mms & raws 
WORTHY OF PUBLIC CONSIDERATION, 
RESPECTING THE 
THOMSONIAN 
BOTANIC SYSTEM OF MEDICINE. 
"give us Put light." 
The following "Appeal to the public^ has already been published in all the 
Baltimore papers; but its importance to every class of the community, partica- 
iarly, such as are not in circumstances to pay large doctors bills; or able to defray 
the expences of long Journeys to celebrated watering places, or visits to the "south 
of France," or other genial climes, to recover their health, when "science and 
skill" has abandoned them to the grim tyrant, death,-to such, and to all who 
value life and health, andjare opposed to a monopoly which professes to cure our 
maladies, by adminstering virulent poisons as remedies, we reoommend its peru- 
sal and a hearty co-operation in obtaining the repeal of an unconstitutional and 
oppressive act to which it refers :- 
AN APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC. 
Though I feel no desire to become an agitator of the general political economy 
-of the state of my nativity, nor to raise my voice against any particular law, the 
provisions ol which may appear to have been based generally upon the just and 
unalienable rights of the people, yet when the legislature has been induced by any 
plea or representation whatever, to pass a law granting a monopoly to any class 
ior order of men, it is the duty of every good citizen to raise his voice in deman- 
ding tl^p repeal of such a law. I think the statute of 1798, incorporating the 
Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland, is a law of this character. A mo- 
nopoly has been created by the general provisions of this law, more odious in 
its features, and more degrading to an intelligent people, than any government in 
the old world would at this time dare to impose.--We commenced the era of our 
political career in 1776: it was then declared "That all government, of right, 
originates from the people, is founded in compact only, and is instituted solely 
for the good of the whole;" And "that monopolies are odious, contrary to the 
-spirit ef free government, and ought not to be suffered." These declarations were 
made too, under circumstances fully calculated to inspire the minds of our fathers 
with the importance of their political acts. Far, very far indeed must the ijea have 
been from such spirits, that within the brief space of twenty three yesirs from the 
time in which they uttered those thrilling words, and within the s .me walls too, 
that the consideration of such a project, or the establishment of such a law, could- 
for one moment, be entertained. True, the law in question is introduced by ex- 
pressions of great regard for the welfare of the people; but the e uc',meets gene- 
rally appear to be so totally at variance with the fundamental prinr'ples of freo 
government, that it would really seem to augur unfavorably for our'Cmre liberties, 
that such a law should continue to be tolerated. As a law I hd?- . it to be une- 
qual, unjust, unconstitutional and degrading. It is uneanrd. b- use t endows 
the medical and chirurgical faculty nowers. nr-i''10 mmimities. and 2 
is unju«t, because the Legislature in granting those powers, privileges and immu- 
nities to the faculty, has altogether failed to provide or in any way to secure an 
equivalent for the grant to the people. It is unconstitutional because it creates 
a privileged order, an order against whom alone the offence of violating this law, 
exists. Fines for the infraction of laws made for the general benefit of the people 
are, after deducting the informer's moiety, appropriated for the public benefit; but 
according to this law, the violation of which consists merely in charging and re- 
ceiving pay for medical services, and not in injuring the people by mal-practice 
the fines, after deducting the informer's portion, are assigned for the use of the 
Medical and Cbirurgical faculty of Maryland. Thus we see that the people are 
not to receive even a part of the fine as an equivalent far those distinguished 
perpetual powers, privileges and immunities which the Legislature, in a most un- 
guarded moment, conferred upon them. It is degrading. How must the dignity, 
of the mind of a man sink when he is told by any order or class of men that he 
posseses not the capacity of choosing what class of medical advisers he may 
employ, and that, whatever improvements may have been made in the art of curing 
the sick; the whole matter is placed in the care of the faculty forever. 
If they chose to sanction improvements in the art made by any other person, of 
which the faculty alone may judge, they have the right to do so, but if they do 
not so choose, you must submit. It is an injurious imputation upon the intelli- 
gence of the people. It is too humiliating to be told by our neighbours of Vir- 
ginia and Pennsylvania that we, wljom the privileged order are pleased to call the 
common people, are not yet capable of judging for ourselves in so important a 
matter, and appeal to our statute book for proof of the.fact. Can we who boast 
of our civil rights longer permit.the cause of such disgrace to remain in our code? 
No-no, shall we not hear the decisive response from the lips of every patriot,, 
every freeman reverberating from the Alleghenies to the shore of the Atlantic ? 
and by firmly requiring the restoration of those rights of which the aristocratic 
provisions of this law have deprived us, deserve the title of 
FREEMEN. 
PREJUDICES SUBSIDING. 
There is no question that many prejudices? which originated in ignorance of 
the Thomsonian practice, or grew out of the thousands of falsehoods which have 
been widely circulated against it, are rapidly subsiding. 
The following article from the New York Evening Star, edited by M. 
Noah, who? though but a year ago he thought Thomsonianism a lit subject for 
ridicule, now considers it at least entitled to a respectful paragraph. In noticing 
a recent debate held by the Regulars and Thomsonians, in the Baltimore Lyceum, 
thp editor says :- 
"The whole matter in dispute was brought up in the usual form-^sciencg 
against quackery, Latin jargon and hieroglyphic symbols against nature and com- 
mon sense; vegetable remedies against chemical minerals, &c.-~Our country^ 
by its free institutions, brings every question, as it ought, before the tribunal of 
public opinion, as the last and only legitimate appeal. Mansonry has submitted 
to it-Mormonism, Agrarianism, Abolitionism, mustallcome to this at last. There 
is certainly, on the part of the Thomsonians, this much to be said in favor of the 
doctrines they effect to profess: That medicine, like every useful science, should 
be thrown open to the observation and study of all. It should, in fact, like law 
and every other important practical science, be made a part of the primary educa- 
tion of th$ people. Hospitals, medical colleges, anatomical schools, chemical 
laboratories, sXonld not be as they now are, close monopolies butmade as in France, 
gratuitous and >c,cessible to the public. We should at once explode the whole 
machinery of m Mjfication and concealment-wigs, gold canes, and' the gibberish 
of prescriptions- -mwe but as a .cloak to ignorance and legalized murder1 3 
unaccountably ignorant of, the anatomy and construction of our own bodies, the 
nature and symptoms ot disease, the virtues of medical remedies, and their true 
effects. But for the darkness which has shrouded this vital subject, and the feudal 
barbarism which created physicians into a particular caste or clique, masked und- 
er the antiquated costume of an unintelligible dialect, and a pompous mysterious 
deportment, as'unworthy of so noble a science as the incantations of necromancy, 
the light of truth would have long since broken in upon it from all quarters, and 
its advances would have been commensurate with those of steam, of printing, or 
any other branch of Philosophy." 
LECTURE ON THE 
Thomsonian System Si Practice of Medicine,. 
The following- lecture of Dr. Curtis, is respectfully submitted to the public, 
and their attention is particularly invited to a frank consideration of the principles 
therein developed. 
The senior faculty of Baltimore endeavoured; in the first discussion of Dr. 
