The Use of Toads and Frogs in Medicine

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THE TOAD AS A CANCER CURE, from The Woman's Medical Journal 1907

The Rev. Gilbert White, in a letter dated Selborne, July 27th, 1768 (Natural History of Selborne), refers to the wonderful method of curing cancer by means of toads. He also refers to the frequency, "many thousands" of cases of cancer. The disease which is supposed to have increased in frequency in more modern times, evidently attracted attention at the time, 1768, because of its virulence and frequency. In this letter to his friend in which Mr. White writes of fish, reptiles and toads, he says: "In my visit I was not very far from Hungerford, (England), and did not forget to make some inquiries concerning the wonderful method of curing cancers by means of toads. Several intelligent persons, both gentry and clergy, do I find give a great deal of credit to what is asserted in the papers, and I myself dined with a clergyman who seemed to be persuaded that what is related is matter of fact, but when I came to attend to his account, I thought I discerned circumstances which did not a little invalidate the woman's story of the manner in which she came by her skill." Unlike most of his brother clergymen and "the papers" he does not give full credence to the "woman's story" of how she was cured. The story he relates as follows: "She says she went to some church where there was a vast crowd; on going into a pew, she was accosted by a strange clergyman, who after expressing compassion for her situation, told her that if she would make such an application of living toads as is mentioned she would be well." Mr. White does not enter into the details of the application, no doubt thinking his friend knew the remedy and its manner of application, or that it was not worth the trouble. Mr. White shows the thoughtful and analytical mind of the true scientist who looks for facts rather than mysteries, that cannot be explained by scientific research, such as it was in his own time. He reasons thus: "Now is it likely that this unknown gentleman should express so much tenderness for this single sufferer, and not feel any for the many thousands that daily languish under this terrible disorder? (Italics are ours). Would he not have made use of this invaluable nostrum for his own emolument; or at least, by some means of publication or other, have found a method of making it public for the good of mankind? In short, this woman (as it appears to me), having set up for a cancer-doctress, finds it expedient to amuse the country with this dark and mysterious relation." The friend evidently has similar views regarding this quack story for he says in another letter to this same friend: "You judge very right, I think, in speaking with reserve and caution concerning the cures done by toads; for, let people advance what they will on such subjects, yet there is such a propensity in mankind toward deceiving and being deceived, that one , cannot safely relate anything from common report, especially in print, without expressing some degree of doubt and suspicion."

From Tumours: Their Nature and Treatment, by New Remedies By John Pattison 1869

FROGS.

Within the last few months a Dutch gentleman, not connected with the medical profession, but who has resided for some years in India (Mr. Schmidt), has created some interest on the Continent, by his treatment of cancer, more especially in connexion with Count Von Goltz, who is said to have been suffering from cancer of the tongue and fauces. Sufficient information has not yet been received as to the results of the treatment. When in Prussia a few weeks ago, visiting a patient, I was informed by a lady that his treatment depended on the free use of frogs; to use her words, "He (the Count) ate frogs, drank frogs, was rubbed with frogs, lived with frogs, and slept with frogs." Of course this description to some extent, was an exaggeration, but perhaps Mr. Schmidt first obtained his idea from some knowledge of homoeopathy; for I, with many other homoeopathic physicians, have found great benefit in certain forms of this disease, from the administration of a second or third decimal dilution prepared from the rana buffo. From the well-known and marked success of a preparation made from frogs, in obstinate cases of rheumatism, more especially in rheumatism of the joints, I am satisfied that much benefit can be obtained by their use in treating malignant tumours, and, D. V., in Spring I intend to investigate and try the various preparations, in cases of malignant disease, the results of which, when completed, I will make public. I trust that Mr. Schmidt may prove successful, for any treatment that offers a reasonable hope of success will be received with gratitude, not only by the profession, but also by all those who have the interests of suffering humanity at heart.