HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE ON BOTANICAL PRINCIPLES: AS ORIGINATED BY SAMUEL THOMSON, AND COWTINTOr BY HIS COADJUTORS. BIT JOHN THOMSON. " By what unaccountable perversity in our frame does it appeal that we *>>t out selves so much against any thing that is new 1 Cat any one behold without scorn, such drones of physicians, that aftei the space of so many hundred years' experience and practice of their predecessors, not one single medicine has been detected, that has the least force directly to prevent, .o oppose, resist and expel a continu ed fever! Should any, by a more sedulous observation, pie trod !(' make the least step towards the discovery of SUCH remedies, their hatred and envy would swell against him as a legion of devils against virtue: the whole society wilfdart their malice at him, and torture him with all the calumnies imaginable, without sticking at any thinf that should destroy him root and branch. For he tnho proftstet to be a reformer of the art of phytic, mutt rttolve to run the hazard of mar, tyrsfom of hit reputatinn, i\fe, and ettatt." Dit. Hvrvcy, Ditcovertr of the Circulation of the Bioo*' ALBANY; PRINTED BT B. D. PACKARD A5D CO \~1 1830. 2.S- 2 Samuel Thomson has cured and relieved many, where other physicians could not, without being a regular diplo- matized physician. I am indeed so disgusted with learned quackery, that I take some interest in honest, humane and strong minded Empiricism; for it has done more for our art in all ages, and in all countries, than all the universities since the time of Charlemagne. Where lor goodness sake did Hippocrates study earth, air and water, man and his kindred vegetable? In a word he read diligently and sa- gaciously the great book of Nature, instead of the little books of man, as Thomson has. Doct. BENJ. WATERHOUSE, Late Professor of Materia Medica and the Theory and Practice of Physic, Harvard University, Mass. This certifies, that the preparing and compounding the medicines, which Doctor Thomson claims as his own in- vention, I believe to be new and useful. Wm. INGALLS, m. d. Boston. The principles which you have laid down in your Guide to Health, appear to me to be the most rational and consist- ant thing which has ever reached my knowledge, in relation to the healing art. CALVIN MORRILL, M. D. When I first knew the value of this beautiful and excel- lent system of Practice. I thought it a pity that there should be any restriction on it, and that Congress should pur- chase the right and make it public. But observation, re- flection and experience soon convinced me that the medical faculty, aided by others, would soon prevent the people from being materially benefitted by it, as they are generally too idle to practice successfully in this way, and its benefits would be lost to the world. HORTON HOWARD, M. D. Ohio. HISTORICAL SKETCH, &c. TO THE PUBLIC. Friends and Fellow-Citizens, THE testimonials contained in the following pages are respectfully submitted loyou, in proof of the propriety and utility of the botanical system of practice, as pursued by the subscriber and his coadjutors. The use of poisons as medicines, has obtained such an ascendency in the public mind, that it will be considered the influence ol enthusiasm or ignorance that should prompt an individual to oppose the practice, or expose its evil tendency. But let the consequence be what it may, being deeply im- pressed with the deleterious effects of such poisons on the human system, ami conceiving it a bounden duty 10 express to the public my honest sentiments upon the subject, I am induced to lay the following documents, referring to my sys- tem, before it. They s()eak a language which can neither be misunderstood nor evaded. They speak of circumstances which have transpired within the recollection of all, and of facts which can be attested to by hundreds of witnesses. It might not be amiss here, for me to give a short histo- ry of the rise and progress of this system of practice, as discovered and applied by my father, Samuel Thomson, from the time he fir-i applied Botonic medicine, and the reason which induced him to make such applications. It is now about forty years since this uew system of prac- tice was first ushered into existence. The principles were first discovered accidentally. In the early pan of life, my father received a deed of 150 acres of land from his father; when at the age of twenty- one, my father being young and ambitious, purchased 150 acres more of adjoining land, of my grand sire, which would place in his possession 300 acres. He now principally de- pended upon his own industry for a support of himself and family. He laboured early and late, and having a young fami- ly, who were subjects of much disease, as well as my moth- er, who had been several times at the point of death, made it necessary that he should call a Doctor often. The dis- tance being five miles to the residence of the Doctor, my father conceived the idea of having him remove his family 4 oa to one part of his farm, in order that he might be nea.v in ca6e of necessity. During the time the physician resid ed on the farm, five patients in the family, which hi had pronounced incurable, were restored to health by my fa- iher. This was the first time the mother of invention held forth her hand to assist him in relieving the sick, Tin means which he had recourse to, were the same which are now cried down as quackery, fcc; steaming and the use of the Lobelia Inflata; together with the capsicum were first used in these cases. And the restoration of the patients lo health, was attributable, in a great measure to them. He then thought, if he must restore his family to health, after ■ hey had been abandoned to die by the doctors, how much more feasible would it be for him to restore them from the first stage of disease, without the trouble and perplexity which he was put to, by having the doctors reduce them. From that time forward he attended his own family, and iias reared as robust a family of children as any in the state of New-Hampshire. The neighbours perceiving the beneficial effects of hie practice in his own family, began to call npon him to attend their families, when they were sick; and he was generally successful in restoting them to health, in a very short time; but the means by which they were restored, were so simple: that his labours could not be worth any thing. The inhabi- tants, notwithstanding they considered his labors so com- pletely simple and valuless, could not refrain from employ- ing him, from every section of the country; which took his time from his farm, which suffered much for the want of his attention. His practice was most generally attended with success : at the same time he received no compensa- tion for his labours, which reminded him of the adage, " that a prophet could expect no honor in his own land." He then formed the resolution of leaving home, and to seek employ in some distant part of the country, where he presumed his labors would be more properly appreciated than at home.— He accordingly left New-Hampshire, and went to the state of Massachusetts, whore he commenced practice, and so successfully, that the jealousy of the doctors was excited, in so much that he was persecuted, even to the defence of his life. One Doctor French went before a justice of the peace. *vho was a physician and an enemy to my father, and made oath that he had probable grounds to suspect, and did sus- pect that Thomson had murdered sundry persons during thr year past, whose names were unknown to him, the com fclainant; upon which a warrant w?s issued against my fa 5 thcr, and he was thrust into prison, in Newburyport, where lie was confined in a dungeon, before a bill of indictment had been found against him, upon the oath of said Doctor French The cell in which he was confined, was so far beneath the surface of the grouud, that the filth ran from the vaults above, which rendered the air so obnoxious, that Doctor Shepherd, who came to see him, said he must leave him, as he would not stay in the cell one week for all New- buryport. He was confined with a man who had been con- demned to solitary confinement for one year, for an out- rage committed upon a girl of six years old. My father's incarceration commenced on the toih day of November, 1809. at a time when the weather was very cold, and be had no fire, and net even the light of the sun, or that of a can- dle : aad to complete this scene of misery, during the first night, he felt a crawling over him, which created a cutane- ous irritation, which he could not account for, when upon enquiring of his fellow sufferer the cause, he said it was lice, and that there were enough to shingle a meeting-house. The first kind of food which he received, was the nape of a fish, with a dry crust of Indian bread, which was too hard for his teeth to master : this, together with an old tea-pot of musty coffee, had to serve him untifT 3 o'clock P.M., when this disgraceful stock of eatables was again replenish- ed. A Mr. Osgood, a particular friend of my father's, and a member of the society of Friends, came to visit him; and when he witnessed the deplorable situation which my father was in, he wept like a child. Mr. Osgood asked and ob- tained liberty lo furnish mv father with a bed. which render- ed his situation mote comfortable : before this, his bed and bedding consisted of an old straw bunk, with a woollen blanket which had never been washed, which was every ar- ticle ol furniture the cell consisted of: not even a table, chair or stool, of any kind, was allowed him. In a few days Jud^e Rice, from Kitten, Me., came to see him, and brought with°!iiin a lawyer. Upon consultation, theV advised my fa- ther to petition to the Judges of the Supreme court, to hold a special court to try his cau^e, as there would be no court held by law, at which he could he tried, until the next fall; and as there could be no bail for an indictment for murder, he would have to lay in jail nearly a year, whether there was anything against him or not. This appeared to be the po- licy of his enemies, from the time of his confinement; probably thinking, from the bad condition of the cell, to- gether with the unwholesome provisions with which he was supplied, he could not possibly continue a year; and it was Vie opinion of his friends, that he could not possibly live 6 but a short time, if the prison remained in its then presoui disgraceful state of uncleanlineas, and the ends of his ene- mies would be fully answered. Judge Pearsons consented to hold a Special court, on the 10th day of December, to try his cause, which, was one month from the time of his confinement. During which time the weather was very cold, and not being allowed any fire, together with what lie suffered from the filthiness of the prison, his extreme suffering may be more readily imag- ined than described. My father's friends were such, principally, as had been la- bouring under diseases of a protracted nature, and had been abandoned by the regular physicians as incurable ; after which they were restored to health by him. They visited his prison daily, and furnished him with good and whole- some provisions, as soon as they had been made acquaint- ed with the kind with which he had been furnished ; so in this respect his sufferings were not so extreme from hun- ger, as they might have been, had he been among strangers. Having pursued the path of duty which he conceived was allotted him by his Maker, his mind was as tranquil as could be expected, considering the bad state of the prison. On the morning of the day which was appointed for him to be removed to Salem for trial, he was taken out of the prison by the jailor, who gave him water to wash, and he was permitted to eat his breakfast by the fire, which was the first time he had seen any in thirty days. He could not bear to sit near it, as it made him faint. As soon as he had eat his breakfast, iron shackles were put upon his hands, to confine him while he rode to Salem, a distance of Iwen- ly-six miles, the going being very bad, and the wether se- vere. On his arrival, he was delivered over to the jailor. who confined him in an upper room of the jail, which was quite comfortable, when compared with the den which he had left. He so/m learned that Judge Pearsons was sick, and had put off his trial for ten days. However, he was not without friends, as Elder Bowles, a Baptist preacher, whom he had cured of a consumption, Capt. Russell, and several of his old patients, whom he had cured, visited him, and saw that his situation was as comfortable as. the place would admit. On the 20th day of December, 1809, the Su- preme court convened to hear his trial, at which Judge Pearsons presided, assisted by Judges Parker and Sewall, as assistant jndges. After he was arraigned at the bar, he was directed to stand up, to hear the indictment which the grand jury, upon their oaths, had round against him; which was in the cpmmon form, that he had with malice afore- ; thought, without having the fear of God before his eyes, but moved by the instigation of the devil, did murder and kill Ezra Lovett, with Lobelia, a deadly poison. . To this in- dictment he pleaded not guilty. The jury were called and sworn, and the trial commenced. Doct. Howe was called on the part of the prosecution, and he produced a sample of the poison, which he stated to be the root of the Lobe- lia. He said that my father had given it to Lovett, and that he called ii coffee. The sample was handed around for the court to examine, and the people generally appeared to be afraid of it. At length Judge Rice took it and eat it, which very much suprised the court. The Solicitor General, with marked astonishment, asked the Judge if he intended to poison himself in presence of the court, to which the Judge replied, that it would not hurt him, should he eat a peck of it. Doctor Cutler was called upon to inform the court what it was which Doctor Howe had so positively sworn to be Lobelia. After tasting and examining it, he said he believ- ed it to be marsh-rosemary, which was the fact, and he de- clared it to be a good medicine. Jon Leman was next cal led as a witness on the part of the commonwealth, against my father. He stated, that being out of health for two years, that he had been troubled with a pain in his breast, and that he was so bad that he was not able to work, and that he could get no help from the doctors, and that he applied to the prisoner at the bar, who had cured him in one week, and that was all he knew about him. After examining seve- ral other