Sharon Springs Waters 170th anniversary edition
An Updated & Annotated Version of Dr Sebastian Fonda’s 1854 Book ... the 170th anniversary edition by Antony Daou, 2024.
Mineral springs and the “taking” of mineral waters for healing and health, or hydropathy was all the rage in early 19th century Europe.
It quickly spread to America, particularly the old established families of the Northeast who sought to emulate both Britain and the Continent.
Of the scientists who expounded on the remedial powers of hydropathy, Dr. Sebastian Fonda who lived in New York City but came from nearby Fonda (and eventually became the resident physician of Sharon Springs) had the upper-class connections yet common touch, combined with his thorough scientific approach (that lent much credence to his
assertions.)
The book is divided into 5 main sections:
First, an introductory and often whimsical opening to appeal to the
common reader; this goes into increasingly detailed scientific
discussions of medicinal properties of hydropathy, analysis of the
various springs; a fascinating (and quite relevant still) scientific dive
into the functions of the skin. This is followed by how “taking the
waters” acts on various ailments (far less scientifically accurate given
current knowledge) and finally a very specific guide to how to go about
taking the waters in Sharon.
