Reminiscing Thomsonian Medicine: The Rise and Fall of a Botanical Medical Movement

Abstract

The 19th century contained many different practices of medicine. Similar to the present day, natural-based botanical medicine and conventional pharmaceutical medicine collided. Between the years 1800-1870, a small holistic approach referred to as Thomsonian medicine sparked. The ideology, created by a farmer with no formal education, spread swiftly throughout the East Coast of the United States and eventually reached many parts in the South as well as Mid-West. This practice of medicine held a steadfast base with an extensive following of believers. However, Thomsonian medicine slowly withered away to a faint memory by the late 1800s. This paper touches on the founder of Thomsonianism as well as his critics. It will also explore social, economic and political factors which contribute to the development as well as demise of a once touted doctrine.