witnesses, Judge Pearsons appeared out of pa- tience, and said he wondered who they had for a grand jury, who could find a bill on such evidence. The Solicitor General said he had more evidence which he wished to bring forward. Doctor French was then called upon and sworn, and as he had been the most busy actor, during the whole of the business, in getting my father indicted; as by his evidence, (my father was informed,) the grand jury had found their bill against him. It was expected his evidence would be sufficient to condemn him at once, but it turned out like the rest, to amount to nothing: he was directed to state what he knew about the prisoner at the bar; he said the prisoner had practiced in the part of the country where he resided with good success, and that his medicines were harmless, being gathered by the children for the use of the families. • . The judge was about to charge the jury, when the Solici- tor General arose, and said that if it was not proved to be murder, it might be found for man slaughter. The Judge 8 said, "you have nothing against the man," and'again expres- sed his astonishment that the grand jury should find a bill on such evidence. The jury being charged, gave a verdict in about five'minntes of NOT GUILTY ! Thus was a fellow-citizen indicted, imprisoned, and tried for his life, by a set of malicious villains, solely because he was a powerful rival to them in their practice, and whose crime consisted in effecting cures upon those patients which they had abandoned to die. The same spirit of malicious revenge has followed the practice by regular physicians, wherever it has been established. The author has had a goodly share of the same kind of persecution from the physicians of this city. My father has spent the flour of his life in toil and perplexity, he has sacrificed his health and property in propagating a system of practice, which bids fair to be of the greatest temporal blessing, which is possible for man to conceive of, in this life, which is the preservation and restoration of health. It is estimated that 100,000 persons in this state make more or less use of the vegetable medicines, prepared from my father's directions, and it is also calculated that about 13 of the people of the state of Ohio, besides a great number in the states of Penn- sylvania, Massachusetts, New-Hampshire. Vermont, &c. So rapid has been its progress, in this state, that the faculty have become alarmed for the safety of their fabrick, and have sought and obtained legislative aid, to secure monopoly, so much afraid were they, that this system of Quackery as they please to cfrll it, would get the pre-emin- ence. It is-well known to an enlightened public, that any system which is not capable of supporting itself without the aid of the arm of the law, has a poor foundation for its ba- sis, and must ultimately come to nought. One thing, the faculty may remember, and that is, a rool is in a rapid state of progression and has already very seriously underminetf their superstructure, and notwithstanding they may continue to have, as they have had, by legislature aid, the power to dic- tate to the public, what physicians they shall employ; this oppression is of short duration, as the people have become sensible of the servile state into which the physicians would wish to have them reduced, and have become alarmed, and have presented petitions, which contain signatures to the amount of between 45 and 50,000, which are now before the legislature. How long will the people of this state have their physicians dictate to them, by law, what medicines they shall use ? It makes no difference how great a quack the pretended physician is, he is palmed upon the public without reference to merit or ability, if he has studied a 9 jertaiu period, without any experience in practice, which is to be acquired by experiments upon his patients Where is the person who would wish to be a subject to one of these young practitioners, who had never had the privi- lege of administering a dose of medicine to a patient undei the eye of his master, since they are licensed to use Arse nic, Mercury, Niter, Opium and all other deadly poisons which it is possible to select from the vegetable or mineral kingdoms? Is there any thing in a diploma that will stay the deadly poison of Arsenic, in the hands of a physician any- more than in the hands of an assassin? Surely not. But. should the physician use the poison and distroy his patients it is done legally, and he is clear of all law and reproach, when it would be murder should the assassin do the same. But should the physician come from another state, he is treated nearly in the same manner as the assassin in this state. Doctor Warren studied and received his diploma in the state of Massachusetts, he came to this city and com- menced practice, in the course of which he gave one John Ilogle a dose of Arsenic, which terminated his existence in a very short time, and Warren was indicted, tried*and sen- tenced to solitary confinement, in the Albany county jail, for three years. The learned judge in the course of his charge to the jurv. stated, that if Warren had been a practitioner in the eye of the law, the laws of this stale would have had no jurisdiction over him, but as he had received ins com- mission to kill, from the state of Massachusetts, and had committed the very deed here, he was not guilty of man- slaughter, but of a 'misdemeanor, and received his sentence a8 before mentioned, the punishment of which are synony- mous. In October, 1824, I first came to this city, and com- menced my practice, and in forty days, I had administer- ed relief to many, in whose cases the medicines prescribed by regular phvsicians had entirely failed. This seems to iiave had a powerful effect on the physicians; whether it was nn alarm for the profits of their practice, or for the pub- lic weal, is left for the reader to judge. Be that as it may, so great was this effect, that one of them (probably by the direction of the rest) wrote me a letter, warning me to leave the city, or expect a prosecution; which this tool, as I af- terwards found him to be, said, would otherwise be com- menced against me. However, I did not see fit to comply with this modest request, and yet have escaped prosecution to this day: They did not profess to find any fault with my nractice, but the reason assigned, was, that I had not en- tered my diploma in the office of the County Clerk, agreea 10 ijjy to law. In my reply to this letter I informed them tha* my system of practic was secured to my father by patent, and I, as his heir, cl imed it as heritage property, and as an Agent, souloU proie< tion under that patent. But judge of my astonishment when this learned man informed me, (for the first (i e that I every heard of it,) that whatever privileges might have been given to my father, ''could not be entailed on Ins children." Verily, this was the first time that I ever was told that a parent had not the privilege of giving his prope.rrv to his children, if he thought proper to do so! Several other pompons things were said by this man of Esculapi ,n lore, which 1 shall not trouble my readers by repeating to them. When I first can e to this city, and commenced a suc- cessful course of practice, I often applied steam in cases of obstructed perspiration, and when rightly applied, it opens the po:<.:s and produces an agreeable warm glow through the whole svstem. to the comfort of the patient and the probable overthrow of the disease. And had I been a savage IVo :i>e wilderness, going about seeking whom I might destroy, instead of alleviating the sufferings of my fellow bein< s. my opponents could not have made use of much worse language against me. It was said that I stxim- edmy parents to death, and destroyed them in divers other equally ridiculous ways. B: i mark, reader, the wonderful, the astonishing, the magical effect of a name, in converting this pour til combination r>f the elements, from a dark, malignai :, horrible s| tit of death and destruction, to a be- nign cherub of life, <>: health and of happiness! The name of the "Albanu MEDICATED VAPOUR BATH," which is the new fashioned name f<»r STEAM, among us, has ta- ken from it all its ferocious and deadly qualities, and ren- dered it the choicest favorite of those identical physicians who a few days since, when it was only found in the simple annals of T iompson'8 practice, denounced it as arrant quacker alio the awful engine of "murder most foul!" In the hands of regular physicians it is loudly proclaimed a specific for almost every complaint, while in the hands of its >igii al advocate it was the very quintessence af all evil! Wh:,i a misfortune to me, that I could not have discovered and applied this useful, this all-powerful name, before! In addition to the contumely which has in various ways been heaped upon me by these regular phvsicians, they have styled me a " Steam Doctor," " Quack,'" " Murder- er," jz,c. \ow if I have merited these epithets, while 1 have been performing cures upon patients whom they had 11 fciven over to die, what term will be most suitable for them since they-have adopted a portion of my practice ? A few days since a lady was taken vety ill. A doctor was employed, who attended her some time, biit she still continued to grow worse, and to use the language of the husband, " his medicine was fast hurrying her to the grave." Ho sent for another, whose medicine had a rather more salutary effect, though it did not remove the cause. The husband, not willing to limit his exertions to save his wife, applied to a third, who refused to go; for, s.id ho, "three Doctors are enough to.kill a woman at any ti..,e." He cer- tainly spoke more truth than he was aware of; ami he elements in a proper temperature, or the machine in 13 >uch repair as to wear out only with old age. The reme lies we o-tgiit to apply are such as will restore the delin- quent element or power, and while restoring that, to neither destroy nor derange any other part of the machinery as we know calomel and other minerals will. Food and medi- cine shou|d harmonize with each other. The latter is to prepare the stomach for the reception of the former and consequently they should agree. When the patient is tak- ing medicine, then is the time the appetite should be satis- fied, in order to nourish the system, and thus assist nature in conjunction with the medicine, to conquer the disease • and if your medicine is congenial to nature, the food you take to satisfy the appetite, will never distress you. The simple reason wl.y a person is compelled to diet, while tak- ing calomel, and other minerals, is, that the digestive or- gans become, in a measure, useless or inactive, or are deadened so much, that when the pangs of hunger call, and are imprudently satisfied, it has frequently cost the patient his life. Let us, therefore, study nature, and endeavour to see what she most requires. Every man who has a hundred acres of land, has remedies sufficient thereon to cure all the di>easos which he will ever be liable to, that are curable. And. reader, this medicine is innocent, and is that which the God of nature has provided and intended for the cure of the maladies with which frail humanity is afflicted. Let us, then, try the virtues of Vegetable Medicine, andjeam to doctor ourselves, without being beholden to Botanical Doctors, Apothecary Doctors, or Doctors of any other description. Remember the words of holy writ, to this ef- fect: "The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth, aqd he that is wise will not abhor them." If you do this, candid reader, you will save yourself much pain, distress and vexation, (for I candidly believe that it is as easy to re- lieve our diseases, in their first stages, as it is our hunger,) besides enriching yourself by retaining the money which you will otherwise squander in Doctors' bills, loss of time, and many other disadvantages which you will have to en- counter. That the happy era may soon arrive, when this doctrine will be adopted, both in theory and practice, is the irdent wish of the public's humble servant. Albany, January, 1830. JOHN THOMSON. P.-S. It was very justly remarked by a gentleman from u neighbouring; state, in relation to the medical law of this state, that {fe»" New-York had freed her Slaves, and en- slaved her Freemen."^} TO THE READER. The author having given a superficial narration of the rise and progress of this new system of practice, together with his tueory, it was thought highly necessary that there should be some specimens of its practical utility subjoined, which, by uniting the theoretical with the practical part, the system would be rendered perfect, if the principles were philosophical; which must be left for the reader to judge, after having past the ordeal of his investigation.— It may be proper here to remark, that the patients who have been attended by the subscriber, were such, general- ly as had been abandoned by the regular physicians as incurable; and the success which he has had in restoring them to health, under his father's system of practice, by the statements subjoined, will most clearly appear. For the opinions of the honourable the committee which was appointed, by the Assembly of the state of New-York, to investigate the subscriber's practice, as a specimen of the Thomsonian system, he willfcver feel grateful. The indefatigable exertions of these gentlemen, in their inves- tigation of said system, rendered them worthy of the hon- ourable vocation to which they had been called, and an honour to the judgment of their constituents. Judge Dim- mick had a brother and a nephew who were physicians, and kept their office in the same room with him; and from his being long accustomed to seeing his brother prescribe for his patients, had Tendered his habits of thinking dia- metrically opposed to my method of practice: but see his written opinion, after about three weeks examination of the patients, personally, who gave the certificates in the city of Albany, the results of which he reported to the committee. General Metcalf, having a son-in-law who was a physi cian, which certainly could not render his opinion any more favorable to my method of practice, if he believed in his, as he expressed an opinion decidedly against me in the commencement of his investigation. Mr. Edger- ton declared that he was opposed to me, in his written opinion, all of which is most respectfully submitted for public investigation. It is most earnestly desired, that if there should le any pprsons who do not believe the statements contained in l.J these certificates, that they would call on the subscriber, who will cheerfully accompany them, as he did Judge Dimmick, with a book in hand, and they may examine the patients who gave the certificates, personally; also, relative to their making the certificates. Judges Eld- ridge and Soper examined the patients in the same man- ner as did Judge Dimmick: their opinions are subjoined It is the subscriber's wish, that should there be any thing in this work which is .calculated to render the investiga- tion of his practice unfair, in relation to the rtgular prac- tice, that it shall be removed as soon as thef clause or part is pointed out to him; as he4s determined to hav • every obstacle to a fair ind impartial investigation removed; as he is not unwilling to have his practice tested with any of the regulars in this state. « JOHN THOMSON. THE OPINIONS OF THE HONORABLE THE COMMITTEE. We pretend to no knowledge of the virtues of this much talked of system of medicine. the opinions of Messrs. Dimmick* Edgerton, and Metcalf, are very lavonrable, and the high respectability of their characters entitles them to an attentive perusal.