REALL News - Vol 07 No 01 - 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue: Volume 7 Issue 1
Date: January 1999
Cover Headline: Dr. Kreider Speaks Out
Part: Part 1: Introduction
Author: Randy Alley

This issue of The REALL News features the first part of an article by Randy Alley titled "Dr. Kreider Speaks Out," focusing on the introduction to Dr. Michael Zimmerman Kreider.

Dr. Kreider's Role in the Ohio State Medical Society

The article begins by recounting an event from the May 1829 semiannual meeting of the Ohio State Medical Society. Charges of quackery were brought against Dr. John M. Shang, who was associated with the "Steam Confederation" and promoted the Thomsonian plan over "natural means of treatment." As a consequence of these proceedings, Dr. Shang was removed from membership in the Society and forbidden to associate with its members. The charges against Dr. Shang were signed by Dr. Michael Zimmerman Kreider, prompting the question: "Who was Dr. Kreider?"

Michael Zimmerman Kreider: An Early Skeptic

Michael Zimmerman Kreider (1803-1855) is presented as an early skeptic whose views were based on science as he understood it at the time. The article notes that early science was often influenced by religious beliefs and societal customs, and adherence to religion was often a prerequisite for scientific inquiry. These precepts are evident in Kreider's writings, and his discourse against phrenology was partly based on his religious beliefs.

Kreider began his medical education and internship in 1822 under Dr. Samuel Pearsons in Columbus, Ohio. By 1825, he passed his physician's examination and was licensed as a doctor of medicine, establishing his practice in central Ohio. Although little is known about his medical practice, he is described as one of the best physicians in the region. Records from the Ohio State Medical Society indicate that Kreider was an active participant in Society meetings.

He was also a member of the Philosophian Society of Wittenburg College, an organization dedicated to the promotion of science and literature. Through this society, members met to discuss and debate important issues, providing Dr. Kreider with a platform to voice his views against malpractice and quackery.

Kreider's Opposition to Phrenology and Mesmerism

The article delves into Dr. Kreider's specific beliefs, particularly his firm opposition to phrenology and mesmerism. These were popular practices that attracted thousands of followers across Europe and the United States, considered fashionable among both the educated and uneducated. The Phrenological Journal published characterizations of prominent figures analyzed by phrenologists, suggesting their endorsement of the practice. Phrenology claimed to promote equality by enabling weaker individuals to improve their condition. Similarly, mesmerism, popularized by figures like Mesmer, claimed to cure the sick and injured, unlock human potential, and even influence plants for abundance and freedom from labor. However, both phrenology and mesmerism were eventually denounced as quackery by most.

Dr. Kreider did not blame individuals for believing in quackery but unequivocally believed that man is a "dupable animal." He felt that being told one was dupable was humiliating. Kreider recognized that throughout history, people had fallen prey to such frauds, constantly seeking new miracle cures. He believed that those who offered these cures did so for their own selfish reasons, not to genuinely help mankind, and he labeled these practitioners as frauds.

The article quotes Kreider: "Every age has been marked with its humbugs, and every country has produced its mountebanks... Among the whole tribe of pretenders, none have been more bold and unblushing than the Phrenologist and Mesmeriser. None have promised so much and done so little..."

Kreider believed that phrenologists and mesmerizers were frauds who exploited the unknowing and unfortunate. More importantly, his actions within the Ohio State Medical Society demonstrated his concern that phrenology and mesmerism would divert people from seeking scientific medicine, leading to suffering and death.

Related Information and Future Articles

The article mentions that Dr. James Young, author of "The Toadstool Millionaires," identified the "Steam Confederation" as part of the therapeutic schemes proposed by Samuel Thomson, who advocated "steam baths and 'hot' botanicals." The article also cites sources such as Madeleine B. Stern's "A Phrenological Dictionary of Nineteenth-Century Americans" and Michael Z. Kreider's "Kreider Manuscript of Phrenology and Mesmerism."

Randy Alley, the author, recently received his Master's Degree in History, and this article is derived from his thesis. Previous issues of The REALL News had featured Alley's articles on Phrenology and Mesmerism.

The next installment, "Next Month: Kreider's Views on Phrenology," promises to further explore Kreider's perspectives on this subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are medical history, skepticism towards pseudoscientific practices, and the historical context of medical treatments and beliefs in the 19th century. The editorial stance, as presented through the focus on Dr. Kreider, appears to be one that values scientific medicine and critical examination of popular trends, particularly those that lack empirical evidence and may harm the public.