History of the First National University of Naturopathy



Founded in 1911, the year 2002 is the 91st anniversary of the founding of the United States School of Naturopathy by Dr. Frederick W. Collins, one of the founding fathers of Naturopathy in America. In 1916 the United States School adopted the business name of First National University of Naturopathy, as it embraced colleges of Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, and Allied Sciences, as well as Naturopathy, within its academic borders.

With the rich tradition of true Naturopathy First National University is bringing Naturopathic Medicine into the new millennium for the healing of America and the World. This new century is our third century of existence, and we hope you will take this opportunity to train with us for the challenges of Natural Medicine in the 21st Century.

The following material provides an introduction to the history of the First National University of Naturopathy and the United States School of Naturopathy.



Dr. Frederick W. Collins

First National University of Naturopathy was founded in 1916 by Dr. Frederick W. Collins, known as the Consulting Drugless Physician of America.

Known as the Consulting Drugless Physician of America, Dr. Collins served as Dean of the United States School, and President of First National University. He was a regular licensed physician, surgeon, osteopath, chiropractor and registered naturopath.

He also served as: Vice President and Honorary President of the American Naturopathic Association, President of American Academy of Medicine for the study of the destructive value of drugs, serums and vaccines, and President of the American Drugless Hospital Association and White Cross Society for First Aid to the Injured, Secretary of the National Association of Drugless Practitioners, President of the New Jersey State Society of Naturopaths, and New Jersey Chiropractic Society, President of the New Jersey State Osteopathic Association, and, President of the American Academy of Chiropractic Research.

He was the first Naturopath, Osteopath, Chiropractor, in fact, the first and only drugless physician to receive the nomination for President of the United States of America. Dr. Collins was a well-known author and introduced naturopathic reduction, the naturopathic tonic treatment, foot correction, etc., to the Naturopathic profession. A tireless educator, the University was Dr. Collins' dream for a unified naturopathic educational system embracing all the schools of natural medicine.

Dr. Collins died in 1948 after more than 50 years of service to Naturopathic Medicine and Humanity.


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Dr. Frederick W. Collins, Founder of First National University and the United States School of Naturopathy. A higher-resolution (68 KBytes) photo is also available on-line.


History

The Naturopathic world was given exciting news in 1917. The headline of the Report of the 21st Annual Convention of the American Naturopathic Convention reads: "Decision Reached On Establishment Of Universal Naturopathic University And Hospital".


Work had actually begun to establish the university by Dr. Frederick W. Collins in 1916 through the United States School of Naturopathy and Allied Sciences, as it was realized that a naturopathic university system was essential for the continued development of Naturopathy in America.


Originally established in 1916 through the United States School as the Amalgamated Colleges of New Jersey, and shortly thereafter renamed the First National University of the Amalgamated Colleges, the name was finally settled upon as the First National University of Naturopathy and Allied Sciences. Operating under the federal charter of the United States School as a University level institution, the First National University of Naturopathy and Allied Sciences has provided the Naturopathic profession with its first and only naturopathic university system.


The University is the oldest accredited naturopathic university in the world, being accredited by the American Naturopathic Association (ANA) in the 1920's in its forerunner and constituent college of Naturopathy, the United States School of Naturopathy and Allied Sciences founded in 1911 and the oldest Naturopathic college in North America. Dr. Paul Wendel, President of the ANA, in his work "Standardized Naturopathy" published in 1952, states: "The following naturopathic colleges have been approved by the American Naturopathic Association, the University of Natural Healing Arts, Denver, Colorado, The American Therapy University, Arcadia, Missouri, the American School of Naturopathy, New York, NY, United States School of Naturopathy, Newark, New Jersey; and other schools and colleges to be approved."



Memorabilia

Original Home

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Original Home of United States School and First National University, Newark, New Jersey.


Philosopher of Naturopathy Degree

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Degree of Philosopher of Naturopathy (Ph.N.)