—Daily Advertiser. Albany, April 20, 1828. Doct. John Thomson, Sir—In answer to your request as to my opinion upon the merits of your system of practice, 1 cheerfulh say, that I believe it will eventually take the preference of all other systems of medical practice. My prejudices, habits, and education, all were opposed to your system ; but after the careful and laborious examination I have given it, I am satis- fied that you will succeed, and in the judgment of the can- did and liberal part of the community, share their protection and confidence. 1 hope you may continue to do well, perse- vere in your efforts to benefit the human family, and to add to the stock of practical knowledge, that the rewards of hon- est industry may await you. I am respectfully yours, BELA EDGERTON, Member of Assembly, and Chairman. to" I certify that I was a member of a committee of the A*> sembly, to whom was referred sundry petitions, pray int. for a repeal of certain provisions of the Revised Statutes. regulating the practice of physic and surgery, so as to allow of what is called the Thomsonian practice. And that it appear ed by the petitions and other papers presented and refer- red to the committee, as well as from the testimony of seve ral persons, residents of the city of Albany, who attended the committee personally, that the practice of Dr. Thomson had in many instances proved highly beneficial; and then was no evidence submitted to the committee, to show th«r his practice Ifad proved deleierious in any case. A. M*-**** Albany, April 11th, 1828. Albany, April 19th, 1828. Sir—Incompliance with your request.and with a wish to dc justice to the public in relation to the effects of what is called the " Thomsonian system of practice" on the community, I feel myself justified in saying, that having been one of a com- mittee of five, appointed by the Assembly of the state of New- York, to inquire into and report to that house on the sub- ject, 1 have made particular examination so far as I could find time and opportunity, during three or four weeks in the city of Albany. But my inquiries have not only extended to the examination of various individuals, from different parts of this state where that system is in use, but I have also exam- ined about twenty-five families, or the heads thereof, in the city of Albany, where considerable use seems to have been made of that method of curing diseases. I am sensible, that from education, from habits of thinking, and from my inti- mate connexion with regular physicians, I approached that examination with strong prejudices against every species of quackery and empiricism. But of this species of quackery, I had no knowledge before. I first read Dr. Thomson's certificates of great cures, with all that indifference which men generally do, when they expect imposition or deception is about to be played off upon them. On examination, however. of all, or nearly all the cases certified, as having taken place in the city of Albany within a few months, in the latter part of the year 1824, and the fore part of the year 1825, I found them fully supported by statements made by the respective families, or heads thereof. I also found many particulars of those cases stated, which in my opinion, adds much tothi importance and striking features of them, which do not ap pear in the short statememts made of them in these certifi cates. I alflb endeavoured to find out, if possible, by inquin n of various individuals, as well of the enemies of the system is the friends, and those who .were indifferent on the subject. what cases, if any existed, of injurious effects arising from its use ; and although I found some three or four, in which dark surmises and suspicions seemed to have been sel afloat in the community, in every cane which I was able to trace, I did trace, by examination of the friends of the persons thus supposed to have been injured by,or fallen victims to such practice; and could find no reason to believe or suspect that any injury had been done to the patient, but more or less re- lief thereby gained. It is also due to Dr. Thompson to say, that in every cse wherein suspicions have been indulged, it appeared that the patient had been pronounced by the regu- lar physicians incurable ; and that such opinion had been giv- en in nearly all the cases, amounting to some forty or fifty, of which I heard detailed the particulars; and in some of which, (o use the language attributed to the regular physicians, ;< it was as impossible to restore them to health as it was to create a new world." After such an examination, and ma- turely reflecting thereon, I think if neither rash nor indis- creet to say, that judging from the effects of his practice in the city of Albany, however much regular physicians may, as 1 am sure they will, carp at the expression, and speaking after the manner of men, or if you please, according tq hu- man reasoning, it has snatched ten from the grave, where it has hastened one to it. What may be its parlimlar effects in other parts of the slate, or when not administered by Dr. Thomson himself, I am unable to state. The persons thus examined appeared respectable, intelligent, and candid, and generally expressed their great opposition to, and want of confidence in Dr. Thomson's practice, before they had tried it, and were indu- ced to make the trial in consequence of the desperate na- ture of their cases, and with a belief or hope that no injury could be done therebv. WitJi your theory or principles, I had little to do ; the effects of voir practice was the principal thing sought for by me, »« '»y your fruits, I was resolved to judge you, and however much may be the obloquy which the declaration of a favourable opinion of your practice may call forth from the learned, not only against quacks, but the supporters of quacks, 1 freely take upon myself the respon- sibility of subscribing to the above. Your obediem servant, A. DIMMICK, Member of Assembly. 18 P. S. Most of the individuals thus examined, had family rights, upon which they placed a very high value ; and one gentleman, whose respectability and candour are very high in public estimation, declared he would not be deprived of the knowledge for 1000 dollars. I also examined two gentle- men from Nantucket, who spoke most distinctly of the re- spectability and credibility of the persons whose signatures appear attached to Dr. T.'s certificates of his practice in that place. A. D. JUDGES ELDRIDGE & SUPER'S OPINIONS Albany, April 29, 1829. Sir,—While we were members of the Legislative body in 1829, numerous petitions were received in favour of the Thomsonian system of pr-.ctice of medicine; but from the unfavourable accounts which we had seen in the prints, to- gether with the force of education, we were induced to be- lieve it a system of quackery. Having never seen any pa- tients, who had been attended by Dr. Thomson himself, and being favoured with an invitation, we resolved to embrace the opportunity, and accompanied him one afternoon, when we saw and heard detailed, accounts of twenty-five or thirty who had been restored to health from the last stages of disease after apparently all other remedies had failed- If the state- ments which we heard were facts, which we have no reason to doubt, as the people appeared to be respectable and can- did, we should think this system bids fair to become of ines- timable value to mankind ; and therefore has our best wishes for its prosperity and success. Respectfully yours, Stc. J. B. ELDRIDGE A. D SOPFR. To Dr. John Thomson, 102. North Pearl-street. ' CERTIFICATES. (No. i.) . Albany. October 28 1825 This may certify that I have been afflicted with ulcers' in my left side, dyspepsia and dropsy, and a complication of distressing complaints too numerous to mention Four years I had gradually declined, often seeking re'lief from medical assistance, and as often obliged to hear the painful reiteration that my diseases were incurable. At Jeneth mv whole system became so disorganized that I could neither 19 cat, drink, sleep, nor enjoy in any degree the comforts of this life. Having, therefore, given up all hopes of recove- ry, and daily expecting to bid adieu to all that earth holds dear, Dr. John Thomson came to this city, and having had some previous knowledge of his botanical profession, to him I made speedv application, hoping that he might pro- duce something that would give a temporary relief. Accor- dingly, on the 10th day of October, he commenced his atten- dance, and in the short space of ten days I was reduced, in size, ten inches, could lie down on my left side and resl qui- etly, which I had not been able to do in two years before. I have continued to improve in health ever since, so far that I enjoy my food and repose in a very good degree, believ- ing the dropsy to be totally eradicated, dyspepsia cured, the ulcers healed, and the cause principally removed. It is true that I am not as strong, and cannnot endure fatigue or hardship as well as I could before I was sick, but whenever I take cold, or from any other cause begin to feel any pain or disquietude in my side or stomach, the medicine which I have heretofore made use of is sure to prove efficacious.— I therefore feel a disposition to recommend Dr. Thomson's medicine and practice to all, believing it, from my own ex- perience, lo be good and salutary in removing all kinds of diseases with which the human family is afflicted. SARAH SCOVKL. No. lifi, State-street. The above statement, in regard to my wife's case is cor- rect. JONAH SCOVEL. Jun. (No. 2.) Albany, March 17. 1829. This may certify, that I was attacked whh bleeding at the lungs, and a cough, in October 1820, both of which contin- ued until the present winter, when my system was so gene- « rally debilitated that I was unable to do any kind of labour. The least trifling exercise would start my lungs a bleeding, insomuch that 1 have frequently lost a pint of blood before it could be stopped. At this crisis, I had no earthly pros- pect but that I must share the fate of my father, mother, two brothers, and one sister, who had fallen victims to the same complaint, which terminated in a consumption. Thro' the medium of one of our public journals, I heard of Thomson & Coffin, botanic physicians, of Albany, to whom I made immediate application, and commenced taking their medi- cines the 17th of February, and at this date (17th March,) I 20 consider myself a well man. My lungs, tr all appearance. are as strong as they ever were, and what appears to me more astonishitig is, that this complaint, under which I have been labouring for about 32 months, and which was con- sidered by the doctors and my friends ^ncurable, should be removed in the short space of less than 20 days, and leave me in the quiet enjoyment of perfect health. Reference to John B. Van Benthuysen, 2I> Division street, Albany, with whom I boarded. JOHN COCHRAN. (No. 3.) The following certificate was written by Judge Dimmick, from the verbal testimony of Mr. Gladding: Albany, March 12th, 1828. This may certify, that I was three years ago taken with a pain in my stomach, and throwing up of my food, and general derangement of the organic system. I employed »any Doctors, among whom were Doctors Fay, Edson, Phelps, Danforth, Craig, Dubois, Burnham and Paige— all in the state of Vermont, where I then resided. They attended me through the summer and winter, in all about one year. I was then reduced so much 1 could set up but a few minutes at a time, and was given over to die by them all, excepting Dr. Dubois; but his medicines did me no good. My brother, in this city, heard of my situation, and came for nie, that I might be placed under the care of the most distinguished doctor of this city. I was so weak and reduced, that I was brought all the way in my broth- er's arms. Doct. McN. attended me about five weeks.