MEDICINAL WATERS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 100, 2 May 1929, Page 5

MEDICINAL WATERS

DISCUSSION IN LONDON

(From "The Post's" Representative.)

LONDON, 7th February. Under the auspices of the International Society of Medical Hydrology, a small meeting of hydrologists and clieniists took place on 24th January, when ilr. M. Ehull, professor of chemistry at Grey University College, Bloemfontein, gave an account of the chemistry of certain South African waters. The High Commissioners for South Africa and New Zealand were represented at the meeting.

Professor Rindl stated that he had beei drawn to the subject in the search for supplies of potash, and though his survey of the springs had failed to provide any results in that direction, he had made and published a preliminary survey, in th» hope of arousing medical and other interest in this important national asset. He found that the analysis of the waters were often incomplete and out of date, that insufficient clinical data were forthcoming, and that dating facilities were inadequate. Many of the spi ings had a long history of use, first by the aborigines, and then by the farmer-settlers, some still being used only in the most primitive way. Yet the waters themselves were well worthy of study and development. They were principally either sulphurous or chalybeate, no important brine springs being known, in spite of the extent of the surface "salt-pans." Seven of the springs had temperatures exceeding 10r degrees P., the hotter-t being 158 degrees. Many were said to be radioactive, and one had a fair proportion of helium.

In the subsequent discussion Dr. Arthur Herber'; spoke of his experience in the development of the spas of £ew Zealand, under the Government Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. Government action was essential m new and sparsely populated countries. Where abundant thermal waters wore present in a good climate, it was a mistake, he said, to build elaborate baths. What was needed was to concentrate on accomodation for patients, and the provision of medical attention and auxiliary treatment. Dr. A. Cawadias emphasised the supreme necessity of obtaining clinical data before full development could take place.