Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only. 103
CONTINUING HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL EDUCATION SERVICES
QUARTERLY HOMEOPATHIC DIGEST
VOL. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010
Part I Current Literature Listing
______________________________________________________________________________
Part I of the journal lists the current literature in Homeopathy drawn from the well-known
homeopathic journals published world-over - India, England, Germany, France, Brazil, USA,
etc., - discipline-wise, with brief abstracts/extracts. Readers may refer to the original articles for
detailed study. The full names and addresses of the journals covered by this compilation are
given at the end of Part I. Part II contains selected essays/articles/extracts, while Part III carries
original articles for this journal, Book Reviews, etc.
______________________________________________________________________________
I. PHILOSOPHY
1. LM Potencies, Remedy Reactions, Aggravations
and cure
LITTLE, David (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
The author discusses about recognizing and
managing remedy reactions.
1. A similar aggravation: This results from the too
large dose of the right remedy. Prolonged
aggravation demands intervention in the form of
very small dose of lower potency of the same
remedy. If still uncontrollable, antidote is required.
2. A dissimilar aggravation: New and troublesome
symptoms indicates wrong remedy. Remedy
selection is based on these symptoms and old
symptoms. If Aggravation still persists, antidote.
3. Accessory symptoms: Improvement in some
symptoms and new symptoms indicate partial
Similimum. Recasetaking and a better remedy to
be given. This leads to zig zag path towards cure.
4. A true healing crisis: The cure should follow the
direction of cure. The return of old symptoms
should be gentler and pass off more quickly than
the original incidents.
The major difference between a Řsimilar
aggravationř and a Řhealing crisisř is that an agg. is
controlled by the primary action of the remedy and the
healing crisis is controlled by the secondary curative
response of the Vital Force.
HAHNEMANN pointed out that the order of the
return of old symptoms can be disrupted in the case of
over-drugging, suppression, unnecessary surgical
intervention, etc. It may also be disrupted by an old
local complaint or a one sided pathology that has acted
on the organism for a long time. These may not be
removed until the rest of the health has been recovered
in most other regards.
2. The concept of Miasm Ŕ evolution and present day
perspective
MATHUR Mohit (HOM. 98, 3/2009)
This paper reviews the circumstances in which the
concept of Miasm evolved and how subsequent
developments in medicine have improved our
understanding of the cause of diseases. It concludes
with an emphasis on the need to further refine the
homeopathic concept of disease. [How to refine? How
would the author who seems to integrate Homeopathy
and the Hegemony Medicine consider the high
potencies which are not Řrationalř = KSS.]
3. Psychosomatic Healing
WHITMONT Edward, C. (AJHM. 101, 4/2008)
The efficacy of Homeopathy requires modern
medicine to revise its mechanistic paradigm of the
human body-mind and its physiology. Scientists such
as Sheldrake and Schrödinger have demonstrated that
the reality of shape or organization (i.e., the organizing
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 104
patterns of Nature) supersede the apparent material
reality of matter. This Pattern is equivalent to
relationship or context, which ultimately confers
meaning to existence. ŖMorphicŗ fields are postulated
by Sheldrake to surround each natural system and can
linger as a kind of memory even after the system has
disintegrated. WHITMONT suggests that in the same
manner Disease represents a field, as it were, that must
be reckoned with by the afflicted organism Ŕeither by
shielding against it, succumbing to it, or integrating it,
and in consequence achieving a new Řevolutionar
form. The concepts above all stem from the
phenomenon of the infinitesimal dose, which reduces
substance to Řexperimential memory.ř Additionally, the
Law of Similars phenomenon, in revealing the similarity
of form between the patient and remedy, reveal the
implicate order (or meaning) underlying each. Thus
existence is imbued with a sense of meaning. Similarity
is demonstrated as a healing principle not only in
Homeopathy but also in successful psychotherapy.
4. Diagnosis
MOSKOWITZ, Richard (AJHM. 102, 1-2/2009)
The problem with diagnosis centers on the
distinction between illness, which features subjective
elements (symptoms), and Ŗdisease,ŗ which is defined
purely objectively. Diagnosis, the identification of
disease, works very well to explain illness, by situating
it within the accumulated body of pathological
knowledge. It works much less well as a predictor of
illness in the future. Yet medical practice increasingly
focuses on identifying potential disease elements before
the patient is aware of them. These data are inherently
ambiguous and misleading, both by identifying
abnormalities which never materialize as illness (Ŗfalse
positivesŗ), and by failing to detect perceptible signs of
actual illness (Ŗfalse negativesŗ). Above all, they are
dangerous, by inculcating fear, reducing risk to a
statistical calculation, and promoting drastic, irrelevant,
and injurious treatments to Ŗcorrectŗ them.
5. Internal Psora
DIMITRIADIS, George (AJHM. 102, 1/2009)
The author describes the latent and secondary
stages of Psora as identified by Samuel HAHNEMANN
in his book, Chronic Diseases. This is the second in
the (interrupted) series of articles on Psora by George
DIMITRIADIS and is a reprinting (by permission of the
author) of various chapters from his book entitled The
Theory of Chronic Disease According to
HAHNEMANN.
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II. MATERIA MEDICA
1. The Fruit Remedies
DEROUKAKIS Marilena (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
The indications of the following fruit remedies
Musa sapientum (Banana), Fragaria vesca
(Strawberry), Citrus limonum (Lemon), Punica
granatum (Pomegranate) Asimina triloba (Pawpaw),
Amygdala persca (Preach) are discussed and their
differential diagnosis of the more common remedies are
given.
2. The State of Our Materia Medica
Substance Trials and Effects for Homeopathic
Application through the Study of our Primary
Sources
DIMITRIADIS George (AJHM. 101, 4/2008)
Our Materia Medica was born of Hahnemannřs
realization of the only path to discover the singular
effects of therapeutic substances through a methodical
and deliberate process of trials on the healthy, proving,
as they are termed, and such trials undertaken by
HAHNEMANN, and recorded pure, so to speak, form
the very substance for our application of similar.
But even our Pure Materia Medica is inclusive of
data derived through other-than deliberate trials on the
healthy, and this presentation will (briefly) review and
discuss these sources in order to highlight their
limitations and scope, both from a theoretical and
practical perspective. We will also clarify what is
meant by the term proving in relation to our Materia
Medica Ŕ to define and therefrom limit this term to its
originatorřs intention, itself forged upon an
unprecedented, methodical pharmacologic
experimentation and clinical verification. For this
purpose, we must establish a clear definition of terms,
which may best be done through careful examination of
sources Ŕ in this case, HAHNEMANN, whose literary
legacy, fortunately, includes unambiguous and
extensive writings on this very matter.
In the Appendix he has given xerox pictures of our
original Pharmacographic Records Ŕ the so-called
Řsourceř literature.
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III. THERAPEUTICS
1. The smallest car in the world that can fit in a brief
case
BALDOTA, Sudhir (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
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A patient with cold and pain in and around eyes and
poor concentration. Based on series of questions, the
sensation of sudden shrinking and sudden expansion is
elicited. Cactina of cactaceae is prescribed in 30
th
potency. Three months later, feeling good, no
headaches at all. 7 months later, feeling calmer and
still. No distraction in studies. The remedy was
repeated twice in a year.
2. Cases of: Mentha piperita
MANGIOLAVORI, Massimo (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
Two cases cured by Mentha piperita are presented
which had the following common symptoms.
GI problems
Cold flatus/abdomen.> warmth
Coldness in their bellies
Both bend double to help abdominal pain
Strong appetite. Overeating
Throat problems.
Attentive to personal appearance. Need attention
through their appearance; but donřt want much
intimacy.
Work hard, proud of it.
Strong reaction from loss.
Sleep problems.
Mental dullness; concentration problems.
Themes of the Mint-like Remedies
Narcissism
Ambition
Efficiency
Duty
Extreme pains
Coldness
3. Childhood Ear Infections:
A homeopathic Model for Diagnosis, Treatment
and Research
MOSKOWITZ, Richard (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
Otitis Media has become the most common
paediatric diagnosis in United States and several
medical journals have begun to question the safety of
antibiotics and tympanostomy.
The author summarizes his experience with Otitis
Media in children. Emphasizing diagnosis, treatment,
Prognosis and long term case management.
Although symptoms often recede during treatment,
relapse is common. Critical requirement for success is
to re-educate the parents and develop an alternative
model that works and makes sense.
With significant ear involvement, it is helpful to
remind parents that antibiotic treatment is no more
effective than placebo.
It is imperative to take a careful vaccine history and
to look for familial influences or other factors which
may aggravate.
Chronic or recurrent Otitis is frequently reactivated
by a booster vaccine after a long period of remission.
If the child is not acutely ill, one dose per week of
indicated constitutional remedy, for up to three weeks if
necessary. One or more remedies in hand for acute
flare-ups are suggested. Once this critical phase of
illness is traversed without antibiotics, the rest of the
treatment usually proceeds quite smoothy.
Based on this clinical experience and research
MOSKOWITZ concludes that modern epidemic of
chronic ear disease is attributed in large part to two
public health blunders 1. The war on nasopharyngeal
bacteria, fought with antibiotics, tympanostomy tubes
and systemic cultivation of fear; and 2. The vaccination
of entire populations against a growing list of diseases,
with no end in sight.
The usual complications are resistant strains, super
infection with yeast and other fungi and/or chronic
serous otitis or Řglue earř Ŕ a common cause of
permanent deafness.
4 cases are presented:
1. C.Z., girl of 3 years with recurrent ear infections,
diagnosed by Otoscope. Since the age of 5 or 6
months, typically associated with colds of the
production of thick, green mucus requiring months
of antibiotics. No fever, mild earache. Irritable and
cranky as the cold ended. Teething was late,
painful and difficult.
Calcarea sulph.200 and two months later, best
winter ever with no ear infections and two light
colds that were quickly aborted with Calcarea
sulph.12c. A year later Pulsatilla over phone for
acute episode of wheezing. After a dose of Sulphur
200 for large quantities of chronic, thick greenish
yellow phlegm in her nose and throat, she never
came back. Five years later, upon telephonic
inquiry, she was in excellent health.
2. K.S. a boy of 16 months, with five courses of
antibiotics for ear infections. Perforation of ear
drum with discharge. Slow to nurse, fell behind in
gross motor development, considerable discomfort
with teething. Chronic diarrhea with the start of
antibiotics.
Sulphur 10M. A month later, diarrhea worsened
since a week after medicine. Tº 103ºF on the third
day and no more Řcoldř and ear infections.
Calcarea carbonica 10M. Two months later, had
made good progress developmentally. Had a brief
cold, which subsided with Calcarea carb 12. A
year later Sulphur 10M and no more problems in
the next 5 years. Belladonna was highly effective
for her acute illness.
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3. J.L., a girl of six, had frequent ear infections since
the age of five months. Mild acute episodes with
red cheeks, irritable mood. Vulnerable to changes
of weather. After Sulphur 10M, generalized rash
for several days, followed by buyont mood and
more lively energy. Strep-throat in the first follow
up was relieved by Pulsatilla 30X. Two months
later normal ears. Next winter, mild relapse.
Sulphur 10M. No problem in the next nine years.
4. L.P., a girl of ten months with four ear infections
already since the age of two months, when her
mother weaned her. A rash and unusually cranky
behavior on milk-based formula.
With Calcarea carb. 1M, and Chamomilla 30x
acutely. She did quite well with fewer colds and no
acute episodes. Agg. after teething and a booster
MMR.
Lycopodium 10M and then Sulphur 10M a month
later. She did well on infrequent doses of Sulphur
in the next 9 years with their parents separation,
relapse whenever she stayed with father, who let
her eat dairy products and gave her full quota of
vaccines and antibiotics.
4. A case of Aether: Birthing New Life
BURCH, Melisa (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
Five year old boy with undescended testis and
recent problems at school after he was reprimanded.
Terrified of school, clings, obsessive. Kicks when
upset. Sensitive to everything. Loves Nature and being
outside. Special relationship with Jesus and Angels.
His mother when discussing about his birth conveyed
the idea of blocked and trapped. The main feeling
elicited is feeling blocked and unable to finish things.
This and the symptom of seeing angels Ŕ indicated a
hydrocarbon and Aether fit the bill. Aether 200 for
mother and Aether 30 for the son.
The boy improved within three weeks of medicines.
Three months later a dose of 1M and testicles began to
descend and by the time of scheduled operation to the
surprise of both his parents and doctors they had
completely descended.
Over this period of time, mother also experienced
significant improvement with her menses, Migraines,
PMS, Heart palpitations, and began to make friends as
well.
8 months later, deterioration due to the negative
remarks of his grandmother and was diagnosed with
Touretteřs syndrome.
He had recurring nightmares about witches and
dangerous animals. Developed convulsions and
twitching. Aether 10M. He became worse. Next day
Aether 50M. It worked almost immediately.
Twitching and convulsions ceased rather rapidly and
quite dramatically.
He improved in the next seven months and then tics
relapsed. 50M repeated and no more symptoms in the
next 17 months. [Notwithstanding the fact that the
patient improved, this is not Hahnemannřs
Homeopathy but Rajan Sankaranřs. Where is the
ŘProvingř of Aether? = KSS.]
5. ŖI canřt Talkŗ Ŕ A case of Mental Confusion
OLSEN, Steve (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
46 year-old bachelor, shy, who could not speak at
all since few days. He was in a Christian study group
and they noticed that since few months he was having
more and more difficulty in reading and speaking
Helleborus 30, helped him for a day only.
Accompanying Pastor told that his parents gave him for
adoption and rejected him.
Baryta sulph, Alumina, Merc. vivus did not help
him. The author diagnosed this as severe sensorial
depression. Based on his proving of Taxus brevifolia, a
dose of 30 was given.
A week later, he was able to speak, think clearly
and his thoughts faster, able to record and understand.
Few more doses of Taxus 30, in the next year and then a
dose of 200. More sociable overall.
Proving symptoms of Taxus brevifolia:
Cloudy Detachment and Isolation
I feel separated from people, isolated, and
indifferent. A feeling of being detached, daydreaming.
(P1)
I just want to sit and observe. (P1)
Aversion to talk to people. I wish the customers of
my shop would go away. I think they are silly. (P2)
I feel that I am not in reality, like I am asleep in my
mind, a dreamy foggy feeling. My mind feels slow. I
want to sleep more, and be alone. (P2)
A major effort to pay attention to things. I zone out
in conversations. (P1)
My mind is in a haze, and I want to avoid things.
(P1)
Starting to feel the sleepiness again, mind fuzzy,
and a feeling of detachment. (P1)
I find I make dull responses at work, and I wanted
to go to sleep. I feel cloudy, foggy, and a misty feeling
in my mind. Things seem unclear. (P2)
I am still mentally sleepy, cloudy, and have foggy
feeling. (P2)
Two and a half-hours later noted a new symptom:
mind feels fuzy. Not able to engage completely in
conversation. (P1)
After third dose: headache continued, mental clarity
comes and goes. (P1)
Very hard to be self-reflective. (P1)
Of note was a feeling to want death to come, to
release me from the misery of this life. A sense that
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death was Ŗsweet and restful.ŗ A liberation as
expressed by the words of the swanřs Song: ŖOh death
come close mine eyes.ŗ Death feels like a sentimental
longing. It would be okay to die, to go to sleep and
never wake up.(P1)
Sleepy with Low Energy
Not enough energy to joke around. (P1)
I feel I could sleep all the time, or at any time. I
want to take more naps. (P1)
At supper I found myself nodding off to sleep. (P2)
Generally tired and more loss of energy. (P2)
I felt extremely sleepy when taking the remedy Ŕ
this is unusual for me. I kept wanting to nod off. Desire
to go to sleep while driving Ŕ I was generally more
tired. (P2)
All evening I am nodding off to sleep while
listening to a lecture. (P2)
Irritability With People
Aversion to have any demands. (P1)
I found I was not thinking nicely of people. People
were demanding too much and I didnřt want to answer
any questions. (P2)
My body feels uncomfortable. I donřt want to be
bothered by anything. (P1)
Depression
I feel a down mood, depressed,. Listless; the whole
world is too much. (P1)
Slowness of Mind
Summary of what I experienced:
While taking the remedy, 5 doses in all of the 30c, I
felt more withdrawn in general. I wanted to be left
alone, and to be quiet. My mind was in a fog, and my
thoughts were unclear. My responses were slow, dull,
and I wanted to sleep all the time. (P2)
Conclusion: Taxus brevifolia is a remedy that is often
needed for cases of severe sensorial depression. I have
used it for children and for adults who could never learn
to read. This is the first case I have used it for loss in
the ability to speak.
6. Handle Hay Fever with courage
Modern-Classical-Practical prescribing
The Methodology of Hay Fever Treatment
BANERJEA, Subrata. K. (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
Acute stage
Acute stage manifests sneezing, itching of the nose,
eyes, palate, profuse coryza etc. In this stage medicines
having pronounced action on main symptoms to give
immediate relief are given.
Gradually the Conventional Medication can be
withdrawn/deferred.
In drug dependent cases, where symptoms are
meager, organopathic remedies alleviate to certain
extent. After weaning off the drugs, uncontaminated
symptoms of natural disease will surface and enable
constitutional prescribing.
Indications for Ambrosia, Arundo, Linum
usitatissimum, Phleum pretense, Rosa damascene and
Skoorkum chuck are tabulated. Also for Allium cepa,
Ars. iod., Dulcamara, Lac-can, Sabadilla and Wyethia.
The chronic latent stage of Hay fever is generally a
manifestation of trimiasmatic with tubercular
preponderance and so treated by antimiasmatic
remedies.
7. A case of Aspergerřs Syndrome
SHANNON, Tim. (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
Joey, 5 years, diagnosed with Aspergerřs Syndrome
having difficult transitions, isolating himself from peers.
Biting, hitting and kicking, distractable attention span.
Fear of the dark. Contrary behavior, restless physically,
wetting his pants during the day.
Following Massimo MANGIALAVORIřs family
analysis Solanaceae was arrived at and Stramonium was
given. Some good response for some months. Case
was reconsidered was given Mandragora 30.
Three months later, amazing transition. He is calm,
not freaking out, sleeping well with no fear. Violence
much less. Another dose during relapse. In the next
one year few more doses during relapse and then a dose
of 200 and continues to do well.
8. Atopic Dermatitis in a young boy
TESSLER, Neil (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
A young Indo-Canadian man with unremitting
Eczema of face and body. Mistakes in speech, mild
retardation in the Autism spectrum with petit mal
Řabsencesř. Fear that brothers may hurt him. Kali
bromatum 1M brought a rapid and dramatic
amelioration of his Eczema.
Another case of severe Eczema in an Indo-
Canadian boy that two years of treatment failed to
improve. Intelligent yet underperforming at school. By
putting him on a single liquid nutritional product
containing essential fatty acids, whey protein isolate and
other nutrients, his Eczema disappeared in a week and
improved his stamina and school performance.
John, 10 months, with Eczema on face and limbs
and mild Asthma. Bloating and gas from dairy. Severe
itching at night. Drools in sleep. Irritable on waking.
Rhus tox 12 daily for 3 days. Skin appeared less
inflamed and no further improvement in the next one
year.
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Temper tantrums when he doesnřt get what he
wants. Based on the history of craving for sugar of his
father Saccharum album 200 was given and the Eczema
dwindled to about five percent of its original form.
Then two more doses of 1M and 10M in the next one
year.
9. Individualized homeopathic treatment of
dermatological complaints in a public outpatient
clinic
PRIVEN Silvia Waisse, JURJ Gheorghe,
THOMAZ Luciana Costa Lima, TIERNO Simone
Almeida, FILHO Walter Labonia, SOS Andrea &
De SOUZA Maria Felicidade (HOM. 98, 3/2009)
This study sought to assess the effectiveness of
individualized homeopathic treatment on
dermatological complaints in a public outpatient clinic.
Methods: Children and adults spontaneously seeking
for homeopathic treatment for dermatological
complaints were prescribed single individualized
remedies and followed up for a minimum of 3 months;
assessment was clinical and recorded graphically.
Results: Forty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria.
Outcomes were positive (59%); no effect (4%); drop-
out(37%), from which 6% was due to homeopathic
aggravation. No manifestations of suppression were
observed.
Conclusions: Outcome studies are useful to point out
to the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic
treatment in dermatological complaints. Outcomes
suggest that actions focusing on pathological categories
do not lead to homeopathic suppression.
10. Homeopathic treatment in resistant livedoid
vasculopathy: case report
PRIVEN Silvia Waisse, JURJ Gheorghe,
THOMAZ Luciana Costa Lima, TIERNO Simone
Almeida, FILHO WALTER Labonia & BRADIA
SOS Andrea (HOM. 98, 3/2009)
This paper describes the successful outcome of
homeopathic treatment in a case of resistant livedoid
vasculopathy (LV). LV is a rare disease characterized
by chronic recurrent and painful ulceration of the lower
limbs, frequently associated to atrophie blanche (AB),
probably due to procoagulant conditions. Most
literature reports single or very few cases; response to
treatment is difficult, even resistant. This patient
suffered LV for 7 years before seeking homeopathic
treatment; ulcers recurred frequently, at intervals less
than 3 months, in spite of continual use of
pentoxyfilline. Configuration of signs and symptoms
strongly pointed out to the prescription of homeopathic
remedy Sepia succus that promptly elicited significant
improvement of LV and the patientřs overall state (non
suppressive treatment). Considerations are made on the
value of single case reports and the reliability of
prescriptions grounded on consistent signs and
coherence among the manifold features of individual
disease.
11. When the diagnosis is Multiple Sclerosis….
Homeopathy offers Hope & Help
ROTHENBERG, Amy (HT. 29, 3/2009).
College student with MS stays active and healthy,
with ongoing support from her homeopath.
18 year-old Robin, diagnosed with M.S. having
numbness and weakness in her limbs and also interstitial
cystitis and troubling tics in and around her eyes Ŕ since
a year. Robinřs attitude towards her illness was
positive. She had put a fair amount of stress on herself
in being competitive academically and at sports.
History of Eczema and acne. All her symptoms
worse in warm weather. Felt best on a cool, crisp day.
Sensitive and anxious. Agaricus 30 Ŕ one dose and
suggested meditation and yoga classes.
Two months later, much better. Bladder symptoms
disappeared. Neurological symptoms also abated.
Five months later relapse. Agaricus 200. In the
next three years, a dose of Agaricus whenever there
were mild flare-ups. She decided upon important career
change. She took up nursing instead of medicine which
involves stress of longer academic program. This
reflected a deeper understanding of her sensitivities and
genetic inheritance and a healthy decision for her.
Researcher Roy SWANK, developed a balanced
diet that is low in animal and saturated fats. This
lessened the MS attacks or exacerbations.
www.swankmsdiet.org.
12. Homeopathic help for childhood growth Problems
GOLSHANI, Amber (HT. 29, 3/2009)
Bud, 6 year-old boy was suffering with Idiopathic
short stature (ISS) with no hormonal deficiency. The
treatment involves daily injections of growth hormones
for 4 Ŕ 6 years, costing around $18,000 to 36,000, rarely
covered by Insurance.
Large stool on alternate days, concerned about
cleanliness of hands. Strong sensitivity to bad odors,
but not bothered by his own odors. Dry, itchy cradle
cap in infancy. Hunger at 11a.m. Sulphur 200. Grown
taller by an inch in the next one month. Daily normal
stools. More acute sense of smell. Over the next year,
few more doses of 200 and a dose of 1M. Grown 3
inches taller. Sensitive to bad odors reduced.
William, toddler of 16 months had stopped growing
since a year. He enjoyed deliberately breaking things
and also throwing things. Stubborn. He slept with his
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face buried in the pillow and rear end up in the air
Craving for eggs. Restless. Recently started banging
his head against walls. Tuberculinum 200. Gained
pounds and grown ¾ inch taller in the next one month.
He was mellower and less mischievous. Three months
later relapse and Tuberculinum 200 one dose and then 4
months later, a dose of 1M. In 9 months of treatment
he has grown 2¾ inches and gained 3 pounds.
13. The boy who stopped growing
KHANEJA, Seema (HT. 29, 3/2009)
9 month-old Joey, had not grown in the past 3
months and classified as Ŗfailure to thriveŗ (FTT). The
only possible stressor was his being in day care for few
hours on just few days a week since 2 months. He cried
while he was in day care and was clingy with mother at
home. Serious expression on his face. Hated sunlight.
Blisters on tongue. Had a severe diaper rash and
hydrocele which subsided on their own. Natrum
muriaticum 200. Few weeks later, had gained 1 pound
and grown ½ an inch, crying less and better in day care.
In the next few months, one more dose 200. Five
months later, night terrors, craving for cold drinks, ice.
Diaper rash returned. Again banging his head.
Medorrhinum 200. In the next three years no problems.
14. Secrets of a fitness expert …
Hereřs the best way to heal and prevent injuries, get
back in the game
THOMAS, Emlyn (HT. 29, 3/2009)
Twenty years ago, the author, while skiing in
Austria, injured his knee and damaged medial meniscus
and a tear in the ligament. Movements were painful.
Doctors recommended painkillers, pressure bandages
and crutches for 6 weeks. While bandaging the nurse
suggested Ruta graveolens, three tablets a day. Next
day pain stopped, pressure bandage stayed off, crutches
not used. Three days later started running gingerly and
was playing rugby in 2 weeks. Found a book on
Homeopathy and began a journey that has not yet
finished.
In his experience, Ruta aids the recovery of any
injury whether from trauma or overuse that involves
connective tissues like tendons, cartilage and
periosteum. Acts on all joints. Deep bruised sensation
and stiffness or lameness of the joint worse from cold,
lying, sitting and exertion and better from warmth are its
indications.
1. A rugby player with knee pain after every training
session and game. His physio gave a bleak
diagnosis suggesting surgery with uncertain
outcome. Ruta 30, 4 tablets b.d. for 2 days. Arnica
30 before and after training and playing. No more
pain and he went on to play for the England team
that won the world cup.
2. William 40, active mountaineer, rock climber and
skier. To keep fit, plays badminton once a week.
While stretching for a stroke, partial tear of tendo
achilles and was suggested restorative surgery with
a long recovery period. Arnica 200, 2 doses,
followed by Ruta o.d. for 3 days and then
Symphytum 30 o.d. for 7 days. In 6 weeks walking
without support, and in next four weeks returned to
full activity.
3. Lydia, early 40s, equestrian had a fall and fracture
of femur 3 months ago. Despite treatment bone
ends were not fusing. She reported she was well
otherwise. Arnica 200, 2 doses. Symphytum 30
o.d. for 14 days. Then again for 14 days after a
weekřs gap. Six weeks later, happily reported that
fracture was resolving and walking comfortably
and riding horses again.
Symphytum is useful for torn Achilles tendons, as
well as for meniscus damage and ligament tears in the
knee. It can also help with vertebral fractures,
degeneration of the spine and for trauma or blows to
eyeball and socket.
15. Hereřs help for Golfers, Racquet players and
Gardeners
Over use injuries and tendonitis
(HT. 29, 3/2009)
Tendonitis is often the result of over-using and
repeatedly stressing a joint. Common symptom is pain
around the elbow - toward the outside for tennis elbow Ŕ
when picking things up and toward the inside for golf
elbow when gripping things or shaking hands.
Arnica is a great preventive for intense overuse
injury. Lachesis, Nat.sulph., Rhus tox or Ruta might be
indicated in individual cases.
16. Thrills & Spills
CASTRO, Miranda (HT. 29, 4/2009)
Wonderful, exciting things can be stressful too!
Homeopathic remedy helped to set them back on an
even keel.
Rena was in labour for 12 long hours without
necessary dilatation of cervix with painful irregular
contractions. She was desperate for a natural childbirth.
She had been an exhilarated bundle of fun all day,
except during the painful contractions when she
shrieked. After Coffea 200, she calmed down and
relaxed. Back pain eased and regular contractions. In
an hour the cervix started softening and dilating and
delivered a healthy boy.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 110
Six year old Marjorie was sick with fever, chills
and sore throat. Lethargic just wanted to sit and close
down his eyes. For a week before there was too much
excitement for his 6
th
birthday. Had eaten lot of fast
foods, less hours of sleep. On the party day lot of candy
and cake.
After Nux vomica 30, he fell in to a deep sleep for 4
hours. Woke up and asked for a bowl of fruit salad.
After the second dose, brightened up, watched T.V. and
then slept for 12 hours woke up just fine next day.
14 year-old bubbly Emily was exhausted physically
and mentally after exerting much for her schoolřs
annual holiday musical and received tremendous
acclaim. Excitement kept her awake in the nights
leading up to the play and after that she couldnřt relax
Kali phosphoricum 30, 3 times a day for 2 days. By 2
nd
day she was better and by third day, back to her
sparkles.
17. ŘTis the Season to Jolly!
Ailments from …joy?
JEROME, Ann. E. (HT. 29, 4/2009)
Joy is a form of excitement and may have
physiological repercussions such as accelerated pulse,
shallow breathing and elevated Blood pressure. These
can lead to problems in sensitive individuals or people
with underlying problems.
The indications for Aconite, Causticum, Coffea,
Crocus, Pulsatilla, Cyclamen are discussed.
18. Real food is Real Medicine
How Diet supports homeopathic treatment
Diabetic says goodbye to twice-daily insulin shots
and laundry list of drugs
DELANEY, Susan (HT. 29, 4/2009)
In our fast paced, modern-era, diet and lifestyle
issues have become increasingly complex. As a society,
we have grown fatter, sicker and more prone to a pill for
every ailment.
Homeopathic treatment Ŕ used in combination with
healthy lifestyle changes, a diet of real food and food
based nutritive supplements can be a powerful way for
practitioners to address the complex health problems
being seen in the clinic.
54 year-old deputy sheriff, Hanet Smith with her
diabetes and cholesterol spiraling out of control despite
numerous drugs and Insulin shots. She was also under
medication for high B.P., anxiety, depression and
gastric reflux.
She was sensitive, caring, feeling lonely and
unhappy in her marriage but lacked the strength and
determination to leave her husband. Weeps easily,
changeable moods. Worse in hot weather and sleeps
with open windows. Fatigue. Pulsatilla 1M with strict
dietary advice. Nothing made with flour, walking 20
minutes daily. Turn off T.V. for one month and instead
listen to radio or to music and read books or magazines
and nutritional supplements.
A week later, renewed energy and well-being and
no need of evening shot of Insulin.
Three weeks later, more dramatic improvement.
No need of even morning shot of Insulin. Blood
pressure returned to normal. Lost 10 pounds. No
gastric reflux. Now walking 30 Ŕ 40 minutes daily.
Six weeks later, depressed and lack of energy.
Pulsatilla 1M. Within three days feeling well.
Three months later, she had discontinued all her
Blood pressure, Cholesterol and diabetic medications
with the prescribing doctorsř blessings. In the next two
years her health has improved in many ways and lighter
by 30 pounds, on occasional doses of Pulsatilla.
The dramatic progress was clearly due to her
extreme compliance of recommendations along with the
support of homeopathic medicine.
Many unhealthy lifestyle patterns seem to be tied to
issues of self esteem and feelings of worthlessness and
despair. Why people try to change, they bump into
these emotions and they try to cover up, rather than to
deal with them. At these times, right homeopathic
remedy can do wonders to help in healing process Ŕ
improving a personřs outlook, giving them more
motivation and smoothing the way for positive lifestyle
changes. [Let all colleagues note this instead of seeking
an alternative medicine to Insulin = KSS].
19. You are what you Eat?!
Four stories of healing with diet and homeopathy:
Hypertension, Eczema, Liver disease, Arthritis
DOOLEY, Timothy (HT. 29, 4/2009)
Diet is the simplest way to purify the blood and
raise its vitality. A simple nutritional diet encourages
detoxification through the liver, kidneys and intestines.
The simple natural health modalities of diet and fasting
are not suppressive and often aid homeopathic
prescribing through the resolution of confusing
superficial symptoms.
Four cases are presented where diet and
homeopathic medicines resolved the problems.
20. Heading off the Misery of Migraines
After 40 years of suffering, this teacher gets her life
back!
ROTHENBERG, Amy (HT. 29, 4/2009)
Linda, 58 year-old teacher, was suffering with
migraines for more than 40 years Ŕ mostly
premenstrual, but worsened after menopause. Also mild
inflammation of joints, chronic constipation and
insomnia due to worry. Chilly and tends to sweat
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 111
easily. Difficulty in losing extra weight. Stressed with
difficult financial situation. Calcarea carbonica 12c
daily and herb Butterbur with Vitamin B complex. Six
weeks later, only once Migraine. Feeling good overall.
Sleeping better. No joint discomfort. Normal easy
bowel movements. Same treatment plan. Two months
later, no Migraines.
1. In the next several months, due to stress again
relapse. Calcarea carbonica 200. Two months
later, better overall.
Over the ensuing years, she made good progress
and especially during times of stress, benefitted from
additional doses.
21. Miracle for a Migraine Sufferer
No more trips to the ER, no more vomiting, no
more pain?
KRAFT, Andrea (HT. 29, 4/2009)
Becky, 26, Environmental consultant with Migraine
since 4 years. overwhelmed with stresses of work and
school. Migraines in the morning, even waking her.
Sudden sharp pain with waves of nausea and dehydrated
by vomiting every 2 weeks. Perfectionist, restless,
amel. by vigorous exercise. Cold & thirsty.
Arsenicum 30 one dose. Six weeks later no
Migraines. No irritability. Relapse 8 months later, due
to the use of vicks inhaler. Amel. by another dose of
Arsenicum 30. No more Migraines.
22. From Savage to Civil: A Dramatic Case of
Tarentula hispanica
ROBINSON Karl (AJHM. 101, 4/2008)
A case of a hyperactive child with behavior
disorder is presented. The patientřs characteristics Ŕ
hyperactivity, violent anger, destructiveness, cunning,
love of music, and feigning illness Ŕ all pointed to
Tarentula hispanica, which was prescribed in two 200C
doses. The transformative effect was profoundly
positive, demonstrating the powerful and incomparable
effects homeopathic medicine is capable of producing
in ADHD children.
23. Barberry and the Treatment of Sexual Trauma
LANGE Andrew (AJHM. 101, 4/2008)
(A chapter excerpted from his book entitled
Getting at the Root: Treating the Deepest Source
of Disease) Full article in Part II.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly in
response to past sexual abuse, is far more prevalent in
todayřs society than is commonly acknowledged. Many
patients suffering the consequences of such trauma,
particularly those presenting with genitourinary and/or
biliary (and arthritic, with wandering pains) symptoms
and who are prone to emotional suppression and
secretiveness, will find an impressive balm in Berberis
vulgaris. Many homeopaths are unaware of this
association; here Dr. LANGE makes his case for
considering Berberis a major remedy for this condition.
Two impressive cases are presented, one of multiple
personality disorder and another with presumed biliary
obstruction.
24. A Case of Severe Fibromyalgia and Gastroparesis
SALTZMAN Susanne (AJHM. 101, 4/2008)
A case of Fibromyalgia and Gastroparesis is
reported; the patient also had a history of having
suffered physical and sexual abuse as a child, leaving
her emotionally flat and distant. She had a Řfrozen,ř
staring expression that Dr. SALTZMAN has come to
realize after extensive clinical experience as consistent
with the remedy Papaver somniferum, especially when
the past history contains a frightful experience, be it an
abusive past or, as in the case of many children sheřs
seen, surgical trauma. Other Papaver somniferum
characteristics are a dissociated or numb state, mental
fogginess, high tolerance to pain, inordinate sleepiness.
25. Eine Rückschau über 20 Jahre Krebstherapie in
eigener Praxis und 10 Jahre in der Clinic Santa
Croce und Ausblicke in die Zukunft
(Looking back over 20 years own practice and 10
years in the Hospital at Santa Croce and look into
the future)
SPINEDI Dario (ZKH. 52, 3/2008)
Looking back at his past 20 years practice and since
10 years in the hospital at Santa Croce, with regard to
the treatment of Cancer, the author discusses 14 cases.
Dr. SPINEDI recalls the past (and some present
too) masters who have made great mark in
homeopathic treatment of Cancer Ŕ Eli JONES,
BURNETT, CLARKE COOPER, GRIMMER,
SCHLEGEL, CARLETON BARTHEL, Farook
MASTER, Drs. PAREEK and several others. The
following rules lead to success:
The Similie Rule
The proving on the Healthy
The preparation of high potencies
The discovery of the Q (50-millesimal) potency
Kentřs scale
The right technique of anamnesis
The exact dosage
The homeopathic aggravation
The second prescription
The long-term follow-up
These are the basis for cure of chronic ailments
including Cancer. Cancer is a special disease.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 112
Drs. PAREEK of Agra (India) run a Hospital where
Homeopathy is exclusively used and surgery where
needed is one of the best and the Pareeks are the most
experienced as far as Cancer is considered including the
most difficult cases. From them we learn of the use of
organotropic medicines often at the bed side in
advanced Cancer cases. The work at Santa Croce is
synthesis of the best from all over the world. We must
be grateful to all the masters whose fruits we now have
and we have to work to obtain the maximum results.
Fifteen cases are briefly given:
1. Ewing-Sarcoma of the left shoulder in a 23 year-old
man.
2. Malignant inoperable Coccyx teratoma with
multiple and Liver metastasis.
3. Inoperable Uterus Sarcoma
4. Inoperatble Liver Carcinoma in a one year-old child
5. Primary metastasizing Breast Carcinoma
6. Embryonal Testicle Carcinoma and mediastinal
Sarcoma
7. Breast Cancer
8. Prostate Cancer
9. Metastasising Melanoma Clark Level IV
10. Prostate Carcinoma operated, PT
2
b Gill Gleason Ŕ
Score 7.
11. Axillary Lymph Nodes Metastasis left, an occult
Primary Carcinoma in a young pregnant woman
12. Metastasizing Ovarian Carcinoma Figo III/IV, G III
13. Low malignant non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
14. Status after amputation of a Breast Cancer and high
doses Chemotherapy
15. Recurrence Rhabdomyosarcoma in a boy.
26. Von Bönninghausens Verschreibung Praxis
(Boenninghausenřs prescribing)
KUNKLE Luise (ZKH. 52, 4/2008)
The manner of treatment of Clemens von
BOENNINGHAUSEN have been recorded in his Case
Registers, well documented. These case journals are
available for study, in the Institute for history of
medicine of Robert Bosch Foundation, Stuttgart. On
www.bar-do.net some data have been published from
these journal by Luise KUNKLE. These data cover 50
journals studied by Ms. KUNKLE. They were selected
randomly, but they cover the entire period of practice of
BOENNINGHAUSEN.
This article describes her evaluation of his method
of prescribing. It shows that for the first few years, he
prescribed single remedies. From around 1833 he also
prescribed several remedies at a time to be taken at pre
determined intervals. Furthermore this article presents
details not so far published.
27. Die homöopathische Behandlung von
Hauterkrankungen - akutes pustulöses Ekzem bei
einem kind
(The homeopathic treatment of Skin diseases Ŕ
acute pustular Eczema in a child)
GEBNER Beatrix (ZKH. 52, 4/2008)
Presenting a case of Pustular Eczema in a year-
old girl, the author discusses important aspects of
homeopathic treatment of skin diseases; whether these
are typical Řskin remediesř, the evaluation of rubrics
concerning the skin and the relevant modalities.
Particular light is thrown on the dosology of Q-
potencies, the accompanying dietetics and the local
treatment of skin diseases.
28. Das Therapeutische Taschenbuch bei
Hauterkrankungen
(The Therapeutic Pocket Book in Skin Diseases)
HOLZAPFEL Klaus (ZKH. 52, 4/2008)
The author presents six(6) cases of skin diseases
which have been treated with the help of homeopathic
remedies chosen by working out with Boenninghausenřs
Therapeutic Pocket Book. The clarity of structure of
the Pocket Book and its closeness to remedy proving
makes it a valuable instrument of homeopathic
Practice. Selection of characteristics and complete
symptoms of the case are necessary.
The author has prescribed Q potencies (50
millesimal) by olfaction.
29. Ekzem Ŕ Arnica montana (Eczema Ŕ Arnica
montana)
WEGENER Andreas (ZKH. 52, 4/2008)
A 12 year-old girlřs Eczema was cured by Arnica
monatana. The decisive symptoms were her
indifference to the Eczema and the symmetrical
spreading of the eruption in both bends of elbow.
30. A case of Sciatica and Back pain
SHANNON, Tim (AJHM. 102, 1/2009)
A case of Sciatica and back pain is presented.
Based on several characteristic symptoms Ŕ jesting,
sinking in the epigastrium, dreams of unsuccessful
efforts, offended easily, clairvoyance, doubtfulness of
recovery Ŕ Stannum metallicum was prescribed with
good results. Stannum is a remedy characterized by
great weakness, especially of the chest and epigastrium;
the delusion that he has an incurable disease, is a
peculiar symptom of the remedy.
31. Scope of Homeopathy in ŖAutismŗ
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 113
BASU Biswajit (HH. 33, 11/2008)
ŖTotality of the symptomsŗ with the perspective of
fundamental causes from individualistic approach
would be the sole means to treat every case according
to homeopathic approach to improve the quality of life
in such cases.
Autistic disorders may be considered as response to
abnormalities in the parents who are schizophrenic or
characteristically cold, detached and obsessive and have
significant aversion to conversation. Moreover, toxemia
during pregnancy, prolong labour, birth asphyxia is also
an important factor to be considered for development of
this disorder.
In order to improve all skills through and
behavioral therapy and psychotherapy must be applied.
In all cases collaboration and cooperation is essential
between trainer and parents, otherwise all effort will be
nullified.
32. My Clinical Experience in Paediatric Practice
DARYANI J.D. (HH. 33, 11/2008)
Many times it has been observed that medicines are
unnecessarily given by the parents even for minor
ailments of their children. It is forgotten that the
inherent immune response or vital force effectively acts
against disease and resotres health.
The medicines are prescribed on the basis of signs
and symptoms recorded in the Materia Medica. Others
are based on clinical observations.
Medicines given in paediatric cases are given.
33. What is impact of GMP (Good Manufacturing
Practices) on the Fast growing System of Medicine
Ŕ Homeopathy
VARMA, P.N. & VALAVAN, R.
(HH. 33, 11/2008)
Good Manufacturing Practice Ŕ A holistic
standardization procedure for production, storage and
drug delivery assures the high quality GMP ensures to
eliminate the failures due to substandard products.
Apart from physiciansř proper evaluation to choose
right remedy the standardized medicines will give
positive results.
Physicians and teaching professionals now come to
know of good manufacturing practices from the articles
published in magazines and literatures. They
understand its benefits to the system and the reception is
good. Higher homeopathic officials and physicians in
the government and other bodies have welcomed this
move, because they know that this will help renovating
and upgrading the system.
34. On Constitution, Inheritance and Relationship of
Remedies
KULKARNI Ajit (HH. 33, 11/2008)
At its most fundamental level, inheritance in
organisms occurs by means of discrete traits, called
genes.
Homeopathic constitutional approach proposes a
disease as arising out of physiological and
psychological life of a human being. It appeals to
investigate the individual as one single spectrum. It
includes genetics, heredity, growth, morphological
typology, archetypes, etc. The homeopathic
constitutional approach conforms to the teaching of
OSLER to ŖLook at life as a whole: study its
manifestations in order and disorder, in health and
disease.ŗ
By integrating the trinity of form, function and
structure of the various systems which the constitution
possesses, the multi-dimensional study of disease and
the personality of the individual are obtained in
Homeopathy.
Diagnosing the constitution and paying attention to
the warning signals in the form of feelings, sensations,
subjective and objective symptoms, modalities, body
language and pathological changes through different
stages will go a long way in pre-planning the strategies
and providing the preventative line of management.
The maternal stress during pregnancy has a
definitive influence and there is a scope of Homeopathy
to do some research.
Homeopathic Materia Medica, a product of highest
wisdom, is the most beneficial, fascinating and
comprehensive study of human beings. HAHNEMANN
tried to perceive the pathogenetic action of the remedy
at the human level, synchronizing mind, body, and
spirit. The remedy talks, vibrates, throbs and shows all
human emotions. The objective symptoms prescribing
method of finding the constitutional remedy of the
parents and using it for children may be rewarding.
Clinical examples are given.
Homeopathy opens up many avenues of
prescribing methods and in order to select a
homeopathic remedy, we need adequate and accurate
data. In many cases, especially the paediatric ones, we
donřt get the required data. By using the relations of
remedies through the inherited characters and by
studying the remedies as living human beings with their
stages and transitions, a practical tool can be developed
to help our otherwise difficult and unresolved cases.
35. Homeopathic Treatment of the Elderly …..Some
Cases
MASTER, J. FAROKH (HH. 34, 1/2009)
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 114
Illnesses commonly encountered in old age
Ischemic Heart Disease, Arthritis, Cancer, Blood
Pressure. Cerebro vascular Heart Disease, Depression,
Diabetes, Falls and injuries, Hearing Impairment,
Memory Impairment, Nutritional problems,
Osteoporosis, Parkinsonřs disease, Respiratory disease,
Bed sores, Insomnia, Prostate problem, Bladder
problem and Visual impairment.
Case 1: Elderly gentleman with Post-Traumatic Central
Hematoma. When he was travelling by bus due to
sudden brake his head banged against the body of the
bus. It was not a serious injury. Completely forgot what
happened to him. After 4 days became completely dull
with Headache and sleepiness. He was diabetic.
Family members attributed this to Chronic diabetes. A
Crocin was given. After 48 hrs. dullness increased with
irritability when spoken to. Any jar or noise will
aggravate his Headache. Was lying down. Cerebral
scan showed Hematoma on right temporal region 4.5 x
2.5ŗ measure. Fear of being admitted in the hospital.
Gelsemium M, 5 cup method at every few hours.
Within 5 weeks the Hematoma dissolved to ¼ the size.
After 3 months he was doing his normal job.
Case II: Angina pectoris. Share Market business. A
slump in the business. Worried about the future of the
business. Pain in his heart radiated to his left arm.
Perspiration during pain. He was hypertensive mildly.
Angina attack more on evenings. When the pain was
severe his face was pinched, tongue discoloured yellow
towards the base. His basic personality was a coward.
Avoids crowd. Rhus tox 1M. After 7 days free of
angina. Angiography after the attack. 80% block in
the left coronary. 60% block in right coronary.
Homeopathically treated for 5 years. After that no
Angina Pectoris attack.
Case III: Chronic Prostatic Induration. Sonography
showed a lot of retention post void in the bladder
(190ml). Passing urine painful, even after passing urge
remained. Day time 12-14 times. Night 5-6 times.
Known smoker, diabetic and hypertension. Urine
showed gravel, white sediments, about 5-10 pus cells.
Weight of Prostate gland 45gms. Sleepless nights.
Eryngium aquaticum 30, one teaspoonful 3 times a
day for 15 days. Ref. Margret TYLER.
36. A case of Hip Osteoarthritis
YUI Torako (HH. 34, 3/2009)
73 Year-old, female: the patientřs trauma in the
mind as well as the body was removed by Cyclamen
europaeum and Arnica Montana and then she became
clearer in realizing herself. Heaviness in the small of
her back, and she began to drag her feet around 1996.
1999 diagnosed as Hip Osteoarthritis of both sides.
2000 Hip replacement. 2001: Homeopathic medicines.
She could not lament sufficiently; could not depend
on her parents, had no shoulders to cry upon.
Anger and deep sorrow underlying: Concealing the
grief of Sisterřs and Fatherřs death.
22.12.2006: Treated and helped with Homeopathy X-
ray picture of regular check up in December said Ŗthat is
a miracle….staring at the picture,ŗ …. How could it
be Cyclamen was given according to Dr. D.
GRANDGEORGE.
37. radaR
X
SOOD Manuj (HH. 34, 4/2009)
Nine month-old male child, with loose stools, 3-4
days ago pain in abdomen.
Stools: 10 - 12 times a day, mucous laid, painless.
Yellowish; continuous weeping preventing sleep.
Peculiar symptom tongue dry, little mucous,
brownish discoloration and fissured. Carbo veg. tongue
picture and persisting rocking according to Prakash
Vakil Module. Carbo vegetabilis 6, 3 doses relieved
the case almost entirely.
38. Thalassaemia
SINGH, Ajit (HH. 34, 4/2009)
Thalessaemia is an inherited disorder characterized
by abnormal production of haemoglobin.
Causes, Symptoms, Signs & Blood Picture,
Treatment, outlook, Possible complication, Prevention
and homeopathic medicines for it also the researches
done in Homeopathy.
39. Homöopathie and Transpersonale Psychotherapie
als integrative Behandlungsmodell
(Homeopathy and Psychotherapy as integratrive
treatment model)
SCHNEBEL Beata (AHZ. 253, 5/2008)
The author says that the synthesis of Homeopathy
and transpersonal Psychotherapy is an effective and
profound kind of treatment.
A Pulsatilla case is reported in which
Psychotherapy was also simultaneously applied. The
author opines that this model was quite useful.
40. Homöopathie und Naturheilverfahren Ŕ eine
sinnvolle Kombination am Beispiel des akuten
Harnwegsinfektes
(Homeopathy and Natural Healing Methods Ŕ a
meaningful combination for example an acute
Urinary tract infection)
SPAREBORG-NOLTE Anne & NOLTE Stephen
(AHZ. 253, 5/2008)
The authors say that homeopathic treatment of
acute urinary tract infection cannot often be treated
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 115
successfully at first hand. The infection tends to
relapse Natural complementary medicine is suitable to
gain time and to ease the acute symptoms; the chances
in applying phytotherapy and physiotherapy are shown.
In the so-calld irritable bladder as a complex of
functional-vegetative-psychosomatic symptoms
Homeopathy Ŕ as a longterm constitutional treatment Ŕ
is the method of choice. [In our experience with
Urinary Tract infection Ŕ as with other complaints Ŕ
Homeopathy alone has been quite helpful; even in
relapsing types = KSS].
41. Die Behandlung des akuten Giftlanfalls
(The treatment of acute Gout)
BÜNDNER Martin (AHZ. 253, 5/2008)
This is a case of Chronic Gout in a 60 year-old
man, a homeopath who treated himself during a long
period which did not cure. The remedies were taken on
diagnostic basis.
Dr. BÜNDNER did a homeopathic anamnesis and
with the aid of the Therapeutic Pocket Book came to
Natrum muriaticum and it was given in Q6. There was
no appreciable progress.
Repertorisation with the Card Repertory by Bernd
von der Lieth pointed to Phosphorus. After study of the
remedy in JAHRřs Symptomen Kodex Phosphorus Q3
was given. The ŘGoutř attacks were changing place.
With the next attack the case was again re-examined
with Kent Repertory and Natrum carbonicum was given
in Q6. While he was improving, he came up with an
acute attack after a diatetic error. Therapeutic Pocket
Book was consulted for the presenting state and Nux
vomica Q6 was given; this did not help and so Thuja Q6
was given. There was relief, but again there was relapse
and so re-examined. Repertorisation with Kent and
Synthetic Repertories and Mercurius Q6 given.
Again an acute attack after sometime.
Repertorisation with Bernd van Lieth Card Repertory.
Careful study of the remedies that came up: Calc.,
Ferr., Lyc., and Sulph. Further study of the
Repertorisation and the remedies that came through.
Sulphur then Drosera, Croton tiglinum and that was the
last.
The article is long, well analysed with all
repertorial and Materia Medica comparison data etc. and
indicates how difficult it is to handle Gout. We should
bear in mind that the author is a well-experienced
homeopathy doctor and author of several books.
42. A case of Post-operative Neuralgia
MISTRY, D.E. & CHITALE Neeta
(CCR. 16, 2/2009)
49 year-old lady. Pin pricking sensation anytime 1-
2 minutes in upper and lateral part of thigh with pain in
groins, labor like after 11 p.m. till early morning. No
relief with painkillers. No sensation in her left sole.
Pain hip to sole more at night. Lumbar ache more on
left side off and on 2000. P.V. Bleeding, D&C.
Regular periods for a year relapse after 1½ years. Then
hormonal treatment. 2005 stopped hormonal treatment.