— He said my whole svstem was disordered, and that there was no action in my stomach and bowels, and that my liv- er was very much decayed. At the expiration of that time, he told me I never should get well—accordingly left me to die. I was so much reduced, that my backbone was flainly and distinctly felt by placing a hand on my bowels. , by accident, heard of Dr. Thomson, as having effected great cures, and was anxious to have him called in; with much apparent reluctance on the part of my brother, he was called in accordingly, and administered to me. And such was the effect of his medicine, which I declare in the most unequivocal terms, that in five, and certainly not to exceed ten minutes, I felt quite comfortable and easy. I continued its use, and in one week's time I walked out without help, which I had not before done in six months. la six weeks I walked about a mile: and in three months 21 I enjoyed better health than I had done in three yea7t Dr. MoN. then declared that Dr. Thomson had done more thau he could do, and that no apothecary medicine could have any good effect upon me. I am now in good health, and am ready to state the above facts ,under any circum- stances. STEPHEN GLADDING We certify that we were well acquainted with the above facts, set forth by our brother Stephen Gladding, andtha* they are true- H. HI LETT MARIA HULETT, No. 50 Liberty-street (No. 4.) Albany, November 4, 1825. This may certify that one of our children was taken sick, and we employed one of the first physicians in this city; but notwithstanrling his unwearied exertions to relieve the child, it died in one week after. The second was taken ill. Its complaints M'emed to baffle the skill of the physician— it lingered son e length of time and died likewise. The third, and last, being taken more violently than either of the former, we (bought it best to try some other remedies. We accordingly sent for Dr. Thomson, who came, and re- lieved the child immediately, which was more than we expec- ted, or could expect from the violence of the disease and the effect the apothecary's remedies had on our other children The child has had several serious attacks of dis- ease since, which Dr. Thomson's medicine has proved equally efficacious in removing. Accordingly, we think the system superior to all others which we have had recourse fo, and as such lend our names to vindicate its utility. NATH'L. WHITE, » ELIZABETH WHITE, No. 16 Hamilton street. (No. 5.) Albany, September 1st. 1825. This may certify that 1 have been complaining with the gravel for nearly six years, and I was in very great dis- tress for the principal part of that time. In addition to this distressing complaint, I had the liver complaint and dyspepsia very bad. The first mentioned disease continu- ed to grow worse, (notwithstanding 1 had the attendance I ] of eleven regular physicians, who were eminent in their proiession,) in so niVch ih*' I was confined to my bed nineteen months, and for seven months was obliged to submit to the most painful instrumental operatious. The distress I underwent at time is more easily imagined than described. My limbs were o contracted from the tortures of my complaints, that I had not walked a step in nine months; and as J was plai ed in bed, so I had to remain until I was removed by my attendants, (being perfectly helpless,) from one side to the oiher. 1 had entirely lost the use of my system bel . w the pit of the stomach—my head and hands I could use. My physicians had given me over to die, and indeed 1 was of the opinion myself that I could not live long, when I heard of Dr. Thomson, and at the request of my friends he came to see me, and adminis- tered his medicine; since which I have not undergone but one instrumental operation. I continued to improve in health so .;iucb, that when Dr. Thomson discontinued his attendant -, I was able to earn my living by my own in- dustry, and capable of going about town, which I alto- gether ascribe to the beneficial effects of his useful medi cil;;j. LAURA CROSS, No. 67Beaver-st (No. 6.) This may certify that my health had been very poor for about six years pror to May last. In the Spring of 1820 I had a severe attack of the influenza, which left me with a dis- tressing pain in niv breast, the severity of which was such, at times, as to prevent me from labouring for several months together, at last I was attacked with a severe cough, which reduced my strength and flesh so much that I was obliged to quit my business; by the advice of a friend, I was in- duced to try Doct. Thomson's medicine, which I commen- ced to take on the 12th of May last, and in one week 1 was as clear of the cough and pain as ever I was in my life, nor have I experienced any symptoms of paid complaints returning, and at this date consider my health better than it has been before f.>i-more than six years. The numerous remedies which 1 nad applied, together with the advice and attendance of several Physicians had no good effect upon me. DANIEL B. WALLS Albany, December 28, 182!). No. :>!' Church-st 23 (No 7.) Albany, November 18, 183;). This may certify that my little daughter received an inju- ry in her back when t vo voars of rxge, and notwithstanding she was attended by two of our most skillful physicians she continued to grow worse. She lost the use ,,f her limbs her health was very bad. !.er pain and distress was so great as almost to deprive fier of auv re*t. In that situation : they pronounced her incurable. We then applied to Dr Thompson ; he attended, and in one month's time her pain was entirely removed, and her health was completely re- stored. I likewise, became possessed of a family right, and have administered the medicine on various occasions, and have invariably found it to ha- e the desired effect. I am much pleased with the system of practice and can cheerfully re- commend it to my fellow-citizens as being the most safe and salutary remedies I have ever applied, and in vindica tion of which I hereby place my signature. ALEX'r. McHARG, \o. 479 South Market-street. (No. 8.) Albany, October 28, 1820. This may certify that my daughter was- taken with the in llammatory"rheumatism, and that I employed two of the first physicians in this city, but notwithstanding, she lay five weeks in the most agonizing distress before she found any relief. My son was taken with the same complaint, and worse at times before he got relief than my daughter was, when we applied to Dr. Thomson, who relieved him imme- diately. This was on Tuesday, and in three days he walked one mile, and the next week was able to work. When Dr. Thomson first attended mm, he was confined to his bed, his flesh was so sore that he could not bear to be moved in any way I think there is a great contrast between the prac- tice of Dr. Thomson and that of the regular physicians in the treatment of the same complaint; the former gave im- mediate relief, the latter gave not a shadow of hope for five weeks. I can, therefore, recommend Dr. Thomson's practice as being the most salutary remedy that has ever been applied in my family, for this complaint. >een app j THOMAS FITZSIMMONS. Arbor Hill- 24 (No. 9.) Bern, November 29, 1825. This may certify that my son-in-law was taken with the rheumatism, three years ago, and was attended by three of the most eminent physicians in our quarter, to no advantage. I at last had s;iven up the hope of his ever getting any better. When Dr. Thomson came to Albany, I applied to him, and my son-in-law found immediate relief. I have witnessed its success in many other violent attacks of dis- ease where I think the patients must have died had I not been acquainted with Dr. Thomson's medicine and system of practice. I am decidedly of opinion that his medicine is the best that can be made use of in a family. I would, therefore, respectfully recommend to the public in general, to throw aside the mask of prejudice, as I have done, and at least, become acquainted with the virtues of these inval- uable medicines. STEPHEN WILLES, Late member of the Assembly, (No. 10.) Norwich, Orange Co. May 14, 1829. This certifies that I was attacked with bleeding at the *ungs, which was attended with a cough, about a year since ; and notwithstanding the remedies which I applied, I continu- ed to grow worse until this spring, when by accident I saw the account given by Mr. Cochran, of Columbia Co. of the cure which was effected on him by Doct's. Thomson and Coffin, induced me to repair to Albany, and try their reme- dies, and the twenty-first day after my arrival at Albany, I started for home in good health. MOREAU BARNEY. (No. 11,) Albany, May 26, 1829. This may certify, that our son was violently|6eized with a cough, and pain in his side. We applied to two of the first Physicians, as we considered, in this city, but they both said there was no help for him, as he was in the last stage df a consumption, his whole system being swelled, and a yellow tinge on the surface, they said he might live a few days, but their medicines would ultimately hurry him out of the world. One of the physicians said the internal parts of his system were nearly destroyed. In this critical situa- :on we were induced to call on Doct's. Thompson b Coffin 25 without the least prospect of his being cured ; but though: if he could be made comfortable it would be a great satis- faction ; they attended him about 5 weeks, and to our sur- prise his bodily health is now better than it has been before tor 2 years, and in fact we consider him radically cured.— They commenced their attendance the 16th of Dec. 1828 SAMUEL MATTHEWS, ABIGAIL MATTHEWS, 218, South Pearl-st. (No. 12.) Albany, Dec, 19th, 1825. This may certify that my wife had been troubled with a pain in her left breast for four years. During that time she had the attendance of three of our city physicians to no ad- vantage. She at last gave up all hope of recovery from their prescriptions. Soon after this Dr. Thompson came to this city; she applied to him and his medicine had so good an effect that the pain was removed in a very short time. She now enjoys her health better than she has for five years. The medicine having had such a beneficial effect on her, J was induced to purchase a family right. From what I have seen of the effects of the medicine, in various cases, I am led to helieve it the best that can be used in a family. What renders the medicine more safe in the hands of the people at large is, that all deleterious vegetables and poisonous minerals are excluded from it. NOAH LOIGEE. No. JOU South Market-street. (No. 13.) Albany, Oct. 25th, 1825. This may certify that I had been afflicted with the live* complaint and consumption, and was attended by two of the first physicians in this city, the most eminent of whom, told me, that if the calomel which he w%s then giving did not benefit me, I could not live over the month of March. This was in December, 1824. I continued to grow so much worse, that I was confined the greater part of the time to my bed, for two months; and it was the general opinion, that I was in a deep consumption, and that 1 could not continue but a short time. About this time Dr. Thom- son was recommended to me, and was accordingly employ* 8 26 ed. The medicine which he administered gave me imme- diate relief, and I have enjoyed good health for the last six months. The above is a correct statement, as far as my recollec tion serves me. ELIZABETH Rl'SSKL, No. 133 Washington-st. (No. 14.) Albany, Nov. 5th, lft25. This is to certify that I have been troubled with dyspep sia for nine years. My food distressed me so much, that at times I could neither lay down nor take any kind of rest for twenty-four hours together. I suffered so much from my food, that I was compelled to abstain from eating, as much as possible. 1 applied to three physicians, but all to no purpose. The remedies they prescribed for me rath- er aggravated than relieved the distress. I concluded there was no help for me, until the last winter, when Dr. Thomson effected for me a final cure. I was likewise, last winter thought to be in a deep consumption, and was con- fined to my bed in consequence of the debility occasioned by a distressing cough, and did not myself, nor did my neighbours ent«-.*ain an opinion that 1 could long survive. But by the use of Dr. Thomson's medicine, (which I know to be the best 1 ever have made use of for the above men- tioned complaints,) I am once more restored to health. SARAH GOODWIN, No.67 South Pearl-street. (No. 15.) Albany, Oct. 24,1825. This may certify, that my daughter took a violent cold in March, 1824, which had such an effect on her, as to produce a high degree of derangement. She was in a distressed situatiorrfor seven months, during which time we had the advice and attendance of two of the first phy- sicians in this city, but to no advantage. I began to des- pair of her ever being any better. It was the public opin- ion that she goon would have the consumption. At this time Dr. Thomson was recommended as having relieved some who had been in a similar situation. I accordingly sent for him, and in twelve days he relieved her entirely: 2', and I feel perfectly safe in recommending his system of practice to all, who may be thus afflicted. Various other violent attacks of disease with which she has been afflic- ted, have been immediately removed by this invaluable system of practice. LUCY HANNA, No. 5 Montgomery-street. (No. 16.) rr,. Albany, Nov. 29,1825. This may certify that my daughter was taken sick in October, 1824, with the bilious fever. We employed two of the first physicians in this nty, but she continued to grow worse, in so much, that in February following she appeared to have a confirmed consumption, which symp- toms were attended with a severe pain in her side, and a violent cough, which had reduced her to a mere skeleton. In this critical situation, I sent for Dr. Thomson, when she began to mend in forty eight hours after his attend- ance. Her cough and pain in the side ltft her, and now she enjoys good health, which was far beyond mir expec- tation at that time. We think that Dr Thomson's medi- cine is the best we have applied to our daughter for a con- sumption, which it was undoubtedly believed she had. JOSEPH PE1RCE, IRENE PE1RCE. Patroon-street. (No. 17.) Albany, Sept. 29th, 1828. This may certify, that I have been troubled with vio- lent convulsioi fits for nearly eight years. I have had the advice and attendance of s. veral physicians, but all to no purpose. I had nearly given up the hope of ever being cured, when I heard of Dr. Thomson, of Albany, to whom I made application; and in about thirty days I found my- self better than I had been in five years, believing my fits to be entirely cur-d. Several other weakly and trou- blesome complaints, his medicine has succeeded in remov- ing, which I had been labouring under for a great length of time. ABIGAIL LAWSON. 