The Book of Health, or Thomsonian Theory and Practice of Medicine is a seminal work in 19th-century American alternative medicine, authored by F.K. Robertson and Silas Wilcox. Published in 1843, the book serves as a comprehensive guide to Samuel Thomson’s herbal-based medical system, known as Thomsonianism. This system emerged as a response to the prevailing medical practices of the time, which often involved invasive and toxic treatments. Thomson’s approach emphasized the use of natural remedies to restore the body’s balance and vitality.

The book is divided into four parts. The first two sections, written by Robertson, discuss the diffusion of medical knowledge and the relationship between medicine and science. Robertson critiques the medical establishment, positioning regular medicine as an art and botanic medicine as a science. The second part delves into physiology, hygiene, and Thomsonian pathology and therapeutics, outlining how diseases arise from imbalances and how they can be treated with natural methods. The third part, contributed by Wilcox, provides a manual of domestic medicine, offering practical guidance on treating various ailments using Thomsonian principles. The final section presents a Thomsonian materia medica, detailing the medicinal properties of plants and their applications in healing.

Thomsonianism, as detailed in this book, is rooted in the belief that disease is caused by a loss of vital heat in the body, often due to exposure to cold. Thomson advocated for treatments that would restore this heat, such as steam baths, herbal teas, and emetics like Lobelia inflata. He also emphasized the importance of eliminating toxins through sweating and purging. His system rejected the use of harsh mineral drugs, which were common in conventional medicine at the time, favoring instead the use of herbs and natural substances. This holistic approach aimed to empower individuals to take control of their health through accessible and natural means.

The publication of The Book of Health reflects the broader Popular Health Movement of the 19th century, which sought to democratize medical knowledge and practice. Thomson’s system gained widespread popularity, particularly among those who felt marginalized by the medical elite. The book not only serves as a practical manual for herbal medicine but also as a manifesto advocating for a more inclusive and natural approach to health care. Despite facing criticism and eventual decline, Thomsonianism left a lasting legacy in the field of alternative medicine, influencing subsequent herbal and naturopathic practices.