefore to omit these, as scarce worthy the mentioning; those are
chiefly here to be described, which doe participate of minerall vertues,
and faculties.
_CHAP_. 4.
_=Of five fountaines neare unto the town, which doe participate of
minerall vertues.=_
Out of the divers Fountaines springing hereabouts, five are worthy the
observation of Physitians. The first whereof is very neare unto the
river banke, over against the Castle, called by the name of the
_Dropping-well_, for that it droppeth, distilleth, and trickleth downe
from the hanging rocke above. The water whereof hath a certaine quality
or property to turne any thing, that lieth in it, into a stony substance
in a very short space.
Three of the others (being all of them much of one, and the same nature)
are termed by the country people thereabouts the _Stinking-wels_, in
regard they have an ill, and fetide smell, consisting most of
Sulphure-vive, or quicke brimstone. One of them, and that which hath the
greatest current, or streame of water, is in _Bilton park_.
The other two are in the sayd Forest; one is neare unto the towne; the
other is further off, almost two miles from it, beyond a place called
_Haregate head_, in a bottome on the right hand of it, as you goe, and
almost in the side of a little brooke.
The fift, and last (for which I have principally undertaken to write
this short Discourse) is an acide, or tart fountaine in the said Forest,
commonly named by the vulgar sort, _Tuewhit-well_, and the _English
Spaw_, by those of the better rank, in imitation of those two most
famous acide fountaines at the _Spaw_ in _Germany_, to wit,
_Sauvenir_, and _Pouhon_: whereof the first (being the prime one) is
halfe a league from the _Spa_, or _Spaw_ village; the other is in the
middle of the towne.
_CHAP_. 5.
_=A more particular recitall of the first foure Wells.=_
I purpose to speake somewhat more in this place of the first foure
Springs mentioned in the former Chapter, in regard the consideration of
them may perhaps give some light to those, who shall hereafter search
further into the secrets, which nature may seeme to afford in the
Country hereabouts.
The first is the _Dropping-well_, knowne almost to all, who have
travelled unto this place. The water whereof distilleth and trickleth
downe from the hanging Rocke over it, not onely dropping wise, but also
falling in many pretty little streames.
This water issueth at first out of the earth, not farre from the said
hanging rocke, and running a while in one entire current, continueth
so, till it commeth almost to the brim of the cragg; where being opposed
by a damme (as it were artificiall) of certaine spongy stones, is
afterwards divided into many smaller branches, and falleth from on high
in manner aforesaid.
It is therefore very likely, that Mr. _Camden_ in person did not see
this Fountaine, but rather that hee had it by relation from others; or
at least wise (if he did see it) that hee did not marke, and duly
observe the originall springing up of the water, when in his _Britannia_
he saith thus: _The waters thereof spring not up out of the veines of
the earth_, &c.
Concerning the properties and qualities thereof, I have nothing more to
write at this time (there being formerly little tryall had of it) saving
that divers inhabitants thereabouts say, and affirme, that it hath beene
found to bee very effectuall in staying any flux of the body: which
thing I easily beleeve.
The other three are sulphureous fountaines, and cast forth a stinking
smell a farre off, especially in the winter season, and when the weather
is coldest. They are all noysome to smell to, and cold to touch, without
any manifest, or actuall heat at all; by reason (as may most probably be
thought) their mynes, and veines of brimstone, are not kindled under the
earth; being (perhaps) hindred by the mixture of salt therewith.
Those, who drinke of their waters, relate, they verily thinke there is
gunpowder in them, and that now and then they vomit after drinking
thereof.
The waters, as they runne along the earth, doe leave behind them on the
grasse and leaves a gray slimy substance, which being set on fire, hath
the right savour of common brimstone. They are much haunted with
Pigeons, an argument of much salt in them; of which in the evaporation
of the water by fire, wee found a good quantity remaining in the
bottome of the vessell.
One thing further was worth observation; that white mettall (as silver)
dipped into them, presently seemeth to resemble copper: which we first
noted by putting a silver porrenger into one of these; unto which _Sir
Francis Trapps_ did first bring us. Which tincture these waters give by
reason of their sulphur.
Touching their vertues, and effects, there may in generall the like
properties be ascribed unto them, as are attributed unto other
sulphureous Bathes actually cold, participating also of salt.
The vulgar sort drinke these waters (as they say) to expell reefe, and
fellon; yea, many, who are much troubled with itches, scabs, morphewes,
tetters, ring-wormes, and the like, are soone holpen, and cured by
washing the parts ill affected therewith. Which thing they might much
more conveniently, and more commodiously doe, if at that in _Bilton_
parke were framed 2 capacious Bathes, the one cold, the other to be made
hot, or warme, by art, for certaine knowne howers a day.
_CHAP_. 6.
_=A more particular description of the fift, or last fountaine, called
the_ English Spaw.=
This, being the principall subject of this whole Treatise, is in the
said forest, about halfe a league, or a mile and a halfe west from the
towne; from whence there is almost a continuall rising to it, but
nothing so great, as the ascent is from the _Spaw_ village to the
_Sauvenir_. This here springeth out of a mountainous ground, and almost
at the height of the ascent, at _Haregate-head_; having a great descent
on both sides the ridge thereof; and the Country thereabouts somewhat
resembleth that at the _Spaw_ in _Germany_.