Thomson's practice (and the only one in which they participated) to decry it as 
totally destitute of system and the juniors, after their Pas had abandoned the 
field, could sustain the depleting and blistering system of the regular school, by no 
other argument than ridicule and degrading ribaldry against the Botanic practice. 
To those who have listened to their arguments and denunciations, and indeed 
to all who are desirous of making themselves acquainted with the system, as well 
as the principles upon which it is founded, we would merely say, Readfhis lec- 
ture attentively-judge for yourselves, and then decide as your judgment shall 
prompt. 
SECOND LECTURE OF Dr. CURTIS, 
Delivered at Baltimore, Md. Oct. 1834, 
The Botanic System of Medical Practice is altogether the fruit of experience.- 
It had no part of its origin in hypothesis, nor has it ever beep tha least improved 
by mere abstract speculation. 
In his youth, the author of this System Providentially discovered -that a certain 
plant possessed the power to eject, in a short time, with very little pain or inconve- 
nience, and with no evil consequence whatever, any foreign or morbid matter from 
the human stomach. He afterwards observed that, whenever this operation had 
been thoroughly performed, sickness at the stomach, headaches, vertigo, fever,pain 
over and in the eyes, morbid appetite, indigestion or dyspepsia, mental abberration, 
nightmare, and a host of other aches and ills that flesh is heir to, took a speedy 
departure from the fortunate patient. The experiment was continued en others 
who suffered under the same maladies, and the result was uniformly the same. 
It was observed, however, that, in cases where the patient was cold or the sto- 
mach acid, the operation, though in character the same, was mors tedious and less 
thorough. To obviate these difficulties, resort was had to those warming stimu- 
lants which experience, in their use for food fkc., had abundantly proved to be 
calculated to generate heat in the stomach, and diffuse it Qver the body; and to the 
use of pearlash, whose well known property is to neutralize the acid. In the 
mean time, observation had disclosed the fact, that certain vegetable decoctions 
would detach the cold phlegm and morbid canker from the folds of the mucous 
membrane of the stomach, and thus greatly facilitate, as well as enhance the value 
of the operation. These same medicines were found to produce the same effect 
upon the bowels, whenever they were disordered, 
Experience has ever taught that no man suffers under the influence of a scorch- 
■m f, _u:i- ■ - • 4 
the most favorable situation to induce that condition of the body, is immersion in 
some kind of warm vapour. The boy that stows away the new made hay, or he 
that explores the tobacco sweat-house, always returns under the influence of a 
free perspiration. It only remained then for art to devise the most convenient and 
effectual means of imitating nature's own plan, of throwing morbid obstructions 
from the pores of the external surface, to complete the process of discharging mor- 
bid matter of every character and description, from every portion of the system.- 
The various modes by which steam, either simple or medicated, is applied to the 
surface of the body, sufficiently answer this purpose. 
In cases where disease in improper medical treatment had debilitated the system 
it was observed that something more was necessary to complete a cure, than mere- 
ly to rid the patient of the disease. 
It was observed that the debilitated system was unable, without assistance, to 
maintain an amount of vital heat, sufficient to sustain a free circulation; and that 
the digestive organs needed the aid of tonicstoregain their elasticity. Forth© 
former of these purposes, the most pure and wholesome stimulants were applied; 
and for the latter, bitters in various forms were added to the most nutriciobs diet 
and beverage. 
So far as it regarded the removal of disease from the body, and the restoration 
of debilitated organs to a healthly state, experience had now sompleted her work. 
I purposely omit, in this place, any special notice of the branch of medical prac- 
tice called surgery, though I shall do injustice to the process already disclosed, 
did I not state that, by expelling all morbid matter from every portion of the human 
system, it prevents the formation of those abscesses, tumors, &c. which, under 
other circumstances, afford the principal subjects for surgical operations., 
It now remains only to explain, for the benefit of those who have not discovered 
them forthemselves, the nature of the human system, the principle of life, the na- 
ture and character of the disease, the manner in which it invades the body, the- 
proper mode and means of ©spelling it from the system, and of restoring to a heal- 
thy state the debilitated organs. 
Then, correct observation will show that the human body is an organized struc- 
ture, containing an outer and an inner surface, every portion of which is a network, 
composed of the ends or mouths of an innumerable multitude of tubes, whose 
main bodies and ramifications extend through every portion of the system, and 
whose office it is to absorb or discharge the various fluids that are received into, 
or formed in it. Into this body is implanted at its formation, a principle called 
life,a principle which, whatever be its nature,is accompanied with an amountor a 
degree of heat always considerably above that of the atmosphere in which the 
man is destined to dwell; and. with the power to bring all the digestive, absorbent 
and secretive organs into action upon the food that is received for the nourishment 
of the body. Experience shows that an obstruction lodged in one or more of 
these obsorbent and secretive organs 13 a cause of disease, i. e. a hindrance to the 
full and free exercise of the principle of life, in its processes of digestion and 
nourishment. Should the stomach, the head and prince of all the digestive organs, 
be the seat of obstructions, the amount of vital heat is proportionally lessened at 
the fountain, and the extremities become cold, the whole system is languid and 
full of pain, and tormented with alternate chills and fevers, till the obstructions are 
removed and the heat regains its empire. 
Whenever obstructions clog the operations of life at the fountain, the vital heat 
diminishes,the arteries aud veins of the extremities become partially collapsed from 
want of heat in the blood to keep them expanded, a smaller quantity of blood than 
usual flows through them, and of course, the vibrations must become more fre- 
quent, to pass the whole through the heart in a given time. Another consequence 
is, an undue accumulation of blood and heat in the heart, lungs and brain, which 
. heat presently finds its way to the contracted skin, where it accumulates, looks 
.,n/rrv and nroduces the neculiar effect denominated fever. 5 
and moisture to the surface to relax the pores, and then excite to action the secre- 
tory vessels, by means of diffusive stimulants. When all the proper evacuations 
from the pores of the surface, the stomach &.c. are affected; that is, when the ob- 
structions are removed, the cause of the fever is gone, the arteries and veins being 
■warmed and expanded, the blood returns through them in its usual quantity; the 
digestive organs being relieved, are enabled to resume their duty; there is no more 
occasion for fever; the man is well. 