2006 Hysterectomy. Spinal anesthesia on 3.3.2006.
Next day loss of sensation. C.T. Scan detected, her
spinal cord abnormally long. MRI lumbar spine. 7.3.06
showed low lying spinal cord well defined hyper
intensity extending from TII to anus region. Spinal cord
contusion with haematoma. Bladder involvement.
Steroids for 5 days after surgery. Lost control of her
bladder and rectum with rise in B.P. Gradually control
of urine and blood returned.
Enjoys company. Grief of her parents death.
Better by consolation. Likes travel, sympathetic and
sensitive nature. Fear of robbers.
Patient is more than 50% better. The remedy
selection and application was according to Dr. Pritam
Singh Ghatoriya of U.K.
43. A case of Rhinorrhoea
MISTRY, D.E. & CHITALE Neeta
(CCR. 16, 2/2009)
35 year Bidi worker.
19.12.2008 CSF Rhinorrhoea
Discharge < bending forward and
backward. Thuja 1M.
21.12.2008 Pulsatilla 30, 200, M
31.12.2008 CSF Discharge increased
Calc.phos.30, Symphytum30 +
Pulsatilla 30
21.1.09 CSF Discharge 50% better
Above regimen continued
23.2.09 CSF Discharge 75% better.
Tuberculinum 30, 12 hourly.
14.3.09 No CSF Discharge. Continue above
regimen
15.4.09 Discharge totally stopped.
44. Summer of 2009
CHIMTHANAWALA Aadil
(CCR. 16, 2/2009)
Hyper ammonaemia in a New born.
7 day-old male Child: Vomiting, recurrent abdominal
colic and loose stools since 4 days. Stools loose, sour,
offensive, starled slightest touch, liver enlarged.
27.4.09: Mag. carb. 30, 3 hourly.
28.4.09: Mag. carb. 30 tds. Vitals stable. No vomiting
or colic.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 116
29.4.09: Mag. car . b.d. Started oral feed. Omit I.V.
Fluids.
30.4.09: No medicine. Started breast feed.
The results of the enzyme deficiency were normal.
Final diagnosis. Transcient Hyper ammonaemia of New
born.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. REPERTORY
1. Differentiation of Rubrics of Mind
BIDANI, Navneet (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
The author discusses about the understanding of the
meaning of rubrics in the successful selection of
remedy.
The best interpretations of rubrics come from
understanding the situation of a patient.
The next step is the use of the rubrics in a
metaphorical way, in an expanded sense one should
proceed from meaning to expressions.
One rubric may have a variety of expressions, so
we must have a thorough knowledge of how to
differentiate the rubrics.
Few examples of differentiation are given.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
V. PHARMACOLOGY
1. Hahnemannřs Coffee Spoons
ROTTLER, Gaby (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
HAHNEMANN mentioned exact measurements for
making his dilutions.
Hahnemannřs Apothekerlexicon, 1794 edition
gives.
1Pfund/libra = 12Unze/uncial
1uncia = 8 Quentchen/drachma
1drachma = 3 Skrupel
1 Skrupel = 20 Gran
One tablespoon/cochl = ½ ounce.
HAHNEMANN used the Nürnberger
Arzneigewicht for his Apothecary Lexicon:
1 Gram = 0.062 Gramm
1 Gram = 0.958 engl. (Troy) grain (Minim)
1 Gramm = 14.32 engl (Troy) grain
From Apothecary Lexicon (1793 edition)
1 glass (verre) : 4 Unzen (ounces)
1 tablespoon (cochl) : ½ Unze
1 sip (cyathus) : 2 Unzen
1 teaspoon (cochl. Pro thea) : ½Quentchen
------------------------------------------------------------
VI. VETERINARY
1. Cat fight
A horrid abscess and a remedy to remember
CASTRO, Mirando (HT. 29, 3/2009)
Noodle, 5 year-old cat had a large gash and
puncture wound on his ear which was swollen wihin a
day. Developed fever and was eating and drinking
little. Hepar sulph and then Silicea did not help.
Myristica sebifera 30 two doses hourly. Within an
hour of the second dose, started draining and thereafter
Noodle got up and snacked. Within few days healed
up.
Nito, 10 year old whippet (dog) was bitten in leg by
a cat and copious amounts of blood from the wound.
Calendula 30c mixed in water and applied over the
wound. The bleeding stopped immediately. Next day
the wound was bright red, but no swelling and pain but
she did not want to be alone and asked for much more
affection than usual. Hamamelis 30 and Phosphorus 30
in the dogřs water bowl. A day later, 50% of ulcer size
decreased and the rest turned purple. Arnica 30 and she
was running next day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
VII. RESEARCH
1. The homeopathic dilution: A new explanation
AMIN, Rahul, CHAKRABORTY, Biplab &
RAHAMAN, Farook (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
Plain water has different energy content than higher
potencies of homeopathic medicines since the noble
discovery by Master HAHNEMANN. In spite of that, a
big question has arisen in the so-called scientific world:
Is homeopathic medicine, a medicine or plain water?
Does the medicine act only from a placebo effect? The
Ŗscientific worldŗ has the fixed idea that the dilutions of
higher potency homeopathic medicine do not contain
any active ingredients. But here we demonstrate that
the higher potency homeopathic medicines are not
merely plain water; they are different from water and
also different from potency to potency, as well as
different medicines from one to the other.
INFERENCE
We can draw the following inferences:
(i) Mother tincture differs from water.
(ii) Water differs from the different potencies of a
crude substance.
(iii) Different potencies of a substance differ from
each other.
(iv) The same potencies, prepared from different
substances, differ from each other.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 117
2. Homeopathic treatment of minor aphthous ulcer: a
randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
MOUSAVI Fahimeh, MOJAVER Yalda Nozad,
ASADZADEH Mehdi & MIRZAZADEH Mustafa
(HOM. 98, 3/2009)
The objectives of this study were to clinically
determine the efficacy of individualized Homeopathy
in the treatment of minor recurrent aphthous ulceration
(MiRAU).
Design & intervention: A randomized, single blind,
placebo-controlled clinical trial of individualized
Homeopathy. One hundred patients with minor
aphthous ulcer were treated with individualized
homeopathic medicines or placebo and followed up for
6 days. Patients received two doses of individualized
homeopathic medicines in the 6C potency as oral liquid
at baseline and 12h later. Pain intensity and ulcer size
were recorded at baseline during and at the end of the
trial (mornings of days 4 and 6).
Result: All 100 patients completed treatment. Between
group differences for pain intensity and ulcer size were
statistically significant at day 4 and at day 6 (P<0.05).
No adverse effects were reported.
Conclusion: The results suggest that homeopathic
treatment is an effective and safe method in the
treatment of MiRAU. [Over several decades
homeopaths have been curing apthous ulcers as a
routine in their day today work. What is the purpose of
this Řresearchř? we have Řconcludedř years ago the
present Řconclusionř. Clearly Homeopathy far ahead.
Why bother with these useless Řresearchesř. Where is
British Homeopathy today? = KSS].
3. Immunomodulatory activity of Toxicondendron
pubescens in experimental models
PATIL CR., SALUNKHE PS., GAUSHAL MH.,
GADEKAR, AR., AGRAWAL, AM. & SURANA,
SJ. (HOM. 98, 3/2009)
Background: Toxicondendron pubescens is a botanical
name of Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox). This plant is
widely used in its homeopathically diluted form in the
treatment of inflammatory and edematous conditions.
In this study, various dilutions of Rhus tox including its
crude form have been evaluated for their effects on
immune response in the in vivo and in vitro
experimental models.
Methods: Rhus tox in the form of mother tincture,
6cH, 30cH, 200cH and 1000cH dilutions was tested
through in vivo models including sheep red blood cells
(SRBCs) induced cellular and humoral immune
response in C57/BL6 mice.
The effects of Rhus tox dilutions were also evaluated in
vitro on the functions of human polymorphonuclear
(PMN) cells such as phagocytosis and intracellular
killing of Candida albicans, chemotaxis, and reduction
of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye.
Results: Rhus tox was found to intensify SRBCs
induced antibody titer and delayed type hypersensitivity
response in mice. Even higher dilutions such as 200cH
and 1000cH were found to affect the immune response;
however, the crude form, mother tincture, 6cH and
30cH dilutions revealed more potent effects than the
200cH 1000cH dilutions.
In in vitro assays, all the dilutions exerted stimulation
of phagocytosis, candidacidal activity and chemotaxis
of human PMN cells. The NBT dye reduction assay
revealed that oxidative processes in the PMN cells are
accelerated in the presence of Rhus tox.
This study shows that Rhus tox possesses
immunostimulatory activity in its crude form as well as
in homeopathically diluted forms. These effects
appeared to be concentration dependent as higher
dilutions had less potent effects.
4. Effect of Mercurius solubilis on the bacteriological
response in the alveolitis process in rats
GONÇALVES DE ARAÚJO Flávia Regina,
BARBOSA DE CASTRO Célia Maria Machado,
SEVERO Maiara Santos, DINIZ Maria de Fátima,
VIANA Marcelo Tavares & EVÉNCIO Liriane
Baratella (HOM. 98, 3/2009)
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the
bacteriological response in alveolitis in rats treated with
the homeopathic medicine Merc solubilis (Merc. Sol.)
12 cH.
Methods: The study was randomized and observer
blind. The animals were anesthetized and the upper
right incisor extracted resulting in alveolitis. Animals
were randomly assigned to groups (n = 18/group):
Water control, Alcohol and Merc sol.12 cH. These
groups were subsequently divided into 3 subgroups (n=
6/subgroup): Early Euthanasia (EE), Mid Euthanasia
(ME) and Late Euthanasia(LE), killed at the 6
th
, 15
th
and
21st days respectively. T
he perialveolar microbiota was collected by swab in
Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) for seeding and
bacterioscopy. After seeding, the Petri dishes were
incubated at 37ºC for 48 h.
Results: Quantitative and qualitative changes were
observed in the perialveolar microbiota when the groups
were compared. Water control and Alcohol control had
the highest counts of pathogenic bacteria, the
microbiotica of the Merc sol. Group remained closer to
normal.
Conclusions: Merc sol. 12 cH did not reduce bacterial
growth, but the microbiotica remained within the
parameters of normality, obtaining the best results at 21
days after treatment.
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5. A review of immunomodulators with reference to
Canova
®
SMIT E., OBERHOLZER HM., & PRETORIUS E.
(HOM. 98, 3/2009)
Immunomodulators are substances which modify
the immunity of an individual to favour a particular
immunological response. The immune response and the
function of the immune response regulation process are
described, with special reference to Cancer and
autoimmune disease. Homeopathy and its role in
immune regulation are discussed with special reference
to Canova
®
. Canova
®
is a homeopathic product
produced, according to the Hahnemannian homeopathic
method, in Brazil. Its role in Cancer, bone marrow and
haematopoiesis as well as macrophage and monocyte
activation is reviewed. Canova
®
seems to stabilize
platelet macrophology in human immunodeficiency
virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(HIV/AIDS).
The data suggest that the future of
immunomodulators and homeopathic products which
appear to have an effect on the immune response
requires a better understanding of the relative need for
immune activation versus immune modulation.
Homeopathic products specifically need more attention.
6. Inhibition of basophil activation by histamine: a
sensitive and reproducible model for the study of
the biological activity of high dilutions
SAINTE-LAUDY, J., & BELON, Ph.
(HOM. 98, 4/2009)
Background: At the beginning of this series of
experiments we were looking for a model based on the
use of purified commercially available compounds
based on a fully described and accepted
pharmacological model to study of the biological effect
of high dilutions. Negative feedback induced by
histamine, a major pro-inflammatory mediator, on
basophils and mast cells activation via an H2 receptor
me these criteria. The simplest way of measuring
basophil activation in the early 1980řs was the human
basophil activation test (HBDT).
Objectives: Our major goal was first to study the
biological effect of centesimal histamine dilutions
beyond the Avogadro limit, on the staining properties of
human basophils activated by an allergen extract
initially house dust mite, then an anti-IgE and N-formyl-
Met-Leu-Phe(fMLP). Technical development over the
25 years of our work led us to replace the manual
basophil counting by flow cytometry. The main
advantages were automation and observer
independence. Using this latter protocol our aim was to
confirm the existence of this phenomenon and to check
its specificity by testing, under the same conditions,
inactive analogues of histamine and histamine
antagonists. More recently, we developed an animal
model (mouse basophils) to study the effect of
histamine on histamine release.
Methods and results: For the HBDT model basophils
were obtained by sedimentation of human blood taken
on EDTA and stained with Alcian blue. Results were
expressed in percentage activation. Histamine dilutions
tested were freshly prepared in the lab by successive
centesimal dilutions and vortexing. Water controls were
prepared in the same way. For the flow cytometric
protocol basophils were first labeled by an anti-IgE
FITC (basophill marker) and an anti-CD 63 (basophil
activation marker). Results were expressed in
percentage CD63 positive basophils. Another flow
cytometric protocol has been developed more recently,
based on basophil labeling by anti-IgE FITC
(fluorescein isothiooocyanate) and anti-CD203 PE
(another human basophil activation marker). Results
were expressed in mean fluorescence intensity of the
CD203c positive population (MFI-CD203c) and an
activation index calculated by an algorithm. For the
mouse basophil model, histamine was measured
spectrofluorimetrically.
The main results obtained over 28 years of work
was the demonstration of a reproducible inhibition of
human basophil activation by high dilutions of
histamine, the effect peaks in the range of 15-17CH.
The effect was not significant when histamine was
replaced by histidine (a histamine precursor) or
cimetidine (histamine H2 receptor antagonist) was
added to the incubation medium. These results were
confirmed by flow cytometry. Using the latter
technique, we also showed that 4-Methyl histamine (H2
agonist) induced a similar effect, in contrast to 1-Methyl
histamine, an inactive histamine metabolite.
Using the mouse model, we showed that histamine
high dilutions, in the same range of dilutions, inhibited
histamine release.
Conclusions: Successively, using different models to
study of human and murine basophil activation, we
demonstrated that high dilutions of histamine, in the
range of 15-17CH induce a reproducible biological
effect. This phenomenon has been confirmed by a
multi-center study using HBDT model and by at least
three independent laboratories by flow cytometry. The
specificity of the observed effect was confirmed, versus
the water controls at the same dilution level by the
absence of biological activity of inactive compounds
such as histidine and 1-Methyl histamine and by the
reversibility of this effect in the presence of a histamine
receptor H2 antagonist.
7. Isopathic treatment effects of Arsenicum album
45x on wheat seedling growth Ŕ further
reproduction trials
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 119
LAHNSTEIN Lisa, BINDER Mascha,
THURNEYSEN André, FREI-ERB Martin, BETTI
Lucietta, PERUZZI Maurizio, HEUSSER Peter &
BAUMGARTNER Stephen (HOM. 98, 4/2009)
Background: Two experimental studies on wheat
preintoxicated with Arsenic trioxide yielded a
significant shoot growth increase after an isopathic
application of Ars-alb 45x. One independent
reproduction trial however, yielded an effect inversion:
wheat shoot growth was significantly decreased after
application of Ars-alb 45x.
Aims: In this study we investigated the role of three
potential confounding factors on the experimental
outcome: geographical location of the experiments,
influence of the main experimenter, and seed sensitivity
to Arsenic poisoning. Laboratory-internal
reproducibility was assessed by meta-analysis.
Material and Methods: Wheat poisoned with Arsenic
trioxide was cultivated in vitro in either Ars-alb 45x,
water 45x, or unpotentised water. Treatments were
blinded and randomized. Shoot length was measured
after 7 days. The stability of the experimental set-up
was assessed by systematic negative control (SNC)
experiments.
Results: The SNC experiments did not yield significant
differences between the three groups treated with
unpotentised water. Thus the experimental set-up
seemed to be stable. We did not observe any shoot
growth increase after a treatment with Ars-alb 45x in
any of the newly performed experiments. In contrast,
the meta-analysis of all 17 experiments performed
(including earlier experiments already published)
yielded a statistically significant shoot growth decrease
(-3.2%, p = 0.017) with isopathic Ars-alb 45x treatment.
This effect was quantitatively similar across all five
series of experiments.
Conclusions: Ultramolecular Ars-alb 45x led to
statistically significant specific effects in arsenic
poisoned wheat when investigated by two independent
working groups. Effect size and effect direction differ,
however. The investigated factors (geographical
location, experimenter, seed sensitivity to Arsenic
poisoning) did not seem to be responsible for the effect
inversion. Laboratory external reproducibility of basic
research into homeopathic potentisation remains a
difficult issue.
8. Assays of homeopathic remedies in rodent
behavioural and psychopathological models
BELLAVITE Paolo, MAGNANI Paolo,
MARZOTTO Marta & CONFORTI Anita
(HOM. 98, 4/2009)
The first part of this paper reviews the effects of
homeopathic remedies on several models of anxiety-
like behaviours developed and described in rodents.
The existing literature in this field comprises some
fifteen exploratory studies, often published in non-
indexed and non-peer-reviewed journals. Only a few
results have been confirmed by multiple laboratories,
and concern Ignatia, Gelsemium, Chamomilla (in
homeopathic dilutions/potencies). Nevertheless, there
are some interesting results pointing to the possible
efficacy of other remedies, and confirming a statistically
significant effect of high dilutions of neurotrophic
molecules and antibodies. In the second part of this
paper we report some recent results obtained in our
laboratory, testing Aconitum, Nux vomica, Belladonna,
Argentum nitricum, Tabacum (all 5CH potency) and
Gelsemium (5,7, 9 and 30CH potencies) on mice using
ethological models of behavior. The test was performed
using coded drugs and controls in double blind
(operations and calculations). After an initial screening
that showed all the tested remedies (except for
Belladonna) to have some effects on the behavioural
parameters (light-dark test and open-field test), but with
high experimental variability, we focused our study on
Gelsemium, and carried out two complete series of
experiments. The results showed that Gelsemium had
several effects on the exploratory behavior of mice,
which in some models were highly statistically
significant (p <0.001), in all the dilutions/dynamizations
used, but with complex differences according to the
experimental conditions and test performed. Finally,
some methodological issues of animal research in this
field of Homeopathy are discussed. The ŖGelsemium
modelŗ Ŕ encompassing experimental studies in vitro
and in vivo from different laboratories and with different
methods, including significant effects of its major active
principle gelsemine Ŕ may play a pivotal rule for
investigations on other homeopathic remedies.
9. Use of homeopathic preparations in experimental
studies with healthy plants
MAJEWSKY Vera, ARLT Sebastian, SHAH
Devika, SCHERR Claudia, JGER Tim, BETTI
Lucietta, TREBBI Grazia, BONAMIN Leoni,
KLOCKE Peter & BAUMGARTNER Stephan
(HOM. 98, 4/2009)
Background: The last comprehensive review of
experimental research on effects of homeopathic
treatments on plants was published in 1984, and lacked
formal predefined criteria to assess study quality. Since
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then several new studies with more advanced methods
have been published.
Objectives: To compile a review of the literature on
basic research in Homeopathy with healthy plants with
particular reference to studies investigating specific
effects of homeopathic remedies.
Methods: The literature search included English,
French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish
publications from 1920 to April 2009, using predefined
selection criteria. We included experiments with
healthy whole plants, seeds, plant parts and cells. The
outcomes had to be measured by established procedures
and statistically evaluated. We developed a Manuscript
Information Score (MIS) and included only publications
which provided enough information for proper
interpretation (MIS 5). A formalized Study Methods
Evaluation Procedure (SMEP) was used to evaluate
these studies, and the sub-group of studies with
adequate controls to identify specific effects.
Results: A total of 86 studies in 79 publications was
identified, 43 studies included statistics, 29 had MIS
5, and 15 studies investigated the specificity of
homeopathic preparations. Specific effects of decimal,
centesimal and fifty millesimal potencies were found
including dilution levels far beyond the Avogadro
number. In consecutive series of potencies only some
of the tested potencies showed effects. There were
many individual studies with diverse methods and very
few reproduction trials.
Conclusions: Healthy plant models seem an useful
approach to investigate basic research questions about
the specificity of homeopathic preparations. More
investigations with more advanced methods are
recommended, especially in the sectors of potentisation
techniques, effective potency levels and conditions for
reproducibility. Systematic negative control
experiments should become a routine procedure to
control the stability of the experimental systems.
10. Use of homeopathic preparations in
phytopathological models and in field trials: a
critical review
BETTI Lucietta, TREBBI Grazia, MAJEWSKY
Vera, SCHERR Claudia, SHAH-ROSSI Devika,
GER Tim & BAUMGARTNER Stephan
(HOM. 98, 4/2009)
Background: The literature on the applications of
Homeopathy for controlling plant diseases in both plant
pathological models and field trials was first reviewed
by Scofield in 1984. No other review on Homeopathy
in plant pathology has been published since though
much new research has subsequently been carried out
using more advanced methods.
Objectives: To conduct an up-to-date review of the
existing literature on basic research in Homeopathy
using phytopathological models and experiments in the
field.
Methods: A literature search was carried out on
publications from 1969 to 2009, for papers that reported
experiments on Homeopathy using phytopathological
models (in vitro and in planta) and field trials. The
selected papers were summarized and analysed on the
basis of a Manuscript Information Score (MIS) to
identify those that provided sufficient information for
proper interpretation (MIS 5). These were then
evaluated using a Study Methods Evaluation Procedure
(SMEP).
Results: A total of 44 publications on
phytopathological models were identified: 19 papers
with statistics, 6 studies with MIS 5. Publications on
field were 9, 6 with MIS ≤ 5. In general, significant and
reproducible effects with decimal and centesimal
potencies were found, including dilution levels beyond
the Avogadrořs number.
Conclusions: The prospects for homeopathic
treatments in agriculture are promising, but much more
experimentation is needed, especially at a field level,
and on potentisation techniques, effective potency levels
and conditions for reproducibility. Phytopathological
models may also develop into useful tools to answer
pharmaceutical questions. [You can go on and on in
never-ending experiments and in spite of all that still
remain skeptical. But in the meanwhile you can apply
Homeopathy in agriculture and reap the results =
KSS].
11. Mice as a model for Homeopathy research
KHUDA-BUKHSH RAHMAN Anisur
(HOM. 98, 4/2009)
Mice (Mus musculus) have been used as a model
for Homeopathy research in relation to cytotoxicity,
genotoxicity and carcinogenesis in our laboratory for
the last three decades. Initially, anti-radiation activities
of several potentized homeopathic drugs were tested
against suitable controls by taking into consideration
several cytogenetic endpoints. Subsequently, anti-
cytotoxic, anti-genotoxic and anti-oxidative stress
effects of some homeopathic drugs were tested against
several chemical toxic metalloids and metal compounds.
Modern techniques including Western blot,
immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, UV-
spectroscopy, HPLC, FTIR, NMR, RT-PCR etc were
deployed to understand the possible mechanisms and
pathways of action of potentized homeopathic drugs.
We hypothesise that one way by which potentized
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homeopathic drugs act is through regulatory action on
gene expression.
12. The rat in basic therapeutic research in
Homeopathy
WIJK van, R., CLAUSEN J. & ALBRECHT H.
(HOM. 98, 4/2009)
The Similia Principle, the basis of Homeopathy,
implies that substances initiating symptoms when
applied to healthy biological systems can be utilized as
remedies to treat a diseased system with similar
symptoms. Depending whether the remedy substance
was of the same type as the etiologic agent, treatment is
classified as either homologous or heterologous. The
intact rate is the biological system most utilized in basic
science homeopathic research. The Homeopathy
Basic Research experiments (HomBRex) database
(about 1300 experiments on model biological systems in
homeopathic research) was analyzed for homologous
and heterologous treatments of disease states of intact
rats. The relationship between the Similia Principle and
hormesis is discussed.
13. Reporting experiments in homeopathic basic
Research (REHBaR) Ŕ A detailed guideline for
authors
SCHRÖER Stock, ALBRECHT, H., BETTI, L.,
ENDLER, PC., LINDE, K., LÜDKE, R., MUSIAL,
F., WIJK, van, R., WITT, C. & BAUMGARTNER
(HOM. 98, 4/2009)
Background: Reporting experiments in basic research
in Homeopathy is an important issue as comprehensive
description of what exactly was done is required. So
far, there is no guideline for authors available, unlike
criteria catalogues common in clinical research.
Methods: A Delphi Process was conducted, including
a total of five rounds, three rounds of adjusting and
phrasing plus two consensus conferences. European
researchers who published experimental work within the
last five years were involved.
Results: A checklist of 23 items was obtained and
supplemented with detailed examples emphasizing what
each item implies. Background, objectives and possible
hypotheses should be given in the part Řintroductionř.
Special emphasis is put on the Řmaterials and methodsř
section, where a detailed description of chosen controls,
object of investigation, experimental setup. Replication,
parameters, intervention, allocation, blinding, and
statistical methods is required. The section Řresultsř
should present sufficient details on analysed data,
descriptive as well as inferential. Authors should
discuss their results and give an interpretation in the
context of current evidence.
Conclusion: A guideline for Reporting Experiments in
Homeopathic Basic Research (REHBaR) was compiled
to be applied by authors when preparing their
manuscripts, and to be used by scientific journals in the
reviewing process. Furthermore the guideline is a
commitment to a certain minimum quality level needed
in basic research, e.g. blinding and randomization.
Feedback is encouraged on applicability, strength and
limitations of the list to enable future revisions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
VIII. GENERAL
1. A link between the periodic table of elements and
the planets of our Solar system, with the help of
homeopathic medicine
AGGARWAL, Ameet (SIM. XXI, 2/2008)
This paper investigates the mental/emotional
properties of homeopathic remedies made of minerals
and elements, the emotional characteristic of the planets
in Astrology and explore how there may be a direct
correlation between the planets of our Solar system and
the periodic table.
2. Homeopathy in the public health system: a seven-
year observational study at Lucca Hospital (Italy)
ROSSI Elio, ENDRIZZI Cristina, PANOZZO
Maria Alessandra, BIANCHI Alba & MONICA Da
Frè (HOM. 98, 3/2009)
Objective: To evaluate the response to homeopathic
treatment in a public homeopathic clinic of all patients
attending between September 1998 until December
2005, and to analyze homeopathic practice.
Methods and setting: Longitudinal observational
study in a homeopathic clinic based in a public hospital
in Lucca, Italy. Data relating to patient details, clinical
diagnosis, remedy prescribed, potency of dosage,
prescription strategy and identification of the case as
acute-chronic-recurrent were analyzed. Clinical
response was assessed by the Glasgow Homeopathic
Hospital Outcome Score.
Results: Overall 74% of patients reported at least
moderate improvement. Outcomes were better with
longer treatment duration and younger age of patients.
Respiratory, followed by dermatological and
gastrointestinal pathologies responded best,
psychological problems relatively poorly.
Conclusions: Homeopathic therapy is associated with
improvement in a range of chronic and recurring
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pathologies. Certain characteristics of patient and
pathology influence the outcome.
3. Vibrant Health and Exceptional Smiles: the
wisdom of Traditional diets
Dr. Weston PRICEřs search for causes of disease
and dental decay
DELANY, Susan (HT. 29, 4/2009)
Dr. Weston A. PRICE was a practicing dentist in
Cleveland, Ohio in the early 1900s was dismayed and
confused by the dental deformities and frequent
infections in his young patients. Curious to discover
the causes, he left behind his lab and microscope and
began examining the cultures of the world as his
laboratory. For ten years he travelled to isolated parts
of globe investigating the diets and life styles of native
people and published a book in 1939, Nutrition and
Physical degeneration Ŕ A comparison of Primitive
and Modern Diets and their effects.
He concluded that health decline and tooth decay
began when foods of modern commerce Ŕ sugar, refined
grains, canned foods, pasteurized milk, and devitalized
and refined fats and oils Ŕ were introduced.
www.westonaprice.org.
4. Towards An Inclusive Legislative Model for the
Homeopathic Profession
ALLEN Karen, BUTEHORN Loretta,
HUENECKE Jason-Aeric, KEIZER Willa,
LENNIHAN Begabati, R.N., MATHIEU Brent.
OHANIAN Valerie, PITT Richard, ROWE Todd,
SCHOR Heid, TROTTA Deborah, VAUGHTERS
Lucy, PA-C, WILSON Joy, M.
(AJHM. 101, 4/2008)
Overview: The United States homeopathic community
in recent years has been troubled with conflict about the
best legislative models to adopt for the homeopathic
profession. Many models have been proposed which
range from freedom legislation to licensure models.
The debate has often centered around an either/or
philosophy rather than a both/and approach to this
issue.
Unfortunately, this issue has divided the
homeopathic community and led to much acrimonious
debate. It also has prevented the homeopathic
community from moving forward as an organized
profession and stifled its growth.
The hope in writing this article is to suggest an
inclusive model for the homeopathic profession that
will bridge the various Ŗcampsŗ and lead to a possible
solution to the debate. In this way, it is hoped that each
homeopathic professional can find a place within the
homeopathic community that they are comfortable
with, while respecting the needs and training of other
homeopathic practitioners. [For several decades
homeopaths have been fighting amongst themselves. It
is high time this is stopped and amicable ways are found
= KSS]
IX. BOOKS
I. Textbook of Veterinary Homeopathy. John
SAXTON and Peter G. REGORY. Beaconsfield
Publishers 2005, UK £27.00 Soft Cover, 312 pages,
ISBN 0-906584-57-4. Review by Paul HUGHES.
(HL. 20, 2/2007).
A fully comprehensive introduction written by
Veterinary Surgeons. Two main sections cover Theory
and Practice. Chapters on obtaining symptoms from
Observation and inquiry, Case taking, constitutional
prescribing, Miasms and Obstacles to cure. The section
on behavioural problems brings the text to life and
illustrates the primary importance of understanding the
disposition of the animal patient.
II. 111 Great Homeopaths. Edited and compiled
by Jay YASGUR. Von Hoy Publishers 2005, ISBN
1-866149-07-0. 300 pages 8.5 X 11″. Soft cover
$23.95. Review by Ralf JEUTTER.
This book could also be called brief lives of 111
Great Homeopaths. Within few lines YASGUR
manages to convey the significance of each individualřs
life. For him greatness has centrally to do with
influence and other criteria is that the homeopath has to
be dead.
The lives unfold in front of us in alphabetical order.
Every page and life reveals something outstanding. The
translations in the book are poor. In limiting oneself to
111, the danger is in omissions.
Whether your interest in Homeopathy is oblique or
profound, this little book will stir you. ….ŗ.
III. Appearance and Circumstance Miasms, Facial
features and Homeopathy. Grant BENTLEY (HL.
20, 3/2007).
Pennon Publishing, AV - $55.00, 286 pages. ISBN 1-
877029-47-5 and
Homeopathic Facial Analysis companion volume to
Appearance and Circumstance. Grant BENTLEY ISBN
0646-46323-3; AV $69.00. Review by Margaret
NOLAN.
Every classical homeopath is looking for those
special symptoms, clues that will lead us to the
Similimum for the case. The method given is unique,
tried and tested over thousands of cases and it works!
Comprehensive bibliography is provided. The gems in
the bibliography have been reapplied and tested against
known miasmatic traits.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 123
Many photographs and sketches illustrate the effect
on the structural features of the face of the Psora,
Sycosis and Syphilis and their various combinations.
Information which determines the dominant or complex
Miasmřs expression is given by looking at each
individual feature in a face.
IV. Tumoren, ihre Ätiologie und Heilbarkeit. Aus
dem Amerikanischen von Heinz P. SCHEIDL
(Tumors, their aetiology and curability from the
American), GILCHRIST, T.G. Leer, Grundlagen
und Praxis: 2008: 220 S. kart Є38, - (German) review
Uwe FRIEDRICH (ZKH. 53, 1/2009).
ŖThe original American work has been translated,
annotated well and the cases given have also been
elaborated.
ŖJ.G. GILCHRIST lived 1842 to 1906. He was a
Surgeon and homeopath a position which made clear
about the possibilities and limits of the Medicine of
those days and Homeopathyřs role.
Ŗ… The author has drawn from the well known
personalities then Ŕ CLARKE, BURNETT, GRIMMER,
much hints useful in practice.
ŖThe booklet of GILCHRIST is for the homeopath
today who has access to later authors, is more of
historical relevance. …..Heinz P. SCHEIDEL has
however, has made a study of the cases presented in the
book, as appendix. This is the most valuable part of this
book.
ŖAll in all it is an interesting book particularly
because of the cases, and then it becomes a Řmustř for
the homeopathic Cancer treatment.ŗ
V. ANSCHUTZ, G.P.: Neue, Alte und
Vergessene Mittel, Übers und hrsg. v. R.von
SCHLIK (New, Old and Forgotten Remedies,
translated and published by R. von SCHLICK),
2007, 610 S. geb. Є68/- (German) review by Karin
JOCHENS-HOCHBAN (ZKH. 53, 1/2009): ŖA
collection of journal articles was made and published by
E.M. HALE under the title ŖNew Remediesŗ …. After
HALEřs death E.P. ANSHUTZ (1846-1918) took up
this work further and in 1900 published ŖNew, Old and
Forgotten Remediesŗ which went into a second edition
in 1917….ŗ
Ŗ…. The book is not a Materia Medica in the
Classical sense. Being a collection from various
sources it contains an informative, often curious
collection of Materia Medica……. All in all it is a
highly recommended book to every homeopathic
library.ŗ
VI. The Integrity of Homeopathy CREASY, S.,
München: Peter Irl; 2007. Brosch. 267 S., Є34/-
(English) review Klaus HOLZAPFEL (ZKH. 53,
1/2009):
The author has recorded in this book, her
experience of 48 years of homeopathic practice and
Teaching. The introduction tips Title ŖMiasms,
Philosophy and Practiceŗ indicates the importance of
her Practice based KENTřs Swedenborgian Philosophy;
ALLEN and Herbert ROBERTS and others teaching are
the basis. While HAHNEMANN spoke of 3 Miasms it
was extended to 4 by including Tuberculinum which is
seen as a mixture of Psora and Syphilis.
The author discusses with actual cases how the
miasmatic involvement was found and how prescription
based on that succeeded.
….. This book can be recommended only to those
who can do the artistic repertorisation of the case
examples.
…. Recommended to those who follow the
miasmatic teaching of KENT and ALLEN…..ŗ
VII. GROSS, G.W.: Das Verhalten der Mutter und
des Säuglings. In Auszügen zusammengestellt,
ergänzt mit gesichteten indikationen,
Krankengeschichten und Symptomen aus Buch Ŕ
und Zeitschriften veröfflentlichtungen der alten und
neueren Literatur und kritischen Anmerkungen von
Jurgen SEIPEL (The attitude of the mother and the
infant. Extracts collected, summarized, annotated
with analysed indications, Case Reports and
Symptoms from books and Journals publications old
and new Literature with critical comments by
Jürgen SEIPEL),
HAINBURGH, H.: Die Alte Schule Hahnbemann’s;
2007, 56. S. brosch. Є. 9, 80. Review by Klaus
HOLZAPFEL (German): ŖThis valuable homeopathic
ŘPocket Book for the Newly marriedř (as subtitled by
GROß); which first appeared in 1833 has now been
revised by SEIPEL. Several extracts as from
ATTOMYR, BENNINGHAUSEN, BOGER,
GOULLON, GUERNSEY, HARTMANN, HERING
and KENT, KLUNKER, STAUFFER, YINGLING
have enlarged the value of this small book. All in
all a very needed work for Homeopathy practice, more
for obstetricians.ŗ
X. OBITUARY
1. In Memorium
Melvyn, L. SMITH, MD. (1942-2009) (HT. 29,
3/2009)
Melvyn L. SMITH, MD of Sugar Land, Texas ,
homeopathic physician and co-founder of the Texas
Society of Homeopathy passed away on April 12 after
an illness. He had a PhD in Mathematics and then MD
from the University of Mississippi, later teaching at
Baylor college of Medicine. He loved Homeopathy.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 124
He obtained Diploma from British Institute of
Homeopathy in 1995. He was keenly interested in
classical Mythology and Metaphysics. He loved music
of all types. His motto, was: ŖLetřs make medicine
wiser and more lovingŗ.
2. In Memorium
Andy P. BORMETH (1960 Ŕ 2009)
BORNEMANN J.P. (HT. 29, 3/2009)
Andy P. Bormeth, who served as Executive
Director of The American Association of Homeopathic
Pharmacists and the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia
convention of the USA, passed away on July 19, 2009.
In 1991, he joined Boericke & Tafel (B & T) and
was with them for next 13 years when B & T closed in
2004, he founded Natural Pharmaceutical Consulting
Services and established an International client base.
As a Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical manufacturing
specialist, he applied his passion for excellence to every
project he undertook.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
XI. NEWS & NOTES
I. P. KASHYAP, Indian Shuttle Player, who was
taking part in the Commonwealth games, held in New
Delhi in Oct. 2010 had reached the stage when he was
competing for the bronze medal. KASHYAP was an
asthmatic and was on Inhaler. However, because of
WADA Rules he could not be given all his medicines.
ŖDuring tournaments, including the CWG, he did not
take his medicines and fought against it ….ŗ ŖWe were
worried because he was diagnosed to be in the second
stage of Asthma. And we thought he would not play
any more,ŗ his mother told, ŖEvery year we have to get
the Therapeutic Use Exemption Certificate from
WADA. We have to renew his certificate. He has to
undergo tests and produce medical certificates. It is
tough but we are used to it now,ŗ she said.
KASHYAP avoided his regular medicines and
played and beat the higher ranked Malaysian Mohmed
Hafiz and got the Bronze Medal.
[How Ŗabsolutely necessaryŗ is the Inhaler for the
Řasthmaticř]
II. Second thoughts about fluoride Ŕ New research
indicates that a cavity fighting treatment could be
risky if overused, by Dan FAGIN (Scientific American
India, Jan. 2008): Some recent studies suggest that over
consumption of fluoride can raise the risks of disorders
affecting teeth, bones, the brain and the Thyroid gland.
A 2006 Report by a Committee of National Research
Council recommended that the federal government
lower its current limit for Fluoride in drinking water
because of health risk to both children and adults.
Fluoride is in many foods, beverages and dental
products. The ubiquity of the cavity-fighting chemical
can result in overconsumption, particularly young
children.
Scientists have focused on Fluorideřs effects on
bone because of so much of the chemical is stored there.
Studies have shown that high doses of fluoride can
stimulate the proliferation of bone-building osteo-blast
cell, raising fears that the chemical may induce
malignant Tumors. Fluoride also appears to alter the
crystallize structure of bone, possibly increasing the risk
of fracture. [I recall that about 20 years ago Tooth
Pastes here in India were boasting of containing
Fluoride to Ŗfight tooth decayŗ. The Tooth Paste
vanished and there was no mention of fluoride. We
know that children have tendency to swallow some of
the tooth paste especially when it is tangy tasty. We do
not know how many children later became victims of
such fluoride consumption. And now a Tooth Paste is
aggressively campaigning that its Tooth Paste contains
Salt andtherefore it is great! = KSS.]
III. Guantánamo’s medical victims (Sub-
Editorial,The Hindu, Chennai, 31.12.2010)
The reputation of the United States will be
seriously damaged by its use of the anti-malarial drug
mefloquione, marketed as Lariam, on all detainees at
Guanmtánamo Bay. According to several studies, most
notably those published in the British Medical Journal
in 2001 and 2003, the drug causes severe
neuropsychological side-effects, including depression,
hallucinations, and homicidal and suicidal thoughts.
These are of a greater intensity than those caused by
other anti-malarials. Lariamřs manufacturers, Roche,
recorded suicidal side-effects in the 1990s, and even the
U.S. militaryřs procedures for treating its own personnel
prefer the use of other drugs. Medical staff at
Guantánamo assumed, however, that all detainees were
at risk of Malaria; they also claimed that 40% of the
Afghan population was infected, when the World Health
Organisationřs figure for 2002 was 13%. They did not
even test the detainees for Malaria in advance, and
administered doses of 1250 mg. which were five times
the normal prophylactic dose. Nor was there any prior
investigation for contraindicating conditions, which
include pre-existing post-traumatic stress disorder, and
anxiety.
The issue go beyond the comment by a U.S. army
public health physician that the use of mefloquine at
Guantánamo was an Ŗegregious malpractice.ŗ First, the
Bush administrationřs disregard of the scientific
evidence was consistent with its contempt for all
evidence that did not support its policies. Over lariam,
it ignored its own documents stating there was no risk
that Malaria would be reintroduced to Cuba by carriers
at Guantánamo; the good health island has been
malaria-free for half a century. Washington also
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 125
imposed a veil of secrecy. Military doctors who raised
doubts about mefloquine were ordered to remain silent,
and President Bush gave the Secretary of Health and
Human Services unprecedented authority to classify
information. Researchers at the Seton Hall School of
Law have concluded that by the governmentřs own
analysis, the use of mefloquine at Guantánamo may
have breached U.S. federal law and the U.N.
Convention Against Torture. Mr. BUSH decreed
furthermore that the Convention did not apply to
detainees in the ŘWar on Terror.ř His Deputy Secretary
of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz, ordered that the
requirement for informed consent could be waived
when Ŗmedical productsŗ were being developed for the
armed forces. The combination of secrecy and
mendacity strengthens the likelihood that at
Guantánamo the U.S. military engaged in medical
experimentation on captives. The modern history of
that practice is sheer evil. [So much the scientific
medicine which is a bane. I am surprised that in spite of
all these, there are homeopaths who want to join this
Řscientificř band wagon! If we do so Homeopathy will
no more be a Řblessedř business = KSS]
IV. Is it Homeopathy?
Setting the Record straight. PUNZO, Molly (HT.
29, 3/2009)
In June 2009, FDA issued a warning: letter about
Zicam, a nasal spray, labeled Ŗhomeopathicŗ, because
one of its ingredients is a highly dilute solution of Zinc
gluconate, that it may damage the sense of smell in
these who use it. Within days more anti-homeopathy
press coverage. NCH swung quickly into action and
filed detailed documented rebuttals to set the records
straight. Comprehensive information on Facebook and
on NCH website were posted. The network of members
helped to testify publicly the safety of Homeopathy.
It is essential that those who wish to maintain their
freedom to use Homeopathy to speak out, but not only
in its defense when it is attacked. To give Homeopathy
the credibility it deserves, people who have benefitted
from it need to say so, loudly and clearly and in as many
arenas as possible.
V. Rock Legend tells story of healing. (HT. 29,
3/2009).
Roger DALTREY 65, of the bond The Who spoke
at an event staged by Prince CHARLES. In 1981, his
eight month old son Jamie had an intestinal complaint
that left doctors baffled. He had inflamed guts and
bowels and doctors had been sticking cameras down his
gullet but got no where. A homeopath prescribed some
powders and within two weeks he was gaining weight
and came back to life.
- The Express (UK), May 14, 2009.
VI. Classical Homeopathy improves Psoriasis.
(HT. 29, 3/2009).
A multicenter study by researches at Charite
University in Berlin evaluated effects of Classical
homeopathic treatment in patients with Psoriasis. 45
doctors treated 82 adults over 2 years. the severity of
Psoriasis decreased and patient quality of life improved
markedly.
- Drug Law Weekly, May 26, 2009.
Journal of the European Academy of
Dermatology and Venereology 2009;
23(5) : 538-543).
VII. Tosanini helped by Homeopathy. (HT. 29,
3/2009).
During the 1931-32 season with New York
Philharmonic that the great conductor Arturo Toscanini
developed a problem with his right arm that threatened
to curtail his conducting career. American doctors
could do nothing to resolve the problem. Alberto
RINALDI, a homeopathic doctor in Italy managed to
cure him, restoring him to such good health that he fell
in love with the girl next door. Not surprisingly he
returned regularly, even conducting the town band on
occasion.
Irish Times, July 18, 2009.
VIII. According to a new National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) Survey, Americans spend 3.1 billion
dollars on Homeopathy or a little more than 9% of the
total spent on complementary and Alternative Medicine.
(HT. 29, 3/2009).
National Health Statistics reports; no.18,
HYATTSVILLE, M.D.: NCHS 2009.
IX. Mr. Lillard Goes to Washington. Homeopathic
company Honored at the White House by the President
& U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
COULTER, Catherine, R. (HT. 29, 3/2009).
During the week of May 16-23. 2009, the U.S.
SBA celebrated the achievements of 53 winners of the
State Small Business Person of the year awards. The
recipient of this award from the State of West Virginia
is Vice-President of NCH, Joe LILLARD, owner of
Washington Homeopathic Products.
In a speech before the Governor in June 2009, Joe
LILLARD offered a ŘVitalř statistic. According to
WHO, homeopathy is number two in the world, just
behind native herbal medicine. It is followed by
traditional oriental medicine and only then by allopathic
medicine in the fourth place.
X. The Myristca sebifera tree of Brazil, also known
as Viola sebifera, is one of the species at risk of
extinction from greenhouse gases. According to
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 126
scientists, the entire range of these trees could face
extinction as early as 2050 Ŕ BBC News on Line Ŕ Jan.
7, 2004 (HT. 29, 3/2009). [We have already last source
of Sanicula aqua. We cannot afford Myristica serifera
also = KSS]
XI. Conference Report: Homeopathy for developing
countries. Amersfoort, The Netherlands Ŕ June 2009
QUIRK, Tina (HT. 29, 3/2009).
More than 100 dedicated homeopaths volunteering
their skills and knowledge, representing 25 countries
met to discuss the issues, challenges and
accomplishments of the various projects. The project
directors uniformly reported a collaborative working
environment with their local communities and
acceptance by the local people. Sustainability is the aim
of all the programs and responding to the desire of the
local people to learn Homeopathy is a key component.
After experiencing healing and well-being many
patients have gone on to study Homeopathy.
The atmosphere of the Conference was one of
sharing and made plans for future communication.
Group discussions planned for multi-centre research
studies and to co-operate in fund raising.
A Nepalese graduate inspired the participants by a
case of severe circulatory problems exacerbated by
smoking and alcoholism whose toes of one foot were
amputated due to gangrene, treated with Secale over 18
months, restored circulation to the other foot and
surgery was avoided.
India was represented by the Ministry of Health.
The tours was on promoting maternal and child health
care, increasing homeopathic treatment for this group
resulted in significant decrease in pre- and post natal
disorders. Honduras reported on a successful Public
Health study using Psorinum to treat parasitic Chagas
disease.
The Finlay Institute study of Leptospirosis
prevention in Cuba was most remarkable since it
involved administering the Nosode to 2-4 million
people in regions with normally high infection rates.
The result was a dramatic decrease in infection, even
lower than the rate for all of Cuba. The Institute, a
vaccine development center, is recommending
homeopathic prophylactis as a ŖMassive preventive,
especially useful in emergent diseases and epidemics,ŗ
and offering their facilities for homeopathic research.
[Go on ahead Cuba. Congratulations = KSS.]
XII. Edward CONWAY, a member of the NCH
Board of Directors, has designed the New NCH
website. Now members can comment on almost every
piece of content added to the site. Discussion group
among NCH members is a possibility. Members will
have the ability to have their own blogs and a
community blog where popular blog entries will be
displayed. A member directory is also provided.
www.NationalcenterforHomeopathy.org
(HT. 29, 4/2009)
XIII. In the November 2009 issue of O, The
Oprah Magazine, Dr. Mehmetřs Ozřs column, ŖFour
treatments for Headachesŗ he recommends that
Acupuncture and Homeopathy are worthy adjunct
therapies. (HT. 29, 4/2009)
XIV. Popular internet news and information
website, The Huffington Post, has added a regular
blog by Dana ULLMAN, homeopath. (HT. 29, 3/2009)
www.huffingtonpost.com/dana-ullman
XV. Researches concluded that homeopathic doses
of Gelsemium positively influenced the emotional
responses of mice to novel environments, as
evidenced by an improvement in exploratory behavior
and decrease in fear. (HT. 29, 4/2009).
e-CAM online advance publication, 2009 Sept. 14
ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/nep 139v1.
XVI. In loving Memory. Allen C. NEISWANDER
(HT. 29, 3/2009)
Dr. Allen C. NEISWANDER, a pillar of
homeopathic community for more than 60 years,
passed away on October 8, 2009 at the age of 95 years.
XVII. Looking to the next Generations. President
Message. MERIZALDE, A. Bernardo (AJHM. 101,
4/2008).
On October 25-26, 2008, an extraordinary scientific
meeting and an AIH membership meeting was held to
discuss the logistics of a common areas of interest in the
teaching program which included five groups. (a)
curriculum design (b) curriculum content (c) teaching
delivery, developing of resources and quality assurance
(d) teaching team development. Collaboration, course
marketing and team communication (e) clinical training.
The strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that
could be present in our current situation were discussed
and summarized by each group Ŕ to strengthen the
organization and Homeopathy.
An interesting idea from some participants was that
we need not follow the rules of research of the
conventional establishment and noted how, with each
publication the goalpost is placed farther and farther
away. We may need to come up with our own valid
evaluation parameters and not play into the
conventional game plan. [We fully agree with this
idea. = KSS].
XVIII. Conference Report.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 127
Report to the USA on the 63
rd
Congress of the
LMHI Oostende, Belgium. May 20 Ŕ 24, 2008.
Reported by Richard HILTNER. (AJHM. 101, 4/2008).
Michel Van WASENHOVEN gave the Keynote
address on the theme of Congress: Evidence Based
Homeopathy.
May 21: Christian BOIRON stressed that it is
important to adhere with oneřs ideals, yet be willing to
bend as more truth comes to light.
Ton NICOLAI stressed the importance of
Homeopathy associating with Complementary and
Alternative Medicine.
Giles CHAUFFERIN presented a study on the
ŖCost effectiveness of Homeopathyŗ.
Tarakeshwar JAIN presented his research on a
computer program called ŖKenboŗ.
Frederick SCHROYENS illustrated the ability of
computers to repertorise provings.
Carlo REZZANI introduced an important project
for the collection clinical data called CLI. FI. COL.
Frederique HONEGGER spoke on recurrent
vaginal yeast infections.
Nikcolae NAGHIU presented a study on Autism
and Asperger Syndrome involving 118 children from
to 15 years-old. These children were followed for 6
Ŕ 24 months main parameters were examined:
Socialization, Language skills, Motor Function,
Cognitive Abilities and Self-Care. Eight children
showed remarkable improvement. The others
demonstrated improvement more slowly.
Francesco MACRI, from Italy presented a study on
Allergic Disorders in children.
Ana Paula MAIA described the results of a study
involving 279 children with Cerebral Palsy in Brazil. 57
of these patients were treated for aggressive behavioral
disturbances, with a history of injury, which were
treated effectively with Arnica, Natrum sulphuricum
and Phosphorus. Aggressive tendencies were treated
with Belladonna, Stramonium, Bufo rana, Hyoscyamus.
Jussara Diffini Santa MARIA found that children
treated with Homeopathy had fewer problems with
their oral health.
Luc UYTTENHOVE found that many with pain
from wisdom tooth eruption did well on Cheiranthus
cheiri. There was also evidence of effectiveness in
chronic conditions of boney structure loss with Heckla
lava and Silicea and low costs of Homeopathy.
Jean Pierre JANSEN did a pilot study to determine
if the placebo requirement for Provings were really
needed.
Houda ARJOUN developed a timely report on the
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) involving 20 infants
treated with Homeopathy and 20 infants with
conventional medicines. The study demonstrated the
efficacy.
Fabio BALOGNANI worked with Federal
Brazilian Homeopathic Clinic of Neurological and
Developmental Diseases (FBHCND) in treating 54
children with Muscular Dystrophy with homeopathic
medicines.
May 22: Peter FISHER gave a well outlined-paper on
ŖResearch in Homeopathyŗ. He reported Ŗall of the
four comprehensive reviews of randomized controlled
trials have concluded that, overall, Homeopathy
probably differs from placebo. [What does this mean?:
ŖProbably differs from Placebo?ŗ After so much of
Řresearchř. Every issue of the journal Homeopathy
(Journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy, England, Ed.
Peter FISHER) has been carrying mostly Řresearchř
articles; with all that this Řcondescendingř acceptance! I
am sure that we will never succeed in getting the
acceptance of Homeopathy by the Hegmony Medicine.
Really, do we need it? = KSS].
