An improved system of botanic medicine ... together with an illustration of the new theory of medicine to which is added, a treatise on female complaints, midwifery, and the diseases of children

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Preface

was finally restored by a peculiar kind of regimen which will be particularly described in my medical work.

From these considerations, and from these alone, I abandoned the idea of following the practice of medicine as a profession ; although I have practised very considerably among my immediate neighbors, more especially in sickly seasons ; but for which I have never charged, nor have I ever received, any compensation.

In the summer of 1825 the bilious fever prevailed epidemically, which swept off numbers of my acquaintances, amongst whom I lost a lovely daughter, whose death, I have no doubt, was accelerated by bleeding ; which, at the instance of consulting physicians, I reluctantly consented should be done. Other branches of my family, as well as several of my neighbors, suffered by the same epidemic, all of whom recovered by the assistance of such medical aid as I was then capable of affording them ; which indeed I had reason to believe was at least equal to any that could have been derived from other sources.

About the time of which I am now speaking, or soon after, I heard much talk of the botanic physicians, usually styled steam, or patent doctors ; and as prejudice in the mind of the multitude often goes in advance of almost every great and good work, so it was in this instance; and myself with the rest, and particularly with the medical faculty, imbibed prejudices the most hostile, and feelings the most contemptuous, towards this infant germ of rational medicine. I still very sensibly recollect with what supercilious disdain I then looked down, as I thought, from my lofty eminence, upon the botanic practice and practitioners of medicine. For however I had, with many great physicians, felt and deplored the imperfections of the healing art, I could not for a moment suppose, that the improvement which it so imperiously demanded, would, or possibly could, originate at any other source than the fountain heads of medical science.

But I was not destined long to remain the slave of my prejudices, or the deluded victim of my own blindness and folly. A case occurred during the ensuing winter which overthrew the strong citadel of my prejudices, and opened to my astonished vision new and extraordinary views of the healing art, directly opposed to the opinions taught in the fashionable schools of medicine. A respectable neighbor of mine, was taken very ill with a pleurisy, attended by symptoms of obstinate bilious fever ; and as I had successfully attended his family during the summer, he called upon me in his own case. I accordingly attended, resorting to the usual remedies administered in such cases ; but finding it a complicated formidable case, and my business requiring my absence from home, I advised him to call in the best medical aid that could be obtained, which I thought his dangerous complaint imperiously required. On the morning of the day on which I contemplated leaving home, I called to see and take leave of him, and to my utter astonishment and indescribable horror, found a steam doctor preparing to take the sick man through a process of steaming, puking, &c. On seeing this, I turned upon my heel with the most disdainful and disgusting emotions, with the intention of immediately leaving the house, and the sick man to perish, as I supposed he probably would, in the hands

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of this adventurous empiric of the botanical school. But by the earnest entreaties of my sick neighbor, and the solicitations of the ignorant steam doctor, as I then thought him to be, I reluctantly consented to stay and witness the operation and effects of the new mode of curing disease wholly with botanic medicine, aided in its effects by the use of vapor or steam.

I then carefully examined the symptoms of the sick man, found there was no abatement of their violence, and waited to sec the result of the process to which he was, as I thought, presumptuously submitting. But after the operation was completed I again examined him, and felt myself astonished and confounded at the extraordinary effect which had been produced in so short a time. The fever was gone, the pain of his side was almost removed, the difficulty of breathing had ceased, the headache had departed, and his appetite for food returned. My prejudices, which alone had prevented me from giving this new system an impartial examination, were thus, in a moment, scattered to the four winds of heaven, wnilst I was overwhelmed with reflections of my own want of liberality and consistency.

I had now been an eye-witness to such sudden and salutary effects of medicines as I had reason to believe wero unknown to tne faculty of Europe or America. Impressed with these views, I came to a serious pause. I knew full well the inefficiency of the common means resorted to in the treatment of disease ; I had but a few months before, lost a beloved daughter, and had again and again seen patients languish for weeks and even months, under less formidable attacks of disease than that of my neighbor, of whom I am speaking, whilst he seemed in a fair way to get up in a few days ; which he actually did. I felt that I owed a duty to myself and to my family ; and that to my Maker I was accountable for the neglect of that duty. I paused — I reflected — I weighed the whole matter seriously. I had seen the effects of the new medicines in but one case ; but that was one of virulent character, and it yielded to the means employed, as if they acted by a charm ; I came to the conclusion that it was my duty as a man, and as a Christian, to forego all my prejudices, and avail myself of the knowledge of these botanic medicines for the benefit of my own family.

