a. (sb.) [f. Thomson, proper name (see definitions) + -IAN.)
1. Of or pertaining to the system of medicine practised by Dr. Samuel Thomson, of Massachusetts (1769–1843). Also as sb. One who follows this system. (Often erroneously spelt Thompsonian.)
1833. C. Thomson (title), A plain historical Statement of facts respecting the Thomsonian plan of medicine, as originated by Samuel Thomson.
1857. Dunglison, Med. Lex., Thompsonian, one who practises or believes in Thompsonianism. Ibid., s.v., Thompsonianism, The Thompsonians are Botanical Doctors.
1860. Bartlett, Dict. Americanisms, Thompsonian Doctor, a physician who follows the Thompsonian practice; also called Steam Doctor, Thompsonian Practice, a peculiar treatment of diseases.
2. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the poet James Thomson, author of ‘The Seasons.’
1890. Tennyson, in Mem. (1897), I. i. 11. I covered two sides of a slate with Thomsonian blank verse in praise of flowers.
1908. Westm. Gaz., 5 Feb., 4/2. One is apt … to over-estimate the difference between the Wordsworthian ‘Nature’ and the Thomsonian ‘Nature.’
Hence Thomsonianism, the Thomsonian medical system: see sense 1.
1857. [see sense 1 above].
1890. Billings, Nat. Med. Dict., Thomsonianism.
1894. Outing (U.S.), XXIV. 332/1. Do you believe in the mind cure—Thompsonianism—metallic tractors—Christian science?
1899. Syd. Soc. Lex., Thomsonianism..., a form of empiric medicine introduced by Samuel Thomson (1769–1843) of Massachusetts. Sweating, lobelia, and capsicum, were the principal agencies relied on.