In regard to its porosity, and the fluids it contains, the human system very close- 
ly resembles a sponge saturated with water. Every one knows that an Undue' 
pressure upon any part of this sponge, collapses the pores in that part, and force's 
the water which was contained in it towards the centre of the sponge. To make' 
room for this, that which is near some other portion of the surface must necessarily 
be discharged. It is evident that, if the pressure be increased and extended,- the 
discharge will continue till no fluid remains. So of the human system, While 
there is no undue local pressure upon it, all the natural fluids remain in it, in hy- 
drostatic equilibrium, till they have undergone their accustomed changes, and then 
are discharged through their proper channels,in the manner prescribed by the laws- 
of healthy action. But whenever any undue pressure collapses the vessels of any 
one portion of the system, and extends itself towards other portions, the fluids are? 
forced from these to the tenderest places of egress,, where they rush with violence: 
from the body, 
This is the true cause of all hemorrhages, and every other unnatural and excessive 
discharge. Toillustrate:-A patient was threatened with hemorrhage; a Botanic 
Physician was immediately called, the process of raising the heat, relieving the lo- 
cal pressure, and discharging the obstructions was strictly followed, and no he- 
morrhage occurred. A second person was threatened with the same disease from 
the same cause. A learned Physician of the old school was called; he prescribed 
ice to^be eaten, (and applied to the body if necessary',) and a quantity of pills of 
acetate of lead, salphate of morphia, with other minor articles one to be taken every 
six hours, till a dosen should be taken; promising the patient that there would be 
some check to the hemorrhage after the reception of the third pill. The pills were 
taken and the ice eaten, as directed; but, instead of diminishing, the hemorrhage 
increased to an alarming extent. After twenty-four hours, a Botanic Physician 
was called. He used heat instead of ice, andrelaxing fluids instead of astringent 
metals. In fifteen minutes the hemorrhage was evidently controlled, and in ninety 
minutes it entirely disappeared, no more to return. In a few days the patient was 
as well as usual, A third patient was threatened with the same disease, from the 
same cause; the regular practice was pursued under the direction of several emi- 
nent physicians, and in three weeks the patient was-dead! 
The first patient followed the new practice from the beginning, and no bad con- 
sequences ensued. The second commenced with the old practice, grew worse, 
resorted to the new, and was soon cured. The third took the old course from first 
to last, when death closed the scene! We leave you to comment. 
Another patient was laboring under an unnatural discharge of a different fluid. 
The prescriptions of the physician, for three weeks, seemed only to aggravate the 
disease. A Botanic Physician stepped in one evening, raised the heat, threw oft* 
the pressure, discharged the obstructions, and left the patient entirely free from 
trouble. 
We do not pretend to any skill in surgery, but let us take a bird's eye view of 
blood-letting, the extraction of tumors from the flesh, the discharge of abscesses 
and of morbid matter from the deep recesses of the body; (the reduction of cal- 
culi, &c.) It has already been proved that bleeding is not required in any kind of 
fevers; it being necessary in these cases only to warm and expand the collapsed 
veins and arteries, and remove the undue pressure. 
A young man was thrown from his horse and taken up senseless. He was car- 
ried into a house, where he immediately fainted. A surgeon would undoubtedly 
u:_ --cvnfnnp. hut a Botanic Physician entered 6 
the instant he fainted, and poured into his mouth some very hot medicine; he in- 
stantly revived, complained of cold, and was laid upon a sofa and covered with 
blankets. The hot medicine was repeated, a chill succeeded, the man talked at 
random for about half an hour, when a free perspiration broke out, his reason re- 
turned, and all was right. In another half hour he rose and walked a mile to his 
lodgings, as though nothing- had happened. 
A young lady fell from a carriage upon her face, where she lay speechless for 
ten minutes. A Botanic Doctor poured into her mouth a strong heat and an emet- 
ic-she immediately opened her eyes, and her mouth (which had been set,) and 
asked what he was doing? He assisted her into the carriage, drove three miles, 
giving occasionally, as she appeared to droop, a little more of the medicine, and 
when she was carried into a house, she vomited, and, in a few minutes, became 
rational; she was carried three miles further, where she passed the night, and where 
her friends strongly insisted that she should be bled by a surgeon present. The 
Botanist objected, and she was well the next day. 
Tumors.-Mr- W. had a rising just below his knee, of more than twelve months 
growth. A surgeon made an incision one inch and a half long, and down to the 
bone; but nothing was discharged save a little blood. A Botanist was called. He 
cleansed the general system, applied poultices to the tumor, and, in less than a 
week the surgeon's incision was entirely healed, while a natural opening was made 
about an inch below', which discharged a large quantity of pus-and from which, 
in a few days, he drew a white core an inch long and half an inch thick. 
A gentleman had the rheumatism, and it settled in his leg and made it very pain- 
ful.-A Physician poulticed it and gave him medicine till he became tired of the 
process, and quitted the patient, saying that the flesh must be laid open and the 
bone scraped. Not much liking the scraping, he applied to a Botanic Doctor, who 
soon restored his general health, drove out his rheumatic pains, and, in a few 
months entirely healed the sore leg, without any scraping. 
Abscess.-A young man had an abscess formed on the lungs. After a few cour- 
ses of medicine, a half pint or more of morbid matter was voluntarily discharged, 
the sore soon healed, and the pain in the breast that had been endured for years, 
departed. 
Calculi.-Two gentlemen were much afflicted with calculi: One went to Dr. 
Physick, and underwent the operation of lithotomy. The other had been confined 
to his bed many months, and was told by his physicians he could never be cured.. 
He called a Botanic Doctor who cured him in a single evening.-His teas had the. 
power to dissolve the calculi, and carry off the solution. 
Reduction of Dislocations.-Experience has abundantly tested the fact, that 
dislocations may be easily reduced after the relaxation that may be produced by a 
judicious use of steam and lobelia, &c., and fractured limbs, after being splintered 
up, are easily preserved from mortification and soreness, and healed in a very short 
time by a course of treatment which every one who understands the Botanic prim, 
ciples'can easily apply. 
But, let us not be satisfied with the arguments and testimony of friends' only-, 
especially as we can find the the best authority for almost all we believe and. 
teach, among the writings of the most eminent for learning and experience in. th& 
old-school theory and practice. 
In the first place, it was the opinion of the celebrated medico-electrician, Dr., 
Graham of London; of Dr. Brown of Edinburgh, and of Dr. Rush, of Philadel- 
phia, as well as of Dr. Thomson, that disease is a unit. 
2nd. The most important writers on the medical properties of the herb called 
Lobelia Indata, are Drs. Thatcher, of Massachusetts, and Barton and Eberle, of 
Philadelphia. Dr. Thatcher highly recommends Lobelia for croup, whooping- 
cough and hydrophobia. Dr. Barton recommends it in croup, instead of the anti-, 
monials, on account of its more certain action; and Dr. Eberle speaks of its ex- 
cellence in croup, hernia, &.c. It is true these physicians caution us against the 
empirical use of the article, telling us that, in unskilful hands, and, in over doses. 7 
h has been supposed to have produced alarming and even fatal effects. But, in 
every case in which they used it themselves, they declare that it produced the de- 
sired effect. Their only objection to it, drawn from their own experience, was its 
speedy and violent action. We have no objection to its speedy and violent action, 
because experience has assured us that this action is altogether in favor of lite. 
Dr. Barton states, that "the United States do notcontain a plant of more unequivo- 
cal action on the system." Unequivocal, that is, uniformly the same on the same 
persons at different times, and different persons at the same time. In this high 
commendation of Dr. Barton, we can cordially unite. It is surprising with what 
accuracy an experienced practitioner will predict the time and mode of operation 
of lobelia, in a given case. I have known them, before they began, to predict the 
time within from three to five minutes; when a full course should be completed. 
