Carlsbad

Carlsbad, a town in Bohemia, on the Tepl, near its influx to the Eger, 116 miles W. by N. of Prague by rail. It is widely celebrated for its hot mineral springs, and frequented in summer by visitors of the most aristocratic character from all parts of Europe. The permanent population numbers 10,579 persons, who are very industrious, making jewellery, porcelain, and various articles such as are likely to find ready purchasers among the visitors, who in the season—April to October—number from 25,000 to 30,000. Set in most lovely scenery, the town is well built, and offers good accommodation for its guests. The temperature of the hot springs varies from 117° to 167° F. The principal spring, the Sprudel, has a very large volume, and is forced up to a height of 3 feet from the ground. Altogether, the daily flow of the springs of Carlsbad is estimated at 2,000,000 gallons. The principal ingredient in the water is sulphate of soda. The whole town of Carlsbad appears to stand on a vast caldron of boiling water, which is kept from bursting only by the safety-valves the springs provide. Ascribing its foundation to the Emperor Charles IV. (1347), Carlsbad was made a free town by Joseph I. See Kraus, Carlsbad: its Thermal Springs (Lond. new ed. 1888); and Merrylees, Carlsbad (Lond. 1886).