44

PART II

(This section contains abstracts/extracts from selected articles; even the entire article in some cases)

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I. THE ONE-BERRY*

LEVY DAVID, (Simillima 1, 2/1993)

The following two cases represent my entire

experience with a particular remedy. I will give a

summary of each case before we discuss them. Then I

would like to propose a model/image/situation of the

remedy.

The case of Joshua

I had the occasion a few years ago to be asked by

Joshua, a young student of mine, for assistance with a

chronic sinusitis condition. He had suffered this for

many years and had once tried Homœopathy.

Unsuccessful, he depended upon an increasing dose and

variety of antihistamines. More recently he had

returned to Sydney from a visit to Canada. Whilst

abroad, he contracted measles, lost a great deal of

weight and was suffering from persistent night sweats.

These sweats, occurring 3 to 4 nights per week were

profuse, drenching his bed-sheets some nights. He was

distressed about these.

Prejudiced?

The difficulty I found in taking Joshua’s case was

that as he was a student of mine I had developed

preconceived ideas about him. He had sat at the front of

the lecture room for over a year, making remarks

through his nasal voice, a handkerchief never far from

his hands. He was the sort of fellow who always had a

remark to make and was usually the first to make it,

regardless of the topic or question under discussion. It

was not always an opinion he had to offer. Sometimes

it was a personal anecdote he felt he had to share with

the entire room of students and myself. At times his

remarks were silly, smug or slightly childish. For

example, he would joke about a patient’s symptoms,

often serious, in which no one else could find any

humour. He would remark that I was wearing the same

trousers or shoes that I had worn the previous week, in a

tone of voice loud enough and “smart” enough for all to

hear.

At other times he could be blatantly rude, usually to

his colleagues. For example he could react suddenly

and critically to a comment or opinion forwarded by any

of his colleagues. I had always found this unusual as

he was almost the youngest member of the group. Over

and above these observations, Joshua was clearly a

“chatterbox”, a talker. He could talk and talk at length

often changing the subject and seldom stopping to draw

breath. One almost sensed that he enjoyed listening to

himself speaking.

Interview

In taking his case no questions were asked. Joshua

came well prepared with many stories to tell. He spoke

willingly and at length of his childhood. He is the only

child from a very comfortable middle class Canadian

family. Why he is the only child is not clear. He boasts

that he was “the best” at many sports, activities and in

many subjects, speaks French and English fluently, was

the captain of this and that team. This competitiveness

was also apparent from his behavior in the lecture room.

He takes great pride in telling me these things,

becoming quite excited as he recalls a particular game

or a certain prize that he received. He seems to glow in

describing these details, speaking more quickly and at

times a little incoherently in spite of my attempt to ask

him to go on to something else.

By his own admission Joshua never wanted for

anything: “I had all the toys, games, equipment and

holidays that any kid could want”. Being an only child,

he spent long periods alone, with his parents or in

predominantly adult company. Consequently he had

developed quite strong ideas of his own from a

relatively early age. Joshua says that he never felt

alone, lonely or without friends and that he always had a

healthy idea of himself, which for a young man of 21

seemed extremely self-assured. He was a little

concerned that he may be a late developer as he was

currently having his first relationship with a young

woman. Before evaluating Joshua, the second case.

The case of Patsy

I had been seeing 62 year old Patsy for some time

regarding a chronic sinus condition. I was at the stage

of referring Patsy to another homœopath as the remedies

selected had been ineffective. Patsy had 2 operations

for this condition and as a consequence of the second

operation she suffered severe neuralgia in the left side

of the face. She had used various allopathic drugs and

still depended on analgaesics. Patsy had a constant

post nasal catarrh and was always trying to clear mucus

from the throat and larynx. With effort, she brought up

a tough sticky greenish mucous but never felt that it was

all expelled. So she is always hawking and hemming.

45

Patsy is a talker in the highest degree. My secretary

remarks that “Patsy is never quiet from the moment she

sits down in the waiting room until the moment she

leaves. She talks of her troubles and complaints and

always seems dissatisfied. She hardly stops to breathe

and goes from one thing to the next”. This nagging

loquacity extended to numerous unnecessary telephone

calls, sometimes at my home. In Patsy’s mind there

were always good reasons for the call, yet it was often

nothing more than a delirious ramble or a repetition to

things she may have told me only hours before in the

clinic. At length she talked always of herself.

Patsy described a very happy childhood, secure and

content. As an only child she mixed mainly with adults

and says that her needs and desires were usually met

without delay. She had a marriage that somehow lasted

for 20 years. “It was a charmed marriage at first but

soured very quickly. He was an academic and was

always far too busy to attend to me”. According to her

daughter (my patient) however, “Mum drove dad mad

with all her chatter and demands, mocking and

criticizing him, contemptuous of his achievements. She

could be like a spoiled child if she didn’t get what she

wanted immediately”. Patsy divorced and had lived

alone for over 20 years.

Patsy had no dreams of any significance. She said

however, that she had a habit of waking from a dream

thinking that she was not in her own home and feeling

very alone. This happened repeatedly. I implored her

to remember her dreams but she could not. I felt this to

be a curious part of her case but was unsure as to how or

where it fitted.

Evaluating Joshua

In evaluating this case, I felt that the information

Joshua provided, did little to change my prior

observations of him. This concerned me. I wondered at

the validity of my observations and felt doubtful

whether I had enough objective information on which to

prescribe.

Of two characteristic symptoms I felt certain:

1. Loquacity, changing quickly from one subject to

another

2. Haughty

These two symptoms pointed to Lachesis and

Lycopodium yet hardly seemed sufficient upon which

to prescribe. To be sure I looked at each remedy.

Lachesis: Loquacious; haughty; egotism; boasts

Lycopodium: haughty; egotism; contempt; rudeness.

Interesting though both of these were, Joshua

seemed to lack the essential state of both of these

remedies. He did not seem truly driven, jealous, or

suspicious like Lachesis. Nor did he manifest any of the

fears, inadequacy or insecurity that we usually

encounter in Lycopodium. It was possible that these

qualities had already been heavily compensated, in

which case what I perceived may well have been the

opposite of his true nature. In any case I was not

satisfied and asked Joshua to wait.

I gave the case some thought. The main things that

intrigued me and that I felt to be significant were:

1. Joshua’s loquacity, the ease and pleasure in his

talking.

2. The silly/foolish remarks he was capable of

making.

3. The almost unreserved or blatant egotism which he

displayed most of the time.

My conviction was that these characteristics would

lead me in the direction of the remedy. On examining

the Synthetic Repertory, to my delight, I came to the

following small rubrics:

1. Loquacity, self-satisfied

2. Talking, pleasure in his own

3. Egotism, speaking always about themselves in

company

Please refer to these rubrics. I had already

eliminated Lachesis and I did not see Joshua in any

measure needing Stramonium, Nat-m or Staph (In fact

he had had both Nat-m and Staph from the previous

homœopath without reaction). What emerged from

these 3 small rubrics was Paris quadrifolia, a remedy of

which I knew almost nothing and had never prescribed.

Closer application to the S.R. revealed the following

symptoms:

- Loquacity, changing quickly from one subject to

another/cheerfull,

exuberant/foolish/insane/vivacious

- Foolish behavior

- Speech foolish/incoherent

- Childish behavior

- Mocking

- Egotism

- Haughty

- Rudeness

- Censorious

- Contemptuous

Phatak says of Paris quad: Garrulous loquacity;

loquacious mania; silly conduct; inclination to treat

others with rudeness and contempt.

I gave Joshua a dose of Paris Quad 200 and asked

him to avoid antihistamines. Within a week he reported

two profuse nightsweats but each other night he was dry

and slept well. After three weeks the sweats had

completely ceased and he felt great relief. This seemed

to me to be a very positive indication of the remedy’s

action. After 6 weeks, he reported that his chronic

sinusitis was improving. The stuffy fullness at the root

46

of his nose was less but the discharge was more profuse,

“which feels good because I can breathe” he said. At

the same time, my observation of him in lectures was

that although still loquacious he was more controlled,

less foolish with fewer anecdotal or egotistical

outbursts. Seldom were these outbursts now rude,

foolish or contemptuous. However alone in

consultation he was still garrulous. The tendency to

egotistical talk of himself now seemed to confined in a

way to the “company” of one person, in this case

myself. At this point, after 8 weeks, I prescribed a

second dose of Paris 200. Three weeks later his

condition was altogether clear and he was pleased. In

the past 18 months I have given Joshua one further dose

when his sinus condition began to recur during very

changeable weather.

Evaluating Patsy

I had tried and failed with no less than 3 remedies.

It occurred to me that I may be prejudiced by a feeling

of frustration with her constant talking, or, perhaps I

needed to be “literal”, more direct in my assessment. So

I opted for a literal interpretation and found the

following rubrics.

- Delirium, loquacious

- Loquacity, changing quickly…

- Loquacity, self satisfied

- Loquacity, insane

- Childish behavior

- Censorious

- Contemptuous

- Mocking

- Reproaches others

- Talking, pleasure in his own

These all appeared to me a literal interpretation. I

was curious however about this state Patsy would find

herself in when she awoke from dreams. It had to be

significant, as it occurred at many stages in her life with

equal intensity. I thought that Delusion, strange land,

as if in a (SR 359) was a reasonable choice. This

contains Bry, Par, Plat, Verat. After a more thorough

search I found Delusion, places, (at night on waking)

finding himself in strange and solitary p. (SR 337).

Only Paris appears in this sub rubric. Although this

does not help us to account for the dreams, it describes

very closely the state Patsy was in when she awoke,

feeling both that she was alone and as though not in her

own home. With this sub rubric in its favour I was

willing to give Patsy this remedy.

I gave Patsy one dose of Paris and sac lac. The

result was astonishing. In a week she informed me that

the neuralgia in the left side of her face was better. No

pain at all in the left eye. After 4 weeks great relief in

her face and sinus condition. Far less hemming and

hawking. She was less garrulous. My secretary

observed that she arrived, sat down and read a magazine

until the time for her appointment. In consultation, she

was still ready and willing to find fault but conceded

there had been great improvement, “though I am not

cured”. I allowed a further month to pass with sac lac,

during which her condition deteriorated slightly so I

repeated a dose. Three weeks after the second dose,

Patsy responded that she was physically well.

Significantly, I had not had a telephone call from her

during the entire 7 week period. There was no further

mention of waking from dreams. Last time I saw

Patsy’s daughter she remarked that her mother was in

fine form.

A proposed model/Image/Situation of Paris

quadrifolia

Although I have only prescribed the remedy twice.

I have seen it act deeply and promptly. In each case:

- Joshua and Patsy were both only children

- They felt that they had quite happy upbringings

- Talking, pleasure in their own

- Selfsatisfied loquacity

- Contemptuous and censorious disposition

Whilst two cases is hardly a significant sample. I

would like to suggest the following points in an effort to

better understand this remedy.

Paris quadrifolia, the only child:

- Spend much time alone, therefore talk to

themselves a lot

- Very familiar with the sound of their own

voice

- Always heard and attended to, so become

spoiled and pampered

- Without the lonely/forsaken reaction of other

only children

- No brothers or sisters, therefore no rivalry

- Perhaps the child who has much older siblings,

so they are like only children

- As only children, mostly in adult company

- Mixing in adult company, develop early

egotism, becoming rather adult at an early age,

hence may be precocious

- Early egotism could be seen in talking about

themselves, pleasure in their own voice or

silly/foolish behavior

- The adult Paris therefore behaves

inappropriately, as the only child (adult)

- Such inappropriate behavior might include

being foolish/silly/childish/loquacious, or

rude/haughty/egotistical/censorious/contemptu

ous. Either way Paris Quad will be loquacious

47

and this will be a pleasurable, “selfsatisfied”

loquacity.

I look forward to hear of your experiences with this

remedy and gratefully appreciate comments and

discussion.

David Levy

3/100 Bronte Road

Bondi Junction 2022

Australia.

*this paper was presented as an offering to a

Symposium held in the countryside of England in May

’93 for an international group of 16 homœopaths (from

Norway, India, Australia, Holland, Germany and

England).

Discussion

After this presentation at the Symposium there was

a small discussion about Paris Q. in which a.o. the

parallel between the only child and the common name

of Paris: “the one-berry” was remarked.

Jayesh from Bombay related a short case of Paris: a

man (fruit-seller) with knee-joint problems (giving

way); very much complaining about the knee but

everything else in life is o.k. No tension, happy life,

content. He speaks “big” in everything. He sells “big

apples, big fruit", speaking about “big hospitals and a

big doctor”. Everything big. (Rubrics: Delusion,

enlarged, distances are/head/objects). A peculiar

physical in this case was that massage of the knee would

produce flatus which ameliorated.

Jan SCHOLTEN remarked that in his experience

Paris lacks any self reflection, there is no mirror. They

are full of themselves, cannot see their own role.

Rajan SANKARAN remarked the resemblance

with Hyoscyamus who is also attracting attention by

loquacity and foolishness; but in Hyos there is a very

strong “suffered wrong feeling” and jealousy which

seems to be missing in Paris. Paris seems to be the

only child, so there is no rivalry or jealousy. There is no

companionship of other children and the only way to

attract the attention of grown-up company is by

loquacity and silliness, that is his way to “fit in”.

******************************************

II. i. General Review of The Present Homœopathic

Treatment Of Cancer

Dr.FORTIER-BERNOVILLE

(HOMŒOPATHIC RECORDER, VOL. LII,

1937, JAN. No.1, P.3)

To patients and even to physicians Cancer gives the

impression of being the most terrible scourge, which is

fatal, pitiless, irremediable as soon as it fixes its

signature on the human being. That isn’t always so.

[There is a book which got an award “The Emperor of

All Maladies Cancers” A Biography of Cancer by

Siddhartha MUKHERJEE”. I have read a ‘leading

homœopathic doctor. Who justified his technique

because Cancer is rapid and there is no time to wait. I

have also read another ‘leader’ who wrote “not be in a

hurry. Cancer will not rush overnight; so you take time

to think and analyse and pick the remedy carefully. If

the disease is such a killer, it will kill and you cannot

stop it by your hasty prescriptions.” = KSS]. Each of the

therapeutic methods employed against Cancer has really

shown itself capable of curing indisputable cases, and

even in certain circumstances, though they are rare, one

has seen malignant tumors not only remain stationary

but even regress and sometimes disappear. However, it

is impossible to make use of these facts for the future

because of their inconstancy.

The same holds true for classical homœopathy.

Some good Homœopathic practitioners, as well as some

empiricists, after having treated several hundred cases

of Cancer, have been able to boast, with truth, that they

have been able to cure some of these cases. We can

admit it, even after excluding the doubtful cases or those

unproved because of a lacking biopsy. But one cannot

depend on these for they are isolated accomplishments.

The properly called Homœopathic treatment can be

useful in Cancer, however, be it to retard the

progression of the Cancer, be it to palliate against the

pains, be it opposed, finally, to the general intoxication,

not only in the phase of the confirmed Cancer but

especially in the pretumoral phase, prophylactic

treatment of Cancer or the cure of the precancerous

state. [I would like to draw attention to a great book by

a great German doctor, Dr. Emil SCHLEGAL of

Tübingen ‘Die Krebskrankheit – Ihre Natur und ime

Heilmittel’, Hippokrates-Verlag, Stuttgart, 1927. He

gives a number of cases successfully treated. This is

followed by another smaller book by Dr. Emil

SCHLEGAL ‘Hoffnung für Krebsterdorke’ (Hope for

Cancer patients), by Johannes Verlag, Rozenburg 1929.

The books are based on the author’s personal

experiences = KSS].

However, modern homœopaths, knowing that it is

necessary to add more efficacious arms to their

traditional arsenal, have been orienting themselves for

twenty or thirty years in a channel of specific treatment:

nosodes, tumor extracts, isotherapy, dilutions of

products, various discovered organisms in the cancerous

masses, whatever their significance may be (generators

of lesions or saprophytes only).

48

Successively, we shall study:

1. The properly called Homœopathic

treatment.

2. The different specific and isopathic

methods which are associated to

Homœopathy.

I. HOMŒOPATHIC TREATMENT

Actually then, the great directing idea of the

officials is that cancer is a disease, firstly local, which

then generalizes itself, which is only grave because of

this generalization and invasion of the body. That which

is called the precancerous state exists only in so much

local irritation, or the isolated organic inflammation can

be the cause for cancer (for example, a proctitis

determining a favorable state for the birth of a rectal

Cancer, a Uterine Polyp degenerating into a Uterine

Epithelioma, etc.). Consequence: it is essential to fight

these local inflammations, and act aggressively on the

tumoral element in order to destroy it (be it by radiation

or surgical intervention). The main argument which

appears to favor this belief is the relative rarity of

relapses of Cancers in aggressively treated cases and the

exception of cases of primitive tumors appearing

successively in different organs in the same patient.

On the contrary, homœopaths believe, in general,

and other colleagues hold equally to this idea, that there

not only exists at the same time but especially for some

time before the appearance of a tumor, a general

constitutional state or generator of Cancer. The local

irritation acts only as a focus of localization; it is a thorn

due to disturbances of regional tropism (tissue or

organ). Consequence: Know the signs of the

precancerous state in order to treat the body before the

appearance of the Tumor and treat the general state as

well as the cancer during or after the latter. The valuable

argument in favor of this idea is the possibility of

obtaining occasionally a remission or an amelioration,

which is only temporary, by acting on the general state

and via internal channels.

In reality, if certain officials are strangely blind

when they refuse to admit the existence of an already

deficient general state in a clinically pretumoral phase,

certain traditional homœopaths, especially foreigners,

are mistaken, in our opinion, when they neglect the

extreme importance of the local factor in Cancer as in

other affections.

To clarify our demonstration let us take another

example: an Abscess or phlegmon. Before the

appearance of the suppuration one can prove that there

exists in the general state of the subject warning

disturbances: suppurative tendency; the smallest wound

is infected very easily, the patient is fatigued, there

often exists cytological transformations etc. Then the

abscess forms. At this moment local signs appear and

assume more and more the first position over the signs

of general disturbance unless the abscess is opened and

the pus exteriorized. In this case, general treatment is

useful before and after; the abscess ought to be

associated with local measures in the suppurative phase.

There is likewise in Cancer a rational local

treatment whose object is the tumoral destruction, be it

by irradiation or better still by operative oblation, be it

by local application of homœopathic remedies, it should

be practiced each time this is possible, for without that

the treatment of general detoxification is shown to be

insufficient in the greater part of the cases.

It is then necessary to envisage Homœopathic

treatment from two aspects:

General (remedies to be prescribed in the

precancerous state as well as during the tumoral phase

or after it).

Local (treatment only possible in the actual Cancer

period).

A. General Treatment

This is composed of:

1.Constitutional remedies

2.Cancer remedies

3.Drainage and canalization remedies (This

subject is discussed in articles appearing in the

J.A.I.H. for July, 1936. S.A.K.)

I. CONSTITUTIONAL REMEDIES

Numerous polychrests, habitually employed as

remedies of morbid constitutions, called “basic

remedies” or improperly “constitutional remedies” are

quite often indicated in cancerous and precancerous

patients. As elsewhere, they can also be prescribed in

the greater part of the chronic diseases, as

HAHNEMANN described them. That it may be a

question of Psora, that state so difficult to define yet so

easily recognized; that it may be a question of Sycosis

in other cases; that Psora is identifiable, according to

NEBEL, with hereditary Tuberculosis (with infections

of intestinal origin for other authors); that it determines

in the subject a state called tuberculinique or

pretuberculous in others, or a precancerous diathesis in

others, we should only note that, habitually, it is the

same great basic remedies which should be prescribed

in the first place. Our object here is only a practical one,

namely, to present a general view of the treatment of

Cancer, and it is not an etiologic or pathogenic

investigation.

Thus we find that depending on age, sex, race, soil,

climate, habits of life, alimentation, morphology, there

are a thousand shades, which lend these remedies an

extraordinary polymorphism. It is also true that Thuja,

49

Lachesis, Iodium, Silicea, Lycopodium, Sulphur, Sepia,

Petroleum, the Calcareas, the Kalis, the Natrums,

Carbo vegetabilis and animalis, Graphites, Causticum,

Arsenicum album, Phosphorus, Mercurius, Nitric acid,

Nux vomica, Ignatia, shall present themselves

judiciously to our minds as most often characterizing

the morbid state of our patients. They are for us protean

remedies, for precise personalities, which are multiple

facetted, variable. They can be described in a different

fashion, but as true as any other, as characterizing

certain hereditary psoric states in the child,

tuberculinique in every age but especially in the young

subject (child, adolescent, young adult): or

precancerous psoric or precancerous sycotic states in

adults and mature people or in the aged who frequently

present associations of Sycosis and Psora.

We lack the space required to describe in a detailed

manner the precancerous state as it is manifested in

Thuja, Lachesis, Sulphur, etc., as we have previously

done for the tuberculinique or tuberculous state

(General View of the Present Homœopathic Treatment

of Pulmonary Tuberculosis, L’Homœopathie Moderne,

Nov.15, 1932). The reader should refer to the Materia

Medica, which is the premier source of all

Homœopathic knowledge. Let us limit ourselves by

giving only several practical indications of the value of

these remedies, which are habitually employed in high

potency in the precancerous or even cancerous state.

THUJA: This is the king of Hahnemann’s Sycosis,

the diathesis which is productive of Neoplasms, that are,

most often benign. These are Warts, Condylomata,

Vegetations, Naevi, etc. Sycosis supervenes upon a

genital infection, especially Gonorrhoea, or after

repeated vaccinations which are toxic to the body,

especially Jennerian antivariolar vaccination.

Thuja is in the first rank of remedies for the

precancerous state. In high potencies it is wise to repeat

it rarely, since it can be dangerous and occasionally

even precipitate a subject toward a cancerous

localization.*

1

In reality, Thuja can also act with success in the

confirmed Cancer if the latter isn’t too intensely

malignant, and if the tumor is still localized. In such

cases it can be used for Cancer of the breast

(degenerated Adenoma) and for the cutaneous

epitheliomata. In such cases one may be mistaken,

perhaps, in prescribing it in too high potencies. Thuja 6

repeated often would appear to act more favorably in

certain cutaneous Cancers, especially in cancroids.

LACHESIS: This is also a constitutional remedy of

the first order for the precancerous and starting cancer

cases. This is especially so in females approaching the

*

1

Generally speaking, the French writers consider the

200th and 1M are “high”.-S.A.K.

fifth decade, following a period of glandular and

circulatory disturbances affecting the Thyroid, Ovaries

and Liver. These disturbances are often accompanied by

vertigo, flashes of heat, palpitations, general

hyperaesthesia (cannot tolerate anything tied about the

neck, chest or waist) and often, arterial hypertension. If

there exists a bloody discharge the latter ameliorates the

patient (especially the periods). If, on the other hand,

there is a cessation of the discharge the condition is

aggravated (menopause).

In other cases and regardless of sex, the

precancerous Lachesis case is intoxicated (alcohol) or

jaded. The latter’s intensive creative efforts or inventive

researches have profoundly disturbed the humors and

destroyed the reserves of nervous energy.

Lachesis even acts well in certain Cancers, in high

potencies, and without appearing dangerous as Thuja is,

even if it is repeated often. Its action is more general on

the intoxication of cancerous origin. Thuja has a more

localizing action.

IODIUM: This is complementary to Thuja, which

is also its antidote. Patient is debilitated, weak and

wastes very rapidly in spite of his good appetite. He has

the tendency to produce new connective tissues and

hard glandular growths (Breasts, Uterus, Lymphatic

glands, Thyroid, etc.,). One must not neglect to

prescribe it for it often has a favorable action on the

weight and even on the tumoral element, which it can

cause to regress, or whose induration and invasive

tendency it will diminish.

SILICEA: This remedy is also related to Thuja and

Iodium. It acts especially on the connective tissues in

which, according to RIBBERT, modifications often

occur before epithelial neoformation. Lauded by

ZELLER, FARGAS and other authors, it is suitable for

the precancerous or cancerous diathesis. It can be

prescribed in cicatricial degenerations (Cheloids,

analogous action to Flouric acid) and especially in

sclerosing tendencies with the production of new

fibrous tissues. If Thuja is mentally obsessed, Iodium a

depressed melancholic and anxious type, Silicea is a

hypersensitive anxious type who is also capable of

possessing fixed ideas.

It is essential often to employ it in middle potencies

in tumors and high potencies in the pretumoral phase.

FARGAS also used Silicic acid in hypodermic

injections, he claims with success, in several cases of

Cancer. Like Iodium, Silicea is demineralized and

wastes very rapidly.

LYCOPODIUM: Antipsoric like Calcarea

carbonica and Sulphur, Lycopodium evolutes toward

Cancer through its hepatic insufficiency. Its action

fortifies against the precancerous state. In confirmed

Cancer it barely has any value since it has no power

50

over the tumoral element as have Thuja, Iodium or

Silicea.

If the hepatic insufficiency is great it should be

cautiously employed in low potencies for even the 30th

has often shown itself to be dangerous, in cases of

hepatic blockage. It is here that the necessity for a good

preliminary general drainage makes itself felt.

The Lycopodium subject who becomes cancerous

will localize his tumor preferentially on the liver,

stomach or intestine.

SULPHUR: King of HAHNEMANN’s antipsorics,

Sulphur ought to be reserved for the pretumoral state. It

has no favorable action in a confirmed Cancer, even at

the start, and can even be dangerous in this case by

favoring the propagation of neoplastic cells and the

wasting. On the contrary, it is essential to know that it is

to be prescribed at times among these patients, generally

hypertensives, whose general arterial hypertension is

accompanied by an intense portal congestion, which is

both arterial and venous. This relieves bleeding

haemorrhoids. This abdominal arteriovenous

hypertension is the prelude of a Cancer, which will

preferably localize itself in the digestive tract or in an

abdominal viscus. In these cases an untimely local

treatment, as in stopping bleeding haemorrhoids, can be

very dangerous.

SEPIA: The morbid personality of Sepia is often

noted in subjects in whom Cancer is imminent. This

remedy, like Sulphur and Lycopodium, acts favorably

on a disturbed general state, but not on a tumoral

element. It is characterized by a venous portal

hypertension, the abdominal congestion predominating

especially in the pelvis, and is not accompanied, as in

Sulphur, by an arterial participation. The atony

determines ptoses and the “bearing down” sensations.

The endocrinal disturbances (liver, adrenals, genitalia)

cause the characteristic facies and the cutaneous

pigmentary modifications.

Untreated, Sepia will develop rather toward a

Cancer of the pelvis - uterus, rectum, sigmoid colon,

prostate.

PETROLEUM: This remedy is allied to Sulphur. It

is curious to observe the cancerous tendency of

Petroleum or of Benzol and the derivatives of the oil

(Pix liquida and the aniline compounds as I have

already recorded). All these products act rather on the

neoplastic tendency of the skin. Petroleum has cracks <

in winter, by cold. Its intolerance for cabbages is

accompanied by digestive disturbances and errors of

treatment. It can also develop toward a neoplasm of the

digestive mucosa as well as toward cutaneous Cancer.

Petroleum directs itself toward surface Cancers (skin,

mucosa) and not toward bulky cancers (glands).

THE CALCAREAS: Of the three great calcium

salts, Calcarea flourica, is the only one which exhibits a

neoplastic element. It confers on glands or connective

tissue a stony induration. It is related to Silicea. It acts

as well in breast and uterine cancers as in those in other

organs. Calcarea phosphorica has hardly any action

either in Cancer or in the precancerous state. Calcarea

carbonica -- HAHNEMANN’s great antipsoric – is

rather indicated among the precancerous hypothyroids,

hypersensitive to cold and chilly, with flaccid muscles

and integumet, malnourished, invaded by adipose tissue.

Blood-clotting times is increased. (Joseph Roy in his

blood examinations has demonstrated the frequency of

too rapid clotting in Cancer and precancerous cases.)

The subject wastes rapidly after an initial phase of false

plethora and fatty invasion. Calcarea carbonica can

materialize, therapeutically, the demineralizing factor in

Cancer. It can act selectively on the glandular

hypertrophy. In suspicious and indolent ulcerations, in

engorgement of lymph glands, Calcarea iodata will be

indicated. Calcarea oxalica should act on the pains in

ulcerating Cancers.

THE KALIS: It is known that there exists in Cancer

disturbances of potassium metabolism as well as those

of calcium, sodium and magnesium. To tell the truth,

the Kalis are remedies of secondary importance in

confirmed Cancer. However, the precancerous cases

often require Kali carbonicum (weakness, chills, lumbar

pains, sweats, wasting) or of Kali bichromicum (gastric

or pyloric ulcer which can develop into malignant

degeneration; sluggish ulcerations, indolent, with

perpendicular borders, thick discharges, viscous and

flowing gently). But we shall think especially of Kali

iodatum because of its selective action on the infiltrated

connective tissue and on the hypertrophied glands

especially after Syphilis. Kali arsenicum in inveterate

skin diseases with fissures and malignant tendency. Kali

cyanatum in lingual Cancer.

THE NATRUMS: Natrum muriaticum corresponds

much more to the tuberculinique state than to the

precancerous state. However, among decalcified

subjects it is occasionally indicated. Natrum

sulphuricum is suitable to the sycotic and hydrogenoid

states, sensitive to damp cold, in which the association

of Sycosis and Psora can prepare the birth of a

malignant tumor.

THE CARBOS: Carbo vegetabilis, for deficient

vitality, for deficient oxygenation and nutrition,

presenting a gastrointestinal atony already old and

stubborn, may be indicated in Cancer (especially

digestive) or the precancerous state. But Carbo animalis

is one of the best remedies for the established tumor;

hard tumor, indurated and swollen lymphatic glands,

subcutaneous venous distention, bluish discoloration of

infiltrated tissues, burning pains, gastric flatulence. It

has an especial selective action on the breast or stomach

Cancer and merits special mention not only for its

51

beneficial effects often on the general state (gain of

weight or temporary arrest of wasting) but also for its

action on the tumor itself which regresses, becomes less

hard with amelioration of pains.

GRAPHITES: Subject is extremely psoric, very

chilly, oozing eruptions, obstinate constipation.

Graphites can characterize, in certain cases, the

precancerous state with tendency to induration of tissues

and degeneration of cicatrices.

CAUSTICUM: Very clearly this other antipsoric, at

the same time sycotic, often veers toward Cancer:

emaciation, dirty yellow color, terrified aspect, tendency

to facial warts, etc. in Causticum, as in other remedies,

the mental signs often are of great importance in order

to characterize and individualize the patient; the

precancerous subject frequently presents a weakened

morale, sadness, obsessions, fear of the future, anguish,

exaggeration of the sensitivity; likewise, the mental type

of Causticum (hypersensitive, altruistic, sadness) or of

Thuja (fixed ideas) of Iodium (anxiety) and other

remedies shall have to be considered in the choice of the

basic remedy.

ARSENICUM ALBUM: Very important and often

indicated, Arsenicum, by its prostration, alternating or

coexisting with a certain agitation, by its burning pains,

> by heat, its characteristic horary, clearly

individualizes many confirmed cancer cases to whom it

will often bring a temporary amelioration, transitory or

slightly prolonged, as in very weak precancerous

subjects. Selective action on the cancroids (with Thuja

and Cinnabaris).

PHOSPHORUS: Poorly known, this remedy can

clearly act with success before the tumoral phase when

the degeneration of a gland and its nuclei is yet hardly

delineated, Phosphorus has first a selective action on

the higher tissues in contrast to Silicea, its

complementary, which presents an efficacity for

interstitial tissues. It is especially in hepatic and

pancreatic cancer that Phosphorus appears. Although of

secondary importance, it is worthy of attention.

MERCURIUS: By its nocturnal aggravation, its

engorgement of lymphatic glands, its bleeding

ulcerations, its prostration, its sweats, its oral fetor,

Mercurius and its salts can be retained in Cancer which

is localized on a part of the digestive tract, especially if

it follows a former Syphilis. The most interesting of the

mercury salts is Cinnabaris (or Mercurius sulphuratus

ruber) in condylomata, which may or may not be

degenerated.

NITRIC ACID: Let us remember of this remedy,

complementary to Mercurius and Calcarea carbonica,

its tendency to fissures and painful ulcerations

(sensation of fine needles), the debility, the

demineralization, the progressive wasting and thinning.

It is to be thought of, then, in confirmed Cancer in

which it can act, if not on the general state, at least on

the painful element.

NUX VOMICA and IGNATIA: Finally, these two

strychnias, which are not, properly speaking, remedies

for the precancerous state. They merit mention,

however, because of the frequency and importance of

their mental signs and the beneficial action they are

capable of establishing in the neuro-vegetative system

and morale of our patients who are cancerous or have a

cancerous tendency.

Such are the principal constitutional remedies we

ought to review. The dilutions in which they ought to be

employed are variable enough. In a general way, the

high potencies will be reserved for the precancerous

state; the low and middle potencies for the confirmed

Cancers.

Let us hasten to add that the results obtained with

these remedies alone are very uncertain, the cases of

real cure very rare, simple amelioration very variable in

confirmed neoplasms. On the other hand, in multiple

precancer cases success is frequent. Unfortunately, it is

actually impossible, error or criterium and certainty, to

give proof of such accomplishments. The practitioner is

deeply convinced of it. It is an impression valuable to

himself alone.

3. THE PROPERLY CALLED CANCER

REMEDIES

They are very numerous in the classical

Homœopathic arsenal. We shall study them very briefly

by classifying them a little arbitrarily into several

groups for the convenience of our work

A. The Most Habitual Remedies. These are the

ones, which have revealed themselves as having the

most constant action on the tumoral element as well as

the general state.

SEDUM ACRE and SEDUM REPENS: The value

of Sedum acre was especially called to my attention by

the lamented Abbe Keul. In material doses, mother

tincture, 1x and 3x., it has an undeniable action on

Cancer in general, gives weight to the patients, and

occasionally modifies the tumor, or at least retards its

progress. Their principal sign is their tendency to

mucosal and cutaneous fissures, which are so frequent

in Cancer or the precancerous state. The pathogenesis of

these two remedies is incomplete. Because of that we

must be satisfied to use them in an empirical fashion.

Sedum repens acts especially on the abdominal organs.

Sedum teleplium, another plant of the same family,

should act especially on the Uterus or cancerous Rectum

with haemorrhages.

SCROFULARIA NODOSA: This remedy acts

especially on Cancers of breast, Skin, Uterus, Rectum,

52

in low potencies or material doses, especially if there is

marked glandular invasion. A. NEBEL praised its

drainage action; COOPER insisted very much on its

value.

SEMPERVIVUM TECTORUM: Lingual, Breast,

rectal and other Cancers. Its tendency to aphthae, to

Malignant Ulcers, specially indicate it in the ulcerated

Cancer. It must also be used in mother tincture or low

potencies.

CARBO ANIMALIS: Already studied as a

constitutional remedy of great value.

CUNDURANGO: I have personally observed the

value of Cundurango in oesophageal, Stomach or

Intestinal Cancers. One of its valuable external signs

consists in fissures of the labial commissures. It also

acts on Cancer situated at the junction of mucosa and

Skin: Lips, Anus, Lids. Low or middle potencies.

CISTUS CANADENSIS: This remedy acts

especially in Cancer of the breast, Pharynx, or neck and

gives rise to very marked cervical Adenopathy. Chronic

rhino-pharyngitis. Extreme sensitivity to cold.

HYDRASTIS: As good for the breast as for the

stomach, Hydrastis, is of great value in Cancer,

ulcerated or not, with progressive debility, wasting

emaciation; Hypochlorhydria is frequent before and

during the phase of Gastric Cancer.

KREOSOTUM: Bleeding ulcerations, vegetations

develop rapidly and emit a burning discharge,

excoriating, fetid; such are the principal signs of

Kreosote, which acts especially well in Cancer of the

Cervix.

ORNITHOGALUM: Already noted by COOPER,

then used by GISEVIUS and other authors, especially in

low potencies or material doses. This remedy has a

remarkable action in the Pyloroduodenal sphere whether

it acts on an ulcer or an established Cancer.

PHYTOLACCA: Here again is a remedy, which

must not be neglected in hard or Scirrhus Tumors, since

it can soften and diminish them: or slightly Malignant

Cancers, which develop slowly (breast Scirrhus) or on

suspected tumors, which have not yet degenerated

(parotids). But it has several indisputable cases of cure

to its credit. Syphilis is habitual among its antecedents.

Low potencies.

B. Remedies for Pain.

ARSENICUM ALBUM and NITRIC ACID,

already studied among the constitutional remedies,

dominate this group; the first with its burning pains, the

second with its sensation of fine needles.

APIS continues the series; burning pricks as with

red-hot needles.

ARNICA: bruised pains. Especially useful in Breast

Adenoma following traumatism. The Adenoma may or

may not be degenerated.

BRYONIA: amelioration through rest and strong

pressure (especially for Breast Cancer which ought to be

supported or bound).

CALCAREA ACETICA: many pains, often

constrictive.

EUPHORBIUM: burning or lancinating pains,

pustular ulcerations.

MAGNESIA PHOSPHORICA: spasmodic pains

(non-burning), > by heat.

RUTA: bruised pains, deep pains, osseous or

periosteal. Intense weakness. Selective spheres, bone,

periosteum, cartilage, rectum.

C. Tumor Remedies. The remedies chosen for their

action on the malignant tumor itself have selective

effects on a tissue or organ. Let us study here preferably

the tissue remedies reserving for drainage and

canalization the indications of visceral affinities of these

vegetables and minerals.

SILICEA: constitutional remedy which acts on the

connective and interstitial tissues; satellites are Silicic

acid, praised by FARGAS; Calcarea silicata

(emaciation, sensitive to cold); Lapis albus so useful in

simple uterine fibromas with adhesions (Calcium silic-

flouride).

BARYTA CARBONICA: acts also on the sclerosed

or indurated tissues, especially in breast Adenomas,

degenerated or not; Aurum metallicum, Aurum

arsenicum and Aurum muriaticum natronatum and

Plumbum iodatum, all act especially on the indurated,

scirrhus, non-vegetating forms.

SELENIUM is also praised here; debility, wasting,

possible tendency to Sarcomas.

Let us not forget the Calcareas which act on the

lymphatic glands; Calcarea flourica has a double

action, connective tissues and glands.

On osseous tissue: Silicea, Aurum, Ruta (which also

acts in rectal Cancer) and especially Symphytum.

D. Several Minerals and Acids. Secondly, different

mineral salts and acids have been proposed in the

treatment of Cancer with variable results, most often

negative. Let us rapidly enumerate after Nitric acid,

which has already been studied and is of value: Acetic

acid, used internally and externally by W.OWENS;

Carbolic acid, whose sudden pains are terrible, the

discharges putrid; this remedy acts well, especially in

ulcerating cancer of the Uterine Cervix; Formic acid,

used in low potencies, 3x. and 4x. and is as good in

Cancer as in deforming Rheumatism.

After Calcarea iodata, Calcarea oxalica, Kali

iodatum, Kali arsenicum, Kali cyanatum, Plumbum

iodatum – already cited above – let us indicate

Cinnabaris, the value of which Dr. LETELLIER

53

recently pointed out to me when used in the 3c.

alternating with Thuja 6 in the cancroids of the face

(following his personal practice, after having observed a

case of Dr. CONAN, Sr.). Carboneum sulphuratum is

also useful in neuritis and paralyses; Ova tosta used for

the Cancer pains and warts; Arsenicum bromatum in the

indurated Tumors with weakness and eruptive or

ulcerating tendency; Antimonium chloridum in mucosal

Cancers with great prostration.

E. Other Remedies.

GALIUM APARINE: Incomplete pathogenesis.

Ulcerated Cancers and Nodular Tumors of the skin and

tongue developing on the surface. Acts also on the

urinary organs (urinary lithiasis).

FULIGO LIGN1: Useful in epitheliomata of the skin

and for irritated mucosa, especially Uterus and Scrotum.

Related to Kreosotum.

HOANG-NAN: Exhaustion and vertigo. Capable of

ameliorating the fetidity and hæmorrhages of Cancer by

causing an improvement in the general condition.

Related to Arsenicum album.

CINNAMOMUM: Pain, hæmorrhage, fetidity should

act especially in Uterine Cancer.

ANANTHERUM: Ulcerated Cancers, inflamed

lymphatic glands. Induration of breasts or tongue or

Uterine Cervix.

CHOLINE: Alkaloid of Taraxacum used by

Adamkiewicz. Taraxacum is a good drainer of the

precancerous state through its action on the Liver.

CHOLESTERINUM: In hepatic Cancer.

EOISINE: Burning pains of Cancer, according to

WOODBURY.

RADIUM BROMIDE: Weakness, vertigo, tendency to

cutaneous Epitheliomata.

X-RAYS: According to Dr. CHIRON these two

remedies antidote each other. Radium bromide

antidotes the bad effects of x-irradiation in patient who

has been treated too intensely. Likewise the x-rays

antidote the unfortunate effects of radium in patients

who have been treated by it.

We will note in a general way that all these

medicaments ought to be employed in low potencies,

occasionally even in material doses, in mother tincture

for the vegetables. A number of them will also be used

in local applications. The indefiniteness of their

pathogenic indications will have to be compensated

little by little through clinical experience, and especially

by new experimentation to be carried out in the future.

1. DRAINAGE AND CANALIZATION REMEDIES

In Cancer, as in Tuberculosis, it is essential to act in

a centripetal sense in order to retain the mineral salts

and prevent malnutrition (constant struggle against

wasting). We must also neutralize or eliminate in a

centrifugal sense, the toxins elaborated in the body.

That is why, in accordance with A. NEBEL, we drain

our patients.

Drainage ought to be directed, if possible, via the

local selective action of certain well individualized

remedies. A. NEBEL has praised a profitable remedial

association used in drainage; Chelidonium, Hydrastis,

Cratægus, China, Scrofularia nodosa, all in tincture,

whose action compels us to retain it also in the

precancerous states. We have also noted the value of

certain remedies which appear to act well according to

the hypothesis of drainage: Sedum acre, Phytolacca, the

first for the general condition and the tumor, the second

appearing to produce its effects in the tumor class.

First COOPER, then LeHunte COOPER, showed

the value of the action homœopathic remedies

administered in material doses, one or two drops of a

well prepared tincture which have a selective action on

certain regions or viscera.

That is why we ought to indicate here, more

especially, the local selective action of homœopathic

remedies in Cancer. We have arranged the following

table, which is prepared for additions, and modifications

that are always possible.

LIPS: Cundurango

TONGUE: KALI CYANATUM (inconstant action;

note that the saliva contains small quantities of

Potassium Ferro-Cyanate):: SEMPERVIVUM

TECTORUM, Galium aparine.

ŒSOPHAGUS: Cundurango

STOMACH: Carbo animalis, Cundurango,

Hydrastis, Lycopodium, Kali bichromicum.

PYLORUS and DUODENUM: ORNITHOGALUM

INTESTINES: CUNDURANGO, CARBO ANIMALIS,

ARSENICUM ALBUM, Sedum repens, Petroleum.

CÆCUM: Ornithogalum

SIGMOID COLON and RECTUM: RUTA,

SCROFULARIA NODOSA, SEMPERVIVUM TECTORUM

ANUS: Cundurango

LIVER: CHOLESTERINUM, LYCOPODIUM,

PHOSPHORUS, Choline.

PANCREAS: Phosphorus

UTERUS: AURUM MURIATICUM NATRONATUM,

KREOSOTUM, Cinnamomum, Sepia

BREASTS: ASTERIAS RUBENS, CONIUM, CARBO

ANIMALIS, HYDRASTIS, SEMPERVIVUM TECTORUM,

Plumbum iodatum, Thuja.

TESTICLES: AURUM METALLICUM

SCROTUM: Fuligo ligni

SKIN: SCROFULARIA NODOSA, CUNDURANGO,

GALIUM APARINE, ARSENICUM ALBUM, THUJA,

CINNABARIS, Petroleum, Kali arsenicum, Radium

bromide

EYE: CUNDURANGO (lids)

PERIOSTEUM: Ruta, Symphytum, Phosphorus

54

LYMPHATIC GLANDS in general: Carbo

animalis

GLANDS in general: Scrofularia nodosa, Iodium,

Calcarea fluorica.

FACE: THUJA, CINNABARIS.

NECK: Cistus Canadensis, Mercurius (parotids)

In general way we must note that all treatment

whose object it is to ameliorate the functions of the

various glands in the body, and especially the liver,

shall constitute in itself a therapy of effective drainage

against the danger of Cancer. It can even ameliorate the

state of a confirmed Cancer case. That is why we must

not neglect the value of Organotherapy in this question,

although in the Tumor phase glandular extracts can

hardly act favorably any more. The same does not

apply to the precancerous. Let us especially note the

need to achieve good hepatic function; liver drainage in

its biliary and centrifugal functions as well as in its

endocrinal and humoral work. Taraxacum,

Chelidonium, Carduus marianus, Cholesterinum, etc.,

all the draining and canalizing remedies of the liver will

play a very important part in the precancerous state if

they are judiciously prescribed.

It is also possible that in this case the deficiency of

certain mineral salts can be compensated by a therapy

depending on the addition to the daily alimentary

regime of this or that product. We must study here not

only the disturbances of metabolism of Magnesium, but

of Calcium, Sodium and Potassium as well. In order to

do this it is not necessary to give high doses of

magnesium salts, for under the pretext of combating a

possible Cancer one would too often provoke the

appearance of a very bad subacute or chronic Nephritis.

2. Local Treatment. We must not neglect local

treatment in Cancer. In the struggle against the

body and the Tumor, the destruction of the

latter, when this is possible, will naturally

benefit the patient. Homœopaths would be

mistaken to deny it. Certain officials deceive

themselves by placing their confidence only in

this single extirpating or destructive therapy.

Operative intervention, judicious and so beneficial

when it is precocious and not very mutilating;

Radiotherapy or Curietherapy is a two-edged sword,

which must be cautiously used following long clinical

experience and in very distinct cases (Radium for

Tongue and Cervix, Epitheliomata of Skin, etc.).

Homœopathy and its doctrine ought not to drive us to

such a degree of sectarianism that we should wish to

deny them. That would be an error. We ought only to

combat their excessive use. Each time it can be done let

us choose electrocoagulation, whose practice is free

from so many dangers and reverses.

But we must know well the value of certain of our

remedies, especially vegetables, used locally by means

of baths or compresses containing the mother tinctures.

Their action is such that excluding the specific type of

malignancy or the anatomopathological form of the

Tumor (spino or basal cell) the single act of local

treatment will be able to change completely our

prognosis in the different neoplasms.

From the morphological point of view let us

consider Cancer. It can be external or internal.

External, more accessible, it is then more accessible to

our compresses soaked in the mother tinctures. The

Cancer can be on the surface. On the surface it

especially affects the mucosa or the Skin; it extends in

two dimensions above all. In the third dimension it

ravages the glands and its increase in volume will be the

cause for a more rapid and grave fatality. Our local

treatment will act preferentially on the Cancer, which is

directly accessible on the surface, Tongue, Skin,

Breasts, Stomach, Cervix, Rectum.

According to the cases of our personal experience,

we sprinkle on a moist compress, preferably flannel of

double thickness, several drops (v, x, xx) of a

judiciously chosen tincture. After dressing (non-

absorbent cotton and bandage) which is renewed one to

three times daily, will diminish the surface and volume

of the tumor. Its consistence will be changed, the

neoplasm will become softer. Sometimes it will even

ulcerate in order to better eliminate a part of its

excretions. The beneficial action will also be able to

extend to the glands.

The tinctures we most often use are: Sedum repens,

Phytolacca, Scrofularia nodosa, Hydrastis (all

Cancers); Cundurango, Ornithogalum, Conium

(Stomach); Bryonia (Breast); Calendula (ulcerated

Cancers). I have not much experience with

Sempervivum tectorum, Galium aparine, Symphytum,

but we must not neglect them either.

II. ISOPATHIC METHODS AND SPECIFIC

NOSODES

For several years the tendency has been to

discover distinctly in Cancer as in other diseases, a

specific treatment at the base of which are organisms or

various extracts isolated from the cancerous tissues.

This tendency is followed today, not only by

homœopaths but by other colleagues as well. They have

been led in this direction themselves by a natural mental

evolution. This has been the direction of the general

homœopathic philosophy.

The remedies proposed in this fashion have been

numerous. We shall attempt to give an almost complete

list of them with some brief explanations of their fields

and indications.

55

A. Specific Methods.

1. Homœopathic potencies of cancerous fluids have

been made for a long time: Epitheliomine (extract of

epithelioma), Scirrhinum (extract of scirrhus),

Carcinosine (extract of any Cancer). The results

obtained have been inconstant and variable.

2. More interesting is the work of CAHIS of

Barcelona, who has studied this question a great deal

and who used Cancero-toxin administered according to

a special scale of potencies, or again Pan-Cancro (we

shall be very thankful to Dr.CAHIS* if he would be

willing, providing his health permits, to send us some

articles of his Homœopathic Testament with his very

original reflections and explanations of his method).

3. Attempts have been made to isolate one or more

Cancer organisms and to prescribe them in

Homœopathic dilutions. That the isolated organisms

may perhaps be only witnesses or saprophytes or

profiteers in the Tumor, rather than its deep and real

cause, is not the question. It is not less true than in

certain case products of this kind show themselves to be

efficacious. It is to M. NEBEL that we owe our

Micrococcin (Doyen’s Micrococcus in the 30th, 200th

and higher) and to Joseph ROY his Oscillococcin. The

latter often acts with great benefit in those predisposed

to Cancer but it is dangerous and can aggravate the

confirmed Cancer cases, even according to the author.

On the other hand, Micrococcin has often a really

beneficial action, if not durable, at least temporary and

distinct, on the weight and general condition.

4. Dr. NEBEL uses especially in Cancer potencies

of his Onkomyxa (preferably the 4th, subcutaneously).

One can learn through the book he has published on this

subject the gist of his thoughts on this subject.

5. The employment of potencies of blood in Cancer

or precancer cases has been thought of; following

ROGER, Dr.Joseph ROY, the first in France, used

individual blood isotherapy. J.ROY has now abandoned

this practice, finding it dangerous and of only transient

action. In my opinion the truth is perhaps here is a

golden mean; believe neither in a marvelous therapeutic

action of a miraculous panacea nor in the converse. It is

certain that one ought to be very cautious about using

potencies of blood from Cancer cases. Aggravations are

to be feared. We have also been witnesses, however, to

beautiful ameliorations. It would be necessary to be able

to isolate from the blood the really Homœopathic

principle, which is capable of curative action; a

principle, which ought to be restrained, neutralized

unfortunately by other substances, other forces. Clinical

experience is the only method capable of judging the

results of this method and not, in our opinion,

philosophical concepts, which were conceived à priori.

Since then J. ROY has preferred to use isotherapy of

young and healthy blood, of which we have no personal

experience. Now it would seem to veer more towards

Organotherapy. In the same sense, GUILD has

previously used serum-vaccines with variable results.

6. RUBENS-DUVAL had the idea of using

globulin extracts from Cancers. This is his

Proteinotherapy described by himself in this revue. His

results are very encouraging and impressive and the

indicated dilutions are distinctly homœopathic.

7. Following many authors, CUVIER and

CARRERRE have recently reattacked the question of

treatment with Tumor extracts and have some very

interesting results.

3. Non-Specific Nosodes.

4. Psorinum is often used by homœopaths in the

cancerous or the precancerous as a constitutional

remedy.

5. In England, BACH and DISHINGTON have

used their Nosodes taken from cultures of

intestinal organisms, which are nonlactose

fermenters; Gærtner, Morgan, Dysentericus,

Proteus, are proposed. Here are their

indications:

In Carcinoma: Morgan and Dysentericus.

In Sarcoma: Morgan and Gærtner.

The Gærtner bacillus appears to act clearly on the

indurated tumors, especially abdominal, when the stool

analysis reveals the presence of this organism. The 30th

is the preferable potency.

In other Cancer cases, Proteus has seemed to be

much indicated. We have not had much experience in

France with these remedies; the organisms they

individualize are, besides, only rarely met with in the

intestines of our compatriots outside of cases of

bacillary Dysentery.

3. SCHLEGEL of Tubingen often uses Tuberculinum

and Syphilinum in the cancerous. COOPER also used

Tuberculinum. In a similar fashion, depending on the

etiology or terrain. Medorrhinum (gonorrhœal Nosode)

has been prescribed, or Malandrinum (Glanders

Nosode; COOPER indicated it in Cancer).

4. Starting from philosophical and metaphysical ideas,

Rudolf STEINER noted that the Misletoe (Viscum

album) ought to be a real specific remedy in cancer.

That is why the Anthroposophists, including KÆLIN,

use different kinds of mistletoe for the cancerous. The

results obtained should be extremely encouraging. The

blood of the patient is gradually diluted in glass

cylinders and rises up a length of filter paper; at the

height of its ascent he describes special figures which

determine whether or not Cancer exists and also its

factor of gravity. Potencies of mistletoe are capable of

modifying these results in the sense of reestablishing the

natural formula. One employs dilutions 50/100 of the

56

plant, from 1 to 28 in progressively increasing doses,

which is the converse of classical Homœopathy. We

only know the action of Viscum album in Renal

Sclerosis and Bright’s disease with hypertension. It

would be necessary to take up again KÆLIN’s

experience. I had the honor of assisting at this work at

Arlesheim in 1929 and it appeared very interesting to

me. Reports of this appeared in the revue Natura.

CONCLUSION

How are Cancer cases to be treated at the present

time? Let us briefly indicate how a modern homœopath

can and ought to treat a Cancer patient each time

medical treatment is necessary or only possible.

6. The Precancerous State: One ought

systematically search for the existence of a

tendency to Cancer in every subject over forty

years. Were there any Cancer cases in the

parents or family? This is very important as

this has been demonstrated in the systematic

examination we never fail to make.

Was there Syphilis or Gonorrhœa, or repeated

vaccinations or even a former psoric, tuberculinique or

tuberculous state? All these morbid manifestations

appear often in different degrees; the first two especially

predispose to malignancy. Do there exist certain signs

of the precancerous state such as yellow spots on the

skin, nævi (signs of Thuja), or again, a disturbed mental

state through the morbid fear of Cancer? Truthfully,

these symptoms have but a reduced value because of

their frequency, or better still, we must consider all

patients today as being precancerous if they are

matured. Cancer is at most a precipice which all ought

compulsorily to scale at a certain time in life and into

which the unfortunate rarely fall. . … In spite of all

affirmations, unfortunately, Cancer can very well appear

even in subjects seriously or regularly followed. What

is more important is to appreciate the general vitality of

the subject.

We must fear Cancer following a period of marked

weakness, general or localized atony in the susceptible

area which can present the feared Tumor, hepatic

insufficiency with induration and swelling of the Liver,

changes in the attitude and appearance of the patient

who stoops, whose complexion becomes wan, the facial

lines drawn. One may fear an abdominal Cancer

coming with excessive and stubborn distension of the

tissues to palpation and modifications of the percussion

note. But all this constitutes more a vague picture,

which leads the mind intuitively towards the hypothesis

of the menace of Cancer rather than by a logical and

sure reasoning. That is why, in our opinion, one of the

best signs is simply the wasting. Let us fear the

progressive and inexplicable loss of weight in every

subject between the ages of forty and fifty, and older.

That indicates a general intoxication, prelude of a

palpable and visible tumor. What we call the

precancerous state includes, in large part besides, the

still microscopic existence of the tumor in the form of

some few degenerated cells.

It would be useful to have in this case a laboratory

criterion. It is here that the DOURIS and MONDAIN

blood drop test can be very useful.

Treatment should consist in the prescription of the

constitutional remedy and in the most serious general

drainage of the subjects. Results will be excellent most

often. It will be impossible, and with truth, to affirm

that one has been able to avoid in a patient an always-

hypothetical cancer; but the general impression is in

favor of a favorable prophylactic action of the scourge.

7. Cancer: Without hoping for too much but

with an absolute tenacity let us treat the

established Cancer cases. If we can almost

never cure it, at least let us be able to hope in

obtaining quite often a certain equilibrium,

which is more or less stable, between the

patient and his disease. This means a survival

sometimes of five, six, ten years or more.

One of our friends succeeded in saving thus a

servant in his employ for twelve years. She had a

generalized and incurable breast cancer surrounded by

multiple glandular chains. Such cases are not rare.

Personally, we have obtained it in ten malignant breast

tumors, in two cases of cutaneous neoplasm, in three

cases of gastric epitheliomata. Half of these patients

still live, some treated by us for six or seven years. The

tumors always exist, more or less diminished or as

large, but the patients are living and that is essential.

We do not know if that will last for a long time yet, but

such results, though inconstant and even rare in

comparison to the total of treated cases, are all the same

encouraging.

The weight curve, in our opinion, as in

Tuberculosis, is paramount to correct and consult. The

patient should be weighed each week. This curve will

govern the repetition of the constitutional remedies or

the nosodes. Likewise, the DOURIS and MONDAIN

blood drop test should be regularly performed. The

weight curve will very quickly tell us the results and

hopes which once can expect from the given treatment.

We should look after the morale of our patients.

We should absolutely avoid letting them know their

disease; we should shelter them from moral and

emotional shocks.

Plenty of food, healthful, rich in vitamins, poor in

spiced and nitrogenous elements should be given. Well-

prepared dishes will stimulate the appetite essential to

the gain in weight.

Cautiously, without too much repetition, the

constitutional remedies and Nosodes should be

57

prescribed (the 200th every ten to twenty days; the 1M.

every fifteen to forty days, on the average) as the

specified remedies according to the methods of NEBEL,

RUBENS-DUVAL, etc.

At the same time one should give to the subject the

strictly indicated homœopathic remedies and a judicious

drainage should be instituted, glandular, humoral,

cellular and tissue. The patient should be remineralized.

One should not forget the local state at the expense

of the body. Each time it is possible, applications of

compresses soaked in mother tinctures of well-chosen

plants should be employed.

The patient should be followed with great care in

order to gather the slightest signs of change in the

condition. Acting thus, we should save the great part of

these cases certain suffering and their death should be

easier. In certain cases survival should be prolonged

and in other cases, rare to be truthful, we shall obtain

perhaps – who knows? – the joy of an unforeseen cure.

To attend without sectarianism and only to cure; to

be always ready to use every method with distinctly

superior results, old or new, seductive or formidable,

foreign or natural; according to general principles, to

abstract or philosophical ideas on the value of a beacon

of orientation, the last word, above all, to be decided by

accomplishments. Flee the charm of the dreams of

false occultism, trust only the faithful and monotonous

common sense. Such shall be our guides in treating our

patients, in Cancer and other affections, with

conscientiousness, patience and tenacity.

PARIS, FRANCE.

********************************************

ii. The Homœopathic Treatment of Tumors

Dr. STOCKEBRAND (ZKH. 3, 1976)

I speak as practitioner for practitioner, leaving out

definitions and theory and straightaway go to the

Theme.

The theme falls in 3 parts:

In Part 1: The Anamnesis of the Tumor Patient.

In Part 2: Tried and proved remedies.

In Part 3: The individual possibilities in Tumor

cases.

In the Conclusion I lay down briefly the diathetic

and mental treatment of the Cancer patients.

The homœopathic treatment of an individual case

begins with a careful Anamnesis. In treatment of

Tumors this Anamnesis is somewhat peculiar. It is

comprehended as perceiving:

1. The presenting general situation of a patient,

that is, the local and general biological symptoms of the

patient here and now. By General I mean in relevance

to the Carcinoma: the emaciation, the tiredness, the

sallow gray skin, the undefined sadness and anxiety, the

break or decrease in transpiration; the local symptoms

are different according to the location and are well-

known.

2. Since the Tumor is no local affection but an

ailment of the entire organism, the source must be

searched out from the entire organism. These are in a

toxin-caused weakness, i.e. for our Anamnesis of the

patient before he fell ill. It could be: Ill effects of

toxins of outworn GO, Leues, Tuberculosis, Malaria,

damages from toxins after infections, misuse of alcohol,

Tobacco and Tablets, checking of eruptions earlier, or

Sweat or Coryza which were functioning as

eliminations by the organism, at last traumas, as

causative agents.

3. For the Carcinoma-Anamnesis the knowledge

of the family diathesis, the parent soil (the matrix), the

cancerous terrain is necessarily to be examined. This

concept is difficult to be defined; it is very complex, but

everyone knows what is meant. Perhaps it may be

comprehended from the word “cellular disharmony”,

whose end state is the swelling.

As pre-cancerous signs, I think of: the jaded (dull,

faint, weak), muddy, dull, withered (limp, flaccid) skin

of dirty appearance, the flat, raised above the skin or

pigmented warts which easily desquamate or bleed,

Red Naevi (birth marks), which rapidly increases,

The venous-on-the-skin-visible net,

The disposition to Adenomas,

The disposition to Herpes zoster around 45 years

age.

The fissures in regions where the skin and mucous

membranes meet,

The fissures in mucous membranes,

The furrowed, thick and hard nails,

The tendency to pale red exudations (excretions),

oozings,

The constipation, the stool is so light in weight that

it floats on the water.

These pre-cancerous symptoms are some which the

well-experienced physician has come to know well. Of

course there are several biological tests, diagnostic

methods for early Ca.- diagnosis. These, for the

practicing physician are least feasible to be gone

through, they are also not certain unlike the pre-

cancerous symptoms. The awareness and uncertainty

obliges a very particular attention and diligence.

The Alpha and Omega of every homœopathic

Tumor treatment is the treatment of the Terrain. At the

same time it does not matter, whether the swelling has

not already appeared or not, whether it has been treated

already by surgery or x-ray or not. The terrain must be

cultivated and influenced continuously and over a long

period according to the Rule of Similie.

58

I summarise once again: The Ca. Anamnesis

covers:

1. How the presenting complaints of the patient here

and now are,

2. Its toxin-conditioned impairment,

3. The so-called cancerous terrain.

Which are the essential terrain remedies? I call

them to your attention and then discuss them

individually through:

Arsenicum, Cadmium sulphuricum, Carbo

animalis, Causticum, Conium, Hydrastis, Kalium

arsenicosum, Nitric acidum, Radium bromatum, Thuya

and autoblood.

Arsenicum: with its emaciation, weakness,

chillness, its pale, earthy face, its anxious restlessness,

fear of incurability despite the best possible treatment.

A symptom particularly notable is the alternation

between skin diseases and stomach complaints, (the

clinical metastisation of STIEGELE. D.10-D.18!?!).

Under this point view of the terrain Arsenicum

comes in question in many forms of Cancer as terrain

medicine, as organotropic it comes under the plan:

1. In Stomach Ca., in the following, very impressive

symptoms: Stomach pains from eating or immediately

after eating, better from warm drinks, agg. from cold

drinks, it calls forth vomiting or worsens it, thereby

thirst and the above mentioned general symptoms. D10.

2. In Skin Ca. – When stinking pus, dry skin and

burning pains with amel. from warm applications, are

present. D.8 or 10.

3. In Rectum Ca. The general symptoms are always

the same: restlessness, anxiety, cachexia. The local

symptoms are: Burning in Rectum, amel. from warm

application, also tenesmus, stinking, corrosive

diarrhoea. D10.

Cadmium sulphuricum has not been proved; the

clinical observation indicates an elective action on the

cancerous tissues; it is a great terrain remedy with

following symptoms: weakness, chilliness, chilliness in

the near about of open air, indolence, desire for

quietitude, anxiety and fear of movement, also clearly

different from others the Arsenicum symptomatology.

D8 or 10.

Organotropically it comes:

1. In Stomach Ca. with coffee-ground like

vomiting, thirst, with desire for cold water.

2. In symptoms consequent upon Radium and X-

ray – irradiation. D8-10.

Carbo animalis: First the general symptoms: great

weakness with venous plethora, also bluish cheeks,

hands and feet, the surface veins are clearly tense,

general sluggish apathy, melancholy, desire for solitude

and silence, fear of cold air. D8-14.

Carbo animalis is not only a terrain medicine but is

also a proven Organotropic remedy:

1. In Stomach-Ca. with following symptoms:

Sensation of burning with amel. from eating; slow

digestion, the taste of certain foods is retained for

more days; Virchowic gland. D10.

2. In Skin-Ca. Local and peripheral bluish colored,

as earlier explained by me, ichorous, bad smelling

secretion, D10.

3. In Rectum-Ca. Stitching and burning in Rectum.

4. In Uterus-Ca. Here the related Kreosote works

more.

Causticum:

STAUFFER: “The diagnosis of this remedy is not

easy. I always rely on: the pale yellow appearance, the

general and nervous weakness and tiredness, the

susceptibility to Catarrhs and Rheumatism in dry winter

weather, the dry, hot skin, which hinder sleep at night. I

consider as the main preventive of Carcinosis.”

Conium

is one of the greatest Cancer remedies in

Homœopathy in the view of all the homœopathic

literature. In his long practice STAUFFER saw no

success with it. STIEGELE in September 1955

International Congress spoke of his very impressive

results in low potencies. I myself never obtained such

results. How are such discrepancies possible? Is it in

the preparation? It cannot be the dose, since

STAUFFER has probed all the potencies thoroughly.

Certainly Conium is an age-old medicine with

retardation of all functions and has well-observed and

verified connections to indurated glands and

lymphnodes. Its local indication is in Mamma-

Carcinoma with hardened and painful only by pressing

the nodes. D10 in French Homœopathy, D 1-2 of

STIEGELE.

Hydrastis

is a great terrain medicine. The patient is not

restless, but so weak that he undertakes nothing because

of weakness and is not interested in anything. To him

everything is stressful, he is therefore irritable,

melancholic and of bad moods.

The skin is earthy, yellow, unhealthy – there is

most often an old liver damage and because of which

constipation. CLARKE thought that with this medicine

more Cancer cases could have been cured than any

other medicine. SCHLEGEL opined this praise must go

to Arsenicum, STIEGELE to the Chininum

arsenicosum; BURWOOD begins the treatment of all

Breast Carcinoma with Hydrastis D 8 or 10.

Organotropically it comes into particular question

in Mamma-Carcinoma: When a burning, hard tumor

with burning and cutting pains and the general

symptoms already pictured are there. It has also been

59

proved in Stomach-Carcinoma where the general

symptoms are leading. D8 or 10.

Kalium arsenicum: is indicated by its weakness, its

great chilliness, even near open air like Cadmium, but

the typical Kalium anaemia and the dry, scaling Arsenic

skin gives him the peculiar imprint, the aversion to fresh

air.

It is the typical cancerous anaemia D8 or 10.

Organotropically it has only the peculiar

connection with Skin-Carcinoma: the dry, scaly skin

and the general symptom are leading. D8.

Nitric acidum: Four symptoms characterize the

Saltpetre acid as terrain remedy: the cachetic

appearance, the great irritability, the splinter pains, the

stinking, acid secretions. D 10.

Organotropically there are particular relations

with Anus, Uterus and fissureous Mamma Carcinoma.

D.10.

A further important Terrain medicine is:

Radium bromatum: Radium bromatum was

discovered by the CURIE couple. By the way, it may

interest some one or the other that the grand father of

Pierre CURIE was the first homœopathic physician in

London. [He wrote a Homœopathic Materia Medica

also = KSS].

Although Radium bromatum was proved by

STEARNS and it was published in 1912 in the AHZ it

does not find a place in the German Materia Medicas.

Therefore I give again herein a brief physiological

action of the remedy.

The three important symptoms are: Irritation of the

skin, hyperleucocytosis and Rheumatoid pains in

muscles and joints. Also followed: Hypotension and

Weakness.

Since the radium rays have the capacity to destroy

living cells, particularly of the skin in all its structures,

the Rule of Similie requires the higher dilutions to

arouse the living energy (Vital Force). Therefore it is

the remedy of choice in Radium dermatitis.

Radium bromatum as Terrain medicine comes in

when there is disposition to Anaemia, Leucocytosis,

Polyneuclosis, Hypotension, Weakness and thickening

of the skin. D.8-14.

Organotropically it is indicated: in

Facial-Ca. When there is thickening of the skin,

itching and sudden eruptions in the surroundings (D8-

18).

Skin-Ca. Epitheliomas with itching and dryness of

the skin. D 10.

Tongue-Ca. If there is burning pains as from

Pepper. D 10.

The last Terrain remedy is:

Thuja.

It is characterised quickly as “Sycosis”.

Allow me pleases that here – out of the track – I

elaborate the picture of Sycosis. It is so important,

because it makes a distinct range a cancerous terrain.

The concept of Sycosis, we understand a sick

general state caused in the reticulo-endothelial system:

thereby water is retained in the tissues, which alters the

appearance of the skin. It develops warty growths,

different eruptions and local perspiration. On the

mucous membranes the water retention appears as

viscous catarrh, particular in uro-genital system.

In lymphatic area there is enlargement of glands,

lymphnodes, tonsils and the left ovary. The result is an

inconspicuous Anaemia with characteristic mental

symptoms: bad temper, discontent, depression and

worried restlessness, and to the extent of having fixed

ideas.

This Sycosis in the view of all, is the consequence

of a gonorrheal infection, of recent or far back, even as

far back as generations. The experience from youth

confirms these. This state is also found to occur after

Vaccinations.

The Sycotic manifestations in Thuja picture are

expressed in: Sensitivity to moisture, dirty, oily facial

skin, chronic partial sweats in axillae, and around the

nose, in genital region and hands. These are mostly

moist. The skin eruptions, I have already depicted. I

further make reference to: the brownish spots on the

entire body, mainly on the back and the arms; small

ruby-red points, mainly on the left half of body, the

warty, growing excrescences, tumors, are smooth and

ooze easily. D8-10.

Thuja is indicated in all new growths, if the

following characteristics are present. Sensitivity to

dampness and softness, smoothness of the new growth.

It is always an imminent, danger, if emaciation sets in,

and the sweat relieves.

Local consideration of Thuja comes particularly in

tumorus skin alterations, Prostate-Ca. and new growth

of left ovary. D8-10.

With this I close the series of Terrain medicine.

The list is in no way complete; there are indeed several

very important. The Terrain treatment is a field

treatment, i.e. continuous working out the ground in

orderly intervals. The Terrain medicines are self-

evidently sometimes the Simile. I will illustrate what

have been told so far by some case reports.

1. On 4.9.57 Mrs. A.S. 54 years; was operated in April

1956: Mamma amputation, right, with clearing of the

axillary lymph nodes; followed up with 72 deep

radiation, now she is to be operated upon for recurrence

in left mamma, where there is half fist large, hard

Tumor diagnosed. She could not decide for the

operation.

60

She complained of tiredness, itching in irradiated

right breast, pains in the left breast.

Menses stopped since 51-year-age. She is very

excited, anxious, sleep poor, is thirsty. Arsenicum D10

once a day daily.

On 4.10.: a month later, the same medication was

repeated since the patient was doing well. The Tumor

remained unchanged.

On 11.11.: again a month later, she complained of a

peculiar much chilliness. Kali ars. D 8.

On 13.12.57: the Tumor has gone, but the pale

yellow appearance and an evident tiredness troubled her

much. Hydrastis D 10.

On 10.1.58: the Tumor remained dissolved,

tiredness still, pains in the thickened, irradiated breast

were much present. Rad-brom. D 12.

On 10.12.58: high fever Flu.

She seemed that further treatment would be

required.

1. The diagnosis was certain.

2. She has left all the allopathic treatment behind.

3. Only medium doses of Terrain medicine have

been given.

4. The treatment has not been closed.

II. On 13.2.39, 41 year-old female patient, A.F. She

was operated for a stomach complaint, was treated for a

Cholecystitis, besides her menses every four weeks was

very heavy. The reason why she came to me was the

hard, egg sized node in the right breast with burning and

cutting pains. She was a thin woman, weighed 90

pounds with pale-yellow appearance. She knew the

diagnosis already and decidedly refused every operative

measure.

I saw the patient lastly on 16.1.58, that is 19 years

later. In these 19 years the patient came regularly every

3-5 months. Hydrastis was the medicine, which had to

be given repeatedly and of course because of the earthy,

yellowish appearance, the tiredness and weak feelings,

lack of initiative, because of the diseased liver in the

background and the tendency to constipation.

Interveningly required Arsenicum, Silicea, Phytolacca,

Conium and some doses of Tuberculin D 18, also

Lycopodium, Causticum, and China; depiction of their

characteristics would take us far.