Veterinary studies were also presented covering
such disorders as:bovine subclinical mastitis, vaginal
leiomyoma, and cold intolerance enteritis in guinea
fowl.
Dentistry: German Dario BENITEZ found that Arnica,
and Naproxen were equally effective in relieving the
pain after extraction of tooth.
Gloria Andre FEIGHELSTEIN correlated dental
flourosis and constitutional fluoric homeopathic
characteristics.
Hilton TIBA spoke of treating temporomandibular
Joint Syndrome with homeopathic medicine.
Gustavo DOMINICI spoke of proving of Hydrogen
peroxidatum. This remedy has potential in the
treatment of Dementia or Alzheimerřs disease. The
results of the Proving is summarized: sluggishness.
Lex Rutten & Erik STOLPER discussed about
likelihood Ratio and the Bayesian algorithm in
determining the probability of homeopathic medicine
being effective for a patient.
Marie-Noelle ISSAUTIER spoke of animals
ingesting St. Johnřs Wort, developed skin eruptions
when exposed to sun.
Phillippe MARIJNEN designed a study with
Boiron by treating skin eruptions from sun exposure
with Hypericum with 85.7% improvement.
Thierry DUNGLER presented a study of flushes of
cheek not associated with menopause. 87% improved
with Sanguinaria canadensis 7CH for three months.
Gerhard HUBMAN uses mikcro-immunology (MI)
along with constitutional Homeopathy and
homotoxicology to treat Cancer patients.
D.P. RASTOGI, explored the concept of the time
tested Boenninghausen method of obtaining the correct
homeopathic medicine.
Maria Gloria Alcover LILLO examined a case of
depression as an example of the Mexican Schoolřs eight
principles of Hahnemannřs Organon of Medicine.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 128
These eight were systematized by the Mexican
School in the early 1900s and are as follows:
1. Vis Merdicatrix Natura: The healing force in the
patientřs own nature.
2. Pure Expermentation on a healthy individual.
3. Similia Similibus Curentur or Like cures Like.
4. Morbid Individuality states that every individual
suffers according to his/her own particular nature.
5. Individuality of the Remedy: every single natural
substance has own irreplaceable mode of action.
6. Vital Dynamism or the operative mode which
belongs to each living being.
7. Minimum Dose or the minimum specific imprint
required for a homeopathic stimulus.
8. The Individual Pathological Tendency or
Miasmatic Condition: the morbid constitutional
state whether inherited or acquired which is brought
about by the permanent, arbitrary and unnatural
suppression of acute illnesses, which is the forming
mechanism in all chronic illnesses.
Leon SCHEEPERS expanded on the proving of
Gallium aparine. The key symptoms: a feeling of
being a zombie; complete wrong sense of time:
headache; tiredness.
Jacques IMBERECHTS spoke on the proving of
Hecla lava which was carried out in different countries
from 2000 Ŕ 2008.
Jean Pierre JANSEN presented a paper on a Multi-
center, prospective, double blind proving on Potentilla
anserine (Silverweed) in 10 provers.
23 May
Rene HALM delivered a tribute to the famous Dr.
Madeleine BASTIDE, French professor of immunology
who explained high dilution homeopathic effects by a
scientific paradigm.
Christian ENDLER, discussed the results of a study
on the effect of Thyroxin 30x on frogs.
Louis REY discussed the specific physical effects
of ultra-high dilutions confirmed by experiments
measuring nuclear magnetic resonance, calorimeter and
electrical conductivity.
Lyudmil PEYCHEV presented a positive study on
ratsř learning and memory after long term treatment
with placebo, Anacardium orientale, Baryta carbonica,
Kali phosphoricum and Phosphoric acidum in 30CH
potencies.
Jan SCHOLTEN gave an all day seminar on 17
Lanthanides.
Joyce FRYE described a U.S. National Health
Interview Survey in 2002 of users of Homeopathy.
Purnima SHUKLA spoke of treatment of 288 cases
of breast lumps treated at a homeopathic research
center in India from 2000 to 2006.
Camila SIQUEIRA found that virus H3N2 effective
in 30CH potency in a 10% solution against the virus in
vitro.
Walter GLUECK gave a fascinating presentation
on the aspects of food as homeopathic healing agents;
Ŗin the kingdom of foods slumber still many treasures
yet to be discovered via provingŗ.
Sonia BADULICI presented a study of orthoergic
Dermatitis treated by Homeoplasmine (a patent drug).
Modesto ROCA delivered a report on 16 cases of
Prolactinomas with excellent results with Lac caninum
30 thrice weekly and constitutional medicine.
Marques ARPA described two impressive cases of
sepsis after trauma treated with Arnica montana. Both
of these patients were in the ICU and their chance of
surviving was considered extremely small. One was a
79 year-old woman who had abdominal trauma leading
to sepsis. She was given LM1→LM3 Arnica. The
other was a man 50 years old who developed sepsis
after a tooth extraction. He also was given LM1→LM3
Arnica. They both did very well.
A. and N.C. SUKUL related the differences
obtained in spectral patterns, position of peaks and
intensity of absorbance of potentized drugs from their
mother tinctures and their diluents.
Jean-Luc CHICHE observed 83% mothers were
helped with Actea racemosa 30 in cervical dystocia
after birth; they experienced relief within 30 minutes.
Aurelie COLAS stated positive results of Luteinum
(Progesterone) 15CH for Nausea in Pregnancy.
Carl Rudolf KLINKENBERG outlined 7 criteria
for verification of cured proving symptoms.
Anna PLA described proving of Salix frogilis
(Cracked Willow)
Claudio ARAUJO gave a beautiful lengthy
description of the essence of Anacardium orientalis.
Rinaldo octavio VARGAS gave a scholarly paper
on ŖMethod, Science & Medicineŗ describing various
philosophies in the conventional Cartesian approach
with the broader holistic view.
Karin LENGER gave what could be an historical
presentation on how homeopathic medicines work.
She stated that homeopathic potencies are photons
with different resonance frequencies.
Naoual BAUJEDAINI presented a study to prove
that Gelsemium mediates its analgesic and anxiolytic
effects by resulating the secretion of allopregnanolone.
Anisur RAHMAN Khuda-BUKSH delivered an
important comprehensive set of studies on a variety of
village people who were exposed to arsenic
contaminated drinking water. Arsenicum album 30, 200
or LM3 was given with quite convincing results. The
remedy not only helped in outward mobilization of
arsenic, but also deeply affected the hematological
system and had a multi-faceted action on physiological
and molecular levels of other systems as well.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 129
Leon SCHEEPERS, Maria GOOSENS, and Yves
FAINGNAERT suggested that the link between modern
science and the homeopathic miasmatic approach can
be made through Ŗepigeneticsŗ Ŕ hidden influences
upon the genes.
Carmen STURZA gave an important proving of
Yterbium nitricum. 13 provers were involved.
Guido MORTELMANS described some of the
symptoms of the proving of Insulinum humanum.
Michael TEUT discussed a proving on Galphinia
glauca.
Jamshed RANDARIA gave a good history of the
Bowel Nosodes. Proteus has many symptoms of anger
that would make one think also of Chamomilla, Hepar
sulph., Nux vomica, etc.
24 May: Roberto PETRUCCI delivered an excellent
presentation on the clinical verification of the proving of
Falcon Peregrinus Disciplinatus.
Leon SCHEEPERS discussed the Belgian proving
of Lobelia cardinalis.
P. SELDOVA, I.A. LENEVA, A.S.
LAPTITSKAYA offered more evidence of the
effectiveness of Oscillococcinum in protecting against
influenza and acute respiratory viral infections.
XIX. Randi’s Bluff Called: His Apparent
Misgivings Torpedo the Homeopathic Experiment
That Was Not to Be. George VITHOULKAS (AJHM.
102, 1/2009).
This article appears on the website of the
International Academy of Classical Homeopathy
(url:http://www.vithoulkas.com/content/view/92/114/lan
g.en/)
After George VITHOULKAS and affiliated parties
agree to conduct and organize a detailed clinical
experiment to prove Homeopathyřs efficacy in
response to the one million dollar prize offered by
James Randi, a series of suspicious delays and changing
requirements on the part of Mr. RANDI seriously
jeopardize the projectřs completion. In the course of
these impediments, Mr. RANDI seemed to take every
available opportunity to malign the credibility of
Professor VITHOULKAS and Homeopathy.
XX. Seminar Review: An Introduction to
Homeopathy & The Bowel Nosodes presented by
Dr.Russell MALCOLM. Reported by MOSKOWITZ,
Richard (AJHM. 102, 1/2009).
The 4 day Seminar was held at Westchester
Marriott Hotel, New York on 23-26, Oct. 2008. First
two days were taught by Dr. MALCOLM on
ŖIntroduction to Medical Homeopathyŗ with brief
segments by Dr. WHITMONT, as well as Susan
SALTZMAN, Jay BORNEMAN of Standard
Homeopathic and Bernando MERIZALDE.
The last two days were dedicated to Bowel
Nosodes. The micro ecology of intestinal flora were
discussed and their indications.
Bacillus no.7: Infection, overwork, drugs, antibiotics,
fatigue states, Arthritis, joints, musculoskeletal
symptoms.
Bacillus no.10: STDřs, opportunistic infections, dietary
fads and supplements, and overuse of OTC, herbal,
holistic, homeopathic, and naturopathic remedies.
Dysentere co.: drugs, antibiotics, infections, hay fever
and hyperimmune states, thyroid and endocrine
imbalance, chest pain, and local dysbiosis.
Fæcalis: poor diet, cancer, surgery, chemotherapy,
radiotherapy, post-operative stress, birth trauma, and
inherited dysbiosis.
Gaertner: infective, antibiotics, drugs, immune or
autoimmune disease (arthritis, malabsorption, IBD).
Morgan-Gaertner: drugs, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle,
food-borne bacterial toxins, chronic low-grade GI or
GU inflammation, menopause.
Morgan Pure: poor diet, infected food, drugs, steroids,
infection, alcohol, weaning, all systems.
Mutabile: emotional stress, drugs, herbal and
homeopathic remedies, laxatives, probiotics, UTIřs,
asthma, diverticulitis.
Proteus: persistent, unremitting stress, infections,
antibiotics, CNS, peripheral and autonomic nervous
system imbalance, fibrositis, musculoskeletal
symptoms, IBS; and
Sycotic Co: infections, URIřs, vaccines, antibiotics,
drugs, stress, catarrh (sinuses, UR tract) and
proliferative states, skin, body orifies, GI and GU tracts,
arthritis.
XXI. Docs prescribe discounted Vaccines. (Times
of India, Chennai dated 29.3.2010). In yet another
study, consultant paediatrician Dr. Yash PAUL from
Jaipur found that the difference between the MRP and
the price for doctors or chemists is very small for
Vaccines which are part of the National Immunisation
Programme. The huge discount of Rs.500-600 is only
for the newer vaccines. Dr. PAUL points out that
doctors would be tempted to administer newer
discounted vaccines which give them a huge profit
margin.
ŖIf the difference between the MRP and cost to the
doctors is equal or nominal, doctors may consider the
comparative merits of the vaccines instead,ŗ states Dr.
PAUL. He cites the example of the DPT vaccine,
recommended for universal immunization, which has an
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 130
MRP of Rs.15.50, and given to doctors at the discounted
price of Rs.12.50, a minimal difference, whereas the
MRP of DaPT, a modified newer version of DPT is
Rs.699 and the cost for doctors is Rs.595. In addition to
sending private letters to physicians, companies have
now started advertising the price of their vaccines to
doctors in medical journals. Chiron Panacea has placed
advertisements in paediatrics journals quoting the price
of the pentavalent vaccine ŘEasyfiveř at Rs.275 to the
doctor while its MRP is Rs.585. ŖWhile physicians will
incur some costs for the storage of vaccines the margin
of profit is still huge, and could be termed as
profiteering. Such high margins are difficult to find in
other professions or industries or in the case of other
goods,ŗ say Dr. LODHA and Dr. BHARGAVA.
The study concludes that such huge margins on
offer clearly indicate that the retail prices being paid by
parents and patients are highly inflated. ŖThe
companies can afford to sell their vaccines for far lower
prices without a loss in profitability,ŗ say Dr. LODHA
and Dr. BHARGAVA.
XXII. Ferozepur is the border district of Punjab
(India) with Pakistan is suffering from toxicity of
groundwater in over four dozen villages. An increasing
number of children require wheel chairs as they fall
victim to crippling disorders. There are children who
have lost their eyesight. Children also suffered from
Psoriasis, Mutilation of organs, Skeletal disorders,
Organ failures, Cancer, Mental disorientation, etc. the
Sutley river gets polluted by industrial effluents. This
water seeped into the ground in these villages. (The
Hindu, March 11, 2011).
XXIII. Even as questions are being raised about
whether the Swine flu scare was exaggerated to benefit
pharmaceutical companies, evidence has surfaced
showing that several members of the WorldHealth
Organization(WHO) Vaccine board, which pushed
countries to buy the H1N1vaccine, have had significant
financial ties with various pharmaceutical companies.
It was revealed that Prof…. a Finnish member of
the WHO board on Vaccines, ŘStrategic Advisory
Group of Experts (SAGE) received almost 6.3 million
Euros in 2009 for his Vaccine research Programme from
Vaccine manufacturer. SAGE advises WHO, Chief and
recommends which Vaccines and how much of it
member countries should purchase for the pandemic.
There are other Research Scientists who accepted
research grant from other manufacturers. Many of the
pharmaceutical companies with which the Vaccine
Board members had ties are also manufacturers of
Vaccines, including the H1N1 Vaccine. ….. (Times of
India, Chennai 13 Jan. 2010).
XXIV. Was H1N1 outbreak a false alarm? Rema
NAGARAJAN.
Many of the pharmaceutical companies with which
the vaccine board members had ties are also
manufacturers of vaccines, including the H1N1
vaccine. Members of SAGE are required to declare all
professional and financial interests, including funding
received from pharmaceutical companies ore
consultancies or other forms of professional engagement
with pharmaceutical companies.
The names and affiliations of members of SAGE
and of SAGE working groups are published on the
WHO website, together with meeting reports and
declarations of interest submitted by the experts.
Allegations of undeclared conflicts of interest are
taken very seriously by WHO, and are immediately
investigated,ŗ says the statement. However, there is no
such disclosure by these SAGE members on the WHO
website.
The accusation of Dr. Wolfgang Wodarg, head of
health at the Council of Europe, that the Swine Flue
outbreak was a Řfalse pandemicř driven by drug
companies that made billions of dollars from creating a
worldwide scare has added fuel to this controversy.
Dr. Wodarg is quoted as saying: ŖThey have made
them squander tight healthcare resources for inefficient
vaccine strategies and needlessly exposed millions of
healthy people to the risk of unknown side-effects of
insufficiently tested vaccines.ŗ
Despite the huge pandemic scare created by the
WHO officials, less than 1% people infected with swine
flu died as the disease swept through the world. Several
European governments have admitted to being stuck
with a huge surplus of H1N1 vaccines worth millions.
The UK government has stated that it faced wasting
millions of pounds if it was unable to get out of the huge
orders for vaccines placed with the pharmaceutical giant
GSK. The UK is already reportedly considering selling
or giving away millions of doses. Several other
countries, including France, have already announced
plans to sell off their surplus vaccines.
Interestingly, in the UK, it had earlier been reported
that Sir Roy Anderson, a scientist who advised the UK
government on swine flue, also held a post on the board
of GSK, for which he was being paid £1,16,000
annually.
However, GSK claimed that he had declared his
commercial interests and had not attended any meetings
related to the purchase of drugs or vaccine for either the
government or GSK. (Times of India, 13 Jan. 2010).
XXV. An International group of experienced
homeopaths started a Delphi Project
(Documentation and Exchange of Lively and Pure
Homeopathic Information).
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 131
The aim is to collect good cases cured with a single
remedy in a database. The website is
http://www.delphi-project.com. Send an e-mail to
contact @delphi-project.com with the words Ŗadd to
mail lisin the subject heading. Just register and send
your best cases. Ose HEIN (HL. 20, 2/2007).
XXVI. Sun Sand and Sensation.
A report on the Goa seminar by Homeopathic
Research and Charities Group 2006. WILLIAMS,
Rebecca.
The main learning points were understanding the
case on the level of vital sensation and arriving at the
kingdom, then sub-kingdom and then the source. This
understanding has put a new emphasis on how we can
learn Materia Medica.
Some notes on energy picture of Sub-kingdom.
Insects are given and differentiated from Spider.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LIST OF JOURNALS
Full addresses of the Journals covered by this
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest are given below:
--------------------------------------------------------
1. AHZ: Allgemeine Homöopathische Zeitung, Karl
F. Haug Verlag, Hüthig GmbH, im Weiher 10,
69121, HEIDELBERG, GERMANY.
2. AJHM: American Journal of Homeopathic
Medicine, formerly Journal of the American
Institute of Homeopathy (JAIH). 801 N. Fairfax
Street, Suite 306 Alexandria, VA 22314.
3. CCR.: Homeopathic Clinical Case Recorder, Dr.
Subhash Meher, Near Hotel Chanakya,
Anandrishiji Marg, Burudgaon Road,
AHMEDNAGAR-414001.
4. THE HINDU: Newspaper, Chennai Ŕ 600 002.
5 HH.: Homeopathic Heritage, B. Jain Publishers
Overseas, 1920, Street No.10, Chuna Mandi,
Paharganj, Post Box 5775, New Delhi - 110 055.
6. HL: Homeopathic Links, Homeopathic Research
& Charities, F/s, Saraswat Colony, Linking Road,
Santacruz (W), MUMBAI Ŕ 400 054.
7. HOM: Formerly British Homeopathic Journal
(BHJ), Homeopathy, Faculty of Homeopathy, 29
Park Street West, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU13BE,
UK.
8. HT: Homeopathy Today, National Center for
Homeopathy, 801, North Fairfax Street, Suite 306,
ALEXANDRIA, VA. 22314, USA.
9. IJHDR: International Journal of High Dilution
Resarch, Sibiu, Romania. Via Internet.
10. S & C: Science and Culture, Indian Science News
Association, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road,
KOLKATA Ŕ 700 009.
11. Times of India: Newspaper, Chennai Ŕ 600 002.
12. ZKH: Zeitschrift für Klassische Homöopathie, Karl
F. Haug Verlag, Hüthig GmbH, Im Weiher 10, D-
69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY.
========================================
Vital disorder cannot be turned into order except by
something similar in quality to the Vital Force. It is
not similitude in quantity that we want, in weights and
measures, but it is similarity in quality in power, in
plane, that must be sought for. Medicines, therefore,
cannot affect the high and interior planes of the
physical economy unless they are raised to the plane
of similarity in quality.
The individual who needs Sulphur in the very highest
degrees may take Sulphur sufficient to move his
bowels, may rub it upon the skin, may wear it in his
stockings, can take Sulphur baths, all without effect
upon his disease. In that form the drug is not in
correspondence with his sickness, it does not affect
him in the same plane in which he is sick, and so it
cannot affect the cause and flow from these to the
circumference. - JTK
(From The American Homeopath, Vol.2/1995)
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 132
PART II
(This Section contains abstracts/extracts from selected articles; even the entire article in some case)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. For a rhetoric of the praxis
ROSENBAUM Paulo
(IJHDR V. 3, 6/2004)
ŖIf we stop giving the word 'similitude' the vague and
someway popular meaning that we took from the
beginning, if we try to precise the meaning of
'similitude' through a comparison with the 'identity',we
will conclude, I believe, that identity refers to the
geometric, and similitude to the vital.ŗ
Bergson
In one of these nights of insomnia to what every
one of us are submitted in atypical summers, we got
tempted to wander in Internet looking for what is being
produced on national and international homeopathic
literature. First of all was necessary to put filters against
all the things one can find under the keyword
"homeopathy". Experts in eluding, we opened the heart
and let us go through the flow of web labyrinth, the
most nighthawk and addictive habit that technology has
invented.
What was the balance of that insomnia? Apart from
a following day of doubtful performance, what was
found was an enormous variety of publications
dedicated to the practice. The crushing majority of
books and texts directs the public to easy prescription,
trying to demonstrate how simple it is to condense the
practice under a prescription shape.
We essayed two possible interpretations for the
phenomena: euphoria and depression. Euphoria for
those who think that simplicity is a result of the
reductionism. Depression for those who tried to
comprehend practice as a very difficult delivery Ŕ still
in the period of expulsion Ŕ of several generations of
Hahnemann's commentators.
And how did we get here? I mean, this is not a
secret, it doesn't happen only among laics. But what I
was wondering is: why the books of homeopathic theory
are condemned previously to failure? Have we reached
such a maturity grade that we can prescind theoretical
discussions? It's not like that. We are, by the way, very
far from it. Since there is not a finished science Ŕ once
the science is characterized precisely by the continuity
of the adjustment of its programs Ŕ homeopathy is not,
and should not be, exception to the norm. Work has just
begun; we still will have to feed lots of disorders and
stimulate our contradictions to elevate the tension of the
debate, guiding it to the field of the ideas.
The results? We don't know. We just think that this
is the only way out of the circular embroil that we
inherited. But, what about the practice? Doubtless,
homeopathic practice must be put back in debate. With
all the strength and radicality it deserves.
But in this case, we have to have a mass production
Ŕ I mean, to edit what has already been produced Ŕ what
is built practically. Especially in unicist practice. That's
why we emphasize, in our last edition, the case reports,
so rare in our area, editorially speaking. Because until
now there isn't, and there never was, a literature about
the practice of the theory.
Meanwhile we drowse, the gap between theory and
practice will keep on bothering homeopathy's students.
Or with the ghosts of unquestionable doctrines, or with
the absurd and traditional reductions.
Would be possible to create something really new?
What we desire is that the points of application of
the theory Ŕ so emphasized in the unicist courses, but
seldom enjoyed or demonstrated practically Ŕ are
justified. Because even the best courses don't allow that
homeopathy's students acquire clinical experience
necessary to ambulatorial spaces.
The truth is that only with a great effort of self-
education the student acquires experience and readiness
on homeopathic medicine. Lots of them give up here.
Others continue trusting in intuitions. Well, but
intuitions demand two previous requirements: very well
consolidated theory and techniques. Intuitions
complement, never guide. When they do it, they
sacrifice concepts. They're instincts, not intuitions.
Some could reason that this difficulty of passing
from theory to praxis is inherent to medicine and also
occurs in biomedicine's tradition. And it's not less true.
But there is a very important difference that deserves
attention: in these areas abound technical manuals, a
huge didactic and supporting material, besides a series
of technological instruments that allow that this turns to
be a less anguishing task, and, above all, less lonely.
What definitively doesn't happen in homeopathy.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 133
The homeopath has to comply on training literally in
rifts. Some dig cavities in their daily clinic. The
neophytes depend on patients that accept to migrate to
Homeopathy. Much of them experiment, timidly, in
spaces of public clinics and ambulatories, and private
medical services in which not always the attendance can
be semiotechnically appropriated. Maybe the proximity
of a medical residence in homeopathy, the expansion of
attendance and with new places and adequate conditions
to training the picture can be eased, even though it won't
be reversed. Homeopathy still needs to learn how to
settle its practice that is essentially ambulatorial, with
the reentering on hospital system; because previous
unplanned experiences produced frustration as well as
disservice to homeopathic movement.
And by the way, which is the true diagnostic? We
presume that under these circumstances there isn't
critical learning or density of supervised attendance.
This leads us to the conclusion that the beginner almost
always starts the clinic work in precarious conditions. I
mean, very precarious.
Since there aren't great masters anymore, the option
is to produce more didactic resources, directed to the
unicist, but not only to him. As a matter of fact, we need
to redefine unicism far beyond of what is called "classic
homeopathy"; it really can start to be all the
homeopathic technique, which goal is the vitalist focus
centered in the subject care.
We only know that maturity is always transitory.
There will be always a lot more to be written, rethought
and corrected. Let the scientific rigidity to overwhelm
the ones that consider themselves satisfied. We are the
ones who believe that audacity and creativity must
impregnate unstoppably the researchers. And, guess
what?, we still are very thirsty.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Homeopathy and its paradigms: semiotic, vitalistic
and fragmentary
ROSENBAUM Paulo
(IJHDR V. 2, 5, 2003)
G-d is in the particulars - Aby WARBURG
Each physician approaches his/her homeopathic
practice from definite assumptions and personal
expectations. These may be used to establish a kind of
Ŗpractitioners profilingŗ. There are those who are
satisfied with almost nothing and those who seek utter
perfection and still, those who are so much lacking in
curiosity that are blind to many central issues.
Unluckily, medical education trains practitioners to
focus on the control of anatomical damage. And we may
not forget a group that may be called Ŗhyperpragmaticŗ:
they are so convinced of apriori limitations to
Homeopathy, that they claim for themselves the right to
establish definite boundaries concerning what
Homeopathy may expect to treat. As a result,
Homeopathy is reduced to a structural positivity so
schematic that its true role becomes blurred. What all of
them have in common is the Ŗpractice of an agnostic
Homeopathyŗ.
1
In the face of their skepticism, it
becomes very difficult to find out if Homeopathy might
be truly held accountable for the results it claims.
No matter such considerations, itřs indisputable that
Homeopathy faces a crisis, although many of its
protagonists may not be aware of it. There is a small
seed of consensus, regarding the evident fact that
Homeopathy is consistently being institutionalized.
Indeed, we have advanced! Yet, we still need to answer
the question: in what direction? Only then weřll be able
to plan the next steps.
The homeopathic movement entered this century
carrying with it an internal crisis, that demands different
strategies from those employed in previous times. Not
merely an innovative and creative historiographical
approach, but an actual redefinition of our agenda. This
owes to the fact that this crisis reached existential
proportions, as most strangely, Homeopathy remained
impervious to the largest part of its contradictions. This
impasse was expected, it depends on a series of factors
that we arenřt able to discuss in this article for the sake
of brevity. Yet, one of them is easily perceptible: thereřs
a large number of different interpreters of
HAHNEMANNřS work.
Weřre tempted to ask: from all these interpreters,
which are trustworthy and which are merely reediting
favorite authors and ideas? We ask this even while we
know that the answer is actually irrelevant, as all of
them have a right to invoke HAHNEMANNřS
authority. Itřs a well known fact that HAHNEMANNřS
thought changed along time, so that different phases
may be described. Weřll focus on a different inquiry:
will the above mentioned impasse ever be overcome? It
demands multicentric collaboration, as autophagic
censorship and the false polarity between an excess of
tradition and the tentacles of acritical modernization
have prevailed until our own time.
Weřre afraid we havenřt yet grown up so much.
We live in a world surrounded by myths, so
strengthened by oral tradition, that it became almost
impossible to set a common ground for a single
Homeopathy. What we have, in fact, are several
different Ŗhomeopathiesŗ.
1
Expression suggested by Prof. Dr. José Ricardo Ayres.
Personal communication.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 134
What we need to establish is the epistemic
foundations of our perspective. This is the reason why
we decided to prioritize a definite practical approach:
Homeopathy as the Medicine of the Subject. We must
warn that this means much more than a mere revival of
long forgotten trends. To most practitioners, medical
anthropology may seem anachronic, especially when
confronted to the amazing development of basic
homeopathic research. To address issues such as
suffering as existential anxiety, to employ uncommon
symptoms as the basis of semiology, to understand the
subject in his/her permanent tension between
immanence and transcendence. Even worse when we
suggest that these are precisely the elements that ground
any therapeutic procedure. In short, to think of health as
a notion in permanent resignification.
Many believe that Homeopathy should be guided
by simple evidence, i.e. results. This isnřt wrong. What
we seek belongs to a completely different order of
inquiry: to make us understand as a different clinical
logic.
It may prove useful to shortly summarize the
epistemic rings that led Homeopathy to its present
situation. Weřll pick up the threads that were used to
knit Homeopathy as a Medicine of the Subject.
Symptoms in Homeopathy: Indexical
Historians tell that Medicine as a science began
with HIPPOCRATES. One of the reasons is that he
grounded his semiology on observation. Is known that
HIPPOCRATES profited from EMPEDOCLESř
suggestion to establish contrasts between the healthy
and the unhealthy, prioritizing symptoms and signals as
indexes that would modulate the first clinical histories.
Symptoms let us speak of things we have never
seen nor heard before. We cherish the learning of the
diagnostic and prognostic arts, initially as mere
Ŗhuntersŗ of mute hints that will allow us to dominate
our preys, and lately, by employing our cognitive,
sensitive and intuitive skills in order to build a clinical
knowledge from spoken hints. The nature of our
conjectural intellect has precisely the same roots.
In the clinical, as well in other kinds of inquiry, the
use of marginal data to interpret the phenomenic
network Ŕ that is to say, accessory hints and
adventitious symptoms Ŕ doesnřt mean that we may
establish a phenomenon without having actually
experienced it. We may not know beforehand how
something will be, if we havenřt seen it before.
HAHNEMANN was adamant concerning this and
sought to establish a medicine of experimental basis
precisely to escape from systematic apriorism, from a
medicine grounded on theories that took the subject out
of sight.
But medicine, precisely, was looking for a
knowledge built from accumulated experiences, that is
to say, to probe reality in order to find in it hints of non
directly experienced phenomena. The celebrated
aphorism that enunciated MORGAGNIřS goal,
Ŗknowing before seeingŗ couldnřt be more explicit. The
nature of Homeopathy doesnřt oppose this search for
the causes in order to predict their effects. The
application of the Law of Similars depends upon this
same causality. Yet, there is a significant difference:
HAHNEMANN wanted to actualize his empiricism
through a daily and individual agenda, where the
unexpected was decisive. Each single case may only be
known through its unpredictable contents, that are only
revealed here and now. There is certainly a method, but
it takes imprecision into account, itřs an inherent part of
it. One more ingredient in the eternal war between
Racionalists and Empiricists.
While MORGAGNI was amassing autopsies that
would allow him to propose an universal law Ŕ
symptoms are the slaves of anatomic injury Ŕ
HAHNEMANN was ready to relativize the value of that
law: concerning the subject, nothing may be perfectly
predicted, much less a priori prognosticated.
Italian semiotician Carlo GINZBURG
2
explains
that both historians and physicians equally depend upon
analogy to make inferences, and they usually grasp and
understand reality from indirect Ŕ indexical, conjectural
Ŕ data, which become actualized through immediate
experience and observation.
GINZBURG states that this is the reason why
neither history nor medicine were able to become
Galilean sciences. The experimental method that
required the mathematization of phenomena and their
linear reproducibility, couldnřt have its applicability
guaranteed in specific disciplines, specially those that
focus on unities rather than collections.
Shortly, as the positivity of science invokes
generalization in order to define universals, medicine
hopes Ŕ indeed, itřs forced Ŕ to accept the challenge of
knowing particulars. If the individuum est ineffable, we
may very well infer that itřs impossible to say
something about the individual. And if the historic event
of a human life is in fact an unicum, including
pathology, its record may only become Ŗscientificŗ
through a straining process of abstraction Ŕ
notwithstanding the fact that it will still have to deal
with the constitutive positivist features of the still
prevalent notion concerning science.
On the other hand, GINZBURG tells us that
FREUD only tangentially addressed this issue. The
father of Psychoanalysis was very interested in
Giovanni MORELLI, an Italian art critic. The latter Ŕ
also a physician Ŕ developed an original and successful
method to establish the authorship of paintings.
2
Personal communication from Prof. Dr. Madel T. Luz
SINAPIH, Rio de Janeiro, 2002.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 135
GINZBURG explains that MORELLI had no other tool
but his Ŗclinical intuitionŗ: Instead of paying attention to
the overall Ŗstyleŗ of the picture, he would pay close
attention to details, peripheral elements, traces and
vestiges that are usually concealed by generalizations.
This illustrates the semiotic or indexical epistemologic
model.
In the case of MORELLI, it meant to value details,
as abstracted from the almost absentminded observation
of the untrained eye: the shape of ears, anatomical
particularities of nails, microscopic reflexes of the light
on the eyes, the density of hair, facial gestures and
shadows.
FREUD made some notes on MORELLI,
suggesting that there was offered an element of
uncommon importance and poorly explored as a
methodologic tool. Shortly, the whole could only be
apprehended from the fragmentary web of its parts Ŕ we
suggest to call this model Ŗfragmentary paradigmŗ. In
an interpretative method grounded on vestiges, we must
not look for the most striking characteristics Ŕ as they
are the most easy to imitate Ŕ, but for the most revealing
peripheral traits. This is our cue to try to establish a
relationship between the indexical paradigm and the
discovery of the value of a symptomřs details, that is to
say, to understand particularities as a vestigial guide to
elucidate an actual totality.
Such marginal data, according to GINZBURG, are
the common ground of MORELLIřS, FREUDřS and
CONAN DOYLE/SHERLOCK HOLME methods.
All of them would concentrate on apparently superficial
signs, those that the common untrained eye canřt
perceive. Most regrettably, GINZBURG didnřt include
HAHNEMANN in this group. And he should have had,
as one of Hahnemannřs main contributions to medical
theory was the idea that a totality must be reconstructed
from apparently disconnected fragments.
When HAHNEMANN structured his system, he
didnřt restrict his interest to superficially perceptible
symptoms, but to all possible manifestations, including
the most intimate, such as dreams, personal ways of
feeling, all kind of subjective symptoms which he
included besides objective signs in his Materia Medica.
A new model of clinical history was thus developed,
one that dislodges nosos from its center Ŕ the core of
Western medicine.
A true revolution had been accomplished, the seed
of one of his main epistemologic ruptures had been
sown. HAHNEMANN rejects typologies of every kind
and demands to look for unpredictable symptoms. Why?
Perhaps he was aware of the little relevance of
symptoms when they are merely categorized as
manifestations of anatomic and clinical pictures.
Alternatively, perhaps he distrusted a therapeutics
guided by current semiology. HAHNEMANN
developed a first notion concerning unspecific
susceptibility, that would only be officially formulated
one century later. That is to say, he discovered the
semiologic and therapeutic importance of modalized
symptoms. He discovered the value of the unexpected,
of the a strange phenomenology of the unpredictable
features of natural diseases. No need to stress the
innovation this represented. And he made this
conception an integral part of his method. From these
guidelines, itřs immediately inferred that prescriptions
would never again be grounded on the predictable
semiology of each case. Pathognomonic symptoms of
disease may not be the only semiologic guide of
therapeutics. They would only have value if they were
colored by personal tones, the hues of idiosyncrasy.
HAHNEMANN listened very carefully, he wrote
down uncommon details Ŕ peripheral manifestations
that were usually neglected by physicians as Ŗtoo vague
and subjectiveŗ. Indeed, what is the use of individual
modalities in a medicine ruled by the name of diseases?
It needs to put a name to the disease Ŕ i.e. labyrinthitis:
what does it matter if during an acute crisis of vertigo,
the patient feels cold and compelled to incline to the
right side? What may be the relevance of his dreams of
falling from a height? Or Ŗecstasy during perspirationŗ,
Ŗdesire for lemons during headacheŗ, Ŗanxiety exactly at
5:00 p.m.ŗ. Subjective sensations merely distract the
attention of the clinician.
Although a few previous physicians had been
equally careful while recording their patientsř
symptoms, none was able to understand how to apply
this knowledge in actual practice.
A further step in medicine of the subject: the vitalist
hermeneutical model
All attempts to recover the subject pass necessarily
through a discussion of the deeper meanings of the
notions of science and technology. Why were we led to
the present excessive technicality in Medicine? We may
not forget to take into account its impressive social
penetration. Biomedicine itself hopes to include the
subject in its field (WHO, 1988).
Vitalism will always remain an object of inquiry
due to its close proximity to the issues highlighted by
homeopathic epistemology. We will address Vitalism
from a hermeneutic point of view, i.e. what is the text
and what is the context, what is the core of vitalist
propositions? How do these ideas connect with
Homeopathy as a Medicine of the Subject?
This mode of analysis should always include the
consideration of a totality, that is to say, it must take
into account a hermeneutic totality constituted by
isolated fragments of human suffering. This illustrates
the value of vitalist hermeneutics in Homeopathy.
Philosophical hermeneutics is one of the branches
of knowledge that more consistently systematizes the
problem of the subject. It address all features of the
human being, besides the problems of subjectivity and
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 136
intersubjectivity Ŕ this is clearly enunciated in the
foundations of its particular language. The more we
give to technology the power to correct fragments of
dysfunction, the lesser will be the interpretative
dimension of medicine. That is to say, the more
medicine is grounded on evidence, the lesser the
involvement of hermeneutics in medical action. On the
other hand, there is a boundary to such auto-limitation
of the method
8
.
GADAMER illustrates this idea through the
allegory of ULYSSES. In his famous odyssey back
home, he would shun all external influences and
Ŗdeviationsŗ. This serves to show the limit imposed by
reason on itself and which erases fundamental human
issues. Hermeneutics, in this sense, helps to bring back
dignity into knowledge.
No matter how technological and sophisticated a
therapeutics, the patient impresses upon his doctor an
inexorable image. The physician is the receiver end of
human suffering, a whole range of transferential
relationships, he meets the eye of pain, and also of
relief. All these actually have an effect upon the medical
art, including therapeutic actions. Any single medical
facility is a witness to this fact: from hospital to private
offices, no matter whether the patient suffers from a
Neoplasm or a psycho-somatic disease. As long as
medicine is mediated by human interaction, the
interpreter will always be there.
The more Biomedicine gives its role of
decisionmaker to apriori data dependent upon
technology, the more it becomes estranged from the
individual reality of the patient and the world of
hermeneutics. Thus, the more medicine grounds itself in
evidence, the less hermeneutic it will be. On the other
hand, Homeopathy represents the opposite situation: the
Medicine of the Subject is particularized by its
interpretation of the vital trajectory of the subject.
Hence the patient-as-totality
9
is considered in his/her
historical framework, both retrospective and
prospective. Totality, in this context, means a
hermeneutic totality, i.e. a relational totality that finds a
practical application and allows us to define a specific
area of interest.
No single fact has meaning by and of itself: Ŗlocalŗ
symptoms, fevers, symptoms, syndromes, even a
clinical pathology, no matter if acute or chronic,
functional or anatomical, all are mere parts of a much
more complex context: the particular biography of the
sick individual.
Thus, we need to address the issue of language and
Speech.
10
As GADAMER wrote (1996):
ŖIn our century, the philosophical thought set
new steps when it realized that not only
reason and thought are at the center of
Philosophy, but language itself.ŗ
Words are the tools that enable communication in
areas such as mental health. Words are the elements that
awaken us to the importance of qualitative appraisals of
the patientsř lives. All this is essential if we are to
reevaluate the meanings of concepts such of care and
listening as the basic tools that promote self-
understanding. The recovery of narrative as an access
to suffering became a vital tool in medicine as a whole.
We precisely allude to a reality that may not be
merely synthesized as the mechanical application of the
scientific method of natural sciences to the human
object. Concerning human facts, this approach is
impossible, and what we should seek instead are the
paths that may lead to the validation of a practice that is
grounded on subjectivity, as is a vitalist-orientated
Homeopathy.
But, what does ŖVitalismŗ mean?
The term Vitalism refers to a particular way of
perceiving the world. It alludes to ethical aspects that
have been always present, and we, as modern
interpreters, need to approach from a hermeneutic
perspective. To grasp Vitalism in the context of its
values requires to analyze it in full detail. This is one of
the tasks to be performed in the future.
The hermeneutic approach allows us to see under a
new light all aspects of Homeopathy: symptoms, their
analysis, the interpretation of narratives and clinical
complaints, the objectivation of therapeutics in the
context of the doctor-patient relationship. As a result,
every case is an unique point of encounter between
doctors and patients.
Thus, hermeneutics isnřt merely an auxiliary
discipline, which supplies the methodological
framework to other sciences, but it points to the core of
philosophy, which isnřt exclusively the study of logical
thought, but a systematic pursue of the logic of
dialogue.
The Ŗfusionalŗ character of two subjectivities has a
deep impact in human relationships and all
philosophies. The tool that actualizes this task is
language:
ŖLanguage was thematized as a world of
signs whose model was supplied by the
scientific success of symbolic languages
developed by mathematics.ŗ (GADAMER,
1996)
Hermeneutic states that the only valid form of
knowledge is that which is built as natural sciences have
done. GADAMER affirms that Ŗtruthŗ isnřt necessarily
a synonym of Ŗmethodŗ.
Beyond future medicine:
the fragmentary model
We speak of what we know. Each signal gives us
meaning. We know because we speak.
What Homeopathy actually offers isnřt offered by
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 137
any other known therapeutic system. We offer the
patient a very different kind of support. Neither itřs
better nor the only one concerned with what is truly
worthy of being healed. Its main virtue Ŕ and its
uniqueness Ŕ is rooted in two assumptions: normalcy
may not always imply the mere absence of symptoms
and the qualitative-analogic nature of its procedures.
Besides, we all know that each symptom conceals a
deeper meaning (meta-significance). This is translated
into practice by the notion that we shouldnřt seek to
merely extinguish symptoms, but to accurately
understand their partnership with the individual and
his/her personal representations. This constitutes a
specificity of our daily practice: to carefully appraise
symptoms and their particular meaning to each
individual.
What distinguishes us may well reside in the
creativeness deployed by patients to find personal
answers with the help of the prescribed remedy.
Empirical evidence is furnished by the infinite number
of patients complaining from unexplainable medical
syndromes that homeopaths worldwide successfully
treat every day, no matter the lack of a definite clinical
diagnosis. This is nothing but a faithful picture of the
clinical practice, and it would be very interesting to
accurately quantify it. On the other hand, against
superficial comparison to psychoanalysis, Homeopathy
doesnřt deal with the subconscious through words,
notwithstanding the fact that transference is an integral
part of any therapeutic setting. Our medium is different:
we apply drugs upon a vitality that has been
contaminated by obsessing metaphors
3
. Free of them, it
may devote itself to the foremost attribute of health,
epimeleia. That is to say, the homeopathic remedy
enables the subject to take true care of him/herself
4
.
A second extreme position is that which holds that
homeopathic remedies act through a modulation of the
immunologic system. This position is seriously flawed
as, besides the fact that it lacks sufficient empirical
support, we suspect that remedies act upon the
individual as a whole and not merely upon any
particular biological system. If this wasnřt the case, how
may we explain those personal adjectives that precisely
define a characteristic symptom Ŕ the leading factor in
3
Expression established by Charles MAURON to refer
to persistent subconscious contents, more often not
attributable to actual biographical events. They may be
revealed through the analysis of preferred words in the
individualřs speech as they appear during interviews,
writings, letters, drawings, etc.
4
Masi ELIZALDE had the same idea in mind when he
stated that besides the objectivation of metaphors, a
useful hint to verify if the patient is improving is to
check if he/she made time to study him/herself.
Personal communication, 2001.
the choice of the remedy? Full cures arenřt always
possible, nonetheless, the homeopathic remedy may
always elicit all-inclusive adaptations, a sort of creative
homeostases that each particular individual actualizes
according to his/her peculiarities. If Biomedicine isnřt
happy with this, it couldnřt matter less.
The main problem in our time is not to fight for
Biomedicineřs approval, but to evade the danger of
dogmatism. We must make our practice become a
continual task of self-criticism. Concerning our
students, we owe them a commitment to always strive to
afford Homeopathy more consistency; regarding our
patients, our foremost duty is to offer support, solidarity
and health.
Besides this, we still need to become aware that we
know many essential things that conventional doctors
ignore. This only increases our responsibility, as we are
in a blurred area of medical science that forces us to
probe deeper in the essential features of human health.
Medicine has been developing an ever-growing
trend in epidemiological studies that focus on the
equation protection versus risk. A second and more
recent approach, posits quality as the basic tool of
analysis. Nonetheless, a significant part of the
homeopathic community insists upon the mistaken
notion that Homeopathy will only be legitimated when
it meets the quantitative and measurable criteria of
Positivist science. It may only be rated as a naive
conception of progress, but it is dangerous, as it caters
to skepticism.
At the same time, as a kind of unexpected paradox,
many conventional doctors and a significant part of the
scientific community as a whole seem fascinated by the
operative methodology of qualitities implemented by
homeopaths in their clinical practice.
In a recent meeting with Jacques BENVENISTE,
we personally witnessed the extension of the skepticism
of basic researchers concerning the issues discussed in
this article. This made us aware that itřs urgent to find a
way to better express our doubts and needs to them. For
instance, we may show them that Unicist homeopathy
produces the kind of results that it effects, not by
grounding itself on primitive forms of organicism nor
by assuming a specific signal transmitted by each
remedy to the individual, but because it believes that a
well-defined medicinal signal awakens in the vitality its
ability to reinvent itself.
Hence, the inexorable dilemma: should we put
Philosophy at the head of the homeopathic movement?
Choices are very few. Perhaps the time has come to
appeal to a kind of pragmatism to defend Applied
philosophy. Medicine needs to rethink itself, and
Homeopathy has the right to make its voice heard in
this dialogue. We canřt ignore the problems created by
a technological reason indiscriminately applied to health
sciences. If we are to seek for more enlightened
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 138
interlocutors, we need to give Homeopathy the
epistemological status it deserves.
On the other hand, a rigid and tyrannical
homeopathic doctrine is untenable: it doesnřt know how
to react to self-contradiction and it desperately clings to
repetition as the only available strategy. This when
doctrine should limit itself to the elucidation of the
constitutive referents of a method.
A psychoanalysis of the homeopathic movement
would immediately reveal that if a fraction of science
still reject us, itřs not only because we still donřt know
how to solve our statistical irregularities, but especially
because we never knew how to communicate our
epistemological foundations with the required level of
precision. We didnřt know how to build proper
alliances. We have never presented the guidelines of our
episteme as clear and distinct ideas. We still need to
elaborate more consistently the following question: or
we seek coherence by redirecting our energy to the
analysis of our unfitness as productive interlocutors, or
we yield to the force of the abstractions that
Biomedicine claimed as their methodological
exclusivity Ŕ now renamed as ŖEvidence Based
Medicineŗ Ŕ and we renounce to all higher expectations
and admit that Homeopathy is nothing but a neo-
pharmacology.
Indeed, there is a huge gap between the
expectation of a medicine that wants to make itself
understood as it actually is, and the hope of
Biomedicine that Homeopathy may come to correct
some mistaken views and formulate a more acceptable
epistemology. For instance, it may give up
individualization as its central tenet. We find this
frightful. What will become of a Homeopathy so
restricted? Precisely what part of homeopathic
positiveness would be so validated?
We need to learn how to serenely accept the
inherent imprecision of a model centered on the
individual. Each homeopath has to define his/her
position. Brazilian sociologist Madel LUZ most
pertinently reminds us that science is a form of
discourse. More specifically, a patchwork of discourses.
And the discourse that has historically backed us states
that Homeopathy, par excellence, is a form of medicine
that doesnřt limit itself to take the individual into
account, but that posits the subject as the only reason
behind its search for clinical approaches that privilege
quality and the singularities of each patient. Against all
exclusively quantitative epistemes Homeopathy seeks to
establish peculiar approaches to health and disease. The
subject, in his/her multiplicity of shapes, constitutions,
temperaments, inclinations, sensations, dispositions and
sensibilities is the matter of its own agenda. The
heterodox, unstable, ungraspable, unpredictable subject.
After all: what are idiosyncrasies? Unpredictable
reactions. Without idiosyncrasy, there would be no
susceptibility, as KENT taught, and there would be no
Homeopathy, as HAHNEMANN imagined it.
All this aims at a specific purpose: to admit an
actual degree of contradiction between the hope for
predictability and the actuality of Homeopathy as the
Medicine of the Subject. HAHNEMANN himself hoped
for a kind of mathematical Homeopathy.
But mathematization is impossible in medicine,
owing to the simple fact that it always deals with a
particular individual, which by definition is unique. The
individual canřt be studied as a collection. If it werenřt
for such Ŗsmallŗ detail, Homeopathy would have plenty
epistemological ammunition to make itself heard and
understood. It may very well announce: ŖWe cure such
and such diseasesŗ Ŕ the requirement of any Evidence
Based Medicine. Yet, when we establish certain basic
assumptions as the hardcore of the homeopathic
program of scientific research , we are forced to admit
that Homeopathy is an imprecise science. But this
doesnřt involve a lack of seriousness.
A diversity in methods and a plurality of voices is
essential to the formulation of a consistent homeopathic
epistemology. It must leave room for critical debate,
creative dialogue and intelligent polarities between
different ways of thinking and practicing Homeopathy.
But whomever may insist upon the need of
mathematization and statistical evidence, must bring
consistent and intersubjectively validated proof. This
hasnřt yet happened.
Homeopathy as the Medicine of the Subject is the
product of the continual work of generation after
generation of commentators of HAHNEMANNřS work.
A work that proved to be arduous, meticulous, where
nothing is automatically peremptory, nothing is
definitive. Homeopaths need to understand diversity
instead of fighting it. All homeopathic schools are
relevant, no matter if they attain or not the efficacy they
promise; they are all the product of different
interpretations of the method and none of them must
necessarily be better than the others. The history of
Homeopathy is rich in discoveries that Ŗovercameŗ all
previous assumptions. Moreover, its advancement may
be described as discontinuous, full of ups and downs.
What truly matters, is to keep open the doors to
dialogue.
For instance, the explanation of the action of
infinitesimal doses has never been so close to
fulfillment as in our days. Itřs a most expected moment:
Homeopathy will finally see its biological possibility
finally elucidated. Yet, the gap that separates
Homeopathy from its status as a Medicine of the
Subject will remain. After all, itřs adduced, all different
homeopathies reach similar results. We canřt help
wonder: same results concerning what? Different
homeopathies canřt produce similar results because they
focus on different features of human life. Homeopathy,
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 139
as the Medicine of the Subject, is no medical
specialization. It mirrors its original identity, the search
for the original text that we call Ŗa subjectŗ in different
contexts and its therapeutic applicability through the use
of the verbal processes emanated from provings. It
recovers the central role of care and wholesomeness in
the treatment of patients, it leads us to the path of a
Narrative Based Medicine.
ŖIn asmuch as homeopathic physicians deal
with fragments (the provings), which donřt
make sense as totalities Ŕ as provings are
nothing but compilations from different
individuals Ŕ but must be included in a totality
Ŕ the patient, and the fact that most of these
fragments are mere links in the chain of a lost
unity Ŕ or at least, unarticulated Ŕ nothing
remains but to elaborate qualitative syntheses.
These consist in deliberate reductions that
allow us to make technique operative. The
record of the verbal processes compiled from
the provers, offers us all the needed parts to
compare with the expressions of patients.ŗ
We still donřt know how to make this model Ŕ that
may be called fragmentary paradigm Ŕ operative. We
work with semiologic fragments Ŕ obtained from both
provers and patients, yet when we seek to understand
the trajectory of the vital attitude of any particular
patient, we need to address an unified totality. That is to
say, from mere indexes we shift to the interpretation of
meanings. Do we know how to do it?
The answer is: through language.
Hence, we ought to think in the terms of a complex
epistemology, where the fragmentary paradigm serves
as the instrumental reason that allows us to make
operative the meanings of each individualřs personal
micro-environment. Micro-environment: a space where
meanings are grasped; built by Ŗsymbolic animalsŗ
according to Ernst Cassirerřs expression, from the
interaction between body, mind and environment.
Fragment of different individual idiosyncrasies Ŕ
compiled from the provings and applied into
therapeutics Ŕ will enable us to act upon the so-called
substantial composite, helping it to resignify its being-
in-the-world. In order to accomplish such goal, the
subject must be the master of him/herself, must be
concerned with him/herself: epimeleia (Foucault,). This
will be the next question we will discuss.
3. Dynamization
CÉSAR Amarilys de Toledo
(IJHDR. V. 2 Nº 5, 2003)
Changes in material substances, especially the
medicinal ones, through trituration with a
non-medicinal powder, or when dissolved
through agitation with a non-medicinal fluid,
are so incredible that verge upon the
miraculous, and it is most fortunate that the
discovery of such changes belongs to
Homeopathy.
HAHNEMANN, The Chronic Diseases
Introduction
Upon hearing the expression Ŗhomeopathic
remediesŗ, one of the first ideas that come to our minds
is Ŗvery dilutedŗ. If we know a little bit more, we may
also think Ŗthey are dynamizedŗ. But, what does
Ŗdynamizedŗ mean? How is dynamization done? How
are homeopathic remedies made?
