The Contents, Virtues, and Uses of Nevil-Holt Spa-Water

The Contents, Virtues, and Uses of Nevil-Holt Spaw-Water, Further Proved, Illustrated, and Explained, from Experiments and Reason. With some Histories of its Signal Effects in Various Diseases. . . Collected by Several Hands. 8vo. Bound in modern blind ruled light calf; black morocco label with gilt letters on the front cover. London: Printed and sold by Mr. Corbett . . . 1749. Second Edition, with several Emendations and Great Additions.

Bound with:

A Treatise on the Nature, Properties, and Medicinal Uses of the Waters of Pyrmont, Spa, and Seltzers. Also of the Malvern Waters, From Dr. Wall's Observations. Being a Proper Supplement to Dr. Russel's Dissertation, on the Use of Sea Water, &c. London: Printed for W. Owen . . . 1762.


From the Middle Ages on doctors believed disease to be transmitted via 'miasma,' through the air. Bathing, it was thought, opened up the pores of the skin allowing the miasma into the body. Therefore, doctors recommended against bathing anything but visible areas, well into the eighteenth century. The switch from woolen to linen clothing by the 16th century also accompanied the decline in bathing. Linen clothing was much easier to clean and maintain. Clean linen allowed people who had not bathed to appear clean and well groomed. The possession of a large quantity of clean linen clothing was a sign of social status. Physicians of the period believed that odors, or miasma, such as that which would be found in soiled linens, caused disease. A person could, therefore, change one's shirt every few days, but avoid baths – which might let the 'bad air' into the body through the pores.

Interest in bathing resurged during the 18th century with advances in science. The observation of microorganisms and the development of germ theory legitimized the practice through evidence: soap and hot water literally kill disease. When people started regular bathing in the last half of the 19th century, life expectancy doubled. Some scuffing and faint staining to boards; some mild marginal toning to the second work; occasional mild foxing; o/w generally clean.