CONSERVATIVE MEDICINE. A SYSTEM OF MEDICINE FOR GENERAL USE.

[circa 1870's]. Hardcover. Fair. Handwritten notes and partial manuscript for a layman's guide to therapeudic cures for diseases and illnesses. Held in a bound notebook (approximately 7" x 8 1/4") with marble-paper boards and leather spine. Two addtional pages of notes laid in along with a programme for an 1879 convention of a teachers' association. Dr. Charles Bowker (1824-1906) practiced medicine in western Massachusetts during the mid to late 19th century, graduating in 1854 from the Berkshire Medical College. He spent most of his career in Bernardston, Wilbraham and Savoy in private practice. In this notebook, he transcribes extracts from medical journals and books and then sets out a partial draft of a layman's manual for therapeutic cures. The recommended cures include punpkin seeds to expel tape worms, "Indian cup" to remedy small pox, and nitrous oxide to treat typhoid. Boards worn; backstrip lacking and partially secured with tape and white paper; some portions of handwriting in ink are faint.