Since Dec. 1954 no more treatment was necessary,

neither for the Tumor nor for cancerous Terrain. She

was then treated for Cholecystitis and Duodenum ulcer.

In the right breast there remained a plum seed sized

node, which did not give any trouble.

III. On 1.2.44 the now 72 year-old female patient, E.E.

She showed me an apple-sized induration in her right

breast. She was a large, massive woman with bluish

cheeks, bluish lips, tense veins. Mentally she was very

quiet, taciturn and withdrawn. The medicine of choice

was Carbo animalis D10, but she received Arnica in

low potency. She explained very impressively that the

Tumor came on after a fall from a cycle, and she fell

with full weight on the steering suspension. I saw the

patient in the next 14 years regularly. Despite careful

medication, it was not possible to dissolve the Tumor.

The Tumor was softer and perforated exteriorly in 1947.

It discharged enormous quantity of mucous, blood and

pus. The abscess cavity was cleared away. The patient

was well, I saw her first three weeks ago, that 14 years

later. The histological investigation result showed it

was free from Carcinoma.

IV. On 10.6.48 the now 72 year-old joiner F.H. came to

me: actually always well. Since an year he has been

suffering from a constant Stomach pain, worse in the

afternoon, no relief from eructation. He is very much

emaciated, the distended abdomen appears unusual, the

face is very pale. Dropping 12mm in the first hour,

anaemic blood picture with 10 Stabkernigen, 63Kg with

clothes. He showed me the slip indicating surgical

section, because “Neoplasma ventricule is surgically

treatable.” Lycopodium D10, Terrain remedy once,

Argentum nitricum D4 as organotropic twice.

21.7.48 (6 weeks later): better, 66.5Kg. Lycopodium

D10, Argentum nitricum D4.

25.11.48 (4 months later): 68.5 Kg, afternoon again

worsening, Lycopodium D10, Pressing pains, Argentum

nitricum D4.

4.1.49: 71.4 Kg. Burning in Stomach, better from

eating. Carbo animalis D10.

15.3.58: With the last prescription no complaints at all,

feels well.

Upto this I have discussed about the Terrain

treatment of Tumor disease, which – I repeat once again

– is indispensably necessary. You will see from the

examples that we must unceasingly search about for the

Simile.

To make my theme full I must tell you of the

remedies which have a small limited organotropic

action but because of that are not less valuable.

Abrotanum

The remedy has been proved thrice in the Rhein-

Westphalia district.

The medicine has been proved thrice and its

relevance to skin, the intestinal canal and the vascular

septum.

In treatment of Tumors Abrotanum is useful in:

1. Boeck’s Sarcoid: In this rare lupus like disease,

solid, flat infiltrates or knots of brown red color are

formed; no inflammatory lesions; no decay. The seat of

this Boeck’s Sarcoid is above all in the Face and in the

extensor sides of the extremities.

61

Histologically accumulation of Epithelial cells with

isolated giant cells. The allopathic prescriptions were

for X-ray, Radium and surgical measures.

Disease history: Mrs. F.N. 39 years, came on

11.11.1943. Since some years she was ill with Boeck’s

Sarcoid. Radiations were unsuccessful. At first she

received Thuja and then on 3.12.1943 under Abrotanum

because of the brown red discoloration, and because of

the similarity with Rupus pernio with striking action.

Towards end April the disease disappeared.

2. On Angioma: Dr. KIRN observed on himself

the retrogression of an Angioma. The cure of an

Elephanthias angiomatosa was observed by STIEGELE

himself.

3. On metastasizing Peritonial Carcinosis: The

medicinal provings do not give a clear indication for the

serous skin. But empirical experience has widened the

picture. STIEGELE reported in 1903 about the cure of

a Peritoneal Tuberculosis. However in Peritoneal

metastasizing carcinosis Abrotanum is effective.

Case: Mrs. W.S. 42 years has not recovered well

after last delivery in 1938. A tumor was removed in

1941. Subsequently radiation treatment for long

extensive Ascites necessitated much tapping; the last on

16.7.43; she received on 20.8.43 – the Ascites is much

and the general state is very bad – Abrotanum mother

tincture 5 drops thrice. On 17.9.1943 the general state

is very much better and the Ascites had gone away. On

3.11.1943 again under Abrotanum further improved.

No more Ascites. In the middle of December the

general state is worse and the Ascites increased;

Abrotanum is no more effective. Exitus letalis in March

1944. A satisfactory action in the Peritoneal Carcinosis

could not be obtained.

I could give more such cases. Always it is a

palliation, never a cure.

Acidum formicum

Introduced by KRULL in therapy in 1902,

systematically analysed by REUTER in the Rhein

Westphalia district. The results indicated a clear action

on Kidneys, Skin and Hair.

There have been no cases of cure of a Ca. neither

from REUTER nor by other colleagues, but cures of

ovarial system, if at the same time arthritic

developments are present. I can confirm these

observations.

Apis

Has like Lycopodium a large relationship to the

right ovary (Thuja and Lachesis to the left). In ovarian

bladder, in cystic Tumors it has been well-tried.

Argentum nitricum

Report of two patients, both men, who came to me

at the same time, 30 years ago. Both were in their early

50s. In both Rectum-CA, they complained of slimy-

bloody diarrhoeas, the Ca-Krater could be manually

verified. Both were Dyknic type and presented by no

means signs for Argentum nitricum. They received

during the three decades again and again, Argentum

nitricum D4, as soon as slimy-bloody diarrhoea made

their appearance again. Both died in their 82nd year, one

after he had 5 ribs broken, the other after an Apoplexy.

I prescribed Argentum nitricum from the observations of

STAUFFER:

“In all chronic ulcer processes in the mucous

membranes with chronic developing ulcer ventriculi, in

stomach, rectum and uterus Cancer, I found Argentum

nitricum as a trustworthy medicine. It suits very well

the anaemical and Blood dyscrasia.

SCHLEGAL reported that he had cured with it

many cases of Uterus-Ca. The key for these successes

is to be found in VIRCHOW’s Archives where it is

stated: Argentum nitricum causes irregular, epithelial

growths, which develops in the connective tissues.

Therefore here there is a cure according the Simile rule.

I wish to also add a curiosity. On New year

afternoon 1955 a 75-year man, a neighbor of my

parents, self-confident, visited me. His history had

already been told to me by the villagers and some

relatives. It was a case of Carcinoma of the large

intestine in the Sigmoidal region. It had been X-rayed

and an operation was considered unavoidable, which the

patient refused. I gave him Argentum nitricum DH. He

began to do well. After a few days he again consulted.

Laparatomy did not reveal anything for a Ca. Was it a

wrong diagnosis by X-ray or action of Argentum

nitricum? The patient, however, remained very well

and today is 78 years.

Arnica montana

Is relevant because of its action on the blood

vessels and its action on injuries and wounds, also a

Ca.–medicine. You recall the Mamma Carcinoma case

which was evidently after a knock by a bicycle.

Asterias rubens (Star fish)

Nightly, lancinating pains in the breasts call for its

use in Breast Carcinoma. According to BOERICKE of

undoubted action in ulcerative Mamma Ca.

Aurum

This remedy is suitable in Syphilitics and

Alcoholics. For this it is essential to have the

information on this in the Anamnesis. It has also been

observed in cures of Nose, Lips and Tongue.

“The cure of Rhinoscleroma by KRANZ-BUSCH

is a brilliant performance of Homœopathy; I myself saw

such a retrogression of a Fibroid of the Nasopharnyx

with penetrating foetor in the course of an year in a

young boy, that the nasal respiration was totally free and

62

the stink completely went away, after a month long

treatment with Radium was futile. The weak patient

survived the continued use again of Aurum.”

STAUFFER.

And in Ovarian Cyst it is proved according to

STAUFFER.

The French Homœopathy recommends it more in

Liver-Ca.

Baryta iodata:

We know, that it has the capacity to restore a

hypertrophied Tonsils and hypertrophied Prostate.

STAUFFER gave it with great success in suspected

Mamma Tumors, and this experience I have also

verified.

The first observation remains in my memory

particularly.

In summer 1926 a now more than 70-year-old

female teacher. An Internist and Surgeon had advised

the immediate surgical removal and she was to go to the

surgery on the next day. I advised to wait for few

weeks and gave her Baryta iodata D4. In the interim

period the Tumor completely dissolved under the action

of the remedy and until today, 32 years later, has not

recurred.

Calcarea arsenicosa

The patient, female, N.P., 53 years came to me on

3.4.1954: The left breast was amputated in 1952

because of Mamma Ca. She came now because of

comprehensive metastasis in the left supraclavicular

region. She was a tired, pasty, pale woman. After two

prescriptions of Calcarea arsenicosa D3 the metastasis

completely dissolved, after continued terrain-treatment

she became healthy. STIEGELE has used Calcarea

arsenicosa in dangerous gland swellings successfully.

The ‘pasty’ type, the tiredness and the paleness were the

leading characteristics for prescribing Calcarea

arsenicosa.

Calcium fluoratum

is the remedy of choice for strong hard thickening,

if at the same time dilatation of veins are there and

inflammations and pains are absent. As complementary

remedy Luesinum is required. It is a matter of

experience that the type, which suits Calcium fluoratum,

is almost one in which leutic damages occurred

generations ago are indicated. You recall that I indicate

in the Anamnesis the past diseases.

On 8.3.1943, Mrs. MM came to me. In October

1942, a Sarcoma (Chondrosarcoma) of the right upper

arm was removed. Because of the histological finding

two surgeons agreed for the removal of the arm. The

patient who was a widow with three children did not

agree for that and consulted me.

On examination I found a thickening hard like

wood, which covered the entire armpit. Because of the

stony hard alterations and at the same time an exostosis

in the tibia, because of the long stretched out menses,

because of the chilliness, the patient received Calcium

fluoratum D6-D10 over a long time. Within 6 months,

she could do all the garden and household works once

again. After about 1½ year the patient decided to

consult the Surgeon. The clearly evident improvement

made the surgeons doubt the histological diagnosis. In

the course of the treatment many other remedies came

up naturally and were used, but Calcium fluoricum was

certainly the decisive medicine. The patient is well now

since 15 yars and she still has her arm.

Kreosot

Has a similarity with Arsenic. In Stomach

Carcinoma it is differentiated from Arsenic, by the

stomach pains which come three hours after meals.

Cold and disposition to emaciation are found in

both, but the disposition to vomiting and bleeding is

more in Kresot. In Mamma-Ca., it is successful than

Arsenic and is indicated by burning pains with

aggravation by cold and emaciation. In Uterus-Ca.

from bleeding and corrosive leucorrhoea.

Ornithogallum umbellatum

Is of undoubtful action in Pylorus-Ca. D3 or D8.

Phytolacca

Proved by Constantin HERING and introduced into

Homœopathy. No medicine has greater relationship to

mammary glands especially in hard, violet-colored and

Adenitis axillaris. It is to be considered in every case of

Mamma-Ca., is preeminent in local inflammation.

Ruta

Has clear relationship to rectum and is

characterized by inflammation, severe pains while

sitting and from least touch. The pains radiate often to

bladder and urethra. An intervening medicine often in

Rectum Ca. D1-D3.

Sedum, Sempervivum tectorum

Both have not been introduced into Homœopathy

by medicinal Provings, but by signature theory: actually

its signature is astounding. Tumor-like form in its leaf,

which in the beginning is slow, then rapidly develops to

a large proportion; so that the creeping big increase in

layers, one could call it as metastasis, finally its tenacity

to occur again which we consider as chronicity of

Tumors. Sedum and Sempervivum are well known in:

Anal fissures with and without haemorrhoids, Rectum-

Ca. with severe pains of drawing kind for some hours

after stools, hard Tumors of Tongue.

63

Viscum album

The provings and application of this remedy has

been detailed in the DHM (1957, No. 11, 1958 and 59).

I summarise the second part of my lecture: First I

have told you about the Terrain medicine. I have also

mentioned the potency everytime. Mostly they have

been the middle. I then depicted the Organotropica in

their limited, but mostly certain, action range.

Before I now go over to the third part of my lecture,

I wish to give you some valid and effective and

important instructions with regard to Ca-treatment.

1. The treatment must be continued for long time in

which the medicines chosen are suitable to the changed

state.

2. If a remedy is proved as clearly effective, it should

never be fully taken away.

3. An improvement is expressed more often by an

improvement in the general state, and then the doses are

not given any more.

4. After radiation therapy homœopathic medicines are

inactive for 2-3 months. We wait before prescribing.

5. When the vitality of the patient is observably very

weak or extensive organic damages are present, high

potency should not be given in any case. If given the

patient is put in grave situation.

6. If treatment appears hopeless and is passed on to

the Contraria, a rapid end may follow.

I now come to the Third-part of my lecture. I

handle the same theme, only refer to other aspects. I

analyse a case of Ca. in its usual course and suggest

therapeutic measures for every phase.

Case 1: There is a cancerous terrain in this case

but the Tumor is not yet demonstrable. There is no

suspicion of a particular organ affection. What is to be

done?

We must then go to the origin of the thing, and

indeed the disturbances in the reticulo-endothelial

milieu must be removed. That is done by systematic

use of constitutional medicines – the French call it depth

remedy – and Nosodes, but only as indicated in the

patient. They are mostly Medorrhinum D14, D18,

Thuja D14, D18, Tuberculinum D14, Luesinum D14,

D18, Sulphur D14, D18.

If no clear indications are there, autoblood is given

in progressive dilution and in larger intervals, that is

D10 every 6 days, D14 every 12 days, D18 every 20

days. Auto blood is contraindicated absolutely when a

Tumor is observable.

Case 2: A cancerous Terrain without observable

Tumor, but there is suspicion of a specific organ; we

then give the terrain medicine, also the simile medicine

according to the complaints of the affected organ.

If the organ symptoms are not clear or strong

enough to find the Simile then one must be satisfied

with one or more remedies which are relevant to the

affected organ region and prescribes them in low

potencies.

Case 3: Tumor diagnosed, operable. The patient

determines the form of treatment. My lecture should

show you that this scourge can be treated by

Homœopathy.

If the situation is life threatening, compression

complication or Bleeding … only surgery or radiation.

After the surgical measure after radiation therapy

Terrain Cancer therapy is given for a long time or in the

organ affected or local affections the symptomatic

organotropic medicine.

Case 4: Inoperable Tumor: The terrain medicine

is given according to similarity of organotropy or local

medicine.

Slow, at times a stagnation and exceptionally a

recession of the Tumor.

Case 5: Post operatve recurrence or

Metastasisation: It is either only a manifestation or a

retardation of development of cancerous Terrains.

Similar treatment as of an inoperable Tumor.

Case 6: Cancerous Cachexia:

Acidum aceticum: Waxen pale with good appetite.

Antimonium chloratum D8: Cancer of mucous

membranes.

Arsenic.

Arsenic. iod.,

Carbo veg. D10: Loss of body warmth.

Causticum D10.

Corydalis

Iodum D10 with anxious restlessness.

Nitric acidum,

Sedum acre,

Mallein D14: mucous secretion of horse.

Conclusion: Another important point for a

significant Tumor treatment is the collaboration of the

patient. You are largely dependant upon the trust of the

patient, of the physician. This also is naturally the

developing, the insight the discernment of the patient

ultimately it is a question of trust. In every case, the

truth maintained and with earnestness, but without

disparaging hopes. I take care to say: you have a

disease with a swelling. That does not mean anything.

There are benign and bad swellings. And even the so-

called dangerous swellings are cured often. I cannot tell

you anything for certainty, but none else either can say

so for certainty. The uncertainty limits the human life.

You can of course consult some one else also. If you

place your full confidence in me, I will do my best. I

myself have had a swelling, 10 years ago in the brain in

difficult place, which was operated and has not recurred.

You are seeing for yourself how much work I do. What

I am telling you is no theory but my own experience.

If you would like to overcome your ailment you

must be patient. Restlessness is a symptom of your

64

disease, but a good part of it from you yourself, a better

part will be for you to have a correct position to

overcome.

Do as I say; follow the Life precepts, take the

medicines, but above all, be calm.

Few words about diet: The cause of the disease is

unknown, but certainly there is a connection with our

civilisation, there is always possibly natural, most

possibly non-irritating, alkali rich food is relevant. I let

the patient ask what diet suits him and adjust the diet

suitable in every individual case.

I thank Emil SCHLEGAL for knowledge and

Insights mentioned in my lecture. I had good luck to

learn from him; further from his friend Karl

STAUFFER; lastly to a good extent French

Homœopathy. In between I have included my own

experience, and observations.

This lecture of mine will give you the courage to

take up the fight against this disease of our times.

I hope that you are interested in treating your

Tumor patients with our Therapeutic method, and

palliate suffering and even cure them.

*******************************************

iii. Theory of Tumour Development

CLOVER Anne (BHJ. 73, 4/1984) (Part i)

This paper is the first of a trilogy relating to the

place of homœopathic concepts in the understanding

and therapy of Cancer. The aim in the first part is to

review some of HAHNEMANN’s theories relevant

carcinogenesis. It will consider the way in which he

assesses the contribution of factors as various as chronic

poisoning, subtle psychological determinants and

hereditary traits. Today there are increasing references

to a wide range of factors said to be causes of Cancer.

Physical carcinogens as well as emotional, ideological

and other similarly subtle factors and hereditary patterns

relevant to tumour development are being researched. It

may be argued that in many ways HAHNEMANN has

also spanned this spectrum of causes in his writings,

referring to the role of the latent, and many would say

hereditary, trait that he termed “psora”, as well as to its

provocation by contemporary irritants of various forms.

As in so many other situations, the role of distinct

physical factors is more easily considered than that of

psychological energies. But if we pursue

HAHNEMANN’s approach we will look as closely as

possible at all aspects of the relevant processes.

HAHNEMANN is by no means one of the first to

express insights concerning subtle determinants of

tumours. As early as the second century GALEN

expressed the opinion that women of a “melancholic”

temperament were more likely to develop breast Cancer

than those described as “sanguine”. This might suggest

that those who suffered such problems passively were

more liable to tumour development than those who

readily expressed their emotions. Such references to an

association between breast Cancer and psychological

disorders increased in the 18th and 19th centuries, and

even more so in the present era. Recent examples have

included a study published by GREEN and MILLER in

1958 reporting an association between Cancer and

preceeding personal loss,1 and by GREEN and

SWISHER in the 1969 on three sets of monozygotic

twins discordant for Leukaemia with prior major

personal psychological stress in the affected twin.2

Other studies published in the 1960s showed a

correlation between prior depressive illness and

subsequent Cancer development. Since then further

studies of such an inter-relation between malignant

disease and prior psychological stress have appeared to

give contradictory results. But many workers in this

field still argue firmly in support of the association from

their personal experience of patients’ reports, whilst also

pointing out the difficulty of adequately assaying the

frequency or role of such effects.

But as HAHNEMANN reminds us many times,

empirical experience is on its own not enough to

formulate or dismiss a theory. Rational deduction,

particularly when applied to careful observation of

patient's reports, is a more reliable guide.

Today, science has clearly shown that all matter is

energy behaving in an apparently substantial manner.

The idea of solid entities or uncuttable atoms has long

been exploded. It is only inertic thought that holds to an

erroneous dualism between supposed immaterial forces

and so-called material atoms. We are now in an era

when thought is having to catch up with science and

dynamize its interpretations. Since the physical body is

a dynamic form it follows logically that the energies of

thought and feeling are in continuous kinetic interaction

with the apparently physical aspects of beings.

FREUD and JUNG are well known exponents of

such theories. It is less often acknowledged that the

interaction had been stated long before them by Samuel

HAHNEMANN.

65

HAHNEMANN’s many writings show a

progressive understanding on his part of a hierarchy of

causes of chronic diseases, one form of which he says is

Cancer. He currently emphasized the need to look at all

aspects in a spectrum of causes and warned against a

blind prejudice on one hand, or empty speculation on

the other.3 Blind prejudice, he says, is opinion-based

according to a person’s particular training. In other

words, someone who is inappropriately tied down to

their previous experience and ideas. Empty speculation

is an opposite type of error, that is, hypothesis

inadequately tested in experience. In collateral terms,

one is seeing no further than the end of a nose, the other

is flight of fancy or phantasy. The way to avoid these

errors, according to HAHNEMANN, is through careful

scrutiny of all relevant factors.

This hierarchy of causes described by

HAHNEMANN ranges from spiritual, or initiatory

forms, to diet and dampness. Although he was writing

long before public health was a common concern, he

firmly argued the need for care in this dimension.

Today it is easy to take such measures for granted. But

in his day, HAHNEMANN was again showing a

pioneer attitude when he emphasized their importance

to health or disease. His advice on diet is similarly

practical. He advocated a fresh, well balanced diet,

avoiding excesses or substances difficult to assimilate.

In a similar vein he argues against the abuse of drugs

and for appropriate regimes of exercise. All such

obvious physical factors, he argues, can play a

fundamental role in determining human health or

disease. They are the basic modalities in his hierarchy

of causes of chronic disease in general, or tumour in

particular.4

All through his writings HAHNEMANN

consistently argues the similar importance of

psychological factors for health or disease. Clearly to

him the physical performance was a type of end product

revealing the effect of progressively finer influences.

His assessment is constantly non-dualistic, emphasizing

the interaction of the subtle and gross determinants.

Amongst such subtle factors he differentiates

emotions, selective or trained thoughts, a higher mind or

understanding and ultimately the volition or will. Often

such modalities appear to be considered together when

he refers to the “Vital Force”. This term, though

unfamiliar today, was widely used in the time of

HAHNEMANN for factors that would now be termed

psychological. In expanding his understanding of this

aspect of human function, HAHNEMANN

differentiates such factors that in his opinion contribute

to malignant disease. Examples that he lists are training

in formative years, moral conflict, sexual difficulties,

family problems, jealousy, resentment and fear.5 His

list is wide-ranging, but can be summarized in today’s

terminology as referring to emotional imprinting and

intellectual conditioning.

Today it is widely acknowledged that the physical

organism holds dynamic imprints of prior experience,

such as perceived sensations, emotional reactions and

ideological training. Clearly these serve a useful

purpose when they facilitate useful training, but become

a problem when they strongly bias a person to repeat

experience remembered by them as pleasurable and

restrictively to avoid pain or threat. Such restriction can

easily conflict with personal creativity and become a

factor in the development of disease. Summarizing his

hierarchy so far, HAHNEMANN has referred to the role

in tumour development of three modalities that today

could be termed physical, emotional and ideological.

But this hierarchy of factors contributing to chronic

disease such as Cancer does not stop here. He also

refers to even more subtle vectors when he write of

spiritual essences and the higher mind.6

He appears to imply that the higher mind is an

understanding that extends beyond the individual

empirical training and intellect to include an awareness

that might be described as cosmic.7,8 Many

philosophers and other thinkers have referred to an

inherent intelligence and ultimate order in the universe.

Various religious, philosophical or psychological terms

have been pursued for this, examples are the Christian

Logos, the Buddhist field of formal voidity, the Platonic

realm of ideas, and the Jungian collective unconscious.

They all imply an immediate, innate consciousness with

creative power of its own processes. HAHNEMANN

appears to refer to such awareness and the possibility of

it informing the individual thinker when he writes of the

higher mind or the reason-gifted consciousness. It

implies an understanding reaching far beyond the limits

of ordinary egoic training. He then appears to develop

and apply this awareness in relation to chronic disease

when he implies that personal disregard of its

66

information accompanies empirical bias and contributes

to interpersonal conflict.

Closely associated with such concepts are

references to spiritual or initiatory essences.7,8

HAHNEMANN’s writings imply his progressive

understanding of an informed initiation, a term also

translated as a spiritual essence, that is, the prime mover

of any creative process. It could be called an ultimate

cause, answerable only to itself. Logical deduction

implies that such an initiation would be a primary cause

of an act, the free will referred to in various ways by

philosophers, psychologists, religious thinkers or similar

researchers in all ages. In other words HAHNEMANN

appears to be saying, like many other thinkers have

done, that the primary cause appears qualitatively in its

effect. HAHNEMANN’s use of the term “initiatory

essence” implies this. It denotes a quality essential to

the form and not an imposed directive. One way of

illustrating such concepts is to liken the initiatory

essence to the pattern in an acorn that determines its

development, given appropriate resources, into an oak

tree. The term “conceptual essence” is a very

interesting one, implying the dual aspects of the will to

act in this way and the form expressing it.

HAHNEMANN argues that such a subtle form is the

prime mover of any extant structure and deduces that

just as such influences can sustain health, their

imbalance can contribute to disease. Such initiatory

derangements, he argues, need a similar form of

corrective. That is, an initiatory imbalance needs a

change of initiative for its correction. In relation to

these concepts he argues that potentization gradually

releases such initiatory forms and presents them in a

manner that can facilitate an appropriate re-orientation

in a disturbed energy field.

Here then are two more aspects, which, added to

the three of thought, feeling and drive previously

described, make a five-fold hierarchy. It begins with

the Will, or essential initiation, moves to comprehensive

understanding or higher mind, then refers to conditioned

temporalized thought or opinion, after this to emotional

conditioning and finally to diet, damp, drugs or other

similarly gross physical factors. The activity of all these

aspects, HAHNEMANN argues, is revealed in the gross

physical form, a dynamic construct that reflects the

whole series. All aspects, he says, are in continual

interfunction and all therefore contribute all the time to

health or disease.

In relation to chronic disease, including tumours,

HAHNEMANN argues that such influences accrue

during the lifetime of an individual, then interact with a

latent trait. Many have interpreted his writings on Psora

as implying a hereditary trait that is vulnerable to

reactivation by contemporary effects. HAHNEMANN

relates the origins of Psora to a chronic irritation

developed in the dawn of civilization and of which

Leprosy may be a long-standing sign, contemporary VD

a more recent manifestation.9 But whatever its origins

he argues that this trait is liable to reactivation by the

other factors named as contributing to chronic disease.10

He is therefore describing a dual action of the latent

trait and a stimulus that provokes its activation. It is a

theory that bears close comparison with contemporary

expressions of the combined effects of hereditary

factors as well as personal psychology or exposure to

carcinogens, which in combination can produce a

malignant disease.

Although HAHNEMANN firmly argues that such a

latent trait is the common property of mankind, he still

emphasizes the individuality of diseases with which it is

associated. The basic trait may be shared but the

provoking factors are unique. Hence he says we need to

remember that in each patient we are seeing not

“Cancer” but a “type of Cancer”.11 It is a point taken up

again by CLARKE when he emphasizes that

“Homœopathy is the art of individualizing”.

HAHNEMANN’s theories therefore imply a

thoroughly dynamic understanding of tumour

development.

In all his writings HAHNEMANN consistently

deduced a theory first, then applied this in a rational

therapy. The second paper in this series will discuss

how these insights can be applied today in the treatment

of malignant disease.

[Reg. personal loss causing Cancer: Dr. Jacques BAUR

(1920 – 2003) was well until he lost his dear wife. She

used to accompany him to all LIGA meets (so he told

me). This loss devastated him and he decided to give up

all activities. Within about three weeks of his wife’s

death, he lost a dear sister. His grief was great. Soon he

67

was diagnosed Cancer in the Spine. Hospitalized.

Within few months he passed away – KSS].

REFERENCES

1. Greeve WA, Miller. Psychological factors and

reticulo-endothelial disease. Psychosom Med

1958; 20: 124 – 44.

2. Greeve WA, Swisher SN. Psychological and

somatic variables associated with the development

and course of monozygotic twins discordant for

leukaemia. Ann NY Acad Sci 1969; 164: 394 –

408.

3. HAHNEMANN S. Organon. Preface 2nd ed.

4. Ibid., Paragraph 77. 6th ed.

5. Ibid., Paragraph 81A, 93. 6th ed.

6. Ibid., Introduction and paragraphs 62, 63. 6th ed.

Trans. Dudgeon. RPH 1961.

7. Ibid., Paragraphs 15 – 20 and 269, 270. 6th ed.

8. HAHNEMANN S. Chronic Diseases. Prefaces to

vol. IV and V. Delhi: Jain.

9. Ibid:, p. 48.

10. Ibid., p. 10.

11. HAHNEMANN S. Organon. Paragraph 81. 6th ed.

*******************************************

Therapeutic implications of HAHNEMANN’s

theories on tumour development (Part ii)

The first paper of this trilogy1 looked at

HAHNEMANN’s views on the hierarchy of causal

factors that contribute to tumour development. The aim

now is to discuss their implications concerning available

therapies.

Before pursuing this I will briefly summarize the

hierarchy of causes of tumour development evident in

HAHNEMANN’s writings. At the most obvious

physical level he refers to the influence of poor or

inappropriate diet, inadequate drainage and chronic

poisoning. Next he discusses the effect of processes

that today would be described as repressed emotions or

repressive ideas. Finally, his hierarchy refers to the role

of a comprehensive understanding and volition or

initiation. In other words, he surveys a spectrum of

causes ranging from basic physical determinants,

through psychological vectors to subtle and not easily

understood levels of consciousness today sometimes

described by such terms as collective understanding and

Free Will. All these aspects, he argues, can contribute

to the development of chronic diseases in general and

tumours in particular. Similarly each aspect has a

related therapeutic application. This paper will look at

these concepts and related therapies in three stages.

First, those with a physical emphasis, second those

related particularly to psychological factors and, third,

the ways in which therapy can emphasize the role of

volition. Since it may be argued that a correct use of

homœopathic remedies and Iscador is relevant to all

these aspects, they will be considered in a fourth and

final section.

Therapies with a physical emphasis

In relation to an emphasis on physical factors

contributing to tumour development, we may consider

therapies as various as Chemotherapy, Surgery,

Radiotherapy, diet, general care and personal hygiene,

local applications to tumour sites and relaxation

techniques. A detailed discussion of the first three on

this list is not the subject of this review, but they are

mentioned as they warrant inclusion here.

HAHNEMANN acknowledged that surgery may have

an important part to play in therapy but at the same time

warned against its inappropriate use. Decisions

concerning radical Surgery, intensive Chemotherapy or

wide field Radiotherapy can be difficult. Every patient

has the right to like or dislike his therapy, and detailed

discussion may well be required concerning the possible

use of such procedures.

Various diets have at times been suggested as

assisting Cancer therapy. In recent months many

patients requesting treatment at the Royal London

Homœopathic Hospital for Cancer have already

contacted the Bristol Cancer Help Centre and received

their advice on diet. We have at times seen patients so

concerned by what they have read or heard that they

believe a lapse from a predominantly raw food, high

caroteen diet will aggravate their disease. This is

unfortunate. No dietary advice can be that rigid. As

HAHNEMANN and many other therapists have

recurrently argued, the disease any patient shows is

unique to them. Hence dietary advice will similarly

need adjusting to individual requirements. Having said

this, it still appears reasonable in general to advise, as

HAHNEMANN did, the use as far as is practicable of

fresh, simple, easily assimilated food without chemical

additives. Many workers in this field advise excluding

red meat from the diet, if that is acceptable to the

patient.

In relation to relaxation techniques, their

importance can be argued as an adjunct to any therapy.

In any disease, healing is facilitated by good relaxation

and hampered by high levels of anxiety and muscle

tension. A small example of the use of relaxation has

occurred with some of the patients at the Royal London

Homœopathic Hospital where we have heard them

report a reduced need for night sedation after learning

simple relaxation techniques.

68

The need for appropriate care of tumour sites and

general good hygiene, rest and adequate mobilization is

obvious and does not need development here.

In practice, many of these types of therapy with a

physical emphasis can be used together, as well as in

combination with psychological orientated treatments.

Therapies with a psychological emphasis

The many lines of therapy offered for treatment of

Cancer that may be considered under this heading are

aiming at a release of negative processes contributing to

the disease and re-integration of a positive opposition to

it. These two apparently opposing approaches, in

practice work together. A rationale for their use is

easier to understand when we remember that all aspects

of the human body are forms of energy co-operating to

produce the tangible result. Such energic forms can

therefore be manipulated by a release of repressed

emotion as well as by clarification of new ideas to

inform the substance. The repressed emotions are

repressive ideas that can conflict with the creative

impetus of an individual and provoke irritation and

disease can be of distant or recent origin. It has often

been observed by workers in this field that a major

psychological trauma has occurred a few months before

the primary development of a tumour or its sudden

spread of metastases. The abreactive type of therapies

are aimed at releasing imprinted emotions not

adequately integrated or discharged at the time of their

initial provocation. Closely associated with this can be

an attempt to help a patient clarify ideas on which they

wish to act now, and others retained from early years

but which they now seek to understand and change.

Understanding is the key here. When insight develops,

concerning how previously held ideas and emotional

responses have developed, an individual is in a better

position to change or restate them as he will. That is, he

takes charge of them instead of being ruled by them

without his recognition.

It is an important way of helping an individual take

increasing charge of his own directive energies, and

reducing inner conflicts that otherwise may contribute

to tumour development or other disease. Such conflicts

can be compared to splinters. Once seen they are easily

removed, but if not traced will continue to cause

irritation and disease.

The pursuit of insight into such factors not only

facilitates a change in emotional and ideological

imprints, it also helps an individual increase their own

conscious direction of their inner processes, which

brings us to the third section in this review.

Therapies with an emphasis on volition

It has often been observed that patients who show

an active interest in their therapy and do all they can to

assist it, fare better than those who adopt a resigned

fatalism. It is reasonable to expect this. When a

person’s interests, ideas and emotions are supporting

their therapy there is convergence that will enhance its

course. It is like swimming with a current, not against

it.

The Will, or volition, is a term widely used to

imply the prime mover of human activity. It is not

easily understood. Emotional pressure or ideological

inclination can easily be misinterpreted as free Will.

The term “Will” implies an original choice of action

coming from a level of consciousness operant in all of

us which is freely choosing without bias from previous

experience. There have been occasions when patients

with major organic disease such as malignancy have

realized that their personal choices have determined

their life situation and contributed to their vulnerability

to disease. Such insight is rare, but when expressed has

helped patients realize the way in which individual

choice can similarly re-orientate towards health. It is an

insight that can help a patient take increase of charge of

their personal experiences in a way that helps them

redirect at least some of the disease energy. A simple

example of such helpful re-orientation occurs when a

patient chooses to give up smoking. Less obvious, but

similarly important to therapy, is the choice of ideas, on

which a person operates and their conscious application

to direct personal energy. All such factors serve to help

an individual discover their own capacity of Self

direction and with that attain a reduction of their

previously unrecognised psychological conflicts.

HAHNEMANN’s later expressions concerning

initiatory essences appear to refer to such a capacity for

Self-direction. In the sixth edition of Organon he

recurrently refers to spiritual or initiatory essences as

the primary determinants of gross forms seen in the

time-matter world. His terminology implies an ultimate

Self-direction of all gross forms. It is a concept not

easily discussed, but if pursued implies an essential

dignity and capacity for true Self-respect. When

applied to human development it means an essential

Self-responsibility; that being is its own cause. At first

such concepts may appear onerous, but that is only one

aspect of them. The other is the implication of authentic

Self-direction that gives true status to an individual.

HAHNEMANN appropriately terms such awareness

“essential” to being. He takes his discussion further

when he argues that potentization reveals a similar

initiatory level in the medicinal agent and that this can

then re-inforce the corresponding quality and its re-

orientation in the recipient (Org. para 11, 12). Hence

his assertion that a correct homœopathic medicine

relates to the cause of a disease as well as to its

symptomatic effects, which brings us to the fourth

section.

69

The role of homœopathic treatment and Iscador in

the treatment of Cancer

HAHNEMANN’s deductions imply that a correct

homœopathic therapy relates to all aspects of the cause

and subsequent course of tumours. He relates this, not

only to contemporary physical, psychological and

volitional factors but also to inherited traits or miasms,

vulnerable to re-activation and expression in overt

diseases. His theories on treatment of chronic disease

therefore include discussion of remedies intended to

provoke a suitable counter-reaction to the latent trait or

miasm which he argues is activated to produce gross

symptoms as well as those appropriate to the

precipitating factors. He argues both that a correct

miasmatic remedy can help provoke an appropriate

response to the latent trait involved and that a correct

contemporary simillimum helps counter the trauma that

activated it. Hence it can be said that a correct

homœopathic treatment can be relevant to all aspects

contributing to tumour development.

Iscador, a mistletoe preparation, is also widely used

by many homœopathic doctors in the treatment of solid

tumours. The use of this medicine has been developed

mainly by anthroposophical doctors since it was first

recommended by Dr. STEINER. This, too, is said to

relate to the subtle forms that produce Cancer as well as

to their gross expression.

Both homœopathic remedies and Iscador are

therefore alike in that they are both said to act against

malignant tumours by provoking subtle as well as gross

resistence to it. They can be described as having a type

of rear-guard action, provoking the subtle resistence to a

tumour process and undermining its base rather than

merely adjusting its façade.

These are interesting theories carefully reasoned by

HAHNEMANN that appeal to the intuitive sensitivity

of many people. Although at first they may appear to

imply an onerous Self-responsibility, their other aspect

is the realization of a true inner determination that is

essential to Self-respect, and many would argue an

ultimate aim of therapy.

The third and final paper in this series will be a

discussion of some of the experiences in applying such

theories in seeking to help patients with solid tumours.

REFERENCE

1. Clover A. A theory of tumour development.

Br. Hom J 1984; 73: 187.

********************************************

Some Experiences in the Treatment of Cancer by

Homœopathy (Part iii)

In this third paper of a trilogy relating to

HAHNEMANN’s theories relevant to tumour

development and therapy, I will outline three illustrative

case histories and then discuss them.

Mrs A

She was 73 years old and had an Anaplastic

Carcinoma of the oesophagus. At diagnosis in

February’81 the tumour was said to be in the lower level

of the oesophagus. She was treated by Radiotherapy

and also in the following months she had regular

prescriptions of Iscador and Vitis Co, Phosphorus 30

and Condurango Q. Although throughout the radiation

treatment she appeared to show a good tolerance, she

later developed Radiation Pneumonitis. This was

treated by a combination of steriods; Radium bromatum

200 and Causticum 200.

In October ’81 she complained of dyspnoea and

chest pain, and was found to have symptoms and signs

of lung metastases and a Pericardial Effusion. This was

confirmed radiologically, and she was seen by a

cardiologist who advised her transfer to a cardiac unit

for pericardial tapping.

Mrs A insisted that Homœopathy and Acupuncture

were all she needed for this additional development.

Whilst awaiting transfer from the Royal London

Homœopathic Hospital (RLHH) the homœopathic

remedy was Bryonia in varying potencies. When seen

in the cardiology unit a few days later, no sign of any

significant pericardial effusion was found.

In January ’82 she was seen in outpatients, reported

that she could eat anything she wanted and could do a 2

mile walk. She remained fairly well until April ’82.

In the last five months prior to her death Mrs A

experienced recurrent diaphragmatic spasms with severe

hiccupping and retching. Although Ignatia 6 and

Cuprum aceticum 6 eased these symptoms, they did not

clear them. Mrs A frequently and firmly stated her wish

to have as few analgesics as possible as she wished to

be alert and closely observe her own death process. She

had little pain and required only Panadol or Distalgesic

for analgesia. In the minutes prior to her death she was

calm and peaceful although experiencing another

diaphragmatic spasm. She recurrently said to the

doctors with her “If only I could communicate to you

the beauty of this experience”.

Miss B

Miss B was a young North African woman aged 30

years when first seen at the RLHH in July’82. She

already had extensive Hodgkin’s disease, including a

3"diameter fungating tumour in her left supraclavicular

region extending onto the anterior chest wall. She had

first developed signs of the disease at age 13 years, and

had received extensive Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

70

in other hospitals. When seen in the RLHH, she firmly

stated her decision not to have any repeat courses of

such treatment. Briefly summarized, her history began

in a wealthy North African home. When about 10 years

old, her previously allegedly tranquil homelife was

disrupted by sudden and continuing major parental

strife. She left her family in her early teens and joined

an Eastern religious movement. She lived in England

from age 15 years. By the time she was admitted to the

RLHH, contact with her parents was minimal, but she

corresponded regularly with her sister living in USA.

She remained committed member of the religious

movement she had joined as a teenager and most of her

friends came from this group. She frequently and

firmly, but not aggressively, stated her conviction that

her disease was part of her Karma, that it was a way for

her to resolve personally accumulated problems. Her

belief was that close observation of its effect and her

maintenance of personal control through it, would

suitably conclude this life time and prepare her for her

next incarnation. She therefore refused further

conventional treatment. She also refused to accept

Iscador. However, she welcomed homœopathic

treatment. Even in the latter weeks of her life she

declined conventional medication. She regularly

practised meditation, and the use of visual imagery. At

times she appeared to welcome an opportunity to

discuss her past conflicts, her ideology and hopes. She

kept in regular contact with her friends from the

religious movement of which she was a member.

Various homœopathic medicines were prescribed,

including Aurum, Arsenicum album, Kali Sulphuricum,

Phosphoricum acidum and Kreosotum were given

orally, and hydrastis and calendula applied to the

tumour. Although this slowly but steadily progressed,

the medication prescribed at least initially appeared to

help to reduce the copious offensive discharge from the

tumour. Throughout the 7 months that she remained in

the RLHH, she consistently held to her stated ideals and

died peacefully at 31 years in Feb. ’83.

Mr C

He was first seen at the Tunbridge Wells

Homœopathic Hospital (TWHH) in November’80,

when he was 33 years of age. He had a Colorectal

Carcinoma which had been diagnosed in June ’79, when

a resection of an Anular Sigmoid Carcinoma was

performed. He had remained well until August ’80

when he began passing blood and mucous PR.

Laparotomy at the Royal Marsden Hospital in August

’80 showed a recurrence of the tumour invading the

bladder, plus mesenteric and hepatic metastases. His

wife reported that she had been told that her husband

was not expected to survive to the end of the year. She

had discussed this with her husband, neither of them

accepted this gloomy prognosis, and both sought to add

homœopathic treatment to the therapy already being

prescribed. The main complaint on presentation was

frequent loose bloody stools. In Sept.’80 the patient’s

father died with Lung Carcinoma.

Throughout the next two years Mr C received

regular Iscador Qu cum Hg, a split dose of Carcinosin

12 and frequent Mercurius corrosivus 6, Natrum

Sulphuricum 6, or China 6. He also continued with

regular Chemotherapy as advised at the Marsden. In

June’81 ultrasound examination showed disappearance

of previously detectable hepatic metastases and a fall in

the CEA to normal levels. The pelvic mass appeared

stationary.

In 1981 his second child was born. He remained

generally well, continued his fulltime work as sales

manager for a printing firm, but continued most of the

time to pass frequent bloody stools. He appeared at

least to be avoiding any deterioration, unitl his brother

was killed in a road accident in Nov.’82. After this Mr

C steadily deteriorated and died peacefully in April’83.

These three case histories illustrate three of the

main reasons for which many patients have requested

Homœopathy as an adjunct to other therapy for

neoplastic disease. Mrs A had a life-long interest in

Homœopathy, Miss B was committed to a philosophy

which supported it, and Mr C turned to it when other

treatment appeared inadequate for his needs. All three

also reflect the hierarchy of factors described by

HAHNEMANN in relation to the development of

chronic diseases including tumours. We may first note

the volitional factor, the “essential” that

HAHNEMANN implies is the primary directive of

being-energies. All three showed clear evidence of an

intent to learn as much as they could through the illness

they were experiencing. Paradoxically they all accepted

it, clearly discussed the diagnosis with its apparent

implications, yet at the same time sought to oppose it

with the help they believed appropriate to their life style

and concepts. Their quiet and persistent determination

was clearly evident. The ideas they

expressed and sought further to clarify concerning their

particular situation appeared to have an important

stabilizing effect for them. Mrs A referred to Christian

concepts and Miss B to Eastern philosophy. Although

Mr and Mrs C showed no particular religious or

philosophical affiliation, in their own way they

discussed and pursued their concern for quality of life

71

and not, as they put it, mere longevity. All three

consistently showed their intent to progress through the

disease towards more Self understanding. Arguably this

contributed to the calmness they usually showed and

remarkably low need for analgesics.

As well as referring to the fundamental role of

volition and ideology in the development and treatment

of tumours, HAHNEMANN also emphasizes the part

played by emotional trauma. Many other writers have

referred to this in the last two centuries. Again this is

evident in all three cases reported here. Mrs A had a

long history of family problems which escalated in her

later years. In addition her sister died with Breast

Cancer in 1976. Miss B, as has already been noted,

developed Hodgkin’s disease shortly after major family

conflicts and breaking her previous close involvement

with her family. Mr C only showed a steady

deterioration in his disease after his brother’s sudden

death. In discussing the nature of their disease, all three

patients readily associated their personal emotional

traumas with the disease development.

In relation to gross physical factors relevant to

Cancer therapy, HAHNEMANN refers to such basics as

diet, drainage and general care. In recent years various

diets have been suggested as being important aids in

Cancer therapy. Of the three patients reported here, all

three chose predominantly simple whole food diets,

Miss B was vegetarian.

The medication prescribed has already been

summarized in the individual histories. Mrs A had

Iscador, homœopathic remedies of a constitutional and

pathological emphasis, Radiotherapy and conventional

medication. Miss B had only homœopathic

prescriptions. Mr C had frequent Chemotherapy as well

as homoepathic remedies and regular Iscador injections.

The homœopathic remedies used came from groups

regularly used at the RLHH and TWHH in Cancer

therapy. These are Nosodes such as Carcinosin

prescribed for Mr. C. We also used antisycotic

remedies, particularly Thuja for Miss B, on account of

her soft discharging tumour. Constitutional remedies

were assessed and prescribed for all three. Pathological

type prescriptions were widely used for instance in an

attempt to ease the copious bloody stools of Mr. C and

the diaphragmatic spasms of Mrs. A.

It was frequently observed by the nursing staff that

the patients described here were remarkably positive

and calm despite their gross disease. Naturally they all

had some phases of depression and negative type

questioning, but opportunities to discuss their reactions,

the prescriptions of constitutional remedies, and the

continued support of friends, relatives and other

therapists usually helped them through this in a matter

of a few days.

All three patients described here took an active

interest in their therapy from the start. Its application

was recurrently discussed as fully as possible with them.

Similarly as far as possible we attempted to listen and

help them clarify their ideas concerning their

experiences, using their preferred terminology.

One of the few facts that is clear about Cancer

development is that it is far from understood. Arguably

HAHNEMANN’s theories on chronic disease give

many useful leads on how to pursue an insight into this

condition and then evolve, together with the patients

experiencing it, a rational therapy appropriate to its

many facets.

*******************************************

iv. How I Treat Patients with Cancer of the Breast

Anne, CLOVER (BHJ. Vol. 82, No.3, July 1993)

‘Homœopathy is the art of individualizing’. This

quotation from CLARKE echoes through my mind

whenever I met a patient with Cancer. The details of

the history and the patient’s reaction to the diagnosis are

always unique and loaded with significance for

homœopathic prescribing.

The first need is to listen. Many patients want to

talk about the initial symptoms of the disease, its

progress, how the diagnosis was confirmed, the manner

in which they were informed about it and any

subsequent treatment. Some volunteer their opinions

about life events that might have been contributory

factors. There are, of course, many other patients who

appear reluctant to talk about the process. But this may

indicate an initial caution which is overcome once the

person feels safe enough to relate deeply felt

experiences and associated ideas. Would-be prescribers

need to heed the word of Polonius to Laertes (Hamlet

Act 1, Sc. 3): ‘Give every man thy ear, but few thy

voice.’

A careful review by a woman of her experiences

leading up to and following a diagnosis of breast cancer

can itself be therapeutic. Talking about the process may

assist clarification of the history and her original

72

reactions to it. She may be enabled to release

previously repressed emotions or integrate and reduce a

prior excess reaction.

Constitutional prescribing

To facilitate the detailed review required for

homœopathic prescribing I use a three-stage approach.

The first stage is a review of major life events prior

to overt signs of disease. This includes reference to the

family medical history and significant personal

experiences antedating the development of disease

symptoms. Whatever the latest stage in the ongoing

debate in the medical press concerning studies about

significant life events and tumour development, surely

as homœopaths we can respect the words of

HAHNEMANN and his reminder that psychological

stress can influence the development of chronic disease.

(Organon 6th edition, §78).

The second stage concerns the particular symptoms

leading to the investigations and diagnosis of malignant

disease. All the physical symptoms and the

accompanying psychological reactions to them warrant

careful assessment.

The third stage refers to the response to the

diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Here again, we

need to note how the patient has responded physically

and psychologically.

HAHNEMANN reminded us many times to

prescribe on the totality of symptoms presented by a

patient and when seeing someone who has received

treatment to include reference to any lingering side

effects as well as features of the original disease. This

is surely a logical requirement. Prescribing involves

selecting a therapeutic stimulus appropriate to a

patient’s profile at the time of the consultation.

Symptoms that have been long-standing, recent

developments through the evolving disease, or residual

effects of therapy, are all contributing to the profile of

the patient at the time of the consultation. An individual

prescription will therefore include reference to all of

them (Organon, § 92). For example, for a woman who

is complaining of depression following radiotherapy,

the history-taking will refer to details of the present

depressive reaction as well as the disease effects that led

to the use of radiotherapy.

Such an overall review of the disease process and

its present aggregate effect can lead to advising almost

any homœopathic medicine appropriate to the individual

profile. To attempt to appraise the patient’s history and

her reactions to it, and then to add into this review the

physician’s own impressions of responses shown, takes

time – perhaps a lot of time. There is no shortcut. A

computer may help review data and give useful hints on

prescribing, but it cannot replace the intuitive

assessment of an observant physician. We will always

need to refer to the Materia Medica to check the

summation of subtle impressions and objective data in

order to prescribe accurately for the person seeking

help.

I am deliberately not naming particular medicines

likely to be useful here. The scope is vast and I see no

alternative to emphasizing the need to find the

individual prescription for the individual person

requesting treatment.

However, the size and timing of prescriptions

warrants reflection. My impression so far is that 30c

potencies are the most likely to be beneficial for this

form of prescribing. Occasionally I have used a 200c

potency, mainly when the symptoms have been

predominantly affective at the time of assessment.

Usually I have found 30c assimilable and effective. The

timing that has appeared helpful has been 3 times daily

(t.d.s.) for one day initially, repeated as required for the

response of the individual patient. This point may need

emphasis. It is not, in my experience so far, advisable

to give a prescription automatically at fixed intervals.

Instead I advise patients to time repeats according to

their response. This means only repeating as benefit

reduces and if symptoms recur in a form similar to that

previously experienced. Patients who have found a

medicine beneficial observe their own responses and

time repeats accordingly. It may be t.d.s. one day per

week, fortnight, month or even 2-3 months, with the

intervals varying within the experience of each person.

Individual patients may find they need shorter or longer

intervals between doses of the same medicine at

different stages in their experience of the disease. The

timing, like the form of the medicine, is individual to

the patient and varied as required.

Specific or pathological prescribing

Homœopathic practice also affords the means of

prescribing with more emphasis on relatively localized

aspects of the disease process. This again applies the

similia principle, but with stress on specific aspects of

the disease in a manner that can complement the

constitutional approach.

Medicines with particular relevance to primary

breast tumour

When there is a family history of close relatives

with Cancer, especially in a sluggish, pale woman with

blue sclera and multiple moles:

Carcinosin 30c t.d.s., 1 day only.

If a woman reports general benefit from this,

consider repeat for 1 day after 3 months.

Tumour alleged to follow local blow to breast,

hard, irritant or with shooting pain. Lymphadenopathy.

Offensive sweat. An anxious, timid, morose woman.

Weariness, weakness and vertigo. All symptoms <

inactivity:

Conium 30c, t.d.s., 1-3 days initially.

73

Hard, irregular primary tumour, with nipple

retraction and skin tethered. May be particularly useful

for pre-ulcerative stage of disease. Local cutting pain in

breast. Axillary glands hard and painful. A gloomy,

negative, perhaps morbid manner with irritability.

Prone to tenacious catarrh:

Hydrastis, consider low potency for a few weeks.

Assistance with pain control

This is frequently requested. Many patients find

the sedative effects of opiate analgesia difficult and

therefore ask for homœopathic help with pain relief.

Obviously there is no single homœopathic analgesic.

However, let me share some observations to date

concerning the application of Homœopathy for such

needs. Metastatic bone pain warrants a section of its

own; I will therefore look at that after some more

generalized comments on relief of pain associated with

primary tumors. The quality of pain and individual

response to it can guide medicine selection.

Aching, soreness, or bruised sensation, especially if

associated with impatience and reluctance to discuss

symptoms. < motion, < cold, < night: Arnica.

Boring pain, especially in bones. Burning pain.

All pain < rest, and associated with restless fidgeting,

despair or anguish:

Aur. mur. nat.

Sharp or shooting pain, intermittent, sudden jabs.

Or sudden onset burning pain. Angry or irritable

restlessness. Pain < night, < touch:

Belladonna.

Sustained moderate pain accompanied by

impatience and overt frustration. Hypersensitive.

Complains that pain is unbearable. > motion, < bed:

Chamomilla.

Burning pain, < rest, < night, < initial movement, >

steady movement, especially in a serious-minded, quiet,

generally subdued and drowsy person:

Euphorbium.

Tearing or stitching, sudden come and go, splinter-

like pain. Bone pain, drawing quality, < touch or

pressure, > movement, < bed. Especially if associated

with vindictiveness or despair:

Nitric acid.

Concerning potency, I assess the response of the

individual patient. Some of them respond well to 6c or

12c b.d. p.r.n.; others need a 30c b.d., perhaps 1 or 2

days per week or month. Here again, a woman will

observe her response and adjust the timing as required.

Assistance with bone metastatic pain

Two medicines stand out in my recollections here

as having recurrently proved beneficial for patients with

such symptoms. They are Eupatorium perfoliatum and

Rhododendron.

For gnawing, aching soreness of bones, especially

when accompanied by a sluggish weariness, anxious

despondency, thirst and marked aggravation by cold.

The pain is likely to be worse for movement, but this is

not an essential indication for this medicine:

Eupatorium perfoliatum.

For bruised, aching pain, worse for touch, cold

damp conditions and pre-thunder, eased by movement,

especially if occurring in a morose, apprehensive

patient:

Rhododendron.

In addition to these two front runners in relation to

bone pain, most of the calcium salts are worth

considering, especially when there is an overall

indication for their use.

For potency, again it may be a 6c, 12c b.d. p.r.n., or

a 30c repeated less frequently which gives most relief.

Assistance with after-effects of radiotherapy

Such reactions may be reduced by prescribing

prophylactic Radium bromide 30c for a woman

receiving radiotherapy. Many patients have reported

benefit from:

Radium bromide 30c mane, 1-2 days per week

p.r.n. during the course of treatment.

For local skin soreness, particularly if there is

burning discomfort, local tenderness and perhaps

irritation:

Cantharis 30c b.d. p.r.n..

For depressive reactions or other mood changes

following radiotherapy:

X-ray 200 c t.d.s for 2 days, or Radium bromide

200 c t.d.s. for 2 days.

Assistance with malignant ulceration

This is a particularly difficult change to help by

homœopathic treatment. However, I have seen some

patients who have reported reductions in the amount,

odour or discomfort or malignant breast ulceration and

advise considering the following prescriptions:

Burning, corrosive, freely discharging ulcers.

Thick yellowish exudates. Breast tenderness and

induration. Especially in a heat-intolerant, fussy,

frightened patient:

Arsenicum iodatum.

Ulceration with cutting or drawing pain in breast. <

night, < motion. A hot, thirsty patient. Easily tearful,

apprehensive, gloomy and impatient. Welcomes

vigorous exercise and sex:

Asterias rubens.

Thick, offensive (perhaps cheese-like), whitish

slough, with friable, ultra-sensitive ulcerated area.

Stinging or burning especially of edges of ulcer. A sad,

irritable, angry woman. Chilly and sweating.

Hepar sulph.

74

For potency, I have usually found 30c b.d. p.r.n.

more likely to help than lower potencies, but again the

personal response of each patient will vary.

For assistance with surgical procedures

For assistance with soft tissue healing:

Arnica 200c t.d.s. for 4 days.

If painful bruising persists despite Arnica:

Bellis perennis 30c t.d.s. for 4 days.

To assist post-operative analgesia:

Hypericum 30c t.d.s. for 4 days.

Use of homœopathic medicine in conjunction with

other forms of therapy

Many patients seeking homœopathic help following

a diagnosis of Breast Cancer are also using other

therapeutic aids such as acupuncture, relaxation,

visualization, or dietary adjustment or additional help.

An appropriate use of such techniques has often

combined well with homœopathic treatment. I am often

asked if homœopathic medicines can also be used

alongside more conventional therapy. This question is

usually provoked by the fear that treatment such as

radiotherapy or other forms of medication will

inactivate the homœopathic stimulus. In practice I have

found that the benefits from homœopathic medicine can

still occur when it is used alongside other forms of

treatment such as radiotherapy or even chemotherapy.

Personally I advise accepting all appropriate forms of

treatment.

Prospective benefits

While I am sure that through homœopathic

medicine we can offer additional symptomatic help and

assist quality of life for many patients with Breast

Cancer, I do not claim that such prescriptions will cure

the disease. Some patients who have reported being

given gloomy prognoses have appeared to extend their

life span after using homœopathic help. But we know

that many variables can influence the course of this

disease and in my view we cannot necessarily claim that

such apparent improvements in longevity are due to the

homœopathic treatment. Such reports may encourage

hope, surely an important therapeutic aid itself, but I do

not see them as a basis for overstating the likely benefits

of homœopathic help in this situation.

Such caution still allows for a positive statement of

the benefits that can occur with homœopathic treatment

even at this stage in our slowly evolving understanding

of Cancer and its therapy. We know that Cancer is a

systemic process, with its initial development and

subsequent course affected by all aspects of the person

experiencing it. This awareness endorses the relevance

of a prescription assessed according to the physical,

psychological and spiritual concerns of a patient. I am

sure that Homœopathy offers a potent tool able to give

significant help to many patients with Breast Cancer.

Illustrative case histories

Mrs. A. Age 43 years at first homœopathic consultation

Dec. 1991.

Previous history

Carcinoma left breast. Lumpectomy and radiotherapy

1984. Pleural effusion July 1991, drained and started on

Tamoxifen. Recurrent effusions x 7 July – Dec. 1991.

Pleuradhesis Sept. and Dec. 1991.

At presentation

Generally ‘ill, as if ‘flu’. Poor appetite, tickling

cough, weight loss 19 Kg in previous 6 months.

Appeared exhausted and cachectic.

On overall profile, prescribed:

Natrum mur. 30c. t.d.s. one day per week.

Carbo veg. 6c mane.

Patient already taking Bumetamide, Tamoxifen,

Tamazepam, diet supplements and high carbohydrate

drinks.

Progress

Feb. 1992. Generally improved. Walking stronger,

appetite better, activity range generally increased,

weight gain 6 Kg in previous 2 months. Sleeping

without sedation in last 2 weeks.

Natrum mur. 30c t.d.s. one day per fortnight.

Carbo veg. 6c mane.

General improvement maintained to Dec. 1992,

when patient reported increasing dyspnoea.

Investigation at another hospital had already confirmed

increasing ‘pulmonary shadows.’, slight pleural effusion

and spinal metastases.

Spongia 6c b.d. p.r.n.

Carbo veg. 6c b.d.

February 1993. Metastases confirmed in liver, also

increased spinal and hip secondaries. But patient

remains generally fairly well and is still having

reasonable quality of life at home. Appetite again

improved and sleeps well.

Aurum met. 30c t.d.s. one day per week.

Carbo veg. 6c b.d. continued.

Mrs. A. remains adamant that Carbo veg. 6c has

assisted her improved appetite and weight.

Mrs B. Age 52 years at first homœopathic consultation

Dec. 1992.

Previous history

Lumpectomy, Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for

node-positive Carcinoma of the right breast in 1986.

She had been advised by her surgeon not to have HRT.

No recurrence of the malignancy had been found.

At presentation

Hot flushes, poor sleep and agitation in mornings

for previous 2 years. Patient sweated profusely, with

flushes which were occurring about 2-hourly in the

75

daytime. In addition she had an 8-year history of

Migraine occurring once or twice a month, with

predominantly right-sided throbbing, nauseous

headache aggravated by movement.

Sanguinaria 30c t.d.s. one day per week p.r.n.

Progress

March 1993. Generally better, less agitated, hot flushes

much reduced, but still sweating moderately in day.

Migraine much less severe.

Sanguinaria 30c t.d.s. one day per week p.r.n.

Amyl nit. 6c b.d. p.r.n.

For Mrs. B. the reduction in menopausal symptoms was

her primary concern, she regarded the improvement in

the migraine as a bonus.

Mrs C. Age 36 years at first homœopathic consultation

Jan. 1993.

Previous history

The patient had found lumps in her breast early in

1992. After conventional consultations she elected to

have 6 months Chemotherapy followed by Radiotherapy

completed 6 weeks prior to her homœopathic

consultation.

At presentation

She complained of severe tiredness and recurrent

leg aching, soreness and redness of the breast at the

radiotherapy site.

Based on the overall assessment she was prescribed

Cantharis 30c t.d.s. 3 days, to be repeated after one

week if required.

And after 2 weeks

Kali phos. 30c t.d.s. one day per week x 6.

Progress

March 1993. Patient happily reported marked

improvement in breast erythema and soreness within 2-

3 days on Cantharis 30c. General tiredness also

improved.

Mrs. D. date of birth 5/12/46, first homœopathic

consultation November 1989.

Previous history

Carcinoma of the right breast diagnosed 1979.

Treated by lumpectomy. Node negative. Post-operative

Radiotherapy and began Tamoxifen. March 1981

recurrence right breast. Local Radiotherapy and

surgical reconstruction. September 1986 revision of

right breast reconstruction followed by recurrent

breakdown and superficial ulceration at the operative

site; patient increasingly distressed. April 1989 lump in

left nipple. October 1989 Tamoxifen stopped after 10

years, patient commenced on Chemotherapy.

At presentation

November 1989. First homœopathic consultation.

Ulceration of right mastectomy scar.

Conium 30c t.d.s. 1 day a week.

Asterias rubens 12c mane.

Oral Iscador as an adjunct to conventional

treatment.

Follow-up consultation

December 1989. Ulcerated area drying well; continuing

Chemotherapy and Homœopathy as before. April 1990.

Ulcerated site healed.

Oral Iscador continued.

Conium and Asterias rubens only on a p.r.n. basis.

May 1991. Seedling recurrence right chest wall.

Coincident with severe stress at home. Homœopathic

prescription changed to

Ignatia 30c t.d.s. p.r.n.

Kali arsenicosum 12c b.d. Monday and Thursday.

Oral Iscador continued.

Patient also starting Chemotherapy regime.

December 1991 very much better. Right mastectomy

scar dry, well healed.

Continued oral Iscador.

April 1992 main concern hot flushes, much reduced

after prescription of

FSH 12c tds 5 days a week p.r.n.

November 1992 left breast lump treated by left partial

mastectomy. Again coincident with major stress at

home. Also recurrence of hot flushes.

Oral Iscador continued.

Homœopathic prescription changed to Merc. sol.

30c t.d.s. 1 day a week p.r.n.

January 1993. Minimal right breast area ulceration, but

patient remains generally very well.

Oral Iscador continued.

Homœopathy changed to Hydrastis 6c daily

Monday to Friday.

March 1993. Right breast area previous ulceration now

healing very well.

Patient advised to continue the oral Iscador and

Hydrastis 6c.

********************************************

v. Scirrhinum – a forgotten remedy

Dr. Mauro MERCALDO (Similie April 1997)

(BHJ. April 1997)

Case 1:

JGS, aged 79, joiner then floriculturist in the past

40 years.

Presenting symptoms

Metastatic Carcinoma in spinal column between L4

and L5 which produced pain when he was vertical but

none when lying down.

76

History of presenting complaint:

About 40 years before he had a joinery workshop in

association with a long-term friend. Their friendship

was so great that they became joiners together in the

same workshop in which one was responsible for the

accounts. At the start of one month his friend/partner

disappeared forever and by the beginning of the next

month the machinery of the firm had to be sold to cover

the debits. He needed to be treated by a psychiatrist

who suggested that his occupational therapy should be

to cultivate plants. For about 40 years, this had been his

livelihood.

About 8 months previously, prostatic

Adenocarcinoma had been diagnosed following

excision of the prostate gland.

Past medical history:

He had mance in his infancy, Malaria as a youth

and Furunculosis about 45 years ago, treated by

antibiotics.

Family history:

Cancer in a brother of his father. A brother and

mother had high blood pressure and Apoplexy.

Treatment

23.12.86 – As he suffered strong grief about that

“friend” who had stolen from him, I tried to show him

that, his supposed friend was not worthy of his grief but

only his compassion. He answered: “It is a case for

thinking about.”

24.12.86 – Arsenicum album 5c, 3 granules every 4

hours for 5 days.

29.12.86 – No improvements, pain was worse when

standing.

30.12.86 – Scirrhinum 1M, 6 granules only once at

bedtime.

31.12.96 – Had fever of about 37.5 ° C for 24 hours,

which has gone away.

02.03.87 – Improving very slowly. Carbo animalis C5,

4 granules tds during 60 days.

04.01.88 – Not seen for 9 months. I met him on the

street: he was pain free and the metastasis had

completely disappeared, confirmed by his referring

doctor.

06.01.88 – His son told me: “Doctor, a miracle

happened. For about 40 years my father has never used

any joiner tool. When he became good he bought

several joiner tools and got an order for manufacturing

window shutters.”

03.02.92 – Working on his own joinery without any

physical symptoms aged 84.

Discussion:

A psychological preparation was necessary. His strong

emotional suffering was believed by me to be an

‘unchaining factor’ in development of Cancer.

Arsenicum album C5 was given at the beginning of

the treatment for 5 days and increased the pain.

Scirrhinum 1M was given only once and, after a low

febrile reaction, the pain decreased. Because

improvement became very slow, Carbo animalis C5

was given for 60 days and the pain and metastasis

disappeared.

Case 2

LML, male, aged 70 years.

Presenting complaint:

About 4 months previously he had a urinary

infection cured by antibiotics, but an enlarged prostate

was found. Adenocarcinoma of prostate was diagnosed

after biopsy. He was given female sex hormones

together with 6 Cobalt irradiations in the chest to

prevent Gynaecomastia. He then received Cobalt

irradiations to the prostate on 8 consecutive days, but

stopped this treatment because he had developed

constipation after the third treatment and his sexual

performance decreased. Hemorrhoids previously

treated by Homœopathy had become painful.

Past medical history:

Diabetes mellitus, renal lithiasis and rheumatism.

These had been treated homœopathically.

About 25 years before he had refused to be

appointed Attorney General of the Republic because his

son was a drug addict. He was a very righteous man but

could not protect his son while prosecuting drug dealers.

As a result he had lost any interest in life.

Treatment:

01.10.88 – X-ray 200c, 6 granules only once.

26.10.88 – Cadmium sulphuricum 6c, 4 granules tds for

20 days.

27.10.88 – X-ray 200c, 6 granules only once.

27.11.88 – Small improvement in urination and

constipation. Haemorrhoids and rectal region remain

painful. Scirrhinum 1M, 6 granules only once.

27.12.88 – Urination much better. Haemorrhoids and

rectal region still painful. Scrofularia nodosa 5c, 3

granules qid for 15 days.

12.01.89 – No further improvement in urination.

Haemorrhoids and rectal region without pain. Cadmium

sulphuricum 15c, 6 granules every 10 days for 4 doses.

22.02.89 – Good improvement in urination and rectal

tenderness. Cadmium sulphuricum 15c, 6 granules

every 10 days for 6 doses.

24.04.90 – Urinating normally. Ultrasonography (USG)

of prostate showed that nucleation has disappeared.

Serum acid phosphatase (SAP) within normal limits.

30.01.92 – Bruised the prostate with a bicycle saddle.

The region became painful. Scirrhinum 1M, 6 granules

only once.

77

14.03.92 – Feeling very well. USG of prostate and

pelvic region normal. Urine, blood-count and SAP all

normal.

05.12.95 – Without any prostatic problem. USG normal

and SAP within normal limits.

Discussion:

After giving Scirrhinum 1M, with good results, but

before attaining a complete cure, we needed to treat the

pain produced by hemorrhoids and irritation in the rectal

region as the patient was on the verge of requesting

allopathic treatment for his pain. We gave him

Scrofularia nodosa C5 which resolved his pain. This

interference stopped the improvement from the

Scirrhinum 1M. We returned to Cadmium sulphuricum,

which had been inactive before the Scirrhinum 1M, in a

little higher potency and it produced a cure.

Case 3:

LVM, female, merchant, aged 80.

Presenting complaint

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) diagnosed following

excision of ulcerated lesion on her back.

History of presenting complaint

For about 30 years, several brown warts on her

neck, one yellowish one on her upper lip and a

cauliflower-shaped lesion on her back had been treated,

together with her rheumatic pain, with Medorrhinum

1M and Thuja 1M. She had not been seen for about 6

months but had then presented with ulceration of the

cauliflower wart which had been excised together with

warts from her neck on 22.05.93.

Past medical history

In her 20s and again in her 40s she had been

abandoned by a lover. She had maintained a friendship

with both. Despite being a successful business woman

she had gradually lost interest in life over some 20 years

and became a rich but unhappy person.

For about 15 years she had taken Stugeron

(cimarazine), 75 mg, 2 tablets a day to avoid migraine

attacks, and Enterotonus (atropin sulphate +

Physostigmine salicylate) to avoid constipation.

For about 10 years she had taken various drugs for

rheumatic pains in the small joints and knees.

Family history

Her mother died of Carcinomatosis, her father was

an alcoholic and a brother died at 32 from cardiac

disease.

Treatment

25.06.93 – She returned to my office telling me that the

wound on the back was suppurating, and bringing me

the pathology report. She did not understand medical

terms and had not reacted emotionally to the news of

her BCC. I needed to give him a remedy to help her

grief caused by the death of a friend she had known for

60 years and who had lived with her for about 50 years.

25.06.93 – Scirrhinum 201c, 6 granules only once.

02.10.93 – Presented a small, ulcerated formation in the

forehead very similar to the BCC previously removed.

It was also exuding pus. Scirrhinum 1M, 6 granules one

dose.

03.10.93 – Silicea 3d, 3 granules every 3 hours for 15

days.

22.01.94 – The pus exudation stopped and a sebaceous

material was present, which she was squeezing out.

Carbo animalis 6c, 4 granules bd for 30 days.

25.02.94 – Less sebaceous material on squeezing.

Carbo animalis 6c, 4 granules bd for 60 days.

09.05.94 – Complete healing.

04.07.95 – Presented a large wart in thorax, a little

below the left clavicle. It was elongated, hard, clear

brown and itchy. Scirrhinum 201c, 6 granules only

once.

04.08.95 – The wart was a little smaller in size and one-

third the height. It was no longer itchy but was flat and

rose coloured and split in 2 small, hard, rose warts. She

also had 2 warts on her fingers: one on the 5th finger of

right hand, which had been cauterized in the past, and

the other on the 2nd finger of right hand, harder and

clear. Ruta graveolens 30c, 5granules tds for 3 days,

stopped for 3 days and repeated for 3 more days.

24.08.95 – All warts improved. Ruta graveolens 30c, 5

granules tds for 5 days.

13.09.95 – The soft warts of thorax and 2nd finger were

barely perceptible, but the wart of 5th finger had

changed only a little.

23.09.95 – Warts unchanged. Causticum 30c, 5

granules tds for 8 days (the direction was for taking 3

days tds, stopping 3 days and repeating, but the patient

took for 8 days on her own account.)

10.10.96 – Soft rose warts of thorax and 2nd finger

disappeared. The hard wart of 5th finger was losing

some fragments. No medication.

25.10.95 – Hard wart of 5th finger disappeared. All

warts completely disappeared.

10.02.96 – No presence of any wart or BCC.

Discussion

Scirrhinum 201c was too feeble to counteract the

diathesis and a small BCC appeared. Scirrhinum 1M

was more effective and Silicea 3c helped to drain the

pus, leaving a sebaceous formation that vanished with

Carbo animalis in low dilution. After 2 months a large

brown wart emerged in the thorax and at this time

Scirrhinum 201c worked, changing completely the

character of the wart which was then eliminated with

Ruta graveolens 30c and Causticum 30c.

