Nineteenth Century Alternative Medicine

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 2:00pm

Van Veghten House, 9 Van Veghten Drive, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Guest speaker Dr. Sandra Moss will discuss Nineteenth-century Alternative Medicine Practices in Central New Jersey.

In the mid-19th century, there was a popular revival of the water cure in Europe and the United States. Central New Jersey had its share of water cure establishments and practitioners of hydropathy – an alternative approach to medicine. Hydropathy taught that hygienic living was the best prevention of illness, and that through self-care one could enjoy good health and freedom from drugs and doctors.

Dr. Sandra Moss practiced for many years as a general internist in Central New Jersey. She earned a master's degree in the History of Medicine in 2005. Her major historical interest if nineteenth century New Jersey medicine. She is the past president of the Medical History Society of New Jersey and incoming president of the American Osler Society, an international organization for historians of medicine.

Dr. Moss has published over thirty articles, chapters, and encyclopedia entries in the field of medical history and speaks frequently before local, state, and national audiences. She is the author of The Country Practicitioner: Ellis P. Townsend's Brave Little Medical Journal, the story of a forgotten New Jersey medical journal and its editor.

Directions: From East Main Street in Bridgewater, turn south on Finderne Avenue. Turn right on Van Veghten Drive. The Van Veghten House is located at the end of the road (1 mile).