ŖDynamizationŗ comprises the process of diluting
and agitating solutions. This constitutes one of
Homeopathyřs foundations and it was taught by
HAHNEMANN, who developed it by both logical
reflection and intuition, as he sought better ways to
apply the Law of Similars into practice.
Notwithstanding its essential role in the preparation
of homeopathic remedies, many practitioners still ignore
many aspects of it, and this is immediately perceived
through basic mistakes in the prescriptions they write. A
prescription is the written document that tells the
pharmacist what he/she should do, so it can leave no
room for doubts.
The present article may seem very basic, but it aims
precisely at reviewing all pharmaceutical aspects
essential to a right prescription, contributing thus to
better therapeutic results.
In order to accomplish our goal, we will discuss
pertinent literature and add our personal experience.
Terms
Many Brazilian sources employ the terms Ŗdiluting
and dynamizingŗ instead of Ŗdiluting and agitatingŗ. Itřs
true that whenever we agitate a previously diluted
solution we are finishing the process of dynamization.
This explains why the word Ŗdynamizationŗ - the final
result of the procedure - is used in the place of
Ŗagitationŗ. KEYNE states that in France,
Ŗdynamizationŗ is regarded a synonym of Ŗsuccussionŗ.
Although less employed, the fittest term is
Ŗpotentiationŗ, as itřs believed that the procedure
enhances the homeopathic action of the substance (1).
Rather than terms, itřs more important to accurately
characterize Hahnemannřs new procedure especially as
it represents the first procedure in history that involves a
dramatic reduction of the amount of medicinal matter in
the making of an active solution. Moreover, many
authors affirm that the more diluted the substance, the
more potent it becomes.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 140
Indeed, Ŗdynamizationŗ, from the Greek dynamis -
that HAHNEMANN himself employed Ŕ means Ŗforce,
potencyŗ (5, 12). Aurélio, the most authoritative
Portuguese language dictionary, defines Ŗdynamizationŗ
as Ŗaccording to Homeopathy, release of the therapeutic
energy of a remedy through dilution or diminution.ŗ
(12)
As the final product of the dynamizing process is
called a Ŗpotencyŗ, we are faced once again with the
idea that the increase in activity directly depends upon
the number of times that the double procedure dilution-
agitation has been performed. An analysis of actual
prescriptions shows that this is precisely the belief of
homeopathic practitioners: they usually begin
treatments by prescribing lower potencies and go on
prescribing ever higher potencies. Basic research data
suggest instead that the pharmacological activity of
drugs is better described by a sinusoid than by the
straight inclined line that translates the notion that Ŗthe
higher the potency, the more active the solutionŗ.
Homeopathic practitioners still refer to Ŗinefficient
potenciesŗ, which may well represent the empirical
proof of the research hypothesis mentioned above.
Thus, it would be very interesting to verify through
careful research protocols, what is the actual clinical
answer in relation to the variation of dynamizations (2,
3, 4).
Itřs a fact that clinical activity is induced by
dynamized solutions, diluted well above the Avogadro
limit; the first conclusion is that homeopathic
pharmacology plainly contradicts classical
pharmacology (dose-dependent effects), and this from
its beginnings, 200 years ago. After the initial shock, we
are tempted to deepen our knowledge concerning this
phenomenon. In order to do so, we will review data
concerning the different procedures of dilution and
agitation, the variables that may act on these procedures
and the dynamizing procedures employed since
Hahnemannřs time to the present.
Dilution
When HAHNEMANN first attempted to apply the
Law of Similars to the treatment of actual patients, he
immediately realized that he needed to prescribe very
small amounts of drugs as they produced symptoms by
themselves. Hence, he began to dilute substances in the
ratio of 1 part of active substance to 100 parts of diluent
vehicle. With this he had created the centesimals Ŕ now
called CHs, or Hahnemannian centesimals. The father
of Homeopathy mentions using water and alcohol,
probably to preserve solutions.
WINSTON explains that the original potencies
were designated by a small-case Ŗcŗ as the upper- case
letter ŖCŗ may easily be mistaken with the Greek digit
C=100. Many of the earliest prescribers named their
200c potencies as Ŗ2Cŗ (10).
By the end of his life, HAHNEMANN used
therapeutic solutions successively diluted 200 times,
always intercalating agitations, that he called
Ŗsuccussionsŗ (11).
Agitation
In The Chronic Diseases - thus, before the
Organonřs 6th edition - it is written:
Ŗ... Then, 1 grain is dissolved in equal parts of
water and alcohol and dynamized through 27
vials, with 2 succussions.ŗ (6)
Clearly, Hahnemann initially applied 2 succussions
to his dynamizations. Later, he experimented with 10
succussions and even more until after harsh criticism, he
realized that the increase in the number and strength of
succussions made unbearable the violence of the final
solutionřs effects. Finally, upon feeling the need of
prescribing even less amounts of drugs, he increased the
ratio of dilutions to more than 1:50,000 at each step of
the procedure, rating it as Ŗmy best method of
dynamizationŗ. At the same time, he increased the
number of succussions to 100.
As the procedure of Ŗdynamizingŗ comprises both
diluting and agitating, they are usually discussed
together. Yet we may separate them in order to
understand each of them more deeply. Dilution may be
manual Ŕ the vial is manually beaten against a semi-
rigid surface (it is told that Hahnemann used a leather-
covered book) or mechanical Ŕ when some appliance is
used. There are those that believe that our Ŗpersonal
energyŗ (an expression very difficult to define) in the
process of manual dilution may interfere in the final
result, hence mechanical procedures should be
preferred. To this, others answer that such Ŗpersonal
energyŗ, if it exists, may both positively or negatively
affect the outcome.
Other factor that may affect the outcome of the
agitation process may be classified as mechanical
(number of succussions, amplitude of the succussion
motion, intensity of the impact against the chosen
surface, weight of the vial) or physico-chemical (density
of the liquid, environmental temperature, atmospheric
composition inside the vial).
In the course of time, HAHNEMANN tested
different number of succussions (5, 6). There are no
available descriptions of the amplitude of each motion.
Concerning strength, he would rate them as Ŗstrongŗ,
but it wasnřt objectively measured. Finally,
HAHNEMANN established that the vial should be
filled to 2/3 of its capacity (5).
When describing the method of preparation of
remedies in the Organonřs 6th edition, HAHNEMANN
was very careful to precisely determine - through the
number of drops - a very small volume of the fluid to be
agitated (100 drops of strong alcohol, i.e. 2 ml). As he
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 141
had already established that the vialřs content couldnřt
be smaller than half of it, he established the standard use
of small vials, which would suffer a very strong power
of agitation, through Ŗ100 strong succussionsŗ. (5)
The agitated fluid is composed of a solution of
water and ethanol, its density varying from 0.8 to 1 g/l.
There are no descriptions of the possible influence of
temperature, but there are mentions to dynamizations
performed in nitrogen atmospheres. (7)
Even when he increased from 2 to 100 agitations,
HAHNEMANN would perform them manually.
Notwithstanding, since his time to the present, there was
always an interest to develop machines. Authors who
lived at the time of the Industrial Revolution wondered
what could be the highest possible potency that will still
keep pharmacological activity. Thus they experimented
ever increasing dynamizations, and tried to build
machines to help them in the process.
A trend was established to use 100 succussions
even in regular centesimals - it became the standard in
Brazil at the present time. This made pharmacists easily
develop repetitive strain injury. On the other hand, the
advancement of technology and the hope to set a
definite standard in the preparation of homeopathic
remedies, set forth a trend to use Ŗmechanic armsŗ.
Brazil has developed its own models. (8) Yet, it should
be taken into account that many homeopathic
practitioners consider that any deviation from
HAHNEMANNřS original procedures exclude the
remedy thus prepared from the category of
Ŗhahnemannianŗ.
In Europe, there were developed machines that
make vials vibrate, very similar to those employed in
odontologic offices to homogenize mixtures, such as
those fabricated by Belgian-based Labotics and sold in
the Northern hemisphere (Europe, United States,
Canada and Japan) (14).
So, when manual and mechanic agitations are
compared, so many variables interact that impede their
standardization.
LM Dynamizations
HAHNEMANN was very careful to set rules in
order that remedies should be reliable. He began by
extracting Ŕ exotic dried and native fresh Ŕ plants
through alcohol (tinctures); whenever succulent or fresh
plants were available, he would use their juice.
Probably, he realized that when he changed the solvent,
he would extract different fractions of the plant. From
Arabic physicians, he learnt how to triturate all kinds of
substances, no matter whether soluble or not, mineral,
vegetable and animal, dried or fresh, all was to be
triturated with lactose in a porcelain mortar.
... 1 drop of the juice and the same amount of
lactose, triturating until the millionth. Then 1
grain is dissolved in equal parts of water and
alcohol and dynamized through 27 vials, with
2 succussions. Experience shows me that the
juice seems to acquire more dynamization
when triturated.ŗ(6)
In such manner, diluting matter with the help of a
powder that he thought was inert and agitating by the
motion of the pestle, he was able to employ all kind of
substances as remedies. He was free from solubility
limitations and on the other hand, he obtained very
interesting results (ŖExperience shows me that the juice
seems to acquire more dynamization when trituratedŗ
(6)).
ŖIn order to obtain homogeneity in the
preparation of homeopathic remedies,
especially the antipsoric, at least in the form of
a powder, I advise to only reduce to the
millionth potency and prepare from it the
solutions and potencies as needed.ŗ (6)
After 3 triturations in the ratio 1:100 (lactose), the
obtained product was to be diluted in a low alcoholic
solution (0.06 g of powder in 500 drops of a solution
prepared from 4 parts of water and 1 part of Ŗstrongŗ
alcohol). From this solution, a new dilution (1 drop in
100 drops of Ŗstrong alcoholŗ), followed by 100 Ŗstrong
succussionsŗ, which were standardized as it was always
him who prepared them).
Non-hahnemannian dynamizations
Decimal
Itřs attributed to HERING the idea of diluting
substances in the ratio 1:10. WINSTON says that:
ŖIn 1833, HERING began to test dilutions in the
ratio 1:10. By the end of the decade, both
Samuel DUBS in the United States and
VEHSEMAYER in Germany, began to prepare
remedies in this scale. American potencies
were designated by an ŖXŗ, the Roman digit
for Ŗ10ŗ, while European potencies were
designated as ŖDŗ, from Ŗdecimalŗ - 3X or D3.ŗ
(10)
In our days, the use of decimal potencies is
widespread, especially in relation to the so-called
Ŗcomplexesŗ, mixtures of dynamizations, usually at low
potencies. As the ratio of dilution is much smaller, we
may understand why someone may prescribe a D1 -
which has no equivalence in the centesimal scale -, but
it is very hard to understand why someone may
prescribe a D60. No available data show that they are
more or less effective than centesimals. On the other
hand, mathematical equivalence is senseless, as there
are no molecules in so much diluted solutions.
Moreover, the absolute ban of scale equivalences
established by the FHBII reminds us that, precisely, its
first edition allowed such procedure. The first edition
recommended 10 succussions in the case of decimals
and 20 in the case of centesimals. The underlying idea
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was to establish an equivalence between the D4 (diluted
to 10 - 4, with 4 X 10 succussions = 40) and the C2
(also diluted to 10 -4, with 2 X 20 succussions = 40)
(12, 13). It seems proper to state that two solutions,
diluted a different number of times, in different ratios
and number of agitations - no matter that the final
number of agitations might be the same-, may not be
considered as equivalent concerning their therapeutic
properties before further research is thoroughly
conducted.
The stock of decimal potencies is much smaller
than centesimalsř in Brazilian pharmacies. Another
problem is the availability of basic pharmaceutical
forms: when there are mother tinctures available, it is
very easy to dynamize them by diluting them to 1% or
10%. But if the procedure needs trituration at its
beginning, there is no way how centesimals may be
changed into decimals, the only possible way is to
obtain the original substance, which usually it Řs not
easy. This is the reason why many pharmacies refuse to
fill decimal prescriptions.
The present trend, as suggested by the
pharmacopoea, is to perform the same number of
succussions - 100 - in every dilution, no matter their
scale.
It is thus possible that clinical results will become
more markedly different. Further research is needed to
verify this fact.
KORSAKOV
Contemporary of HAHNEMANN, KORSAKOV, a
Russian of noble descent, learned of Homeopathy after
being successfully treated by it. As a result, he became
interested in it and introduced it in his country. As every
pioneer, he needed to prepare his own remedies and
faced with the difficulty of travelling carrying a large
number of vials, he suggested to HAHNEMANN the
idea of using only one, that would be filled, agitated,
emptied and again filled. HAHNEMANN found the
idea interesting, but at the moment he was devoted to
different matters. KORSAKOV tested the remedies
prepared according to his new technique, obtaining
good results.
Remedies prepared according to Korsakov´s
method are diluted in the centesimal scale, yet its
precision may be lesser than Hahnemann´s original
methodřs. Few practitioners prescribe Korsakovian
potencies in Brazil and thus, few pharmacies fill such
prescriptions. Agitation is accomplished by 100 manual
or mechanic succussions.
Residue left after every emptying of the vial may be
weighed, this increases the methodřs precision, as it
shows that variations are very limited, perhaps very
similar to those inherent to HAHNEMANN´s method.
The main difference resides in the fact that that in
Hahnemannřs procedure, a fraction of a dynamized
SOLUTION is separated and poured in a new, clean
vial, containing 99 parts of inert hydroalcoholic
solution, while according to the Russianřs method, 99
parts of the inert hydroalcoholic solution are poured into
the same vial, which contains some residue of the
previous dynamization. This procedure has been
criticized as it involves a mixture of different
dynamizations, from the initial to the final one. Yet, if
we take into account that each addition of fresh
hydroalcoholic solution becomes homogeneized with
the residue, the remaining solution in the vial will suffer
a transformation rather than a mixture. Probably, the
fact that we donřt use new vials at each step, make the
final solutions so different from Hahnemannřs, that may
elicit very different clinical results.
In the 1960s, France imposed serious restrictions
that banned any potencies higher than CH30 but as an
offshoot of the creation of the European Union, a
Sympose on Korsakovian potencies in Paris permitted
the prescription of these potencies.
Jack HENDRICKXS, from Belgian-based Labotics,
built a mechanic dynamizer grounded on Korsakovřs
principle. After the vial is filled and agitated by 300 fast
small motions, air enters the vial, expelling the fluid;
only 1% of the original volume remains. The process is
repeated as required. The last step is a regular
hahnemannian dynamization in hydroalcoholic solution
(for preservation purposes), which is named according
the number of times that the vial was successively
filled-agitated-emptied. For instance, if this happened
200 times, the final solution will be called K200.
Although KORSAKOV established that the full
procedure must start from the original substance - and
this is still the practice in many countries - FHBII rules
that a Korsakovian dynamization must begin from a
CH30. Due to financial reasons, the same procedure
may be accomplished by employing 2000 liters of
purified water until reaching solutions that we called
Ŗ100,000Kŗ. It is noteworthy the use of purified water
instead of the traditional hydroalcoholic solution, as
mechanic procedures consume too much diluent. (12,
14).
New questions arise: besides the option between
manual and mechanic agitations, the use of water as
diluent will also alter the final solution? What is the
difference between a Korsakovian potency developed
from a CH30 and another that followed Korsakovřs
instructions from the beginning? The different
combinations of the solvent (water or hydroalcoholic
solution) and the initial substance (CH30 or raw matter)
will elicit different clinical results?
Dynamization machines and the fluxion
equipment used in Brazil
HAHNEMANN had already wondered ŖWhat is
the highest dilution that still shows activity?ŗ JAHR
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thought that ŖThe higher the dynamization, the stronger
the individualizing properties of a drugŗ. It was natural,
then, that several homeopaths would ask what may be
the effect of ever higher dynamizations. Children of the
Industrial Revolution, they sought mechanic procedures
to manufacture such potencies. Every single inventor
would strive to protect his invention through elaborate
explanations. SKINNER, for instance, wrote:
ŖIt may be said that high potencies arenřt what
they seem to be, because their method isnřt
Hahnemann´s. But this does not apply to
BOERICKEřS, JENICHENřS, DUNHAMřS,
LIPPEřS and my own, which are produced
according to a procedure that if HAHNEMANN
would be able to see, he would approve, as all
essential points are scrupulously observed and
actually improved and in less time, mistakes are
almost impossible, as so much perfect are the
methods employed.ŗ
DUNHAM was one of the first to mechanize the
procedure of dynamization. He believed that the use of
strong forces would elicit better results. He put 120 vials
at the end of a windmillřs wheel wooden blades, which
would generate an oscilating motion that made vials go
up and down 50 cm high. The force applied Ŕ
approximately half a ton - was much more stronger than
the one a human arm may effect. He used 125 beatings
at each step. His potencies, 200D (ŖDŗ from ŖDunhamŗ)
took one week to be ready and were prescribed by many
American doctors (15).
JENICHEN held succussion as the most important
stage of the process and he believed that every 12
succussions increased the potency of the solution in 1
degree. This was an original notion of his (15).
German-born BOERICKE migrated to the United
States, where he joined the bookseller Tafel. HERING
suggested both to sell remedies besides books.
BOERICKE eventually would graduate as a physician
and both established Boericke & Tafel´s laboratory. He
built a machine that made centesimal dilutions, agitated
5 times, 100 potencies per minute. (15)
Bernhardt FINCKE prepared potencies according to
different procedures. For instance, he would begin with
K30 and succuss them 180 times per minute. He
patented his method as Ŗfluxionŗ. He put a CH30 in a
30ml vial, and made a continual flux of water pass
through it. He believed that every 30 mL of water, the
potency would increase in 1 degree. When the desired
potency was reached, the vial would be emptied and
filled with alcohol, with 2 succussions. Besides
dynamizing merely by the passage of water through an
initial potency, he used tap water as he believed that Ŗa
30th has already been so much dynamized that it may
not be destroyed by any chemical nor physical agent, as
it possesses a different nature.ŗ (15)
WINSTON tells that ROBINSON, in 1941, alluded
to some apprehension in those that saw in Fincke´s
proposal Ŗa radical departure from all that was held as
indispensable in the process of dynamization. But, itřs a
fact that these machines became real and the their
clinical application seems uniformly satisfactory.ŗ (15)
SKINNER stated that once the vial was deeply
penetrated by the remedy, and assuming that the process
of attenuation is infinite, it would be impossible to
Ŗwash outŗ its medicinal properties through cold water,
but that its therapeutic power would be much increased
and that only heat would be able to break the chain, to
which he attributed spiritual power.
Believing that succussion was not important, he
prepared Sulphur beginning from a drop of tincture and
a 60mL vial, which he slowly filled with water. He
emptied it without any agitation and filled it again. After
repeating this procedure 1,000 times, he prescribed it to
a ŖSulphurŗ patient. He says that its effect was so
powerful, that it needed to be antidoted. He also
believed that his potencies Ŕ with Kentřs strong
approval Ŕ were truly hahnemannian.
SWAN would make water pass through a machine
full of holes, as a sprinkler, in order to Ŗ elicit a
perturbation much more violent than the succussionŗ.
Allen´s machine is unknown, but it started from a
Kentřs CM. It was used by Ehrhardt & Karl of Chicago,
to prepare potencies from DM to DMM (500,000 to
500,000,000). It seems that some of them are still in use.
Argentine pharmacist Arturo MÉNDEZ bought some of
these extremely high potencies and sold them to
Brazilian pharmacies. Hence, we may be even able to
find them in Brazil.
We should keep in mind that the scale of potencies
prescribed by Kent (30th, M, 10M, 50M, 100M, 500M
and MM) required mechanic dynamizers. Kent did nřt
know the Organonřs 6th edition and never heard of the
LMs.
WINSTON suggests that to better identify
dynamizations, we should call them by the name of the
substance, potency and method of preparation, besides
the name of the manufacturer of the machine, as it
appears in old references (e.g.: 1 paper of Belladonna
CM FINCKE; Bryonia alba 30 B&T; Baptisia 8 MM
SWAN; 1paper Sanicula 10M Tyrell).
As time went by, Homeopathy declined in the
United States. In Europe, until the 1960s, the French
would use mechanic machines to prepare higher
potencies. One of such machines was bought by the
Laboratório Homeoterápico. Arturo MÉNDEZ first saw
it there and afterwards he built one, which was bought
by Brazilians. This dynamizer, known as Lockřs model,
promotes a continual dilution of the initial substance,
with simultaneous agitation by blades. Argentinian
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visiting professors strongly recommended its use.
National models were developed later on.
MÉNDEZ stated that
ŖThe system is not perfect from a
hahnemannian point of view and it must not
be compared to it. Yet, its therapeutic worth
has been proved in practice, through its use by
Argentinian and Brazilian homeopathic
physicians. Clinical experience upon human
beings gave its positive verdict. The system is
valid.ŗ
As Continual Flux dynamizers began to be
produced in Brazil, they became available to a growing
number of pharmacies. Research conducted by the
ABFH (Brazilian Association of Homeopathic
Pharmacies) showed that several techniques were
employed to prepare potencies with a same machine:
empty chamber, full chamber and Ŗmicrodropsŗ
5
The
Manual of Technical Norms of the ABFH and the
second edition of the Brazilian Homeopathic
Pharmacopoea include several articles that try to
standardize techniques. The Pharmacopoea makes
financially impossible to dynamize very high potencies.
Brazilian pharmacies own potencies prepared very
differently - sometimes, the procedure is even unknown
-, bought in the country and abroad. The third edition of
the recently published ABFHřs Manual includes the
proposal voted at the last general meeting: use of 100
rotations per step and adoption of two criteria in the
calculation and use of the Continual Flux dynamizer:
change of solvent according to the volume of the
chamber up to the FC ..., and the use of the microdrop
technique from this potency on. This makes the
...potency less diluted than the previous one. It is the
consensus of most members of the ABFH, and it is still
unknown to physicians. (16, 17)
Whatever the technique, equipment or method
employed, we may say that the preparation of very high
potencies may only be accomplished through mechanic
dynamizers. It demands large amounts of purified water,
consequently, of electrical power, especially when water
is purified through distillation. The fact that the
Pharmacopoea rejects the use of the microdrop
technique - which actually diminishes material and
5
1 At the Congress of the International Homeopathical
Medical League, Rio de Janeiro, 1986, MÉNDEZ
presented a variation known as Ŗmicrodrop techniqueŗ,
where the initial volume of the potency is reduced, and
he would make all changes according to this new
volume, so that, changes are performed according to the
volume of dynamization initially added to the chamber.
This procedure allows to obtain very high potencies,
especially above MM.
energy consumption - may make high potencies less
available, notwithstanding the fact that their use has
increased in the last decades, especially by Kentian
homeopaths.
Discussion
We have reviewed several methods and scales of
dynamization. As none of them has been completely
abandoned, we may conclude that all of them may effect
clinical results. If it werenřt the case, we would have
already established their therapeutic inertia. Yet, we still
donřt know if any one of them is better than the others.
If neither dilution alone nor agitation alone
increase the effect of a substance, the Ŗmagicŗ only
appears when both procedures are performed together.
Letřs imagine a hypothetical situation: a CH30,
prepared according to Hahnemann´s traditional method.
We decide to further dilute it 1%: we expect that it will
lose Ŗstrengthŗ. But if we now agitate it 100 times, it
will recover its power. Now it became a CH31 and,
according to homeopathic principles, Ŗstrongerŗ than
before, when it was CH30. We may wonder, Ŗhow such
magic happened?ŗ When did the Ŗweakerŗ previous
solution became Ŗstrongerŗ? After completing 100
succussions? Canřt be: HAHNEMANN only used 2 to
10. We neither have standardized how these agitations
must be done. 100 succussions elicit stronger effects?
Does Ŗŗstrongerŗ equates to Ŗbetterŗ clinical results?
According to Hahnemann, it depends on each case.
Does the number Ŗ100ŗ has any special meaning? Or
may be it possible that changes continue to occur
indefinitely? According to the LM method, the remedy
is routinely prescribed in daily doses, always shaking
the vial 8 to 12 times before taking it. Thus, it would be
agitated 10 times X 10 days, 100 times before changing
the potency. This is the reason why we focus on the
number Ŗ100ŗ.
If now we were to try to understand the Ŗmagicŗ of
dynamizations prepared according to the method of
Continual Fluxion - where dilution and dynamization
are performed simultaneously -, such Ŗmagicŗ only
becomes perceptible after switching off the machine.
Dilutions made in different ratios and agitations varying
in time would produce different effects.
How are we to approach potentization
accomplished exclusively through dilution? Vieira
explains that in this case, agitation would be exclusively
represented by the brownian motion of particles. Once
again, the same question: what is more important, to
dilute or to agitate? Or both? Consecutively or
simultaneously? (18)
Madeleine BASTIDE, at a 2002 meeting in São
Paulo, mentioned the experiments conducted by
Oberbaum in Israel. He studied the healing properties of
Silicea in injuries produced by metallic earrings in mice.
Both the 30th and 200th potencies shown similar
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 145
results. This may contradict some assumptions of
clinical practitioners that state that patients react to
specific potencies of a remedy and not to all of them.
Anyway, it Řs useful to keep always in mind that
besides having to be reproducible, experimental
research must be very carefully appraised when
transferring its results from animals to human beings.
Several researchers are using a pool of neighboring
potencies instead of testing a few chosen potencies, as
they argue that the action of substances doesnřt follow
directly the raise in potency, but they seem to follow a
sort of Ŗsee-sawŗ curve. By using a mixture of 4 or 5
close potencies (e.g., a solution of the 28th, 29th, 30th,
31st and 32nd potencies instead of the 30th alone), it
would increase the probability of working with at least
one active potency.
Both Oberbaumřs and the poolřs results must make
us ponder on the limits of potencies. Yet, we have to
insist upon the fact that clinical results in humans are
more important than any experimental research, which
merely supply us data that must be controlled through
careful clinical observation.
BASTIDE also made some statements that seem
definite concerning dynamizations:
- they show dilution-dependent effect, which does
not equate to dose-dependent effect;
- their effect goes through glass, so that it may be
transmitted to or suppressed by electromagnetic fields.
BENVENISTE stated that potencies prepared by
different researchers -even with the help of mechanic
agitators - may elicit different results. In his own work,
he uses both traditional dynamizations and others
prepared by transmission through electromagnetic fields
into a sealed vial containing water. Besides this, by
transforming the action of a diluted substance into an
electromagnetic signal, it may be fed into computers. He
says that Ŗalthough the voice of a live singer isnřt the
same as her recorded voice, the latter faithfully
reproduces her voiceŗ. As such, it Řs possible to record
and transmit signals to faraway places. He predicts that
in the future it will be possible to retrieve from files
signals corresponding to the frequencies required for the
treatment of a particular individual. That is to say, we
will be able to expose water to such frequencies and
treat patients from afar.
This kind of thinking is disturbing. While many
homeopathic practitioners still think of doses as
amounts, many other imagine potencies as non
quantitative stimuli. Concerning the statement that
potenciesř effects get through glass, we wonder the
consequences for our stocks of remedies. Moreover,
how we will be able to guarantee the effectiveness of
potencies if they are subjected to the influence of
electromagnetic fields, ever more common in our
environment, arising from the use of computers, cell-
phones and electric and electronic appliances?
Dynamizations pose so many doubts. We havenřt
yet solved many questions of the past that future
possibilities are already in front of our eyes: traditional
dynamizations, electronic dynamizations, all with their
possible ramifications. Dynamized remedies, used
according to the Law of Similars, are active and may be
effective in therapeutics, with several advantages over
the remedies of classical pharmacology. If Homeopathy
is to develop in the future, we need to find the answers
for these questions now.
Conclusions
Thorough research shows that univocally,
dynamized solutions may be used, according to the Law
of Similar, in the treatment of both individuals and
populations, extending their scope of action from human
beings to animals, and perhaps even to plants. In the
present article, we have reviewed several aspects
concerning the preparation of homeopathic remedies, in
the hope that practitioners will be enlightened. Many
new ideas have been summarized in order to awaken
curiosity and interest, as further clinical and
pharmacological research is needed. We hope to
contribute to a better understanding of the process as itřs
basic for homeopathic professionals in general.
Jeremy COLLIER, quoted by W W ROBINSON,
stated:
We shouldnřt reject evident truths just because
we canřt answer all questions about them...
This evidently applies to a small group of
physicians that firmly maintains that there is
tremendous therapeutic power in the high
potencies. Lying in darkness, this idea is like a
slumbering giant, that needs to be awakened.ŗ
--------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Three Cases of Cancer Cured with The High Potencies
ALLEN, J.H. (HH. Vol. 8, 9/1983)
(1063) J.H.M., house carpenter, age 54, a
powerfully built man and of fine physique, called on me one
year ago; he was then suffering from la grippe, and on
examination I found the lower lobe of left lung
hepatized, which disappeared in about sixty days. He had
a family history of consumption and had had camp diarrhoea
while in the army; ever since that time he had been troubled
with a disease of the rectum.
Symptoms: Pain in the rectum a great part of the time, < at
night, severe itching in the evening, bleeding piles; every
now and then, when not troubled with the piles, had a thin
acrid and excoriating discharge. The tissues around the anus
very much thickened and inflamed; has pimply eruptions on
different parts of the body; skin loose dry and dirty
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 146
looking has had itch suppressed with Sulphur previous
to his entering the army in 1862.
Treatment: Sulphur cm. three powders to be taken four
hours apart, and to report in one week. At the end of that
time he reported rectum much better; the thickening
around anus has almost disappeared-itching better, though
it was very severe for the first three days after taking the
medicine, so much so that he thought he would have to call
on me for relief. Soon after the itching passed away he broke
out around the mouth with fever sores as he called them;
four days after they made their appearance they had
grown from small spots the size of a pea to large fungus-
looking growths the size of a hickory nut, five in number,
almost black in colour, and very nearly encircling the
mouth. The lower lip very much swollen, -infiltrated and
angry looking; there was no sign of ulceration or any
discharge, but a good deal of soreness and stiffness
preventing the closing of the mouth completely. Placebo
every four hours while awake, with instructions to report
if the sores on the lips grew worse.
At the end of two weeks he returned, the sores had entirely
disappeared, together with the rectum trouble. But he said
he had something new to show me this time; he complained
of a burning, sore spot on the centre of the lower lip. On
examination of the lip, I found a soft, vascular, itching,
burning spot, covered with a thin film in its center, edges
of the sore somewhat elevated, denuded of its
epithelium, bleeding at the slightest provocation; during
the day it had bled so profusely that he became alarmed at
it; the lip is very much infiltrated and congested, of a dark
red colour; he is constantly licking the sore lip as it is hot
dry and parched; has thirst for small quantities of water,
which is daily increasing; tongue coated white, dry and
parched looking, also, temperature elevated one and a
half degrees.
Treatment: Arsenicum cm. one powder, with no medi-
cine for one week, when he reported. I found a marked
improvement, temperature only one-half degree above the
normal, thirst better, no more haemorrhage from the lip,
though for three days after giving the medicine had to use
five or six handkerchiefs per day. At the end of the fourth
week I discharged him cured.
(1064) Mrs. A.B. aged 42, a widow for six years. Her
home is in Chicago, where she has been taking treatment for
nearly a year; she has had both old school and
homeopathic treatment; her case has been diagnosed as
cancer and that they could not cure her, but only prolong
life for a short time; having no relatives in Chicago, she
was invited here to live with a sister who called me in to
treat the case. On examination of the case I found an irregular-
shaped tumour, nodulated and very hard, except in one spot,
where it had begun to break down. It was lying between the
uterus and rectum, firmly attached to both organs and
about the size of a large orange. The rectum had already
begun to contract, which made an operation from the
bowels quite difficult and that only with copious injections
of water which was followed by a good deal of pain and
prostration. To complicate matters, five small but very
sensitive and painful haemorrhoidal tumours, situated
below the attachment of the tumour and posterior wall of
the rectum, only aided in complicating matters and
increasing the suffering of my patient. The family
history of my patient was good, had always been well up
to the time she was married, ten years ago; up to that time
had had no severe illness, that required the aid of a
physician. Soon after marriage she began to be troubled
with a very annoying leucorrhoea; after suffering with it
almost a year, she consulted a physician who prescribed
medicated injections per vagina, which undoubtedly
suppressed it, for it soon disappeared. From that time she
has never been a well day.
Treatment: Medorrhinum cm., one dose followed with
S.L. for one month. Soon after taking the medicine the
leucorrhoea returned, from which she suffered almost
everything, so acrid was it that it seemed to almost cauterize
any part that it came in contact with. The only relief that she
found was in tampooning the vagina and injecting frequently
into it quantities of tepid water. For ten days it confined her to
her bed, but it gradually cleared up and with it disappeared
her low spiritedness and despondency; she became less
nervous and began to get light hearted and happy again.
Again prescribed no medicine, and from that time the
tumour began gradually to disappear; at the end of the
second month the upper portion of the tumour or that portion
that was attached to the uterus had entirely disappeared and
had contracted down to a small nodule the size of a small
hens egg; it had ceased discharging, the odour had
disappeared together with the infiltration, nothing now
remained but this little nodule attached to the rectum.
The haemorrhoidal tumours had also disappeared and
most of the congestion. The bowels move naturally now, and
has suffered no pain for two weeks past, sleeps well and
appetite good, thinks she can soon go to work.
March 1
st
prescribed Aloe in cm. potency for a persistent
diarrhoea that came on every morning and lasted all
forenoon, then would disappear until next morning again; I
was in hopes this would disappear of itself; but it seemed to
be exhausting my patient, so I prescribed the Aloe, which
cleared it up nicely. Since that time she has had no more
medicine. April 1 st, on making an examination, I find the
tumour has entirely disappeared and my patient is well.
(1065) Mr. B.F. age 35; light complexion, blue eyes, and
of a mild disposition, follows farming and fruit-growing
as a business. Family history, consumption, two sisters
and an uncle died of that disease; one of his own children,
aged two years, died last summer of marasmus. Father and
mother both living and well now; but both are subject to
attacks of erysipelas about once a year. Previous to his
present trouble his health has generally been good.
As long as he remembers has had a wart on the left
cheek, near the angle of the mouth, about the size of a small
pea. It never gave him any trouble until last September,
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 147
when, for some unknown reason, it began to grow rapidly.
At the end of two months it had grown about one inch in
length, and as thick as the little finger, and had already
begun to ulcerate and discharge a thin, acrid and badly
smelling pus; occasionally it would bleed so profusely,
as to be somewhat alarming. It was during one of these
attacks that he called the attention of a physician to it, who
diagnosed it as a cancerous wart, and advised immediate
excision. Not satisfied with his decision he consulted two
others, who gave him similar advice, when he was advised
to consult me about it. On first seeing it I mistrusted
cancer, and on examination of it more carefully I came to
the conclusion it was; the ulceration had already-reached
the cheek, which was very much swollen, infiltrated and
angry, with a tendency of the tissues to contract around the
growth.
Treatment: From the character of the discharge which
was thin, watery and excoriating, the intense burning, the
constantly increasing thirst, and the nightly restlessness and
aggravation after midnight, I prescribed Arsenicum, two
powders in the cm. potency, with no medicine for one week;
at the end of one week he returned improved, the discharge had
nearly ceased, the inflammation lessened, thirst gone, and the
nightly restlessness much better; the growth had now
begun to contract at the base. At the end of the second week
it had so dried up that it looked as it was burnt; the
contraction had still gone on at the base, so that with a
slight touch it broke off close to cheek, and was
followed by a slight haemorrhage. Continued no medicine
and at the end of third week I discharged the case cured.
DISCUSSION
Dr. Carleton: I think these were three capital cures, but I
am a little uncertain about the diagnosis of the second case.
Dr. Wesselhoeft: I think the Medorrhinum case an
exceedingly instructive one. In its Homeopathic
pathology it is similar to a cure I reported
with Dulcamara several years ago. The disease arose
from a suppressed vaginal discharge, which I supposed
to be gonorrhoeal. The result was an ulcer in the rectum.
On account of an accidental cold I prescribed
Dulcamara. It brought back the uterine discharge and
cured the ulcer. On this account I suggested the reproving
of Dulcamara, especially on women, as there had been no
proving of this drug upon women.
Dr. J.H. Allen: The case had been treated by a good
Homeopathic physician, and I prescribed several times
without result. The suppressed discharge, with the fact that
soft Cancer not infrequently is produced by gonorrhoea, led
me to the remedy.
Dr. Carleton: It was not given to cure, but to reproduce a
suppressed discharge, and so clear the ground for a cure.
(Courtesy: Medical Advance, 1891)
Comments:
Now-a-days to call a case "Cancer" there must be
demonstration of the particular cells in a slide under
microscope, judged by an expert pathologist. Others
will be "Suspected Cases".
The case reports of Dr. J.H. Allen, perhaps the greatest
authority on Chronic Miasms in our system, are always
simple and instructive. (S.P.K.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
5. THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF
HOMEOPATHY MEETING, DENVER, 1894
(SIM. Vol.XXI, 2008)
When should the Organon be taught and how?
Dr DUDGEON.-The Organon being the best exposition
of the homeopathic system, should be carefully studied
by every one for himself and Its teachings accepted and
endorsed by every teacher of Homeopathy when they
are not inconsistent with the ascertained facts of modern
science.
Dr. HUGHES.-The teaching of the Organon does not
seem to me to belong to the chair of Materia Medica, but
rather to that of Theory and Practice of Medicine. From
this I would have it at some time in ever student's course,
read and critically commented on. I recommend Dr
Dudgeon's latest translation.
Dr. SKINNER.-The Organon, in my estimation, should
be studied from the very first. In fact, I do not believe it
possible for any man to have any sound conception of
what Homeopathy is until he thoroughly understands
and can take into his comprehension the vast and
important tenets and truths of the greatest work that ever
was published in Medicine, theoretically, doctrinally or
practically.
Dr. BLAKE.-The Organon should be assimilated late in
life probably.
Prof. MOHR.-The Organon should be studied during
the first year so effectually that its great or fundamental
principles will be indelibly fixed on the mind of the
student. In the classroom, in the clinic and at every
opportunity its practical rules should be brought to the
attention of the students, for they cannot be too often
repeated.
Prof. DEWEY.ŕThe Organon should be taught during
the second and third years of college course. And I
believe in each homeopathic college a separate chair
should be made for the Organon and Institutes of
Homeopathy. Of course much of it can be taught in
conjunction with lectures upon Materia Medica; but as it
contains the philosophy of Homeopathy it seems to me
that a separate chair for it is preferable, and it should be a
chair insisted on by the American Institute, with two
lectures a week at least.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 148
Prof. HINSDALE.ŕThe principles of homeopathy
should be taught to freshmen, well grounding them in
the philosophy of the theory of homeopathy. The
Organon can be taught by classroom readings,
preferably by seniors. Comments can be made as the
reading advances and papers prepared by the students
upon topics suggested by the author. The teaching of
this valuable book should be critical and impartial.
Adoration for Hahnemann should give place to
admiration for the truth to be taught.
Prof. McELWEE.-The Organon should be taught when
the student's mind is rested and fresh; consequently the
first thing in the morning, one or two paragraphs only at
a time, those paragraphs being read by the student, who
gives his idea of it, and then later, under the supervision
of the professor, discusses it before the class.
Prof. GILMAN.-The Organon should be taught early
and continually until it is mastered. It is the mother's
milk to the medical student. It should be taught as the
Bible is expoundedŕ text-by-text, and explained and
illustrated.
Prof. SNOW.-The Organon should be systematically
taught during the first year of college, as it is the
foundation work of Homeopathy. Frequent reference
should be made to it, however, during the whole three
years a occasion may demand. It should be committed
to memory as nearly as possible, so that its precepts may
remain always engraved on the mind.
Prof. MACK.-I do not use the Organon as a textbook. I
think that one can better teach Homeopathy without the
Organon as a textbook than with it.
Prof. COWPERTHWAITE.-The Organon should be
taught by a separate teacher. It has not fallen to my lot
to teach the Organon to any extent and I do not
consider myself a competent judge as to how it should
be taught My method is to take my old and much loved
copy which I held in my hand when I attended the
lectures by Dr. HERING, and which is profusely filled
with annotations, comments and underlinings according
to Dr. Hering's suggestions. From this book I talk to the
class, giving them HAHNEMANN ideas, Hering's
comments and my own views on each particular section
as we take it up.
Prof. WOODWARD.-The Organon should be taught to
beginners, not without judicious criticism.
Prof. ROYAL.-The Organon should be studied and
taught throughout the entire student's course.
Prof. LEONARD.-For six years I have tried to teach the
Organon in connection with Materia Medica and
therapeutics; but whether from my own inability to do it
well or from an incongruity of subjects, the results have
not been satisfactory. A critical analysis of the Organon
with an exposition of its essential parts before senior
students, seems to me to be part of the work of the chair
of Theory and Practice, and it is so taught in the
University of Minnesota.
Prof. EDGERTON.-The Organon should be taught to
first course students. A textbook should be gotten up
containing the essentials, and the student should commit
the same to memory and recite in class.
Prof. PRICE.-- In my opinion the Organon should be
taught from the chair of Institutes, first omitting the
psoric theory, dynamisation, primary and secondary
drug action, alternating drug effects, etc. There is too
much difference of opinion upon these subjects amongst
the best minds in our profession to make a belief in them
a point of vital necessity. Of course the chair of Materia
Medica and Therapeutics should teach the fundamental
principles of Homeopathy whether the Organon be
quoted or not.
Prof. CHEESEMAN.-The Organon should be taught
by at least two lectures each week during the entire
college course by a competent lecturer.
Prof. HAWKES.-The Organon should be taught from
the "cradle to the grave" of medicine. In my judgment it
should be taught as the good preacher teaches his
congregation: select a portion for a text (and each
section of the Organon is a sermon in itself) and
elaborate to the student and explain its philosophy. Then
make him explain it to me.
Prof. ALLEN, H. C.-The Organon should be taught
every year of the entire course and taught by one who
practices what he preaches. It is the foundation of our
system, and no student can ever practice Homeopathy
who does not know, and know most thoroughly, its
principles.
Prof. PEMBERTON DUDLEY-I hold to the view that
every student should, first of all be made acquainted
with the methodsŕperhaps in courtesy I would say
"principles"-on which unhomeopathic treatment is
applied to diseases and injuries by the various sects of
physicians, and that his induction into the mysteries of
Homeopathy should come later. I am quite sure that the
uncompromising adhesion to the homeopathic law
manifested by the "Homeopathic Fathers" was due to
the fact that they knew from both study and experience
all about allopathic methods and what these methods
could and could not do for their patients; and holding
this view it would naturally follow that the way to make
staunch as well as intelligent homeopathists is to make
them quite fully acquainted with the effects and defects
of the other modes of medical practice first of all.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 149
Having accomplished this we proceed as follows: We
endeavor to discover how the phenomenon known as
"cure" is to be investigated. (The allopath never
concerns himself on this matter save only as to the fact
of its occurrence and the nature of the agencies by
which it seems to be brought about. The phenomenon
does not present itself to his mind as at all requiring
investigation). This study forces us to the bedside as the
only place where our curative studies can be pursuedŕ
the only "Laboratory" where principle of cure can be
made known. Then having learned the reasonableness
and practicability of this method of finding out how to
find out cures for diseases, we turn to the Organon and
there discover that the author of that book has been
before us and has made the way plain for us. So we take
up point after point in the development of curative
science-- first reasoning it out as well as we can and
then turning to the book to find it all in Hahnemann's
own words. One of the things that our students discover
and often mention in this course is that the author of the
Organon was anything but the dreaming visionary he
has been so often represented to be. In these studies of
Homeopathy both the student and the teacher are
expected to have the open book before them. In last
winter's class of about eighty first-year men I have
counted over seventy copies of the Organon in the room
at one time, and all of them in use. We call it our
"Sunday School Class in the Organon."
Prof. MONROE.ŕ It is a question in my mind whether
the Organon should be taught during the student years;
that is systematically. It should be referred to by the
professor frequently, and the student should be taught
that he cannot regard himself as a well-rounded
homeopathic physician until he is familiar with the
Organon. To my mind, however, the book is not of
such a character as will admit of its being properly
digested during the rushing, cramming gallop that marks
the career of a student during his last year; and previous
to that time, he is not sufficiently far advanced to
comprehend it.
Dr. GRAMM.ŕ Hahnemann's Organon should be read
thoroughly by every student before entering a
homeopathic college, and there it should be used by the
regular professor of theory and practice as the
foundation and guide for his teachings during all the
four years. Every section should be properly read and
carefully explained, and its teachings as much as
possible illustrated by cases from actual practice from
beginning, to end.
Dr. PECK. Ŕ The Organon should be the first book
placed in the hands of a medical student. If he has not
sufficient sense and knowledge to understand and to
appreciate it he never can become a trustworthy
physician. The youth should be told to read it slowly
and deliberately, stopping at any (to him) obscure point,
or at any utterance that does not commend itself to his
sober judgment and refer it at once to his instructor for
their joint investigation.
Rarely will this happen a half dozen times. One or two
more rapid re-readings will do no harm.
Since many alleged homeopath physicians do not
provide their pupils this instruction it becomes
necessary for the college to teach the Institutes of
Medicine. These should be taught at the very beginning
instead of at the close of a course of study, for it is as
important that a doctor should know what he believes,
and why, as for the preacher, or any other man; and the
sooner he ascertains this the better. After a little talk on
HAHNEMANN and his times, display on the
blackboard or in other convenient manner singly and
successively the various propositions. As each is
exhibited ask the class if it accepts that assertion, then
call for reasons pro and con.
Dr. NIELSEN.-The Organon should be taught
especially to the advanced student, but by a competent
teacher and one able to read between the lines.
Dr. KRAFT.-The Organon, like the bible, should be
read through not less than once a year; its reading and
study should not cease with the medical man's
commencement exercises. During school-life it should
be listened to from the chair of therapeutics at least once
a week. Not read by the teacher but talked. The
professor of therapeutics should have naught to do with
Materia Medica; in him should be combined the present
highly ornamental chair of Organon, and the rare chair
of Institutes of Medicine. To him should be given the
duties of explaining the homeopathic law, the
therapeutical application of Materia Medica, the
Organon, and the potencies.
Dr. BOJANUS.- According to my opinion I should think
that the Organon should not be given before the end of
the third year of study and must be explained and
commented in a special course of lectures, and not
before the students have visited the homeopathic and the
lectures upon the Organon, the whole homeopathic
literature, with all its different tendencies, must be
passed in review and particular attention must be paid
that the youthful students should not prefer the literature
which has given itself the task of clothing homeopathic
therapeutics into a form more or less like allopathy.
Such compilations are a comfortable implement in the
hands of those who wish to convert science into a
milking cow; they are useful to establish a position and
keep their disciple in the broad way of the beaten track,
but this is preparing the ruin of Homeopathy.
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Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 150
6. The Children of Chernobyl and Cina
Chance or regularity?
VASILYEVA, L.G., ZAKHARCHENKO, G.A.
(BHJ. 81, 2/1992)
The authors have under their care fifty-four
children exposed to radiation after the Chernobyl
nuclear reactor disaster of 1986. The radiation exposure
and the most common pathologies are discussed.
Response to treatment, especially in terms of general
health was good. Cina was the most commonly
indicated medicine. The plant Artemisia cina is
traditionally associated with Chernobyl.
Introduction
Radiation has come to our land. There is no way of
eliminating it. Our generation and many generations to
come will have to live against the background of
radiation. The Chernobyl nuclear plant accident was the
most serious accident that has occurred during the
period of use of nuclear energy. The radiation affected
areas have been declared a zone of national calamity.
Following the Chernobyl accident a considerable
area has been contaminated by radioactive particles with
a complex isotope mix. The fall out during the first ten
days after the accident contained the largest quantity of
short-lived radioactive isotopes. Later, long-lived
isotopes came to the fore as a damaging factor. The
radio-activity expelled during the explosion of the
nuclear reactor was registered in all countries of the
Northern hemisphere and has increased background
radiation over a huge area of Europe. The radioactive
cloud brought only lightweight, volatile aerosols to
Europe. The heavier fall-out occurred on the territory of
the former USSR alone.
As a result of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki and massive scientific research into its
after-effects acute radiation sickness is well understood.
Its symptoms develop very rapidly and there can be no
doubt as to its connection with overdosage. On the
otherhand, no one had ever studied the after-effects of
small dose radiation exposure on the human body until
the Chernobyl nuclear accident.
In developing preventive measures in the social and
medical fields the focus of attention must be placed on
the children, since they represent that section of the
population that is most susceptible to the effects of
radiation and, at the same time, childrenřs health is
essential for the future health and welfare of the nation.
Study population
Beginning in 1990 our homeopathic centre has
been examining the children who suffered due to the
Chernobyl accident. The analysis of fifty-four medical
cases of children evacuated from the town of Pripyat (3-
6km from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant) is the
subject of this report.
The initial ejection of radionucliodes on the 26
April 1986 did not affect the town of Pripyat. The
subsequent expulsion of radionuclides from the
damaged reactor resulted in a discontinuity of the spatial
and temporal pattern of radiation spread in the town.
The contamination density in different areas of the town
prior to evacuation varied from 30 to 2,000mCurie/m
2
.
The inhalation influx was 10 to 700 mCurie/m
2
,
equivalent to a dosage absorbed by the thyroid gland of
20-1,400 rad.
The evacuation of the town had been completed by
14.00 hours on 27 April. Two hundred and thirty
families (836 individuals, including 372 children) were
moved to the city of Donetsk, 800km from Pripyat.
Beginning in 1990, some of these children have
been regularly examined by homeopathic doctors. At
present forty-six families with fifty-four children aged
between two and fifteen are regularly examined and
treated at our Centre.
Three children in two families were born after the
accident. One of them is a boy born eight months after
the accident. The other two are girls born in another
family two months and three years after the accident.
The assessment of their health and its time history
against the back-ground of homeopathic treatment is to
be presented in this paper.
In the very first days after the accident the
radionuclides were the major factor of the internal
irradiation for these children. Intake occurred via
respiratory organs as well as via biological food chains.
Pathology
According to present estimates the thyroid gland is
more susceptible to damage due to radiation exposure in
children than in adults. Besides, it must be also taken
into account that the outcome of the disease of the
thyroid gland is much more marked in children than in
adults.
The results of the initial medical examination of the
children evacuated from Pripyat did not point to any
obvious pathology. Four children had goiters with
increased blood levels of thyroid hormones, calcitonin
and parathormone in their blood. Six to twelve months
after the accident it was noted that the function of the
pituitary-thyroid axis and of the parathyroid gland had
become normal. The concentration of TSH (thyroid
stimulating hormone) was within normal limits (0.5-
4.5μg/l). But we should remember that only five years
have passed since the accident.
The most characteristic short-term effects on the
thyroid gland were as follows: increased metabolic rate,
decrease of immune function and changes in peripheral
blood thyroid hormone levels.
Longer term effects of the thyroid gland damage are
a steady disturbance of its function, growth of benign
and malignant tumours which, however, do not manifest
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 151
immediately. On average the tumours develop 20-25
years later in adults, and 10 years after the thyroid gland
has been exposed to radiation at a dose of 50 rad in
children.
Observation shows that the same individual dosage
in each specific case acts differently; a solid healthy
body is able to withstand a relatively high radiation load
while a weakened body with low reparative processes
may show the signs of pathological changes. The
concept of a strong and healthy body has an individual
character in Homeopathy and is connected with the
locus minoris.
There are no specific radiation-related diseases
caused by small dose exposure. One can only claim that
radiation exposure increases the risk of some common
diseases. Following the accident there has been an
increase in the number of cases of anaemia, throat and
nose disorders, diseases of lungs, gastric and intestinal
tract pathology, cerebral and vascular disorders, chronic
inflammatory and immune diseases.
The most frequent complaint among the children
attending for homeopathic treatment was frequent
upper respiratory tract infections present in 96%,
followed by chronic cholecystitis-cholangitis in 67%,
generalized lymphadenopathy in 54%, chronic
gastroduodenitis in 26%, chronic tonsillitis in 26% and
colitis in 22%.