78

Conclusions

Scirrhinum was used by BURNETT in breast

cancer. CLARKE1 has a description of its uses. DUTT2

says: “In treating Cancer cases normally the cancer

diathesis is antidoted by me before any other treatment

is initiated. In this regard I prefer to use Scirrhinum

1M”. VIJÑOVSKY3 mentions the use of Scirrhinum in

breast cancer.

I have used Scirrhinum 1M in granules bought 15

years ago in Schwab’s pharmacy in São Paulo and the

201c potency that was bought 3 years ago in Austria in

the liquid form as 200c potency, and prepared as

Scirrhinum 201c by us in Taubaté for impregnating the

granules.

In all cancer cases I have found in the past history a

strong emotional suffering that I believe to be an

unchaining factor. I have not had any case of excessive

irradiation or continued exposure to high potency

electromagnetic fields.

In the case in which the subject has been submitted

to cobalt irradiation we started the treatment with X-ray

200c followed by Cadmium sulphuricum 6c: both are

believed to act after irradiation. But in this case their

action was feeble. Then Scirrhinum 1M acted, and then

Cadmium sulphuricum 15c promoted the cure.

References

1. CLARKE J.H. Scirrhinum. A Dictionary of

Practical Materia Medica. Vol III. Jain, New Delhi

1978: 1125.

2. DUTT M.C. Some aspects of the treatment of the

scourge of the Cancer. The Author, Diulla, West

Bengal, 1976: 63.

3. VIJÑOVSKY B. Tratado the Materia Medica

Homeopatica. Vol III, Buenos Aires: 292.

*******************************************

vi. Die homöopathische Krebsbehandlung

übersichtsarbeit auf der Basis des Seminars “Die

Krebsbehandlung in der Homöopathie” von

June 1997 in Bad Imnau mit Dario SPINEDI

C.R.KLINKENBERG (ZKH. 42/ 1, 3, 5/1998 &

43, 1/1999)

Introduction: Cancer is the second most frequent

cause of death after Cardiovascular diseases. In women

between 40 and 60-year age the fearful Tumors of the

Breast is the frequent overall cause of death. It is

therefore of greatest interest for homœopathic physician

and of great value for the patients, medicine and ways to

find the healing of this life-threatening state.

Fear of Cancer: “When a diagnosis is made of Cancer

immediately anxiety comes upon the patient and the

relations as also the treating homœopaths. This fear is

of paralyzing nature, and only some homœopathic

physicians have the courage to treat tumor patients

independently”, that is to say, without or at least

independent from Orthodox therapy. Often the

responsibility will be left to the patient and clinic. The

present day homœopaths are often of the opinion that

Cancer, particularly in advanced stages are not

homœopathically curable. At the same time some

earlier homœopaths themselves have cured Cancers of

advanced nature which are to be taken note of.

Experiences of earlier homœopaths:

Already Samuel HAHNEMANN has laid down in

Organon the procedure in treating and curing of one-

sided diseases (§§ 172 – 205), and Cancer has to be

more often considered as a one-sided disease. Clemens

von BOENNINGHAUSEN has given already the

important remedies for the treatment of Breast Cancer,

and he puts in clearly that the treatment of Breast

Cancer, which he developed well, is one of the most

difficult task and is not always achieved.

2

J.Compton BURNETT published 50 cured cases

most of them malignant Tumors.

3

Also John H.

CLARKE, Eli JONES, Robert T.COOPER, Arthur H.

GRIMMER, Edmond CARLETON and others have

written about the cured cases. H.L. PETERMAN was

very optimistic “My successes in treatment of Cancer

have been so good as in the treatment of other difficult

diseases. In my practice I have never been without

Cancer patient and I cure them”. W.E.JACKSON

treated within a period of 12 years 200 cases and had a

cure rate of 92%; most of them were cases given up by

other doctors as hopeless.

Somewhat critical was Emil SCHLEGEL: “I know

of Cancer ... as much as I learnt from a thirty-year

experience in the background and in treating hundreds

of such unlucky patients. …. What I offer are hard

mixed experience. … However, much positive

experiences have illuminated and attracted; we must

look for, seek to succeed with the Rule of Healing.”

4

Thus we can find distributed in different places in

the homœopathic literature large number of Cancer

cases which have been cured or remained improved for

several years which evidences “Tumor development is

on the energy plane and they can be lifted out.”

SCHLEGEL has remonstrated that amongst

homœopaths themselves “all those communications

have not been observed with important respect”.

Aim of the article: Since our homœopathic forefathers

had encouraging results in treating Cancer, we must

now ask ourselves: What method did they adopt? Can

1Aphorisms of Hippokrates p. 406

3

Tumors of the Breast; Curability of Tumor

4

Die Krebskrankheit, ihre nature und Heilmittel. 2 Aufl.

Stuttgart, Hippokrates, 1927.

79

we obtain similar results? Or are we having different

patients? What of value to be taken note of?

This article is constructed on SPINEDI’s teachings

“to take us towards a new tentative approach to Cancer

therapy” and show how we can proceed in Cancer

treatment. It should encourage us to take up actually

homœopathic treatment of Tumor therapy and let us

have exchange of experience. More and more

homœopathic Congresses and Seminars discuss the

Cancer theme and it will be proper to recall what

SCHLEGAL wrote in 1927: “I say to myself that as

much more the successors make it better and not lesser,

but rather more stronger privileged be to treat Cancer

internally.”

Classification of the Cancer Disease: The Organon

of Medicine contains what HAHNEMANN has “with

absolute clarity formulated the basic principles of

Homœopathy which we must hold on to. Here we find

the rules for cure. Therefore it is our responsibility, the

study the Paragraphs in the Organon. Most of the

Cancer cases, particularly those in the advanced stage

belongs to the one-sided diseases about which

HAHNEMANN expounds in § 175 – 205”.

Difficulties are there for the all too few symptoms

of a disease (§ 172) “because only one or two main

symptoms stand out, almost obscuring all the rest of the

befallments. Because of this, these diseases, which

belong chiefly to the class of chronic diseases are more

difficult to cure.” (§ 173). Its main symptoms may be

either an internal suffering … or a more external

suffering. The last mentioned are usually considered as

local diseases (§ 174).

Definition of one-sided symptoms: One-sided

diseases reveal themselves by their “paucity of

sufficient number of characteristic symptoms

5

”. There

are diseases which besides the main symptom and its

accompanying ones no other or very less characteristic

symptoms. Besides the main complaint (for e.g.

Cancer) and its accompanying ones which typically

proceeds along with the disease (e.g. Weakness,

Perspiration), as also alterations in the areas of general

state, mind and sleep, practically no further

characteristic are available. Some homœopaths say of

different interpretation about one sided diseases as

disease which in their nature present only one particular

symptom or main symptom; as soon as further

symptoms appear, this is not anymore a one-sided,

particularly if these are well known symptoms of the

disease. An example may be the Psoriatic who displays

only the skin eruption and no other allied symptoms,

modalities or sensations. According to this

understanding the developed Cancer complaints is not

exactly one-sided, since these patients present more

5

Boenninghausen Relationship of Remedies, 1863.

symptoms than Cancer patients in the early stages, for

example Cachexia, Sweat, Icterus, alterations in

temperature etc.

It may be certainly desirable to clarify once with

the help of the literature, what HAHNEMANN exactly

meant by “one-sided disease”. By the last mentioned

outlook, in my opinion the following should be

considered:

1. Disease cases with only one symptom substantially

are relatively rare. It does not seem to be reasonable to

me that HAHNEMANN has devoted so many pages in

the Organon for differentiation of rare disease forms.

2. HAHNEMANN speaks of a “small number of

Symptoms” and of the “one or two main symptoms”

(§§172, 173). Thus more symptoms could be available.

3. The missing quantitative delimitations indicates that

here it is more a problem of quality. According to

definitions of BOENNINGHAUSEN who was in close

contact with HAHNEMANN it is not a paucity of

symptoms but of characteristics, which enables us to

differentiate between remedies. According to

BOENNINGHAUSEN characteristic “symptoms are not

symptoms with ‘originality’ (KENT), curious, or rare

symptom element. A symptom is characteristic,

according to BOENNINGHAUSEN only when it

appears either in different regions of the body or drug

indication (modalities, accessory symptoms), frequently

repeated, makes itself clearly noticeable or when it is to

be found only in one or very small number of remedies.

A “not adequate number” of these symptoms means in

all likelihood that the differentiating modalities (or

sensations) are not there.

4. That these small number of symptoms “almost

obliterates the rest of the common befallments

(Symptoms)” (§ 173) recalls to mind for example that in

developed Cancer complaint the Tumor symptoms are

decisive in increasing measure the total patient

symptoms. For all that the question is why in Paragraph

177 HAHNEMANN spoke of the “very rare case”.

It is clear that with HAHNEMANN in the first

place the diseases are treated in the usual way from

without (see FN §§197, 199, 205). Although local

complaints by definition are restricted to a particular

place in the organism it is also an “external sign of an

internal disease”; on the other side “only an injury in a

particular place when it is not too insignificant, …

Causes illness of the whole organism.”

(BOENNINGHAUSEN, Homöopathie, 1834). In the

FN to § 205 HAHNEMANN says that he cannot agree

that the “so-called lip or facial Cancer is a ‘local’

disease but it is a one-sided disease – a chronic disease.”

§§ 172 – 205 deals with one-sided disease, the

frightening Tumors on the outer parts of the body.

The one-sided diseases are often an end stage of a

long term development of a chronic disease. These end-

80

stage is called, in the Organon, as having “one or a pair

of main symptoms.”

Choice of symptoms in one-sided Diseases:

HAHNEMANN writes on this in §§ 176-178:

“Nevertheless, there are a few maladies of this kind

(One-sided diseases) which, after all initial investigation

(§ 84 – 98), outside of a couple of strong, intense

befallments, only allow one to indistinctly observe the

rest of the befallments.” (§ 176) “Now to obtain good

results in these though rare cases one should at first

select the medicine that has been selected on these few

symptoms according to one’s best estimation.” (§ 177)

In the following aphorism 178 HAHNEMANN clarifies

that the carefully chosen medicine “ is the apt similar

remedy for annihilation of the malady when these few

disease symptoms are very striking, definite and of a

rare kind (characteristic).”

An explanation follows in aphorism §§ 185 – 203

while discussing local maladies. “…. the exact

constitution of the local suffering with all the noticeable

alterations, ailments and symptoms in the rest of the

condition …… this totality of befallments, in order to

hit upon a homœopathic selection among them.” (§

192).

These Organon paragraphs are applicable for

homœopathic prescribing in cases of Tumors which

cause local ailments, as also in respect of many tumors

on the external body parts.

In this connection an interesting case from the

homœopathic literature, the cure of the General Field

Marshal Graf von RADETZKY who was ill with a

serious Tumor of the right Orbita. Two ophthalmic

Professors nominated by Kaiser of Habsburg examined

and declared it as hopeless. He then went to the Field

Medical Officer HARTUNG who writes of the Tumor:

A hard grey-bluish swelling spongy nature within the

whole orbital cavity, which pressed the eye outward

(Exophthalmy). The eyeball is pushed behind the outer

Canthus and is unmovable. In the eyeball stitching,

tearing, burning pains and itching. Loss of vision in the

affected side. Eyelid swollen, black, blue and

unmovable. Conjunctiva and Caruncula

lachrymalis are dirty red and covered by a tissue

varicosal blood vessel.

HARTUNG begins the treatment with Arsenicum

30: The proliferation further increases. After 4 days he

gives Psorinum 30: Pressure in eyes, headache,

bleeding. After further three days tries Herpetin 30:

Headache, slight bleeding. Under all these remedies the

tumor was increasing in size. On the 13th day of

treatment Carbo animalis 30: no more bleeding; the

tumor stopped growing further; the spongy tumor

discharged a creamy fluid; itching in the inner canthus.

On the 19th day of treatment one dose of Thuja 30, three

days later also external application of Thuja (Thuja 30

dilution one drop dissolved in 3 ounces of distilled

water (1 ounce: 8 drachm = 29.2 grains) from this thrice

a day 1 teaspoonful. Moisten the tumor every two hours

with solution of Thuja 18 dilution 6 drops dissolved in 4

ounces warm water). Increase of the creamy discharge,

lesser pain and clearly the tumor was becoming smaller.

Further during the course Carbo animalis 30 for two

days. Then again Thuja internal and external, every 8

days internal and external, every 8th day in alternation

with Carbo animalis. Six weeks after commencement

of the tumor treatment the malignant spongy tumor

completely dissolved and the movement of the eye and

vision fully restored to normalcy! Graf von

RADETZKY died at the age 92, 17 years after the

above treatment.

Importance of the local Tumor symptoms:

In this case we see how important are the

paragraphs 176-178 of the Organon: “Not only does

the sick organism as a whole is capable of impressing its

individuality, but the tumor also is!” The individuality

of the Tumor, its color, its appearance, the localization,

the sensations and modalities of the pains are no less

important local symptoms according to KENT but can

be characteristic symptoms according to Paragraph 153.

“They are peculiar, rare, and unusual because they

characterize this Cancer. The exact nature of the local

ailment and the process of development of the Tumor

must all be included in the Symptom series.”

The one-sided diseases come often at the end of a

long development of a chronic disease, they are mostly

the end state. This end states are said in the Organon

as “one or a pair of main symptoms” (§ 173) and the

“severe, violent befallments” (§ 176).

This touches a basic problem in Homœopathy: The

medicinal Provings on healthy as the natural basis for

prescription have not been pursued to the end state like

the deterioration of the tissues. The Proving symptoms

therefore are suitable either for the acute diseases or the

beginning stages of chronic diseases, whereby the

choice of remedy in one-sided diseases becomes clearly

difficult. Instead of this here we must obtain from the

proving the medicine’s tendency and the clinical

experience in excellent measure.

The following case of James T. KENT in 1884

makes very clear the importance of the local symptoms

in Cancer (Minor Writings p. 91, 92): Mrs. H. 35

years, seven children; all the seven children difficult

births. During the first pregnancy an abscess in the

right breast was evidently badly treated; since then

complaints in the scar. The youngest child is now two

months old, in nursing, and the patient complains of a

hard node in the right breast. Graph. and Phyt. had

already been given and did not bring about any

substantial improvement. In the meantime retraction of

81

the nipple and axillary lymph nodes; burning and

stitching in the nodes in breast. Menstruation inspite of

nursing the child; dark, clumpy. The patient said that

she menstruated during the nursing period of all

children. She sweated copiously in sleep. Although she

lost blood only moderately during menstruation she

looked very weak and somewhat cachetic.

KENT chose the following symptoms: 1. Burning

in the breast. 2. Stitches in the breast. 3. Nodes in the

breast. 4. Cancer of breast. 5. Perspiration during

sleep. 6. Much weakness after the menses. (And the

symptom menses during lactation period was also

included by KENT). The repertorisation gave Phos. and

Carb-an. But the dark, clumpy menstrual flow and the

weakness after the menses are not so characteristic for

Phos. as for Carb-an.

Treatment and progress were unusual 1. Unusual,

while most of the Cancer in the case Reports are 1.

Stretch over for years, 2. Almost always many

homœopathic remedies, and 3. Frequent remedy doses

needed for complete cure. : Carb-an. 3M one dose. For

few days cutting pains in the nodes; after few weeks no

pains, axilla glands are not palpable. Repeated the dose

after 39 days. The nodes in the breast have disappeared.

Not only the local symptoms of the tumor were

considered for the remedy selection but also further

symptoms like those in connection with the period at

the beginning of the complaint, the appearance of

the Cancer disease particularly if no local tumor is

present (possibly an early stage), should ask only to

which symptoms are there in connection with the

development of the Tumor (in the last months, last

year). The patient says for eg. “Since my having the

Tumor, this severe cough has come up.” And the

altered general state, the mental state and sleep have to

be considered in the first rank, like striking mental and

general symptoms, as also aetiological indications come

within the purview of consideration of remedy choice.

Self evidently every Cancer case demands a thorough

Anamnesis, about whose peculiar nature we will see as

we proceed further in this work.

If we summarize what have been said so far, the

essential local Tumor symptoms:

 Sensation of the Tumor pains: It is important,

whether the pain is a burning, stitching, tearing, griping

or some other kind.

 Further sensations with regard to the Tumor, e.g.

sensitivity, numbness, heavy-constricting, empty

feeling.

 Modalities of the Tumor pains, e.g. effect of

movement or rest, body position, pressure, concussions,

shock, warmth or cold, weather, times.

 Appearance and condition, state of the Tumor:

All objective symptoms are to be noted: color,

consistence (hard, soft), surface etc.

 Kind of secretions: amount, color, smell,

condition, smelly, bloody secretions, etc.

 Exact location: It is a peculiar symptom, if the

eyelid, tongue or the breast is attacked, Body sides.

 Kind of the Tumor: Sarcoma, Epithelium, Fungus

etc.

Pathognomonic symptoms are less important, but in

case of doubt or for want of better, can be taken for

remedy choice. (What are the pathognomonic

symptoms in the case of Tumors? Which symptoms are

necessarily aroused by the Tumor, which in that

connection are peculiar, rare and singular? (According

to § 153)? An example of pathognomonic Tumor

symptom is the Exophthalmus in the case of

RADETZKY, because the Tumor in the eye pressed the

eye out of the orbit.

Accessory ailments lead to the following remedy:

Recall the following paragraph in the Organon in

which HAHNEMANN instructs that the prescribed

remedy arouses only those symptoms which are

indicative of the Simillimum.

§ 180: In this case the medicine, which has been

chosen as well as was possible, but which, for the

reason above stated, is only imperfectly homœopathic,

will, in its action upon the disease that is only partially

analogous to it – just as in the case mentioned above (§

162, et seq.) where the limited number of homœopathic

remedies renders the selection imperfect – produce

accessory symptoms, and several phenomena from its

own array of symptoms are mixed up with the patient’s

state of health, which are, however, at the same time,

symptoms of the disease itself, although they may have

been hitherto never or very rarely perceived; some

symptoms which the patient had never previously

experienced appear, or others he had only felt

indistinctly become more pronounced.

§ 181: Let it not be objected that the accessory

phenomena and new symptoms of this disease that now

appear should be laid to the account of the medicament

just employed. They owe their origin to it certainly, but

they are always only symptoms of such a nature as this

disease was itself capable of producing in this organism,

and which were summoned forth and induced to make

their appearance by the medicine given, owing to its

power to cause similar symptoms. In a word, we have

to regard the whole collection of symptoms now

perceptible as belonging to the disease itself, as the

actual existing condition, and to direct our further

treatment accordingly.

Possibly in the choice of the following remedy the

remedy-relationship taught by von

BŒNNINGHAUSEN could be kept in consideration:

The one-sided diseases indicate only an imperfectly

suitable remedy which brings out alterations in the total

82

picture at the same time more characteristic indications

so that it is not any more difficult to select an

appropriately suitable remedy for the main ailment with

the help of the symptom-samples.

Let us take, for instance we have a Cancer patient

to whom we have prescribed Ars. After some days the

patient develops a symptom. With the help of the

Repertory and Materia Medica we examine whether

this symptom is within the action of Ars. i.e. whether

Ars. has produced this symptom in the Proving or has

cured clinically more cases. If it is within the remedy

action we must wait. (See p.147-148 Chronic Diseases,

Vol. I). With Q potencies the medicine can be paused

for some time. If it is a previous symptom, which had

been cured by the same medicine (Ars.), then late

aggravation would come up (See §§280, 281).

If the new appearing symptom is outside the action

of Ars.. We know from § 181 of Organon, we know

that Ars. has attracted the symptom of another medicine

and if this persists we should search for a new medicine.

According to SPINEDI the Q potencies are more in

a state to call for a new symptom than the C potencies

[this perhaps is not a question of a Q potency or C

potency, but is related to the frequency of repetition.] In

SPINEDI’s clinic the Q potencies are given twice or

thrice a day, five drops. And very soon new symptoms

come up which indicate the remedy to be followed.

Clear careful observations are necessary in such stage,

to adjust the dosage as needed. We refer here to Cancer

cases which often go through rapid course and when

metastasis are developing when we cannot wait, but

must treat!

Criticism of Kentian evaluation of pathological

Symptoms: Few words at this stage regarding James

Tyler KENT’s stance against treatment of Cancer.

Evidently KENT did not have successful experiences in

this field. He gives a gloomy prognosis, which has

discouraged many homœopaths regarding treatment of

Cancer. So serious the Cancer and this prognosis is

certainly a wrong appraisal as the experiences of many

colleagues refutes it.

KENT went further, influenced by the

anthropologist SWEDENBORG and viewed that the

Cancer swelling does not make a symptom to select a

suitable remedy. He says “What if there are changes

present in the tissue? There is nothing in the nature of

diseased tissue to point to a remedy; it is only a result of

the disease…. There is nothing in the fact that it is a

Tumor or in the aspect of the Tumor, that would lead

you to the nature of change of state. The things that you

can see, i.e. the changes in the tissues, are of the least

importance, but what you perceive in the patient

himself, how he moves and acts …” (Lectures in

Philosophy, Lecture VI) “The Cancer symptoms are

only the end results of a long development and not

symptoms which the disease itself represents... There

comes the physician and prescribes for this end results

and the result is nil.”

Although KENT has great merit in Homœopathy,

this expression of his must be clearly countered. Plenty

of cures in the literature show that the appearance of the

Tumor presents useful and helpful symptoms for the

selection of the curative remedy and confirms

HAHNEMANN’s principles which he has, not without

basis, emphasized in several paragraphs. Exactly these

small number of symptoms of end state in form are

these (§173) that make the Cancer as a one-sided

disease. Out of these end state symptoms the physician

prescribes a suitable remedy and the symptoms change,

which presents a picture of the basic disease, and the

symptoms become clearer and a similar remedy is

indicated.

KENT’s comments are far from the development of

Homœopathy of those days with regard to homœopathic

treatmet of Cancer. It does not agree at least with some

cases, which he himself has cited in his Practice. KENT

modified his view about the indicating symptoms for

some year lately he wrote, “If for example a patient who

suffered from a developing tissue changes is given a

homœopathic remedy on the basis of the symptom

picture and the tissue changes regressed, it is a valuable

clinical symptom of the medicine. This homœopathic

medicine could then be indicated in similar cases in

which these pathologies come up. They are as valuable

for choice of the medicament as the symptoms available

from the Provings.”

“Constitutional Medicine” in Cancer treatment:

Most homœopaths treat serious Tumors in the usual

manner as of other diseases: According to KENT

method all complaints of the patient are taken and the

peculiarities also and after the hierarchisation of the

symptoms remedy is chosen. These symptoms may be

those, which have been with the patient from as far back

as his childhood. More often a serious Tumor could

have been cured in its early stages or it may be a

recurrence after an operation. However, independent of

any homœopathic method,* singular cures should not

delude that the therapeutic results can be convincing.

[* Under the different methods in Homœopathy (like for

e.g. the weightage according to C.M. BOGER or Key-

Note Method of H.N. GUERNSEY) there are two ways

of Case Analysis, which have been thoroughly

explained. What has been told about KENT’s is mostly

one remedy, the chronic remedy to be given in longer

intervals in high potencies; the method of

BÖNNINGHAUSEN is that the often changing disease

states are to be treated with the medicines indicated at

those times and in the course the patient receives

different medicines comparatively quickly following

thus the symptoms of the presenting disease not the

83

other symptoms of the patient, are to be taken into

account.]*

What are the reasons for our moderate success in

Cancer? Essential causes are actually in valuation of

the Totality of Symptoms* and the action range of our

medicine. J.C. BURNETT was a physician who has

cured many Tumor patients. In his book “Curability of

Tumors” he says the following: “It is not enough to

cover the totality of the symptoms; for when this has

been done we are only half way, we have then to ask

these questions: what is the real nature, the natural

history, the pathology of the malady under

consideration? What caused it? Is the cause still there

or has it gone? Is the drug chosen capable of producing

a real disease like the one before us? In fact, is it really

homœopathic to the morbid process – coincident –

adequate – reaching from beginning to end? If we not,

we are on the wrong scent if we are to really cure and

not merely palliate”.

SCHLEGEL who has great experience in treatment

of Cancer observes: “The constitutional Simillimum can

incidentally take up everything ill, often the more latest

resistance will be removed. Usually one enjoys

considerable functional betterment, but the diagnosis

remains unchanged.”

These assertions are of great importance. In the

case of a Tumor when we select a remedy on the basis

of the totality of symptoms of the patient and give a so-

called constitutional remedy the following are the

results: The general state of the patient is clearly

improved and the patient says: “I am better. I feel well

since I began this medicine”. But the Tumor does not

reduce by even one millimeter!

“With the ‘last resistance’ is meant the factors of

Cancer development (e.g. infections, traumata). And

the cases in the literature indicate, that the

‘constitutional simillimum’, “everything sick should be

considered along if by chance one medicine is found

* The concept the “Totality of Symptoms” in

Homœopathy can have the following significance:

1. All symptoms of the presenting disease or in the

disease case to be cured, present as main and

accompanying symptoms (HAHNEMANN indicated

these as “Totality of the disease” the “Complete

contents of the perceptible signs and befallments of the

disease” § 17).

2. All symptoms of the patient (of the entire life of the

patient)

3. All [characteristic] symptoms which have been

drawn for choosing the remedy. With the homœopaths

of the last century like BURNETT applied the definition

in the sense of the above. (‘Curability of Tumors, pp.22,

25, 95)

with the power to take hold of the pathomechanism of

Cancer.”

Some of the apparently important errors in the

homœopathic treatment may be summarized as follows:

1. The local Tumor symptoms, the individuality of the

Cancer have been undervalued.

2. The totality of the patient symptoms are included

with the medicinal choice. That can be palliation, if

thereby the nature of the disease is not comprehended.

3. The range of action of the remedies or their

efficiency to act upon the Cancer is least taken

consideration of

Further sources of errors are evidently in the

neglect of the aetiologic factors in regard to dosage and

the views on the course. These are considered and

discussed in the articles that follow.

To conclude the first part of this work on the

homœopathic treatment of Cancer a memorable case of

SCHLEGEL in the year 1901, is given here:

“Mrs. R. 45 year-old had a hard Wart on the right

ear… which…. without apparent reason began to grow

and took another character upon. It … was very painful

because it aroused neuralgic complaints in the back of

the head and throat; it was very severely venous injected

and behind the ear … there was a fixed gland swelling.

It developed further.. further began to bleed and itch

with a … horrible stench. The hair on the right side of

head there was soaked with continuously flow of bloody

serous fluid. I had explained the patient of the acute

danger and encouraged her to visit once the Surgical

Clinic [that is much of SCHLEGAL!]. She however,

would not, and held fast to trust him and that he should

not deceive her. With Nitric acid, Arsenic, Calcarea

carbonica, Belladonna, Hepar sulphuris, China,

Lachesis and other remedies which were suitable to the

ailments; all these took the stormy process well. One

day the foul smell went away, on … The healing over of

the swelling began; slowly it began to shrink and then

passed without trace. This case was, for me, very

instructive, and I have since then repeated difficult

manifestations of this kind: no fears!”

Cancer as expression of a Chronic Disease:

The Organon of Medicine, a fundamental work of

Homœopathy and the Chronic Diseases contain besides

theory about the origin of Tumors, practical instructions

for treatment (§§185 – 205) “under the one sided

diseases the so-called ‘local ailment’…. These local

suffering have their source in an internal complaint (§

187). … 189.”

Cancer, as every kind of Tumor is, is a Chronic

disease of the whole person. This knowledge

HAHNEMANN had over 150 years ago. “Everything

that comes up on the skin – a cyst, a small Tumor, a

wart – indicates an inner disturbance of the Organism.

Small signs on the body must be taken note of.” (Dario

84

SPINEDI). SPINEDI cites a case in his practice of a

female who suffered from Migraine. She was a Lyc.

and there was no improvement. A wart on her indicated

after careful study, Thuja. After a XM the headache

came on again and the wart persisted. Lyc. XM and 40

days later the headache and the wart vanished.

Other homœopaths also have pointed out the

prevalence of internal disturbance in cases of ‘local

complaints’. BURNETT, writes in 1893: “A lady 44 …

presented herself.. with a very hard tumor of the left

breast. … The tumor had been there for nine years

quiescent. Until the period stopped, when it began all at

once to grow pretty fast. …. If a tumor would stay for

nine long years, there must be an internal course –

disposition – ever operative, for if it had not been

continuous in its operativeness, the lump must have

gone long since: a causeless lump cannot be.”

These words are of great importance! Is it not

misleading of the modern day Official Medicine

teaching and Practice to lose sight of this clearly self-

evident facts?

Local-ailment quietens an internal disease:

HAHNEMANN writes in this connection in

Paragraph 201: “When Life Force is burdened with a

chronic disease that it cannot overwhelm with its own

powers, it … forms a local malady. …. To quieten an

internal ailment, to, so to say, transfer the internal

malady to a representative local malady – to divert it.

… however without being able to cure it … the local

malady always remains nothing more than a part of the

total disease …the internal suffering gradually increases

and nature is compelled to enlarge and worsen the local

symptom …. The internal total disease also grows of

itself with time.” In this paragraph 201, it is clear that

HAHNEMANN refers to the local ailments of Psora,

Sycosis and Syphilis – the itch eruption, the Fig warts

and ulcers durum (here compare § 203 and FN to §§

197, 199); also e.g. Ulcus cruris: § 201; Basilioma,

Atheroma § 205. As exposed by HAHNEMANN in his

Chronic Diseases Vol.I the localization of the three

Miasms are there as calming down ailment of the basic

ailment and that the local extirpation prevents complete

cure of the latent chronic disease. (Ref. §§ 34, 38, 40,

54, 55).

Effects of operation in the view of the earlier

homœopaths:

In his Introduction to Organon HAHNEMANN

writes without giving room to any doubt that he totally

opposes operative methodology of Tumor therapeutics:

§199: “If the remedy perfectly homœopathic to the

disease had not yet been discovered at the time when the

local symptoms were destroyed by a corrosive or

desicative external remedy or by the knife, then the case

becomes much more difficult on account of the too

indefinite (uncharacteristic) and inconstant appearance

of the remaining symptoms; for what might have

contributed most to determine the selection of the most

suitable remedy, and its internal employment until the

disease should have been completely annihilated,

namely, the external principal symptom, has been

removed from our observation.”

§205: “The homœopathic physician never treats

one of these primary symptoms of chronic miasms, nor

yet one of their secondary affections that result from

their further development, by local remedies (neither by

those external agents that act dynamically, nor yet by

those that act mechanically), but he cures, in cases

where the one or the other appears, only the great

Miasm on which they depend, whereupon its primary,

as also its secondary symptoms disappear

spontaneously; but as this was not the mode pursued by

the old-school practitioners who preceded him in the

treatment of the case, the homœopathic physician

generally, alas! Finds that the primary symptoms have

already been destroyed by them by means of external

remedies, and that he has now to do more with the

secondary ones, i.e., the affections resulting from the

breaking forth and development of these inherent

Miasms, but especially with the chronic diseases

evolved from internal Psora, the internal treatment of

which, as far as a single physician can elucidate it by

many years of reflection, observation and experience, I

have endeavoured to point out in my work on Chronic

Diseases, to which I must refer the reader.”

“Metaschematismus” originates from

“metaschematizo” (gr.: change, transformation) which

is formed from other words meta’ (gr.: after) and

schema (gr.: Form). Here “change of form” of a disease

is meant as another. An example for a

Metaschematismus may be seen in BURNETT writing

about Atheroma: “Why kidney disease follows when

the Atheroma is removed with force?” Or,

BŒNNINGHAUSEN “an aged woman suffered long

from Warts in the leg, but enjoyed untroubled health.

At last she unfortunately had this Wart cut off by a

Surgeon, and soon after that developed a cancerous

ulcer on the breast which in spite of all efforts ended in

a painful and rapid death.” And BURNETT declined

operative treatment as the only method (See

BURNETT, Tumors of the Breast) like many other

homœopaths who successfully treated many Cancer

patients.

It may be objected that opinion of the earlier

homœopaths for operation procedures for treatment of

Tumors were because of the Operation-Drug therapies

then and may therefore only of historic importance. At

the same time it should not be lost sight of that the

critics of operative treatment were first of all basically

doctors, as very often stated. Emil SCHLEGEL says

85

that the operation makes curability very poor, … and the

Cancer, in most cases, recurs either on the operated

place, in the scar, … an adjoining or distant body part.

He also cites cases in which after operations clearly

insignificant Tumors or very early- diagnosed Tumors

becomes a metatstasised one, e.g.: “a patient who

underwent amputation of mamma and clearing out and

the axilla operated because of breast nodule which was

not larger than half a pea. She died within six months

from relapse.”

BURNETT further said that an operation can never

be a cure, “since it is only the fruit which is removed by

operation and not the rooted disease.” As proof, he cites

the following case: Miss. X, 49 years, suffered earlier an

Eczema which was healed in 14 days by external

application a salve. Some years later in June 1885 a

Tumor came up in her left breast which was incised.

This Tumor reappeared in the same breast and in July

1887 it was again removed including the whole left

breast. Thereafter appeared a Tumor in the right breast.

In January, 1888 this Tumor and the entire right breast

was removed by a flawless surgery. In 1893, she came

to me, when the process recurred in the scar in the right

side and associated with a severe inflammation. The

treatment lasted 4 years and ended with an Eczema in

the course of a cure. The patient is now in better

health than ever before in her life.”

Cancer Cure as Cure of the Whole Person: A

Cancer Cure must proceed so: It must move so towards

a state of holistic health! HAHNEMANN clarified this

in the §§ 190-193:

“All true medical treatment of a disease on the

external parts of the body that has occurred from little or

no injury from without must, therefore, be directed

against the whole, must effect the annihilation and cure

of the general malady by means of internal remedies, if

it is wished that the treatment should be judicious, sure,

efficacious and radical.”

“This is confirmed in the most unambiguous

manner by experience, which shows in all cases that

every powerful internal medicine immediately after its

ingestion causes important changes in the general health

of such a patient, and particularly in the affected

external parts (which the ordinary medical school

regards as quite isolated), even in a so-called local

disease of the most external parts of the body, and the

change it produces is most salutary, being the

restoration to health of the entire body, along with the

disappearance of the external affection (without the aid

of any external remedy), provided the internal remedy

directed towards the whole state was suitably chosen in

a homœopathic sense.”

“This is best effected when, in the investigation of

the case of disease, along with the exact character of the

local affection, all the changes, sufferings and

symptoms observable in the patient’s health, and which

may have been previously noticed when no medicine

has been used, are taken in conjunction to form a

complete picture of the disease before searching among

the medicines, whose peculiar pathogenetic effects are

known, for a remedy corresponding to the totality of the

symptoms, so that the selection may be truly

homœopathic.”

“By means of this medicine, employed only

internally (and, if the disease be but of recent origin,

often by the very first dose of it), the general morbid

state of the body is removed along with the local

affection, and the latter is cured at the same time as the

former, proving that the local affection depended solely

on a disease of the rest of the body, and should only be

regarded as an inseparable part of the whole, as one of

the most considerable and striking symptoms of the

whole disease.”

What do these paragraphs of the Organon teach us

about the treatment of benign and malignant Tumors?

A Tumor shows itself in or on the body. We give an

internal medicine. Say, the Tumor goes away and the

general state of the patient becomes better. We have

used the chance offered to us by an external Tumor to

restore the health. A greater favour we cannot do to the

patient.”

When, however, we have given a “constitutional”

medicine and the Tumor has not dissolved, we are in a

wrong path.

The Tumor as a Progress Parameter for the Success

of the Treatment: In the paragraphs 197-200,

HAHNEMANN highlights the value of the visible

symptoms of the treatment process: “… such [external]

treatment is thoroughly reprehensible [and] ... leads to a

great disadvantage … that this main symptom (the local

symptom) will usually disappear sooner than the

annihilation of the internal disease and now we will be

deceived by the semblance of a complete cure.” (§ 197)

“So … the internal cure ... remains in the dark. … one is

left with the less discernible symptoms which are less

constant and less lasting than the local complaint and

are often not sufficiently peculiar, not characteristic

enough (§ 198).” “… then the case becomes far more

difficult. This is because … the external main

symptoms have been withdrawn from our observation

(§ 199). If the local symptom had still been present

during the internal treatment … the continued presence

of the local malady would show that the cure had not

been completed. If the local symptom were cured at its

site untouched by any external suppressive means, …

the malady has been extirpated down to the root … ”

(§200)

A clear example in this regard from SPINEDI: “A

70-year-old female came with the following complaint:

86

Since 5 years slowly developing Tumor on the left

cheek 1.5x1.4 cm large clearly raised, rose red, in the

middle laid with crusts. Dermatological diagnosis:

Basalioma.” The patient had refused an operation and

the last two homœopaths have treated her

unsuccessfully. The nature of the Tumor and an

Eczema which was treated externally, 20 years ago, led

to the prescription of Sulphur M. Despite a mental

aggravation a Tumor began to build up slowly so that

with the Sulphur it proceeded on until the Basalioma

also had progressed. In about two months interval was

given: Sulphur M, M, XM, XM, 200C, 200C, M. “The

state of the Basalioma was the only indication for

repetition of the remedy, without considering the mental

symptoms. When regression of the Basalioma came to

a standstill I repeated the dose. The mental symptom

did not show any improvement.” “Towards the end of

the treatment, as the Basalioma had disappeared, the

originator Eczema returned and there was an

amelioration in every sense. This Basalioma was a

great friend of the patient and helped her to obtain a

clearly better healthy state. It developed on and

indicated that the right medicine had not yet been found.

Had it been suppressed, perhaps no one would have

thought of Sulphur.

Why should a Tumor, something which we see, be

removed? We can use it to judge whether our Therapy

succeeds. When it becomes smaller our Therapy is

acting; if it remains stationary then our Therapy is

perhaps acting, if it grows, our remedy is wrong. With

an operation or external handling we are robbing

ourselves of a very valuable course parameter. Treating

the external ailment through an internal medicine – this

is a foundation principle of Homœopathy!”

The case demonstrates once again the value of the

visual and measurable symptoms for the course of

treatment: “With objective findings, e.g. Tumors …

Edemas, Warts, … etc., we have similar criteria as the

conventional doctor, to judge the treatment course … If

the objective findings, Tumor, … Liver values, Kidney

values, improve, then we are on the right path without

bothering about the mental constellation or … Life

Energy.” (SPINEDI, 1993).

On the external treatment of Tumors:

HAHNEMANN rejected the external handling of

Tumors (§197-200) because by suppressing an external

complaint the physician robs himself of the important

main symptom for evaluating the therapy’s progress.

This interpretation is followed on by

BŒNNINGHAUSEN and PETERMAN.

PETERMAN published up to 1911 a series of 80

cured Cancer cases and wrote: “Out of my experience

and successes I must say that every attempt to heal

Cancer with external medicines as a criminal farce. A

well-selected homœopathic treatment is the only way,

which leads to cure. As a medical practitioner Theme

made careful and intensive studies of this disease

group.”

However now and then cures have happened with

external application of a homœopathic medicine.

Singular cases have been cured with combination of

external and internal medicines. These curative

methods do not agree with the instructions of

HAHNEMANN. “Of course HAHNEMANN has

throughout his whole life experimented and until his end

revised his work constantly. Ultimately practice must

decide.”

Possibly in some individual cases external

treatment as a complementary is indicated. BURNETT

has said (“Tumors of the Breast”) that external use of

medicines is not totally out of consideration.

HAHNEMANN (“Chronic Diseases”) has said “ ...

then in those inveterate and most difficult cases the

daily once dab of the larger fig warts with … the …

whole juice” (of Thuja).

On the Cooperation of Homœopathy and Surgery:

In the previous Chapters it has been explained that

an Operation removes valuable symptoms and the

choice of remedies and evaluation of progress are made

difficult. Surgical removal, nevertheless, and then

Chemo- and –radiation therapy is considered as the only

effective treatment method in malignant Tumor cases.

That proceeds in an appropriate jurisdiction. Diagnostic

methods, operation techniques and the Tumor after-care

have all been improved in the past century. In many

cases an operation may be done without relapse

particularly in Melanoma, Basalioma, Testicle

carcinoma, Breast carcinoma, to mention few. With this

background it may be fatal for the patient and the

homœopathic physician, if in a malignant, operable

Tumor in early stage the correct medicine were not

given or these were hindrances and the Tumor

progresses to an incurable stage.

On the other side, it must be kept in mind that

Cancers in early stages were curable homœopathically:

A.H. GRIMMER a student of KENT who in 57 years

practice more than thousand Cancer patients were

treated and obtained curable rate of Ca.80% in early

stages of malignant Tumors and 10% in later and

terminal cases; in most of the incurable cases he could

give palliation with clearly improved life quality for

above 7 – 15 years. GRIMMER WROTE: In the early

cases … with beginning Cachexia and pains, and in

some cases, which soon shows a beginning of change of

pathology - small nodes in the breast and the

characteristic gland participation – become astonished at

what a careful prescription could do in most of the

cases.

87

The homœopaths now are asked the questions:

What are the indications for an operation? Wherein

could now a meaningful co-operation between

Homœopathy and Surgery meet? [The practical

experience will lead to concrete recommendations for

specific kind and stages of Tumors. Dr.KÜNZLI,

treated about 30 cases of Breast Cancer with

Homœopathy exclusively. In his experience patients

with very promising symptom for purposes of remedy

choice had better prognosis with homœopathic

treatment than those with combined treatment of

Operation.

On the other hand there is the much often

expressed opinion that an operation is a hindrance,

which is not so as per experience. For example

BARTHEL published cases of patients operated

already, with unfavourable prognosis, could obtain, with

continuous homœopathic treatment many years of

recurrence-free life. CLARKE and BURNETT were

indeed of the view that the removal of the tumor and the

homœopathic treatment of the Tumor-constitution are

“much easier …, if no operation was proposed”. But

they also had the experience likewise, “a cure can be

had … after an operation and after the commencement

of a recurrence” (CLARKE, BURNETT).

In the §§ 186 and FN 7, of Organon we find

indications for surgical measures which

HAHNEMANN considered justifiable; we can take this

essentially as the guiding points today.

The decision whether to recommend the patient an

exclusively medicinal treatment or recommend an

operation cannot be taken by a homœopathic physician

at any point of time. Such recommendation will be self-

evidently – not ultimately on forensic grounds – above

all the expressed will of the patient has to be taken into

account. We should appreciate his wish and every

patient who had undergone conventional therapy,

further treated.

CLARKE writes “I must draw a line which would

demarcate the limits of Surgeon and Physician. There is

no such line or better said: there is a line, which every

physician must draw for himself.”

Homœopathic Treatment before and after an

Operation: In every Cancer case, a homœopathic

treatment must be considered before or after an

operation. CLARKE says emphatically: It is necessary

in the highest measure for a medicinal treatment of such

cases by homœopaths from beginning to end. I hold it

inexcusable absolutely when a ‘homœopathic surgeon’

fails to do a medicinal treatment right from the moment

of commencement….. and of course before the

operation. And it is further more inexcusable if he

leaves a patient after an operation simply on the road, to

wait for whatever that may come. .. When it is

explained, the patients understand well and easily the

situation and they submit for a long treatment” [for

curing the Cancer totally].

How is the cooperation of Homœopathy and

Surgery in the Practice? What is given in Paragraphs

197 – 200 in which HAHNEMANN instructs with

regard to the observable symptoms and their

significance, are relevant for proceeding in Cancer

patients, who are not only treated homœopathically but

are also operated. SPINEDI who has treated

successfully for years the Cancer patients who had been

operated recommends as follows:

After Anamnesis of the patient, a suitable

homœopathic medicine is prescribed in Q-potency in

frequent doses. As soon as amelioration begins

(reduction of the pain, amelioration of general state..)

the operation is carried through. Directly after that the

same remedy is again given, also parallel to

Chemotherapy or Radiation that may be. SPINEDI has

observed that through this the survival chances are

clearly increased. “With manifest Cancer patients we

should not be frightened or resign too early. We take

the symptoms exactly and thoroughly and prescribe the

suitable medicine of course before the planned

operation. If we have the courage for this process, we

alone do to the patient thereby a great service.”

And if patients soon after an operation, Chemo- or

Radiation therapy come for homœopathic therapy much

more success can be had according to SPINEDI.**

The benefits of an immediate homœopathic further

treatment is demonstrated impressively through a Greek

study, which was put forward in 1987: 28 patients with

metastising Colon Carcinoma of stage C1 and C2

according to Astler-Coller were post-operatively treated

exclusively with Conventional Medicine or

homœopathic and conventional medicine. Six years

after beginning the Study indicated following five years

survival rates:

 Stage C1 homœopathic – Conventional medical

treated group 81.8%

 Stage C1 Conventional Medicine treated group

30%

 Stage C2 homœopathic – Conventional medical

treated group 42%

 Stage C2 Conventional medicine treated group

15.3%

The clearly improved survival rate of the

additionally homœopathically treated group in Stage C1

is over and above statistically significant.

* GRIMMER totally rejected Radiation therapy in

Cancer treatment, since in his experience, Radiation

therapy and X-ray reduces life survival and hinders the

action of the homœopathic remedy’s healing processes.

As antidotes he used Cadm-m., Cadm-i., Phos., Fl-ac.,

Sil. (See GRIMMER, 1996. 767, 768, 797, 798, 809).

88

According to SPINEDI, the side effects of a

Chemotherapy can be clearly minimized by

simultaneous homœopathic treatment, indeed by Q-

potency rather than the single dose. In this regard the

remedy which is found as curative in the Tumor case is

often the best medicine for treating the adverse effects

of Chemotherapy. The adverse effects itself are also

taken into the Totality of symptoms for remedy

selection.

Psora and Cancer

In paragraphs 194 and 195 HAHNEMANN points

out, that Cancer is often a consequence of manifest

Psora.

[Under the Concept “Psora” (gr.: Itch) to the “itch

chronic ailment” HAHNEMANN ascribes many itching

skin diseases all which are considered infectious

(Scabies, different chronic Eczemas,

Neurodermatitis….) According to HAHNEMANN’s

“Psora theory” it is a result of infection of a person

(Miasms = infecting thing) of his entire Organon and

develops into a chronic disease state. Subsequently

external local symptom builds up (e.g. skin diseases)

which tentatively prevents the latent chronic disease

from full outbreak and pacifies it. If the local symptom

(“local disease”) is externally expelled or it retreats

itself, multifarious symptoms as the expression of the

fundamental, now “manifested Psora” (see CD)

develops. We can understand Psora in

HAHNEMANN’s sense as a chronic disease which

appears (depending upon, for example, the constitution,

life style, mental state of the patient – see CD) in

different forms, as many examples have been given in

Vol.I of the CD.]

§ 194 (a): “It is not useful, either in acute local diseases

of recent origin or in local affections that have already

existed a long time, to rub in or apply externally to the

spot an external remedy, even though it be the specific

and, when used internally, salutary by reason of its

homœopathicity, even although it should be at the same

time administered internally; for the acute topical

affections (e.g., inflammations of individual parts,

erysipelas, & c), which have not been caused by

external injury of proportionate violence, but by

dynamic or internal causes, yield most surely to internal

remedies homœopathically adapted to the perceptible

state of the health present in the exterior and interior,

selected from the general store of proved medicines,1

and generally without any other aid; but if these

diseases do not yield to them completely, and if there

still remain in the affected spot and in the whole state,

notwithstanding good regimen, a relic of disease which

the vital force is not competent to restore to the normal

state, then the acute disease was (as not infrequently

happens) a product of psora which had hitherto

remained latent in the interior, but has now burst forth

and is on the point of developing into a palpable

chronic disease.”

§ 195: “In order to effect a radical cure in such

cases, which are by no means rare, after the acute state

has tolerably subsided, an appropriate antipsoric

treatment (as is taught in my work on Chronic

Diseases) must then be directed against the symptoms

that still remain and the morbid state of health to which

the patient was previously subject. In chronic local

maladies that are not obviously venereal, the antipsoric

internal treatment is, all the same, necessary.”

And in his writings about ‘Chronic Diseases’

HAHNEMANN says in different places, the Cancer as

secondary symptom of the till then latent Psora. [“Have

the different variations of Breast Cancer a different

basis than this Psora disease? [HAHNEMANN, CD.

P.84, 85; compare also CD 9, 17, 20, 72, 99 Foot Note]

“For treating Cancer the following may be said:

1. Often we find in the Anamnesis of the Cancer

patients of series of ‘suppressions’.

[HAHNEMANN himself says in this

connection (expulsion of some local symptoms) not

of ‘suppression’ or drive back/repress as the case

may be of the disease to inside” but of

Metaschematismma, KLUNKER. 1991]. Earlier

eruptions and Ulcers, suppressed discharges or joint

complaints. Also vaccinations, injuries and

previous medicinal treatments could be an

aetiological or promoting movement. [But today

many more aetiological factors are known for

example, energy rich radiation, chemical

carcinogens.(e.g. Nitrosamins, Mycotoxins,

Arsenicum, Asbestos, Tar), Oncogenes Viruses,

etc.] So a suppressed Gonorrhoea may indicate

Medorrhinum, particularly in Cancer of Ovaries

and in Breast Cancer. Whoever treats Tumors must

carefully and thoroughly study HAHNEMANN’s

teachings of Chronic diseases as he has explained

in the above mentioned work. [The significance of

the Miasms for the choice of the remedy is

discussed by modern homœopaths controversially.

Excepting these Practical work has shown

repeatedly that, for example Sulphur as the so-

called “antipsoric” remedy or Thuja as

“antisycotic” remedy, clears away hindrances in the

path to action of the other suitable remedies.

HAHNEMANN’s Theory of Miasms, in my

thinking contributes to obstructions that stand in the

path of cure which is to be understood and

corrected.]

2. Often the Symptoms of the antipsoric medicines

occur in the course of the treatment of chronic

diseases.

89

In this connection refer to Edmond CARLETON

(Homœopathy in Medicine and Surgery): - pp. 293 –

298.

(See p.288-307. Edmond CARLETON,

Homœopathy in Medicine and Surgery, B. Jain, New

Delhi.)

What should be appreciated about the thinking of

CARLETON is that he has treated and cured a

malignant Tumor. I think that it is time that we again

have the courage now to take up active treatment of

patients with manifest Tumor. [Or as BURNETT said

“In like manner I am of opinion that the physician who

sets about trying to cure Tumours by means of

medicines does more service to mankind and to

Medicine than he who only talks of how to cut them

out” – Tumors of the Breast]

“CARLETON’S case teaches us not be straight

away afraid of the diagnosis of Cancer but to

immediately begin to treat and progress. That is

evidently important for every homœopath and

everything else as evident in the homœopathic Practice!

Only when the treatment is difficult or the course

unfavourable should one think of giving up the

treatment. What is always to be borne in mind: not to

lose the courage, treat the patient.”

The experienced BURNETT holds as Maxim for

the central in treatment of Cancer, overall:

“…… is it not an almost daily experience of

homœopathic practitioners to find themselves called in

at the last incurable stages of maladies in which every

conceivable method of cure must in the nature of things

necessarily fail?

This must be always borne in mind in regard to the

amenability of tumours, whether benign or cancerous.

Nevertheless physicians must be firm, and not allow

themselves to be sneered or jeered away from their duty,

but always try to cure everything; I do not mean

pretend, but try. Many a clinical battle have I fought

and won, although the winning had been previously

proved to be impossible.”

*******************************************

(Part 3)The Homöopathic Treatment of Cancer

KLINKENBERG C.R. (ZKH. 42, 5/1998)

The Pre-Cancerous Stage:

Cancer is the second most frequent cause of death

and we must therefore consider it from all angles. In

most of the cases a pre-cancerous stage is there which

should be recognized and treated. (We do not mean the

cytologically and histologically verified pre-cancerous

state). Pre-cancerous state may be years or decades

before the outbreak of manifest Cancer: “Everyone can

recognize an apple tree when one sees an apple growing

on it” writes J.H. CLARKE, “but an experienced

Botanist can distinguish an Apple tree from a Pear or

Plum tree, where there is not a leaf on it. In the same

way an experienced Physician should be in a position to

recognize a Cancer Organism before actually some or

other growth appears.” “If this state is treated rightly

the tendency (to suffer from Cancer) can be cured. If,

however, this is not rightly treated then the possibility of

a Cancer sooner or later develops.” When F.

STOCKEBRAND writes about the pre-cancerous stage

with the concepts “Cancerous terrain” and “Cellular

disharmony” he means the following clinical signs:

gloomy, lustreless, faded skin of dirty appearance, flat,

elevated or pigmented Warts which easily scabs or

bleeds – red naevi which rapidly enlarges – venous,

network visible on the skin – disposition to Adenomas –

disposition (tendency) to Herpes zoster or to Erysipelas

nearing to 45 years age – Fissures in the mucous

membrane or on the transition of skin and mucous

membrane – furrowed, thick and hard nails – disposition

to pale red eliminations – Obstipation; light stool which

floats on the water. (F. STOCKEBRAND, ZKH. 1976,

3)

The following typical instructions and symptoms

are from the homœopaths who treat a pre-cancerous

stage:

Cancer, Tuberculosis, Epilepsy, Diabetes in the parents

or in the family – repeated vaccinations and Serum

therapies. Absence of inflammatory diseases or

repeated use of fever reducing medicines. Absence of

childhood diseases – Fear of Cancer – Rheumatism;

Gout – Chronic skin diseases like Psoriasis – yellow or

browny skin flakes – many warts – Syphilis or

Gonorrhea – Tonsillectomy – “suppression” of a skin

eruption or Ulcer cruris – Chronic headaches or

Neuralgias – Irritable Colon – Diseases of the Uterus or

the Ovaries – beginning of emaciation.

Some leading observations:

Heredity impresses substantially the susceptibility

for Cancer. A familial Cancer disposition is disposed to

develop Cancer of Breasts, Stomach, and large intestine;

this is well known.

Tuberculosis is particularly closely related to

Cancer. Following tuberculous parents have more often

a tendency to Cancer and in turn the children of Cancer

parents have often Tuberculosis. … My experience

shows, that there is no case of Cancer without a

tuberculinic back ground.” (GRIMMER, p. 778, 813).

According to GRIMMER the direct injection of

foreign body disease product or protein as vaccination

into an organism does not have the possibility to

develop an antibody against it immediately, so that the

foreign substance is only incompletely eliminated and

leads to weakness of defence functions. He writes:

Perhaps the most injurious of all irritations … is the

90

extensive use of immune serums and vaccination

substance for prevention and treatment of infectious

diseases. These subtle poisons are very extensive and

deep in their results. … In many cases their fatal effects

are never completely removed and the patient retains the

complaints life long.

In the past history of Cancer patients there is often

absence of inflammatory diseases or their constant

“suppressions” by fever-reducing remedies. Through

the alteration with the infections the defence function of

the Organism is increased and stands up to its biological

balance against varied and Cancer arousing factors.

A scrutiny of 190 Cancer patients showed that

infectious childhood diseases provide a true protection

against Cancer. The Cancer cases scrutinized showed

anamnestically that only very little infectious diseases,

also “children diseases particularly rare than normal.”

According to CLARKE specially difficult to treat

rheumatic pains is a pre-cancerous state. “Patients,

whose parents or relations who had died of Cancer have

rheumatism in some form or other.”

Persons who have fear of Cancer have in fact

tendency to develop Cancer. The Cancer fear should

therefore, be considered earnestly and not as

hypochondriacal.

Chronic skin diseases could be a pre-cancerous

symptom. E. SCHLEGEL reports of a Breast Cancer

case which he treated with: Hep., Bell., Merc., Carb-

an., Phos., Bry. and Lach.: “Breast alright. Her old

Psoriasis has come. Severe, burning Genital eruption.”

(E. SCHLEGEL, 1927)

The existence of more Warts, also individual

therapy-resistant Warts can be expression of a

disposition to Cancer. J.C. BURNETT for example,

describes the case of a large, hard, but not clearly

malignant breast tumor: “Here and there [the patient]

had many small Warts on her skin surface. Such a thing

I consider usually as a hint of Cancer.” (BURNETT,

Tumors of the Breast)

As an organ of specific Immune defence the

Tonsils have an important function in defence of toxins

which the child comes into contact with. The

tonsillectomy in childhood which is now resorted to as

a great method of treatment leads to weakening of the

body’s defence and makes the organism susceptible to

various disease-stimulating causes. GRIMMER links

the growing frequent Cancer cases to the early

development age, among others, the Tonsillectomies as

also the frequent vaccinations and writes: “When

organs necessary for life like heart and lungs with an

infection react to a homœopathic medicine, … how

much easier is it then to cure a small gland near the

surface of the body like the tonsils.” (GRIMMER,

1996)

Chronic, particularly Obstipation of many years or

difficult to be treated digestive disturbances with

Obstipation are precancerous symptoms already

discussed. Besides, these themselves have Cancer-

encouraging action. “[We] know … that … toxins like

Arsenic … could arouse Cancer … that they make the

tissues sick, and Cancer develops … only after such a

preparation … And in the often unknown particular

toxins wouldn’t they develop themselves in the body?

That could be … auto-intoxication consequent to

chronic stool retention, resorption of putrified

substances into the blood. …” (SCHLEGEL, 1927).

The cause of the female Breast Tumors, according

to the observation of BURNETT and CLARKE, are

often in the Ovaries or the Uterus and rarely primary in

the breast; “usually an illness or an irritable state (in

Breast Tumor cases) in the lower half of body is there

… The stretching by Pessaries, the use of intravaginal

flushing, .. the cauterization and in the tricks adopted in

the reproductive function …; all these can have .. their

consequences in the growth of Tumors in Ovaries,

Uterus or Breasts.” (CLARKE writes in addition:

“whilst I keep these in mind, I have … successes in

healing very many such Tumors in women in all ages,

particularly in the climaxis”).

“We are … of the opinion, that … the emaciation

is one of the best signs (of the threatened Cancer) …

This indicates a general intoxication as a first step for a

touch- and palpable- Tumor” writes M. FORTIER-

BERNOVILLE.

A Case from Practice

The treatment of a pre-cancerous stage is

essentially different from the treatment of the chronic

diseases. It is in prescribing the remedy indicated by

the presenting disease state. [The homœopathic Similie

normalizes the disturbed Vital Force (Org. §§ 9, 11, 12)

and the defence mechanism of the organism is

strengthened; the Similie leads to the eradication of the

constitutional Cancer tendency]. This means that any

remedy in the Materia Medica, not just those considered

as Cancer remedies, may be indicated. Cancer

promoting factors like life style and food must be given

due value.

The following case will explain the foregoing

regarding pre-cancerous stage and instructions thereon:

In September 1997, I treated a 33-year-old female for a

hazelnut large Tumor in the right breast. The Tumor

developed two weeks after a curettage for a miscarriage

in the 4th month. Stitching pains at times in the Tumor

area, worse from pressure; foreign body feeling. In the

last week increased fear of Cancer and weariness of life.

Her father suffered from a metastasising Colon

Carcinoma, her mother went through a life-threatening

Tuberculosis in Childhood, and father’s father had died

91

of Tuberculosis at 38 years. The patient herself had

during her childhood all the vaccinations prescribed for

her age and as a result there was a clear Pox vaccination

scar. At 19 years a dermoid cyst in her left ovary was

removed. Dysmenorrhoea. Small, pedunculated Warts

on the body. Since about two years, three thorny Warts

on the soles of feet, the larger one made walking

painful. These Warts have not gone away inspite of

treatment by a colleague homœopath. Dry, fissured

angles of mouth. I got done a mammography so that the

patient does not become more afraid. It was clear that

here we are dealing with a pre-cancerous stage:

1. Because of the fear of Cancer,

2. Because of the association of breast Tumors and

diseases or engagement of Uterus or Ovaries,

3. Because of the familial past history of Tuberculosis

and Cancer,

4. Because of the Vaccination loads,

5. The Warts, and

6. The stitching pain in the Tumor.

Considering the inclusion of the symptoms and

with a “glance” at Cancer remedies I gave the patient on

24.9.1997 a dose of Thyroidinum 30. The Tumor

disappeared first, then four weeks later minimal

palpable. The large thorny Wart did not dissolve, but

remained in that stage as when the father of the patient

died in October 97. Besides certain intervening

remedies for the acute states (Phos., Rhus-t., Bell.,

Phos.) the patient received until the complete

dissolution of the Tumor, Thuja 200 (28.11) and Silica

200 (23.12), The fear of Cancer has now gone away,

some complaints in conclusion at the curettage with the

Dysmenorrhea which became better. However, the

treatment, in my opinion, has not been closed

satisfactorily as long as thorny Warts, which is

observably an impress of Cancer diathesis, is present.

This was considered in particular measure for the choice

of the following remedy. The knowledge of the signs of

pre-cancerous stage in the case was of importance in the

remedy selection and intensity of treatment.

Further Cancer favouring Factors: There is a row of

factors, which must be recognized and taken note of

(Compare Org. §§3, 4). The presence of inherited

tendency increases with the above-mentioned pre-

cancerous symptoms – the Cancer risk. Some of these

factors could be the inciting or impulse for Cancer

development. Particularly to be stressed are:

Emotional strains – Dietary errors – Environmental

toxins – Heavy metal intoxications – geopathogenic

zones and Electrosmog – Injuries.

In detail:

Emotional Strains and psychic disturbances play, as is

generally known, a significant role for the Cancer

development. “The domain of psychic, spiritual, and

emotional side of Life with its anxieties,

disappointments, anger, hatred, guilty feeling and

compulsive actions which the modern Man suffers from

is a further source of Cancer-promoting powers. … If

the mental state of the person is normalized, it would

build up better defence powers against destructive

factors which constantly accompany from the

environment”, says GRIMMER (1996, 763, 781)

Food habits: are likewise of great importance. A Fat-

and Flesh- rich, bulk-, mineral- and Vitamin- poor foods

have a Carcinogenesis promoting influence.

Particularly GRIMMER and SCHLEGEL lay great

value on dietary adaptations in favor of a flesh-free,

non-irritable, full value and Vitamin rich nourishment.

Participation of chemical substances in promotion

of all kinds of Cancer are now discussed. Particularly

vulnerable are patients who have already been rendered

weak from other causes. In the literature specific

environment toxins have been highlighted according to

different authors, e.g. by GRIMMER, Aluminium, when

Aluminium cookware is used (GRIMMER 1996). As

antidote for the (suspected) Aluminium intoxication is

Cadmium salts, particularly Cadmium metallicum and

Cadm-o (GRIMMER, 1996). GRIMMER also

suggested thorough Proving of well-known

Cancerogenus Toxins: “workers in Cobalt factories are

much disposed to develop Lung Cancer. Cob. Is a very

active preparation and it will be very useful if it is

proved. (GRIMMER, 1996). [A Materia Medica

Proving on five persons was published by HERING.]

Chlorinated water for drinking or cooking is considered

carcinogenic.

Heavy metal intoxication, particularly that of

Mercurius, plays a great role in respect of several

patients. H.SZETELI could obtain cures recently in

Breast cancer cases by removing amalgam and metal

deposits completely from the teeth and then

Homœopathic treatment. Geopathogenic radiation is

also considered to cause Cancer. In prevailing diathesis

Organism exposed to ionizing earth radiation

continuously could develop Tumor. On the other hand a

complete cure may not be got as long as the Cancer

patient is not out of a disease-maintaining

Geopathogene field.

Electrosmog can contribute in the same way to

immune weakness and bring about Cancer. Therefore

should the disturbing electro-magnetic field (Radio

alarm, Quartz wrist watch, Quartz alarm and Television,

etc.) [We may now add the Computers and Cell phones

too: K.S.S] be removed from such patients.

Geopathogenic radiation and Electrosmog can damage

the action of Homœopathic medicine and could be a

hindrance.

For prevention of Cancer development from

Injuries, e.g. a knock on the breast, GRIMMER

92

recommends Arnica. Modern Medicine found in

addition Cancer promoting factors that can be ascribed

to specific location emphatically, and included as the

risk estimate particularly in respect of patients with pre-

cancerous factors as cited above.

Tobacco smokes and passive smoking (Bronchi,

Pharynx/Larynx; Stomach ) – Alcohol (Oesophagus,

Pharynx/Larynx, Liver) - poor in ballast, egg-white- and

Flesh- rich diet (large intestine) – higher Fat

consumption (large intestine) – salt rich, particularly

pickled dishes (stomach) – excessive UV rays from Sun

or Solar (skin) – Diabetes, High Blood Pressure,

Overweight (Endometrium) - Childlessness (Ovaries,

Endometrium) – Menopausal Oestrogen substitution

(Endometrium) - Oral contraceptive (Breast) – radio

active ray load (Blood, Thyroid glands) – local past

diseases: Problem – Mastopathy; - Liver Cirrhosis;

Intestinal polyp; incurable stomach Ulcer; stomach

Polyps; exceptionally many pigment coloration, actinic

keratosis - Local inflammations; chronic Hepatitis B or

C; chronic Gastritis; Ulcerative Colitis.

The disappearance or re-occurrence of Pre-

cancerous symptoms: The pre-cancerous symptoms

become better often or even disappear, as soon as a

Tumor is developed. SCHLEGEL writes: “Because in a

not sufficient number of my case-histories with

amelioration of the main complaints and appearance of

a skin eruptions … also recapitulates the gouty

constitution of many Cancer patients were referred, I

must append here, that in turn, with the passing off of

the usual rheumatic manifestations in an until then a

strong person, just like with the disappearance of the

usual Migraine, the danger of Cancer comes on. [ref.

CLARKE’s The Cure of Tumors by Medicine: an

unmarried woman suffered for years with poor vitality:

cold hands and feet, … undefinable rheumatic pains in

different parts of the body. … Periodical deep

depression. … As she entered the change of years,

appeared in the right breast a Tumor of Schirrus Cancer.

And as this came on, all other symptoms became better”

Or in the following case: Breast Cancer in a 41-year-old

female patient: “Before the Tumors appeared, the

patient suffered for years with stomach ailments, and as

the Tumors developed the stomach complaints became

better.] With an internal cure of the Cancer or the

disposition then every other manifestation again

surfaced.” [SCHLEGEL, 1927]. The reappearance of

pre-cancerous symptoms during treatment is a

prognostically encouraging sign, if the general state of

the patient has not worsened. It can be a good

medicinal action.

Renewed “Suppression” fatal

A noteworthy case of G. RESCH illustrates what

results could be obtained, if a reappearing of pre-

cancerous symptoms are treated anew but inadequately.

A 45-year-old patient had been treated earlier in 1973

with X-ray radiation for a right shoulder rheumatic

inflammation. Consequently chronic obstipation

developed which six years later substantially worsened;

with a steady thorough examination an apple-size

Rectum-Carcinoma with dense liver metastasis was

diagnosed. Post-operatively soon an aggravation, so

that in June 1979 “as the last measure” RESCH was

consulted. A picture of lack of symptoms: only after a

rectal examination, splinter pains and pain in rectum as

from needles; since long very sensitive to cold air; feels

better car ride; as long as can be recalled the earlier

shoulder pain, a pressing together, in the arm radiating

pain. Prescription: Nit-ac. D6 thrice 5 drops. At first no

reaction. “In my experience a good indication of a right

remedy selection is, if it does not work is, that there is a

suppression by X-ray behind it”, writes RESCH.

Injection of an ampule Röntgen C30 in the shoulder.

Within the next 14 days temperature rise with every

dose of Nit.ac and perceptible improvement, clear

improvement of general state. Soon the patient became

free from complaint and could take up his job again, the

Liver metastasis also disappeared. In Spring 1980

during an office journey the previous shoulder pain

suddenly came on heavy again. Although RESCH had

warned his patient, the patient took non-steroidal

analgesic and the pain passed off within few hours. But

the complaint of the Carcinoma returned and neither the

higher potency of the Nit-ac. nor other remedies

controlled it and the patient expired in July 1980.

RESCH recapitulates: “We must learn from this

case … it does not help to suppress, indeed not with X-

rays; and ... it is absolutely necessary, that suppressed

old symptom again reappears (under homœopathic

treatment) … is not to be suppressed and not with

homœopathic medicine …”

This case* indicates how much knowledge and

experience is required in homœopathic treatment of

* SPINEDI’s comment on this case: A remedy which

was selected largely on the local Tumor symptom

brought the Tumor to a static state. As a rule in the

course of treatment the symptoms indicate an antipsoric

remedy. In this case it was Nit-ac to a reversion to liver

metastasis or regression of the local Cancer

manifestation. Then the earlier shoulder pain

reappeared. At this point the case should have been

retaken. (Organon §§ 170, 180 and 182). Therefore

the reappeared symptom should be particularly taken

into consideration and the characteristics of the now

indicated remedy must be suitable. (Important remedies

for the right shoulder pain are e.g. the antipsorics Calc.

and Lyc. also Ferr., Sang., Med.) If the old symptoms

are within the working range of the previously given

93

Cancer; although the patient did not react to Nit-ac. in

the first instance, RESCH did not doubt the selection

but thought that there was a blockade by the earlier

radiation. “Many homœopaths have had the experience

that metastasisation and energy decline could take a

rapid downward course, if an earlier symptom which

recurs from an inadequate treatment is calmed. Cancer

patients have expressly a labile apathy that no further

more “Suppression” to deal with! observes SPINEDI.

Homœopathic Treatment as Effective Cancer

Prevention:

Cancer cases can be grouped in the following three

groups: Patients in pre-cancerous stage, in early stage,

and in late or advanced stage whereby the first

mentioned is by far the most frequent. GRIMMER

therefore lays great importance on the most possible

early stage treatment of these patients: “The pre-

cancerous stage is the favourable time for successful

treatment. Exactly here our homœopathic remedies

accomplish as every other method. … At least 95% of

these cases are cured. … From its onward advance of

the disease up to Tumor development is it increasingly

difficult to bring to control the Tumor development. …

(GRIMMER 1996). The best time, to cure Cancer, is

also the time before the first, individual symptoms arise.

As much earlier the treatment begins, so much better are

the chances of cure. Here lies the great scope for work:

The Cancer Prevention!

GRIMMER in his over 50 years practice treated

thousands of chronically ill patients. He writes:

“Homœopathy with its healing concept is pre-eminently

a Preventive Medicine. It is suited particularly for the

development phase of childhood and adolescent years.

…An important content is that relatively seldom has

Cancer affected my numberless patients. … Only three

of hundred of my patients were under my homœopathic

treatment for 5 or more years, developed Cancer in

some form. After talking to many of my colleagues I

found the same experience of two to five Cancer cases

out of hundred patients. These numbers are convincing

proof for the evident value of homœopathic treatment in

Cancer prevention. (In comparison to this every eighth

man over 40 years died of Cancer in 1940, now it is

nearer to fourth.) A prescription in the early and middle

years of life will reduce a thousand fold the likelihood

of a Cancer complaint in the first generation. The

possibilities of Cancer prophylaxis … should be the aim

and ambition of every … homœopath! The pre-

cancerous stage is a so long phase that sufficient time

remedy (Nit-ac.), may be watched, with Q or deep

potencies can be rested. In this case the pain should go

away slowly.

remained, for effective, preventive measures to be

taken, which will decide indeed between success and

failures. … We are convinced; if the principles of

Homœopathy finds a wider application, then not only

Cancer cases will be cured, but much more Cancer cases

can be averted!”

*******************************************

vii. Anwendung und Bestätigung homöopthischer

Arzneien in der Krebsbehandlung (Use and

Validation of Homœopathic Medicines in Cancer

Treatment)

Uwe, FRIEDRICH (ZKH. 46, 3-4/2002)

Introduction:

Since the time Homœopathy came Cancer has been

treated by Homœopathy. During the times of

HAHNEMANN and his direct followers, Cancer does

not seem to have found great importance. There were

always in the literature Cancer treatment and cures

reported; these were however in the usual manner of

treatment of chronic diseases. [There are references to

Cancer (Krebs) in Hahnemann’s Pre-homœopathic

writings (e.g. 1784, 1787, 1796 …) = KSS]

In KENT’s period also Cancer therapy was not

different from other chronic diseases. The results of

treatment appeared however to be less happy because

KENT observed: “When a patient is sufficiently sick to

have Cancer, he is much ill to be cured – for which

reason we do not read, that a patient with advanced

stage of Cancer could have been cured.”

