HISTORICAL STATUS OF “NATURE CURES.”

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 379, 10 March 1937, Page 2

HISTORICAL STATUS OF “NATURE CURES.”

LONDON CASE.

Herbalists Recognised Legally Since Time of Henry VIII

"It does not do to disparage these • unorthodox practitioners-—or to jeer ■ at them or to pour contempt on - them.” So said Mr Justice Atkinson in the King’s Bench Division, when Mr i George Foster, a Nature-cure practitioner, ot Forest Road, Waltliami stow, E., was ordered to pay £490 damages to a patient, Mr William . Sones, of Dudley Road, Ilford. 1 Mr Sones claimed for alleged negligence in the treatment of his left foot, as the result of which, lie said, his leg had to be amputated. No Prejudice. Mr Justice Atkinson, in his sum- . ming up, advised the jury to put out of their minds all prejudice that might be imported into these cases against orthodox practitioners. "We know,” he said, "that' the medical profession likes to think it is the sole repository of knowledge connected with the art of healing, but I don’t know that everybody agrees with that, and, in fact, there cannot be very much doubt that there are other practitioners who are rendering considerabla public service. “Now herbalists are recognised legally. In the time of Henry VIII. a statute was passed recognising, that all people with knowledge and experience of herbs should be permitted to practise. "And, curiously enough. that statute has never been repealed. Benefits of Fasting. “1 suppose,” the Judge added, “that everybody will admit that we owe the present-day benefits of fasting to the •teaching of naturopaths." - pealing with the alleged representjjlon by Mr Foster that he war a JSfitJical practitioner, Mr justice Atkinson said he disallowed evidence on the point because there was no such suggestion in the stat tn ent of claim. The jury. in awarding £490 damages, divided this into £4O fees to be returned', £5O for unnecessary pain and suffering, and £4OO for the loss of bis leg.