Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 1246

SAMUEL THOMSON (1769-1843). A narrative of the life and medical discoveries of Samuel Thomson. Boston: Printed for the author by E. G. House, 1822. 182 pp., front. (port.); 17.3 cm.

Through early curiosity and experimentation, Thomson developed a unique curative system based upon the extensive use of vegetables, herbs, and steam. Possessing no formal medical training whatsoever, he became a traveling doctor riding on horseback throughout New England and eventually gained a modest reputation. This small book, combination autobiography and herbal, passed through numerous editions. Copies of the first edition are scarce.

Cited references: Cushing T96 (1829 ed.); Osler 7773 (1827 ed.)