I accordingly applied to Dr. Hance, the practitioner who had attended my neighbor, and from him I received the knowledge of Dr. Thomson’s System of Medicine. Sickness in my own family, as well as amongst my neighbors and friends in distant parts of the country, soon afforded opportunities which confirmed my highest opinions of the new practice ; and I commenced, with zeal and energy, proclaiming my convictions to the world. I pursued this course because I believed that mankind would be benefited by the new system, and that it was my duty to encourage its promulgation.

During this time, however, Dr. Thomson had become dissatisfied with his agent, and came into this country [Ohio] in order to make some permanent arrangement for the extension of his system. My zeal and assiduity in recommending his praclice, had been wafted by the breath of the people to the ears of Thomson, and he conceived the idea of committing to my care the general agency of his business. After repeated solicitations VOL. I. A 2

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PREFACE.

from him, and the most earnest persuasions of the friends of the system, I consented, with extreme reluctance, to become his agent.

I almost immediately took measures for prosecuting the business to an extent commensurate with its usefulness ; and pursued it with a vigor and energy only equalled by the desire which I felt to make it useful to the world. But whilst I was thus zealously pushing the business intrusted to my care, the jealousy of Dr. Thomson was aroused, and I was dismissed from the agency, at the end of about three and a half years from the time of accepting the appointment. I had, however, from the first, seen and deplored the imperfections of Dr. Thomson’s book, and the circumscribed limits of his materia medica ; and under the influence of these impressions, I employed Dr. Hance to revise the practical part of Dr. Thomson’s works, previous to their being re-printed. But with further reflection upon the turbulence of his disposition, and his self-conceit, I became satisfied that it would give him dissatisfaction, and therefore concluded not to publish the work thus revised : and subsequent declarations of Thomson have fully confirmed the correctness of my conclusion.

I was not satisfied, however, that the knowledge of botanic medicine should remain in so imperfect a state. Societies for its improvement were instituted ; and I endeavored to excite an emulation in the minds of its practitioners ; and took much pains to collect a knowledge of every improvement, and every additional article of value, which experience should develope ; all of which, I confidently anticipated, would enable me, at some future time, to present to the world a better system of medicine than had hitherto been offered to its acceptance and approbation.

And it is under these circumstances, and with these view’s, that I now present to the public, in the following work, the result of my collections and labors. It is not pretended nor supposed that the work has arisen to the acme of perfection ; but it is confidently believed that it will be found superior to any other which has preceded it ; and as such I commit it to that test which will decide its merits, and give its decision at the bar of public opinion.

I also deem it an act of justice to the public and to myself, as well as to Dr. William Hance, to state, that he has assisted me in the collection of materials, and in their selection and arrangement for this work. His zeal in the improvement of medical botany ; his deep research and laborious investigation ; his new, peculiar, and as I conceive, correct views of the principles of medical science, the very foundation upon which the healing art is based, have been of great service, nay, of indispensable utility to me in the preparation of the following pages. My time and attention for some years past have been necessarily too much engrossed in dilfusing the knowledge of the botanic system, to permit of my devoting so much of them aa seemed necessary, to the research, investigation, and consideration of a subject so interesting to the family of man. And it is no more than a just tribute to the merits of Dr. Hance to say, that the continuance of his labors may be still more beneficial to the world. And I should feel myself guilty of injustice to his character and to that confidence w'hich the publia has justly placed in his talents, did I omit acknowledging, in this manner

PREFACE.

vii that he is more justly entitled to the authorship of this work than myself. True I have been at all the trouble and expense of collecting the materials, and preparing the work for publication ; in other words, of bringing it into existence ; and from time to time, have verbally or in writing, communicated my views of the various subjects on which it treats, (which have generally been in accordance with his own ;) and I wish it to be distinctly understood, that it is upon these considerations alone, that I claim the authorship as my own.

It may also be proper to state, that in accordance with my expectations in recommending the institution of botanic societies, much useful information has been elicited ; and many of my agents, knowing that a work of this nature was in a train of preparation, have kindly furnished me with many valuable medical recipes, and extraordinary cases of cure. These, with the names of those persons, so far as their consent has been obtained, will be given in their proper places.

The knowledge of many valuable Indian remedies, have been procured for this work, at considerable expense to the author.

HORTON HOWARD.

Columbus, Ohio, 3 d Month \bth, 1832.