It was with BURNETT, CLARKE, GRIMMER and

others at least that particular documentation were made

carefully in the literature specially about Cancer and

special problems with regard to homœopathic treatment

of Cancer. Not much more to say now in addition to

these. The number of Cancer cases has crossed over the

limits and make thorough cure by homœopathic therapy

difficult. The increased interest of the Allopathic

medicine with its often drastic treatment methods draws

the attention of homœopaths to this problem.

What is striking is that the literature of

homœopathic Cancer treatment clearly increased around

1900 drawing the attention of the homœopaths to this

problem and holding several meetings/seminars etc. on

this theme.

The increased activity with the homœopathic

treatment of Cancer and the apparent denial of chronic

homœopathic treatment of Cancer caused modification

of the homœpathic therapy in Cancer.

The experienced homœopathic Cancer therapists

bear in mind the following basics: Cancer is a local and

systemic process, that is to say, it is just not only that

the local (surgical and radiation treatment) steps of the

94

allopathic medicine is insufficient but also that the

systemic homœoapthic steps alone (rules of treatment of

chronic diseases) is often not sufficient.

In homœopathic treatment of Cancer the local

manifestation of the Cancerous lesion should be taken

into consideration for selecting the remedy.

The “one-sided disease” (§§ 172-205) nature of

Cancer and its frequent manifestation in the course of

the disease is also to be kept in view. An inherited

disposition can also play a role.

Observation of these peculiarities of Cancer points

to the modification of homœopathic treatment

methodology of chronic diseases. Early in the 20th

century SCHLEGEL has published the methodologies

comprehensively and evaluated it part by part. In the

recent times it is SPINEDI who has brought together the

experiences of the old Cancer therapists once again to

the centre of interest.

So indispensable it is, to separate the Cancer

threrapists, of the last century, so difficut often the

transposition of their experience under today’s

conditions. This is so partly due to incomplete

documentation of the symptoms which pointed to the

remedy selection at those times, and partly it lies

perhaps with the patients now and their changed attitude

towards Cancer, Cancer disease, life and death. Also

the allopathic Medicine has a different value as against

those days, and other therapies change the homœopathic

possibilities.

In scientific view the modification of homœopathic

treatment methodology of Chronic disease in respect of

Cancer therapy is so much a problem, the basics of the

homœopathic science is forsaken. In homœopathic

therapy of Cancer, a medicine may be found which may

cover only a part of the symptoms of the Cancer patient

(e.g. the so-called Tumor remedies) or does not cover

any symptoms at all while they are only based on theory

(e.g. Cancer disposition of the patient and remedy suited

to that like Carcinosinum, Tuberculinum and other

Nosodes) In such cases an otherwise apriori sure healing

cannot happen. It means for example a patient with

Cancer who after operation is treated homœopathically

and in long course no chronicity develops but remains

healthy cannot be a proof for action of the homœopathic

therapy; for that clearer symptoms of the chronic patient

needs the remedy suiting it (Org. § 3)

To produce an evidence for the effectiveness of

homœopathic treatment, statistical methods are needed

as it is required in the allopathic medicine and applied.

This point is overlooked by homœopaths who treat

Cancer homœopathically now.

On the other hand is the case in which a manifest

Tumor or manifest Tumor development retreats or

disappears under homœopathic treatment, when no

other therapy is applied at the same time, such Tumor

retreating is in spite of everything a strong indication for

the action of treatment applied and is good evidence.

The statistical evidence for the effect by

homœopathic treatment of Cancer has not been brought

out so far. Search for this has not been successful. We

must collect cases for publication in which the

symptoms are clear and the removal of the Tumor and

the Tumor symptoms similarity can be well indicated.

The following cases come from a collection of 99

Cancer patients who were treated homœopathically in

the outpatient department of Natural Therapeutics of the

Heidelberg University Women’s Clinic who were

treated homœopathically.

A. Example for the Employment and Validation of

Homœopathic Medicines in Palliative

Homœopathic Cancer Treatment.

1. Arsenicum album

Arsenicum has been frequently said to be successful

in treating Carcinomatous pains. Successful palliations

in Tumor therapy are frequently evidenced in the

homœopathic Cancer literature. However, it is

surprising that in the Repertory Arsenicum album is

only in the 2nd grade under the rubric “General,

carcinomatous complaints, Pains, for relieving.”

Case 1: A 41-year-old; 2 years ago extirpation of

the Uterus because of Cervix Carcinoma. Relapse with

total op. Radiation, six months ago local tumor

recurrence; Resection of the small and large intestine

and Chemotherapy.

Now again severe pain after Chemotherapy, pain in

left lower abdomen and rapidly rising Tumor marker.

The homœopathic Anamnesis gave clearly

Pulsatilla, which was given in Q potencies.

Interveningly Carcinosin was given.

There was a brief (for two days) amelioration of the

pains. The pains then increased. The patient was to

undergo an Opium therapy for the pains. As a result of

the adverse effects of opiate, dullness, obstipation, etc.

The pains of the patient are unspecific. Mainly in

the left lower abdomen localized and radiates from there

in all directions out. The only relief she could get of the

adverse effects from the opiate application is hot

application .The entire lower abdomen was burning I-II

grades. The patient said that the pains could be lessened

by extremely hot applications.

The dose of Arsenicum album gave full relief after

half an hour. Comparatively this painless state was

holding long, although she had to take ten times in a day

Arsenicum album C30 in a glass of water dissolved and

taken after stirring it well.

In the subsequent weeks, she could completely

control her pains with Arsenicum album. The opiate

therapy was completely stopped.

95

As in many other Cancer cases, in this patient, the

devastating pain was often so severe that exact

information could not be obtained and only the modality

of “hot applications relieve the pains” was the lead for

Arsenicum album.

In palliative stages much success can be achieved

with homœopathic medicines. The §§ 150-170

Organon were followed.

2. Arsenicum album and Nux vomica.

While Arsenicum album has a high value in Cancer

cases Nux vomica has no mention in the literature or

Repertory in connection with Cancer. As intercurrent

medicine it is mentioned amongst others by

SCHLEGEL.

Case 2: A 65-year-old female patient with local

metastasizing Colon Carcinoma, which could not be

surgically treated, was given Lycopodium, Thuja and

Carcinosinum. This stopped the further progress of the

disease and also much great relief. After a family crisis

a rapid metastasis began. In the recent weeks of her

life, the patient experienced massive burning in her

whole abdomen radiating to both legs. The patient was

sleepless from midnight due to pains and only with

large doses of Opiates could she get some relief briefly.

She was very devotedly cared for by her husband, she

was thankful for that but did not like to be criticized or

commanded by him in the presence of the doctor. She

was fastidious for orderliness and “needed” everyday

three cups of Espresso.

In the same way as explained above Arsenicum

album was applied to this patient, opiate could be

abandoned. In 7 weeks, the rapid progress could be

controlled (the patient refused further diagnostic tests by

machines) and in the view of the family she was doing

well and in the view of the patient she was far from an

ideal state.

After 2½ months, Arsenicum album did not work

anymore although the symptoms had insignificantly

altered, the pains had dramatically increased. Neither

increasing the potency nor lowering it or mode of

application gave positive results. Nux vomica C30, 5

globules in water (½ glass) to be stirred and taken as

required controlled the pain immediately. This effect

held on for 14 days only with increasing the potency.

The pains were then controlled again with Arsenicum

album. The patient passed away peacefully in the circle

of her family.

From the beginning Arsenicum album was clearly

indicated and it also worked well enough with an

intervening Nux vomica but the disease state was far

progressed as the latter end of the patient indicated.

In the past in three cases we have observed the

phenomenon that after palliative action of Arsenicum

album in pains of Carcinoma patients Nux vomica is of

use after which Arsenicum album can again be applied.

It is so much surprising that in KENT and in

Complete Repertory, Nux vomica is not found under

“Carcinomatous complaints, for relieving pains.”

3. Aloe vera and Ruta graveolens

In the Repertory as also in the literature you will

see that there is no indication of Aloe in reference to

Rectal Carcinoma. Ruta is with one mark.

Case 3: 69-year-old female with recurrent Rectum

Carcinoma, was operated three years ago. Because it

was not operable totally a cytostatic follow up treatment

was done. Two years later there was a relapse with

increasing CEA-values. Operation could not be done

because of development in the vascular and nerve paths.

Radiation was given. Since the irradiation the patient

suffered from uncontrollable continuous diarrhoea since

nine weeks, which prevented a social life. Particularly

troublesome to the patient was the fact that with least

flatus there was some diarrhoeic stool.

The suitable chronic remedy Lachesis was not

given but after repertorisation Aloe was chosen – C30,

five globules in half glass water, to be taken as required.

With the first dose itself there was complete

stoppage of the diarrhoea, which held on for ½ a day.

The patient then took another dose. For 5 months the

patient took the dose as required and there was complete

relief of the symptom. The interval between doses

became longer continuously. Aloe was stopped as soon

as the diarrhoea stopped completely.

During the period of treatment the patient was pain-

free, clinically from the angle of the metastatising

Tumour, practically symptom-free.

Further on she was treated with Lachesis,

Causticum, Condurango and Carcinosinum. The

progression of the complaints began to slowly increase.

Later the patient received Arsenicum album in Q

potencies over a long time. The increase of CEA-value

was, however, not halted. Likewise the clinical

progression and the pains, which had been completely

removed.

On the basis of the presenting symptoms was given

Ruta graveolens D6, 3x1 tablet daily, for 2½ months.

Under this treatment, with subsequent increased

potencies the patient was free from complaints. With

complete disappearance of the massive pains while

sitting and rectum prolapse from pressing at stool, other

complaints set in due to compression by the Tumor.

Further during the course, after beginning an Opiate

therapy, the patient could be treated again palliatively

with Arsenicum album, Coffea, Opium and Aloe which

have helped her earlier; she passed away in sleep while

under Arsenicum album.

96

This case clearly shows the palliative action of

homœopathic remedies chosen on the basis of the

presenting symptoms.

This is a singular case the like of which we do not

read often in our literature, nevertheless we have found

in Aloe a remedy in Rectum Carcinoma even though it

is not in the Repertory. Also Ruta came as a palliative

in the course of treatment. This remedy not only

brought down the complaints but even went farther to

the extent of arresting the progress of the disease. Ruta

is known to have action in Rectum malignancy. The

one mark entry of Ruta with regard to its action on

Rectum Carcinoma is not right.

B. Application and Verification of homœopathic

remedies with action on Tumors in homœopathic

Cancer Treatment:

1. Conium: While Conium is very well known in

Mamma Carcinoma particularly its action in lung

metastasis from Mamma Carcinoma has not been

entered into the Repertories.

Case 4: 45-year-old female with a metastasising

Carcinoma operated 5 years ago. After two year

Tamoxifen treatment, in the 5th year there was pleural

flow on the right side and later greater pulmonary

involvement. At the same time increasing Tumor

marker. (Ca-15.3).

Under Chemotherapy the surrounding area was

completely clear. A suspicious lymph node in the

mamma shrivelled to some extent, but however it

remained clearly enlarged. Simultaneously a

suspectedly malignant thickening of the Pleura and a

Para-cardial space enlarging. Despite the incomplete

reversal of the metastasis the Chemotherapy was ended

as wished for by the patient. The Tumor marker was

further increased, even if has clearly retreated (Ca-15.3

of 281 U/ml from 90 U/ml).

Homœopathically the patient has been treated

during childhood for a bad Pox infection, with Thuja.

As chronic remedy with clear relevance to Cancer

disease she received Sepia.

Conium was indicated. BŒNNINGHAUSEN has

observed that another chronic remedy must precede

Conium.

Because of the manifested metastasizing and the

anticipated progression of the complaints the Tumor-

specific Conium was given to begin with.

After 3 months the patient was in full possession of

her energy. The Tumor marker went down further. The

treatment proceeded with Sepia and intercurrently

Thuja.

During the two-year treatment the Tumor marker

normalized almost completely. The patient was in

excellent condition. The chronic remedy Sepia was

given all through the time, only in the intervening

period newly appearing symptom were given

Condurango, Silica and Hepar sulplhuris. X-ray

confirmed that there was no metastasis.

Without apparent cause suddenly there was flat

Tumor marker rise with increasing weakness and

tiredness of the patient. Assuming that a relapse was

beginning which however was not confirmed by X-ray

and MRI; the already initially indicated Conium was

given. After 5 months of daily dose of Conium the CA-

15-3 value normalized with a compelte sense of well

being by the patient.

In homœopathic treatment of Cancer, as may be

seen in the literature too, in a Tumor’s progression

which had earlier regressed due to Chronic treatment, a

tumor specific treatment situation arises anew. The

confirmation of the action of Conium in this case is

interesting in that, that no Conium symptoms came up.

The primary metastasizing Mamma Carcinoma with A-

mammaria-interna-lymphnodes responded well to

Conium; because of this a fresh dose of Conium though

it is not a metastasis confirmed, but because earlier it

had given good result, was given. This experience,

which could be verified in other cases indicates a

“therapeutic gap” that needs to be filled. Since an

increase of Tumor marker could help in no way the

choice of a homœopathic remedy, it often however,

makes it possible to treat without the knowledge of

anamnestically acting Tumor remedy which otherwise is

not possible to treat homœopathically.

2. Lycopodium: Lycopodium clavatum is a known

deep working medicine even in extreme tissue changes

(e.g. Cancer).

Different Tumors including Mamma Carcinoma

have been cured with Lycopodium. This is confirmed

by the following case Report of an advanced Mamma

Carcinoma.

Case 5: 65-year-old female with a metastasizing

Mamma Carcinoma with extended bone metastasis in

the whole skeleton. Lung metastasis, Dyspnoea,

Repertorisation: Lycopodium. Several doses of

Lycopodium C30 daily and the C200 and in few weeks

there is complete relief of the complaints. Only the

voice paresis persisted. The patient went on a holiday,

took over again her homemaking and profession

completely. The Lung Metastasis were after three

months clearly smaller.

This case impresses as similar cases earlier have,

the clear indication that chronic symptoms of the patient

responded very well and deeply to the Polychrest which

is well known in malignancies and is also efficient in

Cancer cases. In the course of the year it became quite

clear that most patients respond well to a Tumor

specific therapy be it a Nosode or Cancer remedy.

97

3. Arsenicum iodatum: Arsenicum iodatum is a well-

proven remedy in Cancers. It’s favourable action may

be confirmed by the following case.

Case 6: 44-year-old female patient with Breast

Cancer was treated two years ago by surgical removal

of the breast and lymph nodes cleared surgically.

Subsequent Chemotherapy and Radiation could not

prevent skin recurrence. With treatment of Herceptin

and further Radiation it was possible to keep off skin

relapse.

The homœopathic treatment began in the remission

phase. The pain was becoming lesser and the general

state was also better. Treatment continued with

Carcinosinum, Natrum muriaticum and Phosphorus.

Nine months after beginning the homœopathic

treatment the patient felt herself marvelous and

energetic. After an incident in the family caused

emotional stress, a sudden spurt of four bean sized

bioptically confirmed metastasis came on the subcutis

of the Thoracic wall. As the patient refused further

Chemotherapy, Radiotherpy or Operation measures, she

was treated exclusively homœopathically.

The singular symptom of the patient is: she

constantly feels too hot, which did not mean heat

flushes which she has felt now and then, but a severe

basic heat.

Locally, a tough, bean-sized nodes in subcutis were

observed. These are seldom lightly painful as such, but

she clearly winced when touched. Her excessive heat is

well known since some years.

She has been experiencing the heat since some

years, but they had come on only after the Mamma

Carcinoma since she was feeling great otherwise and

there were no other symptoms, which have appeared

now, only the local painful to touch node is available to

choose the remedy. PHATAK’s Repertory,

GUERNSEY’s Case and E. JONES were consulted. As

PHATAK explains the Arsenicum iodatum symptoms

are mostly constructed from the symptoms of

Arsenicum and Iodum, confirmed by clinical experience.

In this case the peculiar excessive heat in the

patient was an indication, which would suggest

Arsenicum iodatum. Working out in the Repertory,

Barium carbonicum and Phosphorus came up; both

remedies with lack of vital heat. Under sensitive

“sensitive nodes” was found Calcium iodatum,

Cannabis sativa, Carbo animalis, Causticum and

Manganum.

Since PHATAK has added Arsenicum iodatum, it

was given now in D6, 5 drops 1 daily. Within a week

appeared heat flushes which the patient had not

experienced for long. Frequent waking from every

triviality and a general sense unwell state. However, the

Nodes were completely painfree, the pain from touch

became lesser and lesser. After 14 days of Arsenicum

iodatum D6, no more metastasis was palpable. This

remained so in the course of one year.

Through this case, the PHATAK addition in the

Complete Repertoy “Nodes, Mammae, touch,

aggravated” as well for Thorax-wall metastasis nodes in

a Mamma Carcinoma could be confirmed. In addition

the Arsenicum iodatum symptom was the peculiar

excessive heat in the patient since she began to suffer

from Mamma Carcinoma.

The aggravation of the general state of the patient

observed when the malignancy was going down is not

unusual. In our case the previously discontinued in the

halfway of the treatment with her chronic remedy was

again taken up when Arsenicum iodatum was given

again.

4. Natrum muriaticum

Case 7: 16-year-old female patient. Mastectomy 4

years ago because of an inflammatory Mamma

Carcinoma of right side. Lot of Chemotherapy and

Radiation before and after the operation. While under

Chemotherapy again she developed skin metastasis. By

a special Radiation technique this skin metastsis was

brought down. During further course there was a

relapse on the skin, which was operated. Besides, a

Mamma Carcinoma appeared on the other breast. Since

three years the patient has been treated with Herceptin.

No other accompanying therapy.

Homœopathic Therapy since 2.5 years. After

dental works, accidents, emotional shocks and also after

an infection, her energy levels dramatically came down.

The treatment proceeded through an intensification of

homœopathic treatment. The chronic remedy of the

patient was Sulphur.

After massive mental and physical pressures the

patient came to a dramatic energy fall, which again was

treated with intensive dose of Sulphur. It lasted 4

months until she recouped her earlier level of energy.

During this period the CEA-value increased from 1.6

U/ml to 10.1 U/ml without any peculiar otherwise

Tumor markers.

The patient was again very hot. She did not push

her feet out of the covers again during nights. Sweet

craving has completely gone away. She had thirst and

drank 3 litres per day, more of cold drinks. Her

sympathy was so much and uncontrollable that she

herself cared more for the other patients and their

husbands that she needed more hours of sleep to recoup.

She was always happy to communicate. She said that

notwithstanding her above nature and she was happy in

company she became tired within half an hour and must

rest. When anyone attempted to console her of her

severe sad state, she would immediately leave the room.

Natrum muriaticum in Q3 often daily without

letting whatever other measures supportively, brought

98

down the CEA-Value within two months and reached

normality after 5 months.

Natrum muriaticum is not known as a grand

remedy for Cancer. In the Repertory Rubric it has only

one mark. As a deep acting Polychrest in malignant

processes, it cannot be ruled out. SCHLEGEL says “it

can however be that the constitutional disturbance is so

specific that in Cancer the complaints are in agreement

with the common-salt toxicology observed in the

Provings.”

Very impressive was that the peculiar weakness

from talking with others was relatively soon relieved.

In this Rubric Sulphur has three marks and Natrum

muriaticum, two marks. After normalization of the

CEA-value the desire for sweets came back and she

began to stick her feet out of covers. Chronic treatment

with Sulphur was continued.

The increase of the CEA-value was so alarming to

the allopathic Medicine of the University Clinic in

consideration of the past history of the patient, and

although there was no metastasis, a relapse or another

Tumor were observed, they wanted to begin

Chemotherapy.

In further 11 cases of Breast Cancer Natrum

muriaticum was the main and effective chronic remedy

for their Cancers. The probably low value given for

Natrum muriaticum in the Repertory shoud be related to

these observations.

Conclusion: It is difficult to speak of the use of

Homœopathy and its corroboration in Cancers since

more often it is not only that rapid administration at the

same time of different homœopathic remedies are given,

but also adjuvant measures like, Radiation,

Chemotherapy, Hormone and Receptor therapies in

accordance with allopathic school and Orthomolecular-,

Misletoe, Thymus and Enzyme Therapies are adopted.

With the cases presented it will be seen that it was

the homœopathic therapy which brought about the

change in the patients.

The Repertories must be expanded to contain

Rubrics and Remedies pertaining to Cancer treatment

homœopathically.

Following are suggested:

Cases 1 + 2:

General, Carcinomatous complaints, Pains, to

relieve the : Nux-v.

New subrubric: General, Carcinomatous

complaints, Pains, to relieve the, ineffective, in:

Ars., of: Nux-v.

Case 3:

General, Carcinomatous complaints: aloe, ruta.

Rectum, Carcinoma: aloe

Rectum, Carcinoma, Diarrhœa, effects of

Radiation: aloe.

Rectum, Carcinoma pains in the Tumor borders:

ruta.

Case 4 + 5 + 6:

Chest, Carcinoma, Mammae, Metastasis, Lungs:

Con., Lyc.

Chest, Carcinoma, Mammae, metastasis, skin,

nodules, painful to pressure: Ars-i.

Chest, Carcinoma, Mammae, relapse, beginning:

Con., Nat-m.

*******************************************

viii. Dr. Uwe FRIEDRICH has researched the literature

extant, with regard to Cancer in his article

‘Anwendung und Bestӓtigung homӧopathischer

Arzneien in der Krebsbehandlung’

‘(Application and confirmation of Homœopathic

Medicines in the treatment of Cancer) has of work

palliative and Tumor influencing action.’

(ZKH. 46, 3-4/2002)

Abstract:

The homœopathic treatment of cancer is, among others,

made more difficult by the fact, that Cancer often is a

one-sided disease. Incomplete repertories further

complicate the choice of remedies. We report about the

application and confirmation of homœopathic drugs in

the palliative and tumor influencing homœopathic

treatment of Cancer.

1. Arsenicum album as an effective remedy in the case

of advanced cancer with pain .

2. Arsenicum album as an effective remedy in the

case of cancer pain and its correlation to Nux

vomica.

3. Aloe vera and Ruta graveolens as palliatively

effective remedies in the case of advanced intestinal

carcinomas with a tumor inhibiting effect.

4. Conium maculatum as an important remedy in the

case of pulmonary metastases following mammary

carcinomas and for the normalization of tumor

markers in the case of metastatic mammary

carcinomas.

5. Lycopodium clavatum as an effective remedy for

the reduction of pulmonary metastases in the case

of mammary carcinoma.

6. Arsenicum iodatum as a remedy in the case of

painful skin metastases following mammary

carcinomas.

7. Natrum muriaticum for the normalization of

increasing tumor markers in the case of advanced

metastatic mammary carcinomas.

Uwe FRIEDRICH has also given 6 Case Reports, in

brief.

99

For those interested the references mentioned by Dr.

Uwe FRIEDERICH are:

1. [1] Barthel, H.: Homӧopathie – Der Erfolg gibt

Recht, Schӓftlarn: Barthel & Barthel, 1996.

2. Burnett, J.C.: Tumoren der Brust. Übers, H.

Pscheidl, 1. Auft., Müller & Steinicke, 1991.

3. Burnett, J.C. : Die Heilbarkeit von Tumoren durch

Arzneimittel. Übers, G. Risch. 2, Aufl., München;

Müller &Steinicke, 1991.

4. Clarke, J.H.: Die Heilung von Tumoren durch

Arzneimittel. Übers, G. Risch. 2. Aufl., München:

Müller & Steinicke, 1996.

5. Diamantidis, S., Hadjikostas, C.: Comparative

clinical study of parallel allopathic and

homœopathic treatment to allopathic treatment in

cancer of the large intestine. Athens: Researches of

MIHRA, 1987.

6. Grimmer, A.H.: Furher results in the homœopathic

treatment of cancer. Hom. Rec. 46 (1931) 674-679

7. Guernsey, H.N.: Homӧopathie in Gynӓkologie und

Geburtshife. Ruppichteroth: Similimum, 1995.

8. Grimmer, A.H.: Some cancer remedies and their

indication, Hom. Rec. 52 (1937) 147-157.

9. Hadjikostas, C., Diamantidis, S.: Comparative

clinical study of parallel homœopathic and

allopathic treatment to allopathic treatment in

cancer of the lung. Athens: Researches of MIHRA,

1987.

10. Hahnemann, S.: Organon der Heilkunst. 6, Aufl.,

Heidelberg: Haug, 1987.

11. Jones, E.G.: Krebs. Seine Ursachen, Symptom und

Behandlung. Übers. A. Gӓrtner. Stuttgart: 1997.

12. Kent, J.T.: Repertorium der homӧopathischen

Materia medica 3.0. Mac Repertory 3.9.7; Kent

Associates 1986-95.

13. Klunker, W.: Lektionen für Anfӓnger VII. ZKH 40

(1996) 169-174.

14. Klunker, W.: Repertorisieren: 100 Jahre Kents

“Repertory”. ZKH 41(1997) 47-68, 91-95, 135-

142.

15. Klunker, W.: Lektionen für Anfӓnger IX, ZKH 43

(1999) 113-116.

16. Nebel, A.: The treatment of cancer. BHJ 5 (1915)

147-163.

17. Phatak, S.R.: Homӧopathische Arzneimittellehre.

Gӧttingen: Burgdorf, 1998.

18. Schlegel, E.: Die Krebskrankheit, Ihre Natur und

Ihre Heilmittel. 2. Aufl., Stuttgart: Hippokrates,

1927.

19. Spinedi, D.: Die Krebsbehandlung in der

Homӧopathie. Seminar, Bad Imnau, 1997. S.

Referat und Bearbeitung von Klinkenberg, C.R.:

Die homӧopathische Krebsbehandlung Teil 1.

ZKH 42 (1998) 15-28 und Teil 2. ZKH 42 (1998)

97-110.

20. Zandvoort, R.: Complete Repertory 5.0. Mac

Repertory 5.6, Kent Associates 2000.

********************************************

ix. “Neue Stratigien in der Krebs-Behandlung” von

A.U. Ramakrishnan. Ein kommentierter

Seminarbericht. (“New Strategies in Cancer

treatment” by A.U. Ramakrishnan, A seminar

Report with Comments) Ingrid RESCH and Uwe

FRIEDRICH (ZKH. 47, 3/2003)

On 14/15 June 2003 there was a Seminar in Berne

with A.U.RAMAKRISHNAN. His earlier seminar with

D. SPINEDI and his book – a Homœopathic Approach

to Cancer – created the curiosity whether the

fascinating results mentioned in these places could be

followed. The enormous experience of

RAMAKRISHNAN (over 7000 patients treated) the

often-cured cases reported stimulated in attending the

Seminar.

The questions and answers as is usual in Seminars

were also there.

He began with introduction to Indian Philosophy;

the importance of inner values were stressed.

Meditation helps cure of every sickness. Important is

self-realisation “Who am I?” before the physician

begins his treatment. “Homœopathy comes only next”.

RAMAKRISHNAN’s sister and brother both

homœopathic physicians died of Cancer in spite of

homœopathic treatment.

In treating Cancer patients he had better results

with the “Organ related” remedies rather than the

“Simillimum”. [The ‘Simillimum’ does not or need not

exclude the ‘Organ’ = KSS.] In 1994, he began the

“Plussing method”. And also alternating the medicines.

He used Nosodes, alternating with the indicated

medicine. He used mainly Medorrhinum,

Tuberculinum, Syphilinum, the Cancer Nosodes

Carcinosinum and Scirrhinum. With Carcinosinum and

Scirrhinum the action of the chosen remedy worked

better.

In the first week he gave in “Plussing Method” the

indicated medicine and in the second week alternated

with the Cancer Nosode, in the third week again repeat

the first week’s, then again the Cancer Nosode. The

medicines were given mostly in the 200 Potency.

RAMAKRISHNAN mentioned his most often used

remedies as also the “Organ specific” remedies in

Cancer treatment.

Further careful study of these remedies in the

Materia Medica is necessary.

100

Arsenicum album: In acute and chronic cases. Fever,

Pain, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Asthma, Skin eruptions,

Weakness, End states.

Arsenicum bromatum: Cancer and Diabetes. Great

action on Glands. In acne. Skin and glands are

affected. Pancreas, Parotids, Morbus Hodgkins,

Indurated glands. Ill effects of radiation, also in post-

operative lymphatic swellings.

Aurum muriaticum: Recurring Stomatitis, hardened

Ulcers on tongue or cheeks. Cancer of tongue,

Leucoplakia. Lichen of the oral cavity.

Baryta iodata: Another specific for glands, Morbus

Hodgkin. Glands in throat, Tonsils, Adenoids, Salivary

glands. Children with Tonsil problems. Very burning

remedy like Sulphur.

Cadmium sulphuratum: Extreme weakness,

exhaustion, lies quietly (opposite of Arsenicum).

Tiredness, vomiting, very chilly.

Cadmium bromatum: Cancer of stomach with blackish

vomit.

Cadmium iodatum: Tenesmus, distended abdomen,

Morbus Hodgkin.

Carcinosinum: This remedy should not be used at the

initial state of Cancer. RAMAKRISHNAN gives it in

the latter states. He presented a case of Carcinoma of

the Oesophagus in which nothing helped and he gave

Carcinosinum. The patient recovered and lived for

nine more months. This encouraged him to experiment

further. He said that he has not at all seen a negative

result of Carcinosinum-dose.

In the Materia Medica we find blue Sclera, plenty

of Moles (birth marks, raised pigmented Naevi).

Sleeplessness, blinking eyes. RAMAKRISHNAN

prescribes it often in children between 3 and 19 years,

with Tics (e.g. twitching of the shoulders or throat,

blinking of eyes). Is a fantastic medicine for Tics.

Whooping cough, Pneumonia. For children whose

parents are very demanding. e.g. Jehovah’s witness,

very ethical, dogmatic parents. Takes much effort to

satisfy others, fights to be a perfectionist. Sufferer from

long ill-luck.

Children very sensitive, register everything,

disturbed sleep, fear of being punished, sexually abused,

fear of being wrecked. The expectation of the parents

are too high.

Sensitive to reproofs. Quickly offended. Aversion

to consolation. Harshness. Masturbation early.

Responsibility early. Thumb-sucking, Enuresis. The

child is tossed hither and thither between two values.

Workaholic. Much responsibility. Progressive and

impatient.

Anticipatory stress. Anxiety about the illnesses of

family members.

Critical. Difficult to be satisfied. Vain and

exacting. Can also be disorderly.

Washes the hands often. Furniture perfect. Love of

nature. Artistic. Children are unmindful, very

quarrelsome.

Relationship to music and rhythm. Dances happily.

Recall Sepia, Natrum muriaticum and Tuberculinum.

Alopecia circinata. Has the maximum similarity to

Argentum nitricum.

Condurango: Fissures, Ulcers, Stricture of

Oesophagus, Cancer of Stomach.

Conium maculatum: Chest (Breast), Liver, Prostate, all

glands. When a Tumor is hard like a stone. Nodes in

the breast. Fibro-adenoma, Chronic Mastitis (like

Phytolacca). Chronic remedy of Aconitum. Deeper

action on the Nervous system.

Euphorbium officinarum: Burning pains like Sulphur

and Arsenicum. Severe bone pains, Cancer pains, better

from cold applications. Cannot cure, can only palliate.

Hecla lava: (contains Silicea, Alumina, Magnesium):

Very impressive action on the jawbone, in Exostosis,

Heel Spur, Osteosarcoma. Stimulates the bone marrow

in Leukaemia.

Hippozaenium: Nosode of Glanders disease.

RAMAKRISHNAN uses it since the last two years in

AIDS, Epithelioma, Skin inflammation, Abscesses,

Furuncles, large skin lesions.

Hydrastis canadensis: Acts particularly on the mucous

membranes, produces thick, yellowish, stringy

discharges, Alcoholism, Jaundice, Lip Cancer,

precancerous state. Dyspepsia, swelled large tongue,

impressions of tongue. Sinking hungry feeling without

appetite, empty feeling.

Kali salts (Kali sulphuricum, iodatum, muriaticum,

bromatum): Mucous membranes affected, Epilepsy.

Glands infection, Irritability, aggravation from 2 to 5

hours. Ear-nose-throat region. Greeny discharge from

ears (Kali muriaticum)

Magnesium phosphoricum: Colics, Neuralgias,

Spasms. Babies which keep on crying, in hot water

solution.

Opium: Pain overcome by stupor, suppressed state of

anxiety. Other anxiety remedies, Aconite (sudden

anxiety, e.g. in a road accident mental shock),

Phosphorus.

Ornithogalum umbellatum: Stomach Cancer,

narrowing of the Pylorus, coffee-ground-like vomit,

reflex-like, complete prostration.

Phytolacca decandra: Affinity to the glands, mammary

glands, Lymphadenitis, Mastitis from nursing (Case

from TYLER: a growth in the Antrum of the Highmore

was cured by Phytolacca).

Plumbum metallicum: Cramps and Constipation,

progressive muscle atrophy, contrary states, all worse

from mental exertion.

Plumbum iodatum: Consequences of lesions on head,

Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, Tumors of Nerve cells, also

101

with loss of Myelin, Cerebral Atrophy, Morbus

Alzheimer, Multiple Sclerosis.

Radium bromatum: Bad effects of radiation, arthritic

pains, dry skin, Necrosis.

Sabal serrulata: Specific Prostate remedy. Reduces the

PSA-antigen, Prostate Cancer.

Scirrhinum: is close to Phosphorus, desires cold drinks,

much anxiety, Haemorrhoids. Glands and Nodes are

stone hard (Conium). Necrotic masses, very hard.

Ringworms. Thread worms.

Scrophularia nodosa: (contains Magnesium and

Silicea) Fantastic gland remedy, Morbus Hodgkins,

Eczema, Dermatitis, Mastitis, Asthma, Haemorrhoids,

Vertigo, feels always sleepy like Nux moschata. Deeply

acting medicine, Tubular Adenitis, Glands are like

Gummy, not stone hard.

Strontium carbonicum: Bone medicine, primary and

secondary bone tumors. Osteomalacia, Osteoblastoma.

Symphytum officinale: Fracture of bones which do not

heal, old and recent fractures. Acts on the Periosteum

(Ruta in inflammatory bones). Osteosarcoma,

Osteoporosis. Also useful in Leukaemia.

Terebinthiniae oleum: useful in Albuminuria, Cystitis,

Urethritis, Dysuria, Chronic Cystitis, involuntary

urination.

Thuja occidentalis: Warts, Condyloma, Malignant

Neoplasms, Moles. Asthma, which has been treated for

long with Cortison. Colitis ulcerosa.

Some hints:

 In Leukoplakia in the vaginal wall or ano-rectal

Aurum muriaticum given in 8 of 10 cases produced

good reactions.

 Aurum muriaticum natronatum is a fantastic

medicine for the uterine tract, in particular Pap

smear as also Ovary Cancer.

Preventive is given in C200 after the “Split dose

method”, i.e. 3 dry globules morning, midday,

evening and night. Repetition after a week for 8

weeks, the control study of the result.

 Arsenicum iodatum is a “homœopathic antibiotic”

in the D3 or D6 thrice or four times daily 2 tablets.

In Gangrene, Ulcers, Infections.

 RAMAKRISHNAN gives Cina mother tincture for

15 days 6 drops daily in worm cases.

 In dry cough he gave Spongia C30. Gave it often

to children, nightly aggravation with throat

ailments.

 Iodum and Spongia are complementary, can work

together in thyroid gland.

 In alternating complaints Oophorinum C30 (from

healthy ovarian extract) 3 pills daily for 3 months,

should act on the heat waves, dry vagina,

Osteoporosis.

 Polyps on vocal chords: good reaction from

Argentum nitricum. Expectoration greenish.

 Sanguinaria: Flatulence, Pains right shoulder, right

elbows, right-sided headaches, Anti- inflammatory

medicine, Cellulitis, Osteoarthritis, Polyarthritis,

Mammary inflammations. Cough, much mucous

expelled. Bronchial Carcinoma, bright red blood

like Phosphorus fresh blood flakes when coughing.

A very useful medicine for different states.

 In Pre-cancerous preventive work, only

homœopathic, “split dose method”.

 When the Cancer has been detected quite early

only few weeks old, then only Homœopathy.

 In the treatment bear in mind the secondary focus,

not the primary.

 In lesions in the Liver, not much time more, the

prognosis is bad.

 In small nodes when the patients are persuaded to

undergo operation, then Homœopathy.

 Good results were observed by him in the following

tumours: Cheek, Tongue, Oesophagus, head of

Pancreas, Rectum, Ovaries, Cervix of the uterus,

Bladder, Prostate, Mammae.

 Less good even the results in Stomach tumours,

intestine, uterus (the Tumor develop long in a

cavity) Kidney Carcinoma, Leukaemia.

 He used the “plussing method” for 6-8 months. He

saw no proving symptoms and aggravations.

Prostate Cancer: In men the frequent Cancer.

RAMAKRISHNAN recommends, in increased PSA

(Prostate-specific Antigen) to give preventively and able

to stop further growth with Sabal serrulata, with

developing tumour Thuja occidentalis, Conium remains

a very specific remedy for Cancer of Prostate, which

brings down the PSA. Frequently used remedies: Sabal

serrulata, Thuja, Carcinosin, Barium carbonicum,

Staphisagria, Pulsatilla, Lycopodium, Solidago.

Urinary incontinence after Prostatectomy:

Verbascum thapsus: for use – continuously in drops.

Causticum: Paralysis of the sphincter muscles.

Argentum nitricum: Pain at the end of urination.

Rhus aromatica: Pain in the beginning of urination.

Gelsemium: a funny sensation at the end of urination.

Hepar sulphuricum: Very severe pain.

Solidago: Blood in urine.

Staphisagria: In Prostate operations, when the

sphincter was dilated.

Sarsaparilla: Cannot hold urine while standing, but in

sitting (opposite Zincum: Urine flows when sitting).

In severe inflammatory states of the bladder,

Terebinthena to be given.

When there is growth, Thuja, Conium are seldom in

Bladder problems.

102

Breast Cancer: Frequent tumour of the woman,

RAMAKRISHNAN said that he always recommended

first operation, and then homœopathic treatment. He

does not recommend Chemotherapy and radiation.

“When a node is taken out, one should let it so.”

The risk is very high, that in Stage I which was

being treated and develops to Stage III when being

treated and a metastasis develops. One could be given

then the SCHÜSSLER-salts, at the same time. Or give

it in D6 to suit state. Calcium fluoratum D6 is very

helpful in pains, Silicea D6, in Sciatica, Natrum

muriaticum D6 in skin problems.

In Liver metastasis he prescribes Chelidonium

mother tincture morning and evening.

In bone pains Aurum metallicum D6.

His main remedies: Conium, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus,

Natrum muriaticum, Sepia, Staphisagria, Thuja, Barium

iodatum, Sanguinaria, Arsenicum album.

Some cases:

 A young girl with a stony hard node in the breast,

refused an operation. She received Conium and

Scirrhinum C200 in alternation according to the

“plussing method.” Later she received in “Plussing

method” Sepia. The patient did well.

 Man with Astrocytoma, received Plumbum iodatum

with Carcinosinum C200 and Schirrhinum in

alternation in “Plussing method”. Good progress.

 Youngster 10 year-age. Astrocytoma. High

aggravation from milk. Received Aethusa C200 in

alternation with Carcinosinum C200. The youth

became free from symptoms and remained healthy.

(Aethusa: the eyes roll downward, very important

medicine in brain tumor, uncontrolled vomiting

without nausea: Sign of suppression of brain).

Summary:

RAMAKRISHNAN impressed in two days

Seminar not only homœopathic knowledge, but with his

philosophic attitudes on life and disease. His lecture

was lively; he invited questions more often and took

part with the participants in the intervals. He invited

them to his Practice where about 300 ambulant patients

are treated per day. Many patients given up by

Hospitals attend his clinic.

Whether RAMAKRISHNAN’s success can be used

by us here (Germany) is an open question.

Annotations:

1. In the University Womens clinic, Heidelberg

we hold Seminars for Cancer patients for the

reasons that it would open up for them for the

first time a perspective with the possibilities of

Meditation and other exercises to remove the

anxiety to as much as possible. According to

our observations the homœopathically treated

patients were more free and their psychic and

spiritual development were good.

2. It cannot be concluded that in many women

Breast Cancer patients there was marietal

problems. Equally senseless and

unhomœopathic are the instructions to give

Carcinosinum as indicated medicine.

3. Regarding the “Plussing method” and the

“Split dose method”: In “Plussing Method”

three globules of a medicine is dissolved in 11

coffee-spoonful or tablespoonful water. The

patient, after stirring, takes every 10-20

minutes one spoonful, 10 times. The

remaining solution is next day filled with ten

spoons of water. Again taking ten times, and

so on. This lasts one week, then alternate with

the other medicine. In between the 10 doses

taken in a day should not take coffee, tea,

alcohol or cola. In regard to the “Split dose

method” RAMAKRISHNAN gives the

selected medicine 4 times a day, e.g. morning,

mid-day, evening and night, three globules

everytime, dry on the tongue, thus 12 globules

per day. After 1 or 2 weeks or monthly

alternate with the Nosode. For example, on

day 1 and 30 Thuja, day 15 and 45

Carcinosinum, so on.

4. Since a general classification of all

malignancies in the tumour state 1-4, has not

been defined, this classification by

RAMAKRISHNAN may be on the allopathic

ideas.

5. It is the great merit of RAMAKRISHNAN to

have brought out so many often incompletely

depicted medicines, Cancer specific medicines

for homœopathic treatment which are of great

value.

6. RAMAKRISHNAN gives Scirrhinum before

Carcinosinum when the tumour is very hard or

Liver is involved.

7. This is an example for the limitation of much

assertions about the effectiveness of

homœopathic treatment in the under-35 year-

age. In these patients spontaneous

normalization of striking PAP-finding occurs

in over 70%. To attribute the effects following

this to homœopathic treatment a comparison of

hundreds of patients treated must be made.

8. With stricter observation of

RAMAKRISHNAN’s prescription, we have

repeatedly seen clearly the worsening of the

patients, particularly if the Cancer complaint

had advanced and the patient’s energy was

low. In these cases we may “plus” only for 2,

3 or 4 days and pass the other days of the

103

week, then start the alternation next week.

And the tolerance of one medicine to the other

could be compared, for which one remedy is

taken for only two days and the alternating

medicine however for seven days. Another

problem comes forth in many patients with

regard to compliance. To keep in mind that

one should take the medicine every day every

1-2 hours is often not possible. To solve this

problem “plussing” our patients have been

taking since many years one spoon every ten

minutes, ten doses within an hour and half.

RAMAKRISHNAN is not dogmatic in this.

9. That the SCHÜSSLER salts act only at

physical levels is a theory whose significance

for Cancer treatment is unclear. Many

homœopathic Cancer therapists like

BURNETT, SCHLEGEL, STOCKEBRAND

and others have successfully treated Cancer

with low potencies. Naturally at physical level

because the dissolution of the tumour can be

seen only at that, i.e. physical. The

SCHÜSSLER salts may be such medicines. It

is problematic to accept that a favourable

influence of Cancer can be obtained by the

alternating method explained above, e.g. the

chronic medicine with Carcinosinum, when

simultaneously SCHÜSSLER salts were also

given. In 1987 a working group from

VITHOULKAS teaching claimed that they had

treated successfully intestinal and lung Cancer

with homœopathic medicines chosen on

“essence” of the case. Cancer Nosode were not

given practically. All the patients however

took SCHÜSSLER salts.

[Each practitioner follows his/her own method and

claim satisfactory results. How do these help other

Practitioners? It is believed that case reports presented

in Seminars and in Journals would help the readers.

How much of the teachings in ‘Organon’, ‘Chronic

Diseases’ accord with these methodologies? Or are

‘Organon’, ‘Chronic Diseases’ irrelevant and do not

apply to Cancer? Baffling! = KSS]

******************************************

x. SPINEDI-Seminar. Bad Imnau, 25-27.6.2004.

Report by Sabine KUSE-ISINGSHULTE (ZKH.

48, 3/2004):

Two main points were stressed by SPINEDI in the

course of his Seminar about two Breast Cancer patients.

Case 1: 33 year-old female, came in 1989 for

severe back pains bothering her which began three years

ago. Had painkillers for 2 years but Sepia healed within

few weeks.

In the year 2000 – 11 years later – she came with a

diagnosis of Breast Cancer. Already had Chemotherapy

and Radiation. Parallelly homœopathic treatment with

Phosphorus, Bryonia, Sepia and Conium. Conium at

last improved and Sepia cured the Miasm finally.

SPINEDI’s comments:

 If a medicine has worked well, we have to reflect

well before changing it, if symptoms of another

remedy appear which we perhaps examine well.

 In 20% of cases SPINEDI has observed that the

chronic medicine does not come into question if a

tumor has developed.

 Interesting are the symptoms which have not

improved are the ones which we should further

work with. When we neglect this, the disease goes

further on. We should concentrate on these

symptoms.

 If old symptoms appear, the remedy, if it is the

right one, must cover these symptoms.

 The appearance of dreams, which should suit the

remedy, which are new, could be a hint of a new

symptom and the remedy given be wrong under the

circumstances.

 New symptoms of the remedy must be evaluated

according to Organon §§167, 248, 249.

Although in case new symptoms came up after

Phosphorus, pains increased it indicated a good

response to the Chemotherapy with the further

progressive administration of Phosphorus and was also

a confirmation of the specific action of Phosphorus in

Chemo- and Radiation therapy. In the course of the

treatment luckily the symptoms for the first indicated

medicine came up again. It was the dream of Breast

which was forgotten by the patient. In the anamnesis in

2000 the patient had said when questioned, that the

bandage with flowers of Camphor which was too tight

and very painful. “Suppressed Trauma” in this manner

are many which may not be recalled by patient:

 Blow on the Breast from small children; with its

feet while swaddling the infant, or with the head

when it is carried, or a kick with its feet when the

child sleeps with the mother.

 Mammography or painfully tight bandages.

 Auto or sports injuries (ball hitting the breast:

Handball, Badminton, Squash)

SPINEDI commented: with this case we come to

understand better the §162 of Organon. Cancer

originates from the Miasm explained it.

104

Case 2: 35 year-old pregnant woman in the 20th

week of pregnancy was diagnosed with axillary lymph

node metastasis of an occult primary tumor. Two years

ago after the first pregnancy she suffered a papilloma

virus constellation of cervix. She was conized.

She has, in the meanwhile, undergone treatment

from many homœopaths and taken many remedies and

in the last two months Carcinosinum LM 120.

With Phosphorus in C potencies she could be

without Chemotherapy during her pregnancy. In

January 2000 a healthy boy was born. In November

2000 with Phosphorus CM this treatment ended.

Further chronic remedies were used. In August 2001 a

Breast Tumor was diagnosed. Further treatment

proceeded with different Polychrests.

In Spring 2002 the patient emigrated. She received

plenty of “reserve remedies” and took them one after

the other without further consultation. Contact with the

patient was poor but she wrote, however, on 15.1.2004 a

letter to Dr. SPINEDI that she had contacted a well-

known local homœopath and with Phytolacca LM6 she

remained in remission until now.

SPINEDI’s fundamental thoughts on this case:

 With Similie therapy the young lady during

pregnancy could keep off Chemotherapy, for

mother and child. This should encourage us to treat

every Cancer case with Homœopathy.

 The basic error was, the symptoms were not exact

and strong enough to be evaluated.

 The symptoms which were not covered by the

selected remedy would surprise us.

 A conisation only leads to shifting of the disease to

another region. Much better it is to take the PAP as

marker of the progress.

 The CM potency brings to light the “reality”. If

under the CM everything is covered and if it has at

first improved then that is not the right medicine.

 When the constitutional medicine selected does not

bring the expected improvement, must consider

always organotropic medicine.

 When we make a constitutional prescription, the

patient is carried further, particularly if the Cancer

is slowly progressing. If a wrong organotropic

medicine is prescribed, a fulminating exacerbation

of the tumor will occur. Beware! In doubt we

should apply always the Chronic remedy, to make

the patient overall strong and supportive.

General on Cancer treatment: In general

SPINEDI spoke in the Seminar the history of Breast

Cancer. Conium and Phytolacca were spoken of as two

important remedies in Breast Cancer. In respect of

Phytolacca much less information is known about

mental symptoms. Besides KENT a valuable Materia

Medica is available in Homœopathic Drug Pictures of

Margaret TYLER, which is well worth studying.

Eli JONES found Phytolacca as most important

remedy in Breast Cancer. In Breast Cancer patients, the

suckling anamnesis is of greater significance: if pains or

other problems arise, they must be elevated as the most

possible complete symptom. Pains in the breast after

blow (after mammography) pass away with Conium

XM.

Q-Potencies

About the extensive possibilities of reactions and

Observations after the administration of Q potencies

only the essential are given again here:

 For the early aggravation, SPINEDI opined, badly

selected or wrongly administered remedy is the

cause. The different individual reaction must be

borne in mind.

 The appearance of a new symptom is, in 50% of the

cases, mostly an old symptom which the patient

had “not recalled to memory”.

 The frequent and a fatal variant of the appearance

of a new symptom is, that the new symptom

disappear, although the remedy was wrong. Then

this new symptom is lost!

According to SPINEDI, HAHNEMANN’s

procedures in respect of one-sided diseases, to select the

best suited medicine and then to treat the new symptom

is not proven, in every case. He does not change the

medicine implicitly, but differentiates very vigorously

between the old symptoms and symptoms of the

medicine. Also old symptoms must be covered by

medicine or they are signs for the following medicine.

Symptoms of the medicine on the other hand indicate a

wrong prescribing.

Again and again it is advised to study these

paragraphs in Organon thoroughly.

Effects of Radiation

The effective antidote to Radiotherapy are,

according to SPINEDI: Phosphorus, Radium bromatum

and X-ray. Both Radium bromatum as well as X-ray

come under consideration for the adverse actions of

Radiation therapy, they are the frequently needed

medicine after Phosphorus. Radium bromatum is

similar to Phosphorus and antidotes it also, as peculiar

symptom is the “only a one day lasting mens.” (Comp.

Sepia). A Materia Medica for X-ray is to be found in

ALLEN’s Book on Nosodes. According to SPINEDI,

X-ray is fully unrepresented in the Repertory (and must

be added). A Materia Medica of Radium bromatum

may be found in the “Collected Works” of A.

GRIMMER.

SPINEDI has observed that the positive effects of

radiation remain, when the side effects of Radiation

therapy begins to be treated by potentised medicine.

There are patients who do not suit the Phosphorus

schema which however indicated as antidote. For

105

patients who are exposed intensively to Electricity or

Electrosmog, e.g. locomotive driver, may have a

penetrating effect from Phosphorus. For ulcerative

areas of Necrosis, according to GRIMMER, Cadmium

iodatum is the only medicine, which has never let him

down, for burns from radiation, Fluoric acid is the

frequently indicated medicine.

*******************************************

(Cancer: articles No.xi & xii – see p. 243 – 245)

xiii. Interview with André SAINE. von KARIN and

Ralf VIGOUREUX (ZKH. 48, 3/2004)

Some extracts:

Dr. André SAINE is a well-known homœopath

from Canada; he is a fighter for genuine Homœopathy.

KARIN and Ralf VIGOUREUX interviewed him at his

place. They also spent three weeks with him to actually

appraise themselves with SAINE’s methodologies.

André SAINE takes up severe difficult disease

conditions. Of course he takes up other cases too; he

may let other colleagues treat routine cases and take up

himself with the severe cases.

20 years ago he began to practice with his father

and has seen patients with severe diseases, and therefore

saw from beginning on, difficult cases. Treating

severely ill people is not slow but is challenging. By

this one can test one’s ability and methodology and the

remedies used and the possibilities and limits of

Homœopathy.

The limits of homœopathic healing are, as a rule,

the limits of the inborn healing ability of the

particular organism. [This seems to be a too

generalized assertion. =KSS]

Healing is faster in Homœopathy. For example,

injuries heal much more rapidly; also if treated before

and after operation the patient recovers much faster as

observed by Surgeons. Similarly griefs are overcome

faster. Homœopathic healing proceeds para-

physiologically or it transcends normal physiological

processes. I think, in this connection, that we are

observing a rapid increase of the normal healing process

and that there is no new healing process. There are

mechanical problems which limits Homœopathy. [FN §

7 Organon = KSS]. The real limits of the Organism for

self-regeneration due to disease processes are the limits

of Homœopathy. [It is inferred that here ‘regeneration’

meant, reactivation of the functions. I have however,

read of the case of an actual regeneration of a part of a

limb amputated earlier! Dr. K. GANAPATHI of

Coimbatore reported the case of a professor whose

phalanx of right thumb was lost due to an injury

sustained from a car door that was being closed.

Myristica sebifera tincture was used for a long period

and a small rudimentary thumb grew and the professor

could again hold a chalk-piece and write on the black

board! = see Homœopathic Heritage, Vol. VIII,

8/1982, P. 445. How many of us realize that none of the

organs howsoever small or trivial like the Appendix, are

non essential and nobody could afford to lose any,

although Surgeons may feel that one would not be a big

loser if a small organ considered not so important is

sliced off austensibly to save the patient’s greater

suffering. Years ago, I remember to have read in the

British Medical Journal a report wherein it was said

that a certain number of persons (50 I believe) whose

spleens had been removed in their childhood had, over

the years, grown a rudimentary spleen! Not all of those

who had undergone spleenectomy but quite a few of

them, enough to make one sit up and think. Would it be

wrong or foolish if one felt that if Homœopathy is used

in surgical cases there is good chance of not only rapid

healing of the operated part but also the limb getting

regenerated speedily, in some cases at least? Think it

over = KSS]. In such cases, for example, as Multiple

Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spondylitis, Ankylosis,

etc., Homœopathy can stop further progress of these

processes. In due course further improvement too

would come about.

Cancer is pure dynamic state but in most of the

cases the result of a false or undue stress and ultimately

failure of the defence power of the organism. [Consider

carefully Dr.G. Ryke HAMER’s Thesis, who says that

emotional ‘conflict’is at the bottom of every Cancer and

indeed in respect of all serious disorders = KSS]. Both

the body’s defence powers as well as life energy

reserves are limited. As much longer and intensive the

false or undue stress is so much more is the risk of the

individual Cancer to develop. If we take 100 persons

and their skin is scratched when they are exposed to

ultraviolet rays, some of them, if not all of them, may

develop Skin Cancer. In principle every person could

develop Cancer according to the state appropriate.

When a person has Cancer we should find out whether it

is a question of alteration of the reaction and whether

this person can be restored back to harmony. As much

younger the person is, as much slow as the Cancer

develops, so much better is the prognosis with

Homœopathy. As much visible a tumor, so much better

the prognosis, since it would be helpful about the

control the treatment has. Further as much less the

characteristic symptoms, and only few symptoms are

present, so much less good is the prognosis.

Nevertheless older persons with metastasis and a rapidly

progressing Cancer have been seen to react quite

satisfactorily to a well-selected remedy. As much

greater the similarity so much better the reaction of the

patient to the remedy. For all that, we cannot foresay

the measure of the reaction. Will it be sufficient to

106

overcome the Cancer? That remains ultimately

uncertain.

An example: a 73-year-old female with Multiple

Myeloma, which did not show any positive result in

spite of Chemotherapy. Since conventional medicine

could not offer anything else, she came to Homœopathy.

Although she was in an advanced developed state and in

high degree of Cancer state and was 73-years-old she

was fully restored to health by pure homœopathic

treatment. The point is that the measure of reaction

remains unknown when the prescribed medicine is

similar to a great degree and in this case many factors

raised the doubt of a good prognosis.

To declare a patient to have been ‘cured’ the patient

must be free from every sign of Cancer for at least five

years following a homœopathic treatment. Only a small

number of patients can be followed up. So it is difficult

to say how many were ‘cured’. Also many patients who

had already been treated by conventional medicine

come to Homœopathy in a very weak state. There are

patients who simultaneously undergo both conventional

as well as homœopathic treatment. Patients who are in

a very advanced stage of the disease come and it is too

difficult to find a suitable remedy. It is always good to

carefully select a remedy to suit the symptoms

presented. Each time if a remedy to suit the symptom is

carefully selected there will be good reaction. What we

do not know is, the measure of reaction.

There is a fine line of demarcation between

palliation and cure in the treatment of patients with

Homœopathy. Often the patient would say that he felt

better with the medicine given, but the Cancer spreads

further. That is a complicated situation. The physician

must decide whether the Cancer has no more energy and

whether with the same medicine – in increased dosage –

must be proceeded with or a complimentary medicine to

suit the later disease state must be searched for. We can

see the situation an inexperienced person encounters.

To treat Cancer patients, one must, in the first

instance be a good clinician, secondly a very good

homœopath and thirdly must have had some

experience in treating Cancer patients. If one could

combine all these preconditions then his results will be

high. When I say results I mean that he finds a suitable

remedy for every altered different phases of the disease.

When I recall my 21 years practice, I cannot say exactly

how many Cancer patients have been followed up for 5

years after their cure. I am not sure but perhaps five or

ten. For many different reasons patients do not stay

connected to their doctors after they are restored. There

are some persons whom I have accompanied until their

end. Many of these react well to the remedy, but in the

course of the treatment complications develop, often

without reference to Cancer, some other disease and die.

I recall a young man in the mid 20s with recurrence of

an Acute Lymphatic Leukaemia refused further

conventional treatment. He came to me (André SAINE)

in a very bad state. We went through severe times. I

treated him for about two years. He became seemingly

much better and soon took up his job again as a long

distance lorry driver. Many months later one late night

in the course of his work, he suffered a severe blow on

the abdomen. Around midnight he rang me. It

appeared as if he had internal bleeding. I told him that

he should go to a hospital but he declined. Instead he

went to bed and died in sleep. No autopsy was done. I

had a pair of such cases in which the patient, the family,

friends and I worked very hard and the patients died due

to other reasons.

In many other cases a reaction did come about, but

then a point in which either I was unable to or the

organism was not possible to recover. I pursue to

acquire the capability to thoroughly overcome this

limitation. Homœopaths with less years of experience

in solid practice should not undertake these patients

alone by themselves.

What can be said about incurable cases? I do not

use the word “incurable”. The word often indicates

again simply our present knowledge of what is

incurable. History teaches us that the limits of

Homœopathy have widened. What goes as “incurable”

is only an opinion and therefore is not to be taken at its

word. Rather what kinds of disease states has been

cured gives a reliable mark in regard to curability as the

opinion of one homœopath in his practice as a singular

reference point. Many patients of whom it was thought

as not curable by Homœopathy have become healthy.

Many professional homœopaths have said that Cancer

patients are not curable by Homœopathy, but that is not

true. Patients with Cancer can be made healthy again

with Homœopathy as the only mode of treatment. We

cannot always know apriori as to who is curable who is

not. I do not assert that I have masterly control over the

treatment of Cancer patients. But I can predict that in

future, we will excel. I have seen some unusual

successes in men with bad prognosis but restored to

normalcy under homœopathic treatment. We have only

scratched superficially upto now of what happens to

those who are treated for Cancer. I have seen great

potential, but also many failures and disappointments. I

do not teach beginners about the treatment of Cancer

patients while not many homœopaths are capable to

treat Cancer thoroughly good. Only experienced

homœopaths with advanced knowledge should do this.

The room for errors is too small. To remain successful

in such cases the physician must, every time, work with

100% precision.

With regard to Auto-immune diseases when we

have favorable circumstances, that means when the

homœopath find the right remedy, 100% patients with

107

severe Auto-immune disease must recover; this means

that the inflammatory process does not go on and a true

regeneration of the tissues occur within the limits of the

recovery limits of the organism. Particular tissues could

have died permanently and even with the best

homœopathic treatment cannot be renewed. We

observe that within the curative possibilities of the

body, under good homœopathic treatment, recovery can

be had. If the capability of the homœopath is not

sufficiently rich or if the patient does not cooperate or if

the symptom of the patient cannot be well defined, as a

result of allopathic medications, the results are affected.

There are disease states which cannot be restored to

health either by Homœopathy or Allopathy. Cases of

fully developed Lupus or obstinate Psoriasis come

under this. Only a well-experienced homœopath will

know how to go about successfully with such cases.

For purposes of demonstration we can have a study of

Auto-immune diseases with regard to homœopathic

treatment in comparison to other modes. A large

number of patients will not only be restored to healthy

state and be free from medicines and their side effects,

but also the relative low costs and with minimal burden

upon the Society.

About the treatment of children with Epilepsy and

Cerebral Paresis: If these cases are treated with suitable

homœopathic medicines the chances are excellent for

restoration of health. Many cases of Cerebral Paresis

have been followed up for many years. Nevertheless

there are limitations. The chances of the Nervous

system to recover their efficiency are restricted. But

within these limits, the recovery of Epilepsy patients is

excellent.

Severe psychiatric diseases: The outcome is similar

to Cancer patients, not every patient of this disease

could be treated. You have to improvise in cases of

severe psychotic patients. An error could be severer.

One must be a good clinician. Just as in any other

serious disease state one must be thorough in

Homœopathy in accordance with the rules of this art

and with patience get good results.

Again one must be a good homœopath, and a

patient who works well with him and the appropriate

support from the relations and family to obtain success;

most of us do not get this. There are some cases of

Autism which have responded wonderfully well. On

the other side we have idiotic or imbecile person with

neurological hindrances whose prognosis is bad. With

neurotic patients it is another story. §§ 17 and 208 are

very relevant here. Such cases need more than

Homœopathy.

How to obtain such very good results as you

(André SAINE) are getting? A better training and

learning is the answer. The history of Homœopathy

teaches us clearly that the successful homœopaths

were those who studied HAHNEMANN’s work

thoroughly, understood it and applied it

scrupulously. History also reveals that the teaching

and training of Homœopathy is in a very weak state.

Very small number of homœopaths are well taught

and done the essential exercises so that mastery

could be got. It is the nature of men to take to fast

and easy and short methods to overcome laborious

methods. These would lead to failures. Discipline in

thorough learning of HAHNEMANN’s works as also

of the great Hahnemannians would bring forth the

best results. Many homœopaths have learnt

Homœopathy through Seminars and much less by

study of HAHNEMANN’s work. A turn about can

come about by founding institutions which have

teachers and practitioners who have well done their

home work and thus capable of training and

building up good students. High standards can be

obtained thus.

Already established homœopaths also must follow

the same path, if they have not already, of learning

HAHNEMANN’s work well and work rigorously as

laid down by HAHNEMANN and his genuine

followers. With discipline and hard work alone this can

be achieved. There is no reason why one cannot do so.

The most useful is the study of HAHNEMANN’s works

and the works of the past masters.

Regarding use of Nosodes André SAINE uses them

rarely for the reason that very few of them have been

well proven. Most of these Nosodes give only clinical

symptoms, and few of these symptoms are clear,

complete and give characteristic symptom. Take for

example Carcinosinum. BURNETT’s original proving

has only few symptoms. But now we have hundreds of

symptoms and pathological many of them. From where

do we suddenly get all the whole information? It is said

“proven Nosodes like Tuberculinum”. Strictly speaking

SWAN’s symptoms are clinical symptoms and not

based on Tuberculinum Proving. Take for example the

well-known symptoms ‘Fear of dogs’ and ‘Desire to

Travel’. The fear of dog is from BURNETT’s case of a

two-year-old boy who was easily frightened particularly

by dogs and many other remedies other than

Tuberculinum was also used. It has not been told

whether the symptom was cleared after the remedy.

Regarding the ‘Desire for Travel’ of BURNETT is an

exaggeration. BURNETT wrote of a man, who went

from place to place, to escape from cold since he had

tendency to catch lung inflammation in cold weather. It

is clear that the Proving of Tuberculinum and most of

the Nosodes are very scanty and unreliable.

There are however, some interesting aspects about

Nosodes. One aspect is that more people react to

Nosodes than to other remedies, although such reactions

are not deep often, as one would expect from ‘similia’

108

and not from a remedy with greater similarity. Great

prescribers like LIPPE, GUERNSEY or WELLS

seldom used Nosodes.

Once LIPPE who doubted the clinical value of

Nosodes said that over the years he had treated

Gonorrhoea and Syphilis without using Medorrhinum

and Syphilinum, and his cases did not, even once, fail.

He had predicted that SWAN’s Isopathy would not

withstand, that it was in opposition to every experience.

And he was right. Likewise, it is interesting to note that

HAHNEMANN did not publish his proving of

Psorinum in his Chronic Diseases, since he found that it

had not been proven thoroughly. In 1834,

HAHNEMANN wrote to a physician in Lyon that the

results which one gets through Nosodes were not lasting

enough, and that it was premature to put up

Hydrophobinum for Rabies, since there were already

useful medicines for that.

In his experience, said André SAINE best results

from Nosodes were obtained when it was used like

every other homœopathic medicine, that is, according to

symptom similarity with the patient and the prover. In

the cases published in respect of the Nosodes, it has

been found that as a rule, it was prescribed on keynote

symptoms of case history of family anamnesis and

seldom on the basis of comparison with the Provings.

Many Nosodes have been applied in an inverse way so

to say, that is on the basis of clinical cases without

thorough Proving.

There are cases in which one requires more than

one remedy; it depends of the intensity in which the

disease state is at a particular time. At the same time

there are patients who need the same remedy in several

altered states.

In a fully blown AIDS, the patient may have

several infections at the same time. Typically one

infection will be dissimilar to another, and the next and

the next, so on. It may be so that every time a different

remedy may be called for.

HAHNEMANN has said, in the light of his

experience not only that for the complete cure more

antipsorics may be indicated, but also for acute

complaints apsoric medicines were needed. What he

has observed has not changed until now.

For some reason Homœopathy is drawn up as

fanatic, that it is a Faith System, a Religion or a Cult

and much less as a Science. They look up to their

teacher as a Guru. Then they relinquish themselves to

faith rather than to factual observations and reason. In

reality Homœopathy is a Science and it cannot be

anything else.

*********************************************

xiv. Homöopathische Behandlung von

Krebserkrankungen durch Allgemeinarzt

(Homœopathic treatment of Cancer by General

Physicians)

MATEU-RATERA, Manuel (AHZ. 249, 5/2004)

Six ‘General Physicians’ experience in the

treatment of Cancers is reported in this study.

This retrospective study could show the

characteristics of homœopathic treatment of Cancer

patients.

The aim of this Study:

 Recognize the general characters of the patient

group (kind of Cancer, conventional treatment,

Cancer stage)

 Defining an evaluable group and defining Cancers

which can be treated homœopathically as also in

combination with other methods which give good

results: effectiveness, survival rate, and mortality

rate. Evaluation of results of disease states (I, II, III

and IV) differentiated according whether the

treatment was combined or some other treatment

followed.

 Specify whether a pre-cancerous state was there

and in which type of patient this case is.

 Find out, whether a Cancer came on in the patient,

who had been earlier treated homœopathically for

some other ailments.

 Evaluate the subjective factors within our Medicine

in aiding Cancer patients as also the factors which

these patients influence.

 Evaluate the development in patients who were

treated with a homœopathic single medicine and

the plussing method.

 Evaluate the BURNETT, CLARKE and the

RAMAKRISHNAN recommended combination

method (Constitutional medicine, local medicine

and Cancer Nosodes) and a further leading to a

single remedy.

The Field of the Study

 A homœopathic private practice in a town with

40,000 people (Igualada, Province Barcelona,

Spain).

 An internist with 15 years of hospital experience.

 A homœopathic physician with 20 years experience

and qualification in classical Homœopathy of

different schools: Barcelona, London (MFHom),

Mexico, Scholten and Sankaran (Bombay School).

Course with J. SHORE.

 In later days sporadic work with the Section for

Internal Medicine and Oncology of the Hospitals in

Igualada. Sporadic working together with

109

homœopathic colleagues in regard to cases in which

there were no reaction or there were problems.

Homœopathy is not officially recognized in Spain,

but taught in the University of Barcelona unofficially (in

co-operation with the Academy for Homœopathic

Medicine, in Barcelona). However, the Public Medical

Institute of Barcelona provides a section for

Homœopathic Medicines. There are two Homœopathic

Hospitals in the city (Barcelona and Madrid). There are

some homœopathic physicians who work in the

Hospital departments of Emergencies, Accident

surgeries, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, General Surgery

as well as Oncology and treat their patients

homœopathically. In early 2003 a pilot project was

initiated in the Hospital in Mataró, near Barcelona, for

homœopathic treatment of Cancer patients in

combination with other conventional therapies.

Homœopathic experiences in Cancer treatment

An overview of the practice methods of some

homœopaths in regard to Cancer, which have been

published.

Compton BURNETT:

CLARKE: BURNETT said that in most cases of

tumours the finer symptoms which is fundamental for a

homœopathic prescription is often absent. It was

therefore necessary to search for indications at other

points. There are two sources where from he got his

tumor-case medicine and one of these was the organ

therapeutic. In this curative remedy the similarity was

predominantly in the localization and action tendency.

The other source of curative remedy he found in the

Nosodes and particularly in Cancer Nosodes. From

BURNETT it can be affirmed that it was he more or less

the one who found that the medicine prepared specially,

which I (CLARKE) in later years predominantly

inserted in my work. Dr. BURNETT got his Nosodes

from different sources and gave them differential

names. From these I know the following the most:

1. Scirrhinum

2. Carcinosin

3. Durum

4. Karkinosin

All these four are – doubtless – variants of the same

Nosode – Scirrhus Carcinoma.

5. Masto-haematin

6. Dextro-masto-haematin

These come, according to my reasoning, from

bleeding mamma Carcinomas, the latter one from

the right breast.

7. Mamillin

Probably from Paget-Cancer of the nipples.

8. Sarcomin and

9. Sarcothoracin defined by its name, also

10. Epitheliomin, and

11. Epitheliomin-syphiliticum.

Thus we provide over eleven different Nosodes of

malignant diseases, which were used by BURNETT.

Robert COOPER:

In addition to these remedies Robert COOPER

developed a third source, i.e. the remedies known as

“Arborivital”. These are remedies which can be found

in the Materia Medica and which he prepares freshly

and gives as single doses in tincture form. Dr.

COOPER’s son Dr. Le HUNTE COOPER has improved

upon his father’s work with noteworthy success.

John Henry CLARKE:

The symptom-agreement is sufficient more often to

recall the remedy so that we have four ways of open, to

find a curative remedy for every case:

(1) Exact Symptom-matching

(2) Organ-Homœopathy

(3) Diathetic Homœopathy, including

(a) Nosodes, particularly Cancer Nosodes.

(b) Constitutional homœopathic remedy.

(c) Specific ‘disease tendency remedy’ like Thuja

in cases of Vaccinosis.

(4) The “Arborivital” – method of COOPER.

Homœopathy treats not diseases on the basis of

their names, but treat individual constitutionally. The

most pressing symptom demands rule were followed

scrupulously, the states which are less pressing will be

taken care of and the healing will be all round as this is

our aim.

Donald FOUBISTER:

Carcinosin is a notable remedy and Dr.

FOUBISTER appreciates it appropriately since he has

researched its possibilities and made known.

Conforming this work and Dr. W. Lees TEMPLETON

of the homœopathic faculty of the U.K. this remedy

received the status like Sepia, Sulphur, Lycopodium,

Phosphorus and other constitutional remedies and it

surpassed all of them by the frequency of its indications.

(HUI BON HOA)

Scirrhinum – BURNETT was the first homœopath

who placed Carcinosin in such circumstances and

CLARKE followed him. Besides Carcinosin was a

very favoured remedy, Scirrhinum, or Durum, prepared

from a scirrhous Carcinoma. Its key symptom was “a

violent feeling of emptiness” in the umbilical region.

BURNETT confirmed a large number of cases of Breast

110

tumors cured with this remedy. He cured likewise a

severe, indurated Cervical Adenopathy, cases of

haemorrhages as also varices of the lower extremities.

The times of its aggravation are 17-18 hour as also

irregular during the night.

Oscillococcin – was prepared from the

Oscillococcus, described by a homœopathic physician,

Dr. ROY, 1925. Soon it was used by LEON

VANNIER. VANNIER himself described the results of

his experiments: “In Cancerinic state, Micrococcinum

and Oscillococcinum are far from obtaining the same

result as from the potentised Tuberculin in tuberculinic

state. Nevertheless under its influence in specific

cancerinic states a change may be found. Particularly

loss of weight can immediately be arrested, but the

duration of action cannot be compared with Tuberculin

(Les Canceriniques). Oscillococcin is better known for

its action against Influenza. There are no key

symptoms.