3d. In the Edinburgh Dispensatory, we are told that Capsicum Annuum is the 
purest stimulant known, and in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, it is sta- 
ted that there is no other single article equal to it for the suppression of hemorrhage. 
4th. In Dr. Barton's Medical Botany, the Hydrastis Canadensis, or Bitter Gol- 
den Seal of the Botanic System, is pronounced one of the very best of all the vege- 
table tonics.-Myrrh is considered, by medical writers, a valuable antiseptic and 
sundry other articles, very important articles in the System, we expect will be as 
highly commended whenever their value shall become known to the Faculty. 
5. JI icord of commendation for steam.-Au eminent medical writer remarks- 
"It has been generally thought that one constant effect of the warm bath is, to 
relax and debilitate the body, but this idea is now admitted to be founded in mis- 
take. It is an error to suppose that persons who have been immersed in the warm 
bath, are more liable to take cold; for the body is better able to resist cold after 
warm and vapor bathing, than at any other time."-"The vapor bath used in this 
country [England] is simple in construction and effectual in application. It is an 
apparatus to which the steam of boiling water, either simple or medicated, is con- 
veyed through pipes from a common steam boiler. In this apparatus, the stimu- 
lant power of heat is tempered and modified by the moisture diffused through the 
air, and as the elastic vapor, like air, is a less powerful conductor of heat than a 
watery fluid, the effect of vapor in raising the temperature of the body, is much 
less than that of the hot bath. Its heating effects are also further diminished by 
the copious perspiration which ensues; so that, on every account, the vapor bath 
is safer, in most cases more effectual, than the hot water bath, and may be em- 
ployed with success, when the latter would be attended with danger. It may be 
applied also to the whole, or to any part of the body. To effect this, the steam is 
conveyed into a wagon-roof frame, under a blanket or other covering, to confine 
the steam. The temperature of the vapor bath is from one hundred and ten to one 
hundred and twenty degrees; and, though from ten to fifteen minutes is generally 
sufficient, there may be cases where an hour may be necessary. 
Whenever the cold bath is deemed proper, the warm bath should first be used 
as a preparative. The bather should always go into to the cold bath when warm, 
and seldom exceed one plunge, which produces a glowing and healthful appear- 
ance of the countenance, and an additional flow of spirits. "After the body is 
properly dried and rubbed, the cool air is grateful and perfectly safe. There is no 
danger whatever from cold-we are less liable to take cold after warm and vapor 
bathing, than at any other time. When the bath is used for cleanliness, refresh- 
ment, or as a luxury, the above rule admits of no exceptions." 
"The vapor bath is to be used in all cases of fever, when perspiration is particu- 
larly desirable. The more immediate and general effects of this bath in fever, are, 
that it disposes to a calm and sound sleep, and regulates tHc discharge from the skin: 
the increase of the symptoms is lessened, if not prevented; the head is prevented from 
delirium, and the symptoms are moderated till the disease terminates. It has also 
been found beneficial in inflammation of the bowels, complaints of the liver, dropsy, 
water in the head, glandular swellings of the neck, calculus comnlaints. rout. len- 8 
of then gives a long list of diseases; in which he says the cold bath i«„, injuriotts, 
and adds-"On the other hand, the warm and vapor hath, properly regulated, 
will be found principal agents in curing most of the foregoing disorders." 
/ "In eruptions of every kind, in edematous (dough like) swellings of the limbs; 
in stiffness and contraction of the joints; in all those diseases called nervous; in 
every case requiring a course of mercury, [I should rather say, that has had a 
course of mercury-I know of none that requires it;] in early infancy; in the de- 
cline of life to the last stage of existence, the warm and vapor bath may be used 
with advantage and safety." 
Let it be remembered that, by our author; steam is considered the principal 
agent in curing not only the diseases enumerated, but nobody knows how many 
others, represented by the significant &c. and that the Thomsonians use internal 
remedies so much more active against disease, and in favor of life, as to throw 
steam, valuable as it is, into the character of a mere auxiliary-a faithful nurse 
only that waits on the doctor. If steam alone, then, merits the high commenda- 
tions I have quoted, what should be the meed of praise awarded to a full Thom* 
sonian course. Could even the author of the Botanic System himself, have de- 
sired a more particular or accurate description of his steam-bath, or a more com-1 
mendat try account of its usefulness and safety, than what is given in the above 
quotations? How completely does this author sweep away the objections of 
"weakening," "rendering liable to take cold," "causing inflammations," "conges- 
tions," "delirium," "engorgements," "hemorrhages," and a thousand other bugbear 
evils ? 
But, it may be said, this is only his opinion; he does not give the protff. Very 
well-let us draw the proof from other testimony. 
"Facts.-Dr. Willich says, [Domestic Encyclopedia, vol. I, page 160.]-The' 
sweating or vapor bath is used in Russia, by persons of every rank and age, in 
almost every disorder, before and after a journey, hard work, &.c. These are fre^ 
quented at least once a week, or as often as possible, whether in a- state of health 
or sickness. 
The extraordinary degree of heat produced by the evaporation of water thrown 
upon red hot stones, in a close room, raises the thermometer to 146 or 168 de- 
grees-a degree of heat considerably above that which melts wax, and only 
twelve degrees below that for boiling spirit of wine. In such a bath the Russians 
lie naked on a bench, notwithstanding a profuse perspiration, sometimes for two 
hours occasionally pouring hot water over their bodies, and at length plunge over 
head into a large tub of water. Many rush out almost dissolved in sweat, and- 
either throw themselves into the adjoining river, or roll themselves in snow du- 
ring the most piercing cold, without suffering'any inconvenience, and probably 
with advantage; for we understand that rheumatisms are scarcely known in Rus- 
sia, and there is great reason to attribute this exemption to the vapor bath." Dr. 
Charleton, who used the warm bath freely, says"Of 996 paralytics,-most of 
whom had resisted the power of medicine, 813 were benefitted by the proper ap- 
plication of the warm bath."-lb. In his views of the Russian Empire, the Rev. 
W. Tooke says: "It is not to be doubted that the Russians owe their longevity, 
their robust state of health, their little disposition to certain mortal diseases, and 
their happy, cheerful temper, mostly to their baths. This remedy of nature's own 
invention, was employed with so much success that, for five hundred years, Rome 
had no other physicians." M. Sanay, in his letters on Egypt, says: " The Egyp- 
tians employ the vapor bath, for the purpose of procuring delightful sensations, 
and removing that irksomeness and apathy which is the concomitant of an idle 
and sensual life," &c. 
