Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1837-06-15
Inv REoUEsr.l

Lobeiia Mfain.Ly IAos. Hrrsry. ND This
plant has been mentioned by Lineus, and a
name and place has been assigned to it in the
cassifcatons of more modern botanical wri.
tcrs. Its genus and order may have been cor.
rcc!ly understood, but its medicinal efficacy
has never been divulged nor even mentionet
by any author until its virtues were ascertain
! by Samuel Thomson. Here we defy the
world. We court investigation, and uppea
To facts. For season the Pries:s, Lawyers
and Doctors,a literary host i'm his native state,
formed n deadly coalition intent on his de-
strnctiom L0beta was denounced, detamed,
derided and condemned by the Regular ply
slclans and their patrons and associates as
most fatal poison, and Thomson MS murder
er. History may lie, but in his case the facts
are too numerous. too recent and too well
substantlated to admit of successful contra
dIc,ion. LpbeIia has travelled extensively
thousands have entertained the stranger-and
have no fears oil any indecoous or improper
conduct-havlng given it welcome recep-
ton, they n.e now rejoicing that they have
oeen lntrodncedto an acquaintance so wor-
thy OF their esteem. Professors in our medi-
cal universities have began 10 sound it's re-
pu'a'ion-the multitude have heard it's fame
lhc disappointment, chagrin and mort; ica-
tlon OF literary pride Is VIGOROUSLY proclaim
ed. opr"sitlon has changed her note. His
enemies contend that lobelia is a remedy
hhown 10 the ancients, used by the Indians,
ana administered IN early times by the regu-
Iurs. These ar'ihccs are but Il refuge OF lies,
"hefe the chhnPions ut envy and detraction
WISH now To entrench themselves. Facts are
tco numerous and recent tor such falsehood
ana decepton to maintain their Cround.-
lhoiisoh has been the first to discover aud
" announce to the world the genuine char
acter or medical qualities, or powers of LO-
bel,d Infdtd. ! he record is before us--more
Than sufhcient one would think to bear home
irresistible convection of the truth of our as.
sertIon to every candid, honest mind. Here
tiien Is the diemna-and this the reflection
oi confused malcvolcnce. "lf | affirm that
ioDeliu Is dangerous poison and has been
known 10 XIII, cannot prove my assertion
J cannot make the people believe it-they
nave tred and proved it-they know it is
powerful To remove disease, but has no in1u.
ence 10 induce any disorder whatever.-I
thomson and others have been tried for their
'l'es 'or using IT, but no competent testimony
conId be raised to bring about .heir condem-
hahon-cven regular gentlemen of the med-
cal cIoth, have soeinnly sworn that lobelia
was dangerous poison, but there has always
been number Of equally credible witnesses
who have upset their testimony and involved
them IN n labyrinth Of contradictions and lies.
u we confess It's salutary influence and ac-
knowledge the safety and efficacy thereof,
'hat - harmless III It's operation, and DOW
erful to remove disease and repair the decay
OF declining Dature,wc are involved in an u,i-
pleasant inconsistency. The inquiry will be:
II Lobel'a be such Il safe, yet powerful rcne-
dy for discase,why have the faculty condemn
ed ii? II must be either through ignorance
of its real merits, or from downright wicked,
ness Of heart. 1t will be asked why did YOU
oppose its use so strenuously before Thorn.
SON and his adhcrcnts bore down your oppo-
sltion by irresistible testimony? There is a
very glaring Inconsistency some where. IT,
its virtues have been known so long to the
have they opposed it at uls Why
they so violently condemned il, instead of,
honestly recommending it TO their patents7"
The truth is, it was not known as n medi-
cine Of such peculiar excellency, until Dr.
! homson made the discovery and promulgnt-
ed the facts to the world. The Doctor states
"In giving description Of this valuable herb,
shall be more particular, BECAUSE IT'S ruE