The Midwest pioneer, his ills, cures, & doctors - University Library ...

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while preaching the
advantages of democracy, practices
the arts of dictatorship— was resented by many of his followers,
even his own sons. The ranks began to break as
1827, when Dr. Wooster Beach of New York or-
early as
ganized the "Eclectic," or "Reformed," system of Botanic
medicine. Another faction, headed by Horton Howard of
Ohio, had in 1832 established themselves as the "Improved
Botanies," but with the death of their leader in the cholera
epidemic of 1833 this offshoot began to disappear. One
cause of contention was the question of schools. Since Dr.
Thomson thought that formal education was a handicap
in the practice of his medicine— and might also cut into
his sales— he was opposed to the establishing of schools. As
Dr. Thomas Cooke, whose Botanic Medical Reformer and
Home Physician (Philadelphia, 1839) was a competitor of
the Thomson books, said: "We have also always expressed
favorable sentiments in regard to the establishment of Reformed
Botanic Schools and Colleges; but we cannot see
wherein the Thomsonian system requires a College to elucidate
more particularly the ideas of Dr. Thomson on Medicine.
The Book has it all. Go beyond that, and Dr.
Thomson himself says: *He knoweth it not!* "
In September, 1832, Thomson issued in the first number
of the Recorder a call for a "United States Thomsonian
Convention" of delegates from the various Friendly Botanic
Societies. This convention, which met at Columbus,
Ohio, in December, was to exchange ideas on medicinal
plants and remedial procedures, and promote the general
progress of the cause. It was a combination pep-meeting,
love fest, and pressure-group midwife. Between resolutions
to state legislatures regarding medical legislation— the
Ohio legislature a few weeks later repealed the law which
restricted the practice of the Botanies and Alabama extended
them equality the same year— the delegates listened
to amazing written testimonials of the effectiveness of Botanic
cures from those who could not attend.
The second annual convention, held in Pittsburgh, attempted
to create a permanent organization. It also aspired