Arthur GRIMMER:

“As much more I study Cancer and as much more I

prescribe curative remedy for Cancer diseases, so much

more am I convinced that the earlier we begin our

treatment the better will be results would be. Every

remedy in our Materia Medica could be effective in

prevention or cure of Cancers, when it is given

according to the individual remedy indications.”

GRIMMER (2) had large experience in Cancer

treatment. He used other methods for finding the

curative remedy (Polarity...) and experimented with

specific remedies. His choice was based on some

characteristics of the remedy with the localization of the

Tumors, e.g. bleeding in the Stomach Carcinoma with

weakness, chill, much irritability and anxiety: Cadmium

sulphuricum. He presents in his book a Materia Medica

of the remedies used by him. He used at any given time

only one remedy and only high potencies (10M, 50M,

CM…) and – rarely C30.

A.U. RAMAKRISHNAN:

He has experience of more than 3,000 Cancer cases

in the course of 40 years (3-4). In the recent years he

achieved remission in nearly 80% of cases. His method

was based on combination of:

 Organotropic remedies and

 Nosode and

 Constitutional medicine.

Remedies which he frequently prescribed:

 Nosodes: Carc., Scirr

 Mineral remedies: Bar-i., Ars-br., Aur-m., Kali

salts, Cadm-s., Hecla, Rad-br.

 Plant remedies: Con., Euph., Hydr., Opium, Sabal,

Symph., Thuj., Ter.

Cancer forms which respond well to Homœopathy:

Cerebral Astrocytoma, Carcinoma of mouth,

Oesophagus, Pancreas, Rectum, Ovaries, Uterus,

Mamma, Prostate, Bladder, Testicles, Genitals, Skin.

Remedies with nausea: Cadm-s., Ars., Nux-v., Ip.

Remedies with constriction: Graph., Caust., Thiosin.

Pre-cancerous state – Cancer Miasm

Pre-cancerous state if not treated, could develop

into malignancies. A pre-cancerous state is a dangerous

situation, in which a combination of signs and

symptoms appear as in the case of patients with

manifested Cancer disease. These are:

Cancer diseases, Tbc., Diabetes in the family

(observed by KENT, WHEELER, FOUBISTER,

KASAD, BURDEL and Burshrod JAMES).

Own history of some severe infections in childhood,

Mononeucleosis.

Constant emotional Trauma, disappointment,

humiliation, particularly when they were suppressed and

were not allowed to express itself … perfectionism,

pingelig and great fear of Cancer.

Miasms: SANKARAN (5) defines the Cancer Miasm

as a special combination of Sycosis and Syphilis. A

leading characteristic is the absolute need for an

inevitable control in a situation of great danger, despair

more than possibly endure. There is only little

probability of success, without maximal control of

survival, everything is chaos, there is no pause or

recovery. Compensation – if I deny, everything is lost.

I must constantly force myself. ...

A need for control is likewise determined in:

 Sycosis (very strict control of mechanisms, its

feeling of inferiority or hindrance to hide)

 Tuberculinic (constant endeavours, the small

chances to control and escape a risky unwanted

situation.) These Miasms must, at the same time be

viewed as a great risk for the development of

Cancer disease.

Potentially all Miasms and remedy types situations

may lead to development of pre-cancerous situation

which may end in a Carcinoma. (See Case No. 5,

Sulphur – Psora)

111

Sleep disturbances: Sleeplessness, problems of falling

asleep; frequent waking up; Sleepless after 4 hours

mornings; sleep in knee-chest position. Sudden loss of

weight without tangible causes.

General: Influenced by sea air; better or worse at sea.

Desire or aversion to salt, meat.

Skin: Skin and Mucous membrane lesions which are

seen as classical of pre-cancerous (dysplasias) states.

Warts, many moles, Café-au-lait spots, summer rashes

as also blue sclera of the eyes.

I think of the possibility of three or more

characteristics in a patient as sufficient enough to

encompass them in a pre-cancerous group.

Factors connected with incurability of Cancer

Diseases:

States:

 Past history of Suppression of symptoms without

curing.

 Removal of an organ (operation, amputate) or

destruction by the disease

 Loss of vital energy from physical and emotional

weakness

Manifestations:

 Absence of or concealment of symptoms.

 Continuous emaciation (1. observation of KENT)

 Inability of old symptoms to reappear.

 Progressive weakness without other symptoms

(only serious cases)

 Short-term amelioration – new aggravations (5.

observation of KENT).

In this study, whether the patient had already

undergone an operation earlier (extirpation) and whether

Chemotherapy, Radiation and Hormone therapy also

had been undergone. If we take into consideration the

incurable state, we can deduce that operations as also

continuing anti-Cancer therapies accords with the

criteriae of incurability and could worsen the prognosis.

Characteristics of the Study group

Total: 72 patients: 29 Males/43 Females

Kinds of Cancer (see Chart 1):

Breast 14

Brain 8

Colon 7

Lung 6

Prostate 5

Stomach, Duodenum 5

Leukaemia 4

Melanoma 3

Lymphoma 3

Mouth (Oral) 3

Bladder, Pancreas, Ovary,

Bone marrow, Liver 2

Myeloma, Testicles,

Larynx, Bone 2

Pre-cancerous, Papilloma,

Melanocyten naevi 2

Table 1: Improvement:

Total Better no pains no control, <

In all 48 27 (57%) 13(27%) 8 (17%)

Grade I 6 6 - -

Grade II 13 13 - -

Grade III 11 6 3 2

Grade IV 18 2 10 6

Outcome and evaluable Cases

In all 12 patients were excluded, for different

reasons, from the study. 27 (56%) were improved and

prognosed as such. In 13 (27%) there was relief of the

pains. In 8 (16%) there was no improvement and

considered as beyond supervision (see Table 1.)

Field, Mortality rate and Survival rate

In the 48 study patients, the total mortality rate was

47.9% (23 patients), all in the Grade III (64%) and IV

(89%), the latter with a bad prognosis and life

expectation. The mortality rate in the Grade I and II

totalled to Nil (See Table 2).

Table 2: Mortality rate and Survival rate

Total

Eval-

uable

Exp-

ired

Mo

rtali

ty

Su

r-

viv

ed

Ra

te

%

Sur

vi-

val

Rat

e

%

In

all

72

48

23

48

25

52

Grade

I

8

6

0

6

100

Grade

II

19

13

0

13

100

Grade

III

21

11

7

64

4

36

Grade

IV

24

18

16

89

2

11

The mortality rate of the unselected whole group (n=72)

was 36% (n=26), the all inclusive patients (n=60) was

38% (n=23)

Survival rate

The classification of the patients with reference to

the grades made it possible for us, to comprehend the

great difference in the prognosis for these patients.

In the Grade I and II with good prognosis the

survival rate was 100%. They were in Grade III

essentially small, with a survival rate of 36% (mortality

112

rate of 64%), while in Grade IV the survival rate was

only 11%, with a mortality rate of 89% (See Table

2).

Therapy procedures

In essential I have used the ‘plussing’ method,

repeating daily in dilution, in 62 patients. 18 of these

patients I treated with a combination of constitutional

remedy and Nosode (BURNETT, RAMAKRISHNAN –

method). I have used a Q-Potency, or C Potency

for preparing the Plussing dilution application.

Nosodes used are Carcinosinum 15T and Scirrhinum,

prepared by the Helios Pharmacy.

I have applied the single dose method only in 10

patients and in the end of 1-4 weeks, after every

development, repeated. After 18 months I have not

prescribed the single dosing, and found that the Plussing

method was much better, simpler and rapider and there

was too few relapses.

Caution: By this method one must be very foresighted

and very attentive and advise the patient to stop the

medicine in case it came to an aggravation or new

symptoms came up.

GRIMMER advised against the dangerous

repetition of a remedy in a pre-cancerous state:

Thuja belongs to the high ranked remedy for the

pre-cancerous state. It is not advisable to repeat it in

high potency, since it is dangerous and incidentally even

development of a cancerous ulcer can be speeded up

(GRIMMER). In some pre-cancerous or Cancer cases

repetition of high dilutions of Thuja may be dangerous.

On the other hand the same remedy with an appropriate

drainage and canalization can be prescribed and lead to

a surely good result. (FORTIER-BERNOVILLE: What

we must not do in Homœopathy.)

Pre-Cancerous State

In 36 of the 72 patients (50%) I could verify a pre-

cancerous stage (with 3 or more symptoms). These

50% of patients had a whole combination of risk

factors for a Cancer disease.

In 16 of the 26 patients, who died from a Cancer

(61%) there was a complete pre-cancerous state. These

could have been a hint of a bad prognosis.

Cancer disease, Diabetes or Tuberculosis in the

family anamnesis could be determined in 74% of all

patients. If the cases are considered individually, we

came to very interesting results:

 70% Cancer disease in the family

 10% Tbc in the family

 20% Diabetes in the family

 36% Strokes or Heart infarct in the family.

Generally these are thought to be a Cancer risk

factor, I could however establish a relatively frequent

occurrence in the family anamnesis of Cancer patients.

Characteristic mental symptoms of pre-cancerous

states could be established with 78% of patients (see

Chart 2)

Table 3: Comparison of 72 Cancer patients with equally

large random group

FA

Cancer

FA

Tbc

FA

Diabetes

FA

Stroke

Ment.

pre.CH

Can-

cer

(%)

70

10

20

36

78

No

Cancer

(%)

30

2

9

25

32

On the basis of this data alone no definite influence

of development of Cancer can be postulated. I have

compared the Cancer group with the Befallments group

of 72 patients who have not suffered Cancer. And again

the results are interesting. (See Table 3)

We can clearly perceive that in the Cancer group a

higher rate of every familial illness is considered, which

signifies that they could be viewed as a risk factor for

Cancer disease.

Appearance of a Cancer disease in patients who had

earlier been treated by Homœopathy:

Six out of the 72 patients (8.3%) came up with

Cancer or were found to have developed Cancer during

the course of or after a recent homœopathic treatment.

“Recent” meant here: less than 6 months from the last

treatment and with a period of more than 12 months,

with minimum 6 doses of 6 periods of Plussing method.

In all the cases analysed the previous remedy

closely similar, but however not simillimum, or it was

wrongly chosen. In 3 of the 6 cases it was possible to

correct the curative remedy by an exact re-

examination in close working association with the

advisory team and the prognosis was clearly

improved.

By this the myth that by homœopathic treatment of

a Cancer disease it is “per se” hindered is surely cleared.

Only when the best suitable curative remedy is chosen

this result could be obtained as the cases, which have

recovered, would show.

The Practice of Conventional Cancer Therapy:

In all 56 out of 72 patients (77%) were treated by

conventional therapy, indeed with Chemotherapy,

113

Radiation or hormonal therapy either before or during

homœopathic therapy.

In all 44 out of 72 patients (61%) had been

operated. In 28 patients a local, limited operation was

the intervention and in 16 patients, radical operation had

been performed.

4 patients refused conventional Cancer therapy.

Two patients refused medicinal Cancer treatment (see

Case 5), and further two, an operation. In all cases an

improvement of life quality improved from

homœopathic treatment, however indeed not in all cases

an improvement for final prognosis (see Table 4).

Table 4: Conventional treatment before

In all

Chemo.,Radio,

Hormone

Operation

Nil

In all

72

56

44

4

Grade I

8

5

8

Grade II

19

12

9

Grade III

21

20

16

Grade IV

24

20

14

Relapse and Prevention:

Case 1: Neoplasia of the left breast, recurring. (Grade

II→IV). Change of the remedy: Natrium→Ammonium!

A 42-year-old woman, who was operated at 38-year

age for a breast Cancer consulted a homœopath in 1989

after Chemotherapy, Radiation and Mastectomy with

extirpation of lymphnodes, which was not striking.

History of the Disease:

Parents separated. “My father ‘squandered’, when I

was 5 years old and I had not known him. I am, with

regard to my father an “Orphan”. I ask myself always

whether this has influenced me”, but her husband said

that she had very often repeatedly said, how annoyed

she was about it. “Why my father did not have anything

to do with my mother, I can understand, but why should

he ignore me?”

1985: (38 years old). A small swelling in the left

breast. The Gynaecologist told me: “That’s nothing.

Don’t you worry...” I did worry and as the swelling was

there still after the third visit a mammography was done,

which revealed negative. My grandmother had passed

away and few months later the swelling was larger. I

underwent a fourth visit and the doctor said: it is

necessary we must operate immediately!”

1988: Mastectomy. Months later a local surgical

interference as also further radiation and Chemotherapy

were gone through. At the end of Chemotherapy a

homœopath was consulted. He began a homœopathic

treatment with Natrum muriaticum in 1989 for an year.

“I felt very well and he opined that I have been cured”

and ended the treatment, but …

1995: The Cancer again appeared 6 years later.

Pains in the shoulder … after she had consulted me,

metastasis appeared in the lung, vertebral column, liver

and left kidney. Intensified Chemotherapy and

radiation, and then Tamoxifen.

1997: Mother died. “I observed that my body has

changed, very sad, I regretted it much, severe pains, no

energy, I was not the same anymore …” She suffered

fracture of clavicle and ribs (bone lesions).

Chemotherapy and radiation were repeated.

1998: Came for the first time to my clinic. She

was in such despair that she never hoped that

Homœopathy could help her.

Bone lesion in left upper arm bone, of 40 x 20 mm.

First Nat-m. Q7 every 12 hours. At the end of the first

month the bone lesions had retreated to 10 x 5 mm.

Weakness, sadness and vexation: “How did I

deserve this? I tell God: You seem to be unfair! The loss

of my mother is so improper, I am so enraged. I feel as

if a part of me has gone with her, I feel completely

unprotected.”

Magnesium muriaticum 200 and M in 3 months.

No improvement, again very sad, and weak. Teeth pain

improved from a dose of Nat-m. 200, followed by a

general and mental improvement.

Nat-m. 200 Plussing. Every day. Lastly Nat-m. M

Plussing.

Bone integri: Osteolyses on Skull and Femur.

“I feel good, however I have not yet got over the

death of my mother, the pain is not so bad but without

her … I feel so lonely, how could I all alone be in this

world?”

1999: In the bone picture a clear reduction is noted.

A diminished size of the Liver metastasis. Good

general state. Nat-m. M plussing. Every month (15

days pause).

2000: Severe back pains. Generalised pain in the

bones, which was lessened by repeated daily dose of

Nat-m., amelioration began later.

2001: General pains. Facial paresis right side. “I

did not want to live after my mother’s death”. Her

husband and daughter take care of her continuously and

affectionately. She had to take Tramadol for the pains.

I received the case and estimated depression that

none cared for her and her resentment against God

because of the loss of her mother and when she was

separated from her father, just as the bond of

Ammonium muriaticum.

Amm-m. Q6. Plussing every 12 hours. The pains

decreased: she could reduce the Tramadol dose in the

first week, to half and keep off after 15 days. A period

with a general amelioration, the pain dissolved and for a

period of 3 months increasing appetite. Psychic

114

improvement, calmer and not so sad, knew the care of

her husband and her daughter. No weight increase.

Relapse in May 2001: Complained of agony, very

much excited and new pains. Arsenicum album 30,

Plussing, every 4-6 hours, the anxiety and pains went

away immediately. Very calm, friendly and composed,

died at the end of the week in the presence of her

husband and her daughter, peacefully at home.

Annotations:

Relapse of the patient because of the break of

treatment in the asymptomatic phase, the first outbreak

of Cancer. The patient does not understand why

homœopathic treatment is necessary as preventive for a

relapse. This must be explained to all patients and the

patients must persist in it.

It is not sufficient enough in similarity with the

constitutional remedy. The later interpretation of the

disagreement or the hatred, which SCHOLTEN stressed

as an aspect of the Ammonium-group, brought about a

partial amelioration in a patient who was thought to be

incurable. The symptoms irritation (annoyance, hatred)

which has been mentioned as the first rank symptom of

Natrum and many homœopath have prescribed Natrum

muriaticum instead of Ammonium muriaticum without

good result.

Worser still: it appears that homœopathic medicine

functioned as “similarity” and not by virtue of

“exactness”, so that the patient with Nat-m. shows a

clear improvement which is not however sufficient to

work as deep healer in cases where the first phases of

relapse. The later improvement under Am-m. lets us

surmise that it was “the most possible exact similarity”,

however too late for an effective recovery.

If the case is out of control, i.e. actually incurable,

Arsenicum helps many patients in their anguish with

great palliative result.

Disseminated Carcinoma, which does not suit

conventional therapy:

Case 2: Polycentric Astrocytoma:

A 56-year-old man. Astrocytoma –

undifferentiated polycentric cerebral Glioma, operated

and treated with Radiation – Chemotherapy,

Antiepilectic as also Dexamethosone with convulsions

got over in the clinic (24.08.2001), the Skull CT

appeared normal. Renewed convulsions, MRT: only an

extended intra-axial lesion, right side under the temporal

developing, glia type undifferentiated. Grade III.

Operated and removed the tumor on 23. 10. 2001.

Homœopathic consultation on 21. 11. 2001: Patient

very duty conscious, responsible, strong control over his

feelings and reactions. Always correct, serious,

attentive, very hard with himself, everything must be

done well. Careful. Sometime ago before his forced

quiet state his earlier mannerisms and thoughtless

attitudes manifested. Humiliations at the workplace.

After the surgery he wept and became easily irritable.

There were not many general symptoms, only severe

perspiration due to anxiety and from least exertion.

Kalium carbonicum Q 8 Plussing, 1 dose per day. No

change. Silicea Q8, Plussing, also no change.

Before his disease had given rise to a small lesion,

he said, “you would kill me, I will never enter into this

hospital again”! He turned about and went away. He

cursed the thief who had committed robbery in his

house, and closed the door of his house every night. He

appeared feverish. On the basis of his mental symptoms

and the recommendations in RAMAKRISHNAN’s

book for brain tumours I gave him Plumbum iodatum

30, Plussing (10 doses per day), for 7 days, followed by

Carcinosin 200 in similar dosage. The fever passed off

after six hours. CT of the skull, the tumour has become

smaller.

After 3 months facial convulsions occurred and

difficulties in walking and constriction. He was

bedridden and did not want company or help of

domestic hands. I prescribed Aethusa cynapium 200,

Plussing, (recommendation of RAMAKRISHNAN for

brain tumors with convulsions) followed by

Carcinosinum 200. Spectacular improvement. The

facial convulsions passed away, he pulled himself up

and walked in the street with an accompanying person.

Amelioration for 3 months, before a relapse came with

confusion, easily emotional, wept easily, very sensitive

to injustice, slight convulsive shakes, convulsions in the

left half of the face, without pain, time and space

disorientation. Causticum 200. Plussing, 1 dose per

day. A spectacular improvement and he could resume

normal life. Amelioration for two months.

Against my advice the patient followed the

recommendation of the Oncologist for treatment with

Temozolomid (Temodal), which was a palliative of the

general state and the outcome is only partial, what

Homœopathy could achieve. The patient suffered a

fresh relapse. Dullness, disorientation, Skull CT: fresh

spread of the Tumor (Jan. 2003). Plb., Plb-i,, Ars.,

Con., Plussing. The remedies alternated frequently and

lead to only partial amelioration. There were no pains

or convulsions, the patient is irritable, but did not. He

fell into coma March 2003 and died a week later.

Annotations

Patient in Grade III. Many kinds of medicines were

used and operated. Pre-cancerous Grade and elements

of incurability.

Repeated relapses, before the remedy produced

some action compelling change, so soon they stop

115

acting. The relapses increase after fresh cycle of

palliative Chemotherapy and are difficult to control.

Early experiences with the method of

RAMAKRISHNAN – Spectacularly good, although

brief periods of result with Plb-i, in brain tumor and

with fever and with Aethusa in convulsions. The

remedy must be fitted continuously after each fresh

relapse.

Improving the life quality of the patient with short

but good phases of betterment; Irritable state without

pains or convulsions and supposed increase of survival

period (of estimated 10-12 months from 18 months),

depressed because of the incurability of his disease and

the continuous hindrances occurring during the therapy.

Value of the clinical symptoms (convulsions in a

58-year-old man without previous history) higher than

the supplementary investigations (Skull-CT, apparently

normal).

Homœopathy as Alternative to Conventional

Therapy

Case 3: Ovarian tumour, Peritoneal Carcinosis:

A 58-year-old female patient who has been treated

homœopathically since 1959 for high blood pressure

and anxiety syndrome before concert.

Very anxious and care for her health, fear of

diseases, avoided arguments and dangerous situations.

Fear of being sick with Cancer, but did not consult any

physician and did not want to go through any

investigations. She would play from behind a curtain in

concerts. She was afraid to be seen, thought she was

too fat, (Calc.?). Anxiety in narrow places, elevators

and aeroplanes, very fearful Claustrophobia (Arg-n.?)

Stopped coffee drinking and from 1999 Calc. and

Calcium nitricum, the Claustrophobia improved

spectacularly, she could calmly fly, slept well and her

blood pressure came down from 185/110 to 140/95.

Her worry about her health was still there, did not want

to undergo any investigations and did not allow her

blood pressure checked because of anxiety, it was too

high. But in October 02, three months after the last

dose of Cal-n. 200, an Ascites appeared, Tumor marker

Ca 125=10971, which indicated an Adenocarcinoma

(Ovary)

Abdominal-CT: Marked infiltration in the adipose

tissues, Mesentery lymph nodes, Ascites, enlargement

of the left ovary. Biopsy of the Ovary and Omentum

majus: invasive development in the fatty tissues,

negligible differentiated Adenocarcinoma, typically

expressed.

Change of Remedy: Revision of the total

anamnesis, with and without the patient. Great fear of

disease, of death from Cancer, to avoid serious

situations, fly in an aeroplane for Concerts, Shyness and

the fact of being observed, which indicated prescription

of Calcium carbonicum, but is also the total aspect

include many other remedies, but in this they did not

come up.

She did not perceive her inability, only much

anxiety, that she will not hold out long, she understood

that she will not be valued high, not considered any

more; this is a fact which occurred however frequently

when she was young, now it did not matter anymore.

Desire for sweets.

Prescription of Argentum nitricum 200, Plussing,

one dose daily, a clear improvement of the mental

symptoms, lowering of the high value from 8200 in 15

days, 3300 in 2 months, until after 3 months normal

value is reached (28 U). Size of the ovary normalized

(confirmed by Laparoscopy) and the circumference of

the Ascites receded back. No Nosode prescribed.

Due to pressures from family she underwent a

Chemotherapy, after which Ca 125 reduced from 2667;

the Tumor and the Ascites were not found any more

through an abdominal – CT seven weeks after beginning

of Arg-n. dose.

After 8 months of taking Arg-n 200 in daily dose a

proving came on as reaction. Sleeplessness, frequent

waking and pessimism, an increase in the blood

pressure to 180/100 mm Hg. I kept the remedy off and

prescribed Placebo daily and only one dose

Carcinosinum 200. At the end of the month

sleeplessness and pessimism were observed: “In the

night I see everything as black and negative”. Again

treatment with Arg-n. Q7 plussing, daily.

After 10 months no sleeplessness and the mental

still improved. Laproscopy with Biopsy of the

Omentum majus and the ovaries, normal. The values

for Ca 125 were again normal.

Annotations

In Grade III, the value of the homœopathic

treatment with only one remedy, daily Plussing without

applying Nosodes in the Plussing doses, is evident.

Effectiveness of the CK- and Q- potencies. Perhaps Q-

potencies are deeper and gentler.

Case “clean” without surgical interferences or

Chemotherapy; appropriate clinical and analytical data

appeared with the amelioration before the beginning of

the Chemotherapy.

If some mental symptoms are still there which had

not improved, the chosen remedy is not to be relied

upon, but has to be searched further. We must wish for

more and be very observant of the symptoms, which do

not improve, particularly the mental, against the

“spectacular”, but brief and false improvements.

It is a short period of development (11 months) to

draw a definite conclusion.

116

Case 4:

Breast Cancer. Prevention of side effects of

Chemotherapy:

Woman, 35- year-old. Cancer in the left breast.

Grade III.

Very conscientious about her work as a mother.

Wakes every night around 0200 hours. Very poor

general symptoms. Intensive Chemotherapy.

Very good results with Kalium muriaticum Q

regarding better tolerance of Chemotherapy. Patient

wakes again around 2 hours nights. Kalium carbonicum

Q potency helped her, to sleep through the night.

Two years after last Chemotherapy: Psychically

and physically felt good. Tumor marker normal.

We proceeded further with the treatment with

Kalium carbonicum Q potency, daily, over 30 days,

every three months, which meant two months without

treatment.

Annotations

Homœopathy is very helpful in treating the side

effects of a Chemotherapy.

Only the most similar medicine helped, to remove

all the symptoms well. The prescriber must strive, to

improve all the symptoms, so that he will be sure that

the Cancer prognosis can be improved.

Case 5

Laryngeal Papilloma:

47 year-old man, who consulted me for vertigo

during a large period of great strain in his job as

Manager in a Jewellery business. The vertigo is worse

when standing, when he changes his position suddenly

and when lying on the right side and when looks upward

and downwards. Better when he lies in bed quietly and

stretched.

After two months, after he had lost his voice due to

a Papilloma in the larynx, an investigation revealed a

hard tumour in the vocal cords confirmed by a Biopsy.

In the summer nights he woke up (between 4 and 5

hours) with pain and cramps, predominantly in the right

calf. He complained of much snoring which sometime

woke him. Outspoken character very social, loved his

work and spent much time in arranging things in his

new house. Generally sceptic, in his life he is an

observer and conservative. Loved conversation and

philosophised everything. Conciliatory in respect of all

problems, better negotiate before fighting; very

practical, somewhat clumsy and disorganized, however,

in his work very concentrated and true.

Repertorisation of the characteristic vertigo

symptoms yielded Phos,, Rhus-t., and Sulph as the most

probable remedies. But the general, mental and local

symptoms indicated the essence of Sulphur

In May 2001 a dose of Sulphur MK which rapidly

reduced in 24 hours and after two days completely

vanished. After 15 days the cramps did not occur and

he did not snore any more. He did not appear for

examination of his controls.

After an year he called me, since Ear, Nose and

Throat doctor located a relapse of Papilloma, and told

him that the lesion could be cancerous and at the latest

within a month must be operated upon. The vertigo

came again.

Sulphur Q7, Plussing, was given, at 12 hourly

intervals in the first week and then every 24 hours.

Relief of the vertigo after 24 hours and the cramps,

which had again reappeared in summer. Laryngoscopic

examination after 3 weeks indicated the Papilloma had

reduced 25% and ENT doctor was very much surprised

but however still advised an operation as a

precautionary measure. The patient asked for a month’s

time. After a month the tumor was gone. I advised the

patient that it was proper not to disrupt the

homœopathic treatment. I have followed his case until

today and after 14 months, none of the symptoms

reappeared. Sulphur daily Plussing, for 30 days

repeated for every two months. Laryngoscopy normal.

Annotations

Recurrence of pre-cancerous despite giving a dose

of the best remedy, which worked for 3 or 4 months. I

should have advised the patient to proceed with the

remedy for prevention.

So-called “Constitutional” remedies are very

valuable for a local and general cure of the patient as

also for prevention of relapse of a pre-cancerous.

Closing observations

About Cancer

Cancer is a very complex disease at the end point of

inherited, toxicological and deep emotional, suppressed

disturbances. The hope of a reduction of mortality rate

and an improvement of the survival rate is based from

the beginning on the highly possible protection of the

Immune mechanism, around disturbing influence

through pharmaceutical toxic and also Chemo-,

Radiation- and Hormone-therapies to reduce.

Homœopathy appears to improve the defence

mechanism and life expectancy, and bring about

palliation during the incurable end stage (III and IV),

but it depends very much upon the capability and

experience of the individual homœopath. For grade III

in some cases a dramatic cure may come with the most

similar remedy. Cancer treatment is permissible only to

very experienced homœopaths who are in close contact

with a medical team or with a hospital.

On the Prognosis

The Grades I and II have very good prognosis with

a survival rate of 100%. In Grade III cure can be got

117

with a very good prescription, but if it is in the critical

stage it needs the whole attention of the physician. In

Grade IV the survival rate is very low, the prognosis

and palliation could however be improved.

Homœopathy is a very precise and demanding method

and does not protect “per se” a Cancer disease. To be

sure, that we are moving in the right direction, all the

mental, general and local symptoms must improve. If

only certain parts of symptoms improve, we must be

doubtful and the case must be re-evaluated for a suitable

remedy. With the aid of the Tumor marker we can

well control the development. Patients must be

informed of the risks and relapse and important it is to

hold on to homœopathic treatment. It is very clear that

the prognosis is as much better as early a patient begins

homœopathic treatment. The prognosis could be

improved if the conventional therapy is reduced to the

minimum.

Conventional therapies

Often the survival rate of many Cancer patients can

be drastically improved by conventional therapy

(Leukaemia in children, Lymphoma, Testicle Cancer

and others...). I have however the impression that in the

incurable states (Grade III and IV), the side effects are

more for the patients than necessary. Often

Homœopathy can help clearly to reduce the side effects

of Chemo- Radiation- and Hormone-therapies.

Operations are reasonable in Grades I and II. The future

of Conventional Cancer therapy is in the region of

Immunology and possibly Homœopathy and Allopathy

can together build a good basis on this aspect.

On the Methods

Classical Homœopathy is a very difficult, yet more

often a very workable method. I have the impression

that the results are either black or white, all or nothing,

zero or hundred percent.

The remedy “Constitutional – for always – there is

only one” – is not so, there is only that the correct more

similar remedy for every case and every situation.

Often this curative remedy remains same for an year.

Acute situations also follow the same rule: Law of

Similar. As much better the remedy suits the symptoms

of the patient, so much better are the results. It is

possible, to cure cases with only one remedy.

All Cancer cases can be treated better with the

Plussing method.

The combination method (BURNETT, CLARKE

and RAMAKRISHNAN) is facile, simple, fairly

efficacious, but cannot be covered so in respect of all

kinds of Cancers. For less experienced homœopaths it

may call for different systems and schools.

In this method the Similar Law may be used with a

more generic (Nosodes) and more pathological (local

remedies) attitudes. This is neither a very precise nor

deeply acting kind and way to approach the case. But at

times it leads to a practical experience simple and

direct to the best remedy.

It offers very good information about Cancer

remedies and improves our background knowledge

with every case.

It is very useful if only less characteristic symptoms

preponderantly in a patient group with least sensitivity

is presented.

The role of Nosodes could be specified. Their

prescription must be based on characteristic symptoms,

as in the case of other remedies it is, and not just on the

diagnosis of “Cancer” or the hardness of tumor.

Scirrhinum must be evaluated better.

If the prescribing homœopath has all his sources

(literature, experience) without outcomes to bail him

out he can feel helpless particularly then when he

has not much experience at his disposal. At this

point of time a good training in classical

Homœopathy will help to find a way out.

LITERATURE:

(1) CLARKE: The Cure of Tumors by Medicines,

1908.

(2) CURRIM A. N: The Collected Works of Arthur

Hill GRIMMER, M.D., Greifenberg. Hahnemann

Institut, 1996.

(3) HARDY J.: The Treatment of Cancer. Report of

Case Seminar by Dr. RAMAKRISHNAN.

Homœopathic Links, 2001: 14

(4) RAMAKRISHNAN A.U., COULTER K.R.: A

Homœopathic Approach to Cancer, St. Louis, U.S.A.

Quality Medical Publishing. 2001.

(5) SANKARAN R.: The Substance of Homœopathy,

Bombay. Homœopathic Medical Publishers: 1994.

*********************************************

xv. Erfahrungen bei der Krebsbehandlung in der

Clinica Santa Croce (Orselina, Schweiz)

(Experiences in Cancer Treatment in the Clinic

Santa Croce, Orselina, Switzerland) TAKÁCS,

Miklos (AHZ. 249, 5/2004)

History of the Homœopathic Section of the Clinica

Santa Croce

The Clinic led by the Sisters in Orselina bei

Locarno had to be closed down for financial reasons. A

well-to-do Persian who was thankful to a Surgeon for a

free treatment had purchased the Clinic and wanted to

re-establish it; however the Canton Tessin authority

refused the opening of a new clinic. Dr. Dario

SPINEDI was asked whether he would like to have beds

in the clinic, his long-cherished dream. He agreed to the

118

Pilot Project. Dr. SPINEDI worked for about an year

with patients with far advanced Cancer pathologies.

Later by and by a total of six homœopathic physicians

(male and female) became a team in the Clinic. The

Canton approved the establishment of a psychiatric

clinic in which a floor was a homœopathic division.

The Infrastructure of the Clinic

The Clinic Santa Croce is a simple clinic, and the

team of Dr. SPINEDI is indeed happy, because it is rare

to get a steady homœopathic treatment facility for

Cancer disease. The different nature of reaction of the

patients can help the differential diagnosis of the

remedies.

The clinic is situated in a beautiful place and the

leisurely life offered for the patients who are mobile is

varied. Massages, Gymnasium, Ergotherapy could also

be used, there is a homely laboratory. At present

Canton Tessin has 15 beds for homœopathic patients.

The number goes down according to the holiday periods

of the physician, mostly between 6 and 12 patients in

the clinic.

Therapy termination in the Clinic

The enrolment will be according to the urgency,

independent valences and linguistically distributed,

most of the patients come from Germany and also from

Austria, Northern Switzerland, Tessin, Italy and in and

about and other European and non-Europeans countries.

The waiting time varies between two and six

weeks, sometimes patients can be taken in at short

notice. Often patients from junior colleagues and lay

practitioners are referred, sometimes these patients

approach directly. Very often the patients are already in

a very advanced stage of the disease when they come to

the Santa Croce Clinic, many have liver and bone

metastasis and treated by the conventional medicine

(Allopathy) or undergone palliative therapy. Very often

patients who have totally refused allopathic Medicine

and further therapy after operation. In the afternoon a

very detailed hour-long first Anamnesis is taken up with

every patient through the individual reliable assistants.

Dr. SPINEDI himself seldom takes new patients so that

he can care for his large number of patients and

supervision of his assistants.

Mostly the assistants begin on the same evening

with the treatment and present the patient on the next

day after the first visit, before Dr. SPINEDI. The

approximately half-hour visits of the assistants with the

patients occur every forenoon, when the reactions of the

patients to the prescribed Q potencies are analysed in

the minutest manner. Apart from the spontaneous

report of the patients about new symptoms that have

arisen, the symptoms which the patients had earlier had

once, about the complaints and symptoms of, dreams as

also the relationship to life and actual situations of the

patients are all carefully enquired about.

Actual individual complaints and symptoms of the

patients are presented in a Course Parameter list and

daily evaluated with great circumspection on a 0 to 10

Scale of what has happened, while much chances for

errors are allowed. The list should be a big and

complete overview of the course, which can be grasped

at a glance.

In the 11 o’clock daily midday meeting the first

anamnesis and the remedy choice is discussed with Dr.

SPINEDI who notes the important symptoms and the

symptoms over the course of the case, repertorises most

part and approves the remedy choice. He gives free

hand to his colleagues and only gives his

recommendations if he thinks of a remedy other than

that prescribed by his assistants. Naturally not only the

new case but also the other in-patients cases are

discussed in the midday meeting.

Once a week Dr. SPINEDI himself makes a mid-

day visit in which all the physicians go to the bedside of

the patients and Dr. SPINEDI personally examines and

interrogates for differential diagnosis so that he can

form a personal image for himself. After the big visit

all sit together shortly again and discuss and select the

important remedy changes.

The usual hospital stay of patients in the Clinic

accounts for two to three weeks, rarely shorter, often

longer. During this period some remedies in Q

potencies can be tested, if there are no observable good

reaction.

Most of the patients after their duration of stay in

the Clinic are subsequently taken care of by the

assistants telephonically, besides referring them to the

junior colleagues. This outpatient telephonic control is

also the reason for only a small number of patients can

be taken from the individual assistants, as also the fact

that the care of the severely ill and terminal patients are

much time consuming and involved intensive work too.

Q Potencies

The great advantage of the Q-potencies is, that

rapid and within days can be observed whether a

remedy works well or not: do the complaints for which

the patient came – e.g. pains – become better, does the

general state of the patient become better, does a

chronic diarrhoea becomes normalized, has an

unsatisfactory sleep improved, is the mental situation

better, then the action of the remedy can be concluded.

Likewise, if old symptoms which the patient had earlier

during the course of the disease or in the course of life

and which had been treated suppressively, come again

briefly, in ideal case if an old (suppressed) skin eruption

comes up, which can be a different eruption which need

not be in the same place where it was earlier suppressed.

119

If the pains or other complaints during which the patient

came for treatment, increase during treatment, if the

patient in general is worse, the weakness increases,

appetite goes down, stool which was normal becomes a

diarrhoea or in the course becomes a constipation, sleep

becomes worse, the until-then-normal blood pressure

sinks down or goes up, the pulse rate goes up, then the

remedy is to be doubted. Likewise, if new symptoms

come on which the patient has never before in his life

had. That is in individual case very difficult to elicit,

old symptoms which the patient as a child had and

therefore did not recall or had forgotten for some

reason, could recur. It would be good if we wait for

longer time for the response to the remedy, await

indication for either confirmation or falsification of the

remedy given.

The appearance of symptoms of the remedy given

is likewise in some cases difficult to judge: if the patient

is in general better, ailments become better and the new

Proving Symptom “is not much too strong” then stay

with the medicine.

If the new symptoms move to the forefront must

attempt to look whether they are only just proving

symptoms of the given remedy or they indicate another

remedy as postulated by HAHNEMANN in §§ 180 of

the Organon.

That a Simile draws out symptoms from a patient in

every case, which automatically indicates that

Simillimum could be confirmed only in some parts of

the case. Mostly they are only proving symptoms of the

not fully correct medicine given.

When we are sure that a medicine does not work

well, we can, with Q potency alternate the medicine on

one day to another day, and we can see whether the

follow-up medicine shows any improvement.

If the patient who after hospital stay is further on

telephonically taken care of presents the original

symptoms after taking Q potencies for long time, a later

aggravation can come which meant that the organism is

saturated with the medicine and therefore now there

must be a pass in the therapy. That is natural in a

manifest Cancer, as long as a Cancer mass is present, is

not the case.

Self-evident will be besides the subjective

symptoms and signs of the patient, the clinical

parameters particularly long-term view of the course

like tumor marker (with reservation), haemoglobin,

blood thinning as well as the judgement of tumor

development or tumor regression, through Sonography

CT or MRI.

Blood pressure and pulse are also delicate

parameters, which rarely deceive when it is a question

of daily evaluation whether a medicine has in general

worked well or not. In the recent time thanks to a very

committed Nurse, we saw a discolored urine, odor and

sediment as also the faeces which all bear the stamp of

an individuality (KENT) which we could find in several

fine rubrics and on which the earlier old physicians had

laid great weight, which today too is useful in general.

Preparation and use of Q Potencies:

Unfortunately there is no conformity between the

manufacturers as also between the doctors who

prescribe although in §§270 and 248 of the Organon

with footnotes every detail has been clearly given.

Dr. SPINEDI like his teacher Dr. KÜNZLI whose

teacher was Pierre SCHMIDT has been very particular

about the differentiation of preparation and application

of the Q potencies. We would like to say that all the

Homœopathy Physicians and Registered Homœopathy

Practitioners use the Q Potencies in similar manner so

that we have a communication basis. (A synopsis of our

method of handling the Q potencies is given in the

Annexure, which may be studied)

We work with the remedies, which Dr. SPINEDI

has inherited from Dr. KUNZLI who has prepared the

medicines himself with Dr. Pierre SCHMIDT, which is

further potentized very carefully by the experienced and

committed apothecary Gabriele STANGA.

C. Potencies

In our clinic we seldom use it in respect of Cancer

patients since its application is not so flexible as the Q

potencies.

With patients with chronic diseases we prefer the

C-Potencies, while the course is quiet and does not

require the permanent alert attention as the Q potencies.

In chronic diseases we must let the C-Potencies act

35, 40 days, as recommended by KENT who had only

the 5th edition of the Organon at his disposal where

HAHNEMANN speaks only of potencies up to C 30

(and nothing about Q potencies!).

D. Potencies

Above all we give now and then Organotropic

medicines in advanced Cancer pathologies, in low

potencies like Chelidonium, Sabal serrulata, Serum

angullae, Cardus marianus and others in the D2 or D3

or even in the mother tinctures (rather rarely) along with

the C-Potencies.

Handling the pain

We use above all as pain therapy the C potencies in

the clinic, for example Arsenicum album, Belladonna or

Bryonia C 200 every 5 or 10 minutes up to satisfaction,

thus about 10 times one after another with severe and

very severe pains. Then we let longer action. This we

do if a well chosen (on the basis of the totality of the

symptoms) medicine in the Q potency has not acted and

clear symptoms or modalities for a homœopathic “pain

remedy” are given.

120

Often patients come to us with allopathic pain

medicines, often with morphine derivatives. If it is

desired to put off these pain medicines, so as to obtain a

clear picture, we have often observed a Rebound

phenomenon, that is, the pain increases severely after

the stoppage of the analgesics, and it is difficult to

arrive at a good remedy. Therefore we tend to slowly

taper off, when we have the indication that our remedies

work well. And there are cases of palliation in which we

must be satisfied only with reduction of the pain with

remedies, of opiates, and a complete stoppage of the

pain remedies is not possible.

The above suggestion is only when a patient does

not needlessly suffer, only when we have a

demonstrable method. But a genuine aggravation must

often be expected if we find a clarity of the

homœopathic medicine. We also have the impression

that opiates particularly disturb the action of the

homœopathic medicine.

Treatment of Iatrogenic damages:

Very often we are confronted, unfortunately, in

advanced cases, with the fact that patients come to us

with exclusively the side effects of Chemotherapy and

Radiation. Often these symptom-complex are evident to

such a degree that it should be repertorised and

“antidoted” with the homœopathic remedy. For

example, there are watery diarrhoea, nausea, weakness,

affection of the mucous membranes which make the

differential diagnosis of e.g. Ars./Phos. Often the mental

picture, which the patient presents decides the choice.

For the consequences of Radiation, Phos. seems to

be the most frequently needed medicine, followed by

Rad-br.,which presents a picture similar to Rhus-t.:

amelioration (e.g. for joint pains) from warmth and

movement. X-ray has rhagades and difficult-to-heal

wound from radiation. It is very much under-

represented in Repertory and must be carefully added

to. Cadm-s. gives a picture similar like Ars. without its

restlessness. It is likewise an important remedy for

consequences of radiation as also from Chemotherapy.

And Nux-v. is often indicated, specially when very

many medicaments have been given. Often well-

selected remedies work better after an intervening dose

of Nux-v.

A question, which comes up: Must the iatrogenic

diseases be treated first always, as our experience is, or

straight away a Cancer remedy be given? This question

is raised because well-known homœopathic physicians

who have intensively treated Cancer patients

homœopathically have not said anything explicitly

about iatrogenic damages.

“Constitutional” vs “Cancer remedy” – Palliation –

the Dose question:

Very critical and important points must be

discussed. As against the earlier authors who have

cured many Cancer cases with homœopathic “Cancer

medicines” partly with low potencies or mother

tinctures, whose patients had no alternative allopathic

medicine, we get patients already operated, had

Chemotherapy and also already had radiation. Because

of the iatrogenic symptoms that are before us we often

find ourselves compelled to treat that first, because they

are simply in the forefront.

Often the symptoms in the foreground which are

objective lead us to the big Polychrests like Phos., Lyc.,

Sep., Sulph.(and in far advanced states, Ars.). After a

long first anamnesis we see, mostly, a chronic remedy

and the patient’s actual symptoms suit this chronic

medicine. Also remedies like Conium, Thuja, Lachesis,

Natrum sulphuricum, Nitric acid, Silica, Tuberculinum,

Chelidonium and other remedies come up.

Only in very far advanced cases, one-sidedness is

seen, in which case we must work from the beginning

with a remedy series, e.g. for a patient with pains we

must give Belladonna in C200 frequent doses, “until

sufficient” before we make further treatment. Likewise

in many advanced cases we have had the experience

that for example, sometimes Ars. and Phos. must be

given in alternation to antidote each other so that each

of these medicines helps for a certain time, but then

again symptoms shift to the other remedy. We have

observed this with Ars. and Lyc. also.

Altogether we observe that many could be helped

by the Polychrests wherein often Thuj. and now and

then Nosodes as intervening remedies are necessary.

This might be otherwise eventually were we in the times

of SCHLEGAL and BURNETT and no Chemotherapy

to reduce the Cancer mass was there. Then most often it

was the times of the “smaller Cancer remedies”.

On the other side we see often that with remedies

prescribed by us, the corroboration to some extent of the

statistic of STEPHENSON (in which the word

‘Statistic’ is not to be narrowly understood), which has

been published in the Zeitschrift für klassische

Homöopathie and thoroughly discussed by Dario

SPINEDI in his book “Cancer treatment in

Homœopathy”. It is said in it that most of the

successes achieved by American homœopaths in the

turn of the century were likewise with remedies like

Phos. and Sep. in high potencies.

Nevertheless it is certain that we have our “blind

spots”, are blind for the small Cancer remedies whose

symptoms are simply not perceived in the “Sum of

Symptoms” after a long first Anamnesis. If we would

better perceive, patients whom we lose now would have

become healthy. There is not, in Homœopathy, no

leaning on our achievements or resting on them.

121

Because of this we are thankful to the Indian

homœopath Dr.A.U.RAMAKRISHNAN who with his

remedy suggestion for particular Cancer types and

especially to his dosages (Plussing method) bring fresh

air to the discussion about an effective homœopathic

Cancer treatment. Many of his remedies appear to us

logical and very interesting, not thoroughly followable

in respect of some kinds of Cancers. There is plenty of

place for research and discussion, which possibly many

serious working homœopaths should participate.

With the Plussing-method, which we have tested in

separate desperate cases, which because of more bad

experiences sooner guarded and some positive

experiences also have been obtained. In all our number

of cases with regard to Plussing method is very small,

so as to clearly take a decisive conclusion. Often we

have ourselves felt that some may have needed more

intensive dosing. Only in recent time have we made the

experiment of ascending frequent spoonful doses of Q-

potencies as recommended by HAHNEMANN in § 248.

Similarly we are thankful to the Indian colleagues

Drs.R.S. and A.PAREEK who have lot of experience

with difficult organ pathologies and very similar steps

like the old Master, namely to treat the actual picture

with part organotropic medicines in frequent doses, then

finally the stabilizing treatment with the basic remedy.

Summary: The dose question is not yet finally

clarified and needs intense, sincere research and

exchange of experience. Eventually it decides whether

we will get long-term results from homœopathic therapy

or not.

Psychological Care of the Seriously Ill

It is difficult, in an atmosphere with fatally ill

patients, on one side to give them hope, and on the other

side despite attempts to make it possible, to see death in

the eyes, not to drive death away by blind hopes. Many

patients are not inclined to tolerate these problems. In

many cases we require the help of a hospital-like set-up

with trained, sympathetic personnel.

Homœopathy alone or with accompanying Therapies

Under compulsion (sometimes from the side of

Law) we should work with the Allopathic Medicine. In

many cases it is thoroughly sensible and desirable (e.g.

in childhood Leukaemia), to proceed with an

individualized therapeutic approach of the allopathic

Oncologist about what dosage of Chemotherapeutic,

time point of operations, often also sympathy and

conversation with the patient.

We are against the radiation relatively more

because on one side the local immune resistance with

regard to the area damaged and systemically a radiation

disease will be induced which provokes the

development of far distant micro metastasis. (Here

greater need for discussions with the allopathic

colleagues! In Tessin in the mid October 2003 the

official co-operation of a large Centre of Oncologists

with our homœopathic division will be published by

journals and through television.)

The Mistletoe Therapy must be kept off by us,

when the patients come to us while the Mistletoe

(Viscum album) itself may produce proving symptoms

and when we proceed from it our homœopathic

medicine can elicit an immune response than the

Mistletoe.

The Orthomoleculer medicine is a large territory

which should be carried out only by specialists, and we

do not have the time and energy to intensively work

with it. Eventually the patient could be helped better by

it. Personally I am of the opinion that with fresh, picked

in spring time itself plucked and consumed fresh wild

salads and with the biologically cultivated vegetables

and fruits (apples!), available vitamins, minerals and

trace elements, lot of good can be done.

Summary and objective

The Santa Croce Clinic was, until December 2003,

the only Clinic in Europe, which offered continued

Classical Homœopathy treatment of Cancer patients

where the chances of finding a remedy quickly thanks to

the Q potencies are used. A very committed Physician’s

team work here “in the front”, there is daily intensive

discussion and exchange of views about the patients and

the medicine, its dosages etc.; in October 2003 there

will be a co-operative work with a modern Oncology

Research and Treatment Centre in Locarno which is in

the whole of Europe a milestone in establishing

Homœopathy as Medicine Method. Also recently a

retrospective data evaluation of the cases in the Clinic

through a Freiburg Institute has begun which should

become a long-term prospective study.

Our aim is the making known of our combined

good experiences in the (accompanying) treatment of

Cancer patients with Classical Homœopathy in

allopathic circles so that improvement of the life quality

of Cancer patients over a long-term basis is achieved.

******************************************

Annexure

Preparation and taking of the Q-Potencies (according

to Samuel HAHNEMANN: Organon of Medicine, 6

ed. Modified by P. SCHMIDT, J. KÜNZLI/D.

SPINEDI)

Required are:

 1 brown 150 ml bottle from the Pharmacy

 1 Tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of Plastic

 1Waterbeaker (Plastic or old yogurt-mug

thoroughly rinsed with hot water)

122

 Possibly Spring water or ‘Volvic” or “Vitek” –

water (no common Mineral water, tap water only if it is

of good quality)

 Ca 1 Tablespoonful of pure drink alcohol or clear

unsweetened brandy.

Preparation of the Stock solution:

 The 150 ml bottle to be filled upto the tapering of

the neck with water.

 One tablespoonful of alcohol/brandy for

conservation

 The homœopathic medicine (ca. two poppy seed

size globules, crushed in milk sugar and put into the

medicine flask direct from the paper (without

touching it).

The stock solution is ready.

Preparation and Taking:

(As a rule every evening before going to bed, some

interval from meal time/brushing teeth)

To be followed for every dose:

 To strike the bottle vigorously, 5 times with care

(somewhat more than just letting the forearm simply

drop) downward on a cushioned pad, e.g. on thick

book or our own upper thigh.

 From this take one tablespoon into a ca. 100 ml.

Water-filled plastic beaker/mug.

 To stir vigorously (not too energetically or stir too

long).

 From this fluid 1-teaspoon to be taken, to be kept in

the mouth few seconds, roll it around in the mouth,

then swallow.

After this:

 To throw the fluid in the beaker/mug into the WC.

 Beaker and spoon to be washed in hot, flowing

water (without using any cleaning agent).

 Keeping in mind that the other kitchen utensils do

not come into contact or other medicinal substance.

Very important, please observe absolutely!

b) The stock solution in the beaker is protected from

heat, sun, not close to electromagnetic fields and

strong chemical smells; take care that these and all

other utensils used are not used for unintended

purposes.

c) The stock solution should be carefully put in its

place and position and not moved frequently or

transported (therefore not to be taken while

travelling!). It may have an unintended potentising

of the remedy.

d) The water, beaker, glass and spoon have all been

affected by the medicinal powers of the

homœopathic substance which cannot be washed

off by boiling. Therefore the excess fluid of the

medicinal solution should be poured into the WC

and day after day the same utensils must be used.

At the end of the medication course, and with

correct use (150 ml water in beaker, not more not

less, tablespoon) after ca. 15 to 16 days, all the

utensils used must be thrown away. For the next

following medicinal potency a new beaker, a new

mug and new cup/glass must be used.

e) With the Q potency medicine taken in, the

appearance of new and small symptoms (eg.

appearance of pimples on specific body parts) must

be observed carefully and taken note of. These

must be discussed in the daily or every 2-3 days

consultations with the homœopaths treating the

case.

*********************************************

xvi. Homöopathische Behandlung von Krebs in der

Allgemeinarzt praxis (Homœopathic Treatment of

Cancer in the General Practice) KUHLMANN-

CUSTODIS, Frank (AHZ. 249, 5/2004)

Individual Therapy: At the beginning I must

point out two citations of KENT on the contradictions

inherent in the theme. KENT says: “Treat the person,

not the disease.” SPEIGHT (in Speights Homœopathy):

“The followers of the Law of Similars believe that

disease is intimately associated with the life of the

individual and is a result of internal concealed causes:

that pathological tissue changes are the end-results of

the disease, and if cure is to be effected the whole

individual man must be treated.”

Both say the same: Homœopathy is individual

therapy. For me first of all it is all Laws, Rules and

Experiences, which the homœopathic method and my

teacher have imparted to me individual treatment to be

given to individual patients and their singular diseases

and health process. The name of the diagnosis – may be

Cancer – individualised and lead me to the realm of

generalization (“How do you treat the Cancer Patients

homœopathically?”) under statistics (“What is the

percentage of Cancer patients you have cured?”). The

answers to those questions will lead to disappointment

or disbelief: “like all other patients” a “totally different

– but that again is Homœopathy” and “1%” or “95%” –

but do these answers make any sense?

I work as a so-called Practicing Physician and have

only normal number of Cancer patients in my Practice

(out of 100 new cases 5-6 Cancer patients in all stages).

Blue-eyed I am and proceed always fixed on the way of

individual patients and obtain rich experience from it

and also stimulus and surprising processes, see things

again with new eyes and raise new questions. As

examples I must discuss two cases.

123

Case 1: Patient U.G. born 1939.

First Anamnesis 12.3.1999: A friendly, white-

haired man, with strikingly plenty of warts on face. He

came straight to the point: “I have since a long time an

Itch in the throat and now the doctor has found a funny

fleck there and I am totally afraid that it can be Cancer.”

He felt no pain in this part or any other wrong finding.

Inspection showed an approximately 3 cm large bacon

rind-like in the left Tonsil area (Tonsillectomy in

childhood). No reaction in the surrounding area.

Beginner’s luck? In 1990 I was in Alfons

GEUKENS’ Zentrum für Homöopathie for 7 months

and during the first Anamnesis vigorously turned the

pages of the Repertory, and the remedy was soon clear:

 Face, Warts

 Anxiety, about health (fear of Cancer)

 Mouth, ulcers, base, lardaceous (hard =

Schweineschmalz)

This could be only Nitricum acidum. Further

information from the Anamnesis which strongly further

support the remedy I have already chosen: he may be

having something to do with the nerves; he becomes

dangerously enraged, and begins “to make a serious

debate of everything” (Mind, excitement, during

debate). In 1977 he stopped drinking, he was therefore

free from alcohol. For 26 years was Under Officer in

the Military, known as a very social person, now he

works for a Firm. No fears except for (this) disease.

Since about 10 years attacks of loss of vision of the

right eye, and with this does not anymore see the right

field of vision, in the recent days frequently. (5x in 8

weeks). Nails break off fast. His stomach is very

sensitive, burning, nausea with much salivation, he feels

better with sweet and fried sausage, bacon, hot spices.

Nit-ac. 200. Recommended biopsy.

21.03.1990: Biopsy finding; Infiltrating Squamous

Cell Carcinoma with lot differential grades; Histology:

Spinocellular Carcinoma, T3 NOMO; Prognosis: very

bad. In this case the statistics are clear, too little chance

of survival for 5 years, nil percent. The patient felt

generally comfortable; has had no further stomach

complaints.

Plan: The diagnosis will be discussed with the

patient who will listen to the whole story and consider

the further course. I do the same.

2.4.1990: Clear change in the local state: Central 1

cm. large, greasy, red structure, around and within

severe, reddish suppurative inflammatory reaction,

moderately painful. It is not clear whether it had begun

before the biopsy. New: Lymph nodes under the

mandible, enlarged 1x2 cm. hard, not painful.

Stomach: n.a.d.; he was not any more flaring up,

swallowed his anger but not down with him, no loss of

field of vision. No bad taste, his wife has not, since a

month, complained of his bad breath. Wait.

12.4.1990: Past week sagging: “What should I do?

Feel better as before, eat calmly, with more taste, do not

swallow the wrong way (earlier often), have much

expectoration (new)”. On the left throat another lymph

node enlarged, not so hard as the first, painless. Throat

moderately painful. Local: 2 cm large but not clearly

marked border, like a wound with serous-putrid coating.

Plan: Nit-ac. 200 repeated, discussion about further

procedure. Agreed to enter the Uni-clinic Leuven.

23.4.1990: Local finding same as on 12. 4.90, but

smaller, lymph nodes are smaller and soft.

From 1.5.1990 treatment by the Uni-clinic:

radiation planned, teeth extraction in parts before the

radiation. From 13.5.90 daily radiation.

15.5.1990: Stomach sensitive, generally more

excitable. Oral cavity sensitive, beginning redness in

the surrounding area. – Nit-ac. M.

5.7.1990: Throat painful while eating. 1x loss of

vision field. 7 Kg. lost. According to the University

Clinic, Tumor has gone. Nit-ac. 200.

5.9.1990: The slight burning in throat remained, dry

mouth. Did not like ice. Generally well, has worked

hard recently. Since months stomach without any

problem; less excitable. Wait.

14.1.1991: Recently excited, e.g. during

intercourse. Denture is not tolerated. Feels quickly

exhausted than before. In November 1990 he suffered

vision field loss thrice. Thought over his past

(alcoholism) and the jealousy about his military

colleagues who are now retired and drawing pension.

Nit-ac. M.

10.9.1991: Pain in the pelvic zone, in a spot, the

nape in collar is also painful since radiation, movement

better. Generally feels better than before. Radium

bromatum 200.

1.6.1992: His wife again sent him, he is again

getting to be excited, the thrush in mouth (Denture), was

treated, stomach sensitive, attacks of loss of vision of lt.

eye in the last month. Nit-ac. M

24.7.1992: Again thrush. Oral Cavity reddish

“radiation spots”. Rad-br. 200.

12.11.1992: Excited, takes everything in bad, has

again alcohol for 10 days. Nit-ac. 10M.

12.9.1994: Feels worthless, weeps, again drinks

alcohol since recently, “am a cowardly weakling”. Nit-

ac. 10M.

December 1994: Oncological control: no abnormal

findings.

September 1996: Operative removal of Tumor

(Metastasis of an Adenocarcinoma, Primary tumor not

found) from the left frontal lobe. Post-operative

radiation. Additional symptoms which led to acute

treatment in the hospital. He moved about in his

underpants. Caused an unexplainable car accident,

hearing in left impaired.

124

26.3.1998: The stomach complaints have again

slowly increased, irritable, financial cases, alcohol

under control (?). Nit-ac. 10M.

7.5.1998: Feels better, still flares up, less depressed,

stomach still sensitive, sleeps better. – Wait.

27.8.2003: I inquire telephonically. Mr. G is well.

Two months ago he underwent oncological

investigations and everything found well. No sight

problems, alcohol is no problem.

Thoughts and questions on the Course:

As first reaction to the homœopathic remedy the

associated physical symptoms were relieved (Look out:

Field of Vision!) and we observe a clear improvement

of the mental state. At the same time there was an

(severe inflammatory) explanation with the local tumor

build up.

Despite a clear action of homœopathic medicine my

uncertainty about the possibilities of Homœopathy in a

case of Cancer (see Introduction) needed the association

of allopathic treatment. Would I do differently now? I

do not know, perhaps. In this case the allopathic

treatment came in after physical curative improvement

had already set in, caused a relapse of the mental and

general symptoms and aroused a new symptom – side

effects. I mean the problems with the denture, since it

was necessary, to extract the teeth out before radiation.

In all, however, the radiotherapy did not suppress the

further satisfactory progress of the case. The general

state of the patient is phase-wise clearly better than

before the finding of the Tumor, we experience relapses

and/or recurrence of old pathologies (alcoholism) in

further course of the case.

What has the Radiotherapy contributed to the local

healing? A heretical thought: under the homœopathic

remedy Nit-ac. The patient chose the path of healing of

the local inflammation, the action of radiation is similar

(homœopathic?) to the individual way of the patient.

On the other hand the intervening treatment with Rad-

br., which was clinically related (consequences of

radiation) but also on the basis of the modalities (motion

ameliorates), appears sensible. In retrospect, the

consultation on 1.6.1992 must appear as quite

important, the field of vision alternated the sides. This

symptom should have been carefully followed, perhaps

could lead to another homœopathic remedy. This

remains out of consideration since the patient reacted

well to Nit-ac. according to infrequent contacts.

The patient’s tie-up with the doctor (compliance)

was not good. Because of acuteness of the symptoms

due to the tumor that came up again, the patient did not

consult the homœopath. What has happened? We see

that the patient when he was generally and mentally in

better phase than before, developed a tumor once more.

Is tumor build-up the typical way of reaction of the

patient as a crisis? The second tumor is histologically

and prognostically favourable than the first and is

surgically treated without serious consequences for the

patient in his Totality. (My teacher Alfons GEUKENS

places the Surgeons almost in one line with

homœopaths, if it works in the well-being of the

patient.)

Case 2: A.R. female born 1949:

First anamnesis: 29.6.1994: Very lively, very

gesticulating when narrating her case, emotional

woman. Two months ago, she noticed a node in her left

breast, and it was removed surgically on 3.6.1996;

diagnosis: Ca 1.5 cm large infiltrating, moderately

differentiable Lactiferous Duct Carcinoma NOMO

(Oestrogen receptor negative.).

“They would that I undergo radiation, my family

also of the same opinion; but I will not, my whole body

to be contaminated, no, I have been in dilemma, I will

not allow myself to be handed over to the doctors.

…Sometimes I simply have hatred … of the doctors,

who do not co-operate … on the whole everything is

unjust: men live happily and then comes a parting or

one dies … oh, I am so angry at our Creator … my man

has forsaken me, mother, sister (Breast Cancer) and a

good friend have died … all in the last 5 years … and

one cannot do anything against it … and it makes me

sleep. I will not all that … have resisted the anesthesia.

My last thought before going to sleep: I’ll kill him (ex-

husband) .. In the last 5 years only disappointment and

hatred … like a deep wound, which again and again

opens up.” Dreams: “I must always defend someone.”

She clutches her hands. “In my youth I have in a stage-

play I made some extra trash, and that piece of the

drama was spoiled...”

Other complaints:

 Very distended abdomen before the menses.

 Could not in my life bear anything constricting my

throat

 High Blood Pressure and nettle rash if she talks in

rage.

 Eructation after eating some fat.

 Sweating, when she talks of problems or sees

injustice.

Working out:

 Distension of abdomen before menses.

 External throat, clothing agg.

 Eructations after fat food.

 Perspiration after emotions, etc.

 Urticaria from emotions, etc.

Have to decide between Causticum and Lachesis.

125

1.7.1994: New anamnesis: She takes her seat and

groans. “These emotional things strain me more than

any severe physical exertion” (Weakness from

grief/excitement, etc.: Caust., Con. (no Lach.). – Caust.

200.

15.7.1994: Since 2.7. eruptions (itching pimple,

wheals) in the entire trunk. “My family considers me

mentally deranged, and that I do not let be irradiated”.

Her sister died of breast Cancer under dramatic

circumstances. Some times the left breast burns (new).

Cicatrices burning: Lach. – Wait.

3.8.1994: Chronic pimples overall. In the breast

increasing knotty indurations can be palpated. Severely

comes high, against everything unjust – Causticum M.

24.8.1994: “Tired, tired … strangely, reacts to the

medicine … works with me very much, something

fighting in me...” much hair in Wart of the cheek (which

must cut often). – Wait.

14.9.1994: Now severe pain in the breast, unlike the

other normal premenstrual complaints: The breast is

completely red, very sensitive to touch, swollen

oedematously. The pain (and everything else) went off

as soon as her menstruation began and now again it has

come back. Generally very sensitive to cold, freezes,

inspite of that wants all windows open. - Wait.

21-9-1994: Today the breast is alright, since

menstruation yesterday, left externally red and knotty,

but today less painful. “I catch it warm from all, what

they would want to know of me,” tears the door open. –

Lachesis 200.

17.10.1994: In between 5 days severe shoulder

pains left, the whole time inflamed eyes, tears without

reason, “I sink down as from a giddiness off and on with

anger.” More dreams: “that I tell my husband, what I

think of him, that he should let me be in peace.” No

more breast pains. – Wait.

19.10.1994: Radiological examination

(Mammography and Sonography): suspected Tumor left

breast, 1.5 cm large. Suspected relapse. Patient refuses

puncturing.

9.11.1994: Breast less knotty, doubtful whether

tumor is palpable. “My feeling says, it is not there.”

Since one to two weeks often vertigo while lying (3)

and turning the head. Dreams when half asleep:

“Settlement with my husband.” – Con. M.

23.11.1994: Vertigo has again gone away. Breast:

no change, painless. “Think much over the problems of

others. There is a man … but I must analyse it first …

is it only an impulse? At my age … am sour … have

sworn to remain alone and be at peace … Weep, when

am alone …” – Wait.

2.12.1994: I weep only, have not had so, for every

trivial arousal, when I hear something sad, in which

case earlier I would become enraged. I find it abnormal

… from Music … overall. If I should call him what

would follow? There is a battle within me, should I or

not? I had sworn, to no more fall in love, can a man

understand it?” – Stitch in breast since 26.11.94

Menstruation has failed to appear. – Con. 10M. Term

agreement with a colleague who has taken a further

charge.

15.12.1994: First conversation with the colleague:

Menstruation came on 7.12. 94 since when no more

pain in breast. Again weeping over every triviality. “I

found that my sister’s man engaged to is congenial” –

This man after the death of her sister is free – but that

cannot be.

Weeping from slight emotions and antagonism of

mind

(Original proving symptom in the German

CLARKE: “Melancholy of a singular kind; I had the

feeling that whatever I do, I do it wrong and it could not

be set aright; … I seem to have an increased perception

of what I should do, but at the same time an

uncontrollable compulsion nothing to do with

something to which I yield irresistibly; I too could not

do it.”) – Naja M.

5.1.1995: Does not weep so easily anymore, avoids

seeing brother-in-law.

11.1.1995: Radiologist: The tumor is not there

anymore.

2.2.1995: Sad, longing for family life. No more

hatred for her husband. “Have become calm or become

old? Earlier used to consider all men as possessive. I

should not be defensive of all …”

Upto 1998 only occasional doses of Naja. Upto

2001, no physical-mental pathology. Beginning of a

sound partnership.

Thoughts on this course:

With the first Anamnesis the central problem of this

woman appeared to be emotional nature in the form of

hatred. You have the impression that the tumor is thus

of secondary importance. This impression one gets

rarely in the Anamnesis of Cancer patients and I would

like to clearly depict it as prognostically favourable.

Under two homœopathic remedies (Caust. and

Lach.) the general hatred feeling went away, also in

dreams and the local findings reacted, as in the case of

the first patient, with reddening, heat, pain. At the same

time all the old skin symptoms (suppressed?) re-

appeared.

Thanks to the radiological diagnosis we were able

to confront of a relapsing Cancer in the place of the first

tumor, which caused us anxiety. The patient refused

another local intervention, let it be only a point for

histological finding. In retrospect I think that here was

a case of opening of an old suppressed (surgically

126

extirpated) local symptom – which in this woman with

appropriate homœopathic therapy again passed off.

Hypothetic conclusion for Cancer treatment: we

start from the rule that Cancer is a disease of the total

person; should we consider in particular cases in which

the local tumor is not considered as a symptom but an

attempt by the whole organism attempting to find a

solution? In this case it was logical that a too early –

that is in a not-yet-completed solution-process – tumor

already removed rebuilds up again must be treated

homœopathically, which hastens the personal path of

solution of the patient – Why else do we treat with

Similar?

My conclusions: Every Cancer patient must receive

a (good) homœopathic medicine before operation, in

accordance with the picture: so that as much as possible

to restrict the pathology in the tumor. Perhaps that

patient may survive for years after the tumor is removed

away, precisely this process positively succeeds?

Practical: The day before operation the (new)

patient should have consultation (for first Anamnesis)

immediately so that at least a remedy could be given. In

so far as there is a peculiarity in Cancer patients, who of

course suffer from a chronic disease, but at the approach

of an operation needs an acute help.

Further about Mrs. R.: under homœopathic

treatment besides others, there was recurrence of new

physical symptoms, which called for Con.; this

prescription which led to Con. which is typical problem

of years long sexual abstention in the patient history

there was not anything else to point this out. Only after

Con. was this perceptible. With Naja followed the first

prescription for the predominant mental symptoms and

as sequel to a mental process of the acceptance and the

fulfillment of her wishes. In the beginning of this

process the disquieting local finding disappeared and

Mrs. R felt good.

With this work and the observations of these two

cases I would like to plead that diagnosis, statistics, or

discussions about schematized prescriptions should not

be allowed to base our prescriptions. “Be flexible”,

says my Chief Alfons GEUKENS, always – in

individual cases it is above all the peculiar, the singular

in the patient’s history and the suitable particular

remedy for the prevailing instant in the life of the

patient is to be sought out from our Materia Medica and

chosen.

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xvii. Eine “complicierte” Krankheit – Krebs (A

Complicated Disease – Cancer)

FRIEDRICH, Uwe (ZKH. 49, 1/2005)

Difficulty in Cancer therapy: For various reasons

homœopathic treatment of Cancer is difficult. For one,

Cancer by itself is a disease, which seems to develop

according to its own rules and defies cure. KENT has

said that patients who have Cancer are mostly too sick

to be cured.

Because it is a one-sided disease it is difficult to

obtain definite symptoms. One reason for one-

sidedness may be that surgery is done as soon as a

tumor is diagnosed, and therefore the tumor symptoms

are not available. Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy,

Radiation leads to change of symptoms and masking the

patient’s individual symptom. Only if the patient

consults the homœopath before visiting an

Allopath/Oncologist some symptoms for a right

medicine could be found. [See Organon §§ 172-185].

Organon as the Basis for Treatment: Luckily

there is plenty of literature and comprehensive

information in Homœopathy on this and also how

malignancies can be handled and cured

homœopathically.

Cancer is much more than a one-sided disease

whose treatment has been delineated by

HAHNEMANN in the Organon. Many authors have

also said about treatment of dissimilar diseases (§84).

HAHNEMANN also outlined about potentisation and

dosages in the treatment of Cancer (§72). This can be

seen from the works of all distinguished Cancer

therapists, from the beginning of the 20th Century.

Many have slightly modified on the basis of their

personal experience in Hahnemannian tradition. My

own foundation of homœopathic Cancer treatment

particularly important are E.SCHLEGAL and

J.C.BURNETT. BURNETT particularly has cured

doubtless through Homœopathic treatment alone

malignancies and documented them all. Only the

undoubtedly homœopathically cured Tumors could

instruct us reliably for our own practice.

Some cases from our Clinic: 82 year-old youthful,

active. Diagnosis: Inflammatory Mamma

Carcinoma, left. Never has been seriously ill. Herpes

Lips; at 21 year Ovarian cysts surgically removed.

Hypothyroidism under control with medicines.

Crauroris vulvae since about 20 years. At the beginning

of the 90s, fearful settlement of inheritance which was

very mortifying for the patient. She thought the Cancer

originated from this. First pregnancy at 23 years.

“Suffered severe mastitis”. 10 years ago right sided

Mamma-Ca. First relapse, after 5 years, second relapse

after 7 years. Off and on local therapy and radiation.

After last relapse recurrence removed. 9 months later

renewed lymphnodules recurring and again radiation.

10 years after the first appearance of the Carcinoma new

appearance of contralateral inflammatory Mamma Ca.

127

Confirmed by PE. Fresh radiation recommended,

refused by the patient.

Family anamnesis: Mother died at age104.

Grandmother and maternal side Pancreas-Ca.

Grandfather and father’s side Leukaemia. Maternal

uncle intestinal Cancer. Uncle paternal side intestinal

Cancer, one brother Cystic lungs.