The first discoverer of it to have any medicinall quality (so far forth
as I can learn) was one Mr. _William Slingesby_, a Gentleman of many
good parts, of an ancient, and worthy Family neere thereby; who having
travelled in his younger time, was throughly acquainted with the taste,
use, and faculties of the two Spaw fountaines.
In his latter time, about 55 yeeres agoe it was his good fortune to live
for a little while at a grange house very neare to this fountaine, and
afterwards in _Bilton_ Parke all his life long. Who drinking of this
water, found it in all things to agree with those at the _Spaw_.
Whereupon (greatly rejoycing at so good and fortunate an accident) he
made some further triall and assay: That done, he caused the fountaine
to be well, and artificially walled about, and paved at the bottome (as
it is now at this day) with two faire stone flags, with a fit hole in
the side thereof, for the free passage of the water through a little
guttered stone. It is open at the top, and walled somewhat higher, then
the earth, as well to keepe out filth, as Cattle for comming and
approaching to it. It is foure-square, three foot wide, and the water
within is about three quarters of a yard deepe.
First we caused it to be laded dry, as well to scoure it, as also to see
the rising up of the water, which we found to spring up onely at the
bottome at the chinke or cranny, betweene two stones, so left purposely
for the springing up of the water at the bottome: Which as _Pliny_
observeth in his 31 booke of his Naturall History and the third Chapter,
is a signe above all of the goodnesse of a fountaine.
"And above all (saith he,) one thing would bee observed, and seene unto,
that the source, which feedeth it, spring and boyle up directly from the
bottome, and not issue forth at the sides: which also is a maine point
that concerneth the perpetuity thereof, and whereby wee may collect,
that it will hold still, and be never drawne drye."
The streame of water, which passeth away by the hole in the side
thereof, is much one, and about the proportion of the current of the
_Sauvenir_.
The above named Gentleman did drinke the water of this Fountaine every
yeare after all his life time, for helping his infirmities, and
maintaining of his health, and would oftentimes say and averre, that it
was much better, and did excell the tart fountaines beyond the seas, as
being more quicke and lively, and fuller of minerall spirits; effecting
his operation more speedily, and sooner passing through the body.
Moreover Doctor _Timothy Bright_ of happy memory, a learned Physitian,
(while hee lived, my very kind friend, and familiar acquaintance) first
gave the name of the _English Spaw_ unto this Fountaine about thirty
yeares since, or more. For he also formerly had spent some time at the
_Spaw_ in _Germany_; so that he was very able to compare those with
this of ours. Nay, hee had futhermore so good an opinion, and so high a
conceit of this, that hee did not onely direct, and advise others to it,
but himselfe also (for most part) would use it in the Sommer season.
Likewise Doctor _Anthony Hunton_ lately of _Newarke_ upon _Trent_,
a Physitian of no lesse worth and happy memory, (to whom for his true love
to mee, and kind respect of mee, I was very much beholden) would often
expostulate with mee at our meetings, and with other Gentlemen of
_Yorkeshire_, his patients, how it came to passe, that I, and the
Physitians of _Yorke_, did not by publike writing make the fame and
worth thereof better knowne to the world?
_CHAP_. 7.
_=Of the difference of this Fountaine from those at the_ Spaw,
_to wit_, Sauvenir, _and_ Pouhon.=
This springeth almost at the top of the ascent (as formerly hath beene
said) from a dry, and somewhat sandy earth: The water whereof running
South-East, is very cleare, pure, full of life, and minerall
exhalations.
We find it chiefly to consist of a vitrioline nature and quality, with a
participation also of those other minerals, which are said to be in the
_Sauvenir_ fountaine; but in a more perfect, and exquisite mixture and
temper (as wee deeme) and therefore to be supposed better and nobler,
then it. The difference betweene them will be found to be onely
_secundum majus & minus_, that is, according to more, or lesse, which
maketh no difference in kind, but in degrees. This partaketh in greater
measure of the qualities, and lesser of the substances of the minerals,
then that doth; and for that cause it is of a more quicke and speedy
operation; as also for the same reason, his tenuity of body, and
fulnesse of minerall spirits therein contained, it cannot be so farre
transported from its owne source, and spring, without losse, and
diminution of his strength, and goodnesse. For being caried no further,
then to the towne it selfe (though the glasse or vessell be closely
stopt) it becommeth somewhat weaker: if as farre as to _Yorke_, much
more: but if 20 or 30 miles further, it will then bee found to be of
small force, or validity, as we have often observed.
Whereas contrariwise the water of the lower fountaine at the _Spaw_,
called _Pouhon_, is frequently and usually caried and conveyed into
other Countries farre off, and remote, as into _France_, _England_,
_Scotland_, _Ireland_, divers parts of _Germany_, and some parts of
_Italy_; yea, and that of _Sauvenir_, (which is the better fountaine,
and whose water cannot be caried so farre away, as the other may) is
oftentimes used nowadayes at _Paris_, the chiefe City of _France_.