Cure for Consumption

 

James A. Simpson is known to have cured himself of consumption by breathing the vapors of the hemlock bark used in his tannery. In a letter dated September 7, 1889 he detailed the process:

 

Mr. Thomas Pine,

 

Dear Sir,

 

The diagram of the bark tub I sent you must have a tight cover with a 2” hole in the center for you the inhale the steam and when not used close hole and breathe fresh aire (sic). Repeat the enhailing (sic) often. Get new pealed (fresh) hemlock bark and newly ground bark in tub. To be renewed every 10 days, but reserve liquid to be heated and put upon new filed tub of fresh bark.  Continue this process and you will be cured if lungs are not to far decaid (sic). Bowles should be moved over a day by any mild Catharine. But you will please remember that you are not at liberty, but strictly forbidden not to reveal any part of this consumptive cure to any person hense the doctors of New York City or any other city. When convenient write with your progress.

In haste yours.

 

James A. Simpson

Phoenicia, Ulster Co. NY

 

On another page:

Liquid in tub is to be drawed(sic) off heated boiling hot and placed upon tub every 6 hours. The patient to enhail(sic) as often as possible. Hemlock bark is (to) be used & ground as tanner use. It is about the size of un-ground coffee. If finer the si—liquid could not pass though.

 

A drawing was enclosed showing a tub 18” diameter at the top and 16” at the bottom 30” high with top and strainer (perforated false bottom). There was a faucet located on the bottom. The tub was for use to inhale “the steam on a small scale.”

 

Another drawing was enclosed showing two rows (div 1& div 2) of six vats 7’ high and 8’ in diameter. Apparently full size tanning vats.

 

The notation says:

 

This cut represents 12 press leaches.

Explanation of press leaches… because the liquid can be preased (sic) say from no. 1 to no. 6 div 1. The same can be with div# 2 hense (sic) the liquid will be five times stronger. Prospectively for the cure of consumption and all lung complaints.

 

It is unclear how the last paragraph related to the over all process.