Wharton (history of medicine, U. of Washington) presents a history of alternative medicine in the United States from 1800 to the present. Aimed at the general reader, the text covers major systems such as Thomsonianism, homeopathy, Mesmerism, chiropractic, acupuncture, and naturopathy. Wharton points out the failings of some of these systems as well as where they have won recognition by the medical establishment.