28 (No. 18.) Albany, December, 24th, 1829. This may certify, that my brother Frederick Goodridgc had been laboring under a complication of diseases forfive years. His complaint was a decay in his left side, wh#ch had fallen away considerable, from which he suffered ex- cruciating distress: also, he had a pain in his breast, with a bad cough, which had attended him for upwards of two years. So seveie were his difficulties, that he, as well as his friends, believed him in a consumption. He was at- tended by Dr. Twitchell, a celebrated physician, of Keene. N. H. Also, Doctors Wells & Robbins, Bellows Falls, Vermont; and had the advice of Doctors Steel and Porter- at Saratoga Springs; from which attendance and counsel he received no benefit, but was gradually wasting away His left side became numb, and the circulation of the blood in it had nearly become extinct, or so much so that his left hand had a deadly white appearance, while the right one was quite florid. He came to Albany in Au- gust last, and commenced taking Dr. Thomson's medicine; and in three weeks he was restored to better health than he had enjoyed in four years. I have also been labouring undei diseases of various kinds; such as weakness of the stomach, dyspepsia, and pain in my right side, for four years. I have applied nu- merous remedies, without effect, and after my brother had found relief, I commenced taking Dr. Thomson's medi- cines, and in six weeks I enjoyed better health than I had done before in four years, which continues to t^e present time. A. GOODRIDGE, No. 276 North Market-street (No. 19.) Albany, Oct. 27,1825. Experience has taught me that Dr. Thomson's system of practice is superior to all other remedies which I have appli- ed to cure a consumption, which complaint, three regular physicians in Quebec pronounced me to have, and said that they knew of no remedy for me, excepting the West-In- dia climate. Having a very bad cough, and failing very fast, I was confident, without immediate assistance, I could not live long; accordingly I set out for the south, and when I arrived in Albany, was recommended to try Dr. Thomson, who relieved me immediately, so that I was able to work at my trade, which I had not been able to do 29 before he saw me, for six months. I have found his medi cine to have no other lha • a bene^cul effect, both upon myself and many of my acquaintances. JO AS GOLDER, No. 83 Washington-street. (No. 20.) Albany Oct. 28, 1825. This may certify that my family have been subject to much sickness at various 'hues and I have employed six regu- lar physicians, but we have never experienced such saluta- ry relief from their prescriptions ;in we have in the year past from the use of Dr. Thompson's medicines, in cholic, fever, dysentary and rheumatism. Our little daughter was taken with a bad cough, her appetite failed, her flesh became much wasted, her face, hands and feet became much swol- len, and bore a yellowish aspect; and she had the appearance of a person in the last stage ot a consumption. There was not one who saw her at this time, but what said she could not live long; but she was restored to health by the Use of Dr. Thompson's medicine. From what experience has taught me, I believe I shall make use of no other medicine in mv family as long as Dr. Thompson'* is accessible. CHARLi s WHITNEY, No. 70 Washington-street. (No. 21.) Albany, Nov. 1, 1826. This may certify that I had been complaining with the Jvspepsia for thr«»e years, and had the attendance and pre- scriptions of various physicians, but to no effect. 1 at last applied to Dr. Thomson, from whom 1 have received more relief than from any other source, and toink I should re- commend his medicine t my afflicted friends, who may be so unfortunate as to be afflicted with this distressing com- plaint. 9 CAROLINE ALLEN, No. 656 South Market-street. The above is a daughter of mine, and the account giv- en by her, I believe to be correct. HORACE ALLEN 3» so (No. 22.) Albany, Nov. .id, 1825. This may certify that I have been troubled from my youth with various complaints : they have seriously afflicted me for several years past. I applied to seven physicians, by whom I was attended separately for a long time, to no advan- tage. I at last despaired of ever recovering, until Dr. Thompson cams into the place, when I thought I would make one effort more, knowing his system of practice to be botanical I sent for him. He attended about one week, from which attendance I received so much benefit that I bought a patent right, and have made use of the medicine occasionally, and I now enjoy better health than I have done before in twenty years. I think his system of practice su- perior to all others which I have made use of in my family. and as such place my signature to state its utility. TIMOTHY GLADDING, No. 79 State-street. (No. 23.) Albany, August 31st, 1825; This will certify, that our infant child was taken with the croup last December. We employed a physician, and notwithstanding his unwearied exertions to relieve the child, it continued to grow worse, in so much, that the day previous to our sending for Dr. Thomson, both our- selves and neighbours bad despaired of its recovery, and did not think it would live six hours. Its lungs were so badly affected, and its stomach so much swollen, that it* breath had become nearly extinct. Dr. Thomson came and pi escribed to so good effect, that the child now enjoys good health, which was far beyond our expectations at the time. G. V. S. HOFFMAN, SARAH HOFFMAN, No. 123 North Market-street. (No. 24.) Albany, Dec. 15,1825. This may certify, that I have been in possession of Dr. Thomson's system of medical practice for more than two years, during which time I have repeatedly administered his principal medicines, both to myself and family; and from ita innocent and salutary effects, I am constrained to give it the decided preference over any mineral medicines 31 that has (to my knowledge) been made use of in my fami- ly. I believe it well calculated to promote health, and apparently to prolong the lives of the human family. HORACE MEACHAM, No. 33 Maiden Lane. (No. 25.) • Albany, Dec. 17,1825. Dear Sir, In answer to your enquiry, whether I have been bene fitted by the use of your medicines? I will briefly state, that having been for more than ten years under the neces- sity, at times, Staking more or less medicine, to obviate the effects of irreigestion, I have, for the last three months, employed your prescript^ n for that purpose, and from the benefit alr#dy experienced, am induced to believe it may effect a cure. Yours, &c. B. D. PACKARD, Dr. J. Thomson. No. 71 State-street (No. 26 ) Saratoga Springs, Nov. 10, 1825. This may certify that I had been complaining for seven years. My complaints were of such a nature as to distress my head and stomach very mucn. 1 had applied to four physicians in our county to no advantage, being unable to work and I at last despaired of ever recovering, when I heard of Dr. Thomson, in Albany. To him I made speedy application, and w.-.s relieved in on* wtek. In a month I was better than I hsvd been in six years, and am now able to do considerable labour. I have likewise used the medi- cine in my family in sever '1 cases, ana find it superior to ■any that J have ever made use of begg^ ^^ (No. 27.) Albany, Oct. 25th, 1825. This may certify that I have been afflicted for twelve vears past with consumptive complaints, and had the ad- vice and attendance of six regular physicians, from whom 1 have received no relief, and at last was so reduced that I did not expect to live, which was the general opinion of 32 people who saw me. At this critical moment I applied to Dr. Thomson, and was relieved immediately. This was about the first of August last, and 1 now enjoy better health than I have before in eight years. My daughter has been afflicted for five years with a polypus in her nose. For three years the left side had been entirely closed, and she suffered excruciating dis- tress for the greater part of the time. I applied to one of the first physicians in this city. He gave her some snuff, which had no effect. He then said she must have it ex- tracted with hooks; but having seen one person who had suffered all the inside < f his nose to be pulled out, it made me shrink at the distressing thought. 1 was at length re- lieved of all. these dreadful anticipations^fcy Dr. Thom- son's making a perfect cure of it, in two weeks, without distressing her in the least. PETER BA#DER, No. 5 Pine-street. (No. 28.) Albany, October 25, 1825. This may certify, that I have experienced immediate relief in various complaints, by the use of Dr. Thomson's medicine, particularly in the nervous headache, cholic and ague. It has been very useful in my family, for the dis- eases common to the climate. Many of my friends and ac- quaintances have made use of his medicines while board- ing with me. Two cases, of long standing, I was witness to. The first was Mrs. Gidevan, from the city o< New- York. She told me that she had been attended to by thir- ty-four of the first physicians in that city, and that they had generally given her up to die of the consumption.— Having heard of Dr. Thomson, she tame to Albany, and commenced taking his medicine. For the first ten or twelve days she appeared to improve, but was subject to violent fits. In the course of four weeks, however, they Were cured; and she was enabled to return to New-York m better health than she hati been for eight years before' The second case was that of a Mr. McDonald, from Corn- wall Upper Canada. His complaint was rheumatism in the head.* He said he had been attended by four of the Jrst physicians in Montreal, without experiencing the east relief from bleeding or blistering, the usual remedies n such a case. He then sought relief from the use of the ▼aters at Saratoga Springs; but was not benefitted. He 33 there met with a friend, who advised him to repair to AI bany, and try Dr. Thomson's medicine. He has used it and was entirely relieved of his complaint, in the short space of thirteen days. WILLIAM BISSELL, No. 23 Pine-street. Having heard of the case of Mrs. Gibevan, I called to see her, and what she told me was in substance the same as the statement given by Mr. Bissell. PETER BAUDER (No. 29.) Albany, 31st October, 1825. Dr. Thompson. Sir— Having a desire to be as instrumental as possible in relieving my fellow sufferers, in time of distress, I send you this my certificate, which you inav make public if you think proper, showing that you was the me 5 harmless, and may be used with perfect safety by any rea sonable person. I believe it to be, when properly used superior to any remedy now in use. J JOSEPH BULL, ^° — Hawk-street. (No. 32.) Alisany, Dec. 2, 1828. *rom what experience has taught me, I can certify, Dr Thomson's medicine has been of much more service to me in removing consumptive complaints from my system, than any other medicines which I have taken. The benefits which I have experienced from the use of these valuable medicines, and the effects which I have observed tbem pro- duce on others, induces me to belirve them superior to the mineral medicine usually given by physicians. I also con- sider them the safest and most efficacious remedies which can be used in a family. EL!Z\ PAUL, No. 33 Union-street. * The above statement in regard to my wife, I believe is correct. NATH'l. PAUL, Pastor of the African Baptist Church, Albany. (No. 33.) Albany, November 3, 1H25. Heretofore I have been among the disbelievers in the utility of Dr. Thomson's system of practice. Pure neces- sity at length obliged me to apply to him. I wa« violently attacked with the bilious cholic, »nd wa« in s.> much dis- tress that I could not place m?s«lf in anv position that would afford relief. 1 had been in this state for n .me length of time, before I could persuade myself to c^l on Dr. Thomson. My excessiTe distress compelled nw to go somewhere. Dr. Thomson living tne nearest, I went to hinrin great agony, and asked him if Iv? could relieve me. He gave me medicine which relieved me in about ten mi- nutes. I got rid of my prejudice with my pain. Since that time I have seen the good ejects of his valuable medi- cine in many cases. SAMUEL P. SMITH, No. 136 State-street. 36 , (No. 34.) Several obstinate cases of Salt rheum have been effectual- ly cured. Also, many cases of Consumption, pain in the sides and breast, have been cured ; Ague and Fever, seve- ral cases of which have been cured the season past in one week, without injury to the constitution ; Liver Complaint, cured with vegetable substances, and leave the system vig- orous and strong, unless the constitution has been broken down with mercury Two cases where suicide had been at- tempted, one from taking arsenic, the other from opium, both of which have been cured, and both residents of this city; and several cases of Dyspepsia and Dropsy have been effec- tually cured. Palsy relieved, but not cured. (No. 35.) We, the subscribers having been in possession of Doct. Thomson's system of practice, or Family Right for sev- eral years past, and having made use of his vegetable medi- cines in our families for said length of time, do believe them to be the most simple and efficacious remedies which have ev- er reached our knowledge in relation to the healing art. We have witnessed the salutary effects of these valuable ( medicines in desperate chronic diseases with astonishment; in consequence of the medicine being destitute of deleteri- ous properties, they can be used with perfect safety in the hands of the people. The theory is simple, and all that is necessary to prove its utility is the application of the medicines agreeable to the directions ; every person within our knowledge who has had a desire to become acquainted with the virtues of the medicines of this valuable system of practice, have become perfectly satisfied of their great utility. E. B. HUBBARD. Hudson-st. ALEX'R McHARG, Rose-st. NOAH LOUGEE Liberty-st. HORA< E MEACHAM. Pearl-st. TIMOTHY GLADDING, State-st. B. D. PACKARD, State-street, *> CHRISTOPHER RUBEY, N. Market-st. BENJ'N. HOFFMAN, State-st. SAM'L. WILSON, Washington-st. NATHANIEL WHITE, Hamilton-st. JONAH SLOVEL, State-st. STEPHEN WELLS, Beaver-st. Albany, March 1829. I KRTIFICATES FROM NANTUCKET In addition to the preceding documents, (which are deemed sufficient to satisfy the most incredulous,) I have thought proper, in the conclusion, to introduce a few cer- tificates from Nantucket, out of a great number in my pos- session, to show that the virtues of my medicine and prac- tice have been justly appreciated elsewhere. JOHN THOMSON I examined two gentlemen from Nantucket, who spoke moit distinctly of the respectability and credability of the persons whose signatures appeared attac lied to Dr. Thorn son's certificates of his practice in that place. JUDoE DIMMICK, N. B. See page 18, P. S. Being acquainted with most of the persons whose names appear attached to the certificates of Dr. Thomson's orac tice in Nantucket, I certify that they are entitled to credit, as persons of respectability and moral probity. STEPHKN BAILY, Pastor of the First Parish in Nantucket (No. 36.) Nantucket, June 1st, 1823. Doct. J. Thomson, Sir>__Von enquire of me relative to the benefits which have been derived from the use of your medicines in my family. I answer with pleasure; and with joy and "•ratitude do I place my signature to vindicate the utility ©fso valuable a system as yours has been proved to be in my family. I have been subject to an unusual share of sick- ness in my family, and have employed the'first physicians in skill and experience, as 1 thought, on the island, until \ had lost three children, at the ages of man and woman- hood. Their complaints were the typhus fever. I never had the consolation of seeing one of them relieved during their sickness for a moment, until relieved by the cold hand of death. The first one taken was a son, at the age of 17 He lingered out a shocking existence, raving dis- tracted, under the care of Docts. G. & M. until he was re, relieved by death. His distress was threugh his head, 1 38 back, and in his stomach. The exertions of these physi cians were unwearied, but unavailing; for he had not re- lief for one moipent, until his exit into eternity, which was seven days from perfect health. The second, a daughter at the age of twenty, was taken precisely in the same man- ner as the first; and the reader may more readily imagine than describe our feelings, when we were obliged to yield her to her Maker in four days. Nor did the strong arm of death rest here: the third was seized—a son at the age of 19, with the same disease as the former. He continued writhing in irdiscribable- distress for eleven days, when welcome death come and put an end to his sufferings.