Epsom springs

In 1726 John Toland said of the Epsom spring these aluminous waters are experienc d to be very beneficial... the salt that is chymically made of em being famous over all Europe (40). 

In 1618 H. Wiker found mineral springs near Epsom in England. In 1695 a salt (magnesium sulphate) with a bitter taste was discovered in the Epsom spring water and later it was used in medicine. 

Sulfur occurs native in the vicinity of volcanos and hot springs. It is widely distributed in nature as iron pyrites, galena, sphalerite, cinnabar, stibnite, gypsum, epsom salts, celestite, barite, etc. 

This oxide occurs in nature as carbonate, forming immense masses of roclr in various parts of the globe also associated with carbonate of lime under the forms of dolomite and maguosian limestone and as sulphate of magnesia—Epsom salts—occurring in many saline springs. 

Epsom, a town near London, known for its now defunct mineral spring water, and for horse racing. 

Although Epsom salts were not given their name until the late seventeenth century, their use as a therapy for many disorders was known at least two centuries earlier. People traveled to the Epsom area, as well as to other locations where the compound occurred in spring waters, just to drink the waters. Among its other benefits, Epsom salts was regarded as a purgative, a substance that helps empty the bowels (intestines). 

All forms of magnesium sulfate can be obtained from natural sources in a very high degree of purity, which is their primary source for commercial and industrial applications. For example, simply evaporating the water from springs like those around Epsom results in crystalline magnesium heptahydrate of sufficient purity for many uses. Water taken from salt lakes may also contain magnesium sulfate in sufficient concentration to allow its extraction by... 

Epsom salts, the heptahydrate of magnesium sulfate, has long been used for its medicinal benefits. When put into bathwater, it helps reduce inflammation and swelling, and relaxes muscles. People still visit hot springs and other types of medicinal waters where magnesium sulfate is one of the dissolved substances that contributes to one s well-being. The compound is also sold over the counter for use at home for similar purposes. 

The term AaltA is introduced by British naturalist Nehemiah Grew, who names the compound after the spring waters near Epsom, England, from which it was often extracted. 

Sulphate of magnesia, or Epsom salts, occurs in some springs, and is easily made by dissolving carbonate of magnesia in sulphuric acid. It is very soluble, and crystallises readily in foursided prisms, the formula of which is (MgO, SO, -i-HO)-f6 aq. It is much used as a laxative. 

English botanist Nehemiah Grew isolates Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) from spring water. 

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