Remark.-The Turks, Egyptians and Russians bathe; the Persians and Hindoos 
champoon: The Russians plunge from the steam-room into rivers, or wallow in 
snow, and all for "pleasure," "luxury," "delightful sensations," &c. And shall we 
n- f(,ia that a Thomsonian steam-bath, with all its concomitant circumstances. 9 
is almost as milch to be dreaded as death itself? Be assured, my friends, that they 
who speak any evil of such a bath, are either very ignorant themselves, or else 
they presume on an ignorance in you, that is, to say the least of it, disgraceful to 
a free and enlightened community. Dr. Cooper, of South Carolina, recommends 
a steam apparatus much like those used by Botanic Practitioners, and says he has 
often used it with a happy effect. Can the steam that is sanative and luxurious 
in South Carolina and Russia, that procures delightful sensations and a beautiful 
glow in the countenance in Egypt, Turkey and Persia, destroy all the health and 
beauty of the robust sons and fair daughters of this enlightened city? For myself, 
I can safely declare that, in all my observations of the practice on persons of till 
ages, of both sexes, in a great variety of conditions and diseases, I have never 
known steam to do the least harm. On the contrary, I agree most cordially with 
the authors quoted, "that, when properly regulated; the steam bath will always be 
attended With advantage and safety." 
Here, perhaps, 1 ought to close. But the simplicity, efficacy, and value of the 
new mode of treating diseases, appear so much more evident, when contrasted 
with the old, that 1 fbel it my duly to present a sketch of what a young man has 
io do, before he is prepared to exercise the healing art in what is called the regular 
mode.-First-He must learn the situation, figure and proportion of-according to 
some authors, 210; according to others, 248 bones in the human system. To this 
knowledge he must add a similar acquaintance with pairs and separate 
muscles, a vast number and variety of arteries and veins; of nerves and their rami- 
fications; and last, but nbt least, he must become thoroughly acquainted with the 
structure, uses, position, &.c.; of the organs of respiration, of digestion, absorption 
and secretion. These being all tangible objects, time, patience and diligence, may 
enable the student to fasten their images on his mind. But his labor is but just begun. 
He has now to learn the classes, orders, genera and species of diseases, with a com- 
pound definition to each, especially the latter; which amount, according to different 
nosologists, to from eighteen to twenty-five hundred. In one work he will find 
different species of disease ranged under the same genus, while in another, these 
species will not be deemed worthy of a placd in the same class, and in a third, they 
will be considered anomalous, and thrown into an appendix, as unworthy of a 
place in any particular class: 
An eminent medical writer remarks, that the acquisition and retention of the 
specific descriptions of diseases is utterly impossible eVen to the most tenacious 
mind, and Doctor Rush, in the exercise of the same feeling, scattered all nosolo- 
gies to the foltr winds of heaven, directing his followers to notice only whether 
the symptoms were.(iconic or entonic, and to stimulate or deplete accordingly. But 
there are yet to be learned the history, description and properties of 20,000 reme- 
dies, and their association with the several diseases which they are supposed to 
tounteract. And, lastly, he must learn his lesson in Toxicology, that is, how to 
counteract the influence of these medicines; when they act as poisons instead of 
remedies! Thus caparisoned, he oilers his services as a practitioner of medicine. 
But, just, before he is called to a violent case of fever, he takes up a book, entitled 
uThe Application of the Principles of Philosophical Investigation to the Theory 
and Practice of Medicine?'-By John Abercrombie, M. D» F. R. S. and First 
Physician to his Majesty in Scotland, aiid reads as follows! 
"A writer of high eminence has even hazarded the assertion that those persons 
are most confident in regard to the characters of disease, whose knowledge is most 
limited; and that extended observation generally leads to doub . When in the prac- 
tice of medicine, we apply to new cases the knowledge acquired from others which 
we believe to have been of the same nature, the difficulties are so great, that it is 
doubtful whether, in any case, we can be said to act upon experience, as we do 
in other departments of science.-For we have not the means of det: rm ning with 
certainty that the condition of the disease, the habit of the patient, and all die cir- 
cumstances which enter into the character of the affection, are. in anv two cases. 10 
act from experience, but only from analogy. The difficulties nml sources of un- 
certainty which meet us at every stage of such investigations, are in fact so numer- 
ous and great, that those who have had the most extensive opportunities for observa- 
tion, will be the first to acknowledge that our pretended experience must, in general, 
sink into analogy, and even our analogy too often into conjecture." 
'•But," continues our author, "even after we have ascertained the true relations 
and tendencies of things, we are constantly liable to disappointment in medicine, 
when we endeavor to produce certain results by bringing these tendencies into 
action. This arises from the silent operation of a new order of causes, by which 
the phenomena of diseases are varied and modified, and by which the action of ex- 
ternal agents is aided, modified or counter-acted, in a manner which altogether 
eludes our researches. The causes which thus operate are, certain powers in the 
living body itself, the action of which is entirely beyond our control; and others 
arising out of the peculiarities of age, sex,temperament of body or mind, and mental 
emotions; constituting a class of agents of a most powerful kind, of which it is 
impossible to estimate the combined operation. It is farther to be kept in view, 
that these various agents may be acting together, or in opposition to each other, 
or under a variety of combinations; and that, in reference to our attempts to act 
upon the body by remedies, they may be operating in concert with, or in ( p >osi- 
tion to, those attempts. Hence arises a most extensive source of uncertaii t.', in 
all our investigations, of which it is impossible to calculate the effect or the extent 
-Hence arises also that apparent want of uniformity in the phenomena of disease, 
by which weare so much impeded in our researches, and in the action of remedies, 
by which our efforts in their use are so often frustrated."-Indeed, "why one 
medicine acted upon the stomach, another upon the bowels, a third upon the kidneys, 
a fourth upon the skin, we have not the smallest conception. We know only the 
uniformity of the facts." In his Dispensatory, he reads-Of the modus operand! 
of mercury, we know nothing. It seemed to subvert diseased action, by substitut- 
ing its own peculiar action for that of the disease." Well, then, says the student, 
what is the peculiar action of this remedy? He turns to his manual of Toxicolo- 
gy, and is there informed that mercury is a poison, which if the constitution of 
the patient should be unable to shake it off, as the Apostle did the viper, "without 
injury, "acts through the medium of this circulation, promotes salivation, rots the 
gums, loosens and destroys the teeth, and often the bones of the face, produces 
stiff and uncurvated limbs, edematous swelling, with loss of appetite, till death in a 
'ew years, with a friendly stroke, puts a period to their sufferings." 
To a benevolent heart, such as we delight to accord to every student of medicine, 
already bounding with the desire, and high in the extacy of the hope of soon being 
able to relieve the suffering of its fellow creatures, the perusal of such paragraphs 
as I have just now quoted must prove what in common language would be styled a 
real damper. And so it appears to our young friend. What says he, dropping the 
book on the table, and leisurely raising his spectacles from his eyes, after all my 
labour and expense, am 1 now to be assured that I cannot determine with certain- 
tv, the character of the most common diseases, and whether I can or not, are my 
exertions to cure them, limited to the use of those means which if they should fatl 
to produce the desired effect will most certainly undermine and ruin the constitu- 
tion of my patient? For he hadjust now read as f dlows:-"The action of exter- 
nal agents on the body demands our attention in two respeds--as causes of disease 
■md as remedies, in both which respects their action is fraught with the highest de- 
gree of uncertainty," Ah! says he, medicines are to be considered both our poi- 
son and our antidote; our banc and blessing! I almost wish I had never put up my 
:ign. "Doctor, cries a messenger at the door, "Air. A. is very sick and requests 
your presence immediately." Though he would gladly be excused, yet for consis- 
tency's sake he must go. He musters his lancet, his opium and calomel, and waits 
on his patient. Here is a sick man to be sure, but the symptoms do not enable him 
to determine to which of all the -2500 descriptions of disease in his Nosology he 11 
Abercrombie's work which he had just read. It being impossible to determine the 
exact stale of the case, he determines to treat it on general principles. The fever 
rages-he bleeds-the head is delirious, opium is administered. The tongue is 
rough and the skin sallow-so, though with'much reluctance, and many misgiv- 
ings, yet because no substitute is known, down goes a dose of calomel, with orders 
to clear it out with a cathartic as speedily as possible, and the physician departs 
with a trembling step and a heavy heart. 