The United States School is the only school in the world which has the historic right to offer this degree. A higher-resolution (96 KBytes) image is available on-line.

Founded by Dr. F. W. Collins, the degree of Philosopher of Naturopathy represents the pinnacle of the Philosophy and the Science of Naturopathic Medicine. The degree has been offered since 1911 to those Naturopathic Physicians who have given new therapies and techniques to the Profession through the United States School. Recipients are required to hold a degree in Naturopathic Medicine and a Doctor of Philosophy in a health field before consideration.


Doctor of Naturopathy Degree

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Degree of Doctor of Naturopathy from the United States School from the 1920s. A higher-resolution (92 KBytes) image is available on-line.

This is an actual copy of the degree of Doctor of Naturopathy (N.D.) from the United States School from the 1920s from our archives. As one can see from the various courses listed this is a Physician's level course of instruction.

Since 1960 First National University has offered the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.M.D.) as a part of our commitment to restoring the high standards of the true Naturopathic Physician.


A Letter from the 1922 Archives

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First National University has always been in the forefront of true Naturopathic education. This letter from 1922, written on U.S. School stationary, shows the University's leadership both in establishing and standardizing quality Naturopathic education. The University maintains its commitment to the finest Naturopathic education available in the world. A higher-resolution (228 KBytes) image is available on-line.


The NADP Seal

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Seal of the National Association of Drugless Practitioners. The U.S. School of Naturopathy has been a member of, and accredited by, the NADP since 1912.


Report of the School Board
Arlington, New Jersey, October 31, 1930.

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This report is transcribed, immediately below. A higher-resolution (256 KBytes) image is also available on-line.


Appointed By The New Jersey State League Of Drugless Physicians To Investigate The Drugless Schools In New Jersey And Vicinity

Committee: Rev. Dr. Gustav G. Carlson; Rev. Dr. Gilbert Moulsdale; Attorney Elmer Romine; Dr. Margaret Krogman

We have only two schools in or around Newark teaching Naturopathy, -- one in New York City and the other school is the well-known First National University of Naturopathy in Newark, N. J., with Dr. Frederick W. Collins as Dean. I cannot restrain myself from giving a few words of appreciation of Dr. Collins and his great and untiring efforts in behalf of Naturopathy in America. If anybody deserves the name of "Father of Naturopathy" it is Dr. Collins. He has done more for the cause of Naturopathy to make it known and respected than any other man living. Thanks be to him that we still have a school of Naturopathy in New Jersey. All the other schools have been closed or have been compelled to leave the State, but Dr. Collins has successfully fought every attempt made by our powerful and influential enemy the Medical trust, A. M. A., to close the school, and with great financial loss has kept the school open. Is it fair that only one man should carry this heavy burden and responsibility alone? No. Let us be men and rally around our, I say our school, support it, boost it, and bring it to such a standard that we may point with pride and say, "This is our School" and that the diploma earned at the First National University of Naturopathy will be respected by all men and recognized by every educational institution in the world. This is no mere day-dreaming but it can and must be a reality or we may lose forever our opportunity to serve and save our suffering fellowmen and then we have failed in our God given trust and put our light under a bushel basket instead of letting it shine for the whole world.

We have a good deal to learn from the A. M. A. and the first lesson ought to be this -- raise the educational standard of the drugless physician that it may favorably compare with the standard of other professions. We must remember and recognize the stress placed on education in all professions today. To gain the respect and confidence of the public we must have proper education.

It is recommended that --

  1. The entrance requirements of an applicant wishing to study for the degree of "Doctor of Naturopathy" must be a graduate of a High School, or have Qualifications equivalent.

  2. The Board and League appoint and elect a Board of three members to act as an advisory committee.

  3. A complete curriculum be mapped out consisting of everything relating to the Nature Cure and conscientiously followed.