Preface To The Third Edition

In offering to the public a third edition of this work, I embrace the opportunity, in the name and on behalf of its present proprietors, the heirs of the late Dr. Howard, of tendering to those who have heretofore so liberally patronized it, rny best respects. The extensive sales, and high approbation so often expressed of the value of the work, having induced the proprietors to stereotype it, their partiality has induced them to confide its revision and correction once more to my hands. In the fulfilment of this duty, I have used as much diligence and discretion as a multiplicity of other vocations connected with the Botanic cause would permit ; and I cannot but flatter myself that the work will now be found still more acceptable to the public. The revisions and corrections, it is true, are not as numerous as they were in the second edition ; but they are, on the whole, perhaps little less important. Much pains have been taken to correct all the botanical and other technical terms, the former, many of which were erroneous, being made, in general, to correspond with the sixth edition of Eaton's Manual of Botany , now the most extensively used of any similar work. I also take much pleasure in acknowledging the advantages derived from a “ Synopsis of the Flora of the Western States ; by John L. Riddell (formerly of the Worthington, now of the Medical Department of the Cincinnati College ;) a work of much utility to every person engaged in the acquisition of botanical knowledge in the West.

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PREFACE.

1 take this opportunity also of saying a few words in relation to the severity of language sometimes used towards physicians and their poisonous medicines. It has been well said by some writer, that extensive changes or violent innovations in long established usages, seldom, if ever, take place without a corresponding necessity therefor. There must be palpable and flagrant abuses before individuals acquire sufficient firmness and hardihood to expose a popular error. This I conceive to be the case with Medicine. Its errors and abuses are both obvious and flagrant, and it requires strong language to arouse popular feeling or arrest professional attention upon a subject which both the community and the profession have, until recently, considered too sacred to be meddled with by vulgar hands. This is the only apology I have to offer in relation to the subject under consideration ; and I trust it will be sufficiently satisfactory to every reader. 1 1 have deemed an explanation the more necessary, as the work is now falling extensively into the hands of medical men ; and those who have perused the “ Preface to the First Edition,” will have perceived upon whom the responsibility now rests.

In conclusion, I feel constrained to say a few words in relation to the eminent individual whose name stands upon the title page as author of this work, and whose qualifications enabled him to be abundantly more useful than any other man hitherto laboring in the same good cause. Called by the dire Cholera from the sphere of his usefulness here, when he felt the iron hand of death pressing upon him, his devotion to the botanic cause deserted him not, but it still played around the lamp of life in its last expiring moments. The same holy principle which inspired him in health to stem the current of popular opinion in promoting medical reform and the welfare of his fellow men, now dictated an injunction upon his heirs to persevere in the great work which he had begun ; and in any disposition they might think proper to make of the copyright to his book, to consult, as first in importance, the good of mankind. He also called his neighbors to witness, that his faith in the botanic practice (having submitted to no other) remained undiminished — that all that human effort could do to relieve him had been done, but disease proved too potent for the remedy. Thus closed the useful life of this excellent, highly gifted, and, I may say, extraordinary man.

W. HANCh

Cutcinnatt, Ohio, 12r/i Jilonth 6th. 1835.

Note. — In the present or fourth edition of this work, there have been some alterations made, which may, perhaps, be properly noticed here. The Appendix. consisting of a summary of reported cases of cures, performed by the new treatment, and which was considered important at the first introduction of the work, is now deemed superfluous, ami is, accordingly expunged. Some of the old Botanical illustrations, which were extremely inaccurate, and badly executed, are replaced by new ones, with a respectable addition in numbers. The cuts have also been distributed, so as to accompany the respective descriptions. It had been designed by the present proprietor, to submit various sections of the work to farther revisions, before the appearance of the present edition ; but for want of time, since the stereotypes have fallen into his hands, this has been delayed for another edition, which will soon appear.

Introduction

As in the following work disease will be treated in a man ner different from most other medical publications, at present extant ; and as it embraces some new principles, and combination of principles, peculiar to itself, we deem it proper, as introductory to the more important parts, to advert to some of the objects at which we shall aim, and the views by which we shall be governed in its general composition and arrangement.

Our grand leading object will be, to simplify the theory and practice of medicine, so as to adapt both, as far as practicable, to the common capacity of families ; thereby enabling them, in most cases, to become their own physicians. The civilized world, at least, has been too much and too long dependent upon the professors of medicine ; and it is high time that the prejudices which have held mankind to this dependence, should be broken and annihilated. And there are no means by which this can be accomplished, but to reduce medical works to something more “ plain, intelligible, and systematic ; showing medicine, as it ought always to have been shown, divested of all mystery ; needing for its successful application to practice, no extraordinary powers, no legerdemain ; nothing but common sense, with common study and observation.”* None but works bearing such a character, can become very popular or useful ; and a work of this description we propose and stand pledged to give to the world.