Findings: Condition of the right, after the removal

Mammae; multiple moderately well healed cicatrices,

slight hyper-pigmentation as after radiation. Left

reddening of the entire mamma, particularly intensive

around nipples and towards distal. Upper inner

quadrant and within the lower outer quadrant 1-2 pea

sized, solid nodules. The patient has until now no

ailments with regard to breasts. All had begun with a

light “pricks”. The outbreak left followed directly in

connection with the radiation of the right. The patient

has, in her life been through a good deal; her husband

had been interned; she suffered a lot of traumatic

experiences in connection with the War and Flight. The

death of her very determined husband 5 years ago was

felt by her as liberation. Ca. 10 days after the beginning

of the treatment the patient explained that her daughter

was an unresolved problem, this was hanging on her,

she could not live by herself alone, and remains an

extreme load on the patient.

Present complaints: Except for frequent nasal flow,

free from complaints.

Connected Report: Frequent flatulence, mostly in

afternoon. Incompatible Onions, Citrus fruits, Garlic –

these cause pains in intestine and aggravated flatulence,

and the citrus fruits cause burning in the anal region.

Crauroris vulvae. No thirst, beside nights. At times

suddenly cold altogether, with cold tip of nose. Desires

Ginger with Bitter Chocolate, Chocolate, Apple,

Bananas, sweet after evening meal. Hoarseness after

the radiation. No anxieties. Tears when thanked. She

can forgive but not ever forget. Poor self-confidence.

She hates drafts. Seashore is good. She is outspoken,

orderly. After strenuous movement she would be weak.

Consolation good. Sympathy is very intense. Jealous.

She is an impatient person.

Remedy Search: At least the following diseases,

dissimilar with each other, may be found:

1. Inflammatory Mamma Carcinoma left. This

has appeared ultimately and is characterised by

the following symptoms. Redness of the

breasts. Nodules in the mammae. Mamma

Carcinoma. Inflammation during the pregnancy

(See Table 1.)

Since the Cancer manifestation in the patient is

cancerous alteration of the left breast, the

remedy must have the inflammatory tendency

to produce cancerous degeneration of this

breast. The suitable medicine is Belladonna.

2. The development of the actualization state of

Cancer disease follows in characteristic

manner: the relapsing Cancer of one side

(right) did not re-appear after diverse allopathic

treatments. But the Cancer changed its side

and now appeared on the left. The medicine

for this disease state must also contain the

alternating quality. The symptoms are:

Mamma Carcinoma, relapsing in the other

breast, nodules in the breast, alternating sides

(see Repertorisation 2).

3. The inflammatory Mamma Carcinoma

develops from a chronic affection. This

“terrain” can be healed only homœopathically

because the symptoms of the chronically ill

patient for finding the remedy can be got only

from that. These symptoms are: Carcinoma of

the mammae. Ailments from mortification.

Poor self-confidence. Scrupulous about trifles.

Jealous. Shares sympathy. Desire for sweets.

Thirst nights. Blisters on lips (See

Repertorisation 3).

4. There is a strong family disposition to Cancer.

In association with the above mentioned

symptoms a hint about Carcinosinum:

Sympathy. Scrupulous about trifles. Sweet

desire. Personally Cancer.

Course: The treatment was begun with Radium

bromatum (Spagyros) C30, dissolved in water 2 x daily

(Day 1-4). After this Belladonna (Spagyros) C30,

dissolved in water repeated daily (Day 5-11). Under

Belladonna treatment there was some slight

improvement in the first three days with the small

nodules remained.

Lac caninum (Spagyros) C 200 dissolved in water

frequent doses daily (Day 12-23).

At the same time Belladonna D4 dissolved in

water, applied externally to the breast involved. On the

7th day of Lac caninum, interposed with Carcinosinum

(Spagyros) C 200, repeated doses in water solution.

With this treatment there was further improvement

including the reddening of the breast. The nodules were

not palpable. The patient felt sometimes hot; there was

also watering of the right eye, musty taste in the mouth

and sometimes distension.

Later the House Surgeon continued the treatment

with Lycopodium as the main remedy as also

Phosphorus, Phytolacca and Tuberculinum. Under this

treatment, after about 3 months symptoms of

Diverticulitis (which was there 20 years before)

128

appeared. The acute pains and fever symptoms could be

immediately removed by Belladonna C 30. The

allopathic control 6 weeks after the commencement of

the treatment reported that nothing particular was found

with regard to the left breast.

Discussion: HAHNEMANN explains in § 42: “In

some cases, as has been stated [§ 40], nature itself

allows two (or even three) natural diseases to meet in

one and the same body. However (as one must notice)

this complication only occurs with diseases that are

dissimilar to one another – diseases which, according to

eternal natural laws, cannot lift, annihilate or cure one

another. Indeed, it appears that the two (or three)

diseases share the organism, as it were, each taking for

itself the peculiarly appropriate parts and systems.

Because of the dissimilarity of these maladies to each

other, this can happen without detriment to the unity of

life.”

In the footnote 1 § 40 HAHNEMANN says that the

cure of such “complicated” diseases best results are

obtained by timely alternation of the remedies prepared

in the most appropriate way given in the most

appropriate dose.

This is the explanation in respect of cases where a

well-selected homœopathic remedy which removes the

chronic symptoms as well as some symptoms which

belong to the Cancer, but does not lead to a cure of the

Cancer.

BURNETT said: “It is not sufficient to cover the

Totality of the symptoms. The contention that the

disease is all expressed in the symptoms is one to which

I cannot assent, because it is not true: it may be, or it

may not be. It is not enough to cover the Totality of the

symptoms; for when this has been done we are half

way, we have then to ask these questions: what is the

real nature, the natural history, the pathology of the

malady under consideration? What caused it? Is the

cause still there or has it gone? Is the drug chosen

capable of producing a real disease like the one before

us? In fact: is it really homœopathic to the morbid

process – coincident – adequate – reaching from

beginning to end? If not, we are on the wrong scent if

we are to really cure and not merely palliate.”

Indeed it is possible to find a remedy which would

cover the different dissimilar diseases which have

appeared together in a complicated manner in the

symptoms it covers, (this according to SCHLEGAL is

an ideal case for homœopathic treatment), but this does

not, as a rule, happen. Totally opposite are the

symptom mixture of different but co-existing dissimilar

disease (the complicated disease) which generate a new

symptom totality, which ultimately remain incomplete

since many symptoms supervene very quickly, and may

be overlooked by the doctor. Again BURNETT: “Far

be it from me to undervalue the importance of the

symptoms, or to speak lightly of the totality thereof as a

sure means of finding the remedy in a given case, but be

it equally far from me to regard symptoms and covering

the totality thereof as other than a means to the finding

of the remedy; for covering the totality of the symptoms

may be, and often is, nothing but scientific palliation.”

The beginning of treatment with Radium bromatum

helped to perceive homœopathically possible cause.

And this is much used practice in homœopathic Cancer

therapy. Also intervening medicine related to causation

or Nosodes, which related to the inherited disturbance

of the Cancer patients would almost always be applied

for successful cure of Tumors. Particularly so when

there is stagnation of medicine’s action and to bring

about for the progress in the tumor cure.

With regard to the relatively quick remedy change,

it is so in respect of homœopathic treatment of

manifested Tumor, no only by BURNETT. From

BURNETT rises the experience and the advice that

instead of waiting for long time with a remedy, alternate

with other similar medicine (e.g. in alternation with the

Nosodes).

In the case before us the changes were: between:

Radium bromatum – Belladonna – Lac caninum –

Carcinosinum – Lac caninum – Lycopodium –

Tuberculinum, to say only the most important remedies.

Local treatment of homœopathic medicine in

Tumors was the practice of almost all successful

homœopathic Cancer therapists and practiced frequently

if the tumor was on the top surface. Lastly in this it is a

matter of change/alternation of different remedies.

After the inflammation – (Belladonna) symptoms were

relieved the local treatment ended.

Follow up – seven months. Whether this patient

will remain cured is an open question. That her

(particularly malignant) Cancer has been dissolved in a

very short span of time with homœopathic treatment is

what we should expect of an appropriate homœopathic

treatment.

*********************************************

xviii. Die Behandlung metastasierter Tumoren (The

Treatment of metastasizing Tumors) by Jens

WURSTER (ZKH. 49, S1/2005)

Approach to treatment of metastasized

Tumours. After 7 years of intensive work with Cancer

patients in the Clinca St. Croce in Tessin with Dr.

Dario SPINEDI as the Chief, I would like to present the

different levels and thought patterns, which are

important in treating advanced or metastasizing

tumours. Until now I have treated homœopathically

about 500 Tumor patients.

129

Cancer treatment is a great challenge to

Homœopathy, in that we have to work with great

scrupulousness, to hit the right medicine so that the

Tumor can be favourably influenced.

In Cancer treatment homœopathically often

difficulties are to be identified as to which symptoms

we should take for finding the remedy. If patients come

to us for initial consultation for a Tumor and before it

has been treated by others, it is possible for us to get a

clear picture of the general symptoms of the patient and

the symptoms of the Tumor so that we can select the

right remedy.

It has been pointed out years ago that the best

constellation in Cancer treatment is that we find a

constitutional medicine for the patient, which is also

compatible with the Tumor medicine.

The treatment of metastasizing Tumors is a

challenging work, because these are mostly aggressive

and the disease progresses rapidly.

The question is whether the Constitutional

medicine can help the already metastasized Cases?

Our experience in the clinic is that in

uncomplicated cases this can be. It has been shown

that, for example, with Breast Tumors in the early stage

the basic remedy of the patient shows the maximum

action upon the Tumor if the case is not complicated

miasmatically or otherwise. But the complicated cases

give us problems. Complicated in the sense of

miasmatic blocades, iatrogenic damages through

Chemotherapy or radiation, etc.

What are the differences between the treatment

of Primary tumors as against the developed or

metastasized Tumors?

With the treatment of developed Tumors we require

a very thorough anamnesis to plan the treatment

strategy:

1. Constitution Anamnesis: (thorough first

anamnesis for grasping the totality of Signs and

Symptoms of the person and the disease).

2. Miasmatic Anamnesis: (Recognizing active

Miasm and the miasmatic background grouping the

illnesses of the family over several generations,

Warts, Infections, Vaccinations and the

consequences of vaccinations, etc.)

3. Suppressions: (e.g. suppressed skin eruptions from

Cortison treatments, Warts cut away, infections and

reactions thereto, etc.)

4. Affections from Noxious, Viruses, Nutritional

errors, etc.

5. Therapies already gone through and their

reactions and sequelae (Radiations,

Chemotherapies, Medications, Operations, etc.)

The course parameters list must be drawn with the

actual ailments of the patient and must be connected

with what should be handled first.

It is necessary from the very beginning to work out

a working concept, which should include follow-up

medicine, special Tumor medicine and the treatment of

iatrogenic damages through Chemotherapy and

radiation.

Often a Constitutional medicine which had

previously helped a patient before may not eventually

help in the present state, if the prevailing problems are

the consequences of radiation or Chemotherapy which

must be treated first. For example, a Phosphorus

patient who suffered from much nausea and vomiting

after Chemotherapy needs eventually more doses of Nux

vomica to detoxify before Phosphorus can work.

Uncomplicated metastasized Tumors: The treatment

of uncomplicated follows mostly the Constitutional

medicine. “Uncomplicated” means thereby in the sense

of: no miasmatic blockades, no iatrogenic damages

through Chemotherapy or radiation, results of

operations or medicinal misuse, etc.

Case 1: Metastasizing malignant Melanoma:

Diagnosis: Malignant Melnoma on the back.

Thickness of the tumor 1.1 cm., operated (pT2 CLARK

Level III); three months later Melanoma-metastasis in

the left Axilla (the Axilla metastasis were palpable and

after biopsy histologically verified). Immediate Axilla

dissection was advised but the patient refused.

The 50 year-old patient was treated already for 15

years homœopathically and received different high

potencies.

The Analysis of the Totality of Symptoms clearly

indicated Sulphur (see picture 1: Repertorisation 1)

Miasmatic Analysis: no blockades or Vaccinations

load; Psoric Miasm.

Suppressions: Suppression of skin eruptions for years,

suppression of Chronic Ear discharges.

A course parameter list for Therapy Control:

Without a listing of the hereditary taints symptoms

there is no possibility of proceeding with exactness.

To that, all present hereditary symptoms are listed out:

1. Furry toes,

2. Fatty skin/hair/Face.

3. Acne/Pimple on face/Nose.

4. Severe tiredness,

5. Waking up at 2 hours/Sleep disturbances after 0200

hrs,

6. Painful heel spur

7. Lachrymation,

8. Increased Blood Pressure

9. Weight,

10. Ganglion in hand joint

11. Toe nails grow (since years, every 4 weeks)

Course: 6.12.99: Therapy began with Sulphur Q3, 3

glass. The consideration of the course parameter after

12 days results: the patient showed a very rapid and

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good response to the remedy. That is a very noteworthy

prognostic factor!

1. Furry toes around 90% better

2. Fatty skin/hair/face almost 100% better.

3. Acne/Pimples in Face/Nose better by 70%.

4. Severe weakness disappeared.

5. Waking at about 2.00/sleep disturbances after 2.00

hours better by 20%.

6. Lachrymation disappeared.

7. Painful heel spur better by 80%.

8. Blood pressure came down without medicine.

9. Weight decreased somewhat.

10. Ganglion in hand joint little smaller.

11. Toe nails completely good.

After 12 days the patient went home with Sulphur

Q4. After so good response to the therapy and

improvement of objective symptoms we can go ahead

with this medicine well.

Further Course of Therapy:

 After 3 months: Ganglion wrist completely

disappeared, acne completely gone, toe-nails do not

grow, energy and sleep good.

 After 6 months: complete involution of the

Melanoma – Metastasis, blood pressure stable without

blood pressure drugs, blood values better.

 After 5.5 years, No acne, good energy, no relapse,

Blood pressure stable, the patient is happy. Further

therapy with Sulphur.

Over the 5.5 years, the patient received Sulphur in

Q and in C potencies; and in 6 months the Melanoma-

metastasis retracted, there was no recurrence and the

total person has been healed. According to Allopathy

statistics 5 years survival rate in Metastising Melanoma

is only 2 %.

[This case shows that in a metastising tumor in

an uncomplicated case a cure with a basic medicine

is possible.]

Case 2: Metastatising Tongue Carcinoma:

A 60-year-old patient for an invasive, developing,

Cornifying Squamous cell Carcinoma of the tongue

(pT1 pN2b G2) ¼ of the tongue, removed. The

withdrawal of the sentinel lymphnodes level Ib and

level II produced already a lymphnode-metastasis (May

2003). Therefore it became necessary to make a

complete neck dissection and radiation of the entire

neck was proposed. The patient therefore sought

Homœopathy. He presented himself with severe pains

in the Tongue and pressing pains and swelling in the

neck region. Because of the severe pains in the affected

lymph nodes he had to take heavy pain relieving

remedies.

The tongue was yellow coated and he could take

liquid foods only. The blood pressure was 170/100, his

sleep was severely disturbed, since years he woke up at

4 hours. Since seven years there was a skin lesion on

the scalp defined as a pre-cancerous one.

Repertorisation: The totality of symptoms

indicated Sulphur which I gave him in the Q potency.

This was an uncomplicated case, without miasmatic

overlay. A cause was of course a chronic alcohol abuse

and heavy smoking.

Course: Few days after Sulphur Q3 the pain in

tongue came down. The coating was less yellow. The

blood pressure was reduced 130/70. After 7 days pain

in the lymph nodes increased with severe swelling. An

opening in the neck came on which discharged a very

foul smelling pus. [When eliminations from tumors

appear, it is, mostly a good signs]

Further treatment: After 14 days Sulphur Q3, all

the pain remedies could be kept off, the pain in tongue

went away. Tongue movement was better. The

swelling in the throat went away and healed. The blood

pressure was normal, the sleep good, no more waking

up at 0400 hrs. The precancerous on the scalp was

smaller.

This good response to Sulphur indicated that we

could, with this medicine help all levels of the patient.

Therefore I advised the patient not to undergo radiation

and also the proposed neck dissection until two months.

Examination of the 28 lymphnodes at Neck level I-IV

did not indicate the befallment of a tumor. This massive

action was not anymore considered necessary. The

radiation planned earlier was not carried out.

The pre-cancerous on head became larger again

after the neck dissection and began to bleed. After six

more months of Sulphur this regressed and the tongue

could be moved without pain. Until date, the patient is

free from recurrence.

Summary: We can observe from both these that

the constitutional medicine itself selected on the basis of

the Totality of the Symptoms can cure uncomplicated

metastatising Tumor.

The treatment of complicated metastasizing Tumors:

Now we go to complicated metastatising Tumors

which give more problems: If after a long Anamnesis

of a Tumor patient we have found a clear basic remedy

on the basis of the Totality of the Symptoms, while at

the same time observe several symptoms which do not

belong to the symptom constellation of the basic

remedy, then we must ask ourselves whether

1. There is a miasmatic blockade present

 Inherited miasma (e.g. Tuberculosis in the

family).

 Acquired miasma (e.g. acute Gonorrhoea),

inoculation Miasm (e.g. severe reaction or no

reaction for pock inoculation).

2. A blockade is present from

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 Operations (also sterilization).

 Medicaments (Antibiotic, Cortison).

 Injuries, Trauma (e.g. blow on the breast as

tumor causative).

 Radiation

 Chemotherapy

 Emotional blockades

3. An organotropic treatment is necessary if no

response is obtained to the indicated remedy, also if the

basic remedy has no effect on the tumor. It can be that

the medicine was chosen on the totality of the

symptoms and it goes very well with the patient but the

tumor again develops. If we have considered the active

miasma and the anti miasmatic shows no effect, and if

all other blockades have been removed and after that

there is no action on the Tumor, it may then be that the

Tumor has to be treated by organ specificity.

Case 3: Malignant metastasizing Melanoma –

Example of a miasmatic complicated case:

The 70-year patient came in January 1999 with a

malignant Melanoma on the head and more equivalent

Melanomas on the legs (pT2, Clark Level II and

cutaneous Melanoma-metastasizing). After removal of

a part of the Melanoma on head immediate follow-up of

Operation and Chemotherapy was advised which the

patient has not, until date, followed.

The totality of the symptoms and the basic mental

attitude clearly pointed to Lycopodium. But some

symptoms were found which did not suit Lycopodium

and therefore we must enquire whether the case was not

complicated by Miasm.

He had a long pedunculated wart in the face and

more warts on the legs, also many brown flecks on the

body. He complained of severe pain in the right hip

which made walking difficult. A horny, burnt odor

from the sweat of the genitals. The urine stream was

forked and he had more Lipoma on the body. The

present predominant active Sycosis symptoms and a

Gonorrhoea in the history decided for Thuja XM.

[In complicated cases it is indicated that we

should first treat the active Miasm first i.e. the now

present symptoms constellation must be taken into

consideration for selecting the remedy.]

Course: After the first dose Thuja XM, the wart on

the face developed to double, but some warts on the legs

diminished. After 4 months and in all three doses of

Thuja the wart on the face diminished, forked urine was

seldom and the odor of the sweat went away. The

Melanoma on the legs and head were paler. A scaly

skin eruption appeared on the buttocks (KENT has

already said that one should not hope for a cure of a

chronic complaint if a skin eruption does not come out).

The pains in the right hip were unbearable and increased

flatulence.

Important: Now we have with the antimiasmatic

remedy Thuja calmed down the active Miasm and the

symptoms for the basic remedy presented themselves

clearly.

Normally the same medicine which brought out on

the surface the old symptoms is prescribed. But when

the old symptoms are very severe then these symptoms

must be covered by the remedy to be selected anew.

The patient received his basic remedy and the hip

pains were very much better. After three months forked

urine came again and development of the Lipoma also

began which indicated that the Miasm had not been

entirely wiped out and Thuja must again be given.

Further progress: The patient received over a

period of almost six years Thuja mainly and his basic

remedy Lycopodium. The Melanoma on the head and

legs have completely gone away. The patient is happy.

The statistic Median of survival rate of a cutaneous

metastising type of Melanoma is only 11 months. The

follow up upto now, of this case, is over 6 years.

[This case shows, how important it is to

recognize the active Miasm and to treat it]

Case 4: Tumor therapy complicated by Radiation

effects and Miasm:

A 50 year-old patient presented himself after

operation and Radiation of cervical metastasis of a

Platten epithelial Carcinoma of unclear origin. The

primary Tumor could not be found out and it was

opined after a PET-examination, as Nasopharynx

Carcinoma.

Analysis/Repertorisation: The Totality of the

Symptoms pointed to Lycopodium.

At this time, however, there was present massive

complaints from Radiation, pains in irradiated part,

severe swallowing complaints, the mucous membranes

of the mouth were sore. There was also massive

irritative cough as also reddening of skin and pains of

thyroid glands.

Treatment strategy: In this case there was first

the actual serious symptoms – the adverse effects of

irradiation – to be treated, later the therapy according to

the symptoms.

Therapy: Phosphorus Q3 (Künzli/Stanga)

Phosphorus is one of the best medicines for ill

effects of irradiation, but there must be in any case

Phosphorus symptoms present, if we are to give it

with certainty.

Course: After 14 days, Phosphorus showed a clear

improvement of the radiation complaints. The pain in

the Thyroid glands was 70% better. There was no more

swallowing complaints, no burning in throat. The

reddening of skin has clearly gone away. The therapy

with Phosphorus Q potencies was further continued.

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With Phosphorus Q potency the symptom “one

side cold foot, right” came up:

 EXTREMITIES; COLDNESS; Foot; right: ambr.,

bar-c., chel., con.5, hydrog. 2, lyc., nat-m 5 pimp. 5,

puls. 5, sabin 5, sulph.

Since Phosphorus suited the patient so well and he

was progressing I proceeded with it.

[The reactions and symptoms appearing with Q

potencies are very important, since those are

indications for the follow up remedies].

Further Course: Repeated stitching pain appeared

in the throat region. One month later an eruption

appeared on the entire body as also warty elevations on

the hands. In January 2004, an extreme salivary gland

swelling appeared which was very painful. Silicea D6

brought about rapid amelioration.

Up to 20.1.2004, he received Phosphorus upto Q6.

He reported of a weight loss of 4 Kg. in the recent past,

as also increased anxiety, despair and severe nightly

restlessness.

Therapy: Arsenicum album Q3 (Ars. is at the

same time an antidote to Phos.)

In February 2004, the anxiety and restlessness were

better. It was seen that in a complicated case the

curative course is not even. I said that the case is

complicated and gave for the warts and an earlier

sycotic taint Thuja 30.

Two weeks later I prescribed, because of the

constant one-sided cold of one foot – which is a

Keynote of Lycopodium – and while I thought that that

could be the ground remedy for this patient,

Lycopodium Q3 (Künzli/Stanga). Under Lycopodium

an aggravation of all the symptoms came on, more

throat pain, stitching in the lymph nodes, the foot was

however one side cold. Then a new symptom appeared:

Vertigo, from movement of the head, which is better by

closing the eyes.

Lycopodium seemed to be the basic remedy of the

patient, but it did not have the effect but aggravated

rather and in addition brought in a new symptom.

[Now the symptoms already noted and the newly

appeared symptom are used to choose the remedy.]

Therapy: Conium Q3 (Künzli/Stanga).

March 2004: The vertigo went away as also the

coldness of the right foot. That is, we had found a

simillimum for the moment.

One morning came suddenly a 5 cm long and 1 cm

wide lengthy, fleshy, tumor like mass from the mouth.

He had the feeling as if he had lost something from deep

back in the throat or in the Choane. That was indeed the

Primary Tumor, since the PET-test carried out after this

showed no active Tumor tissue.

The patient now received Conium upto Q9, then

once more Thuja and Radium bromatum because of

definite irradiation effects and until now is on his basic

remedy Lycopodium in C-potencies.

A fresh PET-test an year later showed a stable

situation and no reference point for a recurrence. Until

date the patient is free from ailments.

Reflections on the Case: We see that in a

complicated case, the curative course is not so uniform.

If I had remained with Phosphorus which did so much

good in the beginning, the case would have been lost.

Phosphorus was indicated as the remedy for the

radiation effects. It is very necessary to know when a

remedy, and if at the beginning has done very well, is

not any more indicated, as otherwise massive

aggravations would have been rendered. Exactly with

Phosphorus which has an incredible power to grasp the

Tumor development it is entirely necessary that it

otherwise worked as Petrol into fire.

[This complicated case shows, how the radiation

effects were first treated, then the Miasm, then the

indicated Tumor remedy and finally the ground

remedy of the patient, for a genuine cure.]

Organotropic Treatment of Complicated Tumor

cases

Case 5: Ossär and Pulmonal metastasized Thyroid

gland Carcinoma:

Diagnosis: Metastasised follicular Thyroid gland

Carcinoma with Spinal metastasis and pathological

fracture in L1 and Lung metastasis (pT3, Nx, M1, RO).

Radioiodtherapy 6/2003, (18 radiations); percutaneous

Radiation BWK 12 and LWK 2; Vertebral body

deposits LWK 1 and Ventral Spondylosis BWK 12.

After operation and removal of the Thyroid glands

metastasis in the Lung and in the Vertebral column were

confirmed. Because of a pathological fracture there was

again irradiation of the vertebral column.

The 56 year-old patient was in a bad state, and he

could not come in person for the Anamnesis, and I

therefore took a telephonic Anamnesis. He complained

of “maddening pains” in the back, like knife thrust

which did not let him sleep during the nights as also

very severe restlessness and anxiety state in the night.

He could sit in the chair only with corset.

Despite intensive pain therapy – including

Morphium he shrieked every 5 minutes because of pain,

had anxiety about the future and terrible fear of death.

Therapy begin August 2003: Arsenicum album Q3

(Künzli/Stanga) daily and Radium bromatum C30

1xweek. Arsenicum because of the presenting psychic

picture; the anxiety and the restlessness of the patient

must be first removed. Radium bromatum was

prescribed for 18 radiations she had received and for

rebuild of the bones.

133

Further Progress: October 2003, two months

later: The psyche is much better, no more anxiety or

fear, but rather constant pains in the vertebrae and the

Ischium. He was in bed for 6 months and must now

learn anew to move about.

Therapy: Hypericum C200.

November 2003: The Hypericum has done well

and could go to the toilet alone. Cough during night and

hoarse voice. He wanted encouragement, it did him

good.

Therapy: Phosphorus Q3 (Künzli/Stanga) for the

cough, hoarseness, desire for sympathy and in

consideration of the radiations and metastasis.

[Phosphorus is not just a medicine for sequelae

of radiation, but is also best medicine overall to

influence an active Tumor development. In Cancer

the Phosphorus altering substance is very activated

and we experience often that a patient in the course

of his Cancer disease comes to a Phosphorus state.]

January 2004: With the action of Phosphorus, the

Morphinum plaster could be totally done away with. In

the lumbar vertebrae there was always a severe

pressure, I gave him Phosphorus in ascending potencies

every two days and Hypericum M and Radium

bromatum C30, 1 per week.

April 2004: Further treatment proceeded with

Phosphorus Q potencies, but it was slow; an increase in

respiratory state was observed, also a slow development

of lung metastasis.

Phosphorus stabilized the patient was effective in

the adverse effects of radiation and worked well on the

bone metastasis. The survival can be prolonged. The

patient gets a relatively good life quality from

Phosphorus and the bone metastasis caused no problem.

Eight months extended lifetime of good quality

relatively has been obtained but now the increase of

lung metastasis was found and that the case is not

cureable. If in such an apparently helpless situation the

Tumor causative should be treated.

J.C. BURNETT has already observed that

sometimes while the remedy chosen on the basis of the

totality of symptoms may give good palliation in well-

advanced cases, for genuine cure the remedy must have

the organo pathologic relevances.

Therapy: Spongia C30 every 7 days. I opined that

in this situation, the Lung metastasis and Vertebral

metastasis were only an extension of the boundaries of

the Thyroid Carcinoma and gave therefore, after much

consideration of the case the organotropic Spongia

which in my experience has helped in many cases of

Thyroid Cancer.

August 2004 (an year later): With the healing of

the Tumors the kidneys began to throw out much more

toxic substances. In this process kidney colic came on

which were well taken care of by Chamomilla C 200,

and Berberis C200 after that. In these months the

Thyroid glands caused no problems. The respiratory

problems slowly became better.

Therapy: Further Spongia 30 every 7 days. The

back was also good. The physicians were astonished,

that it has gone so well alround.

October 2004 (after six months of Spongia 30 every

week): No metastasis was evident in the lungs and

regression of the Bone metastasis. Until today the

patient is well and free from relapse (almost two years

follow up).

[This case shows that in treatment of

metastasing Tumors, more planes are to be

comprehended and it is necessary to handle the

newly arising symptom-constellation until it become

stabilized.

Further, in this case a combination with an

organotropic treatment was necessary to achieve

cure.]

Summary: I hope that I could point out how necessary

it is in the treatment process of metastasizing Tumor

diseases to take note of many planes:

 Since we have often to treat complicated cases, we

should find out exactly whether miasmatic blockades

or blockades through previous treatments were present.

 To this it is necessary, to call out the predominant,

present symptoms constellation for selecting the

remedy.

 At the same time the basic remedy of the patient

and the remedies eventually indicated organ medicine

should have been worked out well, so as to develop an

individual treatment strategy.

I must once again point out, that the adequate

homœopathic treatment of the side effects of Irradiation

and Chemotherapy are very essential, since they present

a definite blockade.

I wish for future that with the help of Homœopathy,

we make further progress in Cancer treatment.

*********************************************

xix. i. The Role of Phosphorus in the Treatment of

Cancer

Dario SPINEDI (ZKH. 49, 4/2005)

Based on 7 years of experience in treating, the

excellent role of Phosphorus is detailed.

First a rear view, historical, in respect of

Phosphorus in homœopathic Cancer treatment.

Historic: Analysis of the old authors and Statistics

of James STEPHENSON.

Potency discussion: C30 and below (the low

potencies), C30 and above (the high potencies). In the

cases treated by high potencies much more Cancer signs

134

are removed than in those with the lower dilutuion

cases. Both groups had patients in end stage. In the

high potency group there were twice as much more with

metastasis than in the low potency-applying group,

which indicate that in the former despite the severity in

their patients better results were obtained. Futher more

than 25% of the high potency treated patients were

exclusively on homœopathic treatment.

Remedies Used: In the Series 1, the most

frequently used remedies were: Phosphorus, Silicea,

Sulphur in this order of frequency; in Series 2,

Arsenicum album, Phosphorus, and Brynoia alba, in

Series 3, Silicea, Hydrastis Canadensis, Arsenicum

album, Phytolacca decandra and Phosphorus.

For all Cancer types, the frequently applied

remedies: Phosphorus, Silicea, Arsenicum album,

Sulphur, Conium maculatum, Radium bromatum, Sepia.

Summary of the Study: The prescription, the

analysis and the comparison of 95 Cancer patients from

the homœopathic literature, patients who were treated

with homœopathic remedies. A large number of the

patients suffered metastases or were considered to be in

the end phase before beginning homœopathic treatment

and almost all of them were free from symptoms of

Cancer with this treatment.

The patients who received potencies of C30 or

higher spoke of better treatment than those receiving the

lower potencies – and this in spite of the fact that in

those cases treated with high potencies there were more

in the end stage.

When the older authors were searched – Eli

JONES, BURNETT, CLARKE, SCHLEGEL –

Phosphorus has not been used by these earlier

physicians. The search of STEPHENSON’s report

underlines an important fact that phosphorus is an

important remedy in the Cancer treatment. Cancer

Nosodes were not used as also the Cadmium salts.

KUNZLI’s Essay: KUNZLI says with regard to

treatment of Gout that Lycopodium was the most often

successful remedy – 47 cases (out of 70), Phosphorus 8

cases, Sepia 5 cases Calcium, Causticum, Sulplhur and

Rhus toxicodendron each in 2 cases, Thuja and

Graphites in one each.

KUNZLI comments that “While Lycopodium was

well known on Gout, Phosphorus in the next in line was

surprising. The following explanations I’ll offer: these

Gout patients many of them suffered Bronchitis in

winter and needed Phosphorus, which did very well. I

do not say that Phosphorus is an anti-Gout remedy but it

works very well in Bronchitis and also in the arterial

hypertension of the Gout patients.

It is interesting that Sepia came up in 3 cases as

Gout remedy, not known so before. But when we refer

to the Guiding Symptoms of HERING that several

symptoms of this disease may be found. Calcium,

Causticum and Sulphur, are well-known Gout remedies.

But I see only small number of Calcium types. They

may come up more if the constitutional Calcium

symptoms were not washed out through allopathic

Calcium administration. …”

Commentary on KÜNZLI’s article: This article

clarifies many of my doubts: Phosphorus, which

influences Gout well, may do so probably in Diabetes

and Cancer. It is our experience that despite well-

prescribed Lycopodium on the basis of the Totality of

symptoms, the patient develops Diabetes or Cancer.

The indicated remedy in such cases is often

Phosphorus. What KÜNZLI has found in respect of

Blood Pressure and Bronchitis in Gout patient, I have in

respect of Diabetes and Cancer.

If we do not see these connections, we will not

come to the curative remedy in several cases.

Sometimes the Totality misleads us. Then there is a

Totality within Totality, which would point to the

correct remedy.

Arthur GRIMMER: One of the closest and best

KENT-student was intensely interested in Cancer

problem and wrote more papers on it. His “discovery”

was the Cadmium salts, especially Cadmium

sulphuricum – in Cancer therapy. On his death

Elizabeth Wright-HUBBARD said of him: “He was

one of the inner circle around KENT and was his

Secretary for some years. His knowledge of

Homœopathy was encyclopaedic, and his interest

extended into areas still under experimentation such as

his version of Abrams box. He was linked with names

like BOYD, STEARNS, BRYANT, MORGAN, etc. He

was one of the most high-minded, tender hearted, and

sweet-souled man you could imagine, and probably

among the very few most loved homœopaths, both by

patients and confreres … Unfortunately, he never

published a book. Some people write it and others live

it.”

When we read his article on the significance of

Rays, we can understand better the above-mentioned

importance of Phosphorus.

If we recall STEPHENSON, the most frequently

called for remedies for all Cancer types are:

 Phosphorus

 Silicea

 Arsenicum album

 Sulphur

 Conium maculatum

 Radium bromatum

 Sepia.

Radium bromatum is the often-prescribed medicine

in Cancer treatment. Let us therefore take a closer look.

In his Essay “The Power of Infinitesimals” (1947)

GRIMMER who was then 73 years, wrote in “Things

that prevent the curative action of well-selected

135

remedies”, in 1955, when GRIMMER was 81 years, “…

The extraordinarily distinct radiographs taken of the 60th

trituration of Rad.br. by Boericke and Tafel some years

ago knocked into a cocked hat the old threadbare claim

that there was no medicine in the 30th potency.”

From “Things that prevent the curative action of

well-selected remedies” in 1955 when GRIMMER was

81 years old in the book: “The Radiating Era” (Das

Strahlende Zeitalter) by Catherine CAUFILD, the

dangers of radiation, even accidentally set off, is clearly

explained. The Chernobyl leakage is recalled.

In an article “The Law of Similars and

Empiricism” published in the Journal of the

American Institute of Homœopathy, 1962:

“Medicines which antidote nuclear fall-out are:

Strontium carbonicum, Radium bromatum, Phosphorus

and Kali phosphoricum. The atomic fall out is a reason

why our remedies do not frequently work or work only

for brief time and thus negative action must be antidoted

before the indicated constitutional medicine can act.”

With reference to a very beautiful essay by

Melwike CAMPBELL in 1936 Homœopathic

Recorder on Radium bromatum, GRIMMER writes:

“There is an interesting history about Radium dial

watches. These watches interfered with the action of

homœopathic medicines. I have experienced this in

many of my cases. Dr. TREVANO himself experienced

in his body after he consulted me. He had periodical

headache, which was treated by Natrum muriaticum, but

there was always a relapse. He lost weight and was

worried about his health. At last, I observed he had a

watch, which had radium dial. I had him remove the

watch and gave Phosphorus, which is the best antidote.

Dr. TREVANO was cured of his complaints. I think

that when you observe such connections, you will often

get very surprising and happy results.” [There is the

story of the ‘Radium girls’. Radium dial wristwatches

were the fashion about the first half and even upto 30

years ago. The dials were dabbed with radium with the

help of fine brushes by young girls. These girls used to

moisten the tips of the brushes on their tongue to keep

the tip thin and pointed. Every one of them thus

consumed radium slowly and suffered later. This

practice was then abandoned. [Now we have other

hazards. Mobile phones, computers = KSS]

In another Essay “New Concepts of the Cancer

Question” GRIMMER writes:

“Two very valuable remedies for study in Cancer of

the tongue are Kali-cy. and Rad-br.

What we need in this country is a homœopathic

Cancer center in every big city or even in every city

where a half dozen or more homœopaths can work

together for homœopathic research. Besides the great

amount of good that would occur to many unfortunates,

the knowledge that Cancer can be cured and prevented

through homœopathic methods would become more

quickly and widely circulated, thus increasing our

usefulness to the world a thousand fold.” [Confreres to

please note = KSS]

GRIMMER proceeds further in the same

Homœopathic Recorder 1936:

“Another fact, which I have noted in my clinical

experience. There were cases of Tongue Cancer, which

had dark, thick, dilated veins and somewhat painful.

Three cases were after injury. The complaints were

there since many years. Kali cyanatum gave no relief.

Radium bromatum from XM to CM cured completely.

In one case, Radium bromatum 30 was given and in

another case, Radium bromatum 200 and both cured.”

In the Essay “Some Cancer Remedies and their

Indications” in 1936 when GRIMMER was 62 years:

“Cancer of the tongue … to that list I have added

Radium bromatum. I have had more satisfying results

with Radium bromatum in these conditions than with

any other remedy.”

From the list of antidote: “Antidotes to”: Radiation

therapy (for destruction of Capillaries, Eczema, Moles,

etc.) subsequent illness: Cadm-i., Fl-ac., Phos., Rad-br.,

Stront-c., X-ray.

From another essay by GRIMMER: “The

application of homœopathic remedies to Cancer

cases”.

“There is another pernicious form of irritation that

is making many carcasses. That is the practice,

advocated by most of those looked up to as authorities

on the treatment of Cancer, of employing large doses of

either X-ray or Radium on every mole, wart, small

ulcer, or blemish appearing on the skin. This procedure

either irritates and burns the local parts (because of over

dosing) setting up necrosis of surrounding cells

resulting in a rapid spreading of the sore and often

turning a benign and harmless growth of small

dimensions into a rapidly destructive malignant Cancer,

or, if the dose is lighter, the sore or mole or wart may be

destroyed and apparently healed with an unsightly scar

remaining. If the latter result is obtained, that patient

will inevitably develop, in the course of a few months or

years according to constitutional soil inheritance, a

Cancer in some of his vital organs. We have few

remedies that can antidote this kind of mischief because

the capillaries are obliterated by those destructive

agents; Cadm-i., Fl-ac. and Phos. are the only three

remedies I have found helpful in such cases. X-ray and

Radium preparations in potencies may be found useful

in some cases after further study and trial. For the

Anemia and Cachexia that often follows Radium abuse,

Phos. is the best antidote. For the ulcerating areas of

necrosis that seemingly defies all healing agents, Cadm-

i. is the only remedy I have known to help. For the X-

136

ray burn, Fl-ac. is the remedy that yields the best

clinical results.

Other observations by GRIMMER with reference

to Phosphorus:

“In advanced Cancer cases … Phos. … for

treatment of ailments from Radiation – Cadm-i., Fl-ac.,

Phos., Rad-brom., Stront-carb., X-ray. in Lung Cancer,

Liver Cancer, Intestinal Cancer, Oesophageal Cancer.”

We could verify the declarations of GRIMMER in

our clinic and they have great clinical value in Cancer of

Male Genitalia, the Scrotum, the Uterus, the Larynx,

Tongue, specially in Breast Cancer. We could verify in

our Clinic the work of Phosphorus, especially in Bone

metastasis pains.

The lesson from this: From the Nuclear

experiments and more so due to medicinal applications

of radiation for diagnostics and therapy the load on the

human organism is so severe, that more often it is far

worser than the original disease which is fought out, so

that poison due to treatment is often in the fore front for

consideration (see § 75 of the Organon)

Biochemistry of Phosphorus in human

metabolism: If we understand the role of Phosphorus in

Biochemistry, we will then be able to better

comprehend why in all processes involving energy, this

chemical has an important role to play. Cancer patients,

Radiation and Chemotherapy belong to this process of

extraordinary energy required process.

The anorganic Phosphorus blending: Together

with Calcium, Phosphorus is substantial part of bone

construction, therefore its great role in treating bone

tumors, specially the malignant e.g. Ewing-Sarcoma,

etc.

The organic Phosphorus blending is in all body

cells, partly as carrier of important life functions.

1. Energy housekeep of the cells.

2. Share in the building of genetic Material.

4. Significance in construction of cell membranes and

the brain substance. Therefore the importance of

Phosphorus in treatment of Gout and malignant brain

tumors.

5. Significance in Sugar – as also in Aminoacids

and Fat substance exchanges: Phosphorus is

important thus in Diabetes treatment.

Cases: The cases are divided into three categories.

Pure Phosphorus cases: These people may have

required Phosphorus as curative from their birth. The

basic remedy remained Phosphorus throughout the

whole Chemo- and Radiation- Therapy and also later,

when Cancer has been overcome.

Phosphorus cases in Cancer disease: These

patients required a definite constitution remedy (e.g.

Lycopodium) and during the Cancer disease then

Phosphorus.

Phosphorus cases through the Chemo-,

Radiation Therapy or through the atomic fall-out:

These patients require Chemotherapy or for the

radiation consequences Phosphorus and later another

remedy.

Pure Phosphorus Cases:

Case 1: Logoregional relapse of a Mamma

Carcinoma after Operation.

Therapy: The 40-year-old female patient received

Phosphorus.

Dosage: Q3 to Q15, and then the Kentian scale M,

M, XM, XM, CM, CM.

Local recurrence stabilized. General state

excellent. Follow-up: three years.

Case 2: Lymphoma with diffuse Lung metastasis and

therapy limited Lymphocytic Immunodepressoin in

a 10-year-old girl:

Diagnosis: 10-year-old girl from Italy was brought

by the parents. The diagnosis at first was Nodular-

sclerosing Lymphoma with a relatively good prognosis

under Chemo-and Radiation therapy. After allopathic

treatment the mediastinal Tumor increased four-fold and

the lungs were diffusely infiltrated. The Italian doctors

gave little hopes and agreed for treatment in our Clinic.

Treatment: From 3.9.2003 Phosphorus Q3 to Q28

parallel to renewed aggressive Chemotherapy (high

doses), which were well tolerated by the young patient

(she was attending the normal school) and the Tumor

mass began to retreat.

Case 3: Stomach Cancer: 40-year-old female patient

came to us at the beginning of 2001 with the diagnosis

of a large stomach Carcinoma a weight increase of 7 Kg

within an year, with weakness, pyrosis and burning pain

in stomach after eating.

Treatment: Phosphorus Q3 to Q30 and after that

KENT’s scale M, M, XM, XM, CM, CM, etc. at long

intervals.

Course: After 4 years: Gastroscopic finding:

stable, no metastatsis development, loss of 8 kg. No

stomach pain as soon as the Phosphorus therapy was

started, good energy, fully fit for his work, no digestive

problem.

Observation: From the patient’s side: A deep

perception in psychological and spiritual dimension.

Much psychotherapeutic and spiritual “work”.

Case 4: Recurrence of an operated and irradiated

Astrocytoma in a 42-year-old female patient:

Therapy began in 2001 with Phosphorus Q3 to Q30

and then again began form Q3 to Q20.

Course: During the 4-year treatment we could shut

off the 600 mg Tegretal as prevention of seizures. The

chronic headache which the patient suffered from was

137

clearly improved. She felt quite well. Neurological

control showed Tumor stable.

Phosphorus Cases in Cancer

Definition: We observed that, for example, the

Lung Carcinoma patient may have needed Lycopodium,

frequently before outbreak of the Cancer. During

Cancer he developed Phosphorus symptoms and suited

this remedy well while Lycopodium was often

ineffective in the cough, haemoptysis and pain. Since

this patient continued the Chemotherapy, Phosphorus

was needed more. Our observations have been

substantiated by GRIMMER.

The same is observed often in Breast-, Intestinal-

and Pancreas Carcinomas: Female patients who in their

previous history would have needed Lycopodium, Sepia

or other remedies indicate Phosphorus (not always) as

the curative remedy.

Similar observations were made in Cancer of

Oesophagus, i.e. the Totality of symptoms indicated, for

example, Lycopodium and the medicine for Cancer was

often Phosphorus.

Case 5: Pancreas Carcinoma: The 60-year-old

patient received Lycopodium as the basic medicine for

the Totality of symptoms and in this meanwhile he

developed a large Pancreas Carcinoma.

Therapy: Homœopathic treatment began on

10.12.2003 with Phosphorus Q3, Q4 and so on.

To the astonishment of the physician the patient

was pain free without any pain-killer medicine, for

which the patient and family were very thankful.

(GRIMMER’s assertion: For fighting pain in advanced

Cancer cases).

Case 6: Breast Cancer with Multiple Bone

Metastasis and Fracture of the Vertebra-body in a

45-year-old female patient:

Treatment began in September 2000: Phosphorus

Q3 to Q30, and Chemotherapy at the same time and

radiation of the fracture. Chemo- and irradiation were

well tolerated, and the Primary tumour completely went

away, to great surprise. The remaining pains went away

with Conium Q3 to Q9, and also with constitutional

treatment with Sepia Q3 to Q10 and lastly in accordance

with KENT, Sepia M, M, XM, XM, M, M, XM, XM,

CM, CM. To this day patient is pain free completely.

Since Phosphorus Q10 all pain medicines for the

Metastasis pains have gone away.

Case 7: Phosphorus a curative Medicine required

for ailments from Chemo-and Radiation therapy or

from atomic fall out:

Definition: In these cases Phosphorus works the best

during the Chemo- or Radiation therapy, later another

remedy comes in the series.

C.V.S.: COREA in “Homœopathy and Cancer” in

1974: “A patient, female 61 year consulted on 5 Feb.

1953 Uterine Cancer. Already Radiation and Radium in

General Hospital, Colombo, near about an year, but

with no result. Her son was informed to fulfill his

mother’s wishes, the Cancer was inoperable; she was

given short time life. She said that she felt being

consumed by fire. Drunk lot of ice cold water to reduce

the burning. She was sad, emaciated and extremely

weak. Did not sleep either during the day or night.

Generalities: Burn, X-ray from

Generalities: Food & drinks; cold; drinks, water;

desires; icy

My first prescription was Phosphorus C30 5 doses

every half hour; on the next day the pains were much

better and bearable. This medicine was not given

because of “drinking ice-cold water but as antidote for

the X-ray and Radium.” Phosphorus was continued at

intervals upto Phosphorus M.

Subsequently she was given Thuja M, XM, 50M

each day; repeated. Then Arsenicum album C30,

Sulphur 200 and Nux vomica 30.

The Tumor went away and she was well.

Other Examples

Case 8. Liver Cancer the size of a child’s head in

one year-old child:

The treatment began in January 2003 with

Phosphorus Q3 and went ahead upto Q30 (27 Bottles of

Phosphorus), parallelly allopathic Chemotherapy was

also applied which the child withstood well.

Dramatic shrinking of the Liver Tumor to 80% and

could then be operated.

During the pregnancy the mother dreamt vividly

that her child would die at one-year age (nobody

thought of this Diagnosis). There was great motivation

to the parents to take accompanying Homœopathic

therapy. The father was himself a Homœopath.

Case 9: Rhabdomyosarcoma – recurrence in a 6

year-old lad: Diagnosis and course: A six year-old

boy came in our clinic, because within a short time there

was relapse of a large Rhabdomyosarcoma, shortly after

completion of therapy; Chemotherapy, Operation and

Radiation Therapy. The prognosis is totally bad.

We began treatment in 1997 with Phosphorus Q3

to Q30 with parallel Chemotherapy. The Tumor began

to regress and became free from relapse. In 7-year

period of treatment Tuberculinum in increasing potency

was prescribed for an Eczema, in accordance with

KENT, similarly Bacillinum, Silicea and at end

Lycopodium for Asthma. The patient became well.

Note: The father is an admirer of Homœopathy.

Case 10: Teratoma of Coccyx with multiple Lung

and Liver metastasis: In a 3 year-old girl, diagnosis of

138

an inoperable Coccyx Teratoma with multiple Lung and

Liver metastasis.

Treatment: Therapy began in December 1999

with Phosphorus Q3 to 30, and then in accordance with

KENT Phosphorus 200, 200, M, M, XM in long

intervals. Lastly Sepia M, M, XM (last dose in August

2003). Immediately on commencement of Phosphorus

the pains began to come down and the girl became

better. Chemotherapy was continued parallel to

Homœopathy. Relatively rapid was the return to

normality and complete cure. The metastasis also went

away as also the primary tumour became smaller which

can then be operated upon. The Tumor marker (Alpha-

Fetoprotein) came down from more than 20,000 to

normal value. After 5 years of Homœopathic Therapy

the girl was very well and there was no more relapse.

Case 11: 20 year-old man from Ukraine, who produced

acute symptoms during the Chernobyl catastrophy:

Past history: In the days after Chernobyl

catastrophy those living in the surrounding with special

rockets sent up in the air, came under radioactivity. The

young patient said that the children of the village came

up with blood vomiting and bloody diarrhoea.

Treatment: Phosphorus in Q potencies until

complete cure of the Carcinoma.

ii. Important Symptoms observed in our

Phosphorus patients, which confirmed the choice

of the remedy Phosphorus. Dr. Dario SPINEDI.

(ZKH. S. 159, 4/2005)

Table I. Phosphorus Symptoms of our Cancer

Patients

Mind

Anxiety about children and family.

Fastens on to others.

The child will continuously hold on to the mother’s

hand.

Wishes, carried (held), to be

Ailments from care, grief, disappointed love.

In two children clear (clairvoyant) dreams of the mother

during pregnancy.

In the case of one child the mind symptoms of the

mother during her pregnancy.

Desires to be magnetized (laying hands on, or Pranic

healing helped these patients much).

Anxiety about others.

Extraordinary love of animals.

Hearty nature.

Desire for company, alone agg.

Answers slowly, reflects long.

Would sleep naked.

Desire to strike.

Desire to kill.

Weeping amel. the complaints.

Home-sickness.

Desires light.

Irritable from fasting.

Biting.

Precocious.

Fear in the dark.

Patient nature.

Benevolent.

Reserved.

Love of animals.

Love of children.

Sympathy.

Causeless weeping.

Weeps and laughs at the same time.

Sadness, weeping before menses.

Anger when awakened out of dreams.

Fear of mental disease.

Internal restlessness.

Restless in bed, rolls about.

Vertigo

Vertigo during Fever.

Everything turns around.

The room turns around.

Vertigo when turning in bed.

Head

Headache from perfumes.

Headache from change of weather, wind.

Milk crust.

Hairs sensitive to touch.

Headache better by massaging.

Sensation of hairlessness.

Numbness of temples.

Eyes

Redness of the eyelids.

Nose

High sensitivity of sense of smell.

Epistaxis in children.

Coagualted nasal bleeding, with clotted blood.

Adenoids.

Chronic coryza.

Nasal discharges bloody in mornings when wiping the

nose.

Yellowish-green nasal discharge.

Catarrh extends to chest.

Ears/Hearing

Sharp hearing.

Own voice echoes in ear.

Cerumen increased.

Hearing decreased in tube catarrh.

Face

Recurrent Herpes simplex.

Wrinkled forehead.

139

Red when excited.

Mouth, Teeth

Delayed dentition.

Dryness of mouth during nights.

Dryness of mouth with thirst.

Red margins of tongue.

Red stripe in centre of tongue.

Saliva flows in sleep.

Grinding of teeth in sleep.

Mouth open.

Mapped tongue.

Throat, internal and external

Dry throat, nights.

Throat, burning when coughing.

Throbbing carotids.

Stomach

Stomach ulcer.

Stomach pains better from cold drinks.

Regurgitation immediately after eating.

Water collects in the mouth after eating.

Thirstless in fever.

Vomiting from least excess.

Vomiting yellow.

Thirst for small quantity, often.

Abdomen

Pancreas disease.

Loud (audible) noises from the bowels.

Brown flecks on abdomen.

Rectum

Itching after passing stool.

Stool

Sheep dung stool.

Watery, yellow, green, brown.

With food particles.

Shooting out.

Sour smelling.

Urinary organs

Dribbles after urination.

Genitalia

Tends to masturbation.

Sexual desire severe.

Sexual desire increases before menstruation.

Stitching ovarian pain during the menses.

Ovarian pains during menses.

Spasmodic ovarian pains.

Meno-Metrorrhagia.

Satisfaction wanting from coition.

Larynx and Trachea

Nasal tone.

Tone hoarse.

- Painless

- Painful

- From mucous in vocal cords

- From talking

- From exertion.

Constant hawking.

Respiration

Dyspnoea lying on left.

Cough and Expectoration

Cough, must sit up.

Nervous cough.

Cough from laughing, from talking.

Chest

Recurring lung inflammation

Lung inflammation

-- right

-- left

-- Children, in

Recurring Mastitis from suckling

Offensive smelling axillary sweat

Stitching sternum pain when inspiring

Back

Lumbar back pains, morning in bed

Back pains burning between the scapulae

Heat along the spine

Oversensitivity of the spine

Back pain, massage ameliorates

Extremities

Sticks the feet out of bed

Cold feet evenings, nightly in bed

Sleepless from cold feet

Itching blisters between fingers

Brittle fingernails

Offensive feet sweat

Numbness of hands mornings after waking up

- Numbness of palms

- Numbness of feet when sitting

- Numbness of soles of feet

Peeling of fingertips

Swelling of veins of the back of hands

Warts on footsole

Jerking of limbs in sleep

Sleep and Dreams

Sleep position on abdomen

Bright (vivid) dreams

Dreams of horses

Dreams of blood

Dreams of being murdered

Dreams of biting (stinging) animal

140

Sleep in knee-elbow position

Left side lying impossible

Skin

Herpes cincinatus

Herpes zoster

Herpes simplex

Jaundice, virulent

Rapidly blue flakes

Itching from undressing

General

Hypotension

Aversion to fat

Desires ice cream

(even in Winter)

Desire milk, particularly cold milk

Desires salt

Desires for pungent food

Desire for refreshing food

Desire for or aversion to fish

Desire for ice cold drinks

Desire for sour fruits

Faint feeling - in Fever

- while fasting

Weather, sensitivity to

Aggravation of many ailments when storm approaches

Many complaints are better by massaging

Consequences of X-rays, from Radiation therapy

Consequences of Chemotherapy

Consequences of atomic fall out (Children of

Chernobyl)

Thin persons

Full moon aggravation.

*********************************************

IV. i. Chelidonium and organ therapy

Von KELLER Georg

BHJ. (70, 3/1981)

Summary

The author first of all quotes from Rademacher’s

Erfahrungsheillehre der alten scheidekünstigen

Gehimärzte and Rudolph Steiner’s 1920 Lectures to

Doctors and Medical Students, to show that

considerable differences exist within Homœopathy and

similar schools of medicine regarding the method of

finding the remedy.

Paracelsus, Rademacher, Rudolph Steiner and

others hold the view that the physician must first

diagnose the organ in which the disease takes its origin,

before he can prescribe the appropriate organotropic

medicine. HAHNEMANN of the other hand is against

such a theoretical approach and depends entirely on the

predominantly subjective symptoms of the individual, to

find a remedy for this particular person and not for an

abstract disease.

Only those who follow Rademacher’s line of

thought will therefore be content with seeing a remedy

such as Chelidonium as a specific for the liver. The

Hahnemannians need all the symptoms of the remedy

for their method, down to the smallest and most

subjective detail.

With the aid of tape recordings made in his surgery,

the author therefore goes into the details of three

indications for Chelidonium – abdominal pain, pain in

the back, and headache. This establishes the fact that,

as with all remedies, the action of Chelidonium is in no

way limited to a single organ, but extends to the whole

human being, and to all his organs.

In conclusion it is stated that the remedy may be

frequently indicated if there is hepatic involvement, but

that a closer study of the more detailed actions of

Chelidonium will enable the practitioner to recognize it

far more frequently in the patients he sees day by day,

and become more certain in his choice of the remedy.

In Homœopathy and associated fields, the views we

hold on the origin of disease and on the method of

finding the remedy differ profoundly from those of

other schools. My intention today is to demonstrate

these far-reaching differences to you, using a brief

characterization of the remedy Chelidonium as an

example.

On the one hand we have HAHNEMANN,

proponent of Homœopathy in the more specific sense,

particularly as he was against prescribing the remedy

according to the name of the disease, and called for

strict individualization.

On the other hand we have Rademacher, a man

greatly influenced by the teaching of Paracelsus, whose

Erfahrungshellehre (Empirical Medicine)1 was held in

considerable regard. Emil Schlegel’s Doctrine of

Signatures and hence the concepts developed by Rudolf

Steiner in the field of medicine show themselves related

to this, and this group also includes those of

Hahnemann’s followers who wished to hold on to the

old concepts and felt unable to take the step into

individualization.

In my opinion, understanding these differences will

be a help to you particularly when we consider the

remedy Chelidonium, for the view generally held with

this remedy is that it is, in the first instance, organ-

specific, a liver remedy. Permit me, therefore, to go

into these differences in some detail.

The view that the action of a remedy is specific, i.e.

exclusively directed at one particular organ, or that such

a remedy will always cure a particular disease or stage

141

of a disease, is held in common by those in the second

group described above, the non-Hahnemannians.

RADEMACHER reveals this very clearly in his

discussion of Chelidonium, where he defines the organ-

specificity of Chelidonium even more closely.

“To begin with, I must confess, to my shame, that

until 1827 I disdained to use this remedy, famous as a

liver remedy from early times, thinking that I had long

since found a better one to replace it. The reason why I

held it in such low esteem was that in my young days I

had repeatedly seen it used in cases of jaundice without

seeing any evidence that the jaundice went away with it.

“In 1827 finally I was punished for my disbelief in

the experience of the old masters, being put to much

trouble, care and racking of brains. During the late

summer of that year, a very strange fever began to show

itself. After long and careful consideration – during

which I had to play the role of a man irresolute and of

the cautious experimenter for much longer than I should

have liked – I recognized it as a condition originating in

the inner part of the liver, as distinct form affections

involving the convex and concave aspects of the liver.”

Let me remind you that in those days physicians

dealt almost exclusively with acute conditions, often

epidemic, that put the patient’s life at risk.

“Before the fever I have described, another one had

prevailed for a whole year. This I had seen as a

condition originating in the pancreas and soon cured

with iodine. The one set being practically the same with

both fevers, I first became aware of the unknown nature

of the one described above when iodine did not produce

a cure. In my examination, then, I knew in advance that

I was not dealing with the pancreas.”

Please note the way the conclusion is drawn here –

iodine proving of no use, Rademacher excludes disease

of the Pancreas.

“Having tried Nux vomica, Quassia, Calomel and

others in vain, a vague memory came to me that

Ettmüller had formerly cured malignant pestilential

fevers with the greater celandine.” (p.163)

RADEMACHER thus got the notion to try

Chelidonium as well, and did so with success. With

this, Chelidonium had become a specific for the inner

parts of the liver.

With any new epidemic, Rademacher had to rely

almost entirely on intuition and experimentation to find

his remedies. Symptoms, or the “incidentals of disease”

as he called them, were not to him a suitable means for

finding the remedy. In the chapter entitled “The

Triviality and Inadequacy of Incidentals as a Means of

Identification” (1, page 584 in vol.2), he says the

following:

“Even pathology leads us to suspect that we shall

find it very hard to identify the primary organ involved

with the aid of the incidentals of the disease. Not

infrequently it is the originally affected organ that is

least disturbed in its functions, but its primary disease

causes sympathetic diseases in other organs and these

usually attract the greatest attention.

“By attaching too much value to incidentals as a

means of identification, we may therefore get incredibly

misled. A primary disease of one and the same organ

can produce a sym-pathology of quite different organs

in different organisms. If one wished to mention all the

sym-pathological incidentals of such a disease, one

would in each case have to list a whole host of

incidentals. Such a host of incidentals will however

merge to such an extent into the hosts of incidentals for

other primary organic diseases that it becomes totally

useless for practical purposes.”

He saw, quite rightly, that every illness may have ‘a

whole host’ of symptoms in different individuals, and in

all the organs of an individual, and he did not think it

possible to relate the endless variety of individual

illnesses to the wide variety of drug symptoms in such a

way that an ordered picture emerged. He therefore

preferred to identify the cause of a disease more or less

intuitively, and prescribe a remedy known to be

effective in treating such a cause. If he did not yet

know the cause, he found the remedy by trial and error,

basing his conclusions as to the cause on this.

You will now see what must have been the impact

of the revolutionary approach put forward in the

Organon. Clearly and logically, Hahnemann

demonstrated that we cannot base medical practice on

such a method for finding the cause of a disease2, but

that the remedy can only be found from those despised

incidentals of a disease, and, what is more, not the

objective symptoms, but rather the subjective symptoms

of the individual patient.

To Hahnemann, the aim of medical practice was

not to gain a deeper insight into the inner connexions,

and even less to discover the causes of disease, the

organ that is the site of the primary illness, but solely

and entirely to achieve a cure, to find the right remedy

for the individual patient.

RADEMACHER, his predecessors and successors

held the view that in principle, only ONE remedy

should be the right on for one disease. They were all

looking for THE specific remedy for one disease, one

stage in a disease, or one particular organ that was the

site of the primary disease. They believed that once one

has IDENTIFIED the nature of the disease, it should be

possible to deduce the remedy for that disease directly

from that identification.

Surely this was also the natural approach to therapy

for Rudolf STEINER who, in 1920, said the following

in the last of his lectures to the medical profession:

“I can’t say that I always get satisfaction when I

look at Homœopathy and assess it. It does have the

142

merit, compared to allopathic medicine, of considering

the whole man, always looking at the picture produced

by the totality of actions, and furthermore that it aims to

establish links with the remedies. But there is also

another feature to homœopathic medical literature. If

one takes that literature, one might indeed despair, to

begin with, because, for example, the remedies are

listed one after the other, particularly in the clinical

literature, and each of them always is the cure for a

whole host of diseases. It is never possible to arrive at

the specific element easily, on the basis of the literature;

everything is good for so and so many things. The only

way to improve the situation is to take our way of

looking at the nature of man and of the world outside

him, and move on to narrow down the actions of a

remedy, to delimit the remedy”3

Rudolf STEINER had a different aim from ours.

Wanting to achieve the purely practical aim of curing

the one particular patient who is sitting in front of us,

we are prepared to forego the full knowledge of the

deeper context. Rudolf Steiner on the other hand was

concerned to convey this very knowledge. His intention

was not to deal with the more technical details of

finding the homœopathic remedy which he assumed his

listeners were already familiar with.

With us, however, it is the details that matter. To

find the remedy in the individual case, we must exactly

consider the similarities in great detail. The more the

distinguishing details of symptoms agree, down to the

actual words used to describe them, the more can we be

sure of having chosen the right remedy.

I now come to my actual theme, presenting to you

some of the symptoms of Chelidonium. I am going to

pay particular attention to the details. It may seem at

times that these are minor points of small importance,

and you will find that individual provers and patients

are constantly using different expressions to describe a

sensation or modality, but if you take the trouble and try

to feel the sensations described, however inadequately,

by prover or patient, you will, in due course, when the

next Chelidonium patient sits before you, find the

remedy al the more quickly and surely.

During the middle of the last century, physicians

found it easier to follow Rademacher’s way of thinking

than Hahnemann’s. They had to deal with acute, often

epidemic, diseases that did not allow much time for

going into the finer points of the individual case. It is

not surprising, therefore, that a slightly yellowy face,

light-coloured stools, or a hard liver sensitive to

pressure, was the sole reason for diagnosing occult liver

disease and prescribe Chelidonium.

More incidental discoveries then led to the addition

of further, rather general, indications, such as the one

for right-sided Pneumonia given by TESTE4 in Paris.

Those were of course discoveries made more or less by

the method of RADEMACHER, by trial and error. No

comparison was made, as a rule, between the more

detailed symptoms of patient and remedy, despite the

fact that the proving of Chelidonium published by

HAHNEMANN 30 years earlier, in 1825, did on the

whole contain the leading symptoms we know today.

Let me read you the introduction to this proving:

“The ancients believed the yellow colour of the sap

of the plant to be a sign (signature) that it was of use in

biliary complaints. More recently, its use has been

extended to liver diseases, and although there have been

cases where the plant was of obvious use, diseases of

this part differ so much among each other, and at the

same time the cases where Chelidonium is aid to have

been helpful have been described in so little detail by

the physicians, that their descriptions cannot possibly be

taken to predict in advance the cases where this remedy

should henceforth be of certain use.”5

BUCHMANN published a further proving6 in 1866,

demonstrating that the actions of Chelidonium are in no

way limited to the liver. He also listed individual cases

of other diseases where a cure had been achieved, to

prove that this was not merely a liver remedy, but a

polychrest. Yet it was to be many years before clinical

cases were to be reported in the literature where the

remedy was prescribed with success, on the basis of its

leading symptoms, to treat diseases other than those of

the liver.

Below, a small selection of Chelidonium symptoms

is presented. You will note that it is in no way possible

to maintain that the action of this remedy is limited to

the liver. Like every other remedy, Chelidonium acts on

the human being as a whole and on all his organs. To

establish this, we merely need to consider the remedy in

its details, and use it frequently to treat our patients. If

we stick entirely to tradition, we shall have no idea of its

true range.

Let me start with the most widely known indication

for Chelidonium, abdominal pain, frequently extending

to the back, and particularly the inferior angle of the

right scapula, better from eating, and frequently burning

or paroxysmal, contraction in nature. Sensitivity to

pressure or touch is also frequently found. First, the

contracting, paroxysmal pain-

HAHNEMANN, symptom No.58: “Paroxysmal

contracting of the navel, accompanied by passing

nausea.”

HARTLAUB and TRINKS, vol. 1., symptom No.

60: “Contracting sensation in the stomach, with

qualmishness” and No.61:”Contracting sensation in the

region below the stomach.”

BUCHMANN, symptom No. 767: “Violent pain in

the pit of the stomach, as though the stomach were

being constricted” and No. 804: “Constrictive sensation

143

right across the navel as if a rope were pulled tight

around the body.”

KISSEL case (1904): “The contracting pain was

passing through both hypochondria and upwards along

the chest.”7

Mr.M., on 29 July and 1 September 1975: “It is my

stomach that gives trouble. I get paroxysmal pains,

more recently when my stomach is empty, and

especially in the afternoons and evenings. The pain is

mostly in the region of the duodenum. It extends

through to the back, and is quite paroxysmal. I get the

pain on an empty stomach, and when I eat anything it

does me good, when I have something in my stomach it

feels better. You can’t call the pain piercing, it is a

drawing pain, contracting.”

Miss. K, on 4 April 1978: “It’s my stomach. It

contracts convulsively. Yesterday it started as early as

half past three and then went on into the night. Today I

drowned the pain in milk. It was alright then.

Drowning it in milk was good for the stomach. Before,

I sometimes had to eat something at ten o’clock at night;

if I ate then I’d have no spasm at night. When it hurts, it

hurts to up in the back, not on the right side, but it

radiated upwards exactly in the middle”

Improvement from milk is another good

characteristic of Chelidonium that may sometimes lead

one to think of this particular remedy. The proving

symptoms are:

HAHNEMANN, symptom No.44: “Great thirst for

milk and afterwards feeling good in the whole body,

however much of it he took he would feel no

discomfort, when otherwise it caused a lot of flatus for

him.”

HARTLAUB and TRINKS, vol. 1, symptom

No.59: “Milk soup which she normally did not tolerate

well, was quite beneficial today.”

BUCHMANN, symptom No.690: “Milk tastes

lovely to her, better than ever.”

To continue with abdominal pain, sensitivity to

touch, and burning sensation-

HERING, Guiding Symptoms8: “Griping, pressing

pain in and below scrobiculum < from touch”, and

“Aching, gnawing pain in stomach, with a sense of

constriction; < from pressure; > from eating.”

HAHNEMANN, symptom No.52: “Burning

sensation of the left, below the ribs, vertical to the pit of

the stomach.”

HARTLAUB and TRINKS, vol. 3, symptom No.9:

“Burning in the stomach, with eructations.”

Mr. Sch., on 22nd April 1975: “And most of all

here, in the liver, a light touch will be enough for me to

get a pain there, like burning, as soon as one presses on

it lightly.”

Mrs B., on 12 December 1977: “Kaolin always

helps, too, when I get a burning sensation in the

stomach. I don’t get eructations, there’s always just a

burning pain there, in the stomach, often also in the

mornings; often it is like this, that I don’t feel at all well

in the mornings and I have that burning, and when I’ve

had my breakfast it will be better. It is really mostly

better from eating. And when it comes after a meal,

then it is many hours afterwards, not right away. And I

also get those biliary colics nowadays, and that is

always something like 3 or 4 hours after a meal; I don’t

notice anything right away.”

For Mrs. Sch., I noted down on 28 July 1967,

“Sensitive to pressure in the region of the gallbladder,

pain extending to back. Drawing pain from left to right

in epigastrium and into right shoulder blade.”

Sensitivity to pressure in the costal margin with

Chelidonium, at the border between epigastrium and the

right hypochondrium, made Weihe in his day consider if

similar points might not be found also for other

remedies.

Now the abdominal pain radiating to the back:

HARTLAUB and TRINKS, vol. 1, symptom No.

68: “A sharpish, painful stitch right into the pit of the

stomach, passing through the body and into the back.”

BUCHMANN, symptom No. 763: “Ache in the pit

of the stomach and at the same level in the back.”

If one considers how frequently these abdominal

pains radiating to the back are mentioned in the reports

of cases cured - in my own case records, the symptoms

has also come up a number of times – it seems

surprising that these are the only two symptoms to give

a hint of it in the provings. That is also why Neidhard,9

when mentioning the following detail from a case in

1855 – “Pain shooting from the liver region in the

direction of the back” – added: “The symptom is not to

be found among the pathological symptoms of

Chelidonium, yet like all the other symptoms it was

cured by Chelidonium.”

Wassily case (1939): A 51–year-old man was

suffering from right-sided supra-orbital neuralgia.

Palpitation revealed tenderness of the liver and

gallbladder. Sclera slightly yellow. I intended to start

treatment with Aconite, but as he added, quite

spontaneously, that he was almost all the time conscious

of a pain below the right shoulder blade, I prescribed

Chelidonium 30.”

Mr. B., 14 October 1974: “A slight pain is always

there, going to the right from the navel, it is more or less

better when I have eaten, Sometimes it is a kind of

piercing pain or also an ordinary pain, but always going

more to the back.”

Miss R., 6 February 1976: “It is a pressure, a

pressure inside, it always goes across there and around,

when it is really bad it goes up to the shoulder blade. It

comes on about 2 or 3 hours after a meal, sometimes it

may wake me during the night, at 2 or 3 a.m. When it is

144

very bad, it contracts in the epigastrium like a large

lump, it radiates out to the back then, into the shoulder

blade.”

And now the improvement from eating. You will

see that it is a general symptom with not only the gastric

pain but also the headache and nausea better from

eating.

HARTLAUB and TRINKS, vol. 3, symptom No. 8:

“Particular sensation in the stomach, like a gnawing or

burrowing, goes away after a meal.”

LIEDBECK, in a small proving done in 185311:

“Sensation of well-being immediately after a meal.”

BUCHMANN, symptom No. 684: “He has to take

a bit of white bread, to get rid of the nausea.”

Mrs. Sch., 2 December 1974: “During the night I

always feel so sick. It comes up all the way from

below, into the head. Perhaps if I were to get up and eat

something it might get better, but I can’t get myself out

of bed. It is always around three of four in the morning,

I really wake up with it then.”

A feeling of nausea from abdomen up into the head

is also to be found in the provings:

SCHÖNKE, a small proving done in 182712:

“Nausea, rising up from the stomach, with a gentle

nipping sensation and warmth in the region of the

stomach.”

BUCHMANN, symptom No. 738: “Nausea, rising

up from the stomach.”

Aggravation at three or four in the morning is

mentioned by Buchmann, symptom No.112: “Usual

waking towards four in the morning, due to various

discomforts.”

