A narrative of the life and medical discoveries of Samuel Thomson : containing an account of his system of practice, and the manner of curing disease with vegetable medicine, upon a plan entirely new / written by himself.

  • Thomson, Samuel, 1769-1843.
Date:
1835
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A narrative of the life and medical discoveries of Samuel Thomson : containing an account of his system of practice, and the manner of curing disease with vegetable medicine, upon a plan entirely new / written by himself. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    perfect health arises from a due balance of tem- perature from the four elements ; but if it is by any means destroyed, the body is more or less disor- dered. And, when this is the case, there is al- ways an actual diminution or absence of the ele- ment of fire, or heat; and, in proportion to this diminution, or absence, the body is affected by its opposite, which is cold. And I found that all dis- orders which the human family were afflicted with, however various the symptoms, and different the names by which they are called, arise directly from obstructed perspiration, which is always caused by cold, or want of heat; for, if there is a natural heat, it is impossible but that there roust be a natural perspiration. Having fixed upon these general principles, as the only solid foundation upon which a correct and true understanding of the subject can be founded, my next business was to ascertain what kinds of medicine and treatment would best answer the purpose, in conformity to this universal plan of curing disease ; for it must, I think, be certain, and self-evident to every one, that whatever will in- crease the internal heat, remove all obstuctions of tlio system, restore the digestive powers of the stomach, and produce a natural perspiration, is universally applicable in all cases of disease, and, therefore, may be considered as a general remedy. The first and most important consideration, was to find a medicine that would establish a natural internal heat, so as to give nature its proper com- mand. My emetic herb (No. 1,) I found would effectually cleanse the stomach, and would very effectually aid in raising the heat and promoting perspiration: but would not hold it long enough to effect the desired object, so but that the cold