The analysis of these observations shows that there
are no radiation-related diseases due to the effect of
small dosage but that irradiation stimulates some
diseases.
Some case histories
When analyzing the state of health of the children it
was found that eight of them had frequent nose bleeds.
A baby born eight months after the accident (the mother
had had four previous mis-carriages, so she refused an
abortion) had a relapsing haemangioma six times during
the next four years. It recurred each time in the same
place, in the lobe of the ear in the reflexogenous area of
the Řeyeř. After five operations (excision twice and
electrocoagulation three times) the eyesight had
noticeably deteriorated. There was no need for another
operation after treatment with Calcium phosphoricum
200 cH: the haemangioma vanished. Follow up is one
year, the observations continue.
Another baby was born into the same family three
years after the accident and at the age of two months
nephritis was detected. Calcarea carbonica 200 cH
contributed to the improvement of the general condition
and the normalization of urine tests.
A girl of five who was eleven months old at the
time of the accident developed an acute nephritis on the
fourth day after the accident which later became
chronic. Colchicum 200 cH at the age of five brought
about an aggravation: temperature up to 40ºC within
two days, cramps and polyuria. This was followed by
an improvement of general health condition and
normalization of urine tests. Follow up is five months.
The observation continues.
Results
The therapy decreased the frequency of occurrence
of upper respiratory tract infections by 72% and of
chronic tonsillitis by 18% within one year. The
incidence of cholecystitis-cholangitis decreased by 56%.
Complaints of headache became considerably less
frequent.
Many parents remarked on the superiority of
homeopathic treatment over the conventional treatment
that their children had taken earlier. The parents noted a
considerable improvement in general health, capacity
for work, appetite and sleep and disappearance of
asthenia.
We analysed the frequency of prescription of
homeopathic medicines. It turned out that the children
under observation were most frequently prescribed Cina
(46%), the second commonly used preparation was
Calcarea carbonica (24%), the third was Silicea (20%).
Last June we accompanied a group of the children
that had been under my observation on a holiday in the
Netherlands.
It was satisfying to note that the group of children
who had had Homeopathy adapted very well to the
change of weather and environment. On the contrary,
the children who had not had homeopathic treatment
frequently caught colds, many of them suffered a good
deal during the trip. We had to treat them for
hydradenitis, Respiratory diseases, Acute bronchitis,
Follicular quinsy and Dyskinesia of bile ducts.
Cina and Chernobyl
Cina Ŕ Wormwood Ŕ Artemisia cina, is known
locally as Chernobylnik, or simply Chernobyl in the
Ukraine. Wormwood is considered to be the herb that
ushers a human being into life, that consecrates the
source of life. Wormwood was considered to be
helpful during childbirth in Russia, the Caucasus and in
China. Moreover, this herb was supposed to be so
powerful that it could save from calamity not only an
individual but the whole country.
Chernobyl (Wormwood) helped my people in
fighting the epidemic of Cholera, in times of famine it
helped many to survive. Now the people need it again.
To honour this herb, the area of the Ukraine where
wormwood blossoms had been called Chernobyl but
later the word became a symbol of reproach to humanity
in the form of Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
Why is this? Is it coincidence? Chance? But any
chance when repeated again and again becomes a
regularity. Then, may be, it is fate?
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7. Hahnemann's Psora in Light of Goethe's Science
Joel SHEPPERD (AJHM. 95, 4/2002-3)
Goethean science is experiential, wherein sensory
phenomena are primary; this approach parallels
Hahnemann's urging to focus upon the signs and
symptoms in patients as opposed to disease categories.
Hahnemann's depiction of Psora was the result of extensive
observation of disease signs and symptoms, and not mere
theorization. There is similarity between Hahnemann's
concept of Psora and the ur-phenomenon of Goethe, his
contemporary. The modern identification of various
microbes as pathogens does not refute the validity of the
theory of Psora, which condition precedes and might
predispose to such infections. Hahnemann's identification
of Psora and chronic diseases led to a significant deepening
and broadening of case taking strategies.
Introduction
The Nature of Chronic Diseases by HAHNEMANN is not
a work of theory. It should not be divided into the
"Theoretical Part" as subsequent translators have done.lt is a
work of "unremitting thought, indefatigable research,
faithful observation, and the most "accurate
experiments,"(1) said HAHNEMANN, and it occupied
him for at least eleven years before he wrote anything
about it.
One of the challenges facing Homeopathy today is for it to
maintain its scientific method. Hahnemann's original
observations are not dogma; that is, not opinions based on
authority. His experience is not theory derived from
speculation and hypothesis. His principles are the result of
experience and rigorous experiments that may be verified
by repetition.
HAHNEMANN does not outline the format for how he
organizes his scientific descriptions, but only describes the
results. This situation is similar to that of a new reader
interpreting a typical research article in a modern scientific
medical journal. If that person does not know the unstated
architecture of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), he
would think that modem science is close-minded with
narrow interests, concerned with trivia, uses twisted math-
ematical statistics in obscure ways, and is written in a foreign
language. Similarly, if Hahnemann's organized scientific
writings are not placed in a context, there is no perspective by
which to view their validity.
Modern authors who critique mainstream science describe
an alternative and complementary way of science, which is
labeled Goethean Science.(2) Homeopathy is a good
example of Goethe's method applied to medicine, and
Hahnemann's writings follow the similar rigorous format
described by GOETHE. It is useful to bring GOETHE into
the discussion because he writes much more about why he
does science, and he explains in greater detail how he goes
about his science.
An increased understanding of Hahnemann's unstated
organized methods, and a wider perspective of the consistent
technique followed by HAHNEMANN reveal the science
in his major works. Each generation of homeopathic
students must grapple with the basic concepts of
Homeopathy such as the law of similars, the life force, the
small dose, using one medicine at a time, and psoric
chronic disease. All of these scientific realizations about
health and disease grow out of Hahnemann's unprejudiced
observations, repeated experience and pure experiments.
Historical Context
HAHNEMANN is not just an isolated historical genius of
the past; his works are the thorough development of an
established way of science, which he applied to a new
method of medical treatment. HAHNEMANN is part of an
important wellspring of scientific thought that has
continued unbroken through 200 years. (3) Hahnemann
developed his experimental method of Homeopathy in the
context of the German culture of his time. The person who
most influences and represents that culture is Goethe.
Mostly known for his literature and poetry Goethe
considered his work in natural science as his most
important endeavor. Goethe's way of science and
Hahnemann's method are parallel. GOETHE said about
himself, "... receive I herewith the concise confession of
faith of a Hahnemannian disciple." (4) In his literary work,
"Faust," part 2,scene 87, is the quote:"To like things like,
whatever one may ail, there's certain help." There is no
evidence that the two ever communicated with each other
directly (5), but Goethe approved of HAHNEMANN
because they both followed the same underlying method
of natural science.
Goethe's method states that the sensory phenomena are
primary. They are not secondary manifestations of some
objective reality underlying them. Present mainstream
science relies mostly on observations that can be measured
or quantified, such as temperatures, lengths, distances, and
ignores qualities of experience such as pain or taste.
Goethean science is a way of staying with direct
experiential contact. lt is a way of attention so that the
observed sensory phenomena are understood only in terms
of themselves. They are not to be reduced to theories, and
nothing is to be added from the outside.
GOETHE describes three stages in observing phenomena:
1. The empirical phenomena are what everyone finds in
nature by random observation.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 153
2. The scientific phenomena are produced under
controlled circumstances and conditions.
3. The pure phenomena or Ur-phenomena are the result
of the observations and experiments, excluding the
accidental, untangling the complicated, and grasping the
underlying unity.(6)
Applied to Hahnemann's Homeopathy this is the same
process as accurately gathering the totality of the signs
and symptoms of disease and not reducing those whole
phenomena to a disease name or disease category,
Hahnemann's scientific method does not insert any
theories or categories between the facts of the case and the
facts of the Materia Medica. The pure totalities of the
subjective, objective and circumstantial symptoms are
themselves the final and decisive organic phenomena.
Their Scientific Method
Further comparisons can be shown between Goethe's
method and Hahnemann's method.
"The true healing art is in its nature a pure science of
experience, and can and must rest on clear facts and on
the sensible phenomena... Knowledge of the disease to be
treated, knowledge of the effects of the medicines, and
how the ascertained effects of the medicines are to be
employed for the removal of diseases, all this experience
alone teaches adequately In the pure science of
experience.. .merely speculative reason can consequently
have no voice; there when it acts alone, it degenerates
into empty speculation and phantasy and produces only
hazardous hypotheses... by their very nature must be self
deception and falsehood"(7) (HAHNEMANN).
"We find that many would prefer to dismiss phenomena
with a general theoretical precept or a quick explanation
without taking the trouble to study them in detail and
achieve a knowledge of the whole over a longer time.
Content without method leads to phantasy... All
hypothesis get in the way of.. .the urge to look again, to
contemplate the objects, the phenomena in question, from
all angles... Let us not seek for something behind the
phenomenaŕthey themselves are the theory"(8)
(GOETHE).
"Poetic fancy, fantastic wit and speculation, must for the
time be suspended, and all overstrained reasoning, forced
interpretation and tendency to explain things away must
be suppressed. The duty of the observer is only to take
notice of the phenomena and their course... This capacity
of observing accurately is never quite an innate faculty; it
must be chiefly acquired by practice...the necessary cool-
ness, calmness and firmness of judgment must be
preserved, together with a constant distrust of our own
powers of apprehension"(9) (HAHNEMANN).
"Thus we can never be too careful in our efforts to avoid
drawing premature conclusions from experiments or using
them directly as proof to bear out some theory. For here at
this pass, this transition from empirical evidence to
judgment, cognition to application, all the inner enemies of
humanity lie in wait: imagination which sweeps us away on
its wings before we know our feet have left the ground;
impatience; haste; self satisfaction; rigidity; formalistic
thought; prejudice; ease; frivolity; ficklenessŕthis whole
throng and its retinue. Here they lie in ambush and surprise
not only the active observer but also the contemplative one
who appears safe from all passion"(10) (GOETHE).
These examples help to show that HAHNEMANN and
Goethe shared a common method of science. Any
interpretation of Hahnemann's writing must be placed in
this historical and cultural framework to help clarify its
application in today's practice.
Chronic Disease
Homeopathy cured people's acute illnesses better than
other methods, but people often remained with continued
ailments, and Hahnemann wondered why. He defined
what he discovered as "chronic disease." The word
"chronic" did not mean only a length of time; it meant that
such diseases would "never pass away of themselves"
even in "the most robust constitution, nor by the soundest
regimen and diet." (11) This is unlike acute diseases
which run their course with a" crisis from the organism, so
that man then is wont to entirely recover from them and,
indeed, in a short time, unless he be killed by them." (12)
Chronic disease was disease not cured by the life force on
its own.
Miasmatic Disease
HAHNEMANN also called disease "Miasmatic."The word
"Miasm" was in common usage at that time, perhaps as the
word "germ" would be now. It conveyed a general meaning
of "polluting exhalations" or "stigma on the organism."(13)
For Hahnemann, Miasm was a disease that was
infectious; and each Miasm had its own recognizable
natural history. There were "acute Miasms" (14) like
Measles or Scarlet fever, "half-acute (sub-acute) Miasms" (15)
like
Rabies, which had no skin eruption, or "fixed
Miasms"(16) like Whooping cough.
In addition, HAHNEMANN discovered the Chronic
Miasms, and he defines them in a very specific way
according to their infectious nature:
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First, the infection takes place in one single moment (17) by
a touch to the general epidermis. (18)
Second, the moment that the infection takes effect, it is no
longer local. It cannot be washed off or cut off. Nothing is
visible, and the Miasma immediately communicates itself
invisibly and dynamically to the rest of the living
organism.(19)
Third, only when the whole organism is transformed by the
Miasmatic disease, does the itch eruption break forth to
alleviate the internal malady (20)
This process of infection by Miasm is the same for acute
diseases and chronic disease so far, unless; fourth, the skin
eruptions are driven away (erroneously called "driving the
itch into the body"),(21) then the innumerable chronic
diseases develop depending on body constitution and
external circumstances.
Hahnemann described three chronic, Miasmatic diseases,
not out of speculation and theory, but from his experience
with European patients. He named the three chronic
Miasmatic diseases as Syphilitic, Sycotic and Psoric
diseases. The first two are venereal in origin and described
in detail by HAHNEMANN in Chronic Diseases.
Psora
HAHNEMANN traces the written history of Psora to
Moses' time 3600 years ago.(22) The word "Psora" was
commonly used in Hahnemann's time. However,
HAHNEMANN gives the word a specific definition and
description. Psora means "the itch" and is derived from the
Hebrew "tsorat" meaning a groove, a fault, a pollution, and
a stigmaŕoften applied to Leprosy. (23) Hahnemann traces
a word in "Leviticus," chapter l3,which was translated into
a Greek word that was translated as "Psora." What
HAHNEMANN labels as Psora was historically called
"malignant itch," scabies jugis, lichen, tetter, herpes, and
leprosy. (24)
While describing the implications of Psora,
HAHNEMANN uses synonyms for Psora such as "the Itch
disease," (25) the internal itch disease with or without its
skin eruption,(26) itch sickness,(27) itch Miasm, (28) itch
malady. (29) Hahnemann further characterizes Psora as
universal mother of chronic diseases," (30) "the oldest and
most hydra-headed of all the chronic Miasmatic diseases,"
(31) "the nearly innumerable symptoms of which form but
one whole.. . and to be medicinally treated as the parts of
one and the same disease.. ."(32)
In the "Glossary" of the Organon edited byREILLY, Psora
is called "the root" of most chronic diseases, and a collective
disease: "it's entire and complete image can only be
obtained by gathering together the symptoms of a very
large number of patients, who appear to be suffering from
many, essentially different chronic maladies." (33) (See
paragraph 103 of the Organon).
ORTEGA mentions that Psora was considered merely a
philosophic hypothesis about Miasms. Ortega prefers terms
that describe Psora as "a modification of the vital
dynamism leading to a creation of a special state called
susceptibility. He calls the psoric Miasm a dynamic
diathesis or dyscrasia on the terrain or constitution of an
individual. (34)
HAEHL calls Psora "a disease or disposition to disease,
hereditary from generation to generation for thousands of
years and it is the fostering soil for every possible diseased
condition.. .The individual physical constitution is the
varying factor...HAHNEMANN knew about the cause of
scabiesŕthe itch miteŕSarcoptes hominisŕand did not
confuse it with Psora." (35)
J. Henry ALLEN considered Psora an etiological
structure,"the cause or the basic element in every-thing
known as sickness."(36) (See paragraph 80 of the
Organon).
These descriptions tend to make Psora a theory rather than
reflect the actual observations that HAHNEMANN
recorded. How can Psora be the fundamental cause of
disease, a disease, a disposition to disease, innumerable
diseases, a collective disease, or the ancestor of chronic
diseases all at the same time? How can "an astonishing
number of ailments, apparently having no connection with
one another: (37) all be Psora?
Ur-Malady
Further clarification of Psora can be achieved by
introducing the "ur-disease" or "ur-malady." Even before
HAHNEMANN defined Psora as "chronic" and
"Miasmatic," he named it as the Ur-Uebel in German.(38)
Quoting page 6 in Chronic Disease,".. .the original malady
[Ur-Uebel) sought for must be also of a Miasmatic, chronic
nature..."(39) The terms "Miasm" and "chronic" and "Psora"
have been described, but Ur-Uebel has not been clarified,
but may be so in light of Goethe's scientific method. On
page xix of the newest translation of the Organon,the
editors introduce translation problems. The meaning of the
German word Uebel may be "illness" or "evil," and
HAHNEMANN uses it quite commonly (40) Even more
problematic is the use of the word "Ur-Uebel."
TAFEL variously translates Ur-Uebel as "original disease"
(page 5),"primitive malady" (page 6), "original
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malady"(page 6 & 78).(41) HAEHL translates Ur-Uebel as
"original evil." (42) ORTEGA uses the phrase "primitive evil."
(43) Steven DECKER translates Ur-Uebel as "arch malady"
and "original malady" (44) A German dictionary uses words
such as "origin,""source," "primitive,""prototype,""primal,"
"archetype" for Ur. To contain all the meanings the prefix
Ur will remain untranslated.
After so many years of careful observations, it was the ur-
malady that HAHNEMANN discovered, and which
described the nature of non-venereal chronic disease. The
ur-malady is more than an ancestor disease with a history,
more than a causative agent, more than an internalized itch-
eruption. It is more than chronic, more than Miasmatic
and more than the name Psora. It is the medical disease
equivalent of Goethe's ur-phenomenon. "The ur-
phenomenon is the final precipitate of all experiences and
experiments from which it can never be isolated. Rather it
reveals itself in a constant succession of manifestations."
(45)
"By means of constant comparison, contrast, simplification
and recompilation, Goethe is able to represent these
apparently isolated facts as different moments of single
dynamic phenomenon. The resulting super experiment and
super phenomenon represent a natural whole that has been
discovered by prudent experimentation." (46)
"The ur-phenomenon is not so much a single, objectified
phenomenon, conceived at a high level of abstraction; as it is
a rubric for a naturally unified sequence of experiments
and phenomenon... intended to unify the phenomena.. .Ur-
phenomenon elaborates and articulates the principle of
unity of these events; it is an explicit constitution of the type,
not as matter for theoretical proof, nor as an abstract
concept, but in the form of phenomena made as concrete,
as full of content as possible... trying to give scientific
articulation, expression and understanding of the field under
investigation."(47)
"Samuel HAHNEMANN was not only a physician at war
with the medical practices of his time, he was also a great
experimental scientist. He observed and collected his
observations until gradually a pattern showed
itself...observation alone is not sufficient. lt must be
coupled with right relating, relating in right order until we
arrive in the Goethean sense at the idea, the underlying
principle or pattern of a thingŕ the ur-phenomenon."(48)
The ur-malady is not an abstract concept arrived at by a
process of merely selecting out the common elements of a
group of phenomena. lt is not a general blueprint on which
forms are variations.The ur-malady of Hahnemann is not an
ideal disease concept, but a real disease. This real disease,
however, manifests differently in every single person. The ur-
malady of Psora is not a predisposition to disease, it is the
disease. Each person, though, has a unique predisposition to
an expression of the psoric Miasm. Psora is not a collection
of diseases like some gathering together of related items.
Psora is a dynamic, generative transformation of chronic
disease with individual form in each person.
Homeopaths who speak German say that Ur is a common
prefix meaning "old" or "original" and has no further
connotation. However, Hahnemann speaks of eliminating the
ur-malady in the present, not of curing the historic disease.
The ur-malady is the original chronic Miasmatic disease,
but it is also current chronic disease of humanity "whose
great extent is shown in the new occurents emerging from
time to time." (49)
The Ur-Uebel has certainly produced evil consequences for
humankind, but it is of no practical homeopathic value to
label it the original evil or original sin as is mentioned by
Kent.(50)
Psoric disease is not a theoretical hypothesis. lt is an
observed chronic disease with innumerable manifestations.
Each transformation of Psora is united by a common
inherent principle of natural history namely that it is
chronic, as defined by Hahnemann, and Miasmatic as
defined by Hahnemann. Since Psora is a real and a
practical concept, then it can be used to understand present
day events in medicine.
Psora and Allopathic Chronic Disease.
How can we resolve the conflict between the observed
scientific knowledge of today with Hahnemann's
observations of chronic Miasms? For example, herpes is
now related to a virus. Tinea is related to a fungus, and
scabies is related to a mite. Venereal warts are not related to
Neisseria gonorrhoeae but to papilloma virus infections.
These "facts" seem to contradict Hahnemann's description
of the Miasmatic chronic diseases. But the identity of Psora
is not dependent on these new facts.
First of all, HAHNEMANN recognized the significance of
microorganisms. He described cholera as an infection by"
an enormously increased brood of these excessively minute,
invisible, living creatures so inimical to human life..."(51)
Second; the identification of a microorganism, or nearly
microscopic organism in a person with an infection does
not make it the cause. The disease is a process of response
by the host organism. Bacteria and fungi are not the
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diseases; they are living organisms in their own right and
exist with their own self-contained processes independent
of the health status of a human organism. They are always
present in human bodies, even when there is no disease. In
a normal person there are 100 quadrillion bacteria and
only 10 quadrillion normal cells. (52) To assign certain
microorganisms as a cause of disease is to ignore most of
the other processes that effect disease response. such as
body constitution, lifestyle, hygiene, nutrition, sanitary
conditions, the life force, and the external maintaining
causes.
Third, it is not meaningful to "reduce" the whole person
phenomenon of disease at the macro level to one of its
parts at the micro-phenomenon level such as bacteria. The
whole-person disease is the fundamental occurrence, not
the fragmented parts. Similarly, it is not meaningful to
ascribe causes to the so-called chronic disease names. Gout
is not caused by uric acid. Asthma is not caused by
inflammation and bronchospasm. The pathology and
physiology findings in tissues are results, not causes of the
disease processes. The assignment of cause in mainstream
medicine removes attention from dynamic wholes and
dehumanizes life processes into reduced fragments that
are materially manipulated. In every day homeopathic
practice, the knowledge of the exact pathogen in a urinary
tract infection does not lead to homeopathic cures. The
knowledge of the presence of inflammation does not help
find the homeopathic remedy for asthma. These facts are
not significant to homeopaths now, and they would not
have been significant to Hahnemann in his description of
psoric disease.
Fourth, the observations about Psora have lead to
homeopathic treatment that can have salutary effects. That
is, it works. How does it work? HAHNEMANN said, "To
make the possibility of this process in some way
intelligible, the not improbable assumption serves, that an
antipsoric remedy selected.. .could effectuate.. .finally a
cure, probably, only by means of a sort of infection with a
very similar medicinal disease which overpowers the
original disease by a process of nature itself." (53) The
remedies act by imitating "a sort of infection," and since all
remedies work by the same process and homeopaths see
cures in chronic disease, then all psoric chronic diseases
have a single unifying nature. Cancers, seizure, arthritis, etc.
are unified by their Miasmatic (infectious) nature.
Fifth, Psora is meaningful as an explanation of the
wholeness of the phenomenon of chronic disease because
it has a distinct definition of Miasmatic and a specific
definition of chronic, and it shows the unity of the natural
history of the development and manifestation of
continued disease.
A remedy like Pulsatilla can be used for Eczema or
Rheumatoid arthritis or seizure disorder. This would not be
possible unless there was an underlying unifying
description that connected these different pathologies. This
observed wholeness has been named Psora.
AIDS as an Example
How can a dynamic, infectious, Miasmatic process be
responsible for so many different named diseases? In our
generation we have a malady that illustrates the answer.
HIV was first identified as a separate entity in 1981.The virus
implicated with AIDS is a retrovirus. "The viral DNA must be
integrated into the DNA of a host cell chromosome...{it}
never comes out of the chromosome. Once the provirus is
integrated into the host cell's DNA, several things can
happen. Sometimes the provirus simply remains in a latent
state and replicates when the DNA of the host cell replicates.
In other cases, the provirus becomes transcribed and
produces new viruses, which may infect adjacent cells. The
provirus can also convert the host cell into a tumor cell..
.some viral infections result in changes in host cell's
functions with no visible changes in the infected cells. For
example, if a virus changes the production level of a
hormone, the cells normally affected by that hormone will
not function properly (54) Not only does a virus infect a
cell, it transforms the cell. If the cell is in the lung, perhaps
Pneumonia will result. If the cell is destroyed in the
pancreas, perhaps diabetes will result. Not only does the so-
called virus transform the cell, the change can be inherited
by the next generation.
From one virus, infections are possible, hormones are
imbalanced, cancers grow and genetic disease begins.
This one retrovirus results in opportunistic infections also.
Fungi, like Candida appear. Tuberculosis bacteria multiply
more easily. Protozoa manifest as Toxoplasmosis or as
Cryptosporidium. Other viruses such as Herpes or
Cytomegalo viruses easily overwhelm the immune system.
Conventional medicine insists that one virus causes all
these diseases to appear.
When HAHNEMANN carefully and repeatedly observed
that a dynamic infectious Miasmatic process set in motion
the development of chronic disease, he was about two
centuries ahead of his time.
AIDS further illustrates another observation by
Hahnemann. Namely, there are no spontaneously new
diseases, only new ways of expressing the original Psora.
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The retrovirus supposedly implicated with AIDS is not
new."HIV has been floating around America and Africa for
more than a hundred years. Some researchers say the virus
may even have been present for nearly a millennium.
Almost every group infected by AIDS has been exposed to
an unhealthy variety of immune suppressors long before
HIV became the virus in vogue at medical labs.. ."(55) The
immune destroying agents include heroin, cocaine, nitrates,
semen, malnutrition, amoebas, bacteria, viruses, antibiotics,
blood transfusions, poverty, anorexia, Syphilis,
Malaria.
HAHNEMANN says that chronic diseases come to
expression depending on "the various bodily constitutions of
individual men differing from one another in their domiciles,
their climatic peculiarities, their upbringing; habits,
occupations, mode of life and of diet, and moulded by
varying somatic and psychic relations." (55)
A Note on Psorinum
HAHNEMANN proved the nosode Psorinum, but it was
difficult to prove on healthy people, since so many people
had Psora. Psorinum was not a special medicine to "clear
the case" or "antidote a Miasm." HAHNEMANN mentions
no such concepts."Psorinum should not be given for Psora
or psoric diathesis, but like every other remedy, upon a strict
individualizationŕthe totality of the symptoms..." (57)
A Word on Case Taking
Many of the routine procedures in current homeopathic
practice did not begin until after Hahnemann's
explanations of chronic disease. lt was no longer enough to
question the patient about current symptoms. Instead the
homeopath "must endeavor to search out first the whole
state of the patient, the internal cause as far as it is
remembered, the maintaining cause of his malady; his mode
of life, his quality as to mind, spirit and body together with
all his symptoms (according to the directions in the
'Organon'),and then he should carefully find...a remedy
covering in similarity, as far as possible, all these factors, or at
least the most striking and peculiar ones..."(58) Never
before was a doctor called upon to be so thorough. In
current times most homeopathic practices are filled with
patients with chronic diseases and we take this style of case
taking for granted, but it originally grew out of Hahnemann's
understanding of Psora as a disease of the whole person,
whose past symptoms are potentially as important as
current symptoms.
HAHNEMANN also emphasized higher potencies in
chronic diseases:".. .nothing will go wrong if the doses
(were it possible) are given even smaller than I myself have
prescribed them. They can hardly be given too small..."
(59) And the doctor should, "...allow each dose to act its full
time."(60) This advice on how to cure Psora was new from
Hahnemann's understanding of chronic disease.
HAHNEMANN was also unique in his treatment of psoric
disease with his insistence on "a strict, homeopathic diet and
mode of living.. ."(61),so much so that his opponents
claimed his cures were only from lifestyle treatments.
Hahnemann devotes several pages to what articles to eat,
what to avoid:"moderation in all things, even in harmless
ones, is the chief duty of the chronic patient." (62)
Hahnemann is also specific about what life habits a patient
with chronic disease must follow, including exercise, bathing,
sexuality and entertainment." (63)
EPISTEMOLOGY
Hahnemann's understanding of chronic disease and Psora
enriches the principles and methodology of homeopathic
medicine. HAHNEMANN has developed an explicit
epistemology or system of knowledge so that results can
be repeated consistently and new observations can be
externally validated. Definitions of concepts, statement of
principles and methods of application are expressly
stated.
They are:
1. The chronic dynamic disease is treatable by the
simillimum. Medicines are found by provings on healthy
people.The correct remedy is chosen by the totality of
symptoms.The characteristic symptoms of each individual
with disease are unique and include past and present
manifestations.
2. The optimum dose of medicine is a potentized dose
that may need repetition.
3. The single remedy can be found for all the signs,
symptoms and chronic disease manifestations in each person
at a given moment in time.
4. Do not palliate the expression of symptoms in
dynamic conditions with methods other than
homeopathic.
5. Diet and life regimen must be managed to stop
external causes.
If this method of science is not followed, it is not the practice
of homeopathic medicine. If some other method is used, it
should be called by some other name.
References
1 Hahnemann,S.Nature of Chronic Diseases. p5. New
Delhi: Jain Publishing Co.
2 Seamon,D,Zajonc, A. Goethe's Way of Science, p.xi.
Albany: SUNY Press 1998.
3 Amrine, F Goethe in the History of Science, Vol. 29.
p. 1. Peter Lang Publishing 1995.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 158
4 Haehl,R.Samuel Hahnemann:His Life & Work.
p. 113.New Delhi: B.Jain Publishers 1972.
5 Twentyman, R. The Science and Art of Healing, p.55.
Worcester: Billings & Sons Ltd 1989.
6 Miller, D, ed. Goethe; The Collected Works, Scientific
Studies, Volume 12. p. 25. Princeton: Princeton -
University Press 1995.
7 Dudgeon, RE., trans. Organon of Medicine by Samuell Hahnemann, pp.viii-ix. Philadelphia:
Boericke&Tafel l901.
8 Naydler, J.Goethe on Science, p.9I.Edinburgh:
Floris Books 1996.
9 Dudgeon, RE, trans. Materia Medica Para Vol II by
Samuel Hahnemann, p.40. London:
Hahnemann Publishing Society 1881.
10 Goethe, J. Goethe's Botanical Writings, p.223. Ox Bow Press 1989.
11 Decker, S, trans. Chronic Diseases by Samuel
Hahnemann, para 71.Web site:
file:///El/ StevenDeckerWebsite/ChronicDiseases 1998.
12 Ibid, para 279.
13 Roberts, HA. The Principles & Art of Cure by
Homeopathy, p. 183. England: Health Science Press 1942.
14 Deckers, para 272.
15 Ibid., para 274.
16 Ibid., para 989.
17 Ibid. para270.
18 Ibid., para 294.
19 Hahnemann, S.p.38.
20 Ibid., p.38.
21 Ibid.,p.17.
22 Roberts, HA. pp. 183-185.
23 Saine,A.The oldest origin of the word Psora is from
the Sanskrit Psen meaning itch or itchiness as related
to Scabies. It is Psora in Greek and Psora in Latin and
both meant the same as in Sanskrit.The expression of
antipsoric treatment dates as early as 1783." (personal
communication, 1/02/02).
24 Hahnemann,S.plO.
25 Ibid., p9.
26 Ibid, p7.
27 Decker,S.para 390.
28 Ibid., para 292.
29 Ibid, para 885.
30 Ibid para90.
31 Ibid para 74.
32. Hahnemann,S.p.8.
33. O'Reilly, WB, ed. Organon of the Medical Art by
34. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, p.341 .
Redmond: Birdcage Books 1997.
34. Ortega, PS.Notes on the Miasms, pp.58-60. New
Delhi: National Homoeopathic Pharmacy 1980.
35 Haehl, R. pp. 143-145.
36 Ortega,PS.p.61.
37 Haehl,R.p.l45.
38 Decker.S.para 56,58,59.
39 Hahnemann,S.p..6.
40 O'Reilly,WB.p.xix.
41 Hahnemann, S. pp.6 & 78. 42Haehl,R.p.l38.
43 Ortega, PS. p.29.
44 Decker.S.para 56,58,67,822 and in O'Reilly WB.
pp.32,33,34.
45 Stephenson, RH.p.42. Goethe's Conception of
Knowledge and Science. Columbia University Press
1995.
46 Sepper, DL. p. 70. Goethe Contra Newton. Cam-
bridge University Press 1988.
47 Ibid., pp. 175-178.
48 Brieger, .."Methodological Obstacles in
Homeopaathic Research." BHJ 1961,50:241.
49 Decker, S. para 56.
50 Kent, JT. p. 137. Lectures on Homeopathic Philosophy.
New Delhi:B.Jain Publishers 1974.
51 Dudgeon, RE,ed.p.758. The Lesser Writings of
Samuel Hahnemann. New Delhi: B.Jain Publishers
1987.
52 Nikiforuk, A. p.4. The Fourth Horseman. New York:
W Evans & Company, Inc. 1991.
53. Hahnemann, S. p. 125.
54 Torrtora,GJ,Funke,BR,Case,CL.pp.339-342.
Microbiology: An Introduction.
Redwood City: The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing
Company Inc. 1989.
55 Nikiforuk, A. p. 165.
56 Hahnemann, S. p.l06.
57 Tyler, ML. p.672. Homeopathic Drug Pictures.
England: Health Science Press 1975.
58 Hahnemann, S. p. 121.
59 Ibid., p.l20.
60 Ibid., p.121.
61 Ibid., p.107.
62 Ibid.,p.112.
63 Ibid., pp. 107-8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
Reclaiming the Meaning of Miasm
SHEPPERD Joel (AJHM. 98, 1/2005)
The purpose of this article is to reaffirm the original
meaning of Miasms and chronic disease in the face of so
many different interpretations. The modern homeopath
needs an updated frame of reference for the description of
chronic Miasmatic disease. An analogy will be made
between the naming of chronic Miasms and the naming of
clouds. A few current interpretations of Miasms will be
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 159
mentioned and compared to the original observations of
chronic diseases.
Introduction
We need to re-establish what HAHNEMANN actually says
about Miasms and chronic disease. We read and translate
the actual words of HAHNEMANN concerning chronic
disease, but interpretations differ. The 21
st
century
homeopath needs a fresh framework by which to grasp
the import of the original chronic Miasms. One way to
do this is by an analogy from another branch of science.
The impact of the naming of the chronic Miasms in
Homeopathy compares well to the impact of the naming
of the clouds in meteorology.
Naming constant change
Limitless, endless shapes in the sky, known as clouds, were
named and suddenly clarified by Luke HOWARD in 1803.
He gave a lecture in London and said, "1 have purposely
avoided mixing in difficult and doubtful explanations with
what is only, after all, a simple descriptive arrangement."(l)
He described, not explained, the basic cloud forms. He gave
Latin names to cumulus (heap), stratus (layer), and cirrus
(curl) clouds and some others.(2) Why did his
observations and names catch on when no one else in
poetry or science had succeeded over the centuries?
On the one hand is the romantic who insists that Nature
shows a limitless freedom to go about her endless re-
inventions and is not bound by mechanisms and order. On
the other extreme is the reductionistic science that arranges
Nature into physical categories defined by measurable
components like density and velocity. Luke HOWARD
constructed a descriptive solution to account for previously
intangible phenomena. He did not try to describe clouds as
symbols of the imagination; nor did he isolate clouds into a
fixed order. He revealed the mobile order that clarified
their identity.
Clouds are easily seen as dynamicŕconstantly
changingŕbut recognizable in basic forms, originally
named cirrus, stratus, cumulus, but with endless
transitional and combination shapes.
The chronic Miasms are dynamic processes. The pure form
of eachŕpsoric, syphilitic, and sycoticŕ is described with
specific signs and symptoms, but there are endless
manifestations of each, often in combinations.
Luke HOWARD called his lecture "On the Modification of
Clouds..."(3) The modern meteorologist says that Howard
meant to say that he classified clouds.(4) He meant no such
thing. To classify is something an outsider, a so-called
objective observer does to the clouds. This type of scientist
imposes his will onto nature. He makes clouds fit into his
theoretical scheme.
Another observer, who is without pre-judgment, who is
exact, careful, and practiced, becomes part of the clouds; he
immerses himself in the clouds. His observations are true
and pure descriptions of the clouds as they actually are
within themselves. His descriptions are so correct that they
require no further explanations to be recognizable. The
description is the explanation. These dynamic descriptions
are summarized in convenient shorthand; they are named
cirrus, stratus and cumulus. Clouds constantly change shape,
but their basic forms as named can be recognized.
So also, chronic Miasms are exactly described after years of
experience and observation. The symptoms are recorded
one by one. and the names Psora, Sycosis and Syphilis are
shorthand for the descriptions of the Miasmatic process.
Chronic Miasms are not static disease entities. They are
direct perceptions of actual experiences. They are not
names derived from a theoretical or imagined concept. Nor
are they names derived from common pathologies.
Hahnemann states in explicit terms the natural history of
chronic diseases. An observable process, the Miasmatic
process unifies the process of constant change in diseases.
The names of the clouds (or chronic Miasms) do not
identify each cloud (or disease) itself, but their common
disposition to change. These names define not a solid,
stable thing, but a series of metamorphoses. This scientific
account of clouds (or Miasms) is true to a dynamic, rather
than fixed, view of the world.
Modifications, not classifications
A nature governed by mutability and transience is
incompatible with the mainstream analytical "scientific mind
that gives formal classifications to inchoate shapes and
processes."(5) The tendency in human thinking is to take
the description of the modification of clouds (or chronic
Miasms) and make them into a uniform classification and
nomenclature. In this way of thinking, the clouds are
arranged according to common characteristics such as
radiative properties, height, polarization or density. Only
the measurable properties are considered. If this way of
thinking is extended to Homeopathy, chronic Miasms are
redefined by dysfunctional physiology, such as
dysmolecular, dysapoptotic and dysprolif-erative
reactional modes.(6) These properties are all biochemical
reactions that can be analyzed and measured.
The World Meteorological Organization has the authority to
classify clouds. There are Family, Genus, Species and
Variety of clouds. For example, a High, Cirrus, Castellanus,
Duplicatus cloud.(7) One enthusiast observer of clouds
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says,"Few students of clouds will feel satisfied that this
elaboration serves any good purpose...Clouds are not
biological species which reproduce themselves almost
identically. They are all different, and an infinite and
continuous variation is possible." (8) The same is true of
chronic diseases. The psoric Miasm description shows the
relationships and modifications between webs of individual
cases of disease rather than describing a fixed type. Psora is
a descriptive name of dynamic modifications of unlimited
manifestations. It is not a static category. It includes the
disease and the natural history of the disease in one
definition.
Just as Luke HOWARD emphasized that his descriptions
were modifications of clouds, so does HAHNEMANN
specifically say that the many appearances of Psora are
modifications of Psora, not different Miasms:"...Varieties in
the mode of living...give to the psoric diseases so many
modifications (Modifikationen).. .more varied remedies
are needed for the extirpation of all these modifications of
psora (Psora-Modifikationen)." (9)
As time goes on, clouds are named into more and more
classifications. The new categories try to freeze-frame
morphing; the aim is to obliterate the dynamic quality and
replace it with easier to isolate and understand motionless
entities. It is as if the change and movement of clouds is
insignificant. The same tendency exists in homeopathic
circles. The dynamic pattern of psora is ignored in favor of
static categories.
The globalized population mostly shows an inter-
connectedness of Miasms in each person. Practitioners in
the history of Homeopathy increase the number of chronic
Miasms to 4 or 10 or more to fit this clinical experience.
The new Miasms so named seem based on pathology or
disease names like"the tubercular Miasm,""the cancer
Miasm,"or "the cholera Miasm This is old-fashioned
traditional thinking of names of diseases. Instead of
constantly making up new Miasms, it is more dynamic to
suggest that each chronically sick person has his own
unique expression of chronic Miasm, and that each person
may need any remedy.
Miasmatic disease as an entity
Clouds are now classified as if they are static,frozen, stable
forms; as if they are taken out of the sky and isolated and
dissected according to weight, height, ice content, opacity,
etc. This gives classification an illusory quantifiable
exactness, but this is not a cloud.
In Homeopathy, a disease or Miasm is not considered an
entity or a thing. In general, a disease is not a thing. If a
cancerous tumor is removed from a person and placed on a
pathology table, the bunch of cells and tissues is not a
disease. It is only a disease when it is a functioning part in
the person and when that part upsets the person's health.
Even if a microorganism like Pseudomonas is isolated from a
sick person, it is not the disease. Pseudomonas is a life form
in its own right with its own genetics and biochemistry It
may play a necessary role in the disease development, but
it is not the disease. The causative agent, the dynamic
contagion effect, does not explain the chronic Miasm. It is
only one step in the process of the chronic disease
development. In modern biomedical thinking.one part of the
disease, either the pathological tissue or the microorganism,
has become the disease. The disease process is reduced or
oversimplified to a thing.
Can the whole living process of disease be built from its
parts? Can Humpty Dumpty of nursery rhyme fame be put
back together again? It is an unproven assumption that
disease can be fully understood from adding up basic
building blocks. If any hypothesis about Miasms starts with
this unexamined assumption as a given, the theory will
never adequately explain Miasms. The Miasm is not a
separate entity. The Miasm is dynamic description of the
whole. The disease and the person are the same entityŕ
the same whole. The Miasm is an untunement of the
whole living form.
Primal cloud, primal disease
As soon as GOETHE read Luke Howard's essays on the
clouds, he became an inspired supporter. He saw
Howard's science as a moment of pure and untrammeled
observation. HOWARD had revealed the true forms of the
unlimited wholeness of clouds.(lO) GOETHE wrote in
praise of Howard's accomplishment, and invoked the name
of a cloud deity from the literature of India.(ll) The name
of the cloud god is Camarupa and means "the wearer of
shapes at will."(12) A Sanskrit website transliterates the word
as KamarUpa and differentiates it from the word
Kaamaruupa (meaning"in the form of lust").(13)
Camarupa is the single, original, primal ancestor cloud.
This unity passes into one form after the other, each
distinct and recognizable, but each a part of the one
perpetual cloud. The primal cloud is like the primal disease
(Ur-Uebel), the original disease or ur-malady of
Hahnemann.(14) The ancestor disease does not evolve in
the modern Darwinian sense, but varies limitlessly. It
expresses itself in a unique disease in each sick person, but
it is part of the whole ur-malady.
The description of the modification of clouds and the
description of the natural history of Miasmatic chronic
disease unveil the same dynamic principle in nature. It is
the same principle of constant change arising from a few
basic original forms. In all of dynamic Nature, there are
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found a few basic shaping forces. The clouds, the wind, the
sea, the sands of the desert ever change, but we still
recognize the basic form. Hahnemann recognized this
principle of dynamic transformation in the chronic
diseases.
The mythologies around the world have shape changers or
shape-shifter personalities to represent this truth of Nature.
In Greek literature, there is Proteus, for instance. He is a sea-
god who can change his shape at will. The word Proteus
means "first" or "primitive." So Proteus is the first form of sea
matter which successively changes shape and continually
creates the sea.(15) In the Odyssey, HOMER relates the
usefulness of Proteus:"It is hard for a mortal man to bend an
immortal to his will...Summon up your strength and
courage and hold him fast there despite his struggles and
his endeavours to elude you. He will seek to foil you by
taking the shape of every creature.. .capture him. Then he
will tell you.. ."(16) Capture the true meaning of the cloud
god Camarupa and Proteus and Hahnemann's ur-malady to
understand the workings of Nature in the clouds, in the sea
and in chronic disease.
The shape shifting forces of nature reveal the ur-malady as
"always past yet still present, always transformed yet still
transforming, always transcended yet never
superseded."(17) Nature is not governed by a fixed order,
but by mutability and disposition to change. However,
Nature is not boundless freedom or randomness. Nature is
not known by arbitrary or whimsical imagining.
Phantasies made up in the mind are like seeing animal or
human shapes in the formlessness of the clouds. They are
not real; they do not last; they are not useful.
Luke HOWARD recorded careful observations for years
before he constructed a descriptive solution to account
for intangible phenomena.(18) Hahnemann also observed
exact signs and symptoms of chronic disease for years,
fixing on particulars as the route to the discovery of general
principles of nature. This is the inductive method.
HAHNEMANN did not discover material diseases. He did
not theorize about styles of energy in chronic disease. He
gave a name to things nameless and a visibility to the previ-
ously unknowable. For the first time,chronic disease was not
just a punctuated series of acute diseases or long lasting
disease; chronic disease could now be comprehended.
Goethe composed verses in honor of HOWARD, and I
think one verse applies to HAHNEMANN as well: "That
which no hand can reach , no hand can clasp, He first
has gained, first held with mental grasp. Defined the
doubtful, fixed its limit-line; and named it fitly. - Be the
honor thine!"(19)
The Historic Word Miasm
The word "Miasma" was a common word of Hah-
nemann's .time; maybe like the word germ or microbe
would be today. It was from a Greek word meaning "to
pollute." It referred to "an infectious atmosphere"(20)
around a sick person as well as , "noxious vapour rising
from putrescent organic matter, marshland,
etc."(21)"Doctors were not ready to inculpate bacteria or
germs, and fevers were diagnoses by themselves...and in
the early 19
th
century subscribed to the Miasma theory of
infections."(22) The word "Miasm" was common in
Hahnemann's medical language by the time he wrote his
first edition of the Organon in 1810. He described "a
miasmatic disorder" (p. 12) that was "infectious" (p. 19)
and a "morbid exhalation."(23) There was no acute
Miasm and no chronic Miasm. All Miasms were acute
and contagious at that time in Hahnemann's writing.
There was, however,"chronic disease." Chronic disease
was "long-standing" (p. 14) and "commonly originates,
at least partly, in the harmful influences of
diet...occupation, household surroundings,etc." (p. 39,
p. 93). Chronic disease could be natural or
artificial.(24) Chronic Miasmatic disease would not be
written about until 1828.
All Miasmatic diseases, both acute and chronic, have
three important moments in the course of the illness:
1) Time of infection (Ansteckung)ŕtakes
place in one momentŕ"dynamically
communicates" to the whole.
2) Whole organism penetrated (pervaded)
(imbued) with infectious disease within.
3) Outbreak of the external malady when the
disease is throughout the whole organism.
Only in chronic Miasms, the infections do not die out of
themselves.(25)
All Miasms, acute and chronic, are defined by
Hahnemann as "dynamic contagion."(26) The word
Miasm is not defined as a disease or a tendency to
disease. It is a term that includes:
Definitionŕdynamic contagion
Originŕcontact with the skin
Processŕwhole organism change
Manifestationsŕexternal, and then internal
Hahnemann's Miasms do not explain the mechanistic
causes of chronic disease, such as microorganisms, but
describe the whole diseased person's process of illness.
The word Miasm was not and is not the key in
understanding what makes chronic Miasmatic disease
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 162
chronic. A Miasm becomes chronic when it cannot be
cured by the person's own healing mechanisms. The
predisposition to disease is influenced by diet, lifestyle,
environment, inheritance and life events, but a dynamic
contagion process is required for the chronic Miasm.
1 prefer the English word "contagion" to the word
"infection" to define Hahnemann's Miasm. The word
contagion comes from a word meaning "to touch." (27)
The word "infection" comes from a word meaning "to
stain or taint." (28)
Acute diseases and acute Miasms
A disease is acute if it is a rapid process that runs its
course more or less quickly (§72). (29) HAHNEMANN
further elaborates acute disease by the differences in
their observed natural history:
Acute febrile diseases affect individuals through
exciting causes such as fatigue, becoming chilled
or psychological upsets (§73).
Sporadic disease affects many by the same upset
(§73).
Epidemic disease affects many people at the same
time.
Acute Miasms recur in the same infectious
manner and are known by a traditional name,
such as small pox, cholera (§73).
Chronic diseases and chronic Miasms
A natural chronic disease arises from a chronic Miasm
by dynamic contagion (§72,§78):
A chronic disease is not a true, natural chronic
disease if it is caused by bad lifestyle,such as bad
food, bad drink or bad air (§77).
A natural chronic disease arises from a Miasm
(§78).
A natural chronic disease is dynamicŕa non-
material, non-mechanical power or energy or force
which can produce action or alter conditions (§11).
An artificial chronic disease is produced by
allopathic medicinal substances 29,§74, §146). If
the original, natural chronic disease in a person is
replaced by a disease caused by allopathic treatment;
for example, Penicillin disease or Cortisone disease,
this is an artificial chronic disease. It is not another
Miasm. It is a transformation of the original
Miasm.(30)
Mechanisms of Miasms
Pity the poor innocent homeopaths who have no
mechanism to nourish their needy minds. All they can
do is rigorously and accurately apply the law of healing
and watch in wonderment as healing takes place.
However, don't worry. It's pathology; no, it's physics to
the rescue.
Is the accuracy of the observation of Miasm dependent
on a mechanism? Why should we start with the
assumptions of modern biomedicine and work
backwards to explain Miasms? If modern medicine is
so knowledgeable.why aren't the chronic diseases truly
cured instead of just palliated? What does modern
medicine not understand about disease that the Miasm
observation so carefully reveals?
We should emphasize Hahnemann's observations more
than ever rather than consider his results as
anachronistic. We should not view his data as less good
than modern data. His is pure observation and it is
exactly right. What does HAHNEMANN bring to the
definition of chronic disease? Chronic disease is an
observable process, not a theory in abstraction.
HAHNEMANN sees through the ongoing disease pro-
cess connecting acute disease, life events and family
histories. A chronic disease is not one disease, but a
dynamic process. Seeing Miasms is seeing the unity of
process in chronic disease, not the one cause of one
disease.
It is no longer considered revolutionary when we take a case
and include the totality of the past symptoms, the totality of
the family symptoms and the totality of the current
symptoms. This radical way of seeing the unitary whole of
chronic disease is due to HAHNEMANN. One
pharmacological principle, the Law of Similars, allows the
healing of so many diverse named diseases because
HAHNEMANN saw the unitary whole of chronic
disease.
The term Miasm is not "outdated."(31) Instead, it is still
ahead of its time when it is defined as a process of dynamic
contagion. Modern science has barely begun to investigate
biodynamics applying modern physics and chaos theory.
The academic homeopath should experiment with the
questions, "Does chronic disease start on the skin and does
it require an exchange of actual material?"
Biochemistry, microbiology and pathology accumulate facts
in specialty areas of knowledge. These facts are not the
disease. Disease is a dynamic expression. Measured material
changes are only secondary results and occur "after the
fact.ŗ These facts are of misleading practical use. No
biochemical basis can substantiate Homeopathy or
Miasms. Modern biomedicine should take off its
microscopes and see whole people and whole disease
processes.
When modern homeopathic authors complain about the
"narrow limitations and errors of the psora concept,"(32)
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 163
they are only seeing with the distorted lens of mainstream
science. The names of the Miasms can cause ridicule only
if they undergo contortions to fit into the limited paradigm
of modern biomedicine. Instead, the Miasms must be
defined within the integral truth of Homeopathy. Do not
accept the rightness of the mainstream assumptions and
belief systems. Their way is not the only way to possess real
knowledge about disease.
Acknowledgements
Gregory Vlamis deserves many thanks for his material
.assistance and research for this article
References
1. Hamblyn R. The invention of clouds. New York:
Farrar, Straus and Giroux;2001. p.47.
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science/clouds/htm [1 of 2 screens] [cited 2004 Jun9]
3. Hamblyn R,p.359.
4. URL:http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/Flagstaff/
science/clouds/htm [1 of 2]
5. Williams JR. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers; 1998. p. 118.
6. Montfort-Cabello H.Chronic diseases: what are they?
How are they inherited? Homeop;2004:88-93.
7. Lynch DK, Sassen K, Stephens G, editors. Cirrus.
Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2002. p.6-7.
8. Scorer R. Clouds of the World. Harrisburg:
Stackpole Books; 1972. p.18,7.
9. Hahnemann S. The chronic diseases. Kent:
Homoeopathic Book Service; 1998. p.144.
10. Hamblyn R,p.290.
11. Roychowdury KC. Kalidasa's imagery in the
meghaduta. Calcutta: University of Burdwan; 1991.
p.14,16.
12. Williams JR, p. 118.
13. IITS-ŕCologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon [cited 2004
Jun 23]. URL:http://www.uni-koeIn.de/cgi-
bin/Sfgate. See kA4ma-rUpa.
14. Shepperd J. Hahnemann's psora in light of s"
Goethe's science. AJHM 2002-3; Vol.95, No.4:202-10.
15. The Deities of Sea. [cited 2004 Aug 4]. [4 of
6screens].
URL:http://wwwarchaeonia.com/religion/deities/sea
deities.htm
16. Proteus, [cited 2004 Aug 4]. [1 of 5 screens].
Available from: URL:http://wwwtheoi.com/
Kronos/Proteus.html
17. Pelton RD. The trickster in West Africa. Berkeley:
University of California Press; 1989. p.232-3.
18. Hamblyn R, p. 260.
19. Scott DFS, editor. Luke Howard. York: William
Sessions Limited; 1976. p.26.