___ The next month following the fourth was attacked. I now began to be in despair, thinking there was no cure for the complaint. But after the last one had died, Dr. Thom- son was recommended as having performed some great cures, and I resolved to send for him, should I have anoth- er attacked. Accordingly, when the last one was taken, a daughter at the age of 16, he was employed, and his medicine relieved her distress immediately; and in six weeks she was well of the same difficulty which had baf- fled the skill of the most eminent physicians in the place on my other children. In two weeks from the time she ■ was taken, the fifth was attacked, and the same kind of treatment restored him in five weeks. In about three weeks from this time, the sixth was taken, and was cured in four weeks; likewise a daughter was cured during this time, of the bilious fever, and a son with the jaundice com- plaint. What was most surprising to me, was, that Dr. Thomson did not administer a medicine but what had the desired effect, to relieve within 30 minutes, to either of them; and I am firmly of the opinion, thai three of my chil- dren that are now living, would havo been in their silent graves, had it not been for Dr. Thomson, and his method of practice; or had we employed for them, the physicians who attended those that died. I can truly say, that when these medicines fail, in such cases as those in which we hav* used them, I shallI hav* no faith to try any other remedy" without it is for the satisfaction of friends. ' GARDNER COFFIN. (No. 37.) „_. t. , Nantucket, June6th, 1823. mis certifies that my wife had been complainine for several years with indigestien, and throwing up her food She employed Docts. B. & G„ who attended hex for a great 39 length of time. Her stomach, for five years, was in such a weak state, that it was with difficulty that she kjpt down food sufficient to keep her alive. She tried every remedy which had been recommended for her complaint, without effect; and at last was induced to try Dr. Thomson, who Attended her for a short time, and at this date her health is better than it hus been in seven years OWEN CHACE (No. 38.) T. .-r , , . Nantucket, June 6th, 1823. 1 do certify, that I had been subject to to the lumbago or rheumatism in the loins, small of the back, and in the bow els, f.r nine years. The distress which I suffered at times was so excruciating, that my groans might have been heard at some distance from the house; and my friends w*»re fre- quently obliged lo hold me in bed I had beer, subject to these distressed spells, upon an average,about once in three weeks,dunnR the nine years; and I had employed Docts. B., G., C. and M., whose directions were closely attended to',' and their remedies a;.pli,d, until I was convinced that they had no tendency towards removing the cause, or giving re- lief for a moment; neither did I know of any relief for said complaint, until March, 1822; when 1 was attacked as se- vere as ever I was, when I sent for Dr. Thomson, who re- lieved me immediately. He attended me for three weeks, for some other complaints, and I have not been troubled with the lumbago sine;. It appears to me that I rather die au easy deatn, than again have another of these distressed spells. TAMOUR RUSSELL The above account, set forth by my wife, is correct. JEDDEDIAH RUSSELL. (No. 39.) Nantucket, June 6th, 1823. This may certify, that I had been complaining for one year with a bad cough, and pain and soreness through the breast. I applied to two of the most skilful physicians in the place, as fears were entertained that I was in a con- sumption. J made a thorough trial of their medicines, 40 without experiencing any relief, and then employed Dr John Thomson, who made a cure of my complaints in one JOHN W. OLIN (No. 40.) Nantucket, June 3rd, 1323. I hereby certify, that 1 had a child that was in a con- sumption for six months, and his flesh had nearly all left him. During this time we employed several of the facul- ty, but to no purpose. Wa then employed Dr. Thomson, and to our great surprise, the child got well, to the aston- ishment of all who saw him. Our friends would say, " Why do you give him medicines, as he cannot live; and what little nme he did stay, it should be in peace, if he was mine. I was taken with the cholera morbus, and was in as dis- tressed a situation as ever I knew a person to be in and live, for four hours; and it appeared to me thai I should not have felt more, had I been pierced with daggers; when we sent for Dr. Thomson, who came and relieved me in twen- ty minutes. I have made much use of his medicines in my family, and do believe them the most useful of any we have ever had recourse to, for all the complaints to which my family has been subject. ROWLAND POLLARD. (No. 41. The subscriber certifies, that Dr. John Thomson has practiced a short time on his son Charles; whereby he re- ceived great benefit, and has enjoyed good health for more than six months. He had been out of health between two and three years, and had been attended by several gentle- men of the faculty, but received little or no benefit from any one, until Dr. Thomson began with- his method of practice, which in my opinion is good. GRAFTON GARDNER Nantucket, June 9th, 1823. (No. 42.) Nantucket, June 2d, 1823. This is to inform all whom it may concern, through ■vhicti I hope many may be benefitted, that Dr. John 11 Thomson has practiced in my family, to mv perfect satis- faction, and to the very great advantage of his patients.— He has restored two of my family to health, one of whom had the typhus fever, and the other the to ooping cough; whose lives were entirely despaired of by the physicians who were employed previous to Dr. Th mison. JOHN G. COFFIN (No. 43.) Nantucket, June 7th, 1823. Thig is to certify, that I had a severe pain in my side for twelve months; and t >r three1 mot.ths, I was unable to do any kind of labour. I employed Docts. B. and >l., who attended me for f >ur months, but to n > i-urpose, as 1 found no relief. I then applied to Dr. John Thomson., who undo a perfect cure of me in one week. Knowing this com- plaint to be prevalent among s.-a faring men, and other hard labouring people, I take the liberty to recommend his course of treatment to them, s the most s'ire guide to health, from such complaints as th >se which 1 have been afflicted with. I was also UMcked with the bilious fever, and Dr. T. restored me to health in a very short tune. JOB TURNER (No. 14.) Nantucket, June 3rd, 1823 This may certify, that 1 was attacked with the inflam- matory r'leumutism through ny back and hips, and employ- ed Dr. M., who attended ine for a while, but to no pur- pose. I then applied to Dr. Thomson, who came in the morning, and attended me through the day, and at night I cou'd set up, and walk as well as ever 1 could, without pain, and the next day I went out. Brfo.e this attack, I had been subject to the rheumatism for several months, but have not had an attack since Dr. T. attended me When he first came to see me, I had been confined to the house, (but not to the bed, in consequence of the extreme pain which I was in, whirh forbid my laying down,) for one week, and all the rest I got was setting in my chair. Dr Thomson relieved me in 25 or 30 minutes, in so much that I went to sleep, which I had not been able to do in one week before. PETER RAY. 4* 42 (No. 45.) Nantucket, June 3rd, 1823. This may certify, that I was taken with the rheumatism in the legs, and so up to my hips, the pain of which wa? very severe. 1 applied to Dr. B., who attended me one week, but to no effect. It appeared to me that I could not continue long in this state, and wished for other assist- ance, and accordingly, employed Dr. S., who attended me four weeks, when I was much worse than I was when he commenced attending me. I then employed Dr. Thom- son, who relieved me more in one half hour, than these other medical men did, during their whole attention of five weeks, and in two weeks was restored to health. JOHN MURRAY (No. 46.) Nantucket, June 5th, 1823. This certifies, that myself and wife were both taken with the cholera morbus in one night; and to such a de- gree, that our stiength was completely prostrated, from extreme distress, vomiting, purging, &c, when we sent for Dr. Thomson, who relieved us both in a very short time. I never heard of a person being relieved in as short a time as we were, who was as severely attacked. ELISHA RAYMOND (No. 47.) Nantucket, June 2d, 1823. This may certify, that our little daughter Susan, at the age of two years, was taken very ill, and our family phy- sician, Dr. G., was sent for, who observed that she had ta- ken a great cold, which, in his opinion, would have its turn and wear off; but waiting for this much desired change for two days, the patient was nearly consumed.— We then sent for Dr. Thomson, who gave his medicine, „ and in five days the child was well and about the house; which medicine 1 believe to be most excellent. ROBERT COGGESHALL. (No. 48.) Nantucket, June 13th, 1823. This certifies, that I have had the rheumatism for about 30 years, at intervals, and have employed, during that ume, Docts. G., M. and S., who attended me separately 43 for some length of time, but without any advantage. The disorder appeared to have its course, nor have 1 k attended her several times previous to Dr. 1 "s. being called. I would recom- mend his medicine, -«8 be;ng safe and salutary, from expe- rience; and in vindication of which, I here place my sig- nature. ABRAM B. HOMER (No. 50.) Nantucket, June 3rd, 1823. This certifies, that in 1809 1 was bound from here to the Rr much, that I could do but very lit- tle labour; but having a latnily to support, I was obliged to go to sea again; and >n my to way the coast of Africa, on another whaling voyage, in the brig Ocean, when she was taken by the English, and carried into the cape of Good Hope, wheic 1 employed a celebrated English physi- cian, of whom I had various prescriptions, and with great diligence did I attend t-. his directions, but all to no purpose. I was carried l>mn there to England, and put on board of a prison ship, and from thence to Dartmoor prison; and in 1815 I was exchanged and returned to Nantucket, where I employed Doct. B., who attended me a while, and then ap- plied to Doct. M., who attended me about two months. I -hen commenced withDoet. E., who recommendedmerctt- 11 rial plasters, drawing blisters, &c. This plan was follow ed up rigidly, until I was satisfied that I received in> bene- fit; when I was obliged to relinquish the course, believing that I should never be any better. In the winter of 1822, I heard of Doct. Thomson, whom 1 employed I had then been troubled with the pain tor twelve years, and not a moment could I say that I was easy. The first medicine he gave me relieved me for one week entirely. He attended me twelve days, and I am now so far recovered, that I suf- fer no inconvenience from that diffi< ulty. VALENTINE COFFIN. (No. 51.) Nantucket, 6th mo. 2nd, 1823. This may certify, that my wife,Lucretia Macy, bud been complaining with weakly and nervous complaints for ten years, and was confined to her room and bed principally for that length of time. Her stomach was in *uch a state of acidity from indigestion, that ev-*ry thiiijr 8he took down soured immediately. Doctors G., B. & M. attended her separately, for the principal part of the ti-ne, but to little or no purpose. She at last gave up doctoring, Re- lieving that it was of no service to her. She had not been been able to take the least quantity of animal food, or the juice thereof into her stomach, f.