Cleave’s
Biographical Cyclopædia of
Homœopathic Physicians and Surgeons
By Egbert Cleave
Presented by Sylvain Cazalet
RAGIN,
JOHN, M. D., of Mobile, Ala., was born in Douglas, Mass. He is a
descendant of the John Cragin who was conspicuous among the prisoners of
war, sent to this country by Oliver Cromwell. While in his early
boyhood, part of the family of young Cragin removed South with him, and
when arrived at the proper age, he was sent to the William and Mary
College, of Virginia, to pursue his education. He was an apt pupil, and
an industrious student ; and at the close of his collegiate course,
he was well prepared to enter upon the study of medicine, the profession
of which his taste and inclinations decided him to follow. He commenced
its study in the office and under the direction of an eminent allopathic
practitioner. He entered upon a critical examination of its theory, and
pursued it with a thoroughness and depth of research, which is
characteristic of the man. He could not find that it rested upon any
scientific basis ; but on the contrary was forced to the
conclusion, that the whole system was wrong -wrong in its doctrines,
principles and practice.Greatly disappointed in
the result of his investigation, he turned from it with a feeling akin
to disgust.Being thoroughly
conversant with the polities of the country, and possessing a high order
of literary talent, he devoted his time and energies both to politics
and literature. About 1845, he became connected with the leading
Democratic press of Alabama, under the auspices of the late Hon. William
R. King, in which position he soon distinguished himself, and came to be
universally regarded as one of the ablest political writers of the
State.He was also a frequent
and able contributor to the literary periodicals of the country, both
North and South.While engaged in these
pursuits, his attention was directed to the new system of medicine -homœopathy.
Upon a most rigorous investigation of its principles and theory, and
finding them laid on a foundation broad as nature, and whose truths are
as uncontrovertible as her laws, he became a true believer in and an
unflinching advocate of the new science. After two years of thorough
investigation and study, he retired wholly from the field of politics,
and commenced the practice of homœopathy in Annapolis, Md. He remained
here, however, but a year ; when he returned to Alabama, and
established himself at Mobile, where, during his eighteen years of
active practice, he has met with that high degree of success,
commensurate with his eminent ability and skill.Source
: Cleave’s Biographical Cyclopædia of Homœopathic Physicians and
Surgeons By Egbert Cleave