"Herbalist of this
country should combine as a unit, and fight for their rights as free
American citizens. In England, the great medical Goliath was slain by
the little David of united herbalists, so that the arbitrary laws were
rescinded. The English herbalists are now free to practice their art,
and are daily becoming more popular with the common people (the real
power), and they are today nationally recognized physicians. We are
trusting you with the secrets of nature's great healing agents, and
their method of application. We are offering you power, success, and a
place in the sun. Do no fail in your stewardship."
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While this text is a bit dated and things have been discovered since, almost everything written in this short study is accurate and true. Dr. Edward Shook was a man clearly determined to spread the word of good health, nutrition, herbs, and healing to the medical world as it was changing. This particular book was designed to be a course for physicians, an extensive lecture (probably over a weekend). As a result some of it is a bit wordy and sophisticated sounding, but it's easy for a layman to understand.
Each chapter is a lesson, discussing things from phytochemistry, to nutrients and their importance, to medical treatments he frowns on, to recommendations. His discussion of nature and its natural processes, alkaline foods, water, and organ systems is extensive.
Many formulas are in this book, but that's not the whole thing it's about by far. This book is true and dear to me for another reason - it's obviously penned with enthusiasm, determination, and a firm (now dying among many herbal authors) belief in natural remedies and that they really do work for more than just bruised shins and runny noses. There's a charm about this book that's difficult to describe. If you run across it, pick it up, especially if you find a steal like I did. ($2.00 at Goodwill)
