Des usages autonomes à la médicalisation des eaux : cohabitation entre médecins et villageois autour des établissements de bains de Basse-Auvergne (1772-1840)

In the 18th and 19th centuries, rural spa establishments developed in Basse-Auvergne while spas in the area were proliferating. In these spa villages, doctors attempted to impose a medical vision of care on patients who had previously enjoyed free, independent access to the springs. Local patients set up somewhat organized strategies to maintain their access to the waters. Other locals took advantage of the situation, finding a new source of income: spa establishments required a large number of staff to act as a link between medical inspectors and patients.