  4. A request be sent to every practitioner to recommend the school and send to the school at least one student a year.

  5. The school be recommended in newspapers and magazines in a dignified and professional manner.

Respectfully submitted,
Gustav G. Carlson
President School Board


1934 Women's Health Federation

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This report is decribed, below. A higher-resolution (128 KBytes) image of the cover is also available on-line.


1934 Progress In Drugless Healing

Report by
Dr. Olive Singley

Committee for the Advancement Of the Drugless Healing Arts
Women's Health Federation of America

The most convincing proof of the humanitarian and practical value of drugless healing is the definite character of its advances. Steady progress in every division of drugless and knifeless healing is evident, particularly in the last year. This is not only shown by the Federation survey, but in the establishment and growth of drugless schools, colleges arid health resorts where natural methods are taught or employed. It is particularly indicated by the medical statistics which state that the number of patients applying for medical treatment is decreasing while more and more patients are resorting to natural methods of cure.


Back To Nature Movement Growing

Primitive man knew instinctively that the sources of healing are no different than the sources of life itself, and that by applying the primal elements of Nature, recovery was sure. These primal life-sources are, as we know, food air, sunshine, water, rest, exercise, mental hygiene, and the subtler earth and terrestrial forces with which we are hardly as yet acquainted. It is the absence of these natural elements In the body or interference with them in their normal action and reaction, which produces disease; it is their presence and free play upon, within and through the body which produces what we know as health.


Hippocrates Practiced Nature Cure

This was understood by Hippocrates, "the Father of medicine" who advised and employed natural methods of treatment. But those who sought to follow in his footsteps thought these natural efficients were too simple. Instead of a simple understanding of the natural facts relating to disease, they began to weave around it an air of mystery; Instead of applying Simple natural remedies, they devised written prescriptions with Latin symbols known only to the doctor and the corner druggist; calling for magic pills, powders and patents to do the work which only Nature can perform; and instead of a simple system for assisting Nature In correction, an intricate system of meddling and frustration developed which has come to be known as medical science.


Naturopathy To The Fore

A logical reaction to this system occurred. Prominent physicians, seeing the mischief which their own medical system was producing cried out against it. Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes stated that if all the medicine in use by humans were dumped into the sea, it would be so much better for the patients and so much worse for the fishes. Others condemned the drug system still more vigorously. In Europe, particularly in Germany, medical men who had sincerely entered into practice from a humanitarian standpoint, abandoned the use of drugs and resorted to natural methods with great success. Laymen such as Father Kneipp, Preisnitz, and others appeared who had remarkable success in curing ailments by natural methods which had been given up by the medical doctors.

Thus the movement away from the drug system and toward a return to natural methods spread, until taken up in America a half century ago. Progress in America has in fact been such that many Naturopathic Sanitariums, Clinics, Health Homes, and several flourishing schools now exist, which are graduating trained and skilled Naturopathic physicians, both men and women of the highest types.

For additional free copies of this report address Women's Health Federation. Committee on Publication, Broadway-Central, New York City


Official Report Recommending Honor Award
First National University of Naturopathy
1934

Document Report No. 10-34-1


First National University Of Naturopathy
Stands High In The Field Of Teaching
Natural Methods

Among the colleges which matriculate students to become Naturopathic physicians is the First National University of Naturopathy in Newark, N.J. This college was visited by several of our Committee in September of this year. The students of the National University are carefully trained and encouraged to think and reason for themselves. Each step of progress is made by building upon the foundation of the understanding and ability of the individual student. By this method the sincere person who seeks to enter the profession of natural healing, makes rapid progress.

Frederick W. Collins, M.D., N.D., the dean of the First National University of Naturopathy, is widely known both as a health-welfare educator and leader in the promotion of Natural Methods of treating disease. He was a former member of the Naturopathic Board of Examiners of New Jersey. registered physician and surgeon, member of the American Academy of Medicine and Surgery, member of the Connecticut Eclectic Medical Association, and a registered practitioner of methods other than drug giving for the prevention of disease and treatment of the sick.


