The Book of Health, or Thomsonian Theory and Practice of Medicine, Including the Latest Views of Physiology, Pathology, and Therapeutics. Also Descriptions of Disease, Medical Practice and Materia Medica by Silas Wilcox

Bennington (VT): Printed by J. I. C. & A. S. C. Cook, 1843. 8vo. 180 x 10 mm., (7 x 4 1/4 inches). 304 pp. Full contemporary calf, a bit rubbed at spine but sound and attractive; some light foxing throughout. Ownership stamp of A. Robertson on front fly leaf and the signature of Frank Streeter of Glens Falls, New York on rear pastedown. Quite a nice copy of the first edition of Robertson's Book of Health. The author, writing for a rural populations adopts the medical approach of Samuel Thomson, which emphasized the use of local botanical specimens and herbs to manage most medical issues. The book begins with a critique of modern medical practices, an interesting insight into diagnosis and prescriptions of mid-19th century medicine in America. He then describes in some detail remedies for hundreds of medical conditions using the Thomsonian theory. Cordasco 401133. "Take charge of your own bodies." OCLC cites six copies in American libraries. (Inventory #: 394)