Barezhin

BAREZHIN, special organic formations, commonly found in many mineral springs (see) and thermal baths (see). First described by Meighann and Lemonnier in 1742 in the Barege sources in the Pyrenees. Later descriptions of barezhin appear in many foreign and Russian authors, but the scientific study of the question is not yet complete. Most authors describe barezhin as mucous accumulations, collected in larger or smaller masses at the bottom of hot and sulfur springs, of various shades—from pale yellow and pinkish to brown and brown (often green). The masses of B. have received various names—after the name of the mineral source (daxin, glerin, etc.). In Italy, similar formations are called muffes. According to chemical analysis, barezhin consists of 42-43% organic substances and 57% inorganic; the latter abound either in sulfur (48%) or in silica (33%). Therefore, it can be assumed that barezhin is formed: 1) by large microorganisms containing sulfur (Beggiatoa, etc.), 2) by blue-green algae (sulfuraria), 3) by algae rich in silicic acid (diatoms), 4) by purple bacteria, and 5) sometimes by iron bacteria. Barezhin forms only with access to air and with some cooling of hot springs. Barezhin is credited with healing properties—1) as an organic substance that softens the effect of the bath, and 2) as a substance that enhances the irritation of the mineral bath, due to the presence of inorganic components. B. is found in the sources of Barege, Luchon, Abas-Tuman, Goryachevodsk, Pyatigorsk, and others.