PERKINISM Meaning and
Definition
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Perkinism is a term that refers to a specific line of alternative medicine that was popular during the 19th century. Named after its creator, Elisha Perkins, an American physician, Perkinism involved the use of metallic rods or tractors, which were made of materials like brass and iron. These tractors were believed to possess healing powers and were used to treat various ailments and diseases.
The theory behind Perkinism was based on the idea that diseases were caused by blockages or imbalances in the body's natural energy flow. By applying the metallic tractors to specific areas of the body, practitioners believed that they could restore the balance and promote healing. The tractors were often drawn over the affected area or held in close proximity to the skin to elicit the desired effects.
Despite its popularity and widespread use in the 19th century, Perkinism was eventually discredited by the medical community. Critics argued that any perceived therapeutic effects were due to placebo or other psychological factors rather than any genuine healing properties of the tractors. The practice gradually fell out of favor as scientific understanding of medicine improved.
Today, Perkinism is considered a pseudoscientific practice that holds no merit in the field of medicine. While historical in nature, the term is still occasionally referenced in discussions about the evolution of medical knowledge and the rise and fall of alternative healing practices.
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The treatment of disease by means of Perkins' tractors.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PERKINISM
- oerkinism
- lerkinism
- -erkinism
- 0erkinism
- pwrkinism
- psrkinism
- pdrkinism
- prrkinism
- p4rkinism
- p3rkinism
- peekinism
- pedkinism
- pefkinism
- petkinism
- pe5kinism
- pe4kinism
- perjinism
- perminism
- perlinism
- peroinism
Etymology of PERKINISM
The term "Perkinism" originated from the last name of its founder, Elisha Perkins. Elisha Perkins was an American physician who developed a medical practice and therapeutic system based on "Perkins Tractors". These were specially designed metal rods that Perkins claimed could effect miraculous healings when applied to certain parts of the body. Perkins gained considerable notoriety and his treatment became known as "Perkinism". The word itself didn't have a specific etymology beyond its association with Elisha Perkins and his medical practice.
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