20. The London medical dictionary. Philadelphia:
Mitchell,Ames, and White; 1819. Miasma; p.987.
21. Oxford English dictionary online, [cited 2004 Jul 24].
Miasma;Available from: URL:http://
dictionary.oed.com/cgi/display_main/
22. Satya-Murti S. Kelvin. JAMA 2004;Vol.292,No.l2:1494.
23. Wheeler CE, translator. Organon of the rational art of
healing by Samuel Hahnemann. London: J.M.&
Sons,Ltd.; 1913. p.119.
24. Ibid.,p.l4.
25. O'Reilly WB,editor. Organon of the medical art by
Samuel Hahnemann. Redmond (Washington):
Birdcage Books; 1996. §72.
26. Ibid.,§72.
27. The new shorter oxford English Dictionary.
Oxford: Oxford University Press; 1993. Contagion;
p.491.
28. Ibid., Infection; p. 1360.
29. O'Reilly WB. p. 118.
30. Hahnemann S. The nature of chronic disease, p. 104.
31. Bellavite R Miasms and modern pathology. Homeop
2004;93:65-6.
32. Ibid.,p.66.
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9.
The Fractal-Like Nature of Miasms
SHEPPERD Joel (AJHM. 98, 4/2005)
Introduction
Homeopaths generally interpret the chronic Miasms
in one of two broad ways. One way is the physical
explanation. Physical explanations are variously based on
facts of biochemistry or the pathology of infectious
diseases, or on mechanisms derived from modern physics.
The second way is the interpretation of metaphysics.
Homeopaths relying on metaphysical concepts invoke
religious beliefs, philosophical worldviews, and
psychological assumptions to understand the meaning of
chronic disease.
The original description of chronic diseases did not rely on
the material physical method or on the theoretical
metaphysical method. This paper will consider the physical
interpretations of Miasms; another paper discusses the
metaphysical models.
Pathology .classifications do not explain Miasms. Physics
does not clarify the meaning of Miasms.. No quantitative
mathematics adequately formulates the Miasms. However,
the very modern field of fractal mathematics has qualitative
and descriptive aspects that help to create a metaphor and a
model for conceptualizing chronic Miasms. From
our~current perspective, at the beginning of the twenty-first
century we see that Hahnemannřs method is
phenomenological; that is, he bases all observations on
concrete sensory perception of real diseases in real people
without adding any pre-judgments. His results, based on
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 164
this phenomena-centered science, remain revolutionary.
He sees natural chronic disease as a dynamic,
contagious process that continually transforms from
person to person and environment to environment. The
ongoing modifications of the Miasms contain a living unity
that allows one law of pharmacology, the law of similar, to treat
them all.
The Physical Miasms
Those homeopaths still thinking within the paradigm of
mainstream biomedicine consider Miasms as disease names
or pathological entities. For these homeopaths, specific
disease categories have specific causes like viruses or
bacteria, and each different cause produces a different
abnormal physiology. The physical interpretation of
Miasms assumes that .a physical mechanism explains
chronic disease. This is a misinterpretation of Hahnemann's
Miasms. Modern medicine's basic knowledge obscures the
original definition of chronic Miasms so much that any
new explanation of the meaning of Miasms based on
mechanisms can never be correct. Mainstream science
tries to answer the question, "How do Miasms produce
disease." One current homeopathic researcher divides the
chronic Miasms into three physiological "reactional modes."
The dysmolecular mode is for Psora; the dysapoptotic mode
is Syphilitic; and the abnormal physiological reaction
called dysproliferative should explain Sycosis.(1) These
physiological reactions cannot distinguish the chronic
Miasms from each other because these mechanisms all
work together virtually all the time, and they occur in most
every named disease.
The words Sycosis, Syphilis and Psora do not refer to
specific diseases. Sycosis does not mean gonorrhea.
Hahnemann says,".. .the other common gonorrheas seem not
to penetrate the whole organism but only to locally stimulate
the urinary organs." (2) These gonorrheas are acute Miasms
and the figwart-disease is the chronic Miasm. In modern
medicine, warts are involved with viruses, and a bacterium
is found with gonorrhea. It is a reductive oversimplification
to say that Sycosis is caused by gonorrhea.
In medical school, I was taught that Syphilis was "the great
imitator." It could appear like many other diseases. It is only
when the chancre is still present that it can be treated easily
with a Mercurius remedy, as if it were a single disease. Psora
includes many disease names such as tetter, leprosy, tinea,
lichen, herpes, erysipelas, as well as scabies. (3) The names of
the chronic Miasms are not the names of a causatiye agent,
but a descriptive name of a disease-making dynamic
process.
Each new discovery in modern science motivates
homeopaths to incorporate the new knowledge into
theories of how homeopathy works. Whether it is the facts
of bacteriology brought to bear on the cause of Miasms or
immunology used to explain the vital force, each newest
thing promises to shed new light on homeopathy but no
theory has so far been satisfactory.
The current newest thing is quantum physics and the concept
is "entanglement." What image does this metaphor produce
in the mind? To be entangled is to be all mixed up in
something, or to be part of a mess. In more neutral
language, it is complex, non-linear interactions. In quantum
physics, it is a word meant to stand for the special
mathematics of sub-atomic physics. The author hopes that
quantum entanglement relationships better explain how
homeopathy works compared to the previous deterministic,
cause and effect mechanisms. (4) (5)
In this new model each particle in the universe is related all
the time and instantly. Since all the parts are acting together,
it is considered a holistic model. However, this is not a holism
with the living organism at the center of the whole. Instead,
this model is just another mechanistic metaphor where all
the pieces are now waves or oscillations, and all the
vibrating interactions of the parts add up to a whole. In this
theory, knowing all the parts is more important than starting
with a meaningful, irreducible whole. For instance, the
interaction of the remedy with the practitioner receives
equal status to the interaction between the patient and the
practitioner. One interaction may require a more complex
mathematical number than the other, but all of the
entanglements must be reduced to an algebra. A
mathematical formula to explain homeopathy is the goal.
All the concrete, sensory phenomena disappear into an ab-
stract idea in the mind somewhere outside time and space.
These theoretical musings create another world beyond the
direct sensory world, and so are not much different from
metaphysics.
The same author says, "Miasms could be described as
propensities for disease in the present as a result of patterns
of susceptibility laid down in the past.. ."(6) This is not
the description of chronic Miasms detailed by
HAHNEMANN. Miasms are dynamic contagions. They
start with contact,, permeate the whole being in a dynamic
way and then manifest as signs and symptoms of the whole
person.(7) Every manifestation is unique depending on the
person's constitution (genetics), lifestyle, environment and
occurrences in life. Miasms are not a theory or idea or
potential state of being, but a dynamic disease process
expressed according to propensities. If each homeopath
starts with a different definition "of Miasms, there can be no
practical progress in understanding Miasms.
Why a Fractal Model for Miasms
Instead of quantum physics, I think fractals are more
appropriate to model thinking about Miasms. Fractals are
not so reductionistic and mechanistic as pathology,
microbiology or sub-atomic physics. Fractals allow one to
see chronic Miasms as wholes with the many modifications
of the whole. Fractals are not nearly as metaphysical as
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 165
subtle bodies or spiritual vibrations. Fractal thinking can
portray the wondrous diversity of Miasms without assigning
a purpose for it. Fractals do not explain reasons for Miasms
but describe genuine experiences. Scientific explanations of
how it works are of little importance, and I see little value
in attempting one,"(8) says HAHNEMANN. Fractals
illustrate what Miasms are by example, and reveal by
description.
A metaphor between fractals and the natural chronic
Miasms helps to clarify the significance of the unity of
Miasms. A previous paper (9) compared the endless
variations of the chronic diseases to the constant
transformations of the clouds: the original whole or ur-
malady is expressed over and over again. The shape of
clouds is fractal. Clouds "are the most uniform fractal
objects on the planet."(10) I propose that the fractal model
shows how each person's unique expressions of
Miasmatic disease can be part of the whole chronic
Miasm.
Fractals Defined
Fractal geometry describes the shapes found in, nature;
most show an irregular pattern, but the irregularities are
regularly repeated. Mountain ranges have peaks within
peaks; a tree has branches of branches; cumulus clouds
are puffs made of puffs. The roughness of a coastline
looks similar when viewed close up or when viewed at a
distance. The shapes of nature show simplicities in the
complexity. The human body also is filled with fractal
structures. "The pattern of branches along the bronchus is a
reiteration of the pattern of airway branches along the
smallest bronchioles. Similar images of reiterated
branching patterns in the body are revealed in the arterial
and venous blood vessels and peripheral nervous
system."(11) See Figure 1 and Figure 2.
The mathematician Benoit MANDELBROT coined the
word "fractal" in 1975 as a label for irregular and self-
similar shapes. It comes from a Latin word that means "to
break," to create irregular fragments and "fractional."(12)
Mathematically, repeating "operations" of additions and
multiplications produces fractals. The result of the first
operation is used as the input for the next operation, and so
on. All the operations use the same math formula for a given
fractal; however, the operations must be repeated
millions of times so that all the points finally connect
together to reveal the image. This requires a computer.
Mandelbrot regrets that most scientists only want to use
the strict definition of fractals as mathematical. He says,
"For me, the most important instrument of thought is the
eye. It sees similarities before a formula has been
created to identify them."(13) Fractals allow an
appreciation of the qualities of nature, like openness and
changeability rather than just the quantifiable measures,
like length and time. Mathematics strictly defines actual
fractals; so we cannot really say that Miasms are
fractals. If we use the descriptive, qualitative definitions
of fractal, then we can call chronic Miasms "fractal-
like."
Physical Space and Disease Space
Nature's physical objects exist in a three-dimensional space.
Heights, width, length, along with the variable of time are
the quantitative variables that represent physical space in
geometry. The form or shape of chronic Miasms does not
exist in physical space. It exists in a many dimensional
Ŗdisease space." Each symptom is a qualitative dimension.
All the dimensions are added together to generate a
Ŗshapeŗ of the disease. The shape of the disease changes
with time. For example, we can track the "intensity of pain"
as one dimension of the disease; the "location of pain" as
another variable; and "sensations of pain" as another
symptom dimension. If there were fifty symptoms, there
would be fifty dimensions in our disease space graph. when
all the graphed symptoms are added together to form the
disease space, it is a complex form, but it is not random.
The totality of symptoms does not create a picture by chance.
An untuned, but dynamic living whole organism creates the
symptom picture.
The shape or form of disease is fractal because: "We are
fractal. Our lungs, our circulatory system, our brains are like
trees. They are fractal structures."(14) These convoluted,
repetitive structures allow for the maximum physiological
interchange of materials in a minimum of three-
dimensional volume. "The body structure of all of natures
animals are fractal, and so too is their behaviour.. .Our heart
beats seem regular and rhythmic, but when the structure of
the timing is examined in fine detail, it is revealed to be
slightly fractal...[which] reduces the wear and tear on the
heart dramatically...If the beats were regular, the stresses on
the heart would be the same on every beat." (15)
"The receptor molecules on the surfaces of
all viruses and bacteria are fractal." (16) "The ragged,
expanding boundaries of forest fires are as fractal as a
coastline. In an orchard, disease also progresses like a fire,
and scientists have used their knowledge of fractals to figure
out how many trees should be randomly excluded from an
orchard's rows to prevent disease from spreading."(17)
Since nature's forms are so fractal and nature's functions
follow a fractal process, then the form and process of
chronic Miasms should also be qualitatively fractal.
The modern microbiology and pathology models of
Miasms do not include a framework of disease that is self-
similar and irregularly variable like a fractal. Pathology
assumes fixed behavior of diseases. The named diseases
are supposed to have self-same behaviors over and over.
They are defined as having the same general symptoms
in common. In homeopathy, we do not use this theory of
pathology. Instead, we observe that the provings of remedies
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are not the same in different people, but only similar. In
homeopathy, there are no fixed provings, no fixed diseases and
no fixed types. Disease is a dynamic, changing process.
On the other hand, disease is not a random attack, which
chooses people through chance. The variations of disease
show a repeating nature like a fractal, defined by organizing
processes that are experimentally observable. If every new
disease had new, random behavior, then it could be free from
the processes of the previous disease and would not have
to respond to the law of similars.
Components of Fractal Disease
Five factors describe qualitatively the mathematical
operations of fractals.(18)
Recursion means that the results or output of the
mathematics becomes the input for the next equation. This
is like the concept that explains homeostasis. The present
behavior depends on the past behavior in a recurrent
system. In chronic Miasms, the new disease results from
transmission of the old disease. The output giver of the first
disease becomes the input of the second disease expression
in the receiver. The new disease is not the same disease; it
is not a repetition of a disease; it is not the name of the mi-
croorganism. It is a modification of past disease, a similar
transformation of the first disease.
The first chronic Miasmatic disease was the singular
ancestor disease (ur-malady). The descent of Miasmatic
disease or evolution of chronic disease is by recursion
from the ur-malady. This evolution of Miasma is not like
Darwinian evolution is not a one dimensional historical
evolution where disease adapts by climbing up or down the
cliff of survival. It is a flowing dynamic evolution that
spreads out from a holistic center in a field of forces like
ripples from a stone thrown in a river.
Scaling is when "the degree of irregularity remains constant
over different scales."(19) Fractal scaling is universal in living
shapes. The branching of a botanical tree is just as irregular
for the large branches as for the small branches. The fractal
vascular tree of the human body human body has at least
thirty bifurcations or levels of branching (20); each scale of
size is as complex as the previous. In disease, scaling
would not refer to complexities related to size, but to time
scaling. Whether the Miasm is acute or chronic, it is a
process involving the whole person. The symptoms may be
just as numerous, just as intense or just as unique in old
new disease.
Dimension refers to a quantitative measure of how complex or
intricate the shape is. For example, if one neuron has fewer
branching dendrites than another does, it has less fractal
dimension. When a neuron loses branching, it is considered
less healthy.(21) Dimension could be a qualitative measure
of how sick a person is. A well person would have the ability
to adapt and constantly adjust to stimuli: so his
"symptomsŗ might be many but are transient and minor. A
chronically sick person has a relatively limited number of
static symptoms from which he cannot escape. He
would have a lower fractal dimension of health.
Fractals are self-similar. Most natural structures show
similar patterns at different sizes. A small section of bowel
looks similar to a larger section. They are not the same, but
similar. The use of the word "similars" in fractal language
has caught the attention of several homeopaths. (22) We
have explored the similar resonance pattern of untunement
of disease with the smaller but similar resonance of the
remedy.
The mathematical concept of infinity is part of the
definition of fractals because fractals describe a process
without end in a confined space. The length of a ragged
coastline would be become longer and longer as the ruler
to measure it becomes smaller and smaller. "In the mind's
eye, a fractal is a way of seeing infinity." (23) In disease
space, we see infinity in the dimension of time. Disease is
forever changing jn the physical body/mind. Psora manifests
endless modifications in each person and over many
generations. The variations of chronic Miasms have never
ended so far, and will never end as long as living forms
decay and die.
The Tree of Psora
The fractal shape of living forms reveals an organizing
structure hidden among the complication of shapes. For
instance, in a real tree,"All twigs possess lines which work
toward the central point of the tree," says Leonardo da Vinci.
(24) . If there is an intrinsic continuity in a natural form, then
there is a real wholeness. There are no random or
accidental forms in a living whole. The convolutions of the
brain follow an inherent arrangement. The blood vessels of
the body do not develop chaotically, but with self-similar
patterns.
Darwinian evolution models often use an "evolutionary tree"
as an illustration. This is a misleading analogy Darwin
"maintained that evolution has no direction...Organisms
become better adapted to their local environments, and that
is all.. ."(25) Evolution is arbitrary planless and accidental.
Figure 4 is a rendering of Darwin's own sketch of the con-
nection between species. The evolutionary tree has artificial
branches with no coherent pattern. It is just a bunch of points
in historical space connected by lines. This is not the nature
of a botanical tree that has a coherent organization and
development.
In contrast, I propose that the tree of chronic Miasmatic
disease is a unitary whole with fractal-like characteristics.
The trunk is the ur-malady which is named psora. The
branches are modifications a consistent dynamic process.
The organizing center of the Miasmatic process is always the
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same process of contact with dynamic contagion,
pervasion of the malady in the whole organism, and the
subsequent manifestation of signs and symptoms. This
process yields complex variations in each person, or
complex shapes in disease space, but each disease
expression is a fractal, self-similar expression of the dynamic
Miasm. An example of a branch of the psoric tree is Figure
5.(26)
Fractal Parts and Whole Miasms
The fractal metaphor points out that the whole chronic
Miasm is expressed over and over. The individual
expressions of disease are self-similar because they repeat the
similar process of a dynamic contagion. The disease
expression is recursive because it depends on another
person's disease to begin. Chronic Miasms are infinite
because there is no end to disease. The fractal-like forms
of the expression of the disease in each person are united by
a unity of the chronic Miasm.
Each self-similar part of the whole is like "a chip off the old
block."(27) The block of wood is the original ancestor
disease. When the axe of life cuts a new disease, that chip
has the same components as the original block, but it is a
different shape and a different size. Each chip is similar but
not the same; each chip is part of the whole. The new
chips do not evolve; they are modifications of the unity. The
single chips are not part of a blueprint that plans each part.
Each chip is unique and not just another repetitive part of a
static Universal type. Nature's laws of disease are not rigid,
predetermined or preset concepts like archetypes, but
dynamic flexible principles always changing within its
wholeness.
In summary fractals show:
Dynamic change, flow, constant modificationŕnot
stability no fixed categories
A larger wholeness in the different expressionsŕ not a
type, not uniformity
Diversity, expansiveness, unlimited modifications
Simplicity of process in unlimited complexity of
modifications.
The images of fractals add a new dimension to the
description of each person's chronic Miasm. We can use a
new vocabulary to formulate new ways of thinking about
chronic disease. Fractal-like concepts show new patterns in
nature and new meanings in chronic Miasms.
Acknowledgements
I thank Gregory VLAMIS for the library work needed to find
the sources for this paper.
References
1. Montfort-Cabello H. Chronic diseases: what are they?
How are they inherited? Homeop 2004:88- 93.
2. Hahnemann S. The chronic diseases. British edition.
Sittingbourne (UK): Homoeopathic Book Service;
1998. p.83, footnote
3. Ibid. p.10
4. Milgrom LR. Patient-practitioner-remedy (PPR)
entanglement. Part 6. Miasms revisited. Homeop 2004;
93:154-8.
5. Milgrom LR. Patient-practitioner-remedy (PPR)
entanglement. Part 1: a qualitative, non-local metaphor
for homeopathy based on quantum theory Homeop
2002; 91:23948.
6. Ibid.
7. Hahnemann S. p.33.
8. Kunzli J, Naude A, Pendleton P, translators. Organon of
medicine by Samuel Hahnemann. Los Angeles: J.R.
Tarcher, Inc.; 1982. p.29.
9. Shepperd, J. Reclaiming the meaning of Miasm
AJHM 2005;Vol 98 No 1:53-58.
10. Lesmoir-Gordon N, Rood W, Edney R. Introducing
fractal geometry. Cambridge (UK): Icon Books,
Ltd.;2000. p.101.
11. Lipton B. Evolution by BITS and pieces: an introduction
to fractal evolution. 2001 [cited 2005 Jan 19]: [8
screens]. Available from:URL:http://www
brucelipton.com/fractal.php
12. Briggs J. Fractals: the patterns of chaos. New York:
Simon & Schuster; 1992. p.61.
13. Ibid. p.71.
14. H.Lesmoir-GordonN. p.108.
15. Ibid.,p.120.
16. Ibid.,p.115.
17. Briggs J. p.69.
18. Eglash R. African fractals. New Brunswick: Rutgers
University Press; 1999. pp. 17-19.
19. GleickJ. Chaos. New York: Viking; 1987. p.98.
20. Ibid.,p. 110.
21. Shepperd J. Chaos theory: Implications for ho-
meopathy JAIH 1994;87:22-29.
22. Shepperd J. The language of chaos theory
and complexity applied to homeopathy AJHM
2003;96;3:202-207.
23. Gleick J. p.98.
24. Mandelbrot B. The fractal geometry of nature. New
York: WH. Freeman and Company; 1983. p. 156.
25. Hall T. Fractal evolution; a template for post-Darwinian
evolutionary science 2003 [cited 2005 Jan19]: [ 11
screens]. Available from: URL: http://www.
geocities.com/~gaiachurch/bonedead.html
26. Hahnemann S. pp. 143-144.
27. Jackson W Heavens fractal net. Bloomington (IN):
Indiana University Press; 2004. p.29.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 168
Figure 1: Lung Segments
Figure 2: Vascular Tree
--------------------------------------------------------
10. A Difficult Case of Fibromyalgia, Anxiety and
Costochondritis
OLSEN Steve (SIM. VI, 1/1993)
This paper was presented in New York at the
George VITHOULKAS Seminar April 26, 1992.
R.A.V., 37-year-old female
February 6, 1991
Rose presented herself as a considerate, positive,
and optimistic person but desperate for an ansewer to
her ailment.
Eight years ago (June 1983) Rose had undergone
breast reduction surgery. After the surgery an
inflammation spread through the soft tissues of the chest
wall and into the muscles of the back. Since then she
has had inflammation of the chest wall (3) with sore
Ŗtrigger pointsŗ in the chest area (3). Six or seven times
a month there are episodes of great soreness in the chest
area with pain radiating down the left arm (2); the chest
is very sore to touch (3) at these times. ŖSome days I
feel crippled with this pain.ŗ These symptoms have
been diagnosed as costochondritis and she takes anti-
inflammatory drugs which Ŗdonřt really help much.ŗ
The inflammation in the back has been diagnosed as
fibromyalgia or fibromyositis; it is very painful to touch
(3) and pressure (3).
Since the breast reduction there is pain in the
incisions (2), which is worse from damp weather (2).
Also, there are muscle spasms in the chest area at times
(3), and episodes of oppression in the chest, Ŗas if
someone was pressing their boot into my chest or there
was an elephant sitting on my chestŗ (3).
Over the past seven years she has been to many
doctors, but none has been able to help beyond giving
the standard anti-inflammatory drugs. She is not overly
bitter at people or at the doctor who operated on her, but
she is very frustrated that she is not well.
She has a positive attitude most of the time. ŖI am
a warm loving person and will do anything for anyone.
I will get angry if my inlaws are late for a lunch
appointment. I am aggravated when my husband wonřt
say anything. I am angry if I go out of my way to do
something for someone and they donřt say thank you.ŗ
She did not fight with her sister and is not overly
competitive. ŖI am sensitive and romantic (1). I will
forgive but never forget (2). I was really angry at a
friend who did not send me a thank you-card; I was
hurt, upset, a kind of resentment.ŗ
Red blotches on the neck area come and go. Blood
pressure elevated (190/100) and she takes some blood
pressure medication.
Heavy flow of menses (2), clotted (2), nausea
before menses (2), legs Ŗpumpŗ before menses (2). ŖI
am irritable and bitchy (3) before my menses. My
moods change suddenly at this time and it is hard to
control the irritability. Since this surgery I am not the
same person.ŗ
ŖI canřt go on holiday because I may wake up with
this pain in my chest; then I have the feeling I am
having a heart attack. Often I have made my husband to
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 169
take me to the emergency to see if my heart is okay. It
always is okay but the feeling that it is a heart attack
overwhelms me.ŗ
Painful to lean forword (2) and canřt sleep on her
stomach because it feels as though, Ŗeverything is
falling forword.ŗ The pains seem to build up through
the day (2), and the neck muscles are often tight (2).
Since January: headaches (3) and a sense of
pressure in the head (2); the back of the neck is tight (2).
Headaches are worse from light, and better from cool air
(1). Can waken in the morning with a headache. Used
to suffer from migraines years ago before the breast
surgery.
ŖI like everything perfect at home (2), like a show
room; I am very neat and a perfectionist (2). I will go
out of my way to do things for people.ŗ
Often wakes up feeling Ŗcrackedŗ in the breast
bone. The chest is often Ŗhot to touch.ŗ ŖCrushingŗ
pain in the chest at times.
Aggravation by the heat in general (2), can lie in
the sun. cold hands and feet (2), but in general tolerates
cold.
Pain in the calves (2), aching (2), can awaken her at
night.
Gall bladder removed after son was born in 1982.
She has three sisters; no rivalry. She is close to her
parents; sheřs popular with friends. She was married at
age twenty. After her son was born they had a very
hard time; her husband was out of work, and she
worried and became depressed (2). She put on a front
that everything was all okay. Then the next June she
had the breast surgery. She likes to socialize and talk.
She used to get heat rashes under her breasts. She is
aggravated by tight clothing about her neck (1). Sheřs
not overly jealous or envious. Her pre-menstrual anger
becomes better when menses start (2). Sexual energy is
normal. She is allergic to cats; her eyes swell (2) and
itch (2).
She has not slept through the night in a long time;
i.e. wakes with pain in the chest often.
Things bother her (2), she can panic (2), then go
home and cry (2).
She desires salt; has no food aversions.
She fears bridges (2) and dreams of bridges. She
also fears having a heart attack (3).
Assessment: Chronic inflammation following surgery.
Rx: Lachesis 200c one dose.
March 14, 1991.
Overall I had a pretty good month. No chest pain
but the pain in the left arm at times as if it is being
squeezed.ŗ She had one bad day of left arm pain, and a
terrible backache before menses (2). Less irritable
before menses. Headaches are much better. The first
night after taking the remedy woke up at 4 a.m. with
nausea and cramping.
Assessment: Possible correct remedy.
Rx: Lachesis not repeated.
March 16, 1991.
ŖLast night I woke up with terrible oppression in
the chest, as if a huge weight on it, crushing pain (3),
went to the hospital because ŖI was convinced I was
having a heart attack.ŗ ŖE.K.G. was normal, and blood
tests normal. Most of the chest wall symptoms have
returned since then. Drained feeling again, waking at 4
a.m. the last two nights and canřt get back to sleep.
Assessment: Possible correct remedy.
Rx: None.
April 3, 1991.
Symptoms continue to relapse. Hard to breathe
with the chest pain (2). Pain in the gall bladder scars,
worse cold damp weather. ŖThe pain in the chest wall is
pressing outward (3). ŖThe oppression in the chest is
worse from inspiration (2) and the air is not all going
in.ŗ Headache from sun in the face, and a pins-and-
needles sensation in the head. Sensations of being
choked. Headaches are still better, less back pain before
menses, eyes sensitive to light (2), even on cloudy days.
Tenderness of the abdomen to pressure (2). Generally
feels better in the open air. Crying now in the
interview. ŖI am tired of the pain.ŗ Thirsty (2) in
general. Constipation, and fissures in the past.
Assessment: Lachesis was incorrect.
Rx: Ranunculus bulbous 200c one dose.
May 21, 1991.
Grinding teeth in the night (2). No crushing pain in
the chest for a month, but knows the problem is still
there. ŖI have a sensation of something scratching
under the sternum.ŗ The legs have stopped pumping.
Sleeping a little better, vitality a little better in general.
Feels as if she is at a dead-end in her life. ŖI donřt know
what I want; there is no excitement, not enough
changes, what is there to look foreword to, there is
nothing to show for my life; my job is not fulfilling, I
have lost all my friends, and I have not made any new
ones. I donřt know if I love my husband any more,
there is no more magic in the relationship, I am tired of
making social dinners for people; I want people to do
nice things for me. I want everything just perfect.ŗ
June 6, 1991.
Heavy pain in the chest again (3), more muscle
pains and spasms, her head gets tight like a vise or band
about the occiput. Irritable, and Ŗcrankyŗ (2). ŖMy body
really warm (2), and I am sensitive to heatŗ(2).
Assessment: Remedy incorrect.
Rx: Bacillinum 30c every two days for 14 days.
June 11, 1991.
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Not much better, ŖI have had a few bad weeks. The
scars have been aching a lot lately. Hard to get to sleep
again, pumping in the legs again. I feel really bruised in
the sternum.ŗ Cranky before and after menses (2).
Pains from the chest seem to extend into the muscles of
the neck (2). Craving for salads (2). Problems sleeping
(2), waking every thirty to forty-five minutes, very
difficult to get back to sleep.
Assessment: Possible correct remedy.
Rx: Continue Bacillinum 30c.
In August I tried some doses of Elaps 30c but this
had no effect either.
September 9, 1991.
I had taken this case to Alonissos with me and after
the course on how to use the RADAR and the
Vithoulkas Expert System, I studied it once again. I
did the following repertorization at that time:
1. External throat Ŕ clothing agg.
2. General Ŕ injuries (including blows, bruises,
falls) Ŕ operation, - disorders from. (Qualified
as a causation, using the # symbol)
3. Sleep Ŕ waking Ŕ frequent.
4. Chest Ŕ oppression
The regular flat repertorization produced the
following result:
Apis, Naja, Acon., Staph., Arn.,Carbo-v., Nux-v.,
Merc., Verat., Chin., Nit-ac/. Rhus-t., Zinc., Kali-s., Op.,
Berb., Croc., Led., Ph-ac., Raph., Ruta., Sul-ac., Sep.,
Bell., Kali-c., Lach., Agar., Ambr., Arg-n., Caust., All-
c., Camph., Lact., Sars, Carb-an., Chel., Ferr-p., Mill.,
Croc-c., Cact., Chrot-h., Elaps., Glon., Kali-bi., Stront-
c., Tarent., Calend., Calc-p., Calc., Phos., Puls., Sulph
as the 51
st
remedy.
The Vithoulkas Expert System produced the
following result:
Sulph., Calend., Naja., Arn., Stront-c., Apis., Bell-p.
It made a suggestion to study the Materia Medica of
Calendula.
I did not study the Materia Medica of Calendula
and gave Arnica instead first as a 30c dose, and later in
the 200c dose.
December 19, 1991.
In general, not much better. The pain in her chest
has been almost constant. ŖI have to just give in and cry
because the pain is so bad
Locally applied heat helps the pain in the chest (2).
At this time, like so many other times in the past, I
felt I was at an impasse. I was very frustrated with what
seemed like an impossible case to solve. The patient,
after ten months, was also ready to give up. In her favor
was the fact that she was not a person so easily
discouraged or embittered easily, as I have seen Natrum
carbonicum to be. I looked at the last repertorization
done in September and then the hint of Calendula
sparked some interest and then, Ŗeureka!ŗ
On further questioning I found out that the whole
problem of the inflammation in her chest started with
pains in the scars after the operation. Then her blood
pressure increased. The scars were slow to heal(2),
became infected and the scar under the left breast even
opened up and had to be re-sutured. There has been
chronic pain in this area ever since.
When the pains come they: Ŗmake me feel irritable
(2), tired (2), and I want to sleep (2), basically I am just
dragging my assŗ (2).
I asked, ŖDo you ever feel like something bad is
going to happen?ŗ
She replied, ŖEver since the operation I have felt
like something bad would happen, like I would have a
heart attack, my children would be in an accident, or I
would collapse for no reason. I would therefore teach
my children what to do if something happened to me or
them.ŗ
CALENDULA
BOERICKE says of Calendula: Ŗ…Useful for open
wounds, parts that will not heal, ulcers…. Promotes
healthy granulation and rapid healing by first
intension…. Pain is excessive and out of all proportion
to injury. GREAT DISPOSITION TO TAKE COLD,
ESPECIALLY IN DAMP WEATHER ….
CLARKE, in his Dictionary of Materia Medica,
page 366-367: Ŗ…Irritability; easily frightened; great
tendency to start, nervousness… worse from cloudy
weather…. THERE WAS SUCH A FEELING AS IF
SOME OVERWHELMING CALAMITY WAS
HOVERING OVER ME AS TO BE ALMOST
UNBEARABLE [my emphasis]. Rheumatic drawing
pains, only during motion. The wounds become raw
and inflamed, is painful in the morning as if beaten,
with stinging as if the wound would suppurate ….ŗ
My mind was prejudiced for a long time from
thinking of Calendula in this case because I thought of
Calendula for only minor cuts or scrapes, not long
standing chronic problems.
March 11, 1992.
Has taken two doses of Calendula 200c, ŖI have
been feeling a lot better in general (2). When I first
took the Calendula the scars on my chest became more
achy, sore, with a pulling sensation. The they began to
itch, which lasted for two weeks. Now I feel better.
There are still some sore spots on the chest wall if I
press on them. The pain in the arm is seventy percent
better. There is still a scratching and tingling behind the
breast bone.ŗ
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Cluster headaches for a month. Much less fear that
something bad is going to happen.
I gave some low doses of Lachesis. Some of the
chest symptoms started to return. Then I went back and
gave Calendula 200c again.
It is now a year since the Calendula was given and
she has only needed the occasional dose. She considers
herself ninety percent cured.
I feel that if it were not for the expert system, I
would not have considered using Calendula in this case
because a regular flat repertorization indicated
Calendula as the forty-sixth choice. This is not where
one would normally look for a brilliant idea. The
reason the ŖExpert Systemŗ was able to indicate
Calendula so highly was because the symptom:
GENERAL Ŕ INJURIES (including blows, bruises,
falls) Ŕ operation, - disorders from,ŗ was entered as a
causation, which means the computer gave it a very
high priority as a symptom, as my mind should, since
the whole problem started after surgery.
Since this breakthrough I have had other cases of
long standing chronic problems helped dramatically
with Calendula. In this second case the Calendula has
not only helped the chronic scar pain, inflammation in
the chest wall (in this case the operation was breast
augmentation with silicone implants), chronic
fibromyalgia in the legs, (she could barely walk when
she came to see me; one week later she went dancing),
scar pain, chronic headaches, anxiety attacks, seizures,
sleep disorder, (ŖFor the first time in years I can sleep
through the night!ŗ), but also her bulimia (ŖI no longer
binge eat and have lost eight pounds in two weeksŗ).
BOERICKE mentions bulimia as a symptom for
Calendula.
In a third case a patient had undergone many
surgeries for the problems. Each surgery brought on
more symptoms, in which another surgery would
attempt to correct. When I saw her the chief complaint
was of extreme pain in the ankles, as if they had been
Ŗchopped off.ŗ This was a continuing pain that
prevented sleep, and kept her in constant agony. The
confirming symptom of Calendula in this case was a
sensation of oppression, and/or a weight in the chest.
I also have had a case of costochondritis with this
sensation in the chest cured with Calendula even though
there was no history of surgery.
I am now in the process of finding all those cases of
Ŗailments Ŕ injuries Ŕ operations Ŕ disorders fromŗ cases
which I did not help and am now considering the idea of
Calendula.
The symptoms that can be added to the repertory
for Calendula are:
Mind, fear, happen something will (1)
Mind, mildness (1)
Chest, oppression (2)
Chest, heat, sensation of (1).
Chest, inflammation, joints, costochrondritis (2).
Chest, swollen, sensation of (1).
Chest, heavy, sensation of (1).
Chest, inflammation, muscles (1).
Generalities, injuries, operations, disorders from
(3).
Generalities, pain, muscles, surgery from (3).
Generalities, fibromyalgia, fibromyositis (2).
Extremities, inflammation, muscles, surgery from
(3).
Extremities, pain, legs, prevents walking (1).
Stomach, appetite, increased, night (1).
Skin, pain, from scars (2).
Thank you again to all those people who helped
create the expert system for RADAR, and I hope the
process can continue because I still have a certain
percentage of uncured cases.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
11. A PEDIATRIC BEHAVIOR DISORDER
TRAUB Michael (SIM. Vol. VI, 2/1993)
Initial Visit: March 3, 1989
A 17 month old boy presents with a tendency to
Asthma. Twice he has developed bronchospasm with
mild expiratory wheezing when he had upper
respiratory infections in the past. His last episode of
wheezing occurred with no other symptoms. He has
been given Alupent for the broncospasm.
He has a history of recurrent otitis media and upper
respiratory infections after exposure to wind (2) and
being in the ocean (2). These had been treated with
Amoxicillin until the last bout of otitis, at which time
his mother called me and I prescribed Pulsatilla over
the phone.
He whines a lot, even when not teething.
Lamenting (2). His mother gives him Chamomilla for
teething.
He has a diaper rash (1) which is aggravated from
apple juice. He has a history of recurrent candidiasis,
on his penis and around his scrotum, which has been
treated with Nystatin cream. He has had impetigo. He
has pimples on his upper arms.
He has been drinking cowřs milk for the past two
months.
His maternal uncle has Asthma. His father had hay
fever and Asthma; he died in a car accident last year
when the boy was 11 months old. His father was a
smoker, as is his baby-sitter.
He has had DTP x 4 and TOPV x 3 with no bad
reactions.
Scalp gets sweaty when he sleeps. Uncovers in
bed. Wakes from 12-1 am.
Chubby.
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Dislikes having dirty or messy hands. He is a
messy eater; he flings his food and pours his drinks out.
He throws things when angry, and gets even more angry
when he is told, ŖNoŗ (2).
Laughs a lot. He makes himself laugh. Entertains
himself well. Becoming more independent.
Rides a skateboard and balances on it!
Desires bananas (1), popcorn with parmesan
cheese, salty crackers (2).
Loves to bathe, but hates having his ears washed.
Likes to be outdoors, in the wind. He loves his cat.
Likes to play with mechanical toys. He likes to
roughhouse.
Physical Examination: The chest and ears are clear. The
exam was unremarkable except for a mild, diffuse
erythematous eruption in the diaper region, and a
popular eruption on the lateral aspect of his upper arms
(follicular hyperkeratosis or keratosis pilaris).
Case Analysis and Differential Discussion:
Assessment: He has an inherited allergic tendency
(father and maternal uncle both had Asthma). The
introduction of cowřs milk may have exacerbated his
tendency to respiratory and ear infections. Consider
Sulphur, Calcarea, Lycopodium, Tuberculinum,
Medorrhinum:
Sulphur, Calcarea carbonica, and Lycopodium all
have aggravation from wind, moaning, sweaty head, and
aversion to bathing. Sulphur, Calcarea and
Medorrhinum all can uncover in bed and have diaper
rashes. Sulphur has aversion to getting their ears
washed, messiness, and can dislike having dirty hands.
They are interested in mechanical things. They have a
humorous personality. They may wake up in the middle
of the night. Riding a skateboard at the age of 17
months is something a Sulphur infant might do. They
can be fearless and adventurous.
Calcarea carbonica, Tuberculinum and
Medorrhinum have desire for salty things. Calcarea
can be whiny. It would be uncharacteristic of Calcarea
to ride a skateboard at 17 months. They tend to be
slower in their developmental stages.
Tuberculinum are aggravated by dairy products,
have a family history of Asthma and hay fever, and
have Asthma with respiratory infections. Tuberculinum
does not like cats, whereas Medorrhinum may love cats.
Lycopodium is the only remedy under consideration
with anger from contradiction.
I chose Sulphur because of the preponderance of
Sulphur characteristics, the history of suppressed
eruption followed by Asthma, the association of Asthma
with respiratory infections, the rashes, and impetigo.
Sulphur covers the chief complaint (Asthma), the
totality, and is well confirmed by keynotes and general
symptoms. It addresses the case on a miasmatic level as
well, taking into account both the inherited
predisposition to Asthma and the acquired influence
from suppressive medical treatment.
Plan: Sulphur 200c, one dose.
October 30, 1989 (8 months later)
He has had Asthma for the past week. Worse from
6 pm Ŕ 3.30 am (3).
Cool, clammy perspiration (3).
Frightful dreams (3). He yells and screams in his
sleep and wakes up fearful (3).
Lacrymation of his right eye (1).
Tachycardia for the past two days (3).
Always thirsty (2).
Physical Examination: Audible wheezing and
tachypnea are present. Afebrile. Auscultation of the
chest revealed moderate high-pitched expiratory
wheezing bilaterally, respiratory rate of 60 and heart
rate of 120; otherwise unremarkable.
Analysis and Differential Discussion:
Assessment: Relapse. Acute asthmatic episode. The
mother did not bring the child in for a routine follow-up,
making assessment of the Sulphur prescription difficult.
Was Sulphur antidoted? Was it not the simillimum?
Consider Arsenicum album, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla,
Sulphur, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Calcarea,
Hyoscyamus, Zincum.
Arsenicum has all the symptoms of the chief
complaint in bold type in the repertory, plus the
thirstiness.
Pulsatilla and Sulphur have the Asthma worse at
night, the tachycardia, shrieking during sleep, fear on
waking, and frightful dreams, but not the clammy
perspiration.
Lycopodium and Calcarea do not have Asthma
worse at night. Lycopodium wakes with fear but
Calcarea does not.
Nux vomica has the Asthma worse at night, cold
and clammy perspiration, fear on waking and
tachycardia.
Phosphorus has all the symptoms except fear on
waking and the lacrymation.
Zincum has all the symptoms except the
lacrymation.
Hyoscyamus has the peculiar symptom of
lacrymation from the right eye, but neither the Asthma
worse at night, nor the shrieking, nor the waking with
fear.
None of the above remedies cover the totality and
chief complaint well. Pulsatilla and Sulphur come the
closest, but the better choice is Arsenicum with its
strong indications for the chief complaint.
Plan: Arsenicum album 1M, one dose.
November 1, 1989 (the next day)
He is irritable (3), angry (3), having temper tantrums.
He is sensitive to touch (3), refuses to be touched (3).
Obstinate (3).
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The Asthma is better, though he still has some
congestion.
His eyelids look puffy. Seems and (2), alternating
with mania (2).
Capricious.
Woke up last night frequently between 1-3 am. In
the morning he had difficulty waking up (2).
Finicky about solid foods, prefers liquids (1).
No fears.
Assessment: Arsenicum is acting. He had no frightful
dreams or fear on waking but he is angry, oversensitive,
and obstinate. Consider Nux vomica.
Plan: Wait.
March 16, 1990 (4½months later)
He has been very angry when contradicted (2), for
three days. He is striking, pinching, scratching (2) and
biting himself (2).
Irritable if wakened (2).
Moans (1) and talks (1) during his sleep.
Dreams of fighting (1).
Restless in bed, uncovers, in the early morning (2).
Grinds his teeth.
Fussy eater. Desires popcorn (2), salty (2), potato
chips (2).
He has been stammering for three weeks.
Loving (2) at times. He has a Jekyll and Hyde
personality.
Desires company (1). If mother is paying attention
to someone else, he will edge his way in. very
protective and possessive of mother, jealousy (1).
No Asthma.
Analysis and Differential Discussion:
Assessment: Something has happened that has
caused a behavior disorder. Sulphur is no longer his
constitutional remedy, and perhaps was not, as initially
thought, the simillimum, although he has not had any
more Asthma since the one episode on 10.30.89.
Consider Lycopodium, Nux vomica, Stramonium,
Tuberculinum, Medorrhinum.
Lycopodium, Nux vomica and Stramonium share
many of the symptoms, but Lycopodium covers the
totality better than these other remedies, and it has the
keynote of waking with irritability and the peculiar
symptom of dreams of fighting. Nux vomica and
Stramonium have stammering. Stramonium alone has
moaning during sleep.
One would expect to see more fearfulness in a
Lycopodium, Stramonium, Medorrhinum or even in a
Tuberculinum case. Of course the Jekyll and Hyde
characterization is suggestive of Medorrhinum. The
biting and self-punishing behavior can be strong in
Medorrhinum and Tuberculinum. They both have
desire for salty things. Tuberculinum can be irritable
on waking, will hit others, and has a capricious appetite;
however, none of the other distinctive Tuberculinum
food desires are present. With the history of Asthma,
recurrent otitis and respiratory infections, Tuberculinum
must be considered a strong second choice after
Lycopodium.
Plan: Lycopodium 1M, one dose.
March 19, 1991 (one year later)
He has been getting in trouble at preschool, hitting
other kids without provocation (2). He repeatedly
punched a kid on his back, very hard, for no reason
yesterday. He hit another boy on the head with his
sleeping mat. He refused to eat any lunch. When his
teacher sent him to his mat, he pounded on the cabinet.
Makes profane gestures (1).
Moaning and talking in his sleep (3). He yells
ŖNo,ŗ ŖDonřt,ŗ ŖI want it,ŗ ŖStop.ŗ Dreams of fighting
(3).
Restless in bed, uncovers (3). Comes and gets in
bed with his mother. Restless in her bed, too.
Occasional enuresis (1).
Obstinate (2).
Appetite is capricious (2).
He wakes up quickly, alert.
The last remedy prescribed, Lycopodium, may have
been of some benefit. He no longer wakes up angry.
But his mother is unsure. She has given him numerous
acute remedies during the past year since he took the
Lycopodium 1M.
Analysis and Differential Discussion:
Assessment: Behavior disorder. Assessment is difficult
due to the lack of follow-up, along with the mother
giving remedies to the child without consulting me.
Consider Lycopodium, Belladonna, Hyoscyamus,
Veratrum album, Stramonium, Tuberculinum.
Lycopodium covers all the selected symptoms
except jumping out of bed and capricious appetite. It
may have acted before, and may be worth repeating
before trying something else. He no longer wakes
irritable, but this may go against giving Lycopodium at
this time. However, the development of enuresis would
be consistent with the Lycopodium pathology.
Belladonna covers all the selected symptoms
except disobedience, and figured strongly in the case a
year ago, also. However, the chronic Belladonna state
is seen in more serious mental pathology, such as
delirium and hallucinations. The person becomes
extremely strong and frightening. This case contains
neither physical symptoms nor generals for Belladonna.
Hyoscyamus covers most of the totality but the
characteristic Ŗdirtyŗ or sexual nature of the remedy is
lacking in this case, save for the obscene gestures.
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Similarly, Veratrum album is strongly indicated for
rudeness, insolence, abusiveness, and striking, but the
characteristic intellectual precocity is missing, as are
any other confirmatory symptoms.
Stramonium and Tuberculinum remain
considerations for the same reasons as before, and both
have enuresis as well.
Plan: Lycopodium 10M, one dose.
June 21, 1991 (3 months later)
He remains unchanged.
Assessment: Lycopodium is incorrect. The suggestions
for both Tuberculinum and Stramonium remain in this
case. After reading the cases presented by Ananda
Zaren in the Proceedings of the 1990 IFH Case
Conference, I considered Gallic acid. The patient is
abusive, needs to be watched, needs company, has
restlessness and screaming during his sleep, many
dreams, and leaves his bed to get into his motherřs.
Onset of sleep problems was after his father was killed.
Plan: Gallic acid 1M, one dose.
July 7, 1991 (2 weeks later)
He is sleeping all night long, quietly, no grunting or
yelling, no restlessness. No enuresis.
He is eating more, less picky.
He is able to handle situations without being
aggressive. He is not violent, rude or abusive.
Assessment: Gallic acid is acting beautifully. This is
probably the remedy he needed in the initial case. If I
had known the remedy at that time, his symptoms of
waking at night and of anger from contradiction, and the
history of his fatherřs death, may have keyed me in to it.
If I had then probed further, other symptoms might have
been uncovered to confirm Gallic acid. Instead, the
pathology progressed.
Plan: Wait.
Materia Medica of Gallic acid
Gallic acid is a small remedy in our Materia
Medicas and repertories. CLARKE states in his
Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica:
Wild delirium at night. Very restless. Jumps out of
bed. Sweats profusely. Extremely fearful to be alone.
Insists on constantly being watched. Is exceedingly
rude and abuses everyone, even his best friends.
Jealous of his nurse and curses everyone who speaks to
her.
There are only nine listings for Gallic acid in
Kentřs Repertory:
Cursing
Jealousy
Jumping, bed, out of
Rudeness
Speech, babbling, strange
Head, pain, pain in neck, with
Nose, roughness inside, posterior nares
Rectum, hemorrhoids, large
Rectum, pain, soreness
The RADAR synthesized repertory and additions
has 13 listings besides those in Kent:
Abusive, insulting
Delirium
Delirium, bed, escapes, springs up suddenly from
Delirium, wild, night
Desires, full of, watched, to be
Fear, apprehension, dread, solitude of
Irritability
Restlessness, night
Convulsions, clonic, epileptiform, absences,
petitmal
Haemorrhage
Weakness, enervation
Dreams, amorous
Dreams, many
Further to this list ANANDA ZAREN has
suggested adding Gallic acid to the following rubrics,
from her experience:
Violence
Fear of the dark
Fear of ghosts
Desire for smoked food
Aversion to herring (she states she has seen this
aversion 27 times)
Perspiration, profuse
She has also seen fear of bees in three cases cured
with Gallic acid. This is an interesting example of the
doctrine of signatures, such as we often see in
Homeopathy, for Gallic acid is a constituent of the
substance that forms a cocoon, a Ŗgall: or Ŗoak apple,ŗ
around the egg of a wasp to protect it as it grows. The
wasp deposits an ovum on a leaf. Something in the egg
causes the leaf to secrete a substance containing Gallic
acid. Ananda comments on how the animal and
vegetable kingdom work together to produce this
substance which combines Ŗthe violence of the wasp
and the protection of the leaf.ŗ Violent individuals who
require this medicine also have strong needs for
protection, company and attention, due to their fear of
being alone.
From the cases she has treated with Gallic acid,
Ananda has discovered that there is very often an
etiology of sudden abandonment or separation from
the primary care person. This can occur from illness,
injury, death, divorce, the birth of a younger sibling, or
change of occupation. Such an etiology is not at all
uncommon, and this may be why Ananda has found that
Gallic acid is not in fact a small remedy, but one which
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we, in ignorance, have missed many times possibly
before coming to know the remedy better.
In the case I am presenting, the sudden loss of his
father caused this young boy, in my analysis, to insist on
constantly being watched by his mother; to experience
many disturbing dreams, and to act out his feelings in
abusive and violent behavior. This is what I perceive to
be the essence of GALLIC ACID: the sudden loss of a
care-giver which precipitates a fear of being alone,
sleep disorder, and violence. I would suggest that we
consider adding Gallic acid to the rubric, in Kentřs
Repertory, ŖForsaken feeling,ŗ and to the rubric, in the
Synthetic Repertory, ŖAilments from death of parents
or friends.ŗ The only other remedy in this rubric which
has this combination of symptoms is Stramonium.
Stramonium may be the remedy which is closest to
Gallic acid, although Tuberculinum and Lycopodium
have many similarities as well. The substrate from
which the STRAMONIUM state emerges is frequently
fright, fever or brain injury, and the characteristic
combination is that of violence with fear or
aggravation from darkness. In TUBERCULINUM
the causation is more often genetic, or miasmatic,
although it can also be illness or overwork. The
combination of traits seen in Tuberculinum are a
contradictory and demanding nature, dissatisfaction,
obstinacy, selfishness, and irritability. I do not have a
succinct concept of the terrain from which
LYCOPODIUM’s cowardice seems to be a
compensation for that fear which, in this remedy, is
combined with bossiness. Keep these distinctions in
mind as we further discuss Gallic acid and its
differentiation.
I want to acknowledge both Ananda Zaren, for
vastly adding to our understanding and utilization of
this remedy, and Paul Herscu, for developing our
comprehension of Tuberculinum, Lycopodium and
the other constitutional types he describes in his
book The Homeopathic Treatment of Children.
Ananda states that in her experience the fear of
being alone is usually the first symptom to arise. A
young child will feel abandoned, for example, if the
mother goes to work, and from then on, will never let
the mother out of sight and will insist on being
constantly watched. Adult Gallic acid patients arrange
to live and work constantly with people so that they are
never alone. In distinction from Stramonium, the fear of
being alone is not only at night but every minute of the
day. Fear of being alone can also be found in
Lycopodium or the retarded Tuberculinum child. They
feel something bad may happen to them if a parent is
not nearby. Lycopodium children may also wish to be
alone, yet feel afraid, as the keynote states: ŖAversion to
company yet dreads being alone.ŗ Lycopodium and
Pulsatilla children can follow their parents around the
house like Gallic acid, but may be satisfied with
knowing where the parents are, if not in the same room,
whereas Gallic acid children must know that they are
being watched. Pulsatilla’s fear is that of abandonment,
like Gallic acid. A Natrum muriaticum child may
follow the parents around to make sure that the parents
are all right.
Lycopodium children often want a parent to turn on
their bedroom light and check their room before going
to bed. Lycopodium and Pulsatilla babies may start to
cry as soon as the lights are switched off and the parent
leaves the room.
