Seamill Sanatorium And Hydropathic
Sources:
Papers On Health
Very soon after the appearance of
these "Papers on Health," the need was felt for some establishment
where the treatment expounded here could be given by trained attendants
under Dr. Kirk's personal supervision. The site was fixed on the
Ayrshire coast, in the parish of West Kilbride. This region was chosen
because special advantages of soil, climate, and scenery recommended
it. The soil along the shore is almost pure
and, and dries rapidly
after rain. The climate is extremely mild, high hills sheltering the
whole region from north and east winds, and the Arran mountains,
intervening some sixteen miles over the sea to the west, collect much
of the rain. Hence, although near some very rainy districts, the
Seamill neighbourhood is peculiarly sunny and dry. In winter the sun
reflected from the water, and beating on the face of the hills, makes
the shore climate most genial, and when other places only a few miles
away are encased in ice, flowers will be blooming in the gardens at
Seamill. In the very best part of this district a villa was secured in
1880 by some gentlemen interested in the treatment, with grounds
abutting on the sand of the seashore.
Here treatment was carried on with great success, until it became
evident that larger premises were needed. In 1882 Mr. James Newbigging
was secured by Dr. Kirk as manager and head-bathman, and worked under
Dr. Kirk until the latter's death in 1886.
Mr. Newbigging then bought the establishment. Since that time, it has
constantly increased in size and efficiency until it now accommodates
close on a hundred patients.
Very many have come to Seamill almost or quite hopeless, and have left
it with health restored and vigour renewed.
It ought to be mentioned here that in all his dealings with this
establishment Dr. Kirk never had any pecuniary interest in it, always
giving his services free. Nor has the writer, or any of Dr. Kirk's
family, any pecuniary connection with the place. All information as to
the establishment may be had by writing to the Proprietor or Manager,
Seamill Sanatorium, West Kilbride, Scotland.