Facts About Naturopathic University

The Committee was impressed with the scope and thoroughness of the First National University of Naturopathy, founded by Dr. Collins as a logical development of related institutions, each with a distinguished history. The University embraces the New Jersey College of Osteopathy established 1905 in Passaic, N.J.. now a post-graduate Institution: United States School of Naturopathy. incorporated under Federal and State laws, not for pecuniary profit and conferring the N.D. degree; United States School of Physiotherapy, incorporated under National and State laws, not for pecuniary profit, and giving the D.Ph.: National School of Physical Culture, issuing certificates with M.P; Mecca College of Chiropractic, accredited by State Boards and issuing the D.C. and Ph.C.: degrees. Two score courses are offered in the University covering all branches of Drugless Therapy.

The Immutable Foot Correction Course has attained widespread recognition Students on graduation receive the degree of D.P (Doctor of Pedopractic) Advanced students acquire practical experience in the University's free clinics and in bedside practice under the direction of the faculty.


Naturopathic Teaching On High Plane

The University operates its clinics and educational departments on a high plane. Taking advantages of legal and constitutional rights and the continually growing fund of knowledge resulting from research and practice in the various fields of healing, the school has been an immense factor in vindicating, dignifying and advancing the related drugless professions covered by the term Naturopathy.

It is of interest and significance to know that the School recognizes the all-important place which each established method of treatment holds in the field of drugless healing. It does not stress any one of these methods as the "best".

Furthermore, it teaches that patients are individuals, that different "cases" respond most naturally to different treatments, and that most often a combination of natural methods Is most efficacious.

On this broad platform of healing the University of Naturopathy has advanced to prominence and recognition.


University Has Stood All Tests

The Committee was pleased to learn of the many tributes which the University has received from prominent sources, and the many splendid men and women that It has sent out to all parts of the United States and foreign countries to serve in the noble cause of healing.

The University bears comparison in courses and number of Study hours with medical institutions, It offers courses regarded as essential by leaders in the field of drugless healing. The faculty includes medical doctors and the curricula cover the all-basic knowledge of the three-fold man required by any student goes much further in diagnosis and treatment, so that graduates are better prepared for the delicate task of assisting Nature in relieving and preventing human suffering.


Iridiagnosis Exact Science

Outstanding in the curricula is the study of Iridiagriosis. This science was repeatedly attacked in the beginning, but Dr. Collins won thirty victories in Court in the successful defense of Iridiagnosis.

Eight years ago, a decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court definitely established both the legality and efficacy of diagnosing pathological conditions through their registration in the fibers of the iris.

The Court approved several phases of Natural methods of treating hitherto not duly recognized by State authorities.


Honor Award Recommended

In view of the high standing which the First National University of Naturopathy has obtained in the field of drugless healing schools, and its widespread influence as an educational and training institution in the cause of natural methods of treatment, the Committee for the Advancement of Natural Healing Methods unanimously recommends that the Honor Award of 1934 be granted to this institution.

Report read, verified, passed upon and approved by the Committee of Approval and Acceptance October 10th, 1934.
Luelen A. Bussenius, Chairman


Honor Award issued by Honor Award Committee
October 12th, 1934.

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This award is decribed, below. A higher-resolution (140 KBytes) image of the award is also available on-line.


Etta Catrow Secty.
Reception and Presentation of Honor Award October 12, 1934.
M. Warren Cook, Chairman

Women's Health Federation Honor Award Of The Year

This award is the highest distinction possible to be granted by Americas largest national organization of health-conscious women. These women are banded together to protect and advance the health-welfare of the American family and home as well as to lend intelligent, co-operative and constructive aid to those who may be professionally or industrially engaged in rendering a health service or producing a health product of unquestioned merit. It gives direct encouragement by bestowing its Annual Honor Award upon those who during the Year have been engaged in rendering a service in the cause of health and hygiene.

An endowed national organization advancing the Health-Welfare of the Individual, Family, Community and Nation through Health-education.





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