The vicissitudes of herbalism in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Britain.

In the middle of the nineteenth century, there was fierce confrontation between British herbalists, under the influence of Thomsonian medical botany, and the orthodox medical profession which was then in the throes of ordering its own ranks.' Towards the end of the century, this excitement had diminished and herbalists became less conspicuous, but a small group continued to struggle to improve their professional status. Then, early in the twentieth century, these herbalists suffered a series of reverses, mainly because of legislation which in their terms granted monopoly to the orthodox profession. Despite all difficulties, herbalists persisted; and patients continued to consult them. Currently, their persistence seems to have been rewarded, and it is suggested by writers such as Griggs, Stuart, and Inglis2 that there is now a major reawakening of public interest in herbalism. This results partly from the toxic medications of the orthodox practitioner and his neglect of the patient as a person, but largely from social change which has produced a new type of patient seeking herbal therapy. Corresponding shifts of attitude in herbalism can be detected earlier in the century. This paper is concerned with the tradition and the change in herbalism from the final quarter of the nineteenth century until the early years of the Second World War and publication of the Beveridge Report. This is a natural point at which to pause because the National Health Service after the war introduced a new phase in the history of herbalism. The number and diversity of the herbalists will be discussed, with an attempt to identify the beliefs and practices which defined them as a distinct group. This is necessary because the meaning of the term "herbalist" is not selfevident, the regular practitioners being enthusiastic prescribers of medicines derived from plants. The herbalists' struggle to achieve professional status and to dispel out-dated stereotypes will then be considered, attention being focused on the