Pain in the back, at the inferior angle of the right

scapula, does of course also occur in isolation, when the

patient does not feel it arising from the stomach or the

liver. This pain, too, is often paroxysmal or it is

described as a kind of contraction, similar to the

epigastric pain.

HAHNEMANN, symptom No.75: “Pinching,

cramp-like pain at the inner margin of the right shoulder

blade; stopped him moving his arm.”

Mrs K., 1 August 1977: “I feel a bit there as if there

were a lump in the back, by the right shoulder blade. It

stops the moment I have got up again.”

Mrs A., 18 August 1975: “It is somehow as if

something has got caught there, at the right shoulder

blade. It is worst when sitting.”

But the pain in the back I am going to present to

you now is somewhat different in nature – a stabbing

pain, as if with a knife, frequently between the shoulder

blades, and often aggravated by moving the arm, just

like the symptom mentioned from Hahnemann’s

proving.

HAHNEMANN, Symptom No. 72: “Lancinating

pain next to the vertebrae, in the middle of the back.”

BUCHMANN, symptom No.1168: “Stitches

between the shoulder blades” and No.1193: “She wakes

with pain in the right scapula, worse when breathing in

and on moving the right arm.”

Mr L., 16 December 1974: “Here in the middle, on

my stomach, I’ve had a slight burning pain. At times I

also have these hard stools, like sheeps’ droppings.

Because I did some heavy work with a hoe, for perhaps

ten minutes, it has go into me and from that time it has

been in there, between the shoulder blades, it is a feeling

as if one were bashing in a knife, and I can’t turn round

any more then.”

Another patient had it suddenly enter at the right

lower shoulder blade when painting the ceiling and yet

another complained of a stabbing pain between the

shoulder blades when he picked anything up off the

floor.

Mrs Sch., 28 June 1976: “When I turn onto my

right side at night I wake up from the pain, or if I simply

make a movement with my right arm. It shoots in there,

them, there is a stab at the moment at the inferior angle

of the right scapula.”

Now we come to the headache. The action of the

remedy in supraorbital neuralgia was discovered at a

relatively early stage. It is interesting to note that the

pain certainly was not always on the right side, but

could nevertheless be related to the hepatic action of the

remedy. Neidhard9 said the following in 1855:

“More recently, physiological experiments have

shown that in cases where the right side of the spine or

any organ on that side is affected, the left side of the

head becomes involved.”

21 proving symptoms in the region of the eyes were

left-sided, and only 9 right-sided.

The supraorbital neuralgia, a well-known condition,

is characterized by sharp pain, lachrymation, sensitivity

to light, and initial improvement from pressure of the

hand, with increasing sensitivity to touch following.

But Chelidonium also has other types of headache. I am

going to try and present one of them to you.

A striking sensation is the frequent occurrence of a

sensation of swelling or pressure from with outwards.

In the region of the trunk, contraction pain is the

predominant characteristic, but here in the region of the

head, the direction of the pain is reversed. The

modalities are aggravation on bending down,

amelioration from eating and from warmth, with local

heat giving improvement, in contradistinction to the

general sensitivity to warm and bad air that is also

frequently seen with Chelidonium. Affected sites are

the ear, the forehead and the back of the head. A

rushing noise in the ears or in the head is also present on

occasion.

HAHNEMANN, symptom No.3: “Outward

pressing, oppressive headache, predominantly towards

145

the forehead, greatly increased in the open air, by

coughing blowing one’s nose, and bending down, but

not felt during meals, persisting throughout the day”,

and symptom No.4: “Pressure in the cerebrum, as if

there was not enough room for it in the brain and it

wanted to push through the ear, with a noise as of a

distant weir in the latter.”

HARTLAUB and TRINKS, vol. 3, symptom No. 4:

“Pain in the forehead as though the brain would fall out,

in the afternoon, on bending down”, and symptom No.6:

“Painful outward pressure in the right ear.”

Mrs K., 14 October 1976: “I did already notice that

there was a pain there on the left, below the ear, it hurts

as if there were a rushing sound in the ear.”

Mr Sch., 31 October 1975: “I have a headache, a

thick head; it is there, above the eyes, as if it were

pressing outwards; especially when I bend down it

presses outward in front. It is sometimes a problem to

think. It is not really an out and out headache, more a

thick skull, my head is altogether roaring.”

Mrs H., 22 August 1977: “I felt so dizzy with the

headache. The pain went from the forehead, from

above the eyes, to the back. There was such pressure on

the head, as if someone inside were pushing outward, I

pressed against it a bit; it was as if it was blown up, a

real pressure from inside.”

Mr D., 9 May 1977: “I also get a headache, up the

back there, in the back of the head and nape, or pressure

on both sides up to the forehead. Sometimes I have the

impression that it gets better when I have had some

food. The pain is only in the right shoulder during the

night, then I wake with it, but I have found one thing –

if I lie on the right, on the shoulder, so that it gets warm,

it goes away again.”

I do not want to tire you, so let me just mention a

few symptoms I have confirmed in my own cases,

without going into details with proving symptoms and

the symptoms of my patients.

First there is an interesting location: two fingers

below the patella, on one side.

Then a certain kind of constipation, with stools in

balls like sheep’s dung and ineffective urging.

Also an unusual sleepiness at night. One woman

patient I had always slept for a few minutes in her chair

before going to bed.

A symptom relating to memory: She easily forgets

what she intended to do or what she has been doing.

The skin, particularly at the front of the thorax,

shows small patches or there is acute burning pain, like

from nettles, frequently showing herpetiform changes.

At the beginning of this lecture, I described the

enormous difference which existed between the

approach to therapy used by those thinking in terms of

specifics, like Rademacher, on the one hand, and

Hahnemann on the other.

I have also shown that the former tried to narrow

the action of Chelidonium known, limiting it to the

liver, whilst HAHNEMANN used another method, i.e.

provings on healthy subjects and individualization in the

selection of the remedy, to show that this remedy, too,

acts on the whole human being, on all his organs, and

may be used as a remedy for diseases of all organs.

However great the differences may have been in the

medical thinking of HAHNEMANN and

RADEMACHER, in practice we are the heirs of both.

It is relatively rarely, though with increasing experience

more and more often, that we actually hear a patient

repeat a single proving symptom of Chelidonium,

sometimes even using exactly the same words, and then

find that all his other symptoms also fit Chelidonium.

On the other hand, there will still be many cases today

where we shall think of Chelidonium only because we

notice that the liver appears to be involved in a

particular case, or that all the symptoms of a patient are

right-sided.

We are of course aware that this is a mere

expedient, and shall endeavour, as often as we can, to

compare these cases, too, with the proving symptoms, in

order to deepen and extend our knowledge of the

remedies. I hope I have been able to contribute to this

today.

REFERENCES:

1. Rademacher JG. Rechtfertigung der von den

Gelehrten misskannten verstandesrechten

Erfahrungsheillehre der alten scheidekünstigen

Geheimärzte 3rd edn. 1848.

2. Hahnemann S. Organon der Heilkunst.§§ 6 and 7’

3. Steiner R.Vortrags-Zyklus

4. Teste. Allg. Hom.Ztg. 1861; 63:81.

5. Hahnemann S. Reine Arzneimittellehre (Materia

Medica Pura) 2nd edn. 1825. German vol. 4p. 263;

and Hartlaub CGC and rinks CF. Reine

Arzneimitellehre German vol. 1, p.327 and vol.3

p.331 1828 and 1831).

6. Buchmann O. Symptomenregister zu der in der

Allegemeinen Homöpathischen Zeitung (AHZ)

Band 70 and 71 enthaltenen Prüfung des

Chelidonium majus L. Monatsblatt z.71. Band der

Allg. Hom. Ztg. 1865: p.21.

7. Kissel. Allg.Hom. Ztg. 1904; 149: 14.

8. Hering C. The Guiding Symptoms of our Materia

Medica. Vol. 4 p.13. 1884.

9. Neidhard C. Allg. Hom. Atg. 1855. 49: 22.

10. Wassily P. Deutsche Zeitschrift für

Homöopathie 1939; p.182.

11. Liedbeck. Allg. Hom. Ztg. 1853; 45:27.

146

12. Schönke. Praktische Mitteilungen der

correspondierenden Gesellschaft homöopathischer

Ärzte 1827; p.5

*******************************************

ii. COCCULUS

And how far Homœopathy can be taught

Georg Von KELLER

(B H J, 69, 2/1980)

Today, I wish to speak to you about Cocculus. This

is of course not the first paper to be read on the subject.

In 1912, for instance, a meeting of the Berlin

Association of Homœopathic Physicians took place on

23 May. Ten members and two visitors were present.

Meetings were held once a fortnight in those days, and

the papers were later published in their journal,

including the one Dr. VON OISTE1 read that evening

on Cocculus.

Intoxication

Like everyone else, he referred to the use of

Cocculus as a fish poison in his introduction. The fish

may be gathered with both hands if one first immerses a

small bag of Cocculus fruits in the water. The drug is

also known to have been used in the preparation of

intoxicant drinks in the Orient – naturally enough, for

every narcotic is also intoxicant. The story goes that

Cocculus was formerly used to adulterate beer or porter,

to increase their intoxicating effect.

Being an intoxicant, Cocculus also produces an

intense headache in the provings2: headache as though

intoxicated, and vertigo as though intoxicated. Dr. Von

OISTE put it as follows: “The subject has a sensation of

numbness, his head feels befogged, and particularly on

rising in the morning he feel as if he had been drunk,

very much like a hangover.”

One of my patients (a) also referred to this, as

follows: “I have some problems with my circulation at

the moment. I keep feeling like I might fail the

breathalizer test, as if I had been drinking. Most of all if

I move my head quickly, and when I bend down. It’s a

loss of balance, especially getting up in the mornings.”

It may surprise you to hear that this sensation, so

utterly characteristic of Cocculus, does not appear in the

20th century German literature. STAUFFER3 has

“Vertigo, with a dazed feeling, as if poisoned”. The

puzzle is explained if one remembers that the first

textbook of Materia Medica published in German, the

FARRINGTON4, was in fact translated from the

English in 1891. In English, the term for both the

drunken state of being poisoned is “intoxication”, and

the translator chose to render this as “poisoned”.

Seasickness

Dr. VON OISTE then spoke of the use of Cocculus

for seasickness and travel sickness – in those days of

course travel by tram or train, as there were not many

cars at that time. Some of the proving symptoms point

very much in this direction. Let me quote

HAHNEMANN2: “A sickly headache, as if he had

taken an emetic, with nausea.” “Real loathing of food,

even the smell of food will arouse it, and yet feeling

hungry.” “Exceeding nausea and sickness when

traveling in a carriage.” “Mind concentrated on a single

unpleasant thought, ignoring all else around one.”

Anyone who has ever been seasick will know how

similar the symptoms are.

Hollow, all-gone feeling

Added to this is the very characteristic sensation of

emptiness. With Cocculus and with seasickness, one

gets not just a feeling of emptiness, but a real hollow

sensation, a feeling as though there is nothing in there

any more, or even as though that whole part of the body

were no longer there, and this may be in the head, in the

abdomen, or in the chest. To quote Hahnemann2: “She

feels as empty and hollow in the abdomen as if she had

no viscera,” and HERING5: “Dizzy sensation, as if she

had no head.”

Listen, then, to one of my women patients (b):

“Well, when I am really tired and for example when I

wipe something up off the floor, if I bend down quickly

and then come up again, I get the feeling as if something

had to clear up there first, more a kind of dizziness, a

lack of blood in the head. When I have a headache I do

not like lying on my back.”

Or another patient (c): “Over the week, I soon get

the feeling as though I were quite hollow inside, all

gone, inside, in the chest.”

Dr. VON OISTE gives an even better description of

this sensation, having had it himself: “That dreadful

sensation of hollowness in the head and in the belly,

giving rise to nausea and causing one to faint, is very

much like when one moves forward on a swing, or goes

down in a lift. It is no mere weakness, but absolutely

the sensation as if those parts were hollow, one’s head,

chest, or belly. It is a sensation as if one did not have an

abdomen at all any more.”

147

DAHLKE6 also described this, in 1892: “The

hollowness in the stomach one gets with Cocculus is not

the usual sensation of emptiness, but a sensation as if

there were a hollow space, a hole.”

The first report on the use of Cocculus for

seasickness was published by HERING7 who took it

himself on the sea journey to Paramaribo in 1826.

TRINKS8 wrote in 1826 that it had helped ladies who

became sick in a carriage. After that, it was many years,

i.e. not until 18789, before anyone again mentioned

prescribing the remedy for seasickness or travel

sickness. The reason for this may be that people had

quite different problems at that time.

In those days, any acute febrile illness could prove

fatal, childhood diseases that are quite harmless today

would frequently end fatally, and they also occurred in

adults. Epidemics were rife at that time, and there were

far fewer doctors than there are today. Harmless

conditions like seasickness, chronic complaints unlikely

to cause death, and particularly also states more

suggestive of hysteria, were not considered sufficiently

serious to call in a physician. A physician would be of

the opinion anyway that it was his vocation only to deal

with serious disease, and he would have felt it to be

beneath his dignity to deal with such minor complaints.

In fact, HIRSCHEL10 even complained, in the

journal he published, that HAHNEMANN should not be

taken seriously, for he had demeaned himself by

treating chronic conditions. He stated that “during the

latter part of his otherwise so active life, Hahnemann

did not stand by the bedside, but dealt in consultations

for chronic conditions”. HIRSCHEL was of course not

the only one to raise this kind of objection, we know

that Griesselich, too, took that line, and with much less

tact, whilst HAHNEMANN was still living.

What physicians needed in those days were

remedies for instant use in emergencies. If it was a

matter of life and death there was no point in running

home first to study the Materia Medica, immediate

action was required. Hence also the frequent demand

for objective symptoms in the Materia Medica. It was

felt that there was no time to get involved in such

bagatelles as subjective sensations of pain.

I believe we still feel that way today. As house

physicians, we found out how quickly one may have to

act in serious conditions, how many ways there are

today of coping with acute situations where life is at

risk, and the tremendous satisfaction to be gained from

this kind of success. One may often be tempted, then, to

look down a bit on colleagues who attempt to treat

completely harmless conditions, so-called diseases,

putting much time and effort into the treatment of

symptoms that may well disappear of their own accord.

It is not surprising, therefore, that then as now

Hahnemannians are hopelessly in the minority

compared to the “specificians” as they called

themselves in those days11. A drug was considered

specific for a particular type of disease, an association

of ideas just as likely to occur to us today, whenever we

are dealing with an acute case.

This is the reason why Cocculus was on the whole

used to treat serious illnesses during the early years of

Homœopathy. Here was a remedy with a powerful

action, demonstrably in one particular direction, a

remedy highly effective also in animal experiments,

producing conditions similar to very severe and acute

diseases. Cerebrovascular accidents12-17, typhoid

fever18-19, incarcerated inguinal hernia20-22, paraplegia23-

27 are just a few of the indications.

Sensation of going backwards

Even paralysis and convulsions in horses have been

successfully treated with the remedy. Here I should like

to draw attention to a symptom the equivalent of which

may also be observed in humans and which may prove

useful. Gross28 wrote in 1841: The horse pulling my

carriage developed convulsions. It “was staggering, as if

drunk. It sat down on its hindquarters and seemed to

want to turn over backwards.” BOENNINGHAUSEN,

in 1835: “When bending down he feels as if about to

fall backwards and has to hold on somewhere quickly.”

The effect of picrotoxin in animal experiments10:

“”Movements directed backwards, opisthotonus,

running backwards.” (Picrotoxin is the principal

constituent of Cocculus. 20 years ago we were still

using high doses of it in hospital, to treat hypnotic

poisoning; the doses used were so high that we saw

many of the Cocculus symptoms.)

148

Here is a recording from one of my patients (d): “I

take fright easily. When I am in the car, it sometimes

seems to me that my husband is driving backwards.

This usually happens when I have had a fright. As we

go along in the car, I suddenly feel all funny, and

something pulls me backwards. In the street I feel as

though I were completely intoxicated.”

Occipital headache

After 1880, reliable indications also came to be

established for less threatening diseases. An example is

occipital headache, worse when lying on the back. In

1844, BLACK31 described a case of headache occurring

regularly after the menses: “Violent headache –

described as a dull pain affecting the whole head; the

patient has difficulty in describing it minutely; is unable

to lie for a moment on the back of the head; is forced to

lie on the side. During the headache she feels as if

suffering from seasickness.”

Henry C. ALLEN22 and NASH31 made this

indication more widely known – “Occipital headache,

becoming unbearable when lying on the back.” I have

however been unable to find another case reported in

the literature until 1912. Then BASTANIER34 wrote:

“Migraine, unable to lie on the back of the head”, and in

1916, TURNER35 reported: “Pain began in occiput and

nape and now extends to both shoulders. Head feels

enlarged. Aggravation lying on back of head.”

From then on, the indication became generally

known, and the remedy was frequently prescribed on

that symptom. Once again you will note that key

modalities frequently do not derive from the proving,

but are established only later, in clinical use.

A further example comes from another of my

patients (e): “When I have a headache in the back of the

head. I cannot even lie on it, it hurts so much.”

Dysmenorrhoea and colic

Another reliable indication for Cocculus is

dysmenorrhoea. The pain is very much cramp-like,

with sensitivity to touch and pressure, as the menstrual

flow is working its way through. It occurs

predominantly at night, with the abdomen distended.

The most characteristic sign, however, is the tossing to

and fro the physical unrest, that goes with it. In animal

experiments, rolling to and fro, galloping and swimming

movements, with the animal turning on its own axis,

have been observed. The proving symptoms2 also point

to this indication: “Monthly period 8 days early, with

distension of the abdomen and a pain in the epigastric

region as if the inner parts were subject to sharp

pressure form a stone”, “flatulent colic around midnight;

he wakes up and constant flatus is produced, distending

the abdomen, causing pressure-like pain and passed one

at a time, with no particular relief; he needs to turn from

one side to the other in bed to get relief.”

Pain of that type has been successfully treated with

Cocculus time after time, in cases Appendicitis37,

Metritis38-48 and ileus41-43. To mention just two

examples, Frank44 reported in 1835: “Very acute pain

all over the abdomen, so that the sick woman is

constantly working with her arms and legs, tossing from

one side to the other, yet finding no relief, whatever her

position”, and KAFKA45, in 1870: “Most horrible pains

in the abdomen; the whole of the abdomen was

extremely sensitive to pressure during this time.

Moaning and groaning, and all the while calling upon

the Holy Family, she now bent double, now stretched

forth her legs, threw herself now on her right side, now

on her left, lept up high in desperation, soon to throw

herself down again in exhaustion upon her bed, and was

quite unable to find any position where she might be

able to deal with her dreadful pain.” I also have a case

of my own (f): “I have such dreadful wind again, it

really tears me apart. In the morning, my belly is blown

up like a balloon. There are spasms as well; yesterday

in the shop I had such frantic spasms I was unable to sit

down, I had to run to and fro.”

Cough and hoarseness

I now come to an indication that will surprise you.

As we have heard so far, Cocculus is a remedy with

predominantly neurotropic action, not on the mucosa.

One would not expect coughs and hoarseness with it.

Yet that is the case, and even the proving sympotms2 are

perfectly clear: “A kind of strangling tightness at the

top of the gullet, restricting the breath and provoking a

cough.” “A suppressed sensation, obstructing the breath

and constricting the windpipe, producing a constant

urge to cough.” “Sensation in the pit of the throat as if

there were something there that obstructed her breath; it

throttles her.”

You will note that it is a form of cough and

dyspnoea that is described, but the neurotropic character

149

of the remedy still pertains, as the irritation of the

mucosa appears to be based on a kind of spasm in the

pharynx.

In 1855 HIRSCH46 reported a case of violent

oppression in the chest and back pain after a severe

cold, also with the following symptom: “Frequent

slight coughs, because of a sensation of constriction in

the larynx, short bouts of dry coughing.” Two of my

own cases (g,h) also go in this direction: “”If I talk for

any length of time I immediately get hoarse, and

everything contracts in the throat and it hurts”, and

“When I talk, my throat gets tighter and tighter. A tight

collar will increase the feeling of constriction in the

pharynx and larynx, making it more difficult to talk.

Talking will increase the sensation of constriction in the

larynx, and there is hoarseness as well.”

In 1905, STAUFFER47 published a paper on

Cocculus in the Allgemeine Homöopathische Zeitung in

which he said: Let us now look further into the actions

of Cocculus on the nervous system, and consider the

peripheral nerves. In the region of the vagus we find

constriction in the gullet, with tightness of breath, and

irritation causing one to cough. “Stauffer thus was

aware of this symptom. Yet he did not include it in his

great textbook3, nor did MEZGER47. Stauffer

summarizes this and other symptoms in the area as

“oesophageal and pharyngeal spasms”.

Once again it is evident that textbooks of Materia

Medica, i.e. the modern summary kind of

pharmacology as written by STAUFFER, MEZGER,

VOISIN48 and others, have quite a different purpose

than the great symptoms collections of ALLEN49 and

HERING50 that are referred to as Materia Medicas in

the English literature. A ‘Materia Medica’ gives the

‘pathogenesy’ of each remedy, and may be used to look

up individual symptoms the way I did in the present

case. A repertory serves as the index to the Materia

Medica, enabling one to find particular details in the

latter.

Quite a different purpose is served by the

textbooks. These were not designed as reference works,

for looking up individual symptoms, but as textbooks

where the student can get an overall grasp of the

remedies. They provide information to be memorized,

knowledge presented in handy form that may be used

or presented where there is no time for extensive

comparison and reflection – in the acute case or the

outpatient clinic, in a lecture theatre or when tutoring

large groups of students.

The information they provide needs to be

memorized, learned by heart, so that one has it at one’s

fingertips as need arises. Concepts such as

“oesophageal and laryngeal spasm” are much more

easily retained than a differentiated symptom; they can

be learned by heart, they can be presented to students

trained in orthodox medicine even when they are not yet

ready to take the step from specific therapy to the

Hahnemannian approach.

Lack of sleep

Cocculus is one of the remedies that have general

modalities. If a modality is really definite in a patient, it

may lead directly to the remedy. We all know that

Bryonia has aggravation from movement, and Rhus tox.

amelioration from movement. A similarly marked

feature in Cocculus is worse from lack of sleep. When a

patient has any kind of complaint that he considers due

to not having had enough sleep, Cocculus should be

considered.

This modality emerged already in the proving2,

where the following may be found: “The least

curtailment of sleep will cause loss of energy; misses

every hour of his sleep.” Clinical use has confirmed

this modality over and over again, and numerous cases

have been published: they may be found in any

textbook. Let me quote just one interesting example

from the literature, and one case of my own.

SANKARAN51 reported the following in 1967: “A

young man who was a Christian came to see me on

account of epilepsy of seven years duration. As I

enquired into his symptoms he told me that the attacks

always occurred when he went dancing. It emerged that

it was not the dancing as such that caused them, nor the

excitement or the consumption of alcohol, but that he

got an attack always when he had kept awake during the

night.” My own patient 9 (a) put it like this: “When I

have not had enough sleep, after a short night, when I

have slept only 4 or 5 hours, I feel it in the back of my

head. You can count on it, if I have had little sleep, I’ll

feel it in the back of the head.”

150

STAUFFER3 sums it up in a phrase that one should

learn by heart, as part of one’s basic homœopathic

knowledge: “Aggravation from traveling, talking, being

tired.” For practical use, it is extraordinarily useful to

learn such phrases by heart, or to go back to them again

and again. They will then often come to mind just when

one needs them, to confirm a suspicion or facilitate the

choice between two remedies.

Worse talking

I have mentioned aggravation from travel when

discussing seasickness, and aggravation from being

tired has just been referred to. There remains

aggravation from talking. That again is a general

modality. In Cocculus patients, talking not only makes

the throat worse, as already mentioned, but also

aggravates quite generally, with different complaints.

Let me quote one of my cases (f) again, as an example:

“As I am chatting, it begins to throb; when I sit quietly

for a while, it gets better, and as soon as I chat away

again, there is a throbbing above the left eye. It is worse

there when I talk.” A proving symptom2 relating to this:

“As she talks she gets a kind of constriction (literally

‘drawing together’, translator) in the mouth and needs to

speak more slowly.” Another proving symptom:

“Reading aloud tired him so much, in the chest, that he

was able to read on only with great effort”, and also “all

symptoms, particularly in the head, increase when

talking.”

There it is, then – even HAHNEMANN recorded

aggravation from talking as a general modality relating

to the whole organism.

Two trends

You will have noticed that I have been

endeavouring in this lecture to establish a parallel

between two different trends in Homœopathy.

On the one hand I attempted to show how, in

historical perspective, Cocculus as neurotropic drug was

prescribed more on a pathological basis during the early

years of homœopathic use. The following may bring

this out more clearly.

One of the main indications for the use of Cocculus

in Typhoid fever was the predominance of nervous over

mucosal symptoms. As WURMB and CASPAR18

showed in 1852, Cocculus was differentiated against

Veratrum album: “With Typhoid fever of the Veratrum

album type, symptoms relating to the vegetative sphere

predominate; in cases requiring the use of Cocculus, on

the other hand, irregularities in the animalic life are to

the fore.” TRINKS19 put it in a more comprehensible

fashion in 1854: “With Typhoid fever, the disease

appears to be limited to the brains, whilst the rest of the

organism, and particularly the abdominal organs, are not

involved to such a great degree.”

An acute condition was therefore assessed

according to the organs or organic systems that were

chiefly affected, and the remedies were considered from

the same point of view. A remedy acting chiefly on the

nervous system, having narcotic, intoxicant,

antispasmodic and antiparalytic properties, would be

prescribed in cases of typhoid fever where the emphasis

was likewise on the animal as distinct from the

vegetative sphere, so that the brain was primarily

affected, and not the lungs or intestines.

You will note how easy it is in this case to translate

the language of Homœopathy into that of clinical

medicine. One can easily imagine how on the basis of

this, on the basis of such knowledge, a lecture may be

given to students on the treatment of typhus where a

condition such as typhoid fever is classified into

different forms that may be distinguished in practice,

giving a name to each, so that every student is able to

carry out the same classification for himself.

That was one method of practicing Homœopathy,

the method of specific therapy. The intention was to

have a specific remedy for every different form of

typhoid fever, so that once the diagnosis ‘cerebrospinal

typhoid’ had been made, the remedy was also

practically determined. This is how Homœopathy was

practiced by the greater majority of its adherents in the

early days, actually still in Hahnemann’s lifetime.

The other approach to the practice of Homœopathy

sought to go against this close connection between

choice of the remedy and pathological anatomy, but had

only few adherents in Europe after Hahnemann’s death.

With the cessation of Stapfs Archiv in 184652, HERING

and VON BOENNIGHAUSEN …… in print, and the

European literature contained practically no case reports

of which the choice of reedy had been based on the

personal, subjective, individual symptoms of the patient

and not on the pathology.

Case reports of this type only began to appear again

in greater numbers when the wave of Hahnemannism

151

that had gone across to America with HERING returned

to Europe during the first half of the present century,

with KENT. It now has the appearance as if little of this

flood remains in America, whilst it is on the rise again

over here.

Teaching Homœopathy

On the other hand I have also indicated how this

historical development has its parallel in the learning

process for the individual physician. In March this year

I was in Baden, near Vienna, and studied the

comprehensive teaching system set up by DORCSI53,

with three courses forming stage one of his school of

Homœopathy, a method well designed to give a first

introduction to Homœopathy to students and doctors

who are still closely bound up with the clinical practice

and teaching of orthodox medicine.

Like the doctors of 150 years ago, they learn to fit

Homœopathy into their clinical medicine. They are not

only given simple ‘reliable indications’, but also learn –

in lectures, outpatient clinics and case demonstrations –

to use the concepts of constitution and diathesis in

conjunction with clinical diagnosis, an important first

step towards becoming a complete homœopath, a

Hahnemannian.

The second step, establishing individual symptoms

during the consultation, the rapid, partly subconscious,

comparison made between the total picture of the sick

person, that is to be discerned behind the symptoms, and

the range of drug pictures, and the determination of key

symptoms, all this is not so easily conveyed to listeners

in the mass. It requires such a high degree of

preparation and active participation of the part of the

listener that only individuals are able to take this step at

a particular time. This approach to our work, this way

of thinking, requiring considerable previous experience

and above all also in-depth knowledge of the drugs,

cannot be conveyed in a course given to a large number

of students; here one can only point the way, make

suggestions, as to how the individual can achieve the

goal for himself.

Summary

Cocculus is presented pharmacologically, as a

narcotic and intoxicant. It is shown that the remedy acts

chiefly on the nervous system and how this predilection

for the nervous system may be discerned even with

symptoms involving the mucosa, such as cough and

hoarseness. The symptoms differentiating this remedy

from others are considered in relation to a number of

indications – seasickness, dizziness, headache

dysmenorrhoea, and cough – demonstrating them on the

basis of both the literature and the author’s own case

material.

It is shown how this remedy with its powerful

action was during the early years of Homœopathy used

almost exclusively to treat serious illnesses, where life

was at risk, and how this related to a different attitude of

the medical profession at that time, when chronic

conditions were considered beneath one’s notice’ It

seems to the author that this in fact was one of the

reasons why from the early days of Homœopathy until

well into the present century, doctors using the

“specific” approach in Homœopathy were considerably

in the majority compared to the “Hahnemannians”. An

attempt is then made to show that the individual

physician goes through a similar development, and that

the Homœopathy of specifics is much more easily

taught than the Hahnemannian approach.

REFERENCES:

1. Oiste—on. Ztschr. D. Berl. Vereins homöopath.

Ärzte 1912: 31;309.

2. Hahnemann S. Reine Arzneimittellehre Vol. 1, page

160. (Materia Medica Pura).Dresden. 1811.

3. Stauffer K.. Klin homöop Arzneimittellhere 3rd ed.

Regensburg.: Sonntag, 1938.

4. Farrington EAA. Klinissche Arzneimittellhere.

Leipzig. 1891.

5. Hering C. Guiding Symptoms. Vol.3, page 257,

Philadelphia, 1879.

6. Dahike P. Ztschr. D. Berl. Vereins homöopath,.

Ärzte 1894; 11; 264.

7. Hering C Stapfs Archiv der homöop. Heilkunst

1828; 7; 85.

8. Tronks CF Praktishcre Mitteilungen 1826; 78

9. Durrie. The Homœopathic Times (America) Vol.6.

page 237

10. Hirschef. Hirschels Veue Zeitschrigt für homöop.

Klinik Vol.2. page 17.

11. Griesselich, Schrön. Hygea 18334: 3:321

12. Schüler. Praktische Mitteilungen 1827: 12.

13. Tietze. Annalen d. homöopath. Klinik 1832: 4:47.

14. Heichelheim. Hygea 1834; 2: 135.

15. Arnold Hygea 1834; 1:413.

16. Low. Zischr. D. vjereins homöopath. Ärzte oesterr.

1856; 1; 461.

17. Liebe. Allg. Homöopath. Ztg. 1857; 57: 43.

152

18. Wurmb F. Caspar H. Homöopathische klintsche

Studien. Vienna, 1852.

19. Trinks. Homöopath. Vierteljahrsschrift 1853; 4:

217

20. Bethmann. Annalen der homöopath. Klinik 1833; 4:

217

21. Seither. Hygea 1834; 2: 196.

22. Genzke. Allg. Homöopath. Ztg. 1842; 22: 181.

23. Gross. Stapfs Archiv d. homöopath, Heilkunst 1825;

4: 96

24. Gross. Stapfs Archiv d. homöopath. Heilkunst

1830; 9:3

25. Bethmann. Zooiasis 1834; 1: 51 myr, Briefe über

Homöopathie. Beauvais’ Clinique Homœopathique

1834; 6: 167

27. Malaise. Beauvais’ Clinique Homœopathique 1834;

6: 183. In: Bibliotheque homœopathique de Genève

1936; 6: 335

28. Gross. Stapfs Archiv der homöopath. Heilkunst

1844; 21: 146

29. Boenninghausen C von. Stapfs Archiv der

homöopath. Heilkunst 1838; 17: 6

30. Dutzmann. Schmidts Jahrbücher Vol.143. page

290. In: Wiener medizinische Presse Vol. 29, page

491.

31. Black. Hughes’ Manual of Pharmacodynamics,

British Journal of Homœopathy Vol. 5, page 430.

32. Allen HC Keynotes and Characteristics with

Comparisons 1898.

33. Nash EB Leitsymptome in der homöopathischen

Therapie. Philadelphia: Boericke & Tafel, 1898

34. Bastanier. Ztschr. D. Berliner Vereins homöopath.

Ärzte 1912; 31: 229

35. Turner. Transaction of the Internal. Hahnemannian

Association 1916; page 265

36. Orfila, Mortimer. Glover et al., ref. Jousset.

Monthly Homœopathic Review vol. 25. page 104

In: L Art medicale

37. Schreter. Annalen der homöopath. Klinik 1825; 1:

262

38. Pleyel von. Stapfs Archiv der homoopath. Hetikunst

1825; 4: 120

39. Kammerer. Stapfs Archiv der homoopath. Hetifunst

1829; 8: 68

40. Tietze. Thorers Practische Belträge-- --

Homöopathie 1834; 2; 176

41. Dietz. Ansichten über ide spezifissche Curmethode.

Rückerts klinische Erfahrungen 1839; 1: 748

42. Eidherr. Hirschels Neue Ztschr. –homöopath

Klinik 1858: 5;37

43. Mossa. Allg. Homöopath Ztg. 1860; 63: 170

44. Frank. Hygea 1836; 6: 105

45. Kafka. Allg homöop. Ztg. Vol.86, page 201

46. Hirsch. Hirschels Ztschr. F. homöopath.Klinik Vol.

4, page 106

47. Stauffer K. Allg homöopath Ztg. Vol. 150 page 45.

Mezger J. Gesichtete homöop., Arzneimitteillehre

4th ed. Herdelber; Karl F. Haug, 1977

48. Voisin H. Materia Medica des homöop. Praktikers.

Heidelberg: Karl F. Haug. 1969

49. Allen TF Encyclopedia of Pure Materia Medica

New York – Philadelphia, 1874-1880

50. Hering C. Guiding Symptoms. Philadelphis, 1879-

1891

51. Sankaran P. Ztschr. Klass. Homöop. 1967; 11; 216.

52. Stapfs Archivf. D. homöop., Heilkunst 1822-1846.

53. Dorcsi M. Stufenplan u. Ausbildungprogramm in

der Homöopathie. 3 vols. Heidelber: Karl F. Haug

1977.

*******************************************

iii. Lilium and the relative value of symptoms

Georg Von KELLER

(B H J, 70, 1/ 1981)

SUMMARY

Tape recordings are presented of a case where

Lilium tigrinum provided the cure, and to begin with an

attempt is made to solve the case with the aid of the

Repertory only, without consulting the Materia

Medica. Lachesis emerges as the result, and not Lilium.

The reason is shown to be that the short rubrics needed

for repertorization are by their very nature incomplete,

so that the right remedy is often excluded.

Next, some highly characteristic Lilium symptoms

are quoted from the provings, and these are then brought

out more clearly with the aid of further tape recordings.

A surprisingly close correspondence emerges of its own

accord between some highly differentiated Lilium

symptoms and certain symptoms presented by the

patient – demonstrating the application of the “keynote

system”. It is established that this system is not, in fact,

in opposition to repertorization based on the totality of

symptoms. Quotes from the literature show that Kent

himself certainly also used keynotes to find the remedy,

and was against purely mechanical repertorization.

The conclusion to be drawn is that the value of a

symptom in our search for the right remedy does not

depend on whether it is a mental, general or local

symptom, but that the really valuable symptoms are

only those which are characteristic as defined in 153 of

the Organon, i.e. “more accurately described”.

153

The remedy we decided on for today is Lilium.

Later on, I am going to play you a number of tape

recordings which demonstrate some of the symptoms, a

method I have now followed for a year, since my lecture

on Lac caninum, I also like in each case to take up some

particular problem, some aspect of homœopathic

philosophy, as our English-speaking colleagues would

say, and discuss this in conjunction with the

presentation of the patient and the remedy. One such

aspect were Kent’s “general symptoms”, another the

historical distinction between “specificians” AND

“Hahnemannians”, and with Calcium carbonicum,

finally, the so-called constitutional characteristics. I

shall continue with this today and consider the relative

values of different symptoms.

I shall also discuss the difference, or supposed

difference, between Guernsey’s keynotes and the

totality of symptoms. All these things are of course

closely connected. If one speaks of the “value” of a

symptom, as association will immediately arise between

Kent’s general symptoms and the mental symptoms

which he was known to rate much more highly. At the

same time repertorization will come to mind, everybody

being familiar with the three classes of symptoms in

Kent’s Repertory and four in Boenninghausen’s. You

will say that these are two quite different systems; on

the summary of categories printed in the repertories

have nothing to do with the fact that Kent ranks the

mental symptoms highest in what is another system, and

then the general symptoms, modalities with overall

aggravation, improvement, aversions or desires. These

are followed by the bodily functions and the list ends

with the local symptoms, i.e. symptoms relating not to

the whole person, but to one or more part of the body

only.

In my paper on Lac caninum, I said that in my

opinion this ranking order of Kent’s applies more to the

remedies overall, and not to finding the remedy for an

individual patient. KENT himself once described the

way he worked a Repertory as follows: “Looking over

all the symptoms gathered, and selecting those that are

rare, peculiar and strange, to search for the remedies

that include these and cover also the entire patient.”

This comment was made in the discussion following a

paper read by Dr. ELMER SCHWARTZ, in Chicago,

stating that a repertory can only be properly used once

one has acquired a thorough knowledge of the

characteristic symptoms of homœopathic remedies. In a

lecture given in Philadelphia, KENT said, Little

particulars come out sometimes in mental symptoms

that lead you to think of a remedy, not to give the

remedy because of the Keynote, but to sit down and

meditate upon it for a few minutes, to ascertain whether

or not it fits the whole case, whether the remedy that is

calling attention to itself has all the rest of the

symptoms.”2

Kent’s followers have given us very detailed

directions as to how to proceed when repertorizing.

They insist that mental symptoms rank higher than

general modalities, and these in turn above local

symptoms. They have told us that for this reason we

must start with the mentals when repertorizing, then

take the general symptoms, and only after that the local

symptoms.

They refer to § 7 in the Organon, where

HAHNEMANN considers that the prescription should

be based on the totality, the sum, of all the symptoms of

a patient. For this reason, they endeavour to determine

every single symptom, writing them down, before they

start to repertorize, so that the emphasis is on quantity.

To achieve this, to get symptoms for all the bodily

functions and parts of the body, they even ask the

patient to fill in a questionnaire before the consultation,

so that even if he should not have a complaint relating

to sleep, he is made to put down accurate details as to

the nature of his sleep.

The opposite may be said about another method of

finding the remedy. GUERNSEY3 introduced the term

“Keynotes”, meaning individual, characteristic

symptoms which immediately suggest a particular

remedy. Hearing this, one might easily misunderstand

the situation and think that adherents of his method note

only the one symptom, ignoring all others, and do not,

as HAHNEMANN appears to say in §7, base their

choice of remedy on the totality of symptoms.

McCLATCHEY4 for instance thought that keynote

prescribers faced with a patient showing a fan-like

motion of the nostrils would automatically prescribe

Lycopodium. He overlooked the fact that only an

absolute beginner would know so little about

Lycopodium that his or her knowledge would be limited

to this one symptom. A practitioner who has some

experience would immediately form the association

“Lycopodium” when seeing a fan-like motion of the

alae nasi, but this would also call to mind a greater or

smaller number of other Lycopodium characteristics,

154

and the practitioner would compare them at an instant,

almost subconsciously, with the other symptoms

presented by the patient.

The difference between “totality of symptoms” and

the Keynote method is therefore only an apparent one,

yet it keeps coming up in discussion, and the followers

of KENT have frequently expressed the opinion that

the method of repertorization which I have outlined

above was superior to the keynote method. Let us make

an experiment, therefore. I shall give you a complete

case recorded on tape, the first consultation, as it took

place in my consulting rooms. Afterwards we will try

and establish the hierarchy of symptoms, to repertorize

them according to KENT, and see if this will lead us to

a remedy we feel confident about. Do listen to the

whole consultation first:

Mrs C., 10 March 1977: “Biliary colics since

Saturday. I have had these colics for a long time. about

16 years now. Nothing has been found, ever.

“There is a peculiar tension in the shoulder.”

“Usually it happens in a situation where I feel I’ve

got to do an awful lot, or I’d like to do an awful lot. I

am quite aware, actually, that I should just get on with

things quietly, but somehow I cannot. I get into a kind

of rush, a feeling of being under pressure.

“And then at night, it gets ever so big here, and

begins to hurt in this awful way. If feels big then, if one

presses on it one can feel there is something like a lump

there, but it is only a feeling, it is not visible.”

“The sensation is as if something draws in tight and

won’t go apart; my back is like a board then, the whole

middle region of it, and it is very difficult to loosen up.

Mostly on the right, it is as if I had a belt pulling the

wrong way around here.”

“When I use the hot woolen cloths, I always put

them right round my middle, not just over the

gallbladder. Hot things are really good.”

“The colic I really get only in that kind of situation.

Looking at it objectively, there isn’t any more work, it is

just something I create.”

“For instance, in the summer it does not happen at

all. In the spring, then I sometimes get the feeling: now

the whole flat needs to be down up, and, well, one thing

and another..”

“In bouts, periodically.”

“Two years ago I had them for a whole year,

practically every night, but that was when my marriage

was breaking up, and I was altogether mixed up, I think

I also used it somehow as a defence. That was an

exceptional situation.”

“When I have a dragging, urging feeling, it is rather

from the pelvic area upwards, with a bit of irritation to

make one cough, and one would want to take a deep

breath, so as not to be sick, such a strange cough, it

tickles a bit in the stomach region.”

“I do not like a tight collar. And a belt or bra not at

all. I like to feel at home in my clothes, I don’t like to

be squeezed in tight.”

“So long as I keep moving and do not over-exert, I

never get colic, but only when I lie down. When I go to

bed, it gets really bad. I always have the feeling that if I

could just go on working quietly, by myself, it wouldn’t

get all that bad. As soon as I lie down, then it gets

really terrible.”

“When I indulge in memories of Munich, and cook

pig’s trotters with sauerkraut, that really is no good at

all.”

Let us now establish the hierarchy of symptoms. In

his introduction to the German edition of Kent’s

Repertory, Künzli gives exact instructions on how to set

about this. He says, “To use the Repertory to good

effect, we must first of all list the totality of the patient’s

symptoms.” This we have just done. KÜNZLI then

continues, “This first and most difficult step* is

followed by the second, which is to assess each

symptom for its value its significance.” First

* HAHNEMANN did not say, in his § 104, “once the

totality of symptoms has been got together, the hardest

part of the work is done,” but rather, “When an accurate

record has been made of the totality of symptoms that

define and characterize the case really well, in other

words, when one has an accurate picture of the disease,

the hardest part of the work has been done”.

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consideration is given to rare, never previously heard of

and paradoxical symptoms, as defined in § 153.

One such symptom is clearly present in this case. I

refer to the “sensation of something pushing upwards

from the pelvis, with irritation to make one cough, and

having to bend down so as not to be sick”. You can be

sure there is no hope of finding a similar rubric in the

Repertory, and we must therefore start at the second

level, with the mental symptoms.

The typical sensation felt by the patient of “being

rushed, having a lot of work to do, though she is aware

that she really ought to be working away quietly by

herself” is most closely matched by the rubrics: “hurry”

and “impatience”. One of these should have the remedy

we are looking for. The term “industrious” or the rubric

“busy” do not, in my view, accurately define the state

the patient is in. Let us start with “hurry” and

“impatience”, then. The second mental symptom, pain

from the time her marriage was breaking up, is covered

by the rubrics “symptoms from worry” and “symptoms

from worry” and “symptoms due to emotional upset”.

Unfortunately there is no small rubric that exactly fits

the patient.

Following Künzli’s programme, we now come to

the general modalities “worse in spring”, “periodicity”,

and “better from loosening clothes”. I do not want to

tire you by going through and whole process. In the end

we have the following remedies: Calcium carbonicum,

Lachesis, Lycopodium, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, and

Sepia. If we look to see which of these has most of the

local symptoms presented by the patient. Lachesis

comes out quite clearly.

If we consider once more the symptoms which led

to the choice of Lachesis, we note that it is always the

short rubrics which decide the issue. A considerable

number of remedies were eliminated by using the rubric

“worse in spring”, for example, leaving us with only ten

out of something like fifty remedies. Aggravation in

spring certainly is one of the symptoms in this case, but

is it really characteristic of the patient? Five of those

ten remedies were eliminated by the short rubric “better

from loosening clothes”, another symptom clearly

described by the patient. But she did not emphasize the

relief she felt as much as one would expect in a

Lachesis case, and in short I am beginning to have my

doubts if other symptoms are not of greater significance

in this case than those two general modalities.

By determining which remedies do no have a

particular characteristic, and then excluding those

remedies, we are really making a negative choice. Let

me put it even more clearly: instead of ‘not’, we should

say “the remedies which have not yet shown the

characteristic”. After all, we cannot say with certainly

that aggravation in spring may not occur with other

remedies as well in future, remedies not yet included in

the rubric.

The least thing we should do, having excluded

everything but Lachesis, is to put it to the test, by

comparing the symptoms that are particularly

characteristic of the patient with the corresponding

Lachesis symptoms. The symptoms for which Lachesis

has been included in the “hurry” and “impatience”

rubrics read as follows: “Has to do everything in a rush,

he bolts his food down and cannot remain seated after

that.” “Need to be occupied, without the slightest

staying power.” “Feels the need to do productive work

at night; although getting very tired in the course of the

day, will sit and write all night without being the least

bit sleepy and with the greatest of ease and increased

command of the knowledge at his disposal; new ideas

are continually surging up.” “A kind of ecstasies, like

that experienced following a sublime experience, like

that of supreme joy; he always wants to say and do a

great deal, and everything is also much more at his

command.”5 This should be enough to show that

Lachesis certainly is not immediately convincing when

one compares the patient’s symptoms with those

recorded for the remedies.

But let us return to the subject of this lecture which,

after all, is Lilium and not Lachesis, I promised to

present at least some of the Lilium symptoms to you in

such a way that you may recognize them again in your

patients. Starting from the top again, we shall take a

mental symptom. First of all there is that very specific

Lilium fear of incurable disease. Note how this differs

from other, similar, types of fear. The Lilium patient

has that fear, but oddly enough will talk about it quite

freely; he can easily be brought to see that his fear is

only imaginary, and you can easily convince him by

telling him that there is nothing there organically.

156

However, his fear will soon return. He is somehow

detached, able to see his fear from outside.

The proving reads as follows: “Apprehension of

suffering from some terrible disease, already seated.”6

A medical practitioner taking part in a proving of

Lilium who knew very well that he was free from heart

disease reported: “…so constant were they (cardiac

symptoms) that I became alarmed, fearing I might have

misjudged the case, and, instead of medicinal

symptoms, I was really suffering from organic disease

of the heart.”7 The mother of a young girl I was treating

came to me saying that she did not know what to do.

The girl was constantly going on at her that she was

sure she was very ill indeed and was probably suffering

from an incurable disease. It was possible to get the

idea out of her head by talking to her sensibly, but the

fear would return, just as if one had said nothing at all.8

Let us listen to two other patients.

Mr S., 29 December 1975: “Yes, I do worry

sometimes about having a serious illness. Recently this

has been quite marked, the fear that I may have Cancer,

Cancer of the stomach or oesaphagus. Cancer of the

oesophagus is something I have been constantly

concerned with last year. My stomach has been

investigated a number of times, for example, and there

was no appreciable disease. A year ago a gastroscopy

was done, and the doctor only found a mild gastritis. I

know, for instance, I felt disappointed for weeks

afterwards because he had not examined the oesophagus

as well, thinking that if he had done so I would no

longer have to worry about it.”

Mrs S., 7 September 1976: “I do get upset at times.

My sister died of cancer a year ago and so I always

thought I might be having cancer as well. I imagined

that. It has been shown not be true, and the doctor

immediately convinced me that it is not cancer, I do not

feel reassured at the time, but always when I don’t feel

so well again, I keep thinking that I have something like

that.”

Another very peculiar symptom is this: “Thinks of

dying without feeling great concern about it; merely

wants to know what effect this will have on others.”

One prover put it as follows; “..wild feeling in the head

as though I should go crazy and no one would take care

of me; thoughts of suicide; how much opium would put

me to sleep forever, and who would find my body, and

who would care.”9 Another prover: “..felt that she

should die, and did not care if she did; wondered who

would take care of her body.”10

Again, as with the symptoms given earlier, you

note an almost playful interest in their own death,

considering their own fate from above, and not feeling

really involved. Here is another recording, from one of

my patients.

Mrs B., 12 December 1974: “I really get such

depressions, I can’t handle myself at all any more. I get

ideas in my head, you know, when I imagine that there

will be no one to bury me when I die; I get all those

strange ideas. I worry about whether my relatives will

know how to manage things with my funeral, who will

be taking care of my body.”

Another symptom that sometimes brings Lilium to

mind during consultations is a very characteristic

powerful sexual desire coming up at intervals, with

periods when exaggerated feelings of guilt are

experienced on account of it.

The proving report reads as follows: “The sexual

desire, dormant hitherto, was so strongly aroused that

the prover said: ‘ I am afraid of myself, I seem

possessed of a demon.’ .. excitement continued almost

three weeks, increasing in intensity, until an orgasm

beyond the control of the prover would suddenly

terminate it. . . for about ten days following this

excitement, there was a profound mental depression: . . .

although convinced that the sexual desire resulted from

drug action and beyond her control, an apprehension of

moral obliquity weighed greviously upon her; with the

sudden passing off of this condition would as suddenly

recur the excitement, and this alternation continued for

more than four months after the proving.”11

Again we can see, though perhaps not as clearly as

with the earlier symptoms, how the patient looks at

herself objectively, being above her own emotions as

she observes them. Something else also emerges that is

common to these symptoms: their periodicity. The

apprehension of having a serious illness recurs at

intervals, patients can be convinced that this is not the

case, and this will allay the anxiety for a time, but after

157

a while it returns to the fore. Sexual desire and a feeling

of guilt here show a similar periodic alternation.

The best known Lilium symptom is one I must not

fail to mention: “bearing-down sensation as if through a

funnel, as if the whole of the pelvic contents would

come out through the vagina, with pressure on the

bladder and rectum.” This is clearly a local symptom, at

the periphery, whilst the symptoms relating to the mind

and spirit concern the very core of the human being.

Kent is quite right of course when he says that diseases

that have changed a person right to the core of his being

are more important than more external conditions. For

the purely practical purposes of choosing the remedy,

however, the criterion for the greater or lesser value of a

symptom belongs to another sphere.

The bearing- down sensation is described as

follows in the proving: “Great bearing-down in the

uterine region, and a feeling when on the feet as if the

whole pelvic contents would issue through the vagina, if

not prevented by pressure upward with the hand, at the

vulva, or by sitting down.”12 “Dragging-down sensation

of the whole abdominal contents, extending to the

organs of the chest, feeling greatly the need of

support.”13 “In the pelvis, a feeling like a dragging out,

as if the abdominal contents were pushing down into a

funnel, the outlet of which coincided with the vagina.”14

S. Raue adds the following: “With Lilium one has the

actual pressure of an enlarged uterus on the bladder.

This pressure also produces the almost constant urge to

defaecate.”15 These quotations from the literature have

prepared the way. Now listen to three of my patients.

Mr L., 11 June 1975: “Up there in the upper

abdomen, on both sides, I get those drawing pains, and I

also get such a funny feeling down there, in the penis,

like something pushing out there, a pressure from the

belly down into the penis.”

Miss L., 8 April 1976: “I go hot and cold, it is a

kind of sinking sensation, as if everything were coming

out, as if it all goes out from one, as if it were going out

from the chest downwards, everything you have inside,

going down.”

Mrs F., 13 September 1976: “I have been having

dreadful trouble for some days now, with my stomach,

with my bladder and in my bowels; always a pushing-

down sensation, and always the desire to spend a penny,

and move the bowels, too.”

I’d now like to ask you to recall the case we were

repertorizing to begin with. The patient had the feeling

of being is a rush in conjunction with the biliary colic,

and this induced her to do an awful lot, against her

better judgement, so that she was no longer able to

“work away quietly, by herself”. Compare this with the

following symptoms of Lilium: “feels hurried and yet

incapable, as if she had a great ideal to do and cannot do

it.” “. . . a constant hurried feeling, as of imperative

duties, and utter inability to perform them.” “. . . acts

without thought; keeps walking fast as though by

instinct; feels hurried, but don’t know why.”16 From a

case report: “Inner unrest and hurried feeling, get relief

through activity, but does not achieve much.”17

It is striking how often “rush” and “rushed” are

mentioned with these symptoms. If KENT had made

this one of his rubrics, things would have been easy for

us. Lilium would have appeared in bold print under this

heading, and that might have induced us to abandon the

standard system for once, remembering that Lilium, and

Lilium only, has a sensation very similar to that

described by the patient. English does not have a word

corresponding to HETZE [“rush” comes very close to it,

or “harried”, translator], it is lost in the large rubric

entitled “hurry”.

Do please consider the problems the compiler of a

Repertory comes up aginst. Complex feelings and

sensations and chains of sensations have to be presented

by a single key word, and this can only be done to a

limited extent. Expressions such as “restlessness” or

“desire to keep busy” on their own cannot in any way

give an accurate reflection of the sensation in question,

and one often has to take a number of expressions used

by provers or patients to adumbrate such a sensation to

some extent. Added to this are the shifts in meaning

one gets with repeated translation from and into

English. In short, you may now be able to appreciate

why I am of the opinion that repertorizing on its own,

without proper knowledge of the Materia Medica, is not

enough for finding the right remedy in many cases.

You see, the value of this type of symptom, of a

very characteristic sensation like “FEELS AS IF IN A

RUSH, WITH URGENT DUTIES WHICH SHE

HOWEVER IS UNABLE TO PERFORM” is so great

not because it is a mental symptom. “Restlessness”,

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too, is a mental symptom. The difference is that the one

is described in such accurate detail that it becomes the

Keynote for one particular patient and one particular

remedy. The other symptom, restlessness, is a

generalized collective term for a great many sensations.

If one did not know the Materia Medica and were also

unable to look it up in the books, and wanted to find the

remedy in the present case just with the aid of repertory,

then the rubric “hurry” of “restlessness” would need to

be subdivided in such a way that one could find the

exact words to be describe the symptom for every single

remedy. Such repertories do exist: Jahr, Rückert and

others have compiled them. But they are very old and

contain only provings conducted prior to 1840, and no

clinical symptoms. For more recently introduced

remedies such as Lilium, one still has to fall back on the

detailed Materia Medica.

Another symptom presented by the patient, the one

I would put in first place when repertorizing, for being

rare, uncommon and peculiar, may also be found with

Lilium. This is the “Pressing upwards from the pelvis,

with urge to cough, so that one has to take deep breaths,

to stop oneself being sick.” If one finds something to

match this in a remedy, it really can no longer be called

a local symptom of minor value. As KÜNZLI himself

says, in his introduction to Kent’s repertory, “If local

symptoms are striking, peculiar and inexplicable, their

value is enhanced.” I should like to go further than that.

If a symptom is as striking as this, in both manner and

degree, so that one begins to wonder how the patient

managed to find the words to describe it, if it is such

that it is impossible to describe the sensation in a sword,

or with a simple phrase, and one has to resort to

paraphrase and to images to convey it, then the

symptoms is not only more valuable than another local

symptom, but indeed has a hundred or a thousand times

the value of an inaccurately described mental symptom.

It is not a question of arithmetic. Homœopathy is not a

numerical calculation, it is not mere addition, but an art,

as Stuart CLOSE once put it. He said the following:

In paragraph 153 of the ORGANON,

HAHNEMANN says that in comparing the collective

symptoms of the natural disease with drug symptoms

for the purpose of finding the specific curative remedy.

“the more striking, singular, uncommon and

peculiar(characteristic) signs and symptoms of the case

are chiefly and almost solely to be kept in view . . . the

more general (common) and undefined symptoms: loss

of appetite, headache, debility etc.. demand but little

attention when of that vague and indefinite character, if

they cannot be more accurately described*. . . “. This

seems a sufficiently clear description of what

HAHNEMANN meant by “characteristic” symptoms:

and yet the term has been the subject of much discuss.. .

Confusion arose and still exists through the inability on

the part of many to reconcile the teaching of this

paragraph with the apparently conflicting doctrine of the

Totality of the Symptoms as the only basis of a true

homœopathic prescription . . . The fundamental mistake

here has been in the failure to distinguish between the

numerical totality and the related or logical totality.”

Stuart CLOSE continued that GURENSEY

introduced a new term for the concept of the

“characteristic symptom” originally used by

HAHNEMANN in his § 153, calling it a Keynote, and

that a keynote in music was defined as “the fundamental

note or tone of which the whole piece is

accommodated.” “It does not mean that the Keynote of

the case alone is to be met by the Keynote of the remedy

alone and that the other features of the case or remedy

are to be ignored. The Keynote is simply the

predominating symptom or feature which directs

attention to the totality.”18

On the other hand HAHNEMANN says, in § 7 of

the Organon, “as the only means by which a disease

may be perceived are the signs of that disease, the

entirety, the totality of these signs, this picture which is

the outward reflection of the inner nature of the

disease*, must be the only thing to determine the choice

of the most appropriate remedy.” Hahnemann’s choice

of the word “picture” was not fortuitous. A picture is a

work of art that appeals to our aesthetic sense as much

as to the intellect. It has elements of form, colour, light,

perspective and harmony, and as a composition

expresses an idea, by harmoniously combining the

elements in a whole a totality. So much of the

difference between the numerical and the artistic totality

of symptoms, as seen by Stuart CLOSE.

Let us return now to the peculiar symptom in the

case we are repertorizing. “When I have a dragging,

urging, feeling in the lower abdomen it is upwards then,

so that one has to take deep breaths so as not to be sick.”

Now let me read to you two Lilium symptoms given in

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Allen’s Encyclopaedia: “Desire to take a long breath,

with frequent sighing, which seemed to come form the

lower part of the bowels.” “. . . when walking, a

sensation as if everything were pressing down in the

pelvis, so that she inhales forcibly, in order to draw up

the thorax and relieve the pelvis of weight.”19 Again,

my own patients:

Mr H., August 1978: “I sometimes feel so full, you

know, one has to take a deep breath.”

Mrs L., 18 December 1974: “The latest thing is

that I feel nausea with it, that comes from here, from the

pelvis, it rises like this.”

Do you see now, why such a match cannot be found

in the repertory? The very descriptive symptom

“constricted as if a belt is drawn tight” can also be

matched by a proving symptom of Lilium –

“Constrictive feeling, in the right and left

hypochondriac regions, as though a band were passed

around the body.”

I do not wish to bore you by going into every little

detail as to which of the patient’s symptoms matched

which of the symptoms in the drug picture, not with

considerations as to whether the numerical totality of

the case is also matched by the remedy. We have noted

the extent to which the symptoms of the remedy

correspond to the two most characteristic signs of the

disease. In other works, a striking similarity exists, both

as to choice of words and meaning conveyed, between

the patient’s description of the two sensations she has

most accurately defined, and the sensations described by

the provers. When we have two or three “more

accurately described” signs and are able to match these

with just as accurately described drug symptoms, we

can be much more certain of our choice than if we get a

purely numerical match of 50 or 100 “not more

accurately described” symptoms.

It is not the numerical totality which matters, and

there is yet another, quite different reason why not. The

case presented another, quite characteristic symptom, at

the point where the patient said: “so long as I keep

moving, I never get a colic, but only when I lie down,

then it gets really terrible.” The proving only has

features that show a distant similarity to this. But even

before I started to record my patients on tape, I had

similar instances. One patient had “pain in the left side

of the abdomen, better when up, worse in bed”, another

“feeling like a stone in the stomach, worse when lying

down”.

What I mean is the following. Even if we have not

yet heard of a second case where “aggravation in spring

occurred with Lilium, I do consider it highly probable

that at least one other such case will come up during the

next hundred years. Our drug pictures, and therefore our

repertories, are far from complete in their present state,

and further data still need to be added. This being the

case, we cannot expect numerous repertorisation to give

us complete rubrics. We can never be certain, when

using a Repertory that the remedies excluded by the use

of a short rubric do not in fact include the remedy we

are looking for. In other words we cannot be sure, if a

rubric does not contain a particular remedy, that this

remedy should not after all be considered. There are no

negative symptoms in Homœopathy, the way we are

able to exclude typhoid when making a pathological

diagnosis if certain symptoms are not present.

A symptom does not have greater value than

another by virtue of being a mental or a general

symptom. Nor does its value increase if it occurs more

frequently in a proving, as some have maintained. What

makes it more valuable is a more accurate description,

and closer correspondance to a known symptom of the

remedy. It becomes all the more valuable the more

closely it is described, the more it is developed, gone

into. Some mental symptoms are very general and

common, they are collective terms such as “hurry” or

“impatience”. Other symptoms are so far developed

that a few words suffice to express a whole range of

sensations and modalities that may be different, yet are

part of an organic whole. You will recall something I

mentioned in connexion with the fear of illness and

thoughts of death—an almost playful interest, looking at

one’s own emotions from a point above. This is a

second, higher level of symptoms but voiced by the

patient—you will hear it, if you know what to listen for.

Local symptoms may show the same degree of

development. What a multitude of different sensations

and modalities lies in just the bearing-down sensation of

Lilium, the funnel starting from above, the need for

upward pressure with the hand, the pressure felt on

bladder and rectum. Seemingly unimportant things said

160

by the patient, yet they may strike a chord, bring the

remedy to mind. The range of access points, of

affinities, of starting points makes a symptom valuable:

it is through this that it will soon get known and come to

be successful.

Now symptoms may show the same degree of

development. What a multitude of different sensations

and modalities lies in just the bearing-down sensation of

Lilium. Note also how improvement progresses from

within to without.

17 March 1977: “Well, how am I – I don’t know

exactly, I don’t feel particularly well, I have such –

Well, I really feel more ill than I ever did, a bit on the

low side, but then I don’t really dislike feeling a bit on

the low side. And, I don’t know, but I think some of the

tension has gone. A bit limp, not indifferent, but rather

as if my muscles don’t want to move as fast as I want,

or as I am used to their having to move. At night I get

some very peculiar cramps at the back of my thighs. I

did have one more biliary colic in the meantime but it

was a relatively mild one. The next day I felt really

extremely tired, much more tired than before, and I

could not go against it properly. And feeling tired was

so incredibly good for me. I must say, if feel a bit limp

now, that somehow feels really good to me”

31 March 1977: “I feel good. I have the feeling

something is hanging on a bit at the back of the neck.

Around the middle I feel really very good. For a while I

was a bit scared, when those hard corsets went away,

that I might somehow lose poise, lose control, or

something like that, but somehow it is quite alright. I

don’t know, my gallbladder and my stomach are so . . .

it all feels really good, absolutely right, I don’t actually

think about it any more.”

Now, with hindsight, one becomes aware of the

pressure the patient had been under, and how good it

must have felt to her that the pressure which had been

on her all the time had now been relieved. “Feeling

tired was so incredibly good for me” she said, and this

provides an excellent description of the tension that

beset her before. We also get an excellent illustration of

the real nature of a “homœopathic aggravation” – the

general condition and mood of the patient improves

first, and at the same time peripheral symptoms, or

symptoms which the patient had had on former

occasions, are aggravated or recur. Improvement,

progressive improvement, moves from within to

without, “within” meaning symptoms relating to mind

and spirit, and the will right at the center, the innermost

core. Further come the emotions, the intellect, the

general modalities, then the functional sphere, followed

by local symptoms and on the very outside the skin.

Conversely disease, falling ill, progresses from without

to within, if illhealth has not yet affected. Once it has

reached the core of the human being, then essential

organs have become involved.

From this point of view it may indeed be said that

the mentals are most important, and local symptoms less

so. For an improvement in mind and spirit is of much

greater significance in attaining a cure than changes in

local symptoms only. If the patient presents not only

local, but also general and mental symptoms, the

remedy we have found is much more likely to effect a

real cure, a cure that move outwards from within.

KENT was quite right, therefore, when in his

lectures he referred to the mentals as being of particular

value, followed by the generals. HAHNEMANN, too,

made it very clear in his paragraphs 210-213, that note

must be taken of a state of disposition and mind that

have been altered by the disease, for in this area it is

possible to make much finer distinction, in many

different ways, than with local or even skin symptoms.

But – different standards apply when it comes to

finding the remedy in the individual case. Do not think

I stand alone in holding this view. Let me conclude by

reading to you an anecdote from the life of KENT,

when he was a University Professor Frank KRAFT

read a paper in 189221 in which he told of the time when

he attended Kent’s lectures and was trained by him.

“It was my good fortune, at the beginning of my

medical career, to have sat at the feet of a master of

homœopathic therapeutics. . . I refer, gratefully, to

James T. KENT, MD then of St. Louis, now of

Philadelphia. Here, at this eventful and formative

period of my medical life (..), I attempted to learn the

use of the Repertory in order to “dig out” intricate cases,

chronic cases, long-running and deep-seated cases –

cases such as had gone the circuit of all the other first-

class doctors, but without success. Pursuant to Dr

Kent’s system of teaching, he set us actual copy to

161

follow – gave us letters received in his mail, detailing

the symptoms of cases submitted for his prescription,

and while supervising, made us do the actual work in

order to impress the practical value of the given rule.

Of all these students, as I now remember, I alone

continued stupid and uninstructable, and to my

confusion be it said, I am still at the foot of that

repertory class, if not upon the dunce-block.

“The very last repertorial problem set me, my

room-mate, Cr. C.O. BOYCE – an expert in repertory

work – and I took to our room, and gave it the closest

and most minute attention – outlining and filling in

every detail, in order, if possible, to convert my stupid

skepticism into belief. Every rule was followed to the

letter, so far as we both knew; the symptoms were

translated from the chaotic narrative of the letter,

arranged in sections and numbered. The quantitative

value of the symptoms and remedies carefully noted.

We spent one Saturday evening and almost the whole of

one Sunday on the case, and when we cast up the

answers, found that Calcarea carb. had appeared thirty-

six times, and the remaining remedies of the Materia

Medica tailing along in less and less numerical values

until we reached Thuja or some other closing letter at

the bottom of the alphabet – not now recalled – which

showed up with a value of 2 or 3. Now, if there is

anything in the mathematical value of symptoms, if

there is any value to be attached to the frequency of

appearance in a case of any one remedy, and that, I

believe is the allegation and the reason for numbering

the symptoms and remedies, the Calcarea carb.,

heading the list in such great numerical value, with no

immediate numerical competitors in our study as stated,

ought to have been the similimum to be given without

an instant’s hesitation. But it was not! When we

presented our lesson sheet to the professor on the

following Monday evening and pointed to the answer as

Calcarea carb., he ran his eye over the tabulation, then

read the letter, laughed and said the remedy was Thuja!

Being appealed to for his reason, he took from his

bookcase Hering’s Condensed, turned up Thuja and

showed us that the peculiar urethral discharge

mentioned in the letter was a leading characteristic of

Thuja which underlay the whole case. ‘Well then’, I

expostulated, ‘where is the need of all this labour and

these pages of figures, if we, after following every rule

to its uttermost detail, fail so utterly, while you, without

five minutes’ study, pick out the remedy on one or two

Keynote symptoms?’ His answer was: “You must study

your Materia Medica, find the ‘red string’ of the

remedies and apply it to your cases. Then you will use

the Repertory intelligently.’

REFERENCES

1. Kent J.T. Discussion following a paper by Schwartz

E. on Selection of the Indicated Remedy by Use of the

Repertory. The Homœopathician 1912; 2:117-8.

2. Kent J.T. Typhoid fever. Journal of Homœopathics

1899; 3: 138-9.

3. Guernsey H.N. Discussion at a meeting of the

Philadelphia Homœopathic Medical Society. The

Hahnemannian Monthly 1867; 198-9.

4. McClatchey R.J. The development of

Homœopathy. The Hahnemannian Monthly 1867; 3:

177-182.

5. Hering C. Wirkungen des Schlangengiftes. Leipzig:

Eduard Kummer, 1837: Symptoms No.3062, 3064,,

3071 and 3073.

6. Allen TF Encyclopaedia of Pure Materia Medica

Vol.5. New York: Boericke and Tafel. 1877 Pp.560-

582. Symptom No.9

7. Ibid No.422

8. v. Keller G. Lilium Monographie. Heidelberg: Karl

F. Haug, 1973.

9. Allen TF. Encyclopaedia (ref.6, above). No.16.

10. Ibid., No. 540

11. Ibid., No. 351.

12. Ibid., No. 318.

*******************************************

iv. Causticum and the sequence of remedies

Georg Von KELLER

(B H J. 71, 1/1982)

For two reasons, I am going to read to you the

reports of two cures. Goullon1 of Weimar published

them in 1865, recording his experiences with the use of

Causticum in severe burns and erysipelas.

“Having dealt with burns, I am now going to

discuss another condition that appears to be very similar

to burns, not only in appearance, but possibly also in

essence. I refer to erysipelas. As is commonly known,

we usually find Rhus toxicodendron and Arsenicum

useful in the treatment of this disease which can be quite

dangerous when it involves the head. Not always,

however, do we apply them successfully, not always can

we stop the progress of the disease, when it spreads to

the hairy part of the head and beyond, and when it takes

on a dark red colour, indicating involvement of the

meninges. In two cases of this degree, Causticum has

been very helpful.

162

“The first case was that of a lady about 30 years of

age who very frequently suffered from severe attacks of

migraine, attacks often lasting several days. The

migraine was purely nervous. The erysipelas started at

the nose and spread over the forehead and the hairy part

of the head down to the nape of the neck. The burning

pain increased, blisters formed, the fever rose

considerably up to the fourth day, when the pain became

almost intolerable and prevented sleep completely. The

apparent similarity of the disease to a second degree

burn, the nature of the pain and the coma vigil made me

think of Causticum for the first time. Success was

almost immediate, with sleep setting in soon, and the

patient recovering quickly from then on.

“A case of facial eczema, too, quickly cured with

Causticum. The case was very peculiar – every

morning after rising, the whole face became red and hot,

and a violent burning itching was felt in the face until

evening.”

The first reason why I read these stories to you is

that I wanted to show how much more doctors had to

deal with violent illnesses that put life at risk in those

days. When a child got measles at that time, the

foremost problem was how to keep the child alive. One

of my own ancestors lost three of his twelve children

within a few days through scarlet fever, and died of

measles himself. In the first of the two cases presented

above, the foremost and even the only task for the

doctor was to prevent death. The fact that the patient

suffered from severe migraine is mentioned only in

passing; the migraine was considered “purely nervous”.

If we had to treat such a case nowadays, the

patient would probably have been under treatment for

her migraine already. The erysipelas would be a minor

intercurrent episode; death due to this condition could

be prevented at any time, by using antibiotics. In any

case, we would never refer to this case as a success and

a cure, for to us, the chronic disease is much more of a

problem than the acute episode. We would speak of a

cure, or of successful treatment, only when the

migraines of this patient had been greatly ameliorated

subsequent to the occurrence of the erysipelas. Perhaps

we would not even consider the occurrence of an acute

disease as a misfortune, for we know that it can have a

beneficial effect on both mental and physical

development, and not only in children. In Goullon’s

day, however, “cure” and “success” meant the

prevention of death. A remedy either worked or it did

not. An unequivocal distinction could be made at that

time between the right and the wrong remedy.

Today this distinction is not so easy to make. In

order to effect a cure we need not just one remedy, but

in most cases a succession of remedies. This is because

more often than not we are dealing with chronic

diseases and it is expected of us that we are able not

only to prevent the death of the patient, but also to treat

successfully conditions such as a disposition to attacks

of nervous migraine – a condition formerly regarded a

mere banality.