With what different views and feelings the Botanic Physician approaches a simi- 
lar case, they only can tell who have enjoyed them. He enters the room-ho! my 
friend you have a fever. I am glad of that. It shows that you have some life in 
you. We have only to add a little more to it. and you will soon be able to put 
your disease to flight. He feels none of the responsibility of destroying the con- 
stitution of the patient, for he intends to give him nothing that would hurt him if 
well. He docs not fear being unable to reduce the inflammatory action, because he 
knows that all such effects are produced from obstructions, and that the remedies 
he uses, in the language of Dr. Barton, "act most unequivocally on the system," 
and if given in sufficient quantities, under proper circumstances, will infallibly dis- 
engage the obstructions, expand the arteries and veins, and restore regularity to the 
action of the blood and heat. In the course of three hours all this work is com- 
pleted, and a few after tonics, with nutricious diet, restore the patient to his won- 
ted health and activity. 
In addition to the testimony of Dr. Abercrombie and others adduced, I may state 
that instances not a few, have come under my own observation, in which ex- 
perienced physicians have totally misunderstood the character of the diseases and 
practised improperly according to their own principles. In not a few of these ca- 
ses after the physicians had exhausted their skill, the Botanist speedily restored 
the patient to health. My time forbids me to relate the particulars. 
Finally, friends, 1 have given you a history of the Botanic remedies, and of the 
arrangement into a system of the principles they developed. I have given you the 
most flattering testimony of the most eminent medical men, to the correctness of 
the system and the value of the principal remedies, 
I have contrasted the simplicity of this system,the ease and expedition with which 
it may be acquired, and the safety and success with which it may be practised by 
any man or woman of common sense and decent education, with the vast labour, 
expense, time, &c. of acquiring even a moderate acquaintance with the regular prac- 
tice, and the great danger and uncertainty in its exhibition when acquired. I hope 
therefore, I shall not be criticised harshly, or judged uncharitably, if I conclude 
this address by stating that, for simplicity of theory, facility of attainment, certain- 
ty, safety and efficacy of remedial action, and last, but not least, the accommoda- 
tion of the practice to the capacity of the heads of every family, thus enabling 
them to aflbrd instant relief often,when, if they were obliged to send fora physician 
the disease would accomplish the work of death before he could arrive, the Botani- 
cal System of Medical Practice, in the opinion of your humble speaker is worthy of 
all acceptation. 
The Botanic Practice. 
Deep-rooted as have been the prejudices against this system of Medicine, in 
which its venerable founder, Dr. Samuel Thomson^ has successfully persevered 
for nearly half a century, in despite of various combinations against him and his 
followers, a better and a brighter day is at length about to dawn upon it. Every 
hour opens a new leaf in the volume of enquiry into its merits, and the salutary 
influence of a cheap, expeditious, and innocent method of treating and curing 
disease, has attracted public attention and led to a discussion of its utility, when 
-i nmctiro of s reomlnr and Taw 'nrnh'c.tcd facility. 12 
The friends of Botanic practice cannot fail to be gainers whenever they como 
into contact with those who depend upon mincrsal and vegetable poisons, as re- 
medial agents in curing our maladies. It is true our opponents proclaim that we 
are destitute of any thing like a system, and wish to induce the public to believe, 
that, because they are truly systematic in bleeding, blistering, purging, and saliva- 
ting (and that too for the most simple malady, which our grandmas would have 
cured with a cup or two of sage or pennyroyal tea,) they have a system, on which 
the people ought to rely, whenever disease threatens or endangers their lives. There 
are thousands, however, who have woefully experienced, either in their own 
persons, or in that if some of their families or friends that, if poisonous substan- 
ces are introduced into the human stomach, and a present disease is thereby eradi- 
cated, a more distressing one is frequently implanted; which, unfortunately for the 
patient, releases its fatal grasp, only when life becomes extinct. And upon this. 
system of medicine there is now in operation, in the public mind, a scrutiny so 
rigid, conducted with a zeal commensurate with the vast importance of the sub- 
ject, as presages an entire revolution in medical practice, within a shorter space of 
time than has been allotted by the faculty for the overthrow or extinction of Thom- 
sonianism. 
The people, as a grand inquest, have instituted an enquiry into the merits of 
the two systems of practice. It is not only in our Lyceums that the subject is can-, 
vassed, from time to time, but it has engaged the attention of numerous and here- 
tofore prejudiced families, and become a favourite topic at the cheerful fireside of our 
long and dreary winpr evenings. And why should it not? Is it not of equal impor-. 
tancc that our wives and daughters should be as capable of preparing and administer- 
ing medicine to cure the diseases of their families, as to prepare food to nourish the 
body and sustain life? Certainly it is!-and the one requires no more science or 
skill than the other. 
That the regular faculty generally should tenaciously adhere to their book taught 
system, which, as a sciencc^or truth, repudiates ail discoveries not made by the 
faculty themselves, is not to be wondered at, when it is considered that it is a 
profession which they prosecute for a livelihood, and is dignified with the appella- 
tion of a learned profession-and a science, Yet with all its pretentions to that char- 
acter, it has been openly confessed, by men of real worth and acknowledged 
eminence in the profession, that no science was so uncertain as that of medicine. 
Professor Rush of Philadelphia, (whose name is entitled to some weight,) re- 
marked to his class, that "dissections daily convince us of our ignorance of the 
seats of disease, and cause us to blush at our prescription. What mischief have we 
done under the belief of false facts and false theories;.-we have assisted in multi- 
plying diseases; we have done more-we have increased their mortality'."-What 
a commentary upon the scientific practice of medicine! 
There are even now in our city, graduates of the university of Maryland, dis- 
tinguished for their abilities and their zeal in the study of this boasted science, who 
have been highly complimented by all the professors, and who have since aban- 
doned the practice, solely from a consciousness of the high responsibility attached 
to the character of a physician, and a knowledge of the uncertainty of the present 
regular practice. These facts are susceptible of verification, if it should be ren- 
dered necessary; and are fully, corroborated by the following extracts from 
''Inquiries concerning the intellectual powers and the investigation of truth on the 
uncertainty of medicine-, by John Abercrombie, M. P. F. R. S. Fellow of the 
royal college of physicians in Edinburg, &.c. and first physician to his Majesty in 
Scotland." 
