Diesdorfer Gesundbrunnen
The Diesdorfer Gesundbrunnen was a spring in the village of Diesdorf , which today belongs to Magdeburg , which was said to have a healing effect.
discovery
The source was discovered by a shepherd in the time of Pentecost in 1726 . Although the weather is said to have been dry for a long time, the shepherd found a small puddle of water in a sand pit at the edge of a meadow near Dreibückenstrasse . On closer inspection, a small, not very productive source was found. Over 24 hours, only "two long vats full" should have flowed.
The surprising appearance of the spring, especially in a dry season, nourished the imagination of the people. The shepherd is said to have made mysterious hints in the village jug. In the end the rumor arose that a health well had been found in Diesdorf . This view was favored by a fashion trend at the time, according to which many places began to market their village spring as a source of health.
Investigations
In the course of time more and more curious people and also sick people looking for healing appeared at the source. The Diesdorfer pastor Barachias Fabricius took on the matter. He was convinced of the healing power of the water and reported accordingly. The authorities also opened investigations. The Royal Prussian Medical College in Magdeburg obtained a report from the expert Gottlob Friedlieb Meyer . This report also contained a chemical analysis of the spring water, the findings of which, however, could not determine any difference to the Elbe water . The Prussian authorities commissioned the rural physician of the Holzkreis , Dr. Mencelius , with further investigation.
Mencelius reported two small springs from which the water sintered. At the source there were sick people who emptied the well within a short time. It then took two to three hours for sufficient water to flow again. Those present reported to Mencelius that the water made the nerves in the affected limbs soft and supple . The deaf should hear again, the blind should be able to see a glimmer of light. Mencelius agreed with the village pastor that in future only those people who had previously reported to the pastor by name will be admitted to the source. The pastor should then write down the previous medical history and, on departure, the stated effects of the water. The pastor should report to Mencelius every week, who in turn wants to inform the medical college.
In fact, such a list has come down to us, which lists 79 people (according to another source 65 people). The patients come to a large extent from the surrounding area and mainly from Magdeburg. But people from the Altmark , Anhalt , Braunschweig , Hesse and Saxony are also listed. The clinical pictures are diverse. The result of the cure is reported to be cured of the condition or to feel a significant improvement.
Medical reports
Examples, quoted from Diesdorf's homeland book:
- Elisabeth Borns from Colbitz has abdominal ailments with fits of rage and therefore has to be guarded by two men, drinks the fountain, becomes quite sensible, deprecates her mistakes and falls into a constant sleep ...
- Hanns Stiers Kothsassen wife from Glindenberg , 50 years old, has been suffering from epilepsy for 13 years ... now completely restituted.
- Hennig Jagtau, Kothsasse in Groppendorf , raging gout , had to lie in bed, is completely restored.
- Mary Magdal. Cathedral provost, 12 years old, from the hospital in Magdeburg, is carried out of the city lame ... can walk and stand without crutches.
- Hans Schmidt's child from Niegripp , 11 years old, could not hear with one ear, needs the well for 5 days and travels home healthy.
- Christian Rusche, Kothsaß alhier, has not tolerated any food for 3 years, not even a strong drink, comes and says that by using the fountain he has now found himself restituted.
Counter report
In a counter report, however, the expert Gottlob Friedlieb Meyer, who was again dealing with the matter, clearly opposed the representations of the Diesdorf pastor. Meyer presented a number of cases in which there was no improvement but deterioration. He also showed that the reports of the pastor, who was a layman in medical matters, were partly unclear or unlikely. Meyer dared to predict that the well would soon lose its importance. As soon as word got around that the supposed healings were not permanent and the false reports would disappear, the well would also be forgotten again.
use
The source was soon used more professionally. A barrack was built over the well. Healed lame people nailed their no longer needed crutches to this barrack. Then there were approaches to a spa operation limited to the warmer season. Many sick people stay for longer periods of time, sometimes 8 to 10 weeks. Tents were set up around the well for the sick. Others lived in the rectory.
In addition to the drinking cure, the water was also used to moisten the earth, which was then used to make compresses. Some of the water was also taken home by the sick.
The fountain developed into a center of attraction for the hustle and bustle. Beggars also appeared, asking for alms from the grateful healed. Those who had been healed were also repeatedly presented to the village pastor with thanksgiving offerings . The atmosphere at the source was characterized by constant rumors of miraculous healings. The beggars in particular liked to pass on these stories.
However, there were also more negative incidents. For example, there was a report of a farmer's son suffering from cramps ( misery ) who, after an initial improvement, suffered severe cramps again and raged through the neighboring fields, screaming and like mad.
The use of the spring for healing purposes is said to have continued for several years.
End of the healthy well
Meyer was right with his prognosis. In 1734 , Pastor Fabricius noted: I put 6 thalers from the dilapidated and sold Gesundbrunnen house to the cash register of the Book Constitution. The short history of the Diesdorfer Gesundbrunnen had come to an end.
Todays situation
The exact location of the source, which can now no longer be found, is unclear. Today, however, there are still in the southern part of Dreibückenstrasse (geographic location of the street: 52 ° 7 ′ 46.9 ″ N , 11 ° 33 ′ 49.3 ″ E ) meadows and agricultural land.
literature
- Franz Huschenbett: Das Heimatbuch von Diesdorf , Magdeburg 1934.
- Friedrich Kausch: An old Magdeburg mineral spring in the Magdeburgische Zeitung from September 14, 1926.
- Further research options: Files of the Magdeburg State Archives relating to the Diesdorfer Gesundbrunnen , signature: A 8 No. 980.