This propensity does not always show itself in relation to some one remedy, but sometimes leads to the adoption of some system or class of remedies. I mention as an example the Thompsonian system. A certain group of remedies was selected by the founder of this system, from the whole kingdom of nature, as the remedies above all others, if not alone, fitted to attack the great unit, disease. The very idea of discrimination was discarded. The unit was to be attacked with these weapons, and the attack kept up till it was destroyed. No fear was indulged that any harm could be done, for Thompson claimed that his remedies had a natural relation to disease, possessed by no other agents, and that therefore, however largely they might be taken, they could not possibly do any injury. How beautifully simple this system of practice is; and, if its claims be just, what a perfect relief it brings to all the uncertainty of medicine! Away then with all care-worn experience, and all study! Keep up a constant fire of lobelia, red pepper, and steam, and you will certainly kill the disease at last—at least if you do not kill the patient. In the infancy of this system, this idea of its simplicity was more distinctly avowed than it is now, and the remedies that were used were much less in number than they now are. The followers of Thompson are certainly departing from the stern principles of his doctrine, and some of them even begin to talk about the necessity of study—a heresy, one would think, glaring enough almost to start Samuel Thompson from his grave! It is most impudently asserted by Thompsonians, that physicians generally act upon the same exclusive principles that they themselves do—that while Thompsonians give lobelia and cayenne in all cases, we do the same in regard to calomel, antimony, &c. This is undoubtedly true of some physicians, but it is a gross slander when it is applied to the profession in the mass. The real difference in this matter between Thompsonians and physicians is this. While Thompsonians confine themselves to one particular set of remedies for all diseases, physicians use in their daily practice a great variety of remedies, and among them the very medicines used by Thompsonians. We have never claimed, as Thompsonians falsely state that we do, that lobelia and cayenne are not good medicines, but simply that they are not applicable to all cases, any more than is calomel, or any other remedy that may be named. The quack shows in his advertisements, that he is aware of the prevalence of the propensity of which I have spoken, and here rests his chief hope of success. He begins his advertisement with something of this kind. Disease is an unit; or, All disease is in the blood; therefore the blood must be purified; or, Grand catholicon; or, Grand antidote to disease; or, The real essence of life at last discovered.