A very important objection to most of the hitherto published works on medicine, is the too common use of what are styled technical terms, by which they are rendered unintelligible to families in general. The extensive employment of such terms in books intended for common use, is certainly improper; but as it is impossible to convey definite ideas upon every subject treated of in medicine, without resorting to the use of some technical terms, we shall occasionally employ them ; always, however, endeavouring to introduce them, when practicable, in such a way that the reader will be assisted by the phraseology in gathering the meaning of the word. A glossary will also be annexed, to which the reader may refer when necessary.

Thomas Ewell. — Medical Campanion, page 20.

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INTRODUCTION.

We shall be the more liberal, however, in the use of technical language, because we believe it ought to be more generally understood ; and in assigning a reason for so doing, we need only advert to the fact just expressed, — the impossibility of conveying definite ideas on medical subjects, without it. The only reason why people in general are not sufficiently familiar with technical terms to comprehend all that is really necessary respecting medicine, is because this necessary part of every man’s and woman’s education, has been made through the medium, or under the cloak, of professional science, too abstruse and metaphysical for the great mass of mankind to comprehend. “ Professional pride and native cupidity,” says a late writer,* “ contrary to the true spirit of justice and Christianity, have, in all ages and countries, from sentiments of self-interest and want of liberality, delighted in concealing the divine art of healing diseases, under complicated names, and difficult or unmeaning technical phrases. Why make a mystery,” continues he, “ of things which relieve the distresses and sufferings of our fellow beings?” A great responsibility must certainly be resting upon those who have been thus instrumental in concealing, under a dead language, or by affected mystery, the knowledge of any thing so important to the world. A correct understanding of the best means of preventing sickness and restoring health, is only second in importance to a knowledge of the Christian religion. Every family has, or may have, a bible; and why not have a book, adapted to their capacity, on medicine ?

Had physicians made it their business to enlighten the world upon this highly important subject, instead of “ darkening counsel with words without knowledge,” mankind unquestionably would not only have been familiar with all necessary technical terms, but they would also have been acquainted with, and known how to employ, the best means of removing their maladies. But is this the case ? — No: There is scarce any thing

of inferior importance in the common concerns of life, with which they are not better acquainted.

It is a principal object of the following work, to restore to the human family the lost knowledge of the means of removing their maladies ; which information should be as universally disseminated as the knowledge of the bible or of religion ; and we scarcely doubt that in time it will be so. The illiberal part of the medical faculty, who have profited by the ignorance of the people, will, no doubt, throw every obstacle within their power in the way of its consummation; but we think the day is now dawning, which was alluded to, as in prophetic vision, by the brief biographer of Dr. John Brown, “ when instruction

Dr. Gunn, of Knoxville, Tennessee.

INTRODUCTION.

concerning the cause of health and disease, will be acknowledged to form a necessary part of all rational education.” And we, at least, are satisfied that public opinion, to a great extent in the United States, if not in many parts of Europe, is in unison with this sentiment.

“ It has hitherto been the case,” as the same author justly observes, “ that the faculty have contrived to retain a privilege which the priesthood have lost.” Only a few years since, it was generally believed that all the concerns of religion legitimately appertained to the clergy ; and the bible, which was regarded as the means of salvation, was printed in a dead language, and was considered as fitting only to be entrusted in the hands of the priests. They then exercised the same despotic sway over the minds of the people, in matters of religion, that the medical faculty now do in medicine. But the time has arrived when the people will have books on medicine which they can understand, and a mode of practice which they themselves can apply and comprehend. They will no longer be obliged to go to the doctor for every dose of medicine which the exigencies of sickness may require, any more than they are necessitated to go to the clergy for a knowledge of the scriptures or the means of salvation.

The bible, which, with all its benefits and blessings, is within the reach of every family, informs us that the “ grace of God, which bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men ;” or, in other words, that the means of saving the immortal soul are bestowed upon or offered to all ; and so there is no doubt that the means of saving the body from pain and sickness are, to a great extent, provided for us, without the necessity of applying to a physician. And a system of medicine, in accordance with these sentiments, is already before the world, for its adoption or rejection, which many have already embraced ; rejoicing in the certain confirmation of being now released from the thraldom of medical bondage and scientific imposition, which, for ages, has been increasing, and seems, in this enlightened day, to have arrived to a degree of oppression, only equaled, inversely, by the superior scientific attainments of the profession.