Gallic acid infants will kick their feet when being
diapered. In young children, the sleep disturbance of
Gallic acid takes the form of restlessness, with kicking
and moaning, and especially the need to be physically
close to one of their parents. They may finally collapse
and fall asleep in their own bed, but they may also
require the parent to lie down with them, and, when they
wake up later, will get into the parentřs bed when they
find they are alone. We could interpret this restlessness,
kicking moaning as a ploy to get attention so that they
do not have to be alone. When they sleep it is not deep,
as if always, even subconsciously, on guard against
being left alone. Their dreams may be disturbing,
though they do not wake up wild-eyed and frightened
from nightmares like Stramonium.
Stramonium and Pulsatilla will be comforted by a
night light and the presence of someone else in the
bedroom, though not necessarily in the same bed. Like
Tuberculinum, Gallic acid patients can have profuse
night sweats, but the sleep of Tuberculinum has several
other distinctive keynotes: difficulty falling asleep due
to physical or mental restlessness; enuresis during deep
sleep; bruxism; and, like Lycopodium, irritability on
waking. Lycopodium children often need a light on and
the presence of someone else in the room for protection,
similar to Gallic acid. However, Lycopodiums sleep on
their right side or abdomen and usually remain covered,
unlike the restless Gallic acid. Lycopodium is also in
bold in Kentřs Repertory for Ŗlaughing during sleepŗ
(Stramonium is in italics).
As the pathology develops in Gallic acid, we see
the development of violence. When playing with other
children, they are the leaders, and they want to be the
center of attention. They demand to be first they have
to win and be the best, and will cheat at games and at
school to achieve this. They may steal things and deny
their culpability. They get other kids stirred up and
defensive. They will instigate a fight but claim
someone else started it.
Their abuse is focused on others, theyare not self-
destructive like Tuberculinum (head-banging) or
Medorrhinum. The problems they cause at school may
lead to notes from the teacher complaining to the
parents, or to suspension.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 176
The desire for smoked food (which can often be hot
dogs) is found in Tuberculinum as well as in Gallic
acid. Eight of Anandařs cases have exhibited
compulsive behavior in which they touch and smell
things, like Syphilinum. She has often observed tongue-
lapping and saliva bubbling from the mouth during
talking. They speak loudly, even when not angry, and
frequently grimace.
The final state of Gallic acid is a delirium,
smashing things, being rude to everybody, jealous and
cursing. They become completely manic, rolling the
head from side to side, biting, kicking, and becoming
wildly delirious at night. At this stage they may be
confused with Hyoscyamus: sudden, intense anger,
profane cursing, obscene gestures, jealous, demoniacal,
obsessive, wanting to be watched. Ultimately, they
become violently insane, like Stramonium, but it does
not occur only at night and there is no wildness in their
eyes.
On the physical level, Gallic acid is a medicine
similar to Tannic acid, the major constituent in galls,
which has historically been used as an astringent, both
botanically and homeopathically. Gallic acid was used
as a local application to stop hemorrhage. The
description of the mental state of Gallic acid we read in
Clarkeřs Dictionary is taken from a patient who took
massive doses for an aneurysm.
CLARKE also writes of a case in which the use of
an ointment containing gallic acid, or the insertion of a
tannin suppository for hemorrhoids, caused an attack of
Urticaria and Asthma. This, CLARKE stated, Ŗis
sufficient to show that Gallic acid is truly homeopathic
to pulmonary cases, in which it has been largely used by
the old school as well as the new.ŗ It was used in
Tuberculosis for pulmonary hemorrhage and night
sweats. It was used for menorrhagia, epistaxis,
hematuria, hemophilia, and hemorrhoids. Other than
being indicated for respiratory conditions and various
hemorrhages, the physical symptoms of Gallic acid
listed in Clarkeřs and Boerickeřs Materia Medicas are
varied and, until we have further proving and cured
symptoms, without any other unifying theme.
October 18, 1991 (4½ months later)
He does not want to be sociable. He has been
easily irritated for the past two weeks. He told some
kids at preschool that they could not pretend to play
with guns. They did not listen to him and he began
pushing them. His teacher told him to stop, and he
looked her right in the eyes and pummeled another kid
on his neck. Defiant (2). The teacher wrote his mother
a note describing all this, saying, ŖI canřt let him keep
hurting other children.ŗ
Rude, abusive, insulting (2). He likes to be obscene
(1). He urinates on his brother (1).
He will not leave his mother alone (3). He comes
and searches for her when she is in another room in the
house. He needs someone to play with. He rarely plays
or reads alone. Desire for company (3). Desires sausage
(2), eggs, rice (2), tacos, constantly asks for sweets (3),
chicken, fish.
Averse to spicy (2).
Enuresis (1).
Moaning in his sleep (2).
Assessment: Relapse. Consider Hyoscyamus due to the
obscenity and urinating on this brother.
Plan: Gallic acid 1M, one dose.
October 27, 1991 (9 days later)
No rudeness or abusiveness.
He says, ŖLook how good Iřm being.ŗ Iřm having
fun.ŗ He needs to tell his mother he is being good,
doing better. No enuresis. Sleeping quietly.
Assessment: Gallic acid acting.
Plan: Wait.
November 26, 1991 (1 month later)
ŖGive me my medicine,ŗ he says. I ask why he
needs medicine. ŖIřm waking my mom up at night.ŗ
Comes in to her bed. Gradually worsening over the past
two weeks. Twice a night he gets up, usually around
midnight, 2 am or 4 am.
His mother gave him Arsenicum 200c last week for
Asthma (mother still frequently prescribes remedies
from her home kit).
Moaning, yelling at somebody during sleep (2),
rolling around in bed (2).
Wet his pants twice at school during nap time.
Had impetigo on right elbow last week. Treated
topically with Golden seal. Two small red papules now
on his left arm.
Red perianal rash for the past day. Sore (2).
No aggressiveness. Doing well in school. Can
write ŖFISH.ŗ
Constantly wants motherřs attention (3). Sheřs
worn out. Thatřs when it dawns on her that he needs
this remedy. When sheřs so exhausted, she thinks,
ŖWait a minute, I donřt have to be like this!ŗ
Wants to be with mom, go places with her, lie
down with her, get in bed with her (3). Restful in
motherřs bed. She takes him back to his bed.
Wants to stay up longer in the evening, be around
mother and her boyfriend.
Fear of going to sleep and having bad dream. Fear
of monsters (1), dark (1).
Pimples on cheeks (keratosis pilaris).
Impatient (2). (He has said Ŗgive me my
medicine!ŗ three times by now).
Fabricates stories, has incredible imagination. 75%
of his stories are untrue.
Shares well.
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Desires sweets (3), ripe, skinned apples (2). Picky
eater.
Assessment: Relapse. Remedy may not be holding due
to motherřs acute prescriptions. Needs higher potency
but unavailable from U.S. sources. New symptom
characteristic of Gallic acid :: red perianal rash and
soreness. This is also a return of an old symptom, as is
the impetigo. The Gallic acid layer has been partially
removed, and the underlying original constitutional state
of Sulphur may be reappearing.
Plan: Gallic acid 1M, one dose.
December 18, 1991 (3 weeks later)
No improvement.
Assessment: Needs higher potency. Still unable to
acquire Gallic acid 10M.
Plan: From the Gallic acid 1M, I prepared and
administered Gallic acid 1001, one dose, in water.
January 24, 1992 (5 weeks later)
His mother says he is much better. ŖA different kid
than before this remedy was given. Much more
livable.ŗ
Sleeping all night. No yelling or screaming in his
sleep.
No enuresis.
Using Ŗbaby talkŗ for three weeks.
Fear of spiders (2).
Desires sweets (2).
Went to dentist. Has 3 cavities. Brother 2 years
older has none.
Assessment: Gallic acid 1001 is acting. The Ŗbaby
talkŗ may be the return of an old symptom, returning to
the state he was in as a toddler when the Gallic acid
layer was added. Gallic acid also has babbling speech
and strange speech. Also consider Tuberculinum
because of the dental caries and the family history of
Asthma.
Plan: Wait.
Much of the information on Gallic acid is taken
from ANANDA ZARENřs ŖTwo Cases of Pediatric
Behavior Disorderŗ, Proceedings of the 1990
Professional Case Conference, IFH, 2366 Eastlake
Avenue E., Seattle, WA 98102. This excellent
presentation, and in fact all presentations at the IFH and
HANP Case Conferences, serve to greatly extend our
knowledge of Materia Medica and understanding of
Homeopathy. This case is a prime example of the
effectiveness of sharing our knowledge through
seminars and publications.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
12. A Proving of Flor De Piedra*
6
(Lophophytum leandri)
RAESIDE, J.R.
(The Layman Speaks, Vol. XXIII, 4/1970)
This is a professional report. We place it in The
Layman Speaks for the light it throws on the
homeopathic type of remedy testing (proving). The
purpose is to ascertain the full scope of the remedy. The
usual drug testing is to see how it affects a given illness.
Homeopaths prove remedies on voluntary provers who
are in good health. Ordinary medicine tests drugs on
the sick. ŔEd.
In June 1965, Dr. Willmar SCHWABE of Germany
requested our assistance in testing the effect of a South
American plant called Flor de Piedra. It was not until
the autumn of 1966 that we were able to begin a proving
with the help of nine missionary students and two
doctors (seven men and four women).
A great deal of work had already been done by Drs.
SCHWABE, HERZ, AND FREIWALD, and this had
been published and sent to us. Dr. SCHWABE
considered the plant to be of medicinal value, especially
in the treatment of Thyroid enlargement.
We had a disappointingly small number of provers
on this occasion, which contributed to the relatively
poor collection of symptoms. The method adopted was
our customary one of recent years, viz.:
First November 1966 Flor de Piedra 8 provers
term 6x
Second
Term February 1967 Flor de Piedra 10 provers
6c
Third
Term May 1967 Flor de Piedra 10 provers
12c
This means that we had twenty-eight proving terms,
or twenty-eight separate two-week experiments with
powders night and morning. There were no controls,
due to our small numbers. Most symptoms turned up in
the second and third terms. Two provers had to stop Ŕ
one man because of fluttering of the heart and headache
on 12c, and one woman because of headache also while
on 12c.
Natural History
Lophophytum mirabile was first described by
Schott and Endlicher in 1832, while Lophophytum
leandri was described by Eichler in 1869. They are
very similar species of the Lophophytae and differ only
*
From The British Homeopathic Journal, Vol. LVIII,
No.4, October 1969.
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in minor details of the efflorescence. The plant
collected by Dr. SCHWABE was named Lophophytum
leandri. Other species of the genus are L. bolivianum
and L. Weddelii.
The Lophophytae belong to the Natural Order of
Balanophoraceae, all of which grow in tropical or
subtropical mountainous regions of Asia and South
America, up to an altitude of 10,000 feet. The genus
Lophophytae all inhabit tropical South America,
especially Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and
Argentina.
The plant is a chlorophyll-free parasite which
grows on the roots of certain trees, especially the
Leguminosae. It grows almost entirely immersed in the
soil at the root of the tree, with only the flower or
inflorescence rising up like a long pine cone; sharp,
erect brownish scales conceal the reddish male flower.
It resembles a stone as it lies in the earth, hence its name
Ŕ the stone flower. Having no proper stem or leaves, it
is more like a fungus.
Pharmacological investigations showed that it
contains acids, resin, glucose, albumen and mucilage,
and Dr. SCHWABE mentions a tannin of catechu, leuco
anthocyanidine substances and a small amount of
bromine and iodine, probably in the form of organic
compounds.
The natives of South America use the plant as a
medicine for a variety of ailments, all of them very
vague Ŕ as is usual in herbal medicine. Catarrhal
jaundice and Ŗinsufficient bileŗ are mentioned by one
author, and Dr. SCHWABE reported its use in digestive
disturbances, liver disease, epilepsy, rickets and
malignant conditions.
Review of the Proving
Compared with other drugs which have been
investigated by us in recent years, this one showed a
relative lack both of symptoms and of decided effect on
any one organ or system.
The mental symptoms were most prominent, but
the changes were those which we record with almost
every drug. (It should at this point be stated that we
have a different team of provers every year.) The
stimulating effect of Flor de Piedra was more
noticeable, and the secondary depression of mind and
mood was less pronounced. Several students felt Ŗhighŗ
after only two days of 6x, with mind alert, bright and
happy. Very few had a reactive depression with slow,
confused or muddled mind.
Headaches Ŕ which usually feature prominently in
any of our experiments Ŕ were even more marked than
usual with the Ŗstone flowerŗ. It was because of
headache that two of our students had to discontinue
their efforts. No. 2 was a 28-year-old man who had had
a thyroid operation for a simple goiter. His father,
brother and sister had all had goiter operations of some
kind. During his third trial in May 1967 on the 12c, he
developed headache after four days. By the twelfth day
his head felt bursting, with developed headache after
four days. By the twelfth day his head felt bursting,
with terrific pain all night in the right frontal region
spreading to the spine, accompanied by singing in the
ear, and fluttering fibrillation of his heart, all of which
kept him awake!
No. 4, a woman of 27 years, had to give up after six
days on the 12c because of frontal headache, thick head
and difficulty in concentrating.
Two other provers had migraine headache with
visual disturbances.
Six students had symptoms in the throat, such as
sore throat, with pains stabbing in the neck glands, and a
feeling of a lump in the throat. These symptoms are
slightly suggestive of thyroid conditions, but one cannot
say more than that.
The same number of provers had disturbances of
the gastro-intestinal system, mainly nausea and
abdominal pains.
Skin symptoms figure prominently in this proving.
Seven of the eleven had something to report, and the
most interesting comment was Ŗa throbbing itch on the
soles of the feetŗ which is a most peculiar sensation.
Apart from the above there were few important or
noteworthy symptoms. Two had heart reactions Ŕ one
as mentioned was quite severe; three had disturbed
menstruation Ŕ early or late, tending to be more painful
and more profuse. There were very few limb sensations
recorded, which is unusual. Six had sleep disturbance
with dreams, and a few suffered from great fatigue or
tiredness.
Comparison with the German Proving
The original paper on Flor de Piedra by
SCHWABE and HERZ (1964) contained useful
information derived from their therapeutic trials as well
as their proving.
ŖFor the time being, conditions were not yet given
for a drug proving on healthy subjects. Orientation was
therefore sought by carrying out a therapeutic trial with
Flor de Piedra D6 and D4. The patients included were
those with liver disease, chiefly slight liver damage due
to previous Hepatitis or of toxic origin, i.e. the
indications were those already established by use of the
drug in popular medicine. Quite early we noted rapid
subjective improvement, though this was not objectively
confirmed, to begin with, by serum lability tests,
electrophoresis, enzyme activity studies etc.
ŖIt was also observed that the remedy did well in
cases of stubborn travel sickness, and also ameliorated
the feeling of sickness in patients who did not tolerate
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 179
Digitalis. This is probably again connected with the
hepatic action of the remedy.
ŖSoon another, completely new indication attracted
attention. A 70-year-old woman with liver disease who
had been given the remedy for six to eight weeks in
relatively high dosage (D6), told her doctor (Dr.
Uhrmacher of Waldniel) that a nodular goiter which she
had had for fifty years and which had never before
responded to treatment, was getting noticeably smaller.
The improvement was so remarkable that it could hardly
be regarded as accidental, and this led to the treatment
of various forms of goiter, first on a small scale and
later with large numbers. At first the impression was
gained that hard nodular goiters responded best. But
further use of the remedy, by now for over two years,
has shown that parenchymatous and to a lesser degree
juvenile goiter also responded well. Results from
different regions of West Germany and also various
areas in the lower Alps have varied considerably, but
the average dosage for euthyreotic goiters may be said
to be 10 to 25 drops of the D6 t.d.s. Ŕ more rarely 10
drops of the D4 t.d.s. Goitres with hyperthyreotic
symptoms demand higher potencies, as the D6 will
occasionally produce an initial aggravation in such
cases. In most cases, improvement is first noted during
the second week of treatment, and consists in a
lessening of the sensation of pressure and at the same
time softening of the goiter; as a rule, a measurable
reduction in the diameter of the neck may not be
expected before the fourth week of treatment. Several
cases of substernal goiter, who had already been put
down for surgery, could be sufficiently controlled with
Flor de Piedra on its own. It seems reasonable to
assume that the effect on goiters is due to the iodine and
bromine content of the drug which is in the order of
magnitude of D5.
ŖThe third main indication is for various forms of
cardiovascular disorder, particularly coronary
insufficiency and the status following myocardial
infarction. A detailed report on this is given elsewhere.
ŖA few other indications, so far based only on
individual observations, suggest that Flor de Piedra
undoubtedly has an even wider range of action, but they
still require further confirmation.
ŖFrom 21 January to 21 February 1964, i.e. after
the clinical trials already described, we did a small drug
proving on healthy subjects. Sixteen provers took part,
ten female and six male. The dosage was uniform
throughtout, 10 drops twice daily, on rising in the
morning and on going to bed at night. This number of
drops was well tolerated by all, and in no case did it
become necessary to interrupt or stop the proving.
ŖAn initial clinical examination showed no special
organic pathological findings in any of the sixteen
provers. Earlier illnesses and any existing dispositions
for diseases were recorded when the histories were
taken. Flor de Piedra D6, D4, D3 and D2 were each
proved for a week at a time, with placebo weeks
interspersed, and neither the provers nor the physician
conducting the proving knowing which was which.
Any changes in their condition were daily recorded by
the provers themselves. Serological studies, such as
Weltmannřs coagulation band, the Takata reaction,
thymol turbidity and electrophoresis, were carried out
before and twice during the proving, to try and get an
objective assessment as well.
ŖThe symptoms obtained in the course of this
proving are given below, arranged according to the
organic system and with the number of times they
occurred given in brackets. We are aware that this
cannot be a complete list, but it is hoped that it will
provide the stimulus for a proving of the remedy on a
wider basis.
ŖResults of a proving with Flor de Piedra
General: Nausea and retching (3), queer
sensation in the stomach (1), great
thirst (4), sweating heavily (3),
remarkable tiredness (1, after D6),
increased activity (4, after D2 and
D3), sensation of heat (1), dizziness
with tendency to fall to the left (1).
Head: Left frontal headache (2), left
temporal headache (3), with
amelioration in open air (1), headache
increasing towards evening (2), head
feels hot and heat flushes (2), some
loss of visual power (2).
Mouth, nose,
Throat: Dryness of nose (4), dryness of oral
mucosa (2), compulsive swallowing
and clearing of throat (3).
Neck: Sensation of pressure on thyroid gland
(1).
Heart and
Lungs: Constructive sensation in
chest,stronger on right than left (1),
palpitations (1), slight irritating cough
(2).
Abdomen: General feeling of tension and fullness
in the stomach (7), sensation of
pressure around girdle area (1),
pressure of underwear is found
unpleasant (1), sensation of pressure
in epigastrium (1), pressure pains in
right lower abdomen (1), pain below
right costal arch (1), much flatus (3),
stools assume grayish colour (1),
stools light browny-yellow (1), slight
diarrhea in the daytime (4), difficult
stools (1, after D2), heartburn (2).
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Extremities and On lifting right arm slight pain under
Spine right scapula(1), Painful drawing and
formication left arm and left hand (1),
persistent drawing and pain in left
upper arm, better from warmth (2),
sensation of heaviness in legs (1),
drawing sensation in right thigh down
to calf and heel (1), right foot slightly
swollen and sensitive to pressure (1).
Lower
Abdominal
Organs: increased diuresis (2), period very
heavy and five days late (1).
Skin: Itching ears (5), marked itching of
scalp (4), itching on arms (2),
generalized itching (1), itching anus
(1), slight itching around girdle line
(1), itching eruption in the face (2).ŗ
It is interesting to note a complete absence of
mental symptoms in this German proving, whereas ours
had quite marked mentals. The points of similarity are:
first the general lack of clear-cut definite symptoms in
any organ or system. Secondly, a general
correspondence in head and abdominal symptoms.
Thirdly the skin manifestations, especially itching,
occur in both, although in different anatomical
locations.
Dr. SCHWABE also sent us an interesting report
published by Dr. Elisabeth FREIWALD, who tested
Flor de Piedra over a period of two years on 190
patients with various diseases. Her list included ten
cases of thyrotoxicosis who responded well to the
remedy which was administered by mouth in 3x-3x
potencies. The reaction of simple goiters was less
noticeable and improvement lasted only as long as the
remedy was being administered; when it was
discontinued there was a relapse. In a group of seventy-
one patients with liver and gall bladder diseases, sixty-
six improved under treatment with Flor de Piedra. This
time the remedy was given by mouth, 4x-6x, or an i.v.
injection of the 6x two or three times a week.
Various other diseases were treated with observable
benefit, including coronary Ischemia,
1
Myocarditis,
2
Psoriasis
3
and Eczema.
4
Discussion
In many respects this was an unsatisfactory
proving, as no clear picture evolved from the reports of
the small number of students, and no organ or system
could clearly be seen to be affected, not in our proving
nor in the German one. Flor de Piedra does not appear
to be a poisonous plant, which may account for its lack
of effect on our volunteers.
It is another remedy which Homeopathy has taken
from native herbalism and, as with Esponijilla, the
chief indications for its use were derived from the native
use of the plant as a healing herb. Certainly it is
interesting to see the chance effect on the goiter which
Dr. SCHWABE noted in his therapeutic trials. Also it is
most interesting to study the extensive trials on the sick
which Dr. FREIWALD carried out, as this gave some
definite therapeutic indications for the use of Flor de
Piedra. Of course, this is not a method of investigation
which we employ in this country, but perhaps we should
re-think our methods of trying new remedies.
So far we have had only limited clinical trials with
Flor de Piedra on a few cases of toxic and simple
goiters, without any evidence that is has been beneficial.
This brings one again to the need for an active body of
experimenters who would be willing to try all new
drugs in their practices and to report results in due
course. Thus some kind of clinical verification can
follow what otherwise might remain merely theoretical
research into the effects of drugs.
We would like to thank Dr. W. SCHWABE and his
helpers for initiating this drug proving. Also to thank
Messrs. A. Nelson & Co. for the supply of powders, and
the Lawson Tait Trust for the payment of provers.
Flor de Piedra Ŕ The Proving Symptoms
Mind Felt very well all day (second day on 6x)
Mind bright (second day on 12c)
Very alert mind (second day on 12c), but
difficult to concentrate (tenth day)
Mind feels full all day, restless but happy
Felt jumpy and Ŗon edgeŗ
Mind thick, difficult to concentrate and study
Slow, muddled and depressed
Stupid feeling in the head, confused
Head Bursting headache, < afternoon, <occiput or
frontal, spreads from the neck (had to stop
proving)
Dull frontal headache over eyes, < a.m.
Throbbing frontal headache all day, < evening
with nausea
Frontal headache or on temples, < right, > open
Splitting pain in centre of the brain, with
disturbed vision in centre of field and zigzags
at sides
Migraine headache with blurred vision
Eyes Heavy eyes
Bloodshot eye
Stye on right lower lid
Pressure pain in orbit from reading
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 181
Face Face flushed in a.m.
Spots on face
Nose Running nose and nasal catarrh
Sneezing attacks
Mouth Dry mouth and lips, with peculiar taste in
mouth
Not much sense of taste or smell
Ulcers on tongue, lip, and mouth
Cold sores on lip
Throat Raw, dry, sore throat
Sore throat in evening
Dry, burning throat on waking
Lump in the back of the throat
Sharp stabbing pains in throat or neck, < a.m.
Larynx Hoarse voice
Slight soreness of larynx
Chest Dry, hacking cough
ache in chest, < movement, < deep breathing
Heart Fluttering of heart while lying in bed
Pain over the heart region
Stomach Travel sickness with loss of appetite and
and Constipation
Abdomen Sinking feeling in stomach with great hunger
Nausea and diarrhea
Abdominal pain and diarrhea in a.m.
Abdomen hard, with discomfort after meals,
and constipation
Wakened at 2 a.m. with abdominal pain >
bowel opening
Uro-
genital Frequency and pain passing urine
M.P. early, more profuse and painful
Greenish vaginal discharge
Extre-
mities Sharp pain in left knee, < walking
Ache in left elbow
Ache in toe joints
Cold feet
Sleep Restless sleep Ŕ hot in bed
Sleepy and yawning by day
Dreams disturb sleep
Skin Throbbing itch on sole of left foot
Soles of feet itch and throb
Itching on back of head and neck
Itching of both legs
Itching of red patch on back of hand
Spots on thigh and lower limbs
Rash on back of neck
Perspiration
Gene- Very tired, esp. in a.m.
rals Fatigue
Tiredness and ache all over
Important Symptoms
Mind 9 provers
Head 10 provers
Throat 6 provers
Skin 7 provers
REFERENCES
SCHWABE, W., and HERZ, W. ŖFlor de Piedraŗ,
Allgemeine Homöopathische Zeitung, 209, No.5, 228-
32. May 1964.
FREIWALD, Elisabeth. ŖTherapeutische Erfahrungen
mit Flor de Piedraŗ, Allgemeine Homöopathische
Zeitung, 209, No.5, 232-6. May 1964.
1. Ischaemia: Local deficiency of blood or of red
blood corpuscles, due mainly to contraction of
blood vessels.
2. Myocarditis: Inflammation of the muscular tissue
of the heart.
3. Psoriasis: Inflammatory skin disease developing
reddish patches covered with whitish scales.
4. Eczema: An acute or chronic non-contagious
inflammatory disease of the skin.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
13. Science & Homeopathy:
Has Science Become ŘOne True Religionř?
CASSAM Amir (The Homeopath, 77/2000)
Abstract: The present paper describes the authoritarian
nature of modern science, especially since the Second
World War, and attempts to refute the negative claims
made about Homeopathy by an important segment of
the medico-scientific establishment, in the light of the
works of Paul FEYERABEND, Thomas KUHN and
Ashish NANDY. At the same time, in view of its
relevance to the subject matter, Karl Popperřs
conclusions on the criterion of the scientific status of a
theory, and responses of some of his major critics are
also discussed.
Introduction: For homeopaths with a materialistically
oriented positivist worldview, there is always a worry
about using medicines which lack Řany reasonable
physical model to explain the action of high dilutionsř
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 182
(1) on human beings and other living creatures. This
problem probably is not of great importance to
homeopaths with a religiously oriented spiritualist
worldview, inclined towards Kentian metaphysics. In
order to appreciate the determination with which
homeopathic research workser are pursuing this thorny
problem, one only has to witness the spate of books that
have been published within last decade or more, that are
devoted to explaining the phenomenon of hgher
dilutions in terms of the parameters laid down by the
scientific establishment. To give one reviewed in just
one issue of British Homeopathic Journal (1), the
first two devoted to explaining scientifically the
ŘExperimental Aspectsř and the ŘFundamental Aspectsř
respectively of the ŘTheory of High Dilutions.ř(1). The
third book reviewed contains twenty three full papers by
the International Research Group on the same subject.
Nevertheless, most classical homeopaths continue to
use potencies beyond the Avogadro number Ŕ whether
they use lower potencies of over 12c or higher potencies
of 200c and over, is immaterial to the present argument
Ŕ for which there is so far no universally accepted
physical model within the shared paradigm of
commitment to the rules and standards laid down by the
scientific community. This apparent contradiction
between what they intellectually value (a materialist
worldview) and what they practice as classical
homeopaths, then becomes a source of some
embarrassment for them among their non-homeopathic
peer group, besides causing considerable theoretical
tension within at least some of the more philosophically
inclined therapists. This paper is an attempt to resolve
this dilemma.
Similarities between Copernican and Hahnemannian
revolutions
Those homeopaths who have read Paul
Feyerabendřs iconoclastic masterpiece Against Method
(1975), which describes the development of the
Copernican cosmology, would be surprised at the close
resemblance between that and the development of
Hahnemannian Homeopathy. Both started with a
strong belief that ran counter to contemporary reason
and contemporary experience. In both cases, the belief
spread and found support in other beliefs. In the case of
GALILEO, in an equally unreasonable (at the time)
belief in law of inertia and the telescope (2). In the case
of HAHNEMANN, in an equally unreasonable (at the
time) theories of potentisation, vitalism and Miasms.
Eventually, Copernican cosmology became part of the
scientific worldview. On the other hand,
Hahnemannian Homeopathy found the opposition from
an entrenched medico-scientific establishment allied
with a pharmaceutical lobby, very much harder to deal
with.
Hegemony of science
In my previous paper, I criticized Kentian
metaphysics using the twin concepts of Řrational
scientific methodř and Řrational insightř as my support
(3). In the present paper, by extensively using Paul
Feyerabendřs various works and also the works of
Thomas KUHN and Ashish NANDY, I will try to show
that this rationally based scientific method had itself Ŕ
since at least the end of the Second World War Ŕ
become deeply flawed. It has degenerated into ŘOne
True Religionř as alleged by Paul Feyerabend: p. 307
(2) or what Herbert MARCUSE might have described
as Řirrationality rationalityř: p.115 (4) or Řrationalised
irrationalityř as suggested by Phillip NICHOLLS: p.273
(5). Indeed, even outside the medical field, a whole
generation of consumers of science has been so
brainwashed Řon the purity of scientific texts that they,
even when practicing Homeopathy or palmistry or even
when growing sacred tuft of hair or going on a
pilgrimage, have to justify themselves on scientific
groundsř p.106 (4). So much has modern science
become part of the Řglobal establishmentř that even Řall
organized faiths were seeking endorsement from
scienceř p. 106 (4). Indeed, science has replaced
religion as the dominant ideology. From a different
perspective but emphasizing the same charge, Brian
Rotman, in his review of Margaret Wertheimřs
Pythagoras’ Trousers in the TLS (6), comments that
one of the two major interests of the author of the book
was to Řtrace the rise of physics in Western culture as a
religiously inspired enterpriseř (my emphasis) and that
she referred to physics as Řthe Catholic Church of
Scienceř.
Kuhn’s paradigm and revolutionary science
Thomas Kuhnřs The Structure of Scientific
Revolutions has been aptly described by Clark
GLYMOUR and quoted in Philosophy of Science as
Řvery likely the most influential work on the philosophy
of science that has been written in this centuryř (7).
Following his innovative distinction between Řnormalř
and Řrevolutionaryř science each representing a different
paradigm, this paper wants to argue that Homeopathy
represents a Řrevolutionaryř break from Řnormalř
science, within an important branch of medicine.
Kuhnřs definition of Řparadigmsř is: Řuniversally
recognized scientific achievements that for a time
provide model problems and solutions to a community
of practitionersř p.2(8). At the same time, he attacks the
Řcumulativeř notions of scientific advance. According
to him, the more carefully the historians of science
study, Ř…say, Aristotelian dynamics, phlogistic
chemistry, or caloric thermo-dynamics, the more certain
they feel that those once current views of nature were,
as a whole, neither less scientific or more the product of
human idiosyncrasy than those current todayř p.2(8).
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 183
KUHN argues that scientific activity falls into two
distinct types: normal science and extraordinary or
revolutionary science. During periods of normal
science, scientists take for granted the major theories of
their day. Their aim is to see whether they can solve
problems by using accepted theories in conjunctions
with other assumptions and models. On the other hand,
ŘScientific revolutions are here taken to be those non-
cumulative developmental episodes in which an older
paradigm is replaced in whole or in part by an
incompatible new oneř. They Řare inaugurated by a
growing sense …. That an existing paradigm has ceased
to function adequately in the exploration of an aspect of
nature to which that paradigm itself had previously led
the wayř. The examples of this are not only Řmajor
paradigm changes, like those attributable to Copernicus
and Lavoisier, but also for the far smaller ones
associated with the assimilation of a new sort of
phenomenon, like oxygen or X-raysř. (The Nature and
Necessity of Scientific Revolutions pp. 91-109 (8) p.86
(7)).
End of science’s liberating phase
In the 17
th
, 18
th
and even the 19
th
century science
was a liberating force. One of the reasons for this was
that science then was one of many competing
ideologies, when the state had not yet declared itself in
its favour. But with the development of science
especially after the Second World War, ŘThe very same
enterprise that once gave man the ideas and strength to
free himself from the fears and prejudices of a
tyrannical religion now turns into a slave of its interestsř
p.75 (9). Even an otherwise innovative work such as
Fitjof Caprařs defence of the holistic approach is marred
by his inability to see through the shallow positivist
philosophical foundation of many of the
pronouncements of the scientific establishment when he
writes that all scientific theories are approximations to
the true nature of reality and that Řscientists construct a
sequence of limited and approximate theories, or
Řm,odelsř, each more accurate than the previous one….ř
P.93 (10). I propose to discuss my response to the
concept of Řrational scientific methodř under four
headings.
Scientific research parameters
At the present time, the randomized double-blind
clinical trial has become the sole basis of verifying and
passing the judgement on the efficacy or otherwise of
medicines or treatment under investigation. So much so
that the double-blind technique has become Řan
indispensable passport to future medical legitimacyř
p.225 (5). The essence of Homeopathy as described by
Brieger and quoted by Phillip A. Nichollsř is the
treatment of the individual with a remedy the
symptomatology of which corresponds to that of the
patient. So there is no one drug. A placebo control
does not make senseř p.225 (5). ŘMoreover, the double-
blind technique to control for placebo effect eliminates
the holistic thrust of homeopathic therap p.225 (5).
In the most recent original paper on a double blind,
placebo-controlled trial on homeopathic treatment of
migraine, in order to explain the Řconflictingř results
obtained, the authors write that one of the reasons might
be because ŘControlled clinical studies with
Homeopathy are difficult as one must take especially
the individualizing principle in parallel with the strict
scientific study proceduresř(11). For this and other
reasons discussed by them, the authors conclude that
they are Řof the opinion that the result of this study does
not justify the conclusion that Homeopathy is
ineffective in prevention of Migraineř (11). The reason
for this reluctance to question the legitimacy of the
double-blind method as applied to testing the
effectiveness or otherwise of Homeopathy, is that as
yet there is no other method of testing devised that has
proved acceptable to the medico-scientific community.
The randomized double-blind method additionally
allows the application of the Popperian falsification
criterion. If therefore one rejects the double-blind
method, then in the absence of any other acceptable
method of testing, Homeopathy could not be falsified.
Then, following Karl Popperřs criterion of scientific
legitimacy, Homeopathy would not qualify as a
science.
There are two responses to this. The first one is, as
I will try to argue later on, that the falsifiability theory
itself is deeply flawed. The second one is that,
according to Michael EVANS, one of the key factors in
making the double-blind method the sole basis for
evaluating the effectiveness of medicines in general and
homeopathic medicines in particular, was the
publication of a paper in the late 1940s by Beecher
entitled ŘThe Powerful Placeboř. Michael EVANS has
argued in his paper that the work of Gunver Kienle has
cast serious doubt on the size and the effectiveness of
the placebo effect. ŘIf this is true the main reason for
randomized double blind trials falls away …ř (12). As
against this, in his excellent and thought-provoking
Blackie Memorial Lecture: 1999, G. IVES contends that
Řplacebo effect is a powerful phenomenon …ř (13). He
gives the example of a study running two parallel trials
of the tranquillising drug Meprobamate against placebo.
But one was run by a physician who believed in the
value of this medicine to treat anxiety. The other one
was run by a physician who did not. Otherwise both
trials were carried out strictly double blind. Yet despite
this strict double blind parameter, the result of the
former trial was statistically positive; whereas the result
of the latter trial was negative! This study seems to
suggest that even if one puts aside Michael Evanřs
contention that the placebo effect is highly overvalued,
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 184
the results of the two trials indicate that the double blind
method, allegedly designed to filter out the placebo
effect, was unable to do so in these two trials.
Benveniste’s research on the ‘Memory of Water’ and
its aftermath
Secondly, I would like to refer to the controversy
surrounding the concept of the ŘMemory of Waterř, with
particular reference to the research works carried out by
BEVENISTE and his associates. Let me therefore
recapitulate the way in which BENVENISTE and his
colleagues were treated by some in the scientific
establishment, particularly by Natureřs Editor, for
expressing radical biological theories. This particular
incident was described as the Řcommando raidř by
Michel SCHIFF, author of The Memory of Water
(14). From the opposite side, it was described as Řthe
Nature fiascoř by Anthony CAMPBELL (15). In the
review of The Memory of Water in the Times
Literary Supplement (16) the reviewer tells the readers
what he believes happened. ŘThe raiding party [visiting
the laboratory site] consisted of Nature’s Editor, John
MADDOX, a magician James RANDI and Walter
STEWART, an expert on statistical funding.
After a few days of observation and interference,
the team, containing not a single expert in the science
in question, concluded that the many years of the work
of BENVENISTE and his colleagues had been a waste
of time. To a great fanfare, the conclusions were
published in the journal. Not long afterwards, RANDI
could be heard on television telling the world that since
it was impossible for absent molecules to have influence
on anything, the experiments must have been nonsense.
Thus, in the view of the team, the scientific method was
vindicatedř [my emphasis] (16).
There is no doubt that part of the blame for this
Řfiascoř lies very much at the door of BENVENISTE
himself. According to Peter FISHER, the Editor of the
British Homeopathic Journal, to some extent
BENVENISTE Řask[ed] for itř by insisting that Nature
should publish his work, and when refused, signing up
to this very unusual deal whereby they inspected his lab
just after the research had been published. He also
points out that two independent attempts by research
workers favourable to Homeopathy failed to replicate
his results. He further comments that in view of the fact
that no independent group has been able to reproduce
Benvenisteřs result, the position of the scientific
establishment was in fact true, even if the way in which
this conclusion was reached, and the polemic
surrounding it, were inappropriate to science. Referring
to the Benvenisteřs experiment in a recent research
article in the British Homeopathic Journal, the Editor
of the journal points out that even ŘSome of
Benvenisteřs key collaborators have tacitly conceded
that these results were irreproducible while insisting
that related experiments do give valid and reproducible
resultsř (17). On the other hand, he writes, Řthe results
of a study recently published in the journal
Inflammation Research may mark the beginning of a
resolution to the so-called ŘBenveniste affairř. It now
seems that Řthe Benveniste affair may yet have a happy
endingř(17).
But the primary allegation by the author of The
Memory of Water about the Řperverseř attitude
displayed by the medico-scientific community in
general remains unaffected by this revelation. Indeed, it
seems to be tacitly admitted by Peter FISHER when he
comments that the way in which the scientific
establishment reached the conclusion that
BENVENISTE was wrong, was inappropriate to
science. It has to be admitted, however, that this charge
does not apply to the whole of the Řmedico-scientific
communityř. This will become even more clear when I
discuss below the charge of ŘSecret Societyř leveled
against the Royal Society by none other than the Editor
of the Lancet in a recent issue of the TLS. First of all,
it is important to note that the description of the
MADDOX visit quoted earlier came from the review of
the book in the TLS, and not by SCHIFF himself.
This Řperverseř attitude of part of the establishment
is further corroborated by the comment by Lionel
MILGROM in The Independent of 19 March 1999.
The comment was included in his review, entitled ŘThe
memory of moleculesř, of the talk given by Jacques
BENVENISTE to a packed scientific audience at the
Cambridge University on 10 March 1999. Lionel
Milgromřs accusation was that it was the stubborn
refusal by the establishment to countenance new radical
thinking simply because it went against Řthe accepted
Řlock-and-keyř principle which states that molecules
must be in contact and structurally match, before
information can be exchangedř. Such thinking, he went
on, had Řdominated the biological sciences for more
than four decades, and is itself rooted in the views of the
17
th
century French philosopher Réné DESCARTESř
(18). Although the referees Řcould not find fault in
Benvenisteřs experimental procedures, they could not
understand his results. How, they asked, can a
biological system respond to an antigen when no
molecules of it can be detected in solution?ř (18).
For the purpose of my present paper, this indeed is
the crux of the matter. This is of course not to say that
the replications of the research claims by
BENVENISTE and his group are not important. It was
no doubt a major error of judgement on Benvenisteřs
part to raise such great hopes in the homeopathic
community only for them to be dashed by the
irreproducibility of his results, even by those research
workers favourably inclined towards Homeopathy.
However, the point I am trying to make is that when
faced with the mind of a research worker who is
unfavourably inclined towards Homeopathy in general,
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and therefore is already biased against finding a
response in a biological system to an antigen Řwhen no
molecules of it can be detected in the solutionř, there is
always the possibility of such a bias spilling over into
the experiments. G. IVES in his Blackie Memorial
Lecture, referring to Michel Schiffřs Řdelightful little
bookř, expresses similar misgivings. ŘIt is trueř, he says
Řthat there can be problems with such replication when
the researcher who attempts to do so is hostile to the
subject under studyř (13).
Genetically modified potatoes
A third example of authoritarianism in science,
this time not directly connected with Homeopathy, is
revealed in the Time Literary Supplement by none
other than the Editor of one of the most prestigious
scientific medical journals. He castigates that most
prestigious of scientific establishments the Royal
Society for using its tremendous authority to prevent the
debate on genetically modified food. Writing the TLS
of 17 December 1999, Richard HORTON, the Editor of
the Lancet, refers to the Royal Society as the ŘSecret
Societyř that had Řturned its conservatism into strength
by making it the cornerstone of a robust corporate
imageř. According to his research, at the moment there
are twenty-one industry-sponsored fellowships entered
into by the Royal Society with private industry. This
partnership with the private companies and trusts,
according to the Editor, Řsits oddly with the Royal
Society claim to Řits unique combination of scientific
authority and independence from vested interestŗ (19).
This forms the important background for the support
given to the genetically modified food industry by the
Royal Society. The excuse given by the Royal Society
for their rejection of the research claim by Arpad
Pusztai that genetically modified potatoes harmed
laboratory rats was ostensibly because Arpad Pusztai
had breached the Řfundamental scientific rule…. That
scientists must not report results of their research to the
public before those findings have been presented to their
peers either at a scientific meeting or in the pages of a
scholarly journalř. According to Richard HORTON,
this Řseems like a gagging clause and it isř. ŘAt another
level, the rule imposes a tight constraint on what is
deemed acceptable scienceř (19). As far as Arpad
PUSZTAI was concerned, he saw dangerous vested
economic forces at work and this needed to be exposed
quickly. ŘIt would have taken a minimum of a year to
publish itř, he wrote, and believed that the commercial
pressures might have prevented his work from ever
being published. But the Řultimate testř of Řscientific
credibilityř for the Royal Society was the peer review
and Pusztai had committed the cardinal sin of going
public on ITVřs World in Action without first
obtaining the approval of his peers. As the result of his
action, Arpad Pusztai lost his job, his research
programme was stopped and his data were confiscated.
Instead of supporting and welcoming the Lancet’s
initiative in promoting the debate on genetically
modified foods once the Pusztai and Ewen data were
published, Ŗthe Royal Society issued a press release
headed ŘRoyal Society rejects latest claims in Lancet on
GM potatoesŗ (19).
This, incidentally, brings to mind an issue of a
similar nature described by Paul FEYERABEND,
which it might not be inappropriate to recall at this state,
perhaps as a small digression, in order to re-emphasise
the authoritarian manner in which the scientific
establishment dealt with any view it considered
irrational. He is describing the ŘStatement of 186
Leading Scientistsř against astrology which appeared in
the September/October 1975 issue of The Humanist.
ŘNext come 186 signatures of astronomers, physicists,
mathematicians, philosophers and individuals with
unspecified professions, eighteen Nobel Prize winners
among them When a representative of the BBC
wanted to interview some of the Nobel Prize winners
they declined with the remark that they never studied
astrology and had no idea of its details’ [my
emphasis] (9) p.91. Paul FEYERABEND then goes on
to compare this statement with Malleus Maleficarum,
Řthe outstanding textbook on witchcraftř, published in
1484 by the Roman Catholic Church. It dealt with the
subject of witchcraft in great detail being divided into
Řphenomena, aetiology, legal aspects, theological
aspects of witchcraft… Of course, in the end only one
of the offered explanations is accepted, but the
alternatives are discussed and so one can judge the
arguments that lead to their elimination… Even the
theology is pluralistic, heretical views are not passed
over in silence, nor are they ridiculed; they are
described, examined, and removed by arguments’
[my emphasis] p.92 (9). ŘBoth the Pope and Ř186
leading scientistsř deplore the increasing popularity of
what they think are disreputable views. But what a
difference in literacy and scholarship!ř p.92 (9).
Contrary to the claim made by these scientists that
astrology was dealt a deathblow when Copernicus
replaced the Ptolemaic system, even Kepler, one of the
foremost Copernicans, defended astrology against its
opponents and Řused new discoveries to improve
astrologyř. This is mentioned Řnot to defend astrology
as it is practiced now by the great majority of
astrologersř p.96 (9). Indeed, I would go one step
further and agree with KUHN, LAKATOS and
THAGARD that astrology is no longer a science
however it is practiced. According to THAGARD, it
has now become a pseudoscience not because it cannot
be falsified but because Řit has been less progressive
than alternative theories over a long period of timeř and
because Řthe community of practitioners makes little
attempt to develop the theory towards solution of the
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problems…ř (20). Of course, KUHN and LAKATOS
have different reasons for calling it a pseudoscience.
But none of their reasons have anything to do with the
absence of falsifiability.
Crude empiricism
The fourth and final response refers to the use of
crude empiricist argument by Anthony CAMPBELL
such as Řthe Vital Force cannot be seen or weighed; it
cannot be detected by the senses or with instruments. It
remains a theoretical construct and is no more
accessible to scientific investigation than is the soul or
the etherř (21). I have already dealt with this particular
pronouncement by Anthony CAMPBELL in my earlier
paper. It is important to note that I was referring to
crude empiricism as formulated by Anthony
CAMPBELL and not to empiricism itself, which is a
very much broader concept. Hahnemannřs ŘVital Forceř
is justified empirically as long as the existence of this
Vital force is the best explanation available of what
can be detected by the senses.
What is science?
So, what is science? In his Science in a Free
Society p. 73 (9), published a few years after his
Against Method, Paul FEYERABEND replied, Řthis
has not one answer but many. Every school in
philosophy of science gives a different account of what
science is and how it worksř. But in his Farewell to
Reason, published in 1987 p.24 (22), he defined what it
was widely supposed to be. It was Řan inquiry that aims
at objectivity, uses observation (experiment) and
compelling reasons to establish its results and is guided
by well defined and logically accepted rulesř. He then
goes on to demolish this supposed definition. ŘI shall
argue that neither values, nor facts, nor methods can
support the claim that science and science-based
technologies … overrule all other enterprises…ř p.24
(22). To his own question, ŘWhat is great about
science?ř he replied, ŘThe excellence of science is
assumed; it is not argued forř p.73 (9).
According to FEYERABEND, historical research
confirmed that there was not a single method in science
that was absolutely binding. ŘWe find then, that there is
not a single rule, however plausible and however firmly
grounded in epistemology, that is not violated at some
time or otherř p. 98 (9). This was not because of
insufficient knowledge or inattention. These violations
were absolutely essential for Řprogressř. Indeed, crucial
developments Řsuch as the invention of atomism in
antiquity, the Copernican revolution, the rise of modern
atomism (kinetic theory; dispersion theory;
stereochemistry; quantum theory), the gradual
emergence of the wave theory of light, occurred only
because some thinkers decided not to be bound by
certain obvious methodological rules, or because they
unwittingly broke themř [.99 (9) and p.23 (2). There
were circumstances when it was advisable not only to
ignore the rules but also to adopt their opposites.
Karl Popper and his major critics
This brings me to Karl POPPER and his criterion of
what constitutes science. This was briefly alluded to
earlier on when I discussed the double-blind method. In
view of the importance the medico-scientific
community still attaches to his formulation and also to
its relevance to my subject matter, I will try to show
below that his influence among the major philosophers
of science has been seriously exaggerated in non-
philosophical circles. Reviewing in TLS the
posthumous publication of Karl Popperřs two works,
David Papineau, the Professor of Philosophy of Science
at Kingřs College London, wrote that Karl Popperřs
analysis of science Řdoes not stand up to examination.ř
(23). He then quotes the Australian philosopher of
science, David Stove, saying in his book that ŘPopperřs
official doctrine is that we never have any reason to
believe that any scientific theory is true, but his non-
standard usage often serves to obscure this from the less
than fully attentive readerř (24). Professor Papineau
goes on to comment about Popper, ŘHowever, there is
room to doubt whether this standing will long outlast
him. Indeed, it is already becoming difficult to
understand exactly how Popper acquired his renownř
(23).
Let us therefore consider what exactly that was
which made him so renowned during his lifetime. It
was primarily his definition of what constituted science.
Karl POPPER summed up his conclusions on the
Řcriterion of the scientific status’ by claiming that it
was Řfalsifiability or refutability or testabilityř (25).
He clarified his falsifiability theory by referring to some
of the theories of ADLER and FREUD. It turned out,
according to him, Řthat the theories in question were
compatible with the most divergent human behavior, so
that it was practically impossible to describe any human
behavior that might not be claimed to be a verification
of these theoriesř (25). Therefore every Řgenuine test of
a theory is an attempt to falsify it, or refute itř (25). If a
theory cannot be falsified or refuted then it is not a
genuine scientific theory. One of Thomas KUHNřS
main criticisms of Karl POPPER was that his account of
Science does not fit the history of science. Giving the
example of Copernican revolution, KUHN suggested
that Řold theory [PTELOMYřs geocentric theory] was
replaced by the new theory [COPERNICUSřs
heliocentric theory] before the old theory was refuted.
For example, GALILEOřs telescopic observation of the
phases of Venus, the moons of Jupiter and the motion of
sunspots were made at least sixty years after the
publication of Copernicusřs Des Revolutionibus (1543)
Arguably, PTOLEMYřs theory [in which the earth is
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 187
stationary at the centre of the universe] was decisively
refuted only when NEWTONřs theory of mechanics and
gravity was accepted. [Newtonřs Principia was
published in 1687]ř (7). According to KUHN, no
theory replaced before it ceased to support a puzzle-
solving tradition. ŘHardly anyone thought that
Ptolemyřs theory had been severely tested and found
irreparably wanting. Here again, Kuhn argues, Popperřs
account of science does not fit the history of science.
There is more to science and being scientific than
falsifiability and testingř (7). Besides serious
reservation expressed by these three philosophers, I will
briefly mention criticisms of Karl Popperřs falsifiability
theory by one further major philosopher of science.
Imre Lakatos, in his paper entitled ŘScience and
Pseudoscienceř, writes, ŘContrary to POPPER, the
difference [between science and pseudoscience] cannot
be that some are still unrefuted. When Newton
published his Principia it was common knowledge that
it could not properly explain even the motion of the
moon; in fact, lunar motion refuted Newtonř (26).
Homeopathy as a new paradigm
Going back to FEYERABEND, there are no set
methods or rules. This the lesson Homeopathy has to
learn. Homeopathy, I suggest, represents a new
paradigm that came about not by a process of accretion
to the gradually built-up core of medical scientific
knowledge, but by a revolutionary break from it. This
was what HAHNEMANN did, whether he consciously
realized it or not. The fundamental principle of
Homeopathy as proposed by HAHNEMANN was
ŘSimilia Similibus Curenturř. Although this principle
was not new, it was exactly the opposite to the views
held by the scientific establishment of his time and
indeed of our time as well. Secondly, the idea that
increasing dilution combined with succussion increased
the efficacy of a medicine instead of decreasing it
(Arndt-Schultz law) was also a revolutionary departure
from the views held then and which are even more
strongly held today. But the most revolutionary break
with the scientific medical establishment was the
assertion by Hahnemannřs Homeopathy that increasing
the dilution beyond the stage when not a single
molecule of medicine was left in the solution, raised the
efficacy of the medicine even further. This was of
decisive importance. Homeopaths, even those with
medical qualifications from regular medical schools
who went along with this claim, were looked upon with
derision and even accused of practicing medical
quackery by their orthodox medical colleagues. At the
time of HAHNEMANN however, science was still in its
transitional stage to becoming the dominant ideology. It
had not yet become ossified into a dogma. Also, the
state and science were still separate and there was at
least some room for genuine debate between two
opposite views. In its modern reactionary stage
however, those who do not agree with its dogma, are
branded Ŕ as in the case of homeopathic medical
practitioners Ŕ as charlatans or worse.