"There has been much difference; of opinion among philosophers in regard to 
the place whici) medicine is entitled to hold among the physical sciences; for while 
one has maintained that it "rests upon an eternal basis, and Las within it the power 
of rising to perfection," it has been distinctly asserted by another, that "almost the 
only resource of medicine is the art of conjecturing." "The following apologue," 13 
very well the state of that science." "Nature." says he, "is fighting with disease; 
a blind man armed with a club, (that is, the physician,) comes to settle the di cr- 
ence. He first tries to make peace; when he cannot accomplish Uns, pie lifts his 
club and strikes at random; if he strikes the disease, he kills the disease; if he 
strikes nature, he kills nature. An eminent physician," says the same writer, "re- 
nouncing a practice which he had exercised for thirty years, said "I am wearied 
of gue ssing." 
"The uncertainty of medicine, which is thus a theme both for the philosopher 
and humorist, is deeply felt Ly the'practical physician in the daily exercise of his 
art. It becomes, therefore, an inquiry of the utmost importance,-what the sources 
of this uncertainty pre,--what that point is in our researches at which its influence 
begins,-and, when we arrive at this point, what the means are by which it may 
be diminished, 
"The perfect uniformity of all the phemonena of nature, we have seen to be the 
foundation of the certainty of results in physical science. For when the order 
and relations of these phenomena have once been ascertained, we calculate with 
confidence that they w ill continue to observe the san e order. Proceeding upon 
this confidence, in relations which have been el reived regarding the heavenly 
bodies, the astronomer foretells their positions even at very distant periods. In 
the same manner, the chymist, having ascertained the actions which take place 
when certain substances are brought into contact, and the new' combinations 
which follow, decides with confidence that, in every instance in which these 
agents are brought together, the same actions will take place, and will be follow- 
ed by the same combinations. This confidence, which lies at the foundation of 
all science, we have seen to be an original or instinctive principle, and not the 
result of experience; but it is the province of experience to ascertain the particu- 
lar sequences to which it may be applied; in other words, to distinguish casual re- 
lations and sequences from those which we are entitled to consider as uniform. 
"The uncertainty of medicine resolves itself chiefly into an apparent want of that 
uniformity of phenomena, which is so remarkable in other branches of physical 
science. There are, in particular, two departments of our inquiries, in which we 
feel continually the effect of this want of uniformity,-the characters and the pro- 
gress of disease, and the action of eternal agents upon the body. 
"Since medicine W'as first cultivated as a science,a leading object of attention has 
ever been to ascertain the characters or symptoms by which particular internal 
diseases are indicated, and by which they are distinguished from other diseases 
which resemble them. But, with the accumulated experience of ages bearing upon 
tips important subject, our extended observation has only served to convince us 
how deficient we are in this department, and how often, even in the first step in 
our progress, we are left to conjecture. A writer of high eminence has even hazard- 
ed the assertion that those persons are most confident in regard to the characters 
of disease whose knowledge is most limited, and that extended observation general- 
ly leads to doubt. After showing the uncertainty of the symptoms which are 
usually supposed to indicate effusion in the thorax, Morgagni adds the remarkable 
assertion to which 1 here allude: "qui enim plura corpoja inspoxerunt, hi saltern, 
cum illi nil dubitant, epsi dubitare didicerunt." If such uncertainty hangs over 
our knowledge of the characters of disease, it will not be denied that at least an 
equal degree of uncertainty attends its progress. We have learned, for example, 
the various modes by which internal inflammation terminates,-as resolution, 
suppuration, gangrene, adhesion, and effusion; but, in regard to particular case of 
inflammation which is before us, how little notion can we form of what will be its 
progress, or how it will terminate. 
"An equal or even a more remarkable uncertainty attends all our researches on 
the second head to which I have referred, namely, the action of external agents up- 
on the body. These engage our attention in two respects,-as causes of disonco 
and as rpmpdioc' m 14 
of disease, we may take a single example in the effects of cold. Of six individuals 
who have been exposed to cold inthe same degree, and, so far as we can judge, 
under the same circumstances, one may be seized with inflammation of the lungs, 
one with diarrhtEa, and one with rheumatism, while three may escape without any 
injury. Not less remarkable is the uncertainty in regard to the action of remedies. 
One case appears to yield with readiness to the remedies that are employed; on 
another, which we have every reason to believe to be of the same nature, no effect 
is produced in arresting its fatal progress; while a third, which threatened to be 
equally formidable, appears to cease without the operaton of any remedy at all. 
"With these complicated sources of uncertainty, which meet us at every step in 
our medical inquiries, it is almost unnecessary to contrast the perfect uniformity 
of phenomena, or a confidence in which we proceed in other departments of 
science. When we mix together pieces of zinc, sulphuric acid, and water, we 
pronounce with perfect confidence, that the water will be decomposed, hydrogen 
evolved, the metal oxydated, the oxyd dissolved, and sulphate of zinc produced; 
we pronounce with equal confidence on all the properties, mechanical and chymi- 
cal, of the new compound which is thus to be formed, and in no case have we the 
smallest doubt of the exact occurrence of every step in this complicated process. 
With what feelings we contemplate, in its commencement, a case of dangerous 
internal disease,-its probable progress and termination, and the effect which our 
remedies are likely to produce in arresting it.-those best can tell who have most 
experienced them. 
"The certainty of a science, as was formerly stated, depends upon two circums- 
tances; namely, the facility with which we ascertain the true relations and tenden- 
cies of things, or trace effects to their true causes, and causes to their true effects; 
and the confidence with which we rely on the actions, dependent on these rela- 
tions; continuing to occur in all cases with perfect uniformity. This confidence 
we easily attain in those sciences in which we have to deal only with inanimate 
matter. We do so by means of experiments, in which, by placing the substances 
in various circumstances towards each other, we come to ascertain their true ten- 
dencies with perfect certainty, and to separate them from the influence of all 
assoc'ations which are only casual and incidental. [Having thus discovered their 
tendencies or actions, wc rely with confidence on these continuing to be uniform; 
and should we in any instance be disappointed in the action which we wish to 
produce, we are able to trace the cause by which the expected result has been 
prevented, and to obviate the effect of its interference. 
"In both these respects we find in medicine a degree of uncertainty which marks 
a striking distinction between it and the purely physical sciences. 
