The history of a mineral spring, with historical data, chemical analyses and references to literature is the topic of this article. The history of this spring with a water temperature below mean yearly surface temperature but with a pronounced mineralization goes back to the late 15th century. Already in the year 1506 the spring was called mineral spring (Heilquelle) and dedicated to holy Barbara. In the following centuries a lot of legends were told in combination with the therapeutic power of the water.
The first chemical analysis of the water was performed by Crantz and semi quantitative values for the content of calcium- and magnesium- sulphates were published by this author. The range of therapeutic applications varies from dermatologic diseases up to rheumatism in this time.
Accurate chemical analyses were given by Mitteregger and explicitly written: “In 10 000 G. T. ist enthalten: Abdampfrückstand 2,70 G. T. [Gewichtsteile]. Aus dieser Analyse ist zu ersehen, dass dieses Wasser zu den indifferenten kalten Gebirgsquellen zu rechnen ist.” “In the 19th and in the first five decades of the 20th century the spring and the bath had an excellent reputation, after this time the owner ruined the whole buildings by bad management”. Nowadays no access to the spring and the environmental buildings is possible.
Perhaps by some relevant articles we can wake up this jewel to reality. Especially, while today the “originality” in all spheres of our life is of predominant interest.