This break with the scientific medical establishment
since the time of HAHNEMANN then became
associated with major developments in the theory of
classical Homeopathy such as the theory of vitalism, a
theory very much akin to the theory of Qui of
Traditional Chinese Medicine and the theories of
potentisation and Miasm. Together, they formed a new
gestalt.
Copernican revolution
Kuhn in his The Structure of Scientific
Revolutions and FEYERABEND in his masterpiece
against Method together Řput the cat among the
philosophical pigeonsř (27). Describing how the
Copernican revolution came about, Paul
FEYERABEND asserted that it came about by pushing
aside, without making the least attempt to refute, all
the facts supported by Ptolemaic and Aristotelian theory
of knowledge that were the ruling theories of the time.
In his essay The Essayer Galileo went so far as to
admit to his critic that not even Copernicus himself
could refute the Aristotelian view. As FEYERABEND
remarked, Galileo Řneither points to new facts which
offer inductive support to the idea of the moving earth,
nor does he mention any observations that would refute
the geocentric point of view…ř p.102 (2). It was the
invention of telescope, according to Galileo, Řwith its
superior and better sense than natural and common
senseř p.103 (2), that enabled him to be so enthusiastic
about the Copernican system. But the fact that the new
telescope gave reasonably accurate images of
terrestrial objects only confirmed the Aristotelian
theory of knowledge (which was being challenged both
by Copernicus and Galileo). According to the
Aristotelian theory of knowledge, the reasonably
accurate images of terrestrial objects when viewed with
a telescope appeared so because our senses were already
acquainted with the close appearance of these terrestrial
objects and were therefore able to perceive them even
more distinctly with a telescope. But the moon or the
stars were not known from close by. ŘHence, we cannot
in their case use our memory for separating the
contributions of the telescope and those which came
from the object itselfř p.122 (2). This point was brought
forcefully home when Galileo tried to demonstrate the
superiority of the telescope to twenty-four professors of
all faculties. The Řover-excitedř pupil of Kepler named
Horky commented,ř…I tested the instrument of
Galileořs in a thousand ways, both on things here below
and on those above. Below it works wonderfully; in
the heavens it deceives one… I have as witnesses most
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 188
excellent men and noble doctors…abd all have admitted
the instrument to deceive …ř p.123 (2).
Conclusion
The reason for this long discussion about the
telescope is to emphasise that GALILEOřs faith in his
new invention of telescope to rescue him and the
Copernican system from the established Aristotelian
theory of knowledge proved to be Řmetaphysicalř. Yet
the Copernican system, which was Řirrationalř at the
time, triumphed. To put it in another way, it was
because the Řmetaphysicalř views of COPERNICUS
were allowed to have their own way that Copernicanism
and other Řrationalř views exist today. Let me therefore
conclude with FEYERABEND that there is not a single
scientific method or a piece or research which
guarantees that it is scientific and therefore trustworthy
p.98 (9). Those who are involved in homeopathic and
similar research should ponder on the liberating
implication of Feyerabendřs revolutionary departure
from the stifling and petrified prescription of the cruder
form of positivism among non-philosophers. It is time
they rebelled against the methodological and ideological
straitjacket imposed on homeopathic and on all non-
orthodox researches by the medico-scientific
establishment. I have shown earlier when reviewing
The Memory of Water Řcontroversyř that even while
accepting the research parameters imposed by the
establishment, Benvenisteřs research still could not
break through the wall of scientific prejudice and
censorship. Plank, whose unorthodox ideas were the
starting point of quantum physics, believed that
opponents of new ideas would never convert and accept
new ideas. They only became accepted, if at all, when
the opponents of new ideas gradually died out. The
author of The Memory of Water, on the other hand,
wants to challenge this pessimistic view. He concludes
his book by writing,ř..[1] would like to stress that the
most important part of my testimony bears not on the
memory of water per se but on the refusal of scientists
to examine evidence that could shatter their current
beliefs. In other words, I did not write this book to
praise the memory of water but to bury scientific
dogmatismř p.120 (14). The only way out, I suggest, is
to follow Galileořs example. ŘThat is why he was
Feyerabendřs hero. Some imagination of Galilean
proportion might come in handy todayř (27).
In the chapter entitled ŘScience, Authoritarianism
and Cultureř, Ashish NANDY writes that we can take
courage to note that the main civilizational problem is
not with the so-called irrational traditions Řbut with the
way of thinking associated with the modern concept of
rationality …ř p.106 (5). Under modern science the
means used to define goals have ultimately become
goals. ŘUltimately, intelligence and knowledge are poor
Ŕ in fact dangerous Ŕ substitutes for intellect and
wisdomř p.125 (4).
References
1. Br. Hom. J., January 1999; 88: 37 Ŕ 40
2. Feyerabend P. Against Method, GB: Verso
Edition 1978.
3. Cassam A. ŘWas Kent a Hahnemannian?ř Br.
Hom. J., April 1999; 88: 78-83.
4. Nandy A. Traditions, Tyranny and Utopias,
Delhi: Oxford University Press 1987.
5. Nicholls AN. Homeopathy and Medical
Profession, USA: Croom Hel Lted 1988.
6. Rotman B. ŘItřs a manřs universeř, TLS, 16
February 1996: 30.
7. Curd M. & Clover JA Philosophy of Science, New
York/London: WW Norton & Co 1998 33-39 and
83-85.
8. Kuhn TS. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions,
Chicago & London: The University of Chicago
Press 1962 and 1978.
9. FEYERABEND P. Science in a Free Society, GB:
Verso 1982.
10. CAPRA F. The Turning Point, London: Flamingo
1983.
11. Br. Hom. J. January 2000 89: 4-7.
12. EVANS M. ŘScientific research and
anthroposophical medicineř July 1999: 6-8.
13. G. IVES ŘHomeopathy versus orthodoxy Ŕ the
current state of playř, Br. Hom. J. January 2000 89:
17-25.
14. SCHIFF M. The Memory of Water: Homeopathy
and the Battle of ideas in the New Science,
London: Thorsons, 1995.
15. CAMPBELL A. ŘThe memory of water:
Homeopathy and the battle of ideas in the new
scienceř, Br. Hom. J. 85: 180-181.
16. COLLINS H. ŖWrit in waterř, TLS, 8 November
1996: 31
17. FISHER P. ŘThe end of Benveniste affair?ř, Br.
Hom. J., 88: 186-187.
18. MILGROM L. ŘThe memory of moleculesř, The
Independent, 19 March 1999.
19. HORTON R. ŘSecret societyř, TLS, 17 December
1999: 8-9.
20. THAGARD, PR Proceedings of the Philosophy of
Science Association Vol. 1, 1978: 223-234.
21. CAMBELL A. ŘTwo faces of Homeopathyř, Br.
Hom. J. 1985 74: 1-10.
22. FEYERABEND P. Farewell to Reason, UK:
Verso/NLB 1987.
23. PAPINEAU D. ŘOpen society, closed thinkersř,
TLS, 23 June 1995: 4-5.
24. STOVE D. ŘPopper and afterř, TLS, 1 July 1983.
25. POPPER K. Science: Conjectures and Refutations,
London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1963: 33 - 39.
26. LAKATOS I. Philosophic Papers Vol.1.
Cambridge University Press, 1977: 1 Ŕ 7
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 189
27. PICKERING A. ŘScience Warriors and enemies of
reasonř, TLS, 1 August 1997: 8-9.
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14. Adrenaline chloride and a Miraculous Escape from
the Jaws of Death
SINGE SR., Translated by CHULKI, RS.
(The Homeopath, 77/2000)
It was Monday 20 December 1999, and the time
was exactly 1.30pm. I was in my dispensary and all of a
sudden I heard someone crying. ŘDoctor, please come
urgentlyř. The person who called me for an emergency
medical treatment was horror-stricken, and panic was
writ large on his pale face. There was a deep sorrow in
his trembling voice.
As his house was nearby, I hurriedly stepped
towards it, thinking that here was a case of urgent
clinical aid. The door of his house was ajar, and when I
peeped in, to my great shock and surprise I saw his
young wife, who was pregnant, in a pool of blood. The
floor was smeared with oozing blood and the stinking
smell of it made me shudder for a few seconds. I was
nonplussed. It took me a few minutes to know what had
actually happened. Two to three litres of blood were
streaming forth and all persons were eagerly awaiting
for my arrival and treatment also.
As a doctor, I know well that no doctor is a god, but
he can do whatever is humanly or medically possible.
During such an emergency I was ready to help save the
life of the bleeding patient. Meanwhile I requested one
to prepare a bed ready for her. By that time, the
husband had gone out in search of a lady doctor.
At that risky moment it struck me to administer
such a medicine that would stop the bleeding first. I
dashed to my house and brought Geranium maculatum
LM 1, and poured ten drops of it into the mouth of the
patient. In my habitual way I told others that she would
be alright within a few minutes. There was no
Gynaecologist, no lady doctor, and no trained midwife
to rescue the patient from the impending fatal condition.
Soon the neighbouring women who were aghast had
gathered to help her at the moment of untimely delivery.
Some women removed the clotted blood that had
spread, and others were trying to solace her. But I was
impatiently waiting outside the house with some men to
know the patientřs condition.
I was all the while pondering over as to why this
bleeding took place. In Homeopathy, treatment
depends on knowing the cause first. At that time an
experienced Muslim midwife came and told me, ŘSee,
Sir, she was trying to lift a big water-filled pot. At that
time, naturally a great pressure was exerted on her belly
and uterusř.
At this juncture, a loud cry was heard from within.
Somebody shouted, ŘPlease Doctor, come Doctorř. It
was the voice of some woman who was near the patient.
Anticipating this emergency condition I was ready with
Adrenaline chloride 6x, a homeopathic medicine of St.
George Pharmacy, Mangalore.
Immediately I went inside. The patientřs face had
become bluish. The spit in her mouth had become
sticky. The eyes had rolled up, her face was deathly
pale. The body was cold, the pulse thread. I thought
that it was the last moment of her life. Even then I
struggled to put the Adrenaline powder into her mouth.
Others helped me to separate her tightly closed jaws. I
placed one grain of powder under her tongue.
Luckily the effective medicine worked wonders
quickly. She began to breathe slowly. Her eyes became
normal with usual luster and the dry mouth became wet
within a few minutes. Things went on well, surprising
all who were watching the magic-show of life and
death. Blood circulation became normal and the rays of
hope shone on her pale face. Certainly, she was out of
danger now. Some heaved a sigh of relief and others
smiled in their pleasant surprise.
ŘWhen the blood in the capillaries becomes
stagnant and the body becomes bluish, Adrenaline
chloride stimulates the blood vessels and sets right the
blood circulation. It mixes with the blood at once and
functions miraculously. Whenever there is bleeding in
the nose, throat, liver, placenta etc, and when the blood
begins to clot or when there is danger on account of
improper and irregular blood circulation in the body,
Adrenaline works very efficiently and proves to be very
usefulř
1
When the patient comes out from danger, when
there is uterine bleeding still, give Sepia 200c. This is
what Dr. JN SINGHAL suggests.
2
Knowing this
treatment I put a drop of it into her mouth. By this time
a vehicle was brought to take the patient to the hospital
in Bijapur. There the patient was admitted for delivery
under a Gynaecologist. The ultrasound test showed the
lifeless condition of the baby. The amniotic fluid which
protects the baby had leaked out from the amniotic sac.
Nothing could save the baby when the montherřs life
itself was in great danger.
When the motherřs blood was examined it was
found that Hbs were less than 4.6%. as the patient
needed blood urgently it was brought from the blood
bank. Because of the timely blood supply, safe delivery
took place within one hour. To increase the percentage
of Hbs, another packet of blood was given the very next
day. The patient was taken home on Wednesday 23
rd
, in
the morning, when she was completely alright and
normal.
Thank God, now she is in good health. I am very,
very grateful to Adrenaline chloride that had saved the
patient from the terrible grip of death.
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 190
1
Homeopathic Materia Medica, p.14, W.
BOERICKE
2
Quick Bedside Prescriber, Pregnancy bleeding,
p.381, JN. SINGHAL.
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15. Cantharis 200c may induce expression of small
heat shock-like proteins in Adhatoda vasica leaves
SUKUL, C. Nirmal; MONDAL Sandhimita &
SUKUL Soma (Nee Chunari)
(S & C., 76 (11-12)/2010)
Abstract-: Cantharis 200c, a homeopathic drug used
for the treatment of burns, was diluted 1:500 with
distilled water and applied on the leaf of Adhatoda
vasica. The treatment induced expression of small heat
shock like proteins in the plant. Heat shock to a leaf
through hot water at 58° C in another plant induced
similar proteins in the plant. Pre-treatment with
Cantharis 200c followed by hot water (5C) treatment
of another plant showed no heat shock proteins in that
plant. It is thought that homeopathic potencies may act
on an organism through the expression of new proteins.
Homeopathic potencies above 12c are too dilute to
contain any drug molecules. However, potentized
homeopathic drugs have been known to act on man,
animals and plants. But the way the potentized drugs
act on the living system is not known. There are
suggestions that the potencies may act through the
expression of genes
2
. Heat shock and its homeopathic
remedy Cantharis can be used to study the expression of
heat shock proteins (hsps) in an organism
3
. In an
earlier study Sukul et al reported that potentized Cina,
while reducing root-knot nematode infestation of cow
pea, altered the protein profile of the leaves of the plant
with the expression of a new protein. In the present
study we want to see whether Cantharis 200c could
induce hsps in a medicinal plant Adhatoda vasica Nees.
(family Acanthaceae) known as 'Basaka'. Leaves of this
plant have therapeutic effect on bronchitis. They have
also insecticidal properties. Leaves contain an alkaloid
vasicine and an essential oil
5
.This plant has been selected
because their leaves are not easily susceptible to insect
attack or infection with pathogens which may induce
hsps. Cantharis is a homeopathic drug used for the
treatment of burns. It is prepared from an extract of the
beetle, Lytta vesicatoria (family Meloidae).Heat-shock
proteins are found in all organisms, have different
molecular weights and expressed due to heat-shock and
other environmental stresses
6
.Heat shock, while inducing
synthesis of heat shock proteins, decreases the synthesis
of normal cellular proteins
7-8
.
Materials and Methods : Treatment of plants : In
large fenced experimental garden of the Botany
department a small colony of A.vasica plants has been
maintained. We selected six tufts of plants, each
containing four-five shoots with an average height of
one meter. No manure or irrigation was applied to the
colony. The six selected clusters were about one meter
apart from each other and used in the following way:
cluster I untreated and unstressed, cluster II untreated
and stressed by heat shock, cluster III pretreated with
90% ethanol two days before harvesting of the leaves,
clusters IV pretreated with Cantharis 200c two days
before harvesting, cluster V pretreated with Cantharis
200C one hour before harvesting and cluster VI
pretreated with Cantharis 200C two days before stress
by heat hock and harvesting of leaves. The liquid drug
or its medium 90% ethanol was mixed with sterile
distilled water in the proportion of 1:500 v/v and applied
by absorbent cotton on an area of one cm diameter on
both sides of a mature leaf in its middle part by gentle
touch for 10 sec
4
. The absorbent cotton bud was just
saturated with the drug solution. Two days later on
mature leaf each from clusters II and VI was dipped
entirely into hot water at 5C in a glass beaker for 5
min. In case of cluster VI heat treatment was given to a
leaf different from the Cantharis treated one but of the
same shoot.
Protein extraction and separation : One hour after
heat treatment mature leaves of all the six clusters were
harvested. Heat or drug treated leaves were left
untouched but others of the same shoot were harvested.
Leaves wet washed in distilled water, dried in shade for
15 min, the middle ribs removed, cut into pieces and
homogenized in a mixer with Tris buffer at pH 7.5
containing 2- marcaptoethanol, EDTA (ethylene diamine
tetraacetic acid), PVPP (polyvinyl polypyrrolidone).The
mixture was centrifuged at 6000 rpm for 10 min at 4 °
C
10
. Supernatant of each sample from each cluster rich
in leaf proteins was kept at -30 ° C. Each sample was
further diluted with Tris buffer 1:1, and 1ml of this
diluted sample was injected into the column Superdex
75071. Protein separation was done by Fast Protein
Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) using the mobile phase
of Tris buffer with a flow rate lml/min at 25
0
C and UV
detector fixed at an wave length of 280 nm. The
instrument used was of GE Health Care, AKtapurifier
model 10. Leaf extract supernatant and buffer were
filtered through Millipore filter (45 nm) to remove any
suspended particles before chromatography. A sample
of 6 marker proteins (peq GOLD prestained protein
Marker III) was separated by FPLC. The
chromatograms were monitored and printed. The
experiment was repeated twice with similar results. The
results of the second experiment are reported here. In
order to ensure reproducibility of results the
experimental part concerning heat stress and Cantharis
treatment was repeated thrice in two different places and
two different seasons (32 ±2, 30±2 ° C).
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 191
Results : Heat stressed and untreated plants (cluster II,
Figure lb) show a group of new proteins within the
range of-retention time of 20 to 21.9 min as compared
to the unstressed and untreated control (cluster I, Figure
1a). Unstressed but Cantharis treated plants (cluster IV
&V) show similar groups of proteins of almost the same
peak height and retention period (Figures 2b, 3 a) as in
heat stressed but untreated plants (cluster II, Figure lb).
Treatment with 90% ethanol does not show this new
protein peak (Figure 2a). However, stressed but
Cantharis treated group (cluster VI, Figure 3b) shows
similarity with unstressed and untreated group (cluster I,
Fig 1a) in the absence of the new proteins found in the
stressed but untreated group (cluster II, Figure lb).
Moreover, the protein peak at retention time around 40-
42 is reduced in most of the stressed and Cantharis
treated groups as compared to the same in unstressed
and untreated group or ethanol treated group. Marker
proteins in the FPLC show a peak at a retention time of
19.61 min for carbonic anhydrase. Its molecular weight
is 34kDa. Heat or Cantharis induced protein is less than
this weight. Heat-stressed leaves showed marked
shriveling and dried up in one day.
Discussion : This Work has demonstrated
homeopathic potency such as Cantharis 200c, has a
specific effect
ID
the expression of heat shock-like proteins in just
one hour. However, pretreatment with Cantharis
200c has led to
the total repression of the same proteins in heat stressed
plants. This study has further confirmed our earlier
observation where treatment with Cina 30c resulted in
the expression of a new protein in
cow pea leaves
4
. In both
cases leaves, other than treated
ones, showed this effect. It is
thought that the potentized drug first comes in contact
with the integral membrane proteins of the plasma
membrane and alters the conformation of the proteins in
the small application site. The effect is propagated
globally affecting the global molecular network(GMN)
of proteins in the whole plants
3
. Homeopathic potencies
can alter conformation visa-vis function of proteins
10U
.
Cell membranes organize cellular processes including
protein synthesis and energy transduction in
mitochondria and chloroplasts
12
. This work shows that a
homeopathic remedy for a disease can produce the
symptoms of the same disease in a healthy organism at
the molecular level with specificity.
Heat shock proteins observed in the present study
appear to be less than 30 kDa and obviously belong to
small Hsps found in higher plants
13
. Small Hsps
constitute the most abundant and diverse group of
proteins synthesized in response to heat stress. They
bind to regions of unfolded polypeptides preventing
inappropriate aggregation
612
. The synthesis of small
Hsps is maximum at temperatures that are just below
lethal
14
. In the present study a leaf was dipped in very
hot (58 °C) water. Plants pretreated with Cantharis and
then heat-stressed did not show heat-shock proteins
(Figure 3b) because these proteins were bound to other
proteins following heat shock
12
. Transcription is
mediated and regulated by protein-QNA interactions.
RNA polymerases bind to DNA and start transcription at
sites called promoters. Expression of genes is modulated
by regulatory proteins which influence the interaction
between RNA polymerase and the promoter. Repressors
bind to specific sites on the DNA, and this binding is
regulated by a molecular signal '
2
. The present study
shows that Cantharis 200c does the same thing as heat -
stress in inducing the expression of heat shock proteins
in the plant observed. The two stimuli are different but
the response is the same.
Acknowledgements
We thank the Asiatic Society, Kolkata for providing
financial support to the work described here. We also
thank the Director, Bose Institute, Kolkata for providing
instrumentation facilities. A special word of thanks to
Mr. Samir Mukherjee of Bose Institute for the help in
the operation of the instrument.
Department of Botany Visva-Bharati University Santiniketan-731235, West
Bengal, India
E-mail : ncsukul@rediffmail.com
nirmal@sukulhomeopathy.com
Received : 16 April, 2010 Revised : 2 August, 2010
1
N.C. Sukul and A. Sukul, High dilution effects: physical and
biochemical basis. Khiwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, l-
38 (2004).
2
A. R .Khuda-Buksh, Mol. cell. Biochem. 253 : 339-345 (1997)
3
N. C .Sukul and A .Sukul, Environ. Ecol. 27 : 71-77 (2009).
4
N .C Sukul, R. K. Singh, S. Sukul(Chunari) and A Sukul, Sci
and cult 75 : 291-293 (2009).
5
U. Singh, A.M Wadhwani and B.M Jhori, Dictionary of
economic plants in India. Indian Council of Agriculture
Research, New Delhi: 7 (1983).
6
Jagadis Bose, Reprinted in Sci and Cult 75 : 169-175 (2009).
7
I. Neta-Sharir., T.Isaacron, S. Luries and D Weiss, Plant cell
17 : 1829-1838 (2005).
8
E. Vierling, Annu. Rev. Plant. Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol. 42 :
579-620 (1991).
9
D. A .Parsell and S Lindquist, Annu. Rev. Genet. 11 : 437-496
(1993).
10
J. M.Walker, Protein structure, purification, characterization
and function analysis, in: K. Wilson and 1. Walker, (eds),
Principles and techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology.
6
th
edn. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 349-404 (2006).
11
N.C .Sukul, A. De, A. Sukul and S. P. Sinhababu, in vitro.
Homeopathy 91 : 217-220 (2002).
12
N.C. Sukul, S .Datta and S.P. Sinhababu. Sci &Cult 73 : 173-
175 (2007).
13
D.L. Nelson and M.M. Cox. Lehninzer Principles of
Biochemistry, 3
rd
edn. Macmillan Worth Publishers, USA 197,
389, 1074-1076 (2000).
14
E. R. Waters. Genetics 141 : 785-795 (1995).
15
N. A. Ledesma, S. Kawabata and N. Sugiyama, Biologia
Plantarum 48 : 73-79 (2004).
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Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 192
16. Barberry and the Treatment of Sexual Trauma
LANGE Andrew (AJHM. 101, 4/2008)
(A chapter excerpted from his book entitled
Getting at the Root: Treating the Deepest Source
of Disease)
ŖWe must describe the other half of man in order
that the physician may understand him as a whole.
Although this aspect is invisible, it may be seen in
the light of nature. It is the same when we hear a
bell on a dark night. We cannot see it, and yet we
see the work of the bell; that is, we hear it, for
every work has a light in which it can be seen. Do
not be downcast that all things are not clear as day,
but consider how secretive God is. And when we
learn something, we discover that we erroneously
call the invisible things invisible, for all works
teach us that they have a cause. We see the work
visibly before our eyes, and once we have
investigated its author, that is also visible to us.ŗ
PARACELSUS
In each person is a secret, sometimes long
forgotten, that they hide even from themselves.
Likewise, in every medicine are healing properties
which correspond to our ills yet are often disregarded.
To call attention to what is unseen and reveal its nature
is the basis of the Law of Similars. It is a matter of
respecting the subtle properties of life, the wisdom of
the infinitesimal, those processes that are beyond the
scope of our senses. There is no way to fully know the
patient or the medicines; we are led by clues and
associations. We make inferences and determine from
past experience our conclusions and best judgment.
When we study a person or their corresponding
medicine, it as if we are looking at a jewel through
different facets, trying to see its inner workings from the
outside. Most of the facets are invisible to us or are
clouded over. Because we try to find one facet that is
visible to our perception, that fits our limited
knowledge, each of us inevitably has a different
interpretation of the situation. Itřs difficult to come
from the inside, to understand the healing function. The
light of nature is a natural phenomenon. It is
everywhere.
It is much as we might try to understand a close
friend. There are so many people walking down the
street, yet we recognize our friend by their walk or that
funny hat they wear that we never really liked, or by any
of those things that make up an individual.
It is the same with our petty judgments and gossip.
Our opinions are based on one-sided interpretations.
We see only the results of othersř behavior and hear
only innuendoes of misperceived actions. If we are to
have compassion for others, we must look at the
underlying history of othersř actions. Perhaps the
reason for that individual being such a creep is that
some of the most important people in their lives treated
them the same way. May be they were beaten down,
made to feel like no one could ever love them or that
they were to blame for something horrible that
happened to them. It becomes a self-fulfilling
prophecy. Those who have been abused look for some
way to escape from the blame they inflict upon
themselves. They wonder, if they had done something
differently, would it have happened?
The Unstated Origins of Disease
We need to see behind the mask. It demands being
aware of how to communicate in a way that doesnřt
threaten others. Behind our defenses is the repressed
desire for love and appreciation. Our anger is often
misdirected towards the innocent, hiding the fears and
hurts. Our sadness is unexpressed, tears well up at a sad
movie when the soundtrack triggers our emotions, but
we are often incapable of responding honestly in human
encounters.
This sociopathology we see around us arises from
the chain of inhumanity that repeats itself from the
imprints of past generations. When Sigmund FREUD
introduced his trauma theory, it was so unacceptable to
the medical society of his time that he was forced to
couch it in symbolic rather than direct terms as the
Oedipal complex. If we were only aware of the extent
of abuse and trauma, we would be in constant pain at
the shocking pervasiveness of evil that exists in our
society. In recent years more and more information has
been accumulating about the depth and breadth of this
problem. Sexual abuse is being reported and studied
with increasing frequency. Recent studies suggest that
as many as one in three women and one in five men
have been sexually abused. This sickness in our society
is not being adequatetly addressed, either by the legal
system itself or by our communities.
Many sexual abuse situations are cases of incest.
What is the definition of incest? Incest can be defined
as any sexual abuse of a child by a relative or other
person in a position of trust and authority over the child.
It is the violation of the child where he or sheŗlives,ŗ
literally or metaphorically. A child molested by a
stranger can run home for help and comfort. A victim
of incest cannot.
Incest and other abuse victims also suffer from
post-traumatic stress disorder. This is the same disorder
that has been identified in war veterans and victims of
torture. The symptoms include, but are not limited to,
amnesia, nightmares and flashbacks. People who have
post-traumatic stress disorder may Ŗleave their bodiesŗ
during the abuse, and they may dissociate for decades,
long after the abuse ends. Most sexual abuse victims
have sexual problems as adults and many have eating
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 193
disorders. There is a distinct inability to nourish or be
nourished.
Perhaps the greatest tragedy is that most of the
people who have suffered abuse have been threatened in
their lives and told to not say anything. So the suffering
lies hidden in secrets.
Secrets of Barberry: The Holy Thorn
Berberis vulgaris, or barberry, is a bushy shrub that
grows to a height of three to eight feet. The stem
woods, pith, bark, and flowers are yellow. Berberis is
the Arabic name of the fruit, signifying a shell because
the leaves are glossy like the inside of an oyster shell.
The Italians call it the Ŗholy thornŗ because it is thought
to have formed part of the crown of thorns made for
Christ. Cows, sheep and goats eat the shrub; horses and
swine refuse it, and birds seldom touch the fruit because
of its acidity.
Gerard, in The Herbal or General History of
Plants, speaks of Berberis as being useful against hot
burnings and choleric fevers, allaying the heat of the
blood and liver. He mentions the fruits and berries as an
antidote for hot flashes, the Ŗbloody fluxŗ or dysentery,
and any superfluous bleeding.
Dr. HESSE, one of the early German homeopaths,
proved Berberis vulgaris, and published his findings in
the Journal for Materia Medica in 1834. The first
translations appeared in Jahrřs Manual, which was
published in English in 1834. James Tyler KENT, MD,
one of the most influential homeopathic physicians,
who developed psychological descriptions for clinical
applications of medicines at the turn of the century,
states that few of the mental states of Berberis are
known. For the most part, the use of Berberis has been
limited to acute prescribing for kidney infections and
gallstone colic.
It was through clinical experience that I was able to
discover the range of action of this wonderful medicine.
A forty-seven year-old woman came to my office
complaining of sinus problems that had begun after she
found out her brother had an incurable disease. He
subsequently died of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
at age 37. At first she only spoke of her presenting
symptoms, but soon, as I let her know that her history
was important to me, she described her experiences of
multiple personality, which sheřd had since childhood.
Her disorder was misdiagnosed until later life. At 30,
she was diagnosed as manic-depressive, and put on
lithium. Her other brother also had a diagnosis of
multiple personality disorder and was alcoholic. She
was a recovering marijuana Ŗaddict.ŗ She had quit
coffee, which she felt suppressed her feelings. Finally,
she revealed a critical piece of her story, she had been
beaten at 16 months and she suspected that her father
sexually molested her. During her teens he was
sexually aggressive towards her.
She had been fearful since her brotherřs death a
year earlier, and had been unable to do her work. She
felt a combination of anxiety and insecurity. She felt
scared in grocery stores. She said she was pessimistic
and cranky. She didnřt get angry easily, because she
was afraid sheřd get really angry if she did. ŖPoor me,ŗ
she said to herself. She always kept secrets from
people. In fact, during our conversation, she stopped
and asked if it was alright to talk about this, because the
psychiatrist who had originally diagnosed her had told
her it was better not to mention it to anyone, because
they wouldnřt understand. She told me it was the first
time she had shared her story since then.
She had four separate personalities. Susan was
younger and maintained the knowledge of early
traumas. Danny appeared only when things were going
well. Sharon was the original personality and didnřt
know of the others. Terra was the first split from Diana.
A month earlier, she suddenly felt extremely cold.
She had a sinus infection that had been chronic for two
years. It was diagnosed as a staphylococcal infection.
She had a creamy yellow nasal discharge, but no head
pain. A bronchial cough remained since she quit
smoking. She had chronic kidney and bladder
infections, with an urging to urinate and heavy burning
before urination. Yet her urine tests were negative.
For me chronic recurrent urinary symptoms are a
red flag. Often symptoms can be a natural defense in
areas where we feel we have been violated. There were
pains in her abdomen (presumably from the bladder)
and in her back behind the kidneys. Her menses were
normal. She had low blood pressure and body
temperature. She craved sweets, oranges, and bananas,
as a child she ate ice. She was plagued by chronic
constipation.
Her food cravings told me more about her
metabolism. She slept on her stomach, never on her
back, showing how she protected herself at night.
Perhaps no one else really listened to her before. I
asked questions only to allow her to clarify and release
as much as possible, to let her know that what she had
to tell was important, that I cared about her and what
she said.
She was the single parent of a seven year-old
daughter. She said her Ŗhysteric bod reacted to
emotions, yet she didnřt remember having sex. Her
sexual experiences remained coalesced in the memory
of a separate personality.
I chose Berberis vulgaris as an initial prescription
in this case, because it is one of the main remedies for
chronic kidney and bladder infections and the associated
pains. It is also listed as a minor remedy under sinus
infections. Interestingly, Dr. Marjorie Blackie, Queen
Elizabethřs former family physician, mentions it as
being useful in Ŗcontradictory, changeable personality.ŗ
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 194
The case had many elements of what Hahnemann
descriped as the sycotic Miasm. The miasms are a
theory of chronic disease in homoeopathy in which the
chronic effects of a suppressed or incompletely treated
disease are realed to subsequent syndrome. For example
the sequelae of gonorrhea might include the common
symptoms of Reiterřs syndrome-urinary inflammation
(urethritis), eye inflammation (conjunctivitis) and
Arthritis.
Some of the patterns associated with the sequelae
of Gonorrhea can also include Sinus infection,
Allergies, and a Psychological state of secretiveness. I
certainly considered giving her Medorrhinum, which is
a specific remedy for the sycotic or gonorrheal Miasm.
She did have the classic cravings for oranges and a
history of eating ice, which corresponded to the
symptomology of Medorrhinum. She even slept on her
abdomen, which is also a characteristic symptom to
indicate Medorrhinum. But I may have led the
interview too much, asking for symptoms confirming a
well-known medicine. I felt if she required
Medorrhinum, she would express more excessive
sexuality, rather than inhibition.
I also thought of Thuja occidentalis, the Arbor vitae
tree, for this case. Thuja has many of the characteristics
of Medorrhinum. Its profile incorporates the
psychological state secretiveness and it is one of the
main medicines in the treatment of the abused. The
secretiveness of Thuja originates more from a feeling of
insecurity and worthlessness. The patients feel the need
to fit in and hide their pasts. In Thuja patients you get
the feeling that there isnřt much to this person; they
seem too ordinary, complacent and depressed.
Medorrhinum is the opposite. The secretiveness is more
an expression of a truer darkness, of people whose
behavior challenges morality and who relish their ability
to shock and offend othersř conservatism.
However I was not satisfied with Thuja or any other
commonly prescribed medicine. I had come to the
conclusion that Berberis is very close to Thuja in its
symptomology.
I finally gave Berberis because of its exact
correspondence to this patientřs physical symptomology
and some insights I have attained into its psychological
states that I will discuss later. After all, in
Homeopathy, it doesnřt quite work to look up multiple
personalities and come up with some simple solution. It
takes some digging to understand why and what put this
person in that state.
The two week follow-up took me by surprise. The
physical aspects of her case had largely resolved, in
particular the bladder and kidney pain, as well as the
sinusitis. However the most remarkable aspect of her
response was a noticeable integration of several of the
personalities and a subsequent re-emergence of the
personality that represented her original split, Terra.
Terra was the aspect of herself that she described as
whole, the predecessor of her lost self.
Six weeks after her initial visit the integration of
her personality continued to progress. By this visit she
had only conscious dialogues with Terra, rather than
missing periods of time in which she was unconsciously
dominated. She continued to do well, without any
repetition of the remedy. I then referred her to a
psychologist who specialized in the field of multiple
personalities.
In another case, a 38 year-old woman visited me
complaining of internal hemorrhoids with excessive
bleeding. She had pain in the rectum, which was worse
when sitting. Four months earlier she passed a cup of
blood with her stool for a couple of days. This recurred
at thanksgiving, which she associated with eating meat.
Twelve years ago she had kidney and bladder
infections and was coughing up blood, though I never
found out why.
She was a lovely woman, and her voice was so
quiet, I almost had to strain to understand her. She said
she suffered from depression. Her family was abusive
when she was growing up. Her mother had been
hospitalized for a nervous breakdown. She stated she
was raised as an only child after age five when her
brother joined the navy. She had Asthma between ages
five and twelve. She gained weight until age twelve.
Her father was alcoholic and violent. He left when she
was twelve.
She was raped repeatedly between the ages of seven
and ten by a family Ŗfriend.ŗ
She was withdrawn, and had been a recluse for the
past year. She tended to hold in her anger and she felt
bitter. She felt heat rising to her head, at which time she
felt as if she were going to have a stroke. She cried a
lot, although she did not cry during her labor. She felt
apathetic.
Ten days earlier she began coughing up blood after
being exposed to the cold. She felt cold in general. She
felt heat in her left breast and liver. Her menses were
irregular.
She had been sexually active since 18. She was
unable to have an orgasm until she left her first
husband, and then had six affairs after her marriage
ended. At that time she had ravenous appetite for sex
and was attracted to abusive men. In the past several
years she had no sexual desire. She feared that her
daughter would die and she would be left alone. Her
hands trembled visibly. She had anxiety attacks and
heart palpitations. I gave her Mercurius corrosivus.
Mercurius, indicated for her bleeding hemorrhoids,
is also known in Homeopathy as a medicine for
extremely closed individuals, who hold the mysteries of
their lives inside.
Twelve days later she returned. She was sleeping
through the night, and her palpitations had ended. The
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 195
coughing had stopped. Her bowel movements were
normal. The stool was normal without any pain. The
heat in her liver was not as intense and the heat in her
breast was almost gone. Her rectum still hurt when she
sat, but not as badly. The night sweats were gone. She
felt her mental state was unchanged. I felt this was a
good response; so I allowed the medicine to continue its
action.
Three days later she returned with pain below her
sternum, which was reduced by lying on her back. Her
eyes had begun oozing yellow mucous two days earlier,
and were bloodshot. There was no longer blood in her
stool. She got occasional nausea, but wasnřt
regurgitating. She was chilly and her skin was
jaundiced.
I had to differentiate the cause of the jaundice. In
this case because of localized pain upon palpation of the
gallbladder, I determined that the colic pain and
jaundice occurred from a bile duct obstruction.
The question for me here was, what was the effect
of the Mercurius? There were no changes in the mental
state; so the prescription may have had an acute effect
without affecting the chronic state. Or perhaps it was
acting superficially, suppressing the underlying chronic
condition temporarily and leading to a crisis. Or was
this some sort of healing crisis? Was the liver
obstruction an attempt by the body to eliminate toxins,
which were overwhelming its capacity?
These are kinds of the questions we must ask
ourselves at every follow-up, even when a crisis isnřt
occurring. What is the effect of the prescription, not
only regarding the chief complaint, but also on the
whole life of the person? How does the effect of the
medicine upon its intended target of symptoms relate to
its effect on the myriad of unexpressed symptoms?
In this situation I prescribed Berberis in the
botanical tincture. This may seem confusing to some.
Homeopaths tend to pride themselves on the use of
potentized substances rather than crude extractions. For
me, Homeopathy isnřt just about the potentization of
medicines, it is about understanding how to prescribe.
Any substance, whether pharmaceutical, botanical or
from any source can be applied by the law of contraries
to control physiology, or by the Law of Similars to
catalyze healing.
The question of dosage concerns both the subtle
properties of matter and also the toxicological side-
effects of improper use of crude substances. All matter
has its subtle effects. A homeopathic dose or a
botanical tincture can carry its effects. But the purpose
of homeopathic and alchemical preparations of
substances has been to remove the dross of a
substanceřs gross action and accentuate its more subtle
and powerful systematic action.
So, in giving the tincture, I may have focused the
prescription at a physiological situation, but because I
was prescribing homeopathically, I understood that
deeper effects of Berberis might take effect.
Soon after taking the Berberis tincture the patientřs
jaundice and pain subsided. Within the next month her
friends noticed an entire change had occurred in her life.
She was able to overcome her depression and
withdrawal, and had made plans to start a new business.
Her way of seeing her world had shifted. This is what
we seek in treatment. This change in life tells us we
have been able to reach a deeper level of healing. We
have affected the root.
Berberis vulgaris is a medicine for the secret
wound inside. We all contain separate personalities
within us. In cases where there has been severe
physical or sexual abuse, as is the case in all multiple
personality disorder patients, the split becomes too great
and normal conscious activities can coalesce under the
direction of unconscious aspects of the subpersonalities.
The first case led me to examine the cases where I
had prescribed Berberis previously, particularly in the
cases of chronic vaginitis and urinary tract infections.
As I discovered that many of these cases had histories of
sexual abuse, I came to the conclusion that these
physical symptoms might be acting as a defense
mechanism for the emotional wounds of the patient. I
hypothesized that Berberis might indeed treat the
deeper wounds, of which the physical aspects were only
a manifestation. Since my initial presentation of these
ideas at a conference in 1992, they have been
consistently confirmed.
The essence of the wound that requires Berberis is
a secret that remains hidden even to the patients
themselves. The medicine combines the symptomology
of urogenital inflammation, suppression of emotions,
and secretiveness. It lies somewhere between the
symptomologies of two other medicines, Staphysagria,
the anger lies close to the surface manifesting as
trembling and quivering of the voice. In Berberis, the
origins are often no longer accessible to the conscious
mind. They lie quiescent, coalesced in a conflict that
creates fatigue, withdrawal, and psychosomatic
expressions of pain and discomfort. The pain itself is
not clear. It wanders, radiating in different directions
from the kidney, liver joints and sexual organs.
The mental state is described in the first
homeopathic text translated into English, Jahr’s
Manual, published in 1848: ŖMental languor, with
difficulty to collect oneřs thoughts Indifferent, sad
mood. Calm, sometimes even apathetic. Striking
melancholy, and irresistible want of disposition to talk,
with silent longing of a spiritual nature. Disposition to
weep. One feels vexed and even tired of life. Anxious
mood, with great fearfulness and tendency to start.
Great anguish and uneasiness.ŗ
It is listed in the Materia Medica under Agony,
desire for death; Instability of ideas; Indifference and
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 196
Insanity. BARTHEL, a modern author, lists Berberis
under Ailments from suppressed sexual desire;
Enjoyment absent (during sexual activity); Aversion to
coition; Orgasm delayed; Generally worse during and
after coition; and Premature aging.
Constantine HERING, the father of American
Homeopathy, wrote of Berberis: Ŗ[It has] suppressed
desire with long delayed thrill, and frequent cutting and
stitching in parts during coition. Complete want of
pleasurable sensations during coition. Coition is
painful. Indicated in Ovarian disease.ŗ
E.A. FARRINGTON mentions in his Clinical
Materia Medica of 1887, its usefulness in
inflammation of the peritoneum that lines the cavity of
the abdomen, also known as peritonitis and metritis,
which is inflammation of the uterus lining. It is
interesting to observe how early the homeopathic
physicians were far ahead of their time in being able to
objectively deal with sexuality and understand its
importance in human health and function. Though they
held that ethical behavior was an important aspect of a
healthy inner state, their ability to describe the
consequences of sexual diseases was coupled with a
realistic observation of human sexual experience.
The physical characteristics of Berberis vulgaris
are well documented. A modern author and good
friend, Matthew WOOD notes:
Ŗ(The pulse is described) in some patients as Řfull,
hard, and rapid.ř These are usually the more recent
cases where there are symptoms of fullness and heat:
swollen, hot, red tissues. In the more chronic patients
the pulse is more likely to be low, wiry and rapid; the
face is pallid, with sunken eyes surrounded by blue or
blackish circles, puffy underneath. In most of the cases
I have seen, the tongue was red, especially along the
edges, sometimes with yellow coating in the middle,
and often with red protuberances.ŗ
Besides the chronic urinary tract and liver
disorders, Berberis is known for treating Hemorrhoids
and anal fistulas, rheumatic problems with wandering
pains, and general fatigue or adrenal exhaustion.
Berberis vulgaris is in the same botanical family as
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) and Oregon Grape
(Berberis aquifolium or Mahonia). They all contain
high concentrations of Berberine, which is a botanical
active ingredient used for its antibiotic properties.
While such mechanical properties of Berberis are a
virtue, we see through developing our understanding of
the individual plant nature, that we can develop a deeper
understanding of the true healing properties of our
medicines.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
=================================
ŖAs our Institutions are, so are our
people. As the teacher is, so are our
students. We see these truths demonstrated
every day, as we study the internal workings
of our medical Institutions, and we meet
with the finished product of their teaching,
in the form of the yearly out-put of
graduates. In a brief period of time we see
the effect of the Alna Meter upon the people
with whom our graduates come into contact
Ŕ Ŗas our Institutions are, so are our
people.ŗ
We can only teach the people that
which we are taught. We heal our patients
as we are taught to heal them. The fount
and source is our sea-level Ŕ we seldom rise
higher.
….. The younger man of our Profession
stand greatly in need of acquaintance with
Hahnemannřs teachings and precepts so
wonderfully laid down in his Organon of
Medicine (yet so difficult for many to
understand), in order to apply the law of
cure ….ŗ
- Preface, J.H. Allenřs, The
Chronic Miasms….
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 197
PART III
(While Part II features articles from other journals, Part III contains the editorřs own contribution and other original
articles.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOOK SHELF
1. Materia Medica Revisa Homoeopathiae Ŕ Cina
von Peter MINDER. Klaus Henning GYPSER
(Hrsg.), Wunnibald Gypser Verlag, Glees 2010.
(German).
This Monograp is on Artemisia Cina first proved by
HAHNEMANN and published in Vol. I of the Materia
Medica Pura with 300 symptoms. In General Practice
most colleagues seem to have thought of this remedy
with reference to Ŗwormsŗ and we seldom read cases in
which it has been used for several other conditions
listed out in the MMP Ŕ may be sometimes in anger in
children.
However, in the course of time, much clinical
experience have accumulated. These are lying
scattered in different journals.
In the Monograph under review all these have been
collected and we find 890 symptoms. Several of these
have to be noted in the relevant rubrics and the inter-
leaved Materia Medica, for example Nose tip: cold.
It may not be out of place to point out to a very
interesting article in the British Homeopathic
Journal, Vol. 81, 1992 (pp.75 Ŕ 77) titled ŖThe children
of Chernobyl and Cinaŗ by L.G. VASILYEVA and
G.A. ZAKARCHENKO. The ŖChernobyl Nuclear
Reactor Disasterŗ happened in 1986. As a consequence
of exposure to radiation there have been pathologies.
The authors have said that in the 54 children under their
care who were exposed to the radiation, they found
Cina as the most often needed in these cases and it gave
good results. It has also been mentioned that the
ŘWormwoodř Artemisia Cina, is known locally as
ŘChernobylinkř, or simply Chernobyl in the Ukraine.
ŖWormwood was also considered to be helpful during
childbirth in Russia, the Caucasus and in China.
Moreover, this herb was supposed to be so powerful that
it could save from calamity not only an individual but
the whole country. Chernobyl (wormwood) helped my
people in fighting the epidemic of Cholera, in times of
famine it helped many to survive. To honour this herb,
the area of the Ukraine where Wormwood blossom, had
been called Chernobyl Later the word became a
symbol of reproach to humanity in the form of
Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Why is this? Is it
coincidence? Chance? But any chance when repeated
again and again becomes a regularity. Then, may be, it
is fate?ŗ
For the common complaints of these children Ŕ
upper respiratory tract infections, Chronic tonsillitis
Cholecystitis Ŕ Cholangitis, Headache Ŕ Cina was
prescribed in 46% of the cases, Calcarea carbonica
24%, Silicea is 20%; over-all health of these children
were very good.
I hope that homeopaths would be enthused Ŕ if
such a stimulation is necessary at all to some Ŕ to study
these Monographs and cure more persons. After all that
is the ŘCallingř of a homeopath.
K.S. SRINIVASAN.
2. Materia Medica Revisa Homöopathiae, Lac
caninum, von Dominik MÜLLER, Hrsg. Klaus-
Henning GYPSER, Wunnibald Gypser Verlag,
2008. ISBN 978-3-940940-04-09.
This monograph is in the series of revision of the
Materia Medica in the light of reliable sources, thus
correcting errors in the literature extant and, make it as a
reliable tool in the hands of the Classical Homeopathy
Practitioner:
Lac caninum - Dogřs milk
First Proving - Swan, S.
The exact source from which the milk was obtained
and the manner of preparation of the medicine has not
been given in any of the ŘProvingř Records. [However
Julian WINSTON has given in his Faces of
Homeopathy says that the milk was obtained from the
Cocker spaniel owned by Mrs. BAYARD, Ŗbecause of
its affection for human race is unusually strongŗ=KSS]
Duration of action : 725 days.
The interesting history of this great remedy is
briefly sketched. We have only a brief Introduction in
H.C. ALLENřs Nosodes. In this Monograph we have
more interesting and reliable information. One of the
earliest Provers was Dr. Laura Morgan who began the
Proving in 1871. Dr. Laura proved Lac caninum in CM
potency, and symptoms were observed for the following
eighteen months!
Dr. Dominik MÜLLER says that in the course of
the ŘRevisionř of Materia Medica of Lac caninum it
Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 3 & 4, 2010. For Private circulation only 198
was observed, as indeed in several instances, how
significance of clinical symptoms and the Proving
symptoms have been valued. The Guiding Symptoms
in respect of Lac caninum is full of clinical symptoms.
Dr. GYPSER has pointed out (Introduction to
ŘMateria Medica Revisa Homöopathiaeř series) how
important it is to discriminate between the Proving
symptoms and the purely Clinical Symptoms and
evaluation of the Clinical Symptoms. This is possible
only by accessing the Proving Symptoms. It is possible
that many failures occur because of applying unverified
or improper entries in the Repertories.
A very carefully researched and compiled
Monograph after carefully studying and sifting through
more than 125 sources! Laudable work; to be used in
day to day Practice.
K.S. SRINIVASAN.
3. Ein homöopathisches Patientennetzwerk
im Herzogtum Anhalt-Bernburg. (A
homoeopathic Patients Network in the Dukedom
Anhalt-Bernburg) BUSCHE Jens (Karl E Haug
Verlag, Stuttgart, 2008 (German).
This is 11
th
book in the Quellen und Studien zur
Homöopathiegeschichte Series which is brought out by
the Institute for History of Medicine of the Robert
Bosch Foundation, Stuttgart with Dr Robert JÜTTE as
the Director of the Institute
This book covers the family of KERSTEN and his
near relations during the years 1831 Ŕ 1835, when
Samuel HAHNEMANN was practicing in Koethen.
The study is in 7 chapters.
The 1
st
chapter is Introduction.
The 2
nd
Chapter describes HAHNEMANNřs daily
Practices during his period in Koethen. During the
period, he brought out new Editions of his basic
textbooks and Materia Medica and Chronic Diseases.
It was from Koethen that in 1831 he gave out to the
world through several publication on prevention as well
as cure of the Cholera Epidemic.
The third Chapter gives the biographical details of
the family of KERSTEN.
The dietetic instructions of HAHNEMANN during
his treatment are discussed in chapter 4. Here are
discussed fresh air, light, walking in the open, food, etc.
The instructions HAHNEMANN gave his patients
through his several letters are also studied here.
Sixth Chapter is titled ŖHomeopathic Foreign
therapiesŗ by Chamber President BRAUN and Dr. med.
WÜRZLER of the family of KERSTEN
The seventh Chapter is a Summary.
There is a detailed Annexe containing the key to the
abbreviations used by HAHNEMANN, latin references,
details of the personalities named in the book,
chronology of prescriptions, dietetic questions as well as
other related remarks in respect of each of the family of
KERSTEN.
The book is not only of historic interest but also
discusses the problems presented by the patients and
how HAHNEMANN managed them.
K.S.SRINIVASAN.
========================================
Anecdote No. IV.
I was speaking with Dr. SIRCAR one day when a man came to
his place and interviewed him. He piteously entreated him to come
over to his residence and see his son who was very ill.
As Dr. SIRCAR had been in indifferent health at that time, he
could not go. The father of the patient wanted to know from him
whether his son Dr. Amrita Lal SIRCAR, L.M.S., F.C.S. would prove
to be a fit one for the purpose.
Dr. SIRCAR instantly replied that he could not say one way or
the other; he could not place implicit reliance upon his own
prescriptions in some cases even and so it would not be possible for
him to recommend his son simply on the ground of his being his own
son. He advised the gentleman to exercise his own judgment in the
matter of selection of a physician for his sonřs illness.
Dr. SIRCAR never, on any occasion, tried to push forward the
claims and merit of his own son who happened to be one of the
leading and learned homeopaths of the city. Dr. SIRCAR possessed
such a transparent, clean and pure conscience that he always acted up
to its dictates.
This call of conscience always dominated over him and led him
to perform his every-day duties and responsibilities as a busy medical
practitioner and as an over-worked public man.
Anecdote No. V.
Many patients flocked to his house daily for his professional
advice when he gave up active practice on account of illness.
However, he was not so very ill as to be unable to prescribe, but he
made it a habit and principle not to see any case at that time.
One day a rich Marwari came to his place and asked him to
examine his son and prescribe a suitable medicine. He told Dr.
SIRCAR that he would gladly pay him Rs.1000/- only for that dayřs
prescription. My readers would be surprised to hear that no amount
of persuation could induce Dr. SIRCAR to accede to his request on
the ground of his fixed principle. He told the Marwari gentleman that
his tempting offer would not act as an incentive to forget and to
violate his fixed principle. The principal ground of his refusal was
that, as a physician, he had many moral duties to observe for the
welfare of his patient which he would not be in a position to do for the
Marwari gentlemanřs son. And moreover he would be bound by the
rules of ethics to prescribe for a poor patient as well if he would break
his principle and yield in favour of the gentleman mentioned above.
[From ŖLife of Dr. Mahendra Lal SIRCARŗ, by S.C. GHOSE]
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