The American Eclectic Medical Review, Volume 4, edited by Robert Safford Newton, was published between July 1868 and June 1869. This volume serves as a comprehensive record of the Eclectic medical community’s advancements, practices, and discussions during that period. Eclectic medicine, emerging in the early 19th century, emphasized the use of botanical remedies and a holistic approach to patient care, distinguishing itself from conventional medical practices of the time.​

The volume covers a wide array of topics pertinent to the Eclectic medical field. It includes discussions on the use of specific herbal remedies, such as Baptisia and Gelseminum, highlighting their therapeutic applications. The text also addresses various medical conditions and their treatments, including whooping cough, breast tumors, and intestinal worms. Additionally, it delves into surgical practices, offering insights into cases and procedures relevant to the Eclectic approach. The volume reflects the period’s medical understanding and the Eclectic movement’s commitment to empirical and individualized patient care.​

Beyond clinical discussions, the volume provides a glimpse into the organizational aspects of the Eclectic medical community. It features reports from medical societies, details about the Eclectic Medical College of the City of New York, and discussions on the profession’s evolution. These elements underscore the movement’s efforts to establish a structured and recognized medical discipline. The inclusion of such content illustrates the dynamic nature of the Eclectic medical community and its endeavors to formalize its practices and education.​

American Eclectic Medical Review, Volume 4 serves as a valuable historical document, offering insights into the practices, challenges, and developments within the Eclectic medical community during the late 19th century. It provides a detailed account of the movement’s approach to medicine, emphasizing the use of botanical remedies and individualized patient care. This volume is an essential resource for understanding the evolution of alternative medical practices in America and the role of the Eclectic movement in shaping modern holistic health approaches.