A BRIEF HISTORY OF MEDICINE. 15 
which seemed to chase away our fever and make us feel 
renewed in health. 
Thompson’s trial came on at last. To their credit, numerous 
friends who had been cured rallied round him, so much so that 
the prosecutor lost heart, and would have given almost any- 
thing to have got out of it; but there were more doctors than 
himself in it now, and it had to go to the jury. The 
first witness called proved the facts of the case. A speci- 
men of the dreaded poison, procured by the doctors, was 
handed to another witness, who looked it over, picked off a 
spray, and commenced chewing it. The learned judge, amid 
the silence of the court, sternly asked the witness if he 
intended to poison himself in their presence. The witness 
replied, ‘Your Honor, I could not poison sak iaores with 
this herb. It is not Jobela at all, it 18 marsh rosemar y.’ This 
created quite a sensation, and was a great crusher for the 
doctors. When the instigator of this iniquitous suit was put 
in the box he was terror-stricken, for he knew that his 
ignorance and perjury had caused the innocent man to be kept 
four months in a cold and poisonous dungeon. He knew also 
that damages, exceeding his estate, could be recovered from 
him. Inthe witness-box, when questioned, he did not, he 
said, know much about the prisoner. He had heard evil 
things about him, was sorry he believed them, and was sorry 
that he had instituted this suit. The judge characterised the 
case as a most malicious one, and directed the jury to acquit 
the prisoner, which they instantly did. Dr. French found it 
to his advantage to clear out very soon after. 
After this Thompson had rest from his enemies, who now 
pegan to use his method of treatment and medicines, taking 
care not to give him the honour. To prevent this and save 
himself from further molestation he went to Washington and 
took out a patent for his course of medicine. He had the 
satisfaction of living to a good old age and witnessing the 
good done by himself and some of his agents. ¢ When dying 
he said to his friends: ‘‘I have tried to help my fellow-men 
in their sickness by what remedies I could find. They have 
