The healing springs

Various explanations for the therapeutic potential of the Hot Springs were proposed through the centuries which reflected the contemporary beliefs about the nature of disease.

Until the 18th century, most doctors believed disease was caused by the imbalance of four body fluids known as 'humours'. An excess of phlegm, for example, was thought to cause anything from forgetfulness to sterility, from gout to miscarriage. In 1562 William Turner, listed more than 60 such disorders which he considered would benefit from mineral water treatment. These 'cold-moist' disorders required hot drying remedies. The Bath waters were certainly hot, and because of their mineral content they tasted dry.