Therapeutic nihilism

For example, when cocaine was first discovered, it was described in medical literature to be useful in conditions ranging from gastralgia, to childbirth (as a local anaesthetic), to migraine, to shingles, to nasal hemorrhage (due to its vasoconstrictive properties).

[2] Robert Bartholow, a contemporary physician, said "the science of therapeutics should be made more certain" and that the "true knowledge of drug action is not widely enough diffused.

Prior to the publication of rigorous research later in the 20th century, some physicians believed the most potent weapon for treatment was not medication, but the regulation of bodily secretions such as bloodletting, promotion of perspiration, or urination to regain the natural state of equilibrium.

In his book Medical Nemesis, Illich claimed that the great increase in life expectancy and public health experienced in his era was due to improved nutrition and sanitation, rather than innovation in drugs and medicines.

Therapeutic nihilists claimed such excess often led to malpractice and increase in iatrogenic (doctor-caused) injuries, accusing the physicians of creating even more illnesses.