HISTORICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL ASPECTS OF THE STUDY OF HYDROMINERAL RESOURCES OF THE NORTH CAUCASUS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE XIX CENTURY

Abstract

Introduction. The North Caucasus is one of the oldest recreational areas of the country and is characterized by reserves and a variety of recreational resources. Hydromineral resources are the most important type of recreational resources of the North Caucasus. They were used here for medicinal purposes in ancient times, the first descriptions appeared in the XIV century, their research and development began in the XVIII century; the XIX century is characterized by significant discoveries and research of hydromineral resources of the North Caucasus. Materials and methods. Hydromineral resources are of interest not only in the therapeutic aspect, it is also important to study them in historical terms. The historical approach allows us to consider the features of the discovery and study of hydromineral resources, to trace the development of scientific ideas about mineral waters, about the nature of their use at different times. The analysis of historical sources made it possible to identify the features of the study of hydromineral resources and to determine the contribution of individual scientists to the study of mineral waters of the North Caucasus in the first half of the XIX century. Research results. The scientific works of scientists, geologists, chemists and doctors who studied the hydromineral resources of the North Caucasus in the first half of the XIX century are summarized. The period under study is characterized by a combination of research of well-known mineral springs and major discoveries of new types of mineral waters in the North Caucasus. Discussion and conclusions. The study and accumulation of information about the hydromineral resources of the North Caucasus occurred gradually. In the first half of the XIX century, new springs were discovered and explored in the North Caucasus, general ideas about mineral waters were formed and scientific knowledge was laid in their study.