Vitalism: The History of Herbalism, Homeopathy, and Flower Essences

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Recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about how the practice of medicine got to be where it is today. Over the past two hundred years, it has not been altogether clear which is main stream medicine and what is alternative, and this book details how we got here and shows that the current state is due as much to politics as to science. Also, this book is very useful if you wish to know more about the different schools of homeopathy and their rather unintegrated views of best homeopathic prescription practices, such as one high dose vs. multiple low doses.This isn't a book for the lay person learning how to use homeopathy to treat himself and his family. The detailed writing got a bit plodding for me as the author gets into the details of the lives of the great figures of alternative medicine including Hahnemann, Rademacher, Samuel Thomsom, Kent and Bach. Vitalism: The History of Herbalism, Homeopathy, and Flower Essences  is an incredibly useful resource for those familiar with the topic who wish to substantially deepen their understanding.

Good review of the alternative medicine practices which evolved at the end of the 18th and start of the 19th centuries and how they have progressed, morphed, and evolved . Some, such as homeopathy, remain fairly true to their originators ideas while others, such as the Thompsonian system, served as progenitors for more developed systems. Any student of medicine, medical (or pharmacy) history would enjoy this book. The author is something of a "true believer", so a grain or two of salt, or calomel, might be in order.

Really Awesome Book! Definitely a good read.Its Good to catch up on herbal history before going into the practice without this essential knowledge or blind to its foundations.

This book explains the history of herbal studies. Matthew Wood is a fantastic writer and story teller. He brings the natural medicine world to his readers in a fun and exciting way.

an overview of some important figures along history of medicine. interesting, intrigueing.

This book is 5 star ONLY for people who want to learn a history of medicine and how it evolved. In my opinion, reading the book is totally un-necessary for the vast majority of people, including myself. I bought this only because it was Mathew Wood. Having said that, I am glad that I read the book because I gained some background enrichment...but if I could go back in time and tell myself about this book, I'd say don't buy it and don't waste your time reading it.Spend the time and money on a different Mathew Wood book that talks about plants and their applications instead of stupic physicians of the past who were wrong with everything they were doing, but were too arrogant to realize it. I hate reading about people like that.

Verry happy

I really enjoyed this book. It was great to read about the lives, struggles and ideas of the great medical pioneers. And also good to realise that there is a lot of influence, from money, vanity, religion and factionalism. After reading this book, you will be yet a little bit wiser, about the ways of the world. And it helped me in being a good vitalist.

Well written and gives the reader a clear basic understanding on Vitalism under the headings of homeopathy, Herbalism and flower essences. One of my favorite books.... it will have a place on my bookshelves.

Good condition...I never got to read it though... I live on a narrowboat which sadly sank and this book went down with it.

I am about to start a course on Homeopathy and I just love reading this book as it showed me some different perspectives of different schools of thoughts and see how things evolve since XIX century. I really recommend this book and it is easy to read.