Thomas Guidott

Thomas Guidotti (September, 1638–1706), an English "doctor of physick" and writer, became one of the 17th century's most prolific physical scientists.[1] He used the analytical techniques of his time to detail and document the properties of the hot mineral springs at Bath, Somerset, and touted the waters of Sadler's Wells.[2]

Early life and studies

Guidott was born to Francis Guidott, in Lymington, Hampshire and attended Dorchester Free School before studying Chemistry, Physics and Medicine at Wadham College, Oxford.

Bath, Somerset

In 1668 Guidott moved to Bath and set up an extensive medical practice there.[3] In 1669 he published his first book on Bath, recording both the history of the city and some case studies of the curative properties of the hot spring mineral waters that rose in the city and which had since Roman times fed a spa complex there.

Bath's healing hot mineral springs

In 1676, Guidott published his famous work about the waters at Bath.[4][5] This work brought the health-giving properties of Bath's waters to the attention of the aristocracy, among whom the town became a popular health resort.

Works

• A Discourse of Bathe, and the Hot Waters There. Also, Some Enquiries into the nature of the Water of St. Vincent's Rock, near Bristol. London. 1676.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
• A true and exact account of Sadlers Well, or, The new mineral-waters lately found out at Islington. London. 1698.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)

References

1. Anal Proc 1981, pp. 2-6.
2. Guidott 1698.
3. Britton 1825, p. 128.
4. Freeman 1888, p. 118.
5. Guidott 1676.

• Britton, John (1825). The history and antiquities of Bath abbey church. London: Burton-Street, Longman and Co. p. 128.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
• Freeman, Henry William (1888). The Thermal Baths of Bath: Their History, Literature, Medical and Surgical Uses and Effects, Together with the Aix Massage and Natural Vapour Treatment. London: Hamilton, Adams & Company. p. 118.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
• Stephen, Leslie; Lee, Sidney, eds. (1890). "Guidott, Thomas" . Dictionary of National Biography. 23. London: Smith, Elder & Co.
• "Thomas Guidott (1638–1705): Physician and Chymist, contributor to the analysis of mineral waters". Anal. Proc. 18 (1): 2–6. 1981. doi:10.1039/AP9811800002. ISSN 0144-557X.