In 1894 George W. Carey published this lengthy thesis, in which he describes his biochemic system and the use of various chemicals to alleviate certain conditions.

The components of Carey's research involve a variety of ideas combined with existing knowledge. Traditional remedies, anatomical and physiological descriptions, symptoms of medical ailments, and the concept of the human body as a single chemical formula unite to form the author's theory of treatment. Carey subscribed to the idea that diseases were comprised of mineral imbalances, and could thus be managed with the use of various chemicals. A series of common ailments are examined in this manner.

Today, George W. Carey's work is mostly read by those with an interest in homeopathic, New Age or occultist spiritual and wellness concepts. Conventional medicine and the scientific community have long rejected the claims put forward in this and other books by Carey, pointing to contrasting data accumulated through many studies conducted over decades through use of the scientific method. Nevertheless, the notion of a biochemic explanation for medical issues attracted a following which remains to this day.