Excerpt from From Ergot to "Ernutin" An Historical Sketch For many years I have been engaged in researches respecting the early methods employed in the healing arts, both amongst civilised and uncivilised peoples. It has been my object, in particular, to trace the origin of the use of remedial agents. Why were certain substances used in the treatment of various diseases? Was their adoption the result of study and practical observation, or was it more usually the result of accident? Were the alleged virtues purely imaginary and due to some superstitious suggestion? A con sideration of such questions is always of interest, and sometimes adds to our knowledge. There is a considerable amount of information scattered throughout the world in folk-lore, early manuscripts, and printed books, but the difficulties of tracing out and sifting the evidence are considerable. I anticipate that the historical exhibition of medical, chemical and pharmaceutical objects which I am organising, to be held in London (eng), will lead to the revealing of many facts, and the elucidation of many obscure points, in connection with the origins Of various medicines. I should greatly value any information sent me in regard to medical traditions or references to antient treatment in manuscripts, printed works, do; even though the items be ever so small, they may form important connecting links in the chain of historical evidence. It is my intention ultimately to place before the profession, in a collected form, all the information I obtain. I should be glad to receive any information respecting the early history of ergot and ergotism, also references to the use of ergot as a medicinal agent in antient times. Being engaged on a further and more exhaustive investigation of this interesting drug, any notes on the subject would be greatly appreciated. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.