We hope it will not be supposed that these grave assertions are lightly made ; for we have ample testimony from members of the faculty themselves, of the gross deception which they are practicing on the credulity of the people. “If you wish to know,” says Dr. Gunn, “ how much artifice is in vogue in the science and practice of medicine, ask some physician of eminence to give you in plain common English, the meaning of those mysterious and high-sounding names you see plastered on bottles, glass jars, gallipots and drawers in a drug store, or doctors shop.” After explaining many of those hard and difficult

INTRODUCTION.

names, the same author observes: “ These I think, are fair specimens of the useless technical terms and phrases with which the science of medicine has been encumbered by a policy hostile to the interests of every community ; in which the reader will easily distinguish, if he will look one foot beyond his nose, not only that big words and high-sounding phrases are not supeiior wisdom, but that three-fourths of the whole science of medicine, as now practiced and imposed upon the common people, amounts to nothing but fudge and mummery. In fact, it has always seemed to me, whenever I have reflected seriously on this subject, that all these hard names of objects of common and daily contemplation, were originally made use of to astonish the ■people. ; and to aid what the world calls learned men, in deception and fraud ” If members of the faculty write thus of their own profession, can they attach much censure to us for repeating their assertions, and enforcing them upon the attention ol the

world ? , • - • r

In the following pages wo propose taking a transient new ol

anatomy and physiology, sufficient, perhaps, to enable the leader to form a general idea of the most important organs ol the human system, and of the functions which they perform. It is for the mass of mankind that we write ; and there are few whose leisure or inclination will permit them to acquire any considerable minute knowledge of those subjects ; and, therefore, we have deemed it not improper to present a mere outline of those curious sciences. Persons who wish to obtain more extensive information of this kind, may find numerous works, of perhaps equal merit, on both of these subjects, and each containing something peculiar to its author ; to any of which he may

refer at pleasure. . . .

We cannot, however, omit, in this place, noticing the popular but delusive sentiment almost universally adopted in civilized communities, that a knowledge of anatomy is indispensable to form an accomplished physician* And we might, perhaps, be considered as making an invidious assertion, should we charge the medical profession with inculcating such sentiments into the minds of the people, for the purpose of increasing their own importance and wealth. But we trust that the deceptive artifices already noticed, will be sufficient with the reflecting part of community, to awaken suspicion at least, that such is the fact.

We are not disposed, however, to believe that all, or any considerable portion of the faculty are aware of the iniquity of such a practice, or that they are even guilty of it. The selfishness of man will almost always furnish an excuse sufficient to quiet the conscience in the prosecution of whatever is popu ar, especially if it be at the same time productive of personal aggrandizement or pecuniary gain.

*Thei£ ,l.w. of .he author, ere not, a. Pre*ut, endor»<l »7 an, Seated. Reformed Ph-aicianv-iTort.

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In order that the reader may the better comprehend why anatomy is of no practical utility in the healing of disease, we will propound a simple question, covering the whole subject, and then submit a plain unsophisticated answer thereto:

In what (we would inquire,) does the knowledge of the healing art consist ?

We answer — Simply in knowing what medicines are most efiicacious in removing disease, and the best method of preparing and using them. This includes the whole substance, root, body, and branch of medical science or learning. The physician who possesses this knowledge, has all that necessarily appertains to the science or art of medicine, and without which the most accurate anatomist could lay no claim to the title of physician.

If we suppose the knowledge of medicine is to be acquired by the simple powers of reason alone, unaided by experience, (which, however, all will admit to be impossible,) we should then expect it necessary to know upon what it was that life and health depended ; and then, what peculiar quality of vegetable matter was best calculated to restore health, and the particular vegetables in which it resided. But can anatomy teach us this knowledge ; or, after becoming acquainted with suitable medicines, does it teach us how to use them ? No : nor it never can : It is not in the nature of things for it to be so.

As just observed, the powers of reason must fail, and anatomy being inapplicable to demonstrate the knowledge of medicine, we will inquire what presents the most rational method of ascertaining the best means of restoring health ? We presume all will agree, that experience is the most rational, as it is, indeed, the only possible method of attaining to any degree of certainty m the knowledge of medicine. If we suppose ourselves divested of all knowledge of remedies suitable for restoring health ; with disease and death exciting our sympathies, and urging us to the employment of some means to relieve the sufferings of our friends and fellow creatures, we might reasonably expect that, in our attempts to afford relief, we should promote the havoc of death, rather than to arrest the progress of disease. Under such peculiar circumstances, nothing but experience could remove our embarrassment, and give us the assuiance, in our efforts to relieve the afflictions of a fellow-man that we were not using an instrument of death instead of a remedy friendly to health and life.