-r a great length of time, without setting her into excrutiating dis/ress. When Dt! Thomson) came among us, she thought, as his method of practice was new, she would try it; and in a very short time, his medicines put her stom.ch it. such order, by re- moving the dyspeptic effections, that her food has not dis- tressed her since; and she can now take as strong food ns I can, and enjoys her health better than she has done before in nine years. It is now about thirty months since Dr. T. attended her; I can therefore recommend his medicirves to such as have complaints similar to those of my wife, as safe and efficacious remedies. PELEG MACY, Jr. (No. 52.) Nantucket, June 9th, 1823. In the year 1810,1 was taken with a bad pain in my side which brought on other weakly complaints. My difficul- ties were so severe, that I have not been able to do any thing of any consequence until this spring. In the first place I applied to Doct. G. who attended me in all aboU\ id two years. Doct. C. was next employed, who attended me about two months, but all to no purpose. I continued to grow worse, insomuch, that in 1818 I was seized with violent fits. It appears to me that human nature is not ca- pable of enduring much more distress than I did with this shocking compLint. I then sent tor Dr. IS., who attended me four weeks, but without effect. I now began to be in despair as to ever being any better, until this 1, gt winter, when I heard of and employed Doct. Thomson, who at- tended me three months, which placed me in i better state of health than I have enjoyed before in twelve years. I suffer ne inconvenience from the complaints which I had prior to his attendance. When I think back on my past sad condition, and com- pare it with my present state of health, I can hardly real- ize that I am the same person. From not being able to do any kind of labour for twelve years, and three months at tendance restore my bodily health, insomuch that I can do any thing ttiat any person can, is something more than I could expect. I think the people generally are not sufficiently acquain- ted with this invaluable system of practice, and as such shall take the liberty to recommend it to the public. NANCY COLESWORTHY, GEORGE C. COLESWORTHY (No. 53.) Nantucket, Nov. 19th, 1822. We the subscribers having made use of Dr. Thomson's medicines, in our families, to our satisfaction, do not hesitate to recommend them as superior to any *v have heretofore made use of; and ho have not kno>wi of any person who has made a fair trial of the same, to disapprove of them. As Dr. B******* is solicitous to make it appear that the Lo- belia is poison, we deem it our duty to counteract his attempt. As wc have made use of the plant to our thorough sat- isfaction, and know it to be perfectly safe, particularly when taken with Dr. T's. other medicine, and given by a skilful hand. We cordially recommended them to the public, as iroper for complaints common to this climate. NATHANIEL RAND, GARDNER COFFIN, GRAFTON GARDNER ZOPHAR HADEN. ROB't, COGGESHALL, 46 ALEXANDER COFFIN, reuben weeks, abraham pollard. david worth. john b. nicholson. david u. giles, silvanus russell, gilp:s sanford, william joy, zkbdial coffin. SAM'l. BURNELL, GEORGE MACY, CHRISTOPHER BURDICIv JOH\7 (i. COFFIN, DAVID JOY, Jr. Being acquainted with most of the signers of the preced nig document, we certify that they are entitled to credit, as persons of respectability and moral probity. STEPHEN BAILEY, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, JS'antuckct. SIMEON BALCH. Preceptor of the Academy. The following article was written by Dr. Benjamin Wa terhouse, and published in the Boston Statesman. EMPIRICISM TRIUMPHANT! Or Dr. Samuel Thomson's Steaming Process, practised by the '• regulars,'' in Boston. Mr. Editor, In your paper of the 21st inst. I noticed, with pleasure an advertisement of " Medicated Vapour Bat's" as estab- lished in this city by Dr. Reynolds, and therein said to be "a recent invention" by Mr. Charles Whitlaw,Botanist,who has been patronized by the nobility a:id gentry in Eng- land in a remarkable liberal manner This led me to turn to the second edition of Samuel Thomson's narrative of his life and practice, where I read as follows: (between pages 164 and 166.) " It is a matter of much gratul.\tion to me, and a balm fbr all my sufferings, that my system of practice is fast gain n ing ground in all parts of the country. A number of ger. tlemen, eminent foi their scientific researches and useful ness in society, have become advocates for the cause; and although they may not be perfectly converted, so as to give up all their former opinions, yet allow that the sys- tem is ingenuous and philosophical, and that the practice is new and useful. In imroducing my new mode of prac- tice to the people of this county, I have never »■ utrhtr e pa- tro'-agf of (If great, ami the success it has me , has been altogether owing to its ow merit."" A man by tha name of Whitl to has lately mtioduced what he calls " hismedi- caled vapour bath." " It seeins.iha this Mr. Whitl to, from what I can learn from his publications, about six years ago, went from this country to England, and there introduced a new system of practice, and became celebrated in curing all kinds of scrofulous diseases of the glands by means of his method of applying steim, and the use of decoctions from Ameri- can Vegetables. How he got his knowledge, or what first induced him to fix upon this plan, I know not; but it seems, as tar as I '<\a understand him, that Ae has adopted my system of practice, as far as he ha* been able to get a knowledge of it. He says something about gaining his knowledge from an I dian in 11ns country; but this is too stale to require any notice." "One of the great principles upon which my system is founded, is, that all disease originates in obstructions in the glands, (obviously, to include the capillary system,) and if not removed, becomes scrofulous; and that the only remedy is to remove the obstructions, by steam and ot ei hot medicincr And in all my practice, for nearly forty years, there has been nothing I have succeeded more com plctely in, than in the cure t scrofulous complaints." "It appears th.-t Mr. Mr ill no has met with great sue cess in England, and that he has had the support and pa- tronage of many of the first men in the kingdom, (and among them the Di ke of York,) who have liberally con- tributed to the support.of an asylum for the cure of the poor, and that his s iccims has given universal satisfaction. And it also appears that he has met with abuse from the medical faculty, both there and in this country. This was to be expected, and is the best evidence of its utility." " I feel no enmity towards those who are benefitting oth- ars by my discoveries; and it gives me much pleasure to think that I have been instrumental in introducing a new system of medicml practice, by which I feel confident so 48 much benefit will be derived, by diminishing, in a greaf measure, the sum of human misery. But I think those gentlemen who have gained any knowledge of my prac- tice, for which I have suffered so much for introducing, (see his narrative and Juege Parson's report, in lying's collection,) ought, in justice, to allow me some credit for the discovery." It must be very satisfactory to our unassuming country- man, Thomson, to see his practice, with the improvements which Whitl w has made in the snug mode of conveying the. steam, spreading far and wide m England, and now estab- lishing in Boston, after receiving the British fiat. Mr. Thomson used hot stones to raise his steam, as they could be easily obtained, arid at no expense; whereas a steaming apparatus would have been both costly and inconvenient in our remote country towns. But what will the regular physicians say to th»ir brother Reynolds, in degrading the dignity of the profession, in adopting the practice of Quack Whitlaw, who took the practice from Quack Thomson, who was tried for his life, sixteen years ago, at Salem, for the very practice vow cried up in La; don, and re- flected back to Boston with no small eclat, and while his poisonous plant Lobelia, is sold by the Apothecaries, in powder and in tincture, which they ignorantly call "In dian tobacco." How will the learned Massachusetts Medical Society get over this? From all things, and from what we have just seen in the Eastport Sentinel, respecting the "ischiatic notch" in the Massachusetts General Hospital,'it would seem that Doctor craft, alias Surgeon craft, alias bone-setting craft, is in some danger. Witch craft has long since been shaken loose, and carried down the stream of time, into the ocean of ob- livion; and Medical craft, unless it hold on with all its claws, will go down there likewise. PHILO-ECCLECTIC 49 The report of the honourable the committee, Messrs Dickson, Hammond and Bucktnan, ranv- to hand too late to receive its proper place in this book; but the desire I had for the insertion of so able a document, has induced me to enlarge the work 12 pages beyond its contemplated size. Messrs. Hammond and Buckman will teceive my thanks for the impartial manner in which they conducted their investigation of the Botanic system of practice, in the ity of Albany; also, for furnishing me with their writtei opinion. Feb., 1830. J. THOMSON OPINION OF MESSRS. HAMMOND & BUCKMAN Albany, Feb. 7th, 1830. Doct. John Thomson, Sir,—Being the majority of a committee appointed by the Assembly of the state of New-York, to whom was re ferred the petitions and documents relative to the practice of Botanic Physicians, with power to examine the ef- fects of said practice on community, we, agreeable to the authority vested in us, accompanied vou, in the city of Al b*ny, on the 25th ult., when we heard the verbal testimo- ny of the persons whose signatures appear attached to the following certificates, commencing on the 18th page of this book, viz: 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 7, 12,13,15, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29 and 33, and to our surprise, not only found the state ments made in their respective certificates fully supported by each and every individual, but many particulars in re lation to their diseases were also related to us by the pa tients, which, in our opinion, would have added much to the importance and striking features of those certificates, had they been embodied in the formation of the docu ments. The persons thu6 examined, appeared respectable, intelligent and candid. We therefore have the strongest evidence to believe, that your practice has been of inesti- mable service in rescuing from the grave, numbers of per- sons who had been pronounced by the regular physicians incurable. We also saw several persons whose friends had died while under your care; and who gave you much credit, for having made them more comfortable while they lived, than could b« done by other physicians who attend ed prior to you. In conclusion, it is our opinion, as well 5 50 as the opinions of the committees* who have preceded us that if any person deserves to be protected by law, you arc one. EPHRAIM HAMMOND. A. BUCKMAN. No. 110. IN ASSEMBLY, Feburary 6, 1830. REPORT Of the Select Committee, on the petitions in favour of Botanic Physicians. The Select Committee to whom were referred several petitions of many of the citizens of this state, some of them praying that botanic physicians may be allowed to practise medicine and receive a reasonable compensation for services rendered; others praying that John Thomson and David Tower, may, by a special act of the Legisla- ture, be licensed to practise as botanic physicians, beg leave respectfully to Report: That, in the revision of the laws in the year 1813, the Legislature, in revising the act to incorporate medical societies, for the purpose of regulating the pricticeof physic and surgery in this state, declared that nothing in that act contained, should be construed to extend to debar any person from using or applying, for the benefit of any sick person, any roots, barks or herbs, the growth or pro- duce of the United States; thereby leaving those usually termed botanic physicians, at liberty to practise and re- ceive a reasonable compensation for their services. And thus the law remained until the adoption of title seventh of chapter fourteenth of the first part of the present Re- vised Statutes, (vol. 1. p. 451,) by which it is provided, that no person shall practice physic or surgery, unless he shall have received a license or diploma from one of the incorporated medical societies of this state, or the degree of doctor of medieine from the regents of the university or have been duly authorised to practise by the lawn, or received a diploma from some incorporated college of med- icine or legally incorporated medical society of some * See from page 15 to 18. 51 ■Jther state or country; and such physician from any othei state or country, not entitled to practise, unless he has filed a copy of His diploma with the clerk of the county where he resides, and exhibited to the medical society of that county, satisfactory evidence that he has regularly studied phytic and surgery according to the requisitions of the ninth section of said title seventh; and that the [ resi dent of every county medical society shall give notice, in writing, to every physician and surgeon within the coun- ty not already admitted to the society, directing him, with in sixty days after the service of such notice, to apply for and receive a certificate of admission; and if he shall neglect to apply for such certificate within the time pre- scribed, his license shall be deemed forfeited, and he shall be liable to all the provisions and penalties of the lnwsot this state in relation to unlicensed physicians. And by the twenty-second section of said title seventh, it is provided. that eveiy person not authorised by law, who, for any fee or reward, shall practice physic or surgery within this state, shall be incapable of recovering, by suit, any debts arising from such practice; and shall be deemed guilty of a mide.mea or,punis able by fine or imprisonment, or both, in the discretio of t e court by which e -ihall be convicted. Botanic physicians, who use <.r apply for the benefit of any sick person.even any roots, barks, or herbs, the growth or produce of the United States, are. therefore, by the ex- isting statutes not only deprived of the aid of the law in the collection of debts arising from their practice, but are liable to be both fined and imprisoned; such fine resting wholly in the arbitrary discretion of the court, and such imprisonment may be in the county jail for any term not exceeding three years. Such statutes are deemed by the petitioners harsh and severe, and they pray a repeal or modification thereof. Your committee are of opinion that this house would never consent to act as a board of cen- sors, to license individuals to practice medicine; and that. .therefore, the only important question presented, is, whether any alterations in the provisions of the said sev- enth title can consistently be made, with a due regard to the bests interests of the public. The decision of this question will depend on the dangers and evils to be ap- prehended, or the benefit to be derived, from the practice of unlicensed physicians. The most skilful and the most deserving of the botasne physicians h^?e been termed charletans and empirics, and represented as too ignorant to be employed in the cure of diseases. It must be admit 'ed, that the physician eminent in science, who has studied 52 with diligence and with care,amtomy, physiology, patho- logy, bi .any. and chemistry, and all the sciences con- nected with uis profession, and who has analyzed the min- eral am; the vegetable kingdoms, and who has reduced 'lis learning and acquirements to practice, must ever be considered a n.uch abler proficient in the healing art, than the unlettt id empiric who has acquired his knowledge from obc«- ation and practice only. Yet, as there are many gi.idatio.is in knowledge, and great diversity in the talents and acquirements of iicensed physicians, theie is, in the minds of your committee, great doubt whether much greater dangers are not to be apprehended from the practice of the Ie«st informed of them, than from the practice of the botanic physicians. Man has always been subject to pain and disease, and in the infancy of the world, for alleviation or for cure, must h; ve looked to the medicinal virtues of the vegetable kingdom; and his own necessities must have rendered him curious and observing, and his curiosity and