by uniting theory to practice, merits attention. With these ideas of cultivation and promulgation of human knowledge, I read the narrative of Samuel Thomson, and soon perceived that he was a man of good capacity, persevering temper, and benevolent disposition; and then he acquired his knowledge of the hitherto unknown virtues of certain plants by experiments first on himself, and then on those about him. In the course of twenty or thirty years he arranged his experimental knowledge into a system, as did the father of physic before him, however imperfect; and, having done this to the best of his power (for he had no literary education), he published the result of his experience, labor and thoughts, to the world, for it to judge of them and of him.

Again, he writes:

Thomson is not a Quack, if by quack we mean a vain, artful, tricking practitioner in physic. He is an experimenter who accumulates knowledge by his own experience. There was a sect among the ancients who assumed the appellation to distinguish themselves from dogmatists, who, without experience, taught dogmas. If Samuel Thomson be a quack, he is a quack sui generis, for being an enemy to concealment; he tells all he knows in as plain a manner as he possibly can, and leaves you to form your own judgment, provided you divest yourself of the fashion of this world in physic, which, with priestcraft, is fast passing away.

Thus over the stretch of nearly a century are re-echoed the words of a fair judge of men and medicine that went unheeded by those bent upon the destruction of the man who dared oppose orthodox medicine as practiced in the early years of our Republic. Many a system of medicine has come and gone which had less of merit in it than that of Thomson's, yet their founders' names have found an honorable place in orthodox medical history.

The end finally came, but it found Samuel Thomson true to his faith and colors. He was taken ill in Boston on August 1, 1843. He faithfully took his own medicines and followed the instructions of one of his followers. On October 4th he breathed his last, the mortuary record in Boston giving as the cause of death, hernia. Thomson was laid to rest in the sepulcher of a friend, and there he still rests, his grave unmarked, but he himself not wholly "unwept, unhonored, or unsung."

LOOKING BACKWARD.—It is sometimes a pleasure, as well as being profitable, to halt and look backward and take an in

ventory of what has been accomplished. For eight years the GLEANER, New Series, has gathered from Eclectic periodic literature, and from the best of so-called regular and homoeopathic sources, articles and notes that might be of use to the general practitioner of medicine. These eight volumes, always 480 pages each, and many times exceeding that number, constitute a valuable library of historic record and current thought and practice. Special care has been exercised to avoid the impractical and the ultra-scientific in the gleaning of papers, and those that now stand on record represent that which the average doctor can make use of in his daily work. We take especial pride in pointing to the practical features of the Eclectic material thus presented, which we believe will compare favorably with any similar collection of papers published throughout the medical world.

Satisfying also is the freedom from bitterness, rancor, and strife that mark these gleanings; and still greater pride have we in the cleanliness of the entire series of eight volumes. Petty news items, laudation, tickling, boot-licking, and ribald stories and jokes are conspicuous only by their absence. That these have no place in printed literature we are fully convinced. News which is desired by the whole profession is always permissible, but private matters which will interest only the individual considered bear little of interest to the profession at large; hence we have seen no reason to include such matter. Perhaps disappointment has come to some on account of this seeming lack of interest and courtesy in individuals' affairs, but a moment's thought will show the good reasons for not printing petty personals.

In the eight volumes of the GLEANER will be found biographies, with portraits, of men who are claimed by the Eclectic profession as bulwarks of the cause and makers of its history. A few exceptions there are, referring to those who, not Eclectic, have had a direct or indirect influence upon Eclectic medicine. In no instance has the man selected for biographic consideration known that he was to be included in this department other than he could sometimes guess from a request for facts concerning his birth and career, etc., necessary to give fullness to a sketch. No one has been written up who has asked to have it done; no one unworthy could have found his way in for love, money, or any other cause. All were selected for two reasons: First, the

president of the National always, for if the National saw fit to select him as leader, such an one surely is eligible to a place in our collection; secondly, others who also by their work and loyalty to Eclectic medicine have earned the right to such recognition. We can look back upon the biographical section of the GLEANER as a desirable historic record of clean, capable, and loyal builders of Eclecticism.

Three issues of last year's GLEANER give the life-histories of King, Howe, and Scudder, that great Eclectic trinity. Accompanying are selections from the writings of each, taken at various times in their lives, which give, better than any words of ours could give, an insight into the thoughts and characters of these men, and which constitute a philosophy of Eclectic medicine. These selections are alone of incalculable value to him who would know the history of Eclectic medicine. In each issue of the GLEANER, forty-eight in number, is a brief drug study of some important medicine employed in Eclectic practice for specific reasons. These constitute a brief treatise on specific medication which summarizes the best that can be given concerning the Eclectic uses of the drugs considered.

Under the caption, "Among the Eclectic Editors," is given the editorial thought of the leading editors of the Eclectic school, without comment. These selections show the spirit of the times and the drift of opinion concerning issues vital to Eclecticism. These alone we look back upon as a very valuable feature and as a condensed record of permanent journalistic worth.