"There is great difficulty in medicine in tracing effects to their true causes, and 
causes to their true effects. This difficulty has already been illustrated by the 
same cause appearing to produce in different instances different diseases, or no 
disease at all; and by a disease seeming to subside under the use of a remedy which, 
in a similar case, fails to produce the smallest benefit. When we find our researches 
thus encumbered with uncertainty, we cannot, as in other sciences, clear them 
from the influence of casual relations, by means of direct experiment; but are oblig- 
ed to trust chiefly to the slow course of observation, as the relations happen to 
be presented to us. Hence, just conclusions are arrived at slowly, and we may 
be obliged to go on through a long course of observations, before we arrive at 
any results which we feel to be worthy of confidence, lienee also arises the 
great temptation to grasp at partial and premature conclusions, from which medical 
science has suffered so much injury. For when such conclusions are brought 
forward with confidence, as long a course of observation may be required for 
exposing their fallacy as might have been sufficient for ascertaining the truth. In 
this respect we see the remarkable difference between medicine and the purely 
physical sciences; as in the latter, a single experiment may often be sufficient to 
•',.1 nr to establish one which has been pro- 15 
«Even after we have ascertained the true relations and tendencies of things, we 
nre constantly liable to disappointment in medicine, when we endeavor to produce 
certain results by bringing these tendencies into action. This arises from the silent 
operation of a new order of causes, by which the phenomena of disease are va- 
ried and modified-, and by which the action of external agents is aided, modified, 
or counteracted in a manner which altogether eludes our researches. The causes 
which thus operate arc certain powers in the living body itself, the action of which 
is entirely beyond our control; and others arising out of the peculiarities of age, 
sex. temperament of body and mind, and mental emotions; constituting a class of 
agents of a most powerful kind; of which it is impossible to estimate the combined 
operation. It is farther to be kept in view, that these various agents maybe acting 
together, or in opposition to each other, or under a variety of combinations; and 
that, in reference to our attempts to act upon the body by remedies, they may be 
operating in concert with, or in opposition to these attempts. Hence arises a most 
extensive source of uncertainty in all our investigations, of which it is impossible 
to calculate the effect, or the extent. Hence also arises, that apparent want of uni- 
formity in the phenomena <if disease, by which we are so. much impeded in our 
researches; and that want of uniformity in the action of remedies, by which our 
efforts in medicine are so often disappointed. 
"Another source of uncertainty in the practical art of medicine is the difficulty 
which we find in applying to new cases the knowledge which we have acquired 
from observation. This application is made upon the principle either of experi- 
ence or analogy. We are said to proceed upon experience when the circumstan- 
ces in the new case are the same as in those cases from which our knowledge 
was derived. When the circumstances are not the same, but similar, we proceed 
upon analogy; and our confidence in the result is weaker than when we proceed 
upon experience. The more numerous the points of resemblance are, the greater 
is our confidence, because it approaches the more nearly to that which we derive 
from experience; and the fewer the points of resemblance, our confidence is more 
and more diminished. When in the practice of medicine, we apply to new cases 
the knowledge acquired from others which we believe to have been of the same 
nature, the difficulties are so great, that it is doubtful whether in any case we can 
properly be said to act upon experience, as we do in other departments of science. 
For we have not the means of determining with certainty, that the condition of 
the disease, the habit of the patient, and all the circumstances which enter into the 
character of the affection, are in any two cases precisely the same: and if they 
differ in any one particular, we cannot be said to act from experience, but only 
from analogy. The difficulties and sources of uncertainty which meet us at every 
stage of such investigations are, in fuct, so great and numerous, that those who have 
had the most extensive opportunities of observation will be the first to acknowledge 
that our pretended experience must, in general, sink info analogy, and even our 
analogy loo often into conjecture. 
In a science encumbered with so many difficulties and encompassed by so many 
sources of error, it is obvious what cause we have for proeeedingwith the utmost 
caution, and for advancing from step to step with the greatest circumspection. 
"Why one medicine acts upon the stomach, another on th ■ bowels, a third on the 
skin, we have not the smallest conception; we know only the uniformity of the 
facts.' - 
And now fellow citizens, we have only to ask, can any picture be drawn more 
humiliating to the science of medicine (so called) than this; can you possibly get 
into worse hands; will you still prefer the prescriptions of those, who, according to 
their own acknowledgments, conjecture every thing, and are sure of nothing ex- 
cept that they mistake disease, are disappointed in the effects of remedies,and lose, 
not to say kill, their patients. Will you not rather turn your eyes to the system ef 
Thomson, as your only hope, coming as it does, not based upon a few notions or 
fanrifnl thortfinc? kn* J- 1 have no other motive or interest in it which is not common to every member of tW 
Community. 
THOMSONIANS; 
16 
Tn passing over volumes of calumnies of the regular faculty against the venerable 
founder of the Botanic system, and its advocates, whose personal interest, it is to 
foster and sustain tiie universal delusion, it is refreshing occasionally to find in 
their ranks an individual who possesses sufficient honesty and independence to 
acknowledge that Dr. Tnomson "studied nature instead of the books of man;" 
and that his novel practice has been beneficial to many. 
Extract of a letter from Dr, Benjamin Waterhouse, formerly Lecturer on the 
theory and practice of Physic, in Cambridge University^ to the late Samuel Lr 
Mitchell, of New York. 
Cambridge, December 19, 1S25. 
My Dear Sir, 
Mr.- alias Doct. Samuel Thomson, who has the honor of introducing 
the valuable Lobelia into use, and fully proved its efficacy and safety, will deliver 
vo 11 this. Ue has cured and relieved many of disorders, which others could not, 
without being a regular diplomatized physician- lor which he has been shamefully 
ill-treated, even to persecution. 
I have aided and assisted Thomson, from a firm belief that his novel practice has 
been beneficial to numbers, and that it may be placed among improvements. If be 
bo a quack, he is a quack sui generis, for he proclaims his mode and means. Had 
John Humer, whom I well knew, been born and bred where Samuel Thomson 
was, T.e would have been just such another.man; and had Samuel Thomson been 
thrown into the same society and associations as John Hunter, he would in my 
opinion,have been his equal, with probably.a wider range of thought! but both 
men of talents,- and originality of thought. 
BENJAMIN WATERHOUSE. 
Tne subscriber^ respectfully inform their friends and the public that as the July authorized agents 
of Dr. Samuel Thomson, for the state of Maryland, they continue to dispose of family rights, 
embracing a full view of the highly important discoveries made by that pupil- of nature in' 
speedily removing all curable disease to which humanity is subject. 
It is scarcely requisite m lire present advanced and rapidly spreading state of the Tbomsonian 
Botanical practice, to the promotion of which, Dr. Thomson's whole life has been ardently and- 
unceasingly devoted, to add that nothing of a dehtetiOus nature, either mineral or vegetable is 
used, or permitted Uy those who are the true disciples of that great friend of humanity; and' 
they consider it their duty to remark that the specious improvement recently introduced, are net- 
embraced in the Thoms utian System, so that the public may award to either the merit of praise' 
which thev mav respectively claim from their salutary effects in curing diseases. 
Application made' to any of flje subscribers for family rights, will be promptly attended toy 
and such verbal information as may be essential, and quality all persons possessed of good ca- 
pacity to relieve themselves and families will be cheerfully given. 
. GODFREY MEYER, Pratt st. near the Bridge. 
THOS. MORG \N, 44 Pitt st. 
SHIPLEY LESTER, Conway st. west of Eutaw. 
E. STANSBURY, Jr. coiner of Aloemarle and Fawn st. 
JOHN M. WILLIAMS, 21 North Gay st. between Front and Hi'ghv 
WARD SEARS, Calvert st. corner of Water. 
ABNER POPE 32, west Pratt OS 
MAULDEN PERINE, coiner of Lexington and Pine sts.