observation must have rendered him knowing ..id learned in the healing qualities of roots and plants. Every man was ihen an empiric, and his own physician. In the progress of time, one would become more ob- serving and learned than his neighbors, and be called on to act as their botanic physician And it is a well-known fact which sve learn fn m natural history, that the plants are as various as :iie diseases > f the different climates; and that every c >untry contains roots and plants which yield a remedy for almost every disease incident to that country. We learn, that in the early days of Egypt, and in the he- roic ages of Greece, there were men celebrated for the cure of diseases; and we read in Homer, of the heroes on the field of battle, staunching the bleeding wounds of their companions with a bitter root. Hippocrates, the father of medicine and the idol of his time, WLis an empiric: his only instructors were observa- tion and experience, and the only book in which he read was the " great book of nature." In the language of an eminent professor of medicine, " air, earth and water, man and his kindred, vegetables, disease and death, and all casualties and concomitants of humanity were the pages he studied. Every thing that surrounds and nourish- es, were the objects »f his attention and study." Rome and other ancient states and empires, had their physicians, eminent in the healn g art, and endeared to all who knew (.hem: yet to ;hese eminent physicians, anatomy was com- paratively unknown. They were unacquainted with the 53 circulation of the blood, and ignorant of the science of chem utry; and if now living, would be wholly incompe- tent t>■ oass an examination before one of our boards of censors They would, consequently, be treated as empirics. and visited with all the pains and penalties inflicted on un- licensed physicians. Ami yet,an we prepared to say that ail those eminent physicians who flourished for a succession of (etturies, the pride and iuols of their times, only added to the pain^,the maladies an«t the miseries of man, and were worthy to be punished with fines and a dungeon? If we believe they alleviated pain, and by contributing to health, added to the utock <>f human happiness, may we not sii|ipos<- that the empirics of our day, the botanic phy- sician, who though not deeply read in books, has studied much the book of nature, the nutritious and the poisonous qualities >f the vegetable kingdom, may do something for his species? m y alleviate pain and cure disease ? And may not the unlettered as well as the lettered man. upon beholding the plants <.f the garden and the field ex- claim in the language of the poet, who had never read Linnaeus or studied medicine, '• Within the infant rind of this small flower, Poison hath residence, and medicine power?" It is a remark of an eminent and learned physician of our commercial metropolis, that "the Flora of North America is astonishingly rich in remedies. There is no doubt in my mind," says he," that in more diseases than are generally acknowledged, vegetable simples are the preferable remedies." Two of your committee have visited many of the pa- tients of Mr. John Thomson, one of the persons named in said petit ions, being req>ect*ble citizens of the ciiy of Al- bany, and conversed with them in relation to his prescrip- tions and practice, and are assured and convinced, that his practice has been productive of much benefit, and eminent- ly successful, in many instances, in the cure of diseases. It has been said, ihat '• any alteration of the law, would bear with great injustice on the licensed physicians, who had spent their time and money in the pursuit of medical science." This your committee submit, is a severe reflection on the intelligence of the public. For if the physician is distin- guished by his superior intellect; his superior virtue and attainments in medical science; a discerning people will discover it, and he will receive the rewards of an exten- sive and successful practice, which be would never obtain 5 * o4 by binding and imprisoning bis humble opponent. The strife of the professional man, ennobled by genius and tal- ent, and exalted by virtue, is generous and noble, and he seldom fails of his reward, and he needs not, he asks not, the aid of severe laws to ensure it. It has been said that the botanic physicians " ought not to be licensed, to trifle with the lives of iheir fellow crea- tures." Your committee submit, that it is not expedient to attempt, by legislative enactment, to add to nature, and increase the attachment to life, and render stronger that natural affection, implanted by God himself in the bosom of the parent towards his offspring, which is often stronger than even the attachment to life itself. The free unbias- ed selection of his physician, either for himself or family, is deemed one of the dearest privileges man enjoys. And if by harsh and severe laws, he is deprived of the services of a physician whom he prefers, and is thereby led to be- lieve, that by the loss of such services, his own life is with greater rapidity hastening to its close, or that he has been deprived of a child he dearly loved, with what feelings will he turn over the statutes, and with what horror will he behold the members of that profession, by whose agen- cy perhaps, and in whose favor, such a law of exclusion, of privilege and severity, was passed. It has been said, there "ought to be more severe enact- ments for ihe protection of the community, against these bold and heartless depredators," the botanic physicians.— Your committee have searched, with some industry and care, and can find no statute of Great Britain, or any oth- er state or country, of equal severity, with the last clause of the said twenty-second section, of said title seventh.— The only law which they can find bearing any resem- blance to it, is a statute of Virginia, by which any slave, free negro, or mullatto, is forbidden to administer medi- cine, under pain of death: Provided, That if such medicine is administered without any ill intent, or is not attended with any bad consequences, such slave to be acquitted on the trial, and not extending to any slave administering such medicine, with the consent of the owner of the slave, and the consent of the master or mistress of the family; nor to any free negro or mullatto administering such medi- cine in any family, with the consent of the master or mis- tress thereof. But our statute punishes the unlicensed physician, where his intention was good; where the medi- cine was administered at the request, and with the con- sent of thepatient; where it produced no bad consequen- ces, and effected the intended and expected cure. It not 55 only punishes the unlettered empiric and the botanic phy- sician, but the man of learning and science in his profes- sion. He may have obtained diplomas from the medical Bchool of Lev den and Edinburgh, and from every medical college, and every legally incorporated medical society in the old and the new world, beyoid the limits of this state; he may stand the very first in the first rank of his profes- sion, and if he becomes a practising physician of one of the counties of this state, »nd neglects for sixty days after no- tice, to unite himself with the medical society of the coun- ty, his license is forfeited, he is in some respects, deemed an outlaw, may be convicted <>f a misdemeanor, fined and sentenced to a dungeon. So that our free white male citi- zens, learned and unlearned, are treated with greater se- verity by our statute, than are the free negroes, or even the slaves of Virginia, by the laws of that state. Your committee fully believe, that an attachment to life and a reverence for letters and science, can never be in- creased by pains, penalties and imprisonments; and they are unanimously of opinion, that the said seventh title re- quires some modification, and they see no reason why the botanic physicians «hould not be placed in the same situa- tion that they were by the revised laws, of the year 1813, and they particularly recommend the repeal of the last clause of the twenty-second section, of the seventh title, of the fourteenth chapter, of the first part of the Revised Statutes, and have instructed their chairman to bring in a bill accordingly. All which is respectfully submitted. 1 JOHN DICKSON, Feb. 6lh, 1830. Chairman. LETTERS (M) EXTRACTS. I 'opw of a letter from the cclebraUd Dr. Waterhouse, former- Is Lecturer on the Theory and Pratice of Physic, in C r. Wil- liams'portrait of him. I hope that he may long continue to enjoy the rewards of good service, tfce qua turn meruit^ and the mens sibi conscia recti. The Flora of North Amerca is astonishingly r'cn *n remedies. There is no doubt in my mind, that in more diseases than is generally acknowledged, vegetable sim pies are the preferable remedies. Who knows, but iu time, 'hese native productions of the field and forest, will so enlarge and confirm their dominion, as to supercede the employments of other medicines. Be kind enough to accept the assnr.me of my esteem and regard; and when you write to Dr. W. Installs, to pre swnt him my compliments. SAMUEL L. MITCHELL. Columbus, (O.) 4th Month 23d, 1827. Dr. John Thomson. Respected Frie d. Thou art no doubt, by this time, informed, that I have yielded to the solicitations of thy father, to take an un- limited agency of his business,in diffusing the knowledge of his system of the practice of physic. 1 have studied and practiced physic from early life, as a neighbour and friend, without ever receiving or wishing to receive, (that I recollect,) to the value of a cent; ex- cepting the satisfaction of having frequently relieved my fellow-creatures in distress. I have been much solicited by my friends of the faculty and others, to devote my time principally to the practice of physic: But the more I have become acquainted with the most celebrated physicians, the more I have been assured that they have wandered, generally, from the true ground, in quest of medicines to prevet.t and cure diseases. I have long believed that a bountiful providence had furnished, in every country, which seems to have been designed for the habitation of men, (or from whence he can draw his support,) with the most natural and suitable medicines, in the forests, the fields, or gardens, &c. The nature of the medicie* which the faculty, generally, as well as myself, hare placed most; 58 reliance on, I have long known to bt so deleterious in then nature, that I have considered them as a kind of necessary evil, (if I may so speak,) seemin^'y ncessary, because we have known nothing better; a.oi .iat the practice of the ablest physicians of the faculty, hi s been like wandering in a labyrinth, or daik and gloomy maze!—I have always most heartily despised every thing like quackery, whether ignorant or learned—have always been in the habit of communicating, freely and cheerfully, all the useful knowledge I possessed—have frequently, in a friendly manner, called the most eminent physicians, quacks, to their faces; and have long believed, ih. t in every country they are very oppressive, espei ially on the poor. I had fre- quently heard of steam doctors, and some accounts of the mischief they had done in New-England, New-York, &c. and thought it might be well if they were all confined in some penitentiary. I intend publishing, for the satisfac- tion of my numerous friends and acquaintance, a particu- lar account of my conversion to the Thomsonian practice— a practice which from principle I was zealously prop gat- ing, fearlessly, so soot) as I had proved its value; long be- fore 1 had any intenti >n or wish to have any agency in it, in a pecuinary point of view: because I had no doubt that it was inccm partly better thhii any thing else known to the ablest physicians in any country. It was with much reluctance that I agreed to take the agency; and should not have yielded to all the solicitations of thy father and my friends, but from the consideration that my large acquaintance in the United States, might and proba- bly would enable me to diffuse the knowledge of this beautiful and excellent system, more extensively, and ren- der ii a much greater blessing, in much less time than it probably could be by any other person who would, under existing circumstances, be induced to take it. When I first knew the value of the practice, 1 thought it a pity that there should be any restriction on it, and that Congress should purchase.the right and make it public Bnt observation, reflection and experience soon convinced me, (long before I consented to take the agency,) that un- der such circumstances the medical faculty, aided by the prejudices of others, would soon prevent the people from being very materially benefitted by it; for they are gene- rally too idle to practice successfully in this way. M< st of them would use it in some instances privately, with but little success, whilst they wauld rail against and defame the practice. I have no doabt its benefits would be lost 'othe world. I am well assured that unless we can and 59 do make it an object* for respectable persons, to go from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, from state to state and from country to country, and demonstrate to the satisfac- tion of the public thai it is immensely valuable, and attend- ed with no danger; its benefits and blessings will be lost to the world, and the medical faculty will continue as they long have done in every country, perhaps for ages-yet to come, 10 grind down and oppress the poorer, and those who are in m derate circumstances—that many of them will continue to be a curse instead of a blessing. There are indeed honourable exceptions amongst the regular-bred doctors; and two of them, Doctor Piatt of Columbus, (when we are doing almost the whole of the business, as our neighbours 'ell us,) and Doctor Hand whom with my consent, our g-vernor, Allen Trimble, has been made ac- quainted withthe pracice. Both Piatt and Hand, men of much science, liberal minded, much celebrated, and both by example and precept, in good faith, recommending the practice. It will be pleasing to thee to learn, no doubt, that our amiable governor, by the assistance of the books and medicines !ai'its, 51,52. Polypus in nose, 27. Palsyand numbness, 18,34. Rheumatism, inflammatory, 8, 38, 41, 44 ----------, chronic, 9,20,28, 45, 48. Stomach, par in, 3\ Side,pain in, 11.16,18, 34, 48, 50,52. ----, decay of, 18 Stomach, weakness of, 18. Salt-rheum, 34. Suicide, 34. Ulcers in stomach, 1. Weakly complaints, 17,22,26,29, 31,41,61, 62