Lastly, as we suspend this publication, permit me to extend my most cordial thanks to the subscribers who have interested themselves in the GLEANER, to those in charge of the printing department of the Methodist Book Concern, who have been unfailingly courteous and whose workmanship has left nothing to be desired; to the Cincinnati Process Engraving Company, whose half-tones have been work of art of the highest quality; and to the Lloyd Library Publishing Company for facilities, support, and co-operation which has made the publication of the GLEANER possible. Not least has been the interest of physicians whose opinions we value highly and whose many valued letters of commendation have encouraged the editor from time to time in his work.

SOME TYPHOID REMEDIES.-Autumn usually brings its proportion of typhoid fever cases. So prevalent is this fever in some localities in the fall of the year that it has been known as "autumn fever." In those districts where unsanitary conditions prevail we still find an abundance of typhoid fever; but where modern sanitation governs, with pure water supply and carefully guarded milk and vegetable supervision, this form of fever is fast becoming but a horrible memory.

Both the Eclectics and homeopaths have remedies which are so commonly effective in typhoid states that they have become known as "typhoid remedies." A brief reminder of these, now that the typhoid season is at hand, may refresh our memories and be of service to both patient and doctor. Among those which, from the past and extensive experience of Eclectic practitioners, are entitled to this distinctive name are rhus, baptisia, echinacea, epilobium, hydrochloric acid, and potassium chlorate. Closely seconding these are accessory remedies often needed to meet specific indications, such as aconite and veratrum, both used early in small doses only when sharply indicated, to control the temperature; gelsemium, for arterial and nervous excitement; belladonna, for congestion and hebetude; zinc sulphocarbolate, for intestinal sepsis; carbo vegetabilis, for hemorrhage; turpentine or capsicum for meteorism, and arnica as a spinal stimulant. Occasionally bryonia, lobelia, sulphurous acid, and rarely diaphoretic powder, quinine, or strychnine will be needed, and quite often sodium sulphite, which ranks very near the true typhoid remedies. But it is to the half-dozen typical typhoid remedies that we would call especial attention.

RHUS. To every observant practitioner we believe it will be evident that the blood and the nerve centers suffer proportionately more than any other tissues of the body. To prevent this nerve impression and blood disintegration to a large extent, rhus is one of the most potent agents. We have carried typhoid cases of pronounced severity through the entire course of the fever upon no other agent than rhus. The urinary secretion must be watched, however, as it occasionally markedly diminishes that secretion. The indications for rhus are pronounced-the marked nervous irritation, the long pointed tongue with prominent papillæ, the sharp stroke of the pulse, and the tendency toward delirium. There may also be marked irritability of the stomach, with tend

ency to nausea and vomiting. In children the brain-cry, sharp and weird, as if frightened out of sleep, is characteristic of rhus cases. The very small doses are to be preferred. R. Specific medicine rhus, gtt. x; water, iv. Mix. Sig. One teaspoonful every two hours. Occasionally, aconite or gelsemium may be given with it, as indicated.

BAPTISIA. This drug was the favorite anti-typhoid agent of the earlier Eclectics, and is still depended on by many of the present-day practitioners. It seems to be of greater efficiency in some seasons than others. That it opposes sepsis is very evident, and that it does so in a harmless manner as compared with many powerful antiseptics is also our experience. The blood changes in baptisia cases are marked by symptomatic features which are specific. The dusky surface of membranes practically bluish the livid appearance as if the patient had been frozen, and the beef-washings or prune-juice stools, and the sordes are characteristic. When these occur, baptisia should form a part of the treatment as long as these conditions last. R. Specific medicine baptisia, gtt. xxx; water, 3iv. Mix. Sig. One teaspoonful every three hours.

ECHINACEA. For many of the features of baptisia cases some physicians substitute echinacea or echafolta. Whether echinacea has the power to kill guinea pigs or not, it is certain that it often has the power to save life when sepsis threatens the integrity of the body-fluids. "Depravation of blood" is the best term that can be applied to that condition calling for echinacea. The tongue is dry, the secretions fetid, the tendency to sordes marked, and blackish deposits upon the tongue prominent when echinacea is demanded. It acts well in association with baptisia, and to prevent the condition named-blood disintegration-and render cases mild, we know of no better method than to give echinacea or echafolta in five to ten-drop doses in the drinking water given the patient several times a day throughout the fever. As in the case of rhus, if the kidney output becomes scanty it must be withdrawn.

EPILOBIUM. The infusion of epilobium, prepared as follows, has served me best of any agent to control the diarrhoeal discharges of typhoid fever. R. Epilobium herb, 3ss; boiling water, Oj; infuse 15 minutes; cool; add essence of peppermint, 3j (or of cinnamon, 3ss); glycerin, 3iij. Mix. Sig. One tablespoonful