Chronic diseases have always presented their own

problems. HAHNEMANN discusses these problems in

§ 171 of the Organon: “In .. chronic disease we often

require several antisporic remedies in succession in

order to effect a cure. But each succeeding remedy

must be chosen homœopathically, in consonance with

the group of symptoms remaining when the preceding

remedy has ceased to act.” And in § 182 he says, “Even

the imperfect selection of the medicament, in this case

almost inevitable owing to the limited number of

symptoms present, contributes to the completion of the

symptom content of the disease, and facilitates in this

way the finding of a second, more accurately matched

homœopathic medicament.”

§ 182 deals with cases having only a limited

number of symptoms, with the “difficulty in the way of

the cure that arises from the symptoms of the disease

being too few”, as it is expressed in § 172. Patients

often present with only a limited number of symptoms

in this sense, not only because one does not usually see

a large number of high-grade, violent symptoms, but

also because our patients frequently come to us with a

ready-made diagnosis at the beginning of treatment and

are not yet used to describing their subjective symptoms

exactly and completely. For this reason our cures tend

to become “zigzag curres”, as LIPPE2 once called it.

Just as a golf player who does not get his ball into the

hole at the first stroke will approach the hole a little

more with each stroke, so we approach our goal a little

more with each remedy.

In the old days, in the treatment of life-endangering

acute diseases, the distinction between the right and the

wrong remedy was unequivocal and vital. Either the

patient dies or he was cured. A mistake in the selection

of the remedy could mean the death of the patient. This

fear of giving the wrong remedy has survived; even

today one may hear opinions like that given by

Freeman3 in 1905:

“It is very important to realize fully the great harm

that can result from a wrong remedy. No matter how

similar it may be, if it is not the similimum, it will often

change an orderly into a very disorderly and puzzling

collection of symptoms…. Our object is to cure the

patient … and this cannot be done by involuntary

163

provings of improperly selected drugs that mix up the

case and make the selection of the truly curative remedy

impossible.”

As we have heard, Hahnemann’s view was

different. An imperfectly selected medicament induces

a proving in the patient, that is true, but it does not make

the selection of the truly curative remedy impossible; on

the contrary, the imperfectly selected medicament

serves to complete the display of the symptoms of the

disease; in this way it helps us to reach our object of

curing the patient by facilitating the discovery of a more

accurately matched medicament. Now hear § 181 on

this topic: “Let it not be objected that the secondary and

new symptoms of the disease that now appear should be

laid to the account of the medicament just employed.

They owe their origin to it, certainly, but they are

always only symptoms of such a nature as the disease

itself is capable of producing in this particular organism;

owing to its power to cause symptoms of that kind, the

medicine given has merely evoked them, induced them

to appear.”

KENT4 commented on this in 1885. He said that in

such cases, where the number of symptoms is limited, it

is necessary to summon forth the old symptoms again,

and by administering Carbo vegetabilis, Sulphur,

Calcium carbonicum, Psorinum, Lycopodium or Sepia

to induce the disease to develop properly again. This is

the essence of the frequently heard recommendation to

give Sulphur, or Psorinum, “if the indicated remedy

fails to act”. It is also the essence of the doctrine of

complementary remedies, i.e. remedies which according

to experience follow each other well.

With regard to incompatible remedies, however, I

follow E.B.NASH, who wrote that he did not believe in

“incompatible” remedies and that he would give

Causticum after Phosphorus if he felt it was indicated.

In the 45 Causticum cases which I have recorded on

tape over the last seven years and which I have made

use of in preparing this paper, I have indeed twice given

Causticum and Phosphorus immediately one after the

other, i.e. without intermediate remedies, but after an

interval of several months. In one case both of these

remedies worked properly, in the other, Phosphorus

after Causticum did not act beneficially and the patient

seemed to develop a relatively large number of rapidly

alternating new symptoms in the course of two weeks.

That was all.

On several occasions I have given Calcium

carbonicum or Sulphur before or after Causticum, and

on one occasion Sepia. In every case, both remedies

worked well. This is in accordance with the doctrine of

consecutive remedies, i.e. the fact that remedies

showing similarities in their provings generally follow

each other well and are complementary. The most

detailed collection of complementary remedies can be

found in Boenninghausen’s Concordances. Here

Calcium carbonicum, Sulphur, Sepia and Silica are

listed as medicaments that often complement, or are

complemented by, Causticum becuase they are similar

to Causticum.

When we are going to study a remedy like

Causticum we do well to begin by looking up the

symptoms, which have been well described. A good

description of a symptom can be a detailed depiction of

peculiar sensation, of remarkable modalities or of rare

concomitants. When we read these symptoms, we do

not really expect to hear them from the mouths of our

patients; we would rather think that they could not occur

more than once in a century. But having got to know

them, it is most surprising how often patients will repeat

word for word one of these rare and peculiar symptoms.

One of them is number 261 in Hahnemann’s Chronic

Diseases: “Sensation in the left ear and in that whole

side of the head in the evening on lying down, as if the

parts were too tight; … it was relieved by a stronger

pressure”. Please listen now to my case number 45:

No. 45. Mrs S. A., 3 February and 4 March 1981:

“At the moment, the irritating cough bothers me,

because I cannot keep back the urine when coughing, I

have had a pain in there, suddenly, and I have then

taken a mouthful of mineral water and the pain slowly

abated. After drinking some cold water I felt better.

Just now I am worried – I have a cramp-like pain in

there; when I press it with my hand, it is better. It is a

pain below the right ear, below and behind the right ear,

as if something were constricted, and when I press it, it

is better. Once I ventured to go out without a hat on,

but I dare not do it again. Today the air was cold and I

was very glad to have my woolly hat on the back of my

head; it was a good feeling. I need warmth there.

Tonight I had a bad time at three o’ clock. The pain

comes on by itself, lying down I feel it more than at

other times.”

I would be telling a lie if I said that this symptom

was familiar to me before I heard it from this patient.

So I had to try and find out if a similar symptom had

been mentioned anywhere in the Materia Medica. The

repertories are indices of the Materia Medica; they help

in locating symptoms, provided the symptoms one is

looking for has been included in a repertory by either

BOENNINGHAUSEN, KENT, WARD or BOGER.

Looking up “pain in ear, ameliorated by pressure,

aggravated by lying in bed”, we find Causticum and no

other remedy in Kent’s Repertory.

BEONNINGHAUSEN and BOGER did not include the

symptom. Turning to the pathogenesis of Causticum,

we at once notice the high degree of similarity between

symptom No. 261 in the pathogenesis and the statement

made by the patient. This one symptom alone could be

enough to convince us. Some of the old homœopaths,

164

however, KENT for instance, argued against prescribing

on the basis of a single symptom. The argument was

purely theoretical, and there are two practical reasons

why I cannot accept it.

In the first place, we come across numerous cases

in practice where there is only one useful symptom.

One should not confuse vague constitutional

characteristics of the patient with striking and peculiar

general signs of the disease. For instance, if we had

questioned the patient and if she had admitted to having

sensations of heat sometimes, or uncovering her feet

sometimes, or having had some itching eruption in

former times, we might think of giving Sulphur rather

than Causticum. We might ignore the fact that

Causticum also has these “symptoms”, and in the

pathogenesis of Sulphur we may find the following

signs: “After lying down, slight drawing in the right

ear”; “tearing in the side of the head, relieved by

pressing upon it”; “cramp-like pain in the left lower

jaw.” But if you compare these with pathogenetic

symptom No.261 of Causticum, the difference is

immediately apparent. The similarity to the statement

made by the patient shows a difference in degree, and

Sulphur loses by a wide margin in the competition,

especially if one considers the fact that Sulphur has

been proved much more thoroughly than Causticum. If

I had given Sulphur rather than Causticum in this

sequence would have been that at the next consultation

the patient would have described her Causticum

symptoms even more distinctly. Apart from prolonging

her sufferings a little, the outcome would not have been

serious; her life was in no way at risk.

My second reason is this – I have presented the

case in more detail than usual because I wanted to show

that still more hints as to the indicated remedy can

emerge during the consultation, providing you know,

which remedy may be indicated. This is one of the

reasons why HAHNEMANN insisted on our taking

down every detail of the history in writing. As soon as

there is a hint that Causticum may be indicated, we can

sift those details again. We would then find the

involuntary passing of urine when coughing, the general

amelioration from drinking cold water, the sensitivity to

cold air at the back of the head, and the three o’clock

aggravation. I do not think we need more detail in order

to decide between the two remedies, Causticum and

Sulphur. I say this because I want to show that we do

not decide blindly, automatically, when we give a

remedy on the basis of a single symptom.

There was no need to look up the next symptom,

No. 97 in the Chronic Diseases, because I had seen it

earlier, with other patients. “Headache, as if something

was forcing itself in between the frontal bone and the

anterior part of the brain, or as if the part behind the

frontal bone was hollow.

No. 9, Mrs U.M., 10 December 1975: “At noon, my

headache is worse, it then presses down upon the eyes.

The brain is drawn down, so that a hollow space forms

above, as if there were a vacuum between bone and

brain. Especially in the forehead.”

No. 15, Mrs S.V., 23 March 1976: “A sort of

pressure in the forehead, as if nothing at all was there, a

kind of empty feeling, like a balloon.”

Here are two proving symptoms which my patient

managed to combine: “Tendency of the left arm to

grow numb (stiff) during sleep at night, waking him up”

(1028); “pain in the bend of the left elbow, on stretching

the arm, as if a tendon was too short” (1952).

No.37, Mrs B.R., 4 January 1980: “Felling as if the

muscles in the bend of the elbow were too short, I

cannot properly stretch the arm. At night in bed it is

horribly painful; it gets absolutely stiff, I have the

feeling that the arm gets heavy and lame and dead and it

is uncomfortably painful.”

Here again it was the right arm of the patient and

the left arm of the prover; that also was the case with the

pain in the ear reported by the first patient. The

sensation of something being too short has been felt in

other parts of the body by provers and by my patients –

in the calf of the leg, in the back, in the nape of the

neck, and in the muscles of the chest.

Another symptom seems to be unimportant at first

sight. But it contains two modalities and shows a

striking similarity to a proving symptom, so that it is in

fact rather characteristic:

No.3 Miss S.C., 5 December 1974: “Always in the

evening, when lying in bed, stitching pain above the

right iliac crest.”

Hahnemann’s symptom No.623 reads: “Stitches in

the right side of the abdomen, in the evening”, and

No.631: “Dull lancinating pain in the right side of the

abdomen, when lying down.” These symptoms are

easily found in Kent’s Repertory, and the stitching pain

when lying down has only one remedy – Causticum.

We have not the time to discuss the cough of

Causticum at full length. I shall therefore confine

myself to the strange symptoms No. 434: “Mucus

comes into her throat, which she cannot eject by

hawking, but has to swallow down.” H.C.ALLEN in

his Keynotes uses these expressions: “Cough, with

inability to expectorate, sputa must be swallowed.”

Similar expressions are used in Hering’s Guiding

symptoms.

No. 5, Mrs R.K., 5 April 1975: “If I drink some

water, it is better. I should be able to get the mucus out

with my hands; I am forced to swallow it.”

No. 11, Mrs L.E., 30 December 1975: “Very much

phlegm is coming up. It is difficult to get it out, it does

not want to come out, I cannot cough it up, I must draw

it in, and then I have to vomit.”

165

No. 24, Miss L.C., 2 February 1978: “Sometimes it

sticks, it does not come up properly; if only I could get

it out! When the mucus is up here, it leaves off. I

cannot get it up in order to spit it out.”

Here you see part of the well-known paralysis of

Causticum which more often than not is localized, e.g.

“urine involuntary: when coughing, sneezing, blowing

the nose”, or “aphonia; paresis of vocal cords”, and

“sensation of heaviness in upper lid, as if he could not

raise it easily; paralysis of upper lids.”

There is something else, which may be kept in

mind as a general concept for Causticum: Improvement

from moisture. Causticum is undoubtedly a dry remedy.

It is well-known that rainy weather brings an

improvement in the general condition, but less well-

known that a mouthful of cold water produces not only

a improvement in the cough and the dryness of mouth

and throat, but also a general improvement. In the

proving, epileptiform convulsions are going off on

drinking a mouthful of cold water. You have heard this

already in the first case, the lady with an earache.

Furthermore, the pain in the throat is sometimes a dry

pain, a pain combined with a feeling of dryness, or pain

as if dry.

NO. 38, Mrs W.A., 4 March 1980: “Sometimes my

throat is sore in such a way as if I had a dry mouth. I

feel I have to drink something then. The dryness is

chiefly in the palate.”

Finally we come to sensitivity to cold. In the

proving we find only general sensitivity to cold; it is

stressed in the foreword by HAHNEMANN. MEZGER

writes: “Very sensitive to cold, cold air affects him very

much”. In my own cases, I have observed that this

sensitivity to cold is in many cases felt at the back of the

head and in the nape of the neck, and that the patients

like to wear a scarf or a woolen hat.

No.2 Mr. H. A., 28 October 1974: “Headache,

when I have been exposed to a cold draught or cold

rain; there, in the nape of the neck; it is better when I

wear something warm around the neck.”

No. 11, Mrs L.E., 11 April 1975: “Headache

extending from the nape of the neck, the ears ache, I

have to wear a fur hat.”

No. 26, Miss F.G., 4 September 1978: “I easily get

a sore and dry throat. If I open my collar and cold air

touches the neck, it is sore.”

No. 45, Mrs S.A., 4 March 1981: “I have ventured

to go out without a hat, but I dare not do it again. I

wonder, could that have caused the earache? Today the

air was cold and I was very glad to have my woolly hat

on the back of my head; it was a good feeling, I need

warmth there.”

The similarity to Silica and to Calcium carbonicum

is easily seen. It is obvious that remedies which are

similar to this extent can follow each other well. I told

you before that I have given Causticum either before or

after Calcium carbonicum and Sulphur, and with

benefit. By the way, this was the second reason why I

read Goullon’s reports to you at the beginning of this

paper; my intention was to have you realize the striking

similarity between some Causticum and Sulphur cases.

I would even go one step further. In my opinion we

cannot always decide definitely between these

concordant or complementary remedies. In the first

case you heard today, the decision was not difficult, but

there are cases where some doubt remains. It is even

possible that in a case where Causticum did work well,

Sulphur or Calcium carbonicum given in its place

would have had the same effect in a shorter time. We

can only give our remedies one after the other and

observe their positive effect, but we cannot with

absolute certainty exclude the possibility that the

reverse order would have had a still better effect.

Besides, our remedies are similar only at a given

time. We can only say that now, today, the utmost

similarity seems to exist between Causticum and the

sensations of the patient. Even if the patient does not

receive Causticum now, it is most likely that after a

lapse of several months another remedy will be

indicated.

Before I conclude, let me read a few sentences from

a discussion which took place in 1888, after KENT had

read his paper “The Second Prescription”.

WESSELHOEFT2 said the following: “I remember

telling Dr. HERING, in my early practice, when I was

on a case of insanity that I cured, I said in my

enthusiasm, ‘That never could have happened if it had

not been for your genius in giving us Apis.’ Dr. LIPPE

said it might have; ‘for you might have zigzagged her

into health by a dose of Pulsatilla, Graphites and

Sulphur.’”

How can we expect it to be otherwise? Let us think

of the early homœopaths who had to manage with a far

smaller number of remedies at their disoposal; let us

consider the fact that even today only a very small

fraction of nature’s possible remedies have been proved

thoroughly enough for us to be able to recognize the

patients who need them. No, it has to be that we can

find several different ways to reach our goal of curing a

patient. If only one single remedy were effective for

one patient, only very few of our patients could be

helped.

REFERENCES:

1. Goullon H. Über Causticum, Allgemeine

homöopathische Zeitung 1865; 71:19.

2. Wesselhoeft WP. Discussion following Kent’s

paper The Second Prrescription. Medical Advance

1888; 21: 398.

166

3. Freeman WH. Remarks on Prescribing. Medical

Advance 1905; 43: 500

4. Kent JT. The Undeveloped Case. Homœopathic

Physician 1885; 5: 25.

*******************************************

v. CALCIUM CARBONICUM and the concept of

Constitution in Homœopathy

Georg Von KELLER

(B H J, Vol. LXVIII, No.3, 1979)

Our subject today is Calcium carbonicum.

Regarding this, I am sure that we all have before us the

picture of a certain constitution; we imagine someone

who is blond, bloated, pale, fat, dull, sensitive to cold,

and sweaty. For this reason I would like to speak today

not only about the remedy Calcium carbonicum, but

also in general about the concept of constitution in

Homœopathy.

Constitution is, according to DORCSI,3 to begin

with, “our inborn psycho-physical makeup.” This is not

the whole concept; there is something more to add, as

we shall see later. I would like to analyse this portion of

the concept of constitution one step further, i.e. into (1)

the general physical appearance (in Calcium

carbonicum, “fat, bloated”), and (2) the characteristics

of the psyche, or temperament (in Calcium carbonicum,

the familiar “dullness”).

If we wanted to form a unifying concept for both

these constitutional features, we could say that such

people are mainly interested in food. The typical image

of one who is oriented to food in this way is the satiated

nursling, with its rounded form and its sluggish

movements. In order to impress his pupils with this

connection between Calcium carbonicum and

nourishment, Dorcsi taught in his courses that “every

newborn should receive as early as possible a high

potency of Calcium carbonicum.”

At this point, of course, the question arises whether

the state of being newly born represents an illness that

must be treated; which leads to the second question,

whether one can or ought to be treating “constitutions”

at all. Is not every man born with his constitution, with

his general physical appearance and his temperament,

and is not this constitution really a normal condition for

him, and therefore health? Are not illnesses only

deviations from a normal condition?

In order to attempt at least a partial answer to some

of these questions, I would like to examine how these

constitutional concepts have found their way into the

drug picture of Calcium carbonicum. In the proving6

we find one symptom that refers to the physical

constitution: “One observes that, in the case of youths,

they become decidedly corpulent and fat.”

The well-known dullness has a clinical origin. In

Tilsit, in 1829, AEGIDI’s 4-year-old son fell ill with a

serious tertian fever. In the course of this fever the boy

became deaf. AEGIDI went on to report, verbatim,

“Das früher aufgeweckte und lernbegierige Kind wurde

träge, verlor alle Fassungskraft und das Gedächtnis

verminderte sich bedeutend.”1 [“The child, formerly

bright and eager to learn, became dull, lost all power of

comprehension, and his memory became significantly

poorer.”]

You see that it was not so much the enduring

constitution, the normal one, as it were, for the patient

or prover, but the change, the deviation from the normal

state. The formerly bright child became dull; the

youths, previously of normal weight, became corpulent

and fat.

When we come across patients in our practice in

whom such an alteration of the normal constitution can

be discerned, it is naturally quite striking. These are

symptoms of the highest degree, which greatly facilitate

finding the remedy. But such a thing is rare. On the

other hand, it is our repeated experience that the

unchanged, enduring, quasi-normal constitution can be a

good indication for the choice of a remedy. We often

find other symptoms of Calcium carbonicum in dull,

obese patients, and we frequently notice that patients

cured with Calcium carbonicum are dull and obese.

BOENNINGHAUSEN2 once took from his

casebook all his cases over a period of two years that

had been cured with Calcium carbonicum and published

them, and in doing so he made many observations about

the general physical characteristics and temperament of

the patients. It is interesting what brought this about. In

Karlsruhe our friend Griesselich was once again foully

criticizing Hahnemann’s drug provings. I quote only

highlights: “My colleagues will doubtless agree that the

Materia Medica Pura cannot remain in its present

form.” “These brainless, so-called provings are often

truly disgusting.”4 In Dresden, Trinks, a confederate of

Griesselich, said much the same: “The so-called

antipsorics are among the worst, most unusable drug

provings, and this must be shouted into people’s ears

until this proving is repeated in a more careful

manner.”11

These attacks were in reference to Hahnemann’s

proving of Calcium carbonicum, and

BOENNINGHAUSEN wanted to demonstrate, by the

publication of the stories and records of 168 cases

which Calcium carbonicum had cured, that

Hahnemann’s provings were not so brainless and

unusable after all.

These 168 cases provide a good opportunity for an

almost statistical study of the constitution. And here

one soon encounters a remarkable and interesting fact:

fat, puffy, bloated patients are not at all frequently in

167

evidence; on the contrary, the majority of the patients

had a different set of physical characteristics: “vigorous,

plethoric, robust, healthy, strong, florid,” notions which

we would associate more with the picture of

Belladonna, for instance; this is much more frequently

the “normal” constitutional expression of Calcium

carbonicum!

Similarly with the temperament: the dullness and

mental weakness which one speaks of in Calcium

carbonicum, occur quite infrequently; predominating,

predominating by far, and already included as

symptoms in the proving, are: “inclines to vehemence,

choleric, irascible temperament, vehement disposition.”

These are characteristics we do not credit Calcium

carbonicum with when we know only the standard

picture. And yet it is so; we must think of Calcium

carbonicum when there is vehemence in a patient’s

temperament, not only when there is vehemence in a

patient’s temperament, not only when there is dullness

and mental weakness.

We have then, in separate instances, two different

conceptions of the Calcium carbonicum constitution:

robust, healthy, florid on the one hand; bloated, puffy,

unhealthily corpulent on the other; inclined to

vehemence, choleric, irascible on the one hand, dullness

and mental weakness on the other. They are antitheses,

polarities. Moreover, it seems to be true that the usual

constitutional indications for Calcium carbonicum are

robustness and vehemence, while bloatedness and

dullness are signs of illness. In support of this I would

like to cite one of Boenninghausen’s cases in full:

“A woman, 69 years old, very corpulent, had every

evening an attack of intolerable coldness in the outer

chest, which was always accompanied by great

shortness of breath, which she could alleviate only by

smoking tobacco, and which was in general ameliorated

by warmth and in a warm room. On 16 May 1836 I

made a mistake (because previously China had been

given allopathically) and gave Pulsatilla, which of

course did no good. Then, on 29 May, the patient got

Calcium carbonicum, whereupon the sufferings

permanently gave way and even the excessive

corpulence decreased significantly.”

You see, this shows that the corpulence, which at

first gave the impression of being a constitutional

indication, was in reality a sign of illness.

I said before that the general physical appearance

and the temperament comprise only part of the

constitution. In addition there is something which is

very much in line with Kent’s general symptoms,

namely, the sensations and modalities which affect the

entire man. Dorcsi formulated it thus: “Constitution is

the totality of all inner causes and conditions which can

lead to illness.” Right away you have an example of

this if you remember that Calcium carbonicum is “chilly

and damp.” The chilliness is a sensation and a

modality; the patient has sensations of coldness, and he

doesn’t like the cold, because it brings on or aggravates

his complaints. It is much the same with dampness; the

patient sweats, and dampness is poorly tolerated.

One can formulate this “chilly and damp” of

Calcium carbonicum even more precisely, to bring out

the typical character of the remedy, and to differentiate

it from the chilliness and dampness of other remedies,

Silicea, for instance. One finds it very nicely put with

respect to Calcium carbonicum in Boenninghausen’s

cases: “Just as there is chilliness when at rest, so there

is sweating on the least exertion.” Regarding Silicea it

reads: “Although he sweats, he cannot uncover himself,

he would catch a chill, the sweat would be suppressed”;

whereas in Calcium carbonicum, there is often “heat,

with inclination to uncover.” Silicea has “deficiency of

vital heat, always chilly, even during exertion and when

he sits next to the fire.” Calcium carbonicum has more

localized sensations of coldness, and chilliness only

when at rest.

When one studies these 168 cases, as well as the

symptoms of the proving of Calcium carbonicum, one is

struck by another thing regarding chilliness and

dampness. Sensations of coldness, sweat, and also

sensations of heat, seen to occur very often in small,

circumscribed areas, in individual parts of the body.

There is “feeling of coldness in the head,” “cold feeling

inside the back part of the head,” “as if a piece of ice lay

in the eye socket,” “coldness in the abdomen,”

“coldness in the thigh,” “cold feeling in the mammary

gland.” The sweat is also often localized. Rückert

observes: “The heat is often only partial, especially in

the forehead and in the face, as well as in the hands.”10

There is yet more; obesity is not really as characteristic

of Calcium carbonicum as, for example, swelling of the

pit of the stomach like an inverted saucer, of the upper

lip like a snout, hard swelling, especially of the

abdomen, swelling up of a buttock, of a kneecap, or of

the soles of the feet.

This is again a matter of a general symptom in the

Kentian sense. The occurrence of sensations and

changes in small, circumscribed areas is characteristic

of Calcium carbonicum; it does not refer only to the

feelings of coldness, but to the whole organism and

many of its functions.

One can go further in equating Kent’s general

symptoms with constitutional indications. You know

that Kent placed a high value on the character of

discharges, one equivalent to that of general sensations.

There is in this regard a well-known indication for

Calcium carbonicum: women patients for whom

Calcium carbonicum is suitable often have periods

which are too heavy and too frequent, with leucorrhoea

inbetween.

168

Please note that this indication can be tied in with

the idea of plethora and robustness that I tried to

elucidate at the beginning of my discourse. In 1831

Gross wrote the following: “Calcium carbonicum is

indicated in young girls when the subject in question

seems likely to have heavy periods in the future, or

when other clear symptoms of plethora are present”5 In

1833 Hartmann held Calcium carbonicum to be

indicated “where the entire constitution shows signs of

an abnormal volume of blood.”7

The constitutional indications which we have dealt

with so far already enable us to recognize many

Calcium carbonicum patients. When we see a fat,

plethoric woman with heavy, frequent periods who

suffers from sensations of coldness in small areas and

who sweats on the least exertion, we will at least

consider Calcium carbonicum, and when other

symptoms do not better indicate another remedy we will

often have done the right thing by prescribing Calcium

carbonicum. We will be all the more certain of our

choice the more such indications we know. Please

permit me, therefore, to enumerate some more such

indications, without enlarging on them:

1. Much thirst for cold water

2. Lancinating pains

3. Aggravation in the evening or early in the morning

4. Impaired hearing, deafness

5. Dilated pupils

You see that, quite contrary to my usual practice, I

have not analysed these indications any further. One

can, of course, and it would be a very useful exercise,

attempt to determine how the Calcium carbonicum

thirst differs from the thirst of other remedies, in the

way I have briefly indicated for chilliness and sweat. If

one takes this far enough, one can enlarge these

indications into complete symptoms, each in itself

determinative of the remedy; so that, for example, when

a patient describes very precisely the way in which he

sweats, one could then, on the basis of perspiration

alone, diagnose Calcium carbonicum. But the two

things must come together: the doctor must know the

symptoms in all its details, and the patient must be able

to describe it in a very detailed way.

If one knows the indications only in their more

general form, the way I presented them to you here, or if

one cannot obtain a more accurate description from the

patient, one can only diagnose the remedy with some

certainty when several these indications occur together,

if, to keep to our example, the obese woman with heavy

periods complains moreover of a markedly strong thirst

for cold water, and if we note that she has widely dilated

pupils.

I speak purposely of indications here, and not of

symptoms. I believe that one can distinguish between

simple indications and precisely described symptoms;

between indications, which are not in themselves

characteristic of only one remedy, which occur in many

remedies, and which permit the choice of a remedy only

in combination with other indications, and, in contrast,

symptoms, which have been differentiated, elaborated,

and developed as full as possible, which in themselves

indicate the remedy when they are precisely described

by a patient.

But now I would like to show you such a complete

symptom. You know from my earlier discourses that

such detailed symptoms do not grow on the trees of the

provings, that they have rather to be painstakingly

cultivated in the field of practice. To begin with, I will

read you the symptoms of the proving, which represent

to a certain degree only the sketch of the completely

detailed symptom:

1. Bulimia. Everything she eats seems to go into an

empty stomach.

2. Distension after eating, swelling of the stomach,

pressure in the stomach, fullness in the abdomen.

3. Pressing pain in the stomach, as if there were a load

of stones there, after eating.

Now we want to provide this sketch with colour, to

make a picture out of it. You will here in the following

tape recordings that patients complain that the feeling of

fullness comes too late after eating. Suffering has made

them wise. To wit, when, due to their hunger and their

bulimia, they keep on eating, half an hour later, when

they can no longer nullify their sin, they get their

stomach complaints, their painful feeling of fullness,

their feeling as if there were stones in there.

Student L., female, 11 October 1974: “I’ve been

having really terrible wind for about three years now.

Sometimes it’s better and sometimes it’s worse, and at

the moment it’s pretty bad again, so that I can hardly eat

anything. If I eat anything besides porridge oats, my

stomach bloats up terribly, and sometimes it hurts, as if

I had eaten stones.”

31 October 1974: “Mainly, it’s tension in my

stomach, lots of wind, a lot of air in my stomach. It

bulges right out, and gets hard, my stomach. I also have

pains, sometimes sharp, sometimes dull. A dull pain, as

if there was something solid in my stomach. And

sometimes the air, I feel it up here in my throat, pressing

up from underneath, from my stomach. It’s a dull

feeling, like air wanted to come up, but couldn’t.”

In regard to what the patient just said, that she has a

dull, pressing feeling which presses from the abdomen

up into the throat, a symptom from the Guiding

symptoms: “Heavy load rising from abdomen up into

throat.”8

27 November 1974: “Every time after I eat I get

wind, my stomach is full of wind. As soon as I eat a

little too much, for the simple reason that I’m hungry, I

notice it. Even though I’m full, I’m still hungry. It’s

169

usually when I see other good things on the table, a

sausage or a nice pastry. What I like to eat changes a

lot, sometimes I feel like sweet and sometimes like sour

things.”

2 December 1974: “I get a full feeling in my

stomach. It doesn’t come when I’m eating, not until

after eating; I think that everything’s OK and then it

comes, may be ten minutes or a quarter of an hour after

eating. I could keep on eating, but I don’t eat too much,

because I know that if I do eat too much I’ll have

trouble.”

11 December 1974: “I’ve noticed that it doesn’t

agree very well with me when I eat an egg in the

morning; I get a bulky feeling in my stomach, the egg

just lies in there. I often get cold sweat and cold feet.

Yes, I used to be fatter than I am now.”

Mrs. S., 13 November 1974: “I always get pressure

in my stomach. It hurts may be an hour after I eat; it’s a

pressing pain, like there was a rock in there, and it’s

hard, and sort of full.”

21 November 1974: “In the morning, when my

stomach is empty, it really hurts. The full feeling

doesn’t come until later, it comes practically an hour

after breakfast. I have an awfully big stomach, it wasn’t

so obvious before; you see it when I have a dress or a

sweater on.”

Report on 7 May 1975, after taking Calcium

carbonicum: “It got better right away. My stomach

doesn’t stick out so much anymore, it used to really

stick out, and now it’s completely gone again. I also

feel much better.”

“Mrs.G.: “I get a full feeling half an hour to an hour

after I eat. It lies there like a stone in my stomach.

Sometimes I get cold feet, and I tend to feel cold.”

Mrs. A.: “Sometimes my stomach swells up like so.

If I eat something sour or something greasy then my

stomach swells up, it sticks out like so. The moment I

eat something that I shouldn’t … I often get cold feet,

especially in the winter, it’s terrible then.”

Of course, I have already told you about completely

qualified symptoms, determinative of a remedy; that the

doctor must know them, and that the patient must be

able to describe them.

Now, the first patient came for the first time at the

beginning of October 1974. Then the second phase,

where she said that her abdomen bulged right out, that it

was as if there were something solid in her abdomen,

was three weeks later. Then, when she said “as soon as

I eat a little too much, for the simple reason that I’m

hungry” and “even though I’m full, still hungry” was at

the end of November, and the consultation where she

remarked that the full feeling did not come until it was

too late, was at the beginning of December. On none of

these occasions did it occur to me that Calcium

carbonicum could be the right remedy, although, as you

yourselves have heard, I had enough clues. The doctor

must simply know the symptom, otherwise he will not

hear it, no matter how loudly and clearly it is told.

Not until the last consultation, when she said that

she got a bulky feeling in her stomach and that eggs no

longer agreed with her, did I make the connection

between “inverted saucer”, “eggs,” and Calcium

carbonicum. Once I had brought the hunger-fullness

syndrome to light, it was no longer difficult to recognize

Calcium carbonicum in the other patients. In the case

of the last patient, all that was necessary to suggest the

presence of this syndrome was the remark “then my

stomach swells up” and the little pause after the phrase,

“the moment I eat something,” which could likely have

been finished with “I don’t feel it at all.” You see that

the better the doctor knows his symptoms, the less

reliant he is on precise expression from his patients.

Now, in conclusion, in order to make this hunger

syndrome of Calcium carbonicum even more clear, I

would like to compare it with the corresponding

syndrome in Lycopodium. Jacob Jeanes9 gave a good

description of it in the Hahnemannian Monthly. Also,

he used the remedy frequently in his practice, and was

able, therefore, to thoroughly work out the fine

distinguishing indications.

He told of a man who had been taken prisoner in

the War of Secession and who had spent some years in

the horrible prisons of the South. Since that time he had

been sick, he suffered from persistent constipation and

from continuous hunger, without being able to eat a

proper meal, due to a feeling of fullness and distension

of the stomach which would begin as soon as he started

to eat something, and, which became so bad after the

first few bites, that he had to stop eating, before he had

consumed even a modest meal. This fullness and

distension was accompanied by eructations of tasteless

gas. Lycopodium restored him completely. Jeanes went

on to say that he had succeeded with this remedy in

numerous cases, and all the more so the more the

symptoms had agreed with those of this case. It

sometimes happens that a patient does not use the

expression “hunger”, but, instead, “faintness and a

hollow feeling in the stomach area” which compels him

to eat something in an attempt to relieve this unpleasant

empty feeling. But, each time, he finds that even a

single bite brings about a feeling of fullness, heaviness,

and distension, so that he regrets the attempt.

That is the Lycopodium syndrome. You see how

well one can distinguish between the two remedies.

With this comparison I would like to conclude my

exposition of Calcium carbonicum.

SUMMARY

The idea of “constitution in Homœopathy” is

analysed first, on the example of Calcium carbonicum.

170

It is noted that this concept consists of two parts, the

general physical appearance and the temperament, and,

later on, the manner in which the patient reacts to

environmental influences, which is very much in line

with Kent’s general symptoms. It is ascertained with

respect to Calcium carbonicum that the dull, obese

individual does not represent the usual constitutional

expression of the remedy so much as the plethoric,

robust, intensely-reacting individual. Corpulence and

dullness appear to be signs of illness, not the normal

constitution. Then the difference is brought out

between simple constitutional indications, which apply

in each instance to many remedies, and which

characterize a single remedy only in combination with

several others; and precisely described, fully developed

symptoms, each one of which suffices for diagnosing

the particular remedy. To exemplify such a living

symptom, a Calcium carbonicum syndrome is

considered in detail, out of daily practice. It reads:

Hunger; the patient eats more and more, until it is too

late, since the painful full feeling or the feeling as if

there were stones in the stomach does not come on

immediately to warn the patient, but only a quarter of an

hour after eating.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Aegidi, Karl Julius, Über homöopathische Diät,

2. Archiv für die homöopathische Heilkunst, edited by

Dr. Ernst Stapf (Stapf’s Archiv) Vol.8, 3rd article,

pp. 59-61.

3. von Boenninghausen, Clemens Franz Maria,

Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Wirkung der Calcarea

carbonica und des Causticum, Stapf’s Archiv, vol.

17, 1st article, (1838), pp.1-77.

4. Dorcsi, Mathias, scriptum Stufe II, Insert of 1

February 1976, Ludwig Bltzmanninstitut für

Homöopathie.

5. Griesselic, Philipp Wilhelm Ludwig, Speech at the

congress of 12 September 1834 in Carlsruhe,

Hygea, Zeitschrift für Heilkunsst, Vol. 1 (1834),

pp. 396-397.

6. Gross, Gustav Wilhelm, Praktische Beobachtungen

über die Krznkheiten dieses Jahres, Stapf’s

Archives, Vol. 10, 1st article (1831), p.82.

*********************************************

V. i. A Biographical Sketch of Dr. Hering.

Prof. Franklin’s Address.

At a meeting of the Homœopathic physicians of the

city of Philadelphia called together on the 25th day of

July last, for the purpose of expressing their views and

sentiments touching the history, position and connection

of the late Dr. Constantine HERING with the cause of

Homœopathy, it was resolved, “That a memorial

meeting be had in honor of the deceased, at which

physicians from all parts of the world should be invited

to participate in person or by letter.” In compliance with

this resolution we, the faculty and students of the

Homœopathic department of the University of

Michigan, with such friends of our system that feel an

interest in the present occasion, have assembled together

as earnest memorialists to express our profound regret at

the loss of this truly great man, our condolence with his

family, and to convey to distant friends our appreciation

of the distinguished services Dr. HERING has given to

the cause of Homœopathy during the last half century.

The early history of Dr.HERING finds him a bitter

opponent of Homœopathy. Born with the beginning of

the century at Oschatz, Saxony, we find little in early

life to interest us, until the period when he began his

student life under the immediate charge of his father.

Here we observe him as a diligent and faithful pupil

developing those sterling qualities of head and heart that

made him so attractive to his teachers while pursuing

his studies in the Gymnasium at Zittau, then under the

rectorship of his father. His remarkable powers of

observation and analysis, his untiring application

marked him out as no ordinary individual. In his

twentieth year he matriculated as a student of medicine

at the University of Leipsic, and during his pupilage

here was singled out by his preceptor on account of his

superior literary attainments, to prepare a monograph in

opposition to that medical heresy that was at this time

agitating and unhinging the medical mind in Germany

and other parts of the continent. Elated with the

prospect of a scientific tilt with the sage of Coethen, he

began a review of Hahnemann’s writings, hoping to

obtain an easy victory in his medical contest; but his

readings only impressed him the stronger with the

doctrines of Hahnemann, and scientist as he was he

became so thoroughly convicted with the depth of

reason and glow of genius of the great medical

reformer, that his criticisms were turned into laudation

of the teachings of the author, and he became a convert

to their strongly impressed truths. About this time, and

while pursuing his anatomical demonstrations, he

inflicted upon his hand a poisoned wound from the keen

edge of the dissector’s knife, which subsequently gave

him no little solicitude and anxiety. He sought medical

counsel of his old friends and in spite of their best

171

directed efforts he grew daily worse, and the gloomy

alternative was given him of amputation of the hand.

Chagrined and discomfited he sought refuge within the

law of similia, and applied such Homœopathic remedies

as his then limited knowledge pointed out, and he had

the proud satisfaction of seeing his hand daily grow

better, and finally saved from the dreaded prognosis

pronounced by his attending physicians. With this his

conversion to Homœopathy was secured, and he left

Leipsic strong in the faith of similia, and entered the

Academy at Wuerzburg. After attending a six months

course of lectures here, he graduated in 1826, and

returned to Saxony to earn the right to practice his

profession on his native soil.

While making preparations, writes a distinguished

journalist, to pass his final examination, he accepted the

position as teacher of natural sciences and house

physician in a prominent school under the charge of

Director BLOCKMANN. Wearied with continued

application along the old groove of medical thought,

disgusted with the endless jargon of medical theories

and changing dogmas, and soured with the intolerant

bigotry of that old school, that is “broken down in

council and in fight, in hospital and in camp, yet

brokenly lives on,” his active and restless spirit

imprisoned no longer by the bonds of state medicine

sought new and unpent fields for its scientific longings.

He saw in the profession of medicine a system of castes

of corporations, not of individual but of collective

castes; he saw that a man may be anything he can, but

no man can be anything out of the caste; he longed to be

free, and like the imprisoned bird, sought freedom in the

whole boundless continent of beautiful fruits and

flowers. An opportunity was soon presented and he

eagerly accepted the position that was the fulfillment of

his day dream of usefulness, and which gave us the

bright realization of his long cherished hopes and made

him a hero in the new world of progressive knowledge.

A distant relative had just returned from South America

whose vivid descriptions of the beauty and splendor of

its natural curiosities, of that far off tropical region

where “nature wears her sweetest smiles and sings her

loveliest notes,” where the earth “all flowing over with

fair flowers of sundry colors and kinds as though it had

been in his own native land, where the rich and varied

loveliness of Fauna and Flora imparted their sweet

fragrance to the lazy winds,” inspired his young heart to

woo fickle fortune in the distant land of the occident.

By the aid of influential friends he procured an

appointment from the King of Saxony, to act as assistant

to the accomplished naturalist WEINHOLD, and in

1827, with rosy hopes and elated spirit he set sail for his

far off western home, and arrived in Dutch Guayana

soon after. Hopeful and buoyant, with a soul full of

ardor for his cherished work he entered upon his new

field of labor and made many friends and converts to the

faith that animated all his labors. Still keeping up his

medical studies pari passu with his zoological enquiries,

he attracted considerable attention both to himself and

the system of medicine by which he was continually

bequeathing rich legacies to suffering humanity. While

upon the very tip toe of encouragement and merited

commendation from those who were the almost daily

recipients of his kindly care and thoughtful

consideration, and while pursuing with diligence and

earnestness his chosen field of study, a message was

handed to him from the Fatherland reprimanding him

for daring to extend and popularize the hated science of

Homœopathy, afar off though it be in the lands beyond

the sea. His noble spirit, no longer fettered by the

chains of that medical despotism that had bound him to

the car of a hated propagandism during the earlier

period of his student life, was stung to the quick, and

chagrined at the unlooked for result of his chosen

mission and with an almost crushed heart, he resigned

his office and first commenced the practice of medicine

in the city of Paramaribo. Soon after this he accepted an

invitation to come to Philadelphia, where he arrived in

January, 1833. From here

“Out of his self drawing web he gives us note,

The force of his own merit makes his way;

A gift that Heaven gives for him.”

We see him intent always upon his grand mission,

and entering upon his new work with renewed purpose.

His enthusiasm for the theme of his chosen life-work

overcame every opposition and we see him ere the

mantle of citizenship draped his manly form, lecturing

in his native tongue to the few but earnest disciples of

the new system gathered together to do homage to their

distinguished countryman. From that time to the day of

his death, animated by the noble purpose of improving,

as far as he could, his cherished science, he labored

constantly and enthusiastically for its advancement. He

was the first physician who taught Homœopathy

publicly at Allentown, Pa., and in conjunction with Dr.

Wesselhoeft and others, he organized “The North

American Academy of the Homœopathic Healing

Art,” at Allentown, which flourished for a season and

accomplished a great amount of good to those interested

in its work. This institution temporarily succumbed to

the pressure of pecuniary embarrassment, but soon after

was revived on a larger and more extended scale as

“The Homœopathic Medical College of

Pennsylvania,” It was this master spirit of Dr.Hering,

the liberal, energetic and enthusiastic admirer of a broad

and liberal education in the arts and sciences, that gave

172

birth to our own American Institute, the first and oldest

medical organization in the United States. His

contributions to the Homœopathic literature coeval with

the “The Archives” even at that early day, secured for

him an honorable position in the world of letters, and

established him as a worthy standard bearer of our

exclusive law of cure. I will not speak of his many and

interesting contributions to our Materia Medica, in

which he was of all others in this country its most

diligent and faithful contributor. I will leave that with

one more competent to do the subject justice. He was

truly the pioneer of our school of medicine in the United

States, and his labors on behalf of our Materia Medica

have added more wealth to our exclusive school of

practice than any other man living since the days of the

immortal founder of our school. “The great joy of his

late days,” says a distinguished scholar and

contemporary, “was the reading of the address delivered

by the President of the American Institute of

Homœopathy, in which the methods of HAHNEMANN

and the immutable principles governing our school were

so earnestly laid before our national Institute, as were

also the proceedings of its members.” A close student,

an able teacher and an indefatigable worker for more

than half a century, he furnished valuable and often

brilliant articles to the periodical literature of America

and Germany. In his social life he possessed a fund of

anecdote and humor that made him a genial companian

and an agreeable friend. He enjoyed in turn, a good

joke, and laughed heartily at its recital. Of late years his

bodily vigor gradually failed in consequence of his

mature years and frequent catarrhal attacks, which

prostrated him severely. I remember him well at the

Centennial meeting, during my visit to Philadelphia, at

that time. I was invited to his house, and became one of

his few guests, at a supper given in honor of that

memorable occasion. He died as he lived, a firm friend,

a devoted student and an uncompromising disciple of

the truths taught by the immortal Hahnemann. He was

borne to his last resting place, at Laurel Hill, by friends

and colleagues who had shared his toil and who gave

him “Tears for his love; joy for his fortune and honor

for his valour.”

“Peace to his ashes.”

(Medical Advance, 1880)

*********************************************

ii. Constantine HERING (1800 – 1880)

(Constantine HERING was born on 1st January 1800.

The Jan – March `91 number of this journal is dedicated

to his memory. I have endeavoured to give a brief

sketch of his life and have also added some tributes.

The material for this has been drawn from Richard

HAEHL`s Life and Work of Samuel HAHNEMANN`,

T.L. BRADFORD`s Pioneers of Homœopathy`, and

other sources. Following the article you will find an

excellent tribute by Calvin B. KNERR – K.S.S.)

“Now - a – days, Homœopathy is in the same

footing as allopathy in the United States. Every student

who has passed the final examinations of a state

recognized Medical School can sit for a special state

examination set for all physicians in Homœopathy.

“Before the Great War there were in the United

States 56 purely Homœopathic general hospitals with 35

to 1400 beds each, nine hospitals for women (inclusive

of midwifery) with 30 to 100 beds each, 13 mental

asylums with 130 to 2000 beds each, 9 children`s

hospitals with 30 to 100 beds each, 21 sanatoriums with

20 to 250 beds each, 8 orphanages with purely

Homœopathic treatment having accommodation for 50

to 825 occupants each.

“Germany was the birth place of HAHNEMANN

and of Homœopathy. But in propagation and practical

exploitation of HAHNEMANN`s theories as in so many

other provinces, the New World with its virgin

freshness and energy has far outfaced Germany and the

Old World. This success is to be ascribed not least of

all to the inexhaustible self sacrificing devotion of

Constantine HERING”. This tribute to Constantine

HERING was paid by Richard HAEHL in 1921 in his

two volume biography Samuel HAHNEMANN, “His

Life and Work”.

The list of the pioneers of Homœopathy is quite

long and HERING naturally occupies the top place in

that list. While everyone contributed in their own way

to the Homœopathic therapeutics, Materia Medica,

Repertory, Philosophy, Provings, etc. HERING alone

contributed abundantly to all these branches.

Constantine HERING was born on 1st January 1800

at Oschatz, Saxony, Germany. Early in his life he had

accumulated knowledge far beyond his years. He was

well versed in the Classics and very proficient in

Mathematics. He studied medicine first in Dresden and

later at Leipzig. It was while at Leipzig that he

converted to Homœopathy. Asked by his Professor Dr.

173

ROBBI to write an article so strong that it would deal a

`death blow` to Homœopathy. HERING decided to

investigate first, as from early in his life, it has been

practice never to accept anything without investigating

thoroughly – and experimented with Cinchona which

resulted in his conversion to Homœopathy and a “Saul

became a Paul.”

HERING completed his studies and received the

degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1826. He had by now

become well acquainted with HAHNEMANN. The

King of Saxony appointed HERING to the legation

which was to go to Surinam (Dutch Guiana) for study

and collection of zoological material for his

Government. On his way to the jungles in Surinam, on

the outskirts of its capital Parmaribo HERING came

across a young man lying ill on the road evidently left

there to die. HERING nursed and treated this young

man and restored him to health. While engaged in his

expedition in 1827 HERING continued with his studies

and experiments and wrote to STAPF`s `Archiv`. It was

at this time that his famous Lachesis episode happened.

The physicians in the court of Saxony who were the

enemies of Homœopathy persuaded the King to direct

HERING to attend only to the work to which he was

appointed and let medical matters be. HERING

preferred to give up his appointment so that he can

freely practice Homœopathy.

On his return from the jungles a good looking

young man accosted HERING. He was none other than

the young man who had been saved by HERING. This

man was serving the Governor to whom he took

HERING. HERING continued his medical practice in

Paramaribo for sometime and continued to send his

researches to STAPF`s `Archiv`.

When Dr. BUTE of Philadelphia informed

HERING that there was better opportunity in the New

World, he left for the USA and reached Philadelphia in

January 1833. Here, with Dr. William

WESSELHOEFT, he founded the first ever

Homœopathic school at Allentown, 33 miles north of

Philadelphia. Ad.LIPPE was one of the first students

who received his degree here from the hands of

HERING. After sometime HERING returned to

Philadelphia and set up practice with Dr. BUTE and

soon acquired large practice. HERING was readily

accepted by the scientific and literary, and even political

circles.

In spite of his wide and busy practice and cures the

financial compensation he received was far less and he

found it difficult to live comfortably and thought of

leaving the USA for London, as expressed in his letter

to HAHNEMANN in 1833. However, in 1845 he

returned to his native Saxony but soon went back to the

US., and founded in Philadelphia the HAHNEMANN

Medical College in 1848. Thousands of homœopaths

qualified through this college. This college although

still existing under the same name has long since

become an allpopathic medical college.

HERING`s work and writings are phenomenal. He

conducted `provings` of a large number of remedies,

quite a few of which are the greatest remedies in our

Medicine. He was open to information from all sources.

Many `fragmentary provings` or `fragmentary

confirmations` were received by him. Even if only one

symptom or one modality was confirmed, it was

received and verified by later experiences., The

`Guiding Symptoms` were built thus laboriously.

When a proving was published clinical confirmations

were collected, analysed and after a through study were

added to the Materia Medica. The Materia Medica is

thus a building in which every brick has been tested and

then built brick by brick.

His heroic provings of such remedies as Lachesis,

Lyssin, etc., are all part of history,. HERING`s entire

life was devoted to Homœopathy proving, teaching,

practicing, writing and organizing all these around the

World. He was a ceaseless worker and when suggested

to him to have some rest he said `change of occupation

is rest`. Homœopathy flourished under him during

these days.

HERING was hale and active till his last day. On

23rd July 1880 after his last prescription for the day he

told his wife that this patient has been prescribed for by

many physicians and he believed that he should cure

him. He then had his meal and retired to bed. By about

10 p.m. he became uneasy and a heart attack came and

without pain and suffering took him away to his well-

earned rest in the heaven.

174

HERING`s exposition of HAHNEMANN Law of

Cure, called “HERING`s Law” – and his “Rule of the

Sides” are masterly and true guides to cure. How can

one say that a Homœopathic cure has taken place? If

the cure is according to the Law as laid down by the

Master and expounded by his great student HERING –

then it is a Homœopathic cure. Yet how many, if at all

any in the recent memory, such cures have been

reported? And yet everyone claims of a `Homœopathic

cure`!

“It would be difficult to give a proper estimate of

Dr. HERING`s character and of his influence upon

medical science. His acts are matters of medical history

and the impress of his thought is already made deep in

the medical practices of our age …, for the coming ages,

even more than the present, will learn to depend upon

the LAW as the great governing factor in the production

of the facts of natural science, therapeutics included.

And so Homœopathy must become more and more the

only acknowledged therapeutic principle, the brightest

names that posterity will cherish will be those who have

done so much to establish it among men, while among

the most brilliant of them all stand the name of

HERING”.(T.L.BRADFORD).

Edward BAYARD wrote (1881). “If a great man is

one to whom God has given large gifts and who has

cultivated them for the best interests of his fellow-

beings, then Constantine HERING was a great man. He

was not a money getter. His powers did not work in the

direction of accumulating property., He did not care to

amass worldly goods; but he wanted to be rich in

learning, especially in all that pertained to his

profession… He made note of all his observations;

hence he left behind a large amount of valuable

writing… Every sentence in his Guiding Symptoms

was studied over, sometimes for hours, that the true

meaning might be expressed. As for recreation and

amusement, he knew little of either outside of his

profession ……He believed that the morbid condition

of tissues and organs is the result of the dynamic

disturbance, and not the cause of the disease. He was

therefore a vitalist-believing disease to be the

disturbance of the vital force and its equalization with

the state of health. He believed that the totality of the

symptoms, subjective and objective, is the only

indication for the choice of a remedy. He did not believe

that prescribing on pathological states, nor diagnosis

where the vital powers were tending to those states, was

sufficient to effect a cure. The symptoms in their

totality alone were the only guide for a cure to him …

… He believed that in order to obtain and secure the

highest curative results, medicines must be administered

singly and in a dose just sufficient to cure, because he

knew that all action is followed by reaction (there is no

exception to this law), that all action on the vital power

is by an inherent law followed sooner or later by

reaction which terminated in cure and health. Hence, an

overdose must, by its intensity of action, delay or

prevent reaction and cure. HERING believed that when

he produced the impression at the right point and in the

right direction the force must be permitted to be

exhausted; therefore he waited. Shorter or longer the

time he waited his eyes wide open and his observation

on a stretch, looking for that action which is to end in

equalization .. .. He believed that the highest results in

his art were obtained by close individualization alone,

and not by generalization.

“When some patient astronomer who night after

night has been watching the stars, brings to light some

unknown planet, to do him honour the new-born world

is called after his name and the discoverer is never to be

forgotten. If the astronomer is worthy of this

distinction, what shall we say of the man who brings to

light a new remedial agent to relieve the suffering

humanity, ward of death, and bring back health? He, I

think has done a greater service. And so the great

discoverer of Lachesis will be gratefully remembered by

those who know how to apply this remedy in all its

varied forms, for which in the proving be suffered. And

his only suffering was from the seal set by Lachesis

from which he never wholly recovered, That suffering

was a Crown of Glory to him. Constantine HERING

showed in his death his medical principle, and showed

that if the Homœopathic law, the law proclaimed by

HAHNEMANN, was followed, a man would live longer

and die easier than under any other practice; for he that

is filled with disturbing drugs must die as the hunted

fox, torn and rent by the bloody mouth of a pack of

hounds. But he that follows the practice of our beloved

colleague will have sleep rather than death. The forces

equalized, he has rest. He ceases to exist by the

withdrawal of his life by the “Giver of Life”; as some

locomotive running smoothly upon the track, after

exhausting her fuel, slows down and stops – not thrown

175

from the rails by broken machinery, and rushing to ruin

with terrible violence”.

HERING edited R.H. GROSS`s Comparative

Materia Medica (1866). In his `Remarks` he said

“….although we are still a decided minority among

physicians. We have proved already nearly all the

elements of Chemistry and about one-hundredth part of

all that is offered by nature! This gigantic work had to

be done by a few slandered men, within fifty years. It is

by far more than any other natural science can boast to

have accomplished in so short a time, and as our

increase in number is equally satisfactory, our sons and

grandsons may reach the climax”. How diligent

HERING was in the work undertaken may be

understood when he says, in the same work “The

edition and revision has absorbed all the spare hours of

a whole year”.

I began this article with the excellent `State of

Homœopathy` in the U.S.A in the first decades of this

century as mentioned by Richard HAEHL, thanks to the

great HERING. I would like to end by quoting from the

Newspaper ‘ The Hindu’ July20,1935.

“Homœopath’s Convention in the U.S.A.

The following piece is an extract from the latest

number of “Our American Letter”, dispatched from

lowa City on June 20th :

“Last week, some 750 followers of the system of

medicine put together by HAHNEMANN met in New

York. They gathered together at the American Institute

of Homœopathy’s eighty – first convention. It was

shortly before the nineteenth century ended, that

HAHNEMANN’s system of Homœopathy had reached

peak in the united states. At that time twenty-two

colleges of Homœopathy turned out annually graduates

by Homœopathy purely. They cannot practice the

system without taking licences from the government.

And, in order to get the licence, they must have

undergone the courses prescribed for all students of

allopathy, in addition to their own four specialized

courses”.

HERING envisioned that the sons and grandsons

would reach the climax. Unfortunately the grandsons

and great-grand-sons seem to have failed in this. [Yes,

miserably so = KSS.]

[It is high time that Constantine HERING is born

again . Meanwhile it is hoped that this brief sketch and

other tributes in this issue by Dr.Calvin B. KNERR

would stir everyone to proper action. = KSS.]

********************************************

iii. HERING MEMORIAL

(CINCINNATI, AND ANN ARBOR, VOL. IX,

NOV.1880, NO.5.)

THE GLORY of the Roman Empire and the name

of JULIUS CAESAR, are inseparably connected

together. The grandeur of the American Republic and

the name of GEORGE WASHINGTON are almost one

and the same thing. And so I turn to the name of Dr.

CONSTANTINE HERING, but I need not ask, to what

system of philosophy, to what department or

knowledge, or to what great enterprise that name is

indissolubly joined. CONSTANTINE HERING and

American Homœopathy have grown together, the one

from infancy to old age, crowned at last by the laurels of

Death and the other, from infancy toward a matured

youth; and so closely have they been formed, that

nothing but the searching hand of Death could put them

asunder. Yet in a certain sense, HERING is not dead.

In the highest sense in which he lived, he still lives, and

will continue to live; and his acts will be repeated,

In states unborn and accents yet unknown.

When HERING was born, medical science and art

were “without form and void; and darkness was upon

the face of the deep.” As night upon the seas enfolds

the boundless waters in her jetty wings, so in those days,

chaos covered and clouded all. Scarce one department

of our present system of medicine had more than “a

local habitation and a name.” Anatomy had achieved

some progress, and the human body had itself

undergone some rude and imperfect explorations, no

more; but Physiology was as a dream to the human

mind, and its beauties had not reached the point of

conception, much less had they been born. Pathology

was an inextricable mass of facts and fancies, and upon

these, sat superstition enthroned, threatening divine

vengeance to all who had the temerity to question their

real character. Surgery, with its rude implements, was

staining the earth with human gore; and while

ignorantly striving to relieve, it added indefinitely to the

sum total of human misery. As for the general practice

of medicine, it was “confusion worse confounded.”

Empiricism reigned supreme, and being without

success. It was then that the great Frenchman,

BICHAT, said of medical practice, it “is an incoherent

assemblage of incoherent ideas; and is perhaps of all the

176

physiological sciences, that which best shows the

caprice of the human mind. It is a shapeless assemblage

of inaccurate ideas, of observations often puerile, of

deceptive remedies and of formulae as fantastically

conceived as they are tediously arranged.”

It was into this age that CONSTANTINE HERING

was born. And when he had come to mature life, it

must have been a strange infatuation that led him to

select medicine for his life’s work. Perhaps it was in the

vain hope, that he might amend its broken ways.

Perhaps it was under the delusive teachings of his

preceptors, who taught him, that, first, medicine was a

great and perfect art; second, it had some few minor

imperfections which might be improved, and third, that

he who attempted to improve it would in all human

probability be eternally damned.

Passing out of the deleterious influences of the

schools into a wider arena of thought, young HERING

heard of the writings of one of his fellow countrymen, a

distinguished German physician, by the name of

SAMUEL HAHNEMANN. He went to the store and

bought his books. He took them home to read them,

and to try to understand them.

Like another, in later years, he might have used

those books for wadding, to load a rusty ancient gun,

and leaving it to others to fire the train, he might have

escaped across the seas to await the result of the

explosion – and he might have returned, to find no

damage done worth speaking about. HERING did

sincerely expect to overthrow HAHNEMANN’s

argument; but alas! He was himself overthrown. He not

only read HAHNEMANN’s writings, but he sat at the

feet of the great teacher, and there caught such glimpses

of truth, that thenceforth, like the children of Israel

wandering in the desert, he had ever before his eager

gaze, the divine Shekinah, which led him out of

darkness and out of bondage, into the land that flowed

with milk and honey.

For more than fifty years he was a faithful follower

of HAHNEMANN’s teachings. If he had a creed, it was

a short one and to the purpose: “I believe in the one

great law of cure.” With him this was not a blind faith.

He brought that declaration to the test of his experience,

applying it with infinite patience to multitudes of

suffering men, women and children – for let me say

here that CONSTANTINE HERING was no idle

dreamer. He never attempted to evolve truth out of his

own consciousness; but he gave to this new doctrine the

only test by which it may be proven, namely;

demonstration. I do not think his mental constitution

led him far into the rationale of the law. He was no

speculator. He looked upon this truth as thoroughly a

practical one; and it was his life’s labor to increase the

facility of its application. And in that life there was

wrought the labors of two score of the ordinary men of

the profession. I think I may safely say, that

CONSTANTINE HERING was chiefly great, because

he was an incessant toiler. I do not think he ever grew

weary at his task.

If you will go back to the time when he landed on

the shores of this new country, with this new truth

burning like a sacred fire on the altar of his heart, you

will see him, an alien and a stranger, looking in vain

amid a people whose language he did not understand,

for kindred spirits, with whom he might commune, and

for temples of science, to whose altars he might bring

his spotless offspring. There were medical schools and

journals and societies, and there were thousands of

medical men, but they had no sympathy with his

thought. But, ah, his was a heroic soul! He knew the

truth; he loved and worshiped it, and he resolved to give

it to the world. In a little town in Pennsylvania he laid

the foundations of his work. I have never been at

Allentown, but I would walk its streets to-day if I could,

with reverence. The rostrum and the press were the

agencies he chose for his instruments. And how well

they did their work, let the record of the last half century

testify. But another great secret of HERING’s success,

lay in the masterly power of his inspiration. Himself

endued with inexhaustible inspiration, he seldom failed

to inspire all with whom he came into contact.

It was no more idle to think of touching fire without

being burned, than of meeting HERING and not

catching some of the enthusiasm that warmed his breast.

Nay, believe me, it was an inspiration which made his

homely face radiant with light, and caused his halting

tongue to adorn the English language, which he never

quite mastered, with new beauty. It was not my

privilege to know him intimately, but I have known

many of his scholars; I have met many men who have

sat at his feet, and God bless his memory, I do not

know that he ever sent out a halting or a doubting

disciple. However, some of them may have become

broken pitchers in subsequent years, they came from

HERING’s hands without flaw or blemish.

177

CONSTANTINE HERING was a true homœopath.

With his whole heart and mind, he believed the truth as

expressed in Similia. The power to demonstrate its

universal application to all forms of disease, was greatly

limited in his earlier days. The needed agencies were

few. There were no medical schools to teach

HAHNEMANN’s doctrines. There were no books to

promulgate this new born truth. There were no journals

in which to show the results of experience, and there

was as good a chance of finding paintings by the old

masters on this new continent, as of finding drugs of

any sort fit for Homœopathic prescribing. In some

obscure corner of Philadelphia, in some hidden recess in

New York, there might perchance be found a few

remedies prepared after the formula laid down by

HAHNEMANN; and these, when found, were mostly in

the 30th centesimal attenuation. But in those days, they

knew no better than to give such things to people who

were sick. They had not heard of the Milwaukee

Academy, or of the revelations of the Boston

microscope. And so the 30ths were given, and as the

sick recovered, the name and fame of Homœopathy

were spread abroad. From Allentown, HERING went to

Philadelphia, and on a broader stage, surrounded and

aided by ardent and able disciples, he found his cause

growing with great rapidity.

It is not too much to say, that the scepter of

command which he first took upon coming to America,

did not fall from his hand until he was stricken by death.

He fell at his post of duty, and upon the day of his

death, he was no less ardent and devoted to the truth of

Homœopathy, than when he first espoused the cause.

We have seen some attempted changes in our

school within the past few years. Our fabric has been

rocked by the baleful influence of the spirit of reaction

toward the chaos of eclecticism, and the discarded

errors of Allopathy; and while our future may be in this

respect clouded in doubt, we have the proud satisfaction

of knowing that, upon the fair escutcheon of

HERING’s name, this cloud can never rest, for never

did he bow the knee to Baal.

CONSTANTINE HERING was a born leader of

men because of his high intellectual endowments and

his whole souled devotion to truth. Tradition tells us

that, in the far east, and in ages long since gone by, an

elder CONSTANTINE, while at the head of his imperial

army, saw in the clouds a vision of the cross, and over it

these words: “in hoc signo vinces,” and that by that sign

he went forth to conquer, and laid the foundations of a

great and lasting empire.

So in later times this younger CONSTANTINE saw

in his imagination, the fair temple of medical science

rising till its golden turrets were kissed by the clouds of

heaven, and over its fair portals he saw deeply graven

by the divine hand these trenchant words: “Similia

Similibus Curantur,” and he exclaimed, “By that sign

we shall conquer,” and like a true prophet he

prophesied, and then fulfilled his own prophesies.

(Medical Advance 1880, pp.227 – 230)

********************************************

iv. HERING MEMORIAL MEETING

CLEVELAND academy of Medicine and Surgery

met October 10th, 1880, pursuant to call.

Dr.H.F.BIGGAR, President, stated the object of the

meeting by reading the call for the Hering Memorial.

The Rev. Dr. BOLLES, who had been requested to

open the meeting with prayer, prefaced the devotions

with some remarks, of which the following is an outline:

But why commemorate the faithful departed? Why

think of them at all? Why not rather let them be

forgotten, as a dream of the night - buried forever in

oblivion -nevermore to come as ghosts, to disturb our

slumbers - or why not, if we must sometimes think of

them, let it be only as gone, lost, dead, buried,

annihilated, absolutely extinct-never more to live in

thought or memory?

Alas! alas! an impossibility. As well might we

endeavor to annihilate ourselves; as well might we try to

extinguish the light of the universe as to quench the

embers of an undying memory of the dead.

But if we must think of them, how? God be

praised, we have an answer to this momentous question

in holy scripture, as plain as the sun in the heavens.

How, then, must we think of them? How commemorate

them? Let the Bible answer.

First, We must think of them as still alive, that

“Death hath no more dominion over them;” that, “in

that they died, they died unto sin once; but in that they

lived, they live unto God;” “delivered from the burden

of the flesh, and are in joy and felicity,” for which we

love and praise, and magnify His glorious name!

178

What said our Savior of the departed faithful of old

– of Abraham, of Isaac, and Jacob? Expressly that they

are alive, awaiting the resurrection, for “God is not the

God of the dead, but of the living”- and if they are alive,

much more “the faithful departed.” From their time to

ours, who have “fallen asleep in Christ”.

Second. We must think of them as “witnesses”

ever living, and ever testifying - an innumerable “cloud”

or multitude when the apostle wrote his epistle to the

Hebrews - and yet then only skirting, as it were, the

horizon, but now covering the whole heavens; and what

they see and what they testify, no tongue could begin to

mention.

Third. We must think of them as part of ourselves,

our own members already rescued, saved, housed, and

yet still holding on to us, our hands clasped together in

theirs, in Christ; our hearts knit together with theirs, as

in one common bond of love and peace , and joy - their

song of praise must be ours - theirs in triumph, ours in

hope – theirs for us as well as for themselves, and ours

for them as well as for ourselves; remembering always

that the same almighty power and love, and mercy

which have carried them safely through the trials and

conflicts of this mortal life, and made them victorious,

are pledged to us and will make us victorious, provided

only we let not go our grasp, and “be faithful even unto

death.” “Men once like us with suffering tried.” “But

now with glory crowned.”

Fourth. We must think of the faithful departed not

as lost; not as dead; not only as still living; not only as

our witnesses; not only as our members with us of the

same mystical body; but as still our friends, our

companions, our associates, our brethren, our “well

beloved in Christ,” bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh,

soul of our soul, from whom it is impossible for death to

separate us, or to break the sacred ties of our common

humanity

Drs. J. C. SANDERS and H. H. Baxter were then

appointed a committee to report the expression of the

meeting, and reported as follows:

“The death of Constantine HERING, which

occurred in Philadelphia, on the 23rd of July last,

impresses us with mingled rejoicing, sorrow, and sense

of loss. We are constrained to rejoice that in divine

compassion by which his death was unheralded and

sudden, he was spared the painful consciousness of

decrepit powers usually inseparable from the frosty age

into which his years were mercifully lengthened, and

the sense of suffering and anguish, so common to mortal

life and death.

“We rejoice that to him were vouchsafed such

extraordinary physical strength and endurance, such

splendid mental endowments, and such an evident

divine calling to the profession to which he gave his

life.

“We rejoice that in the great diversity and range of

his study and work he always proved loyal to the great

master, whose disciple he was, and whom he faithfully

followed.

And we rejoice that all his great powers and

distinguished study and work were consecrated to the

discovery, and determining the best and surest means of

relief and cure of human sickness and suffering, and that

he unselfishly and freely gave to the profession at large

whatever he regarded valuable in the products of his

study and thought, and, therefore, that his name is

written imperishably, where they who have loved their

fellowmen, have names, whom the love of God has

blessed.

“But we sorrow with his sacred kin that we shall

see his genial face no more, or hear his winsome voice,

or feel his inspiring presence, or have our paths lighted

by another thought from his earnest, hallowed mind.

“And this is the great and irreparable loss we

personally, and as a profession, deplore.

“A loss which leaves an ineffaceable shadow upon

all who knew him, all who loved him, all to whom his

name is dear.”

Dr. D.H. BECKWITH then made the following

remarks;

Mr. President:--I desire to say a few words in

regard to the event which has caused this society to

assemble here tonight, in grief, in sorrow, in honor and

respect. A few years since we mourned the loss of John

WHEELER, M. D., who died in this city, ripe in years

and full of honor. Our next call was to the memory of

179

Wm. E. SANDERS, M.D., who passed away in the

spring-time of life with brilliant prospects for the future

before him.

We are called once more to bow with submission to

the inscrutable will of Him, in whose hands are the

issues of life and death- to mourn the loss of one, who,

during a long career, has distinguished himself in our

profession as a writer, a translator, a teacher, a

practitioner of medicine, and a prover of remedies. That

mysterious roll of human fate slowly unfolds her book,

page after page, guided by the unerring hand of time,

and calls us, one by one, to a sphere of higher existence.

It would be a strange neglect on the part of the medical

profession, if we should give no formal expression of

our grief and sorrow, at the death of one who has done

so much for us all, and while we mourn the loss of this

great man, we may also rejoice that such a man lived in

our day. No future can rob him of his history, and for

many years his name shall be cherished and his words

be emulated.

Like the falling leaves of this beautiful October

day, many of our physicians pass off from the stage of

existence, and no public record is made of them, while

on the other hand, history takes up our great men and

holds them as precious jewels on her pages, embalms

them in her records, and perpetuates their memory to

generations yet unborn.

The profession will agree with me without a

dissenting voice, that Constantine HERING was a man

of application to that science which he loved so well. In

his writings he had a keenness of vision, a power of

observation accorded only to but few. He was devoted

to his profession for over one half a century, studying it

always as a science, and practicing the doctrine of

Homœopathy as taught by Samuel HAHNEMANN.

When I call up the name of him whom we eulogize

tonight, it seems to me that he was an old good friend of

mine - that he was one of my teachers of Homœopathy

thirty years ago. At that time his name was familiar to

all the Homœopathic physicians of the West. In the

years 1850 and 1851 there were but few Homœopathic

publications and books in the English language.

Among these in my library were: Hering’s

Domestic Physician, SAMUEL HAHNEMANN’s

Organon of Homœopathic Medicine, translated in the

year 1849, from the last German edition, with

suggestions and additional introductory remarks by

CONSTANTINE HERING, M.D. Third, How to study

Materia Medica and the Effects of the Poison of

Serpents. Fourth, Chronic Diseases, their Specific

Nature and Homœopathic Treatment, with a preface

written by Constantine HERING. Fifth, Jahr’s Manual

of Homœopathic Medicine, in two volumes, with

improvements and additions by C.HERING. Also

Jahr’s New Manual of Symptomen, covers over two

thousand pages in two volumes, with a preface from

Hering, of twelve pages, written in 1848. I regard this

work of great value to the practitioner of Homœopathy

as well as to the student of medicine.

In February, 1851, the first number was issued of

the North American Homœopathic Journal, a quarterly

magazine of one hundred and forty-eight pages, devoted

to practical scientific articles. Constantine HERING

was the editor-in-chief. Each number contained several

articles from the pen of HERING.

From book acquaintance I had formed an exalted

idea of Hering as a writer and teacher of Homœopathy.

He was regarded as a practitioner of medicine second to

none. In the year 1863 I formed his personal

acquaintance, and since that date have often met him.

He was a ripe scholar, refined by study and cultivated

by extensive foreign travel, and familiar with most of

the leading homœopathists of the old world. He was at

most times able and willing to instruct those who were

thrown in contact with him. I regarded him a man of

positive qualities, untiring in his labors for his

profession, and true to the principles of Homœopathy. I

well recollect a call at his office, several years ago; he

was not in his usual social mood, but seemed very

indignant that so many homœopathic practitioners in

Philadelphia had deviated from the teachings of

Hahnemann, and were practicing a mongrel system of

medicine. He exhibited to me a list of homœopaths on

one page, and the other class on the opposite one. He

was so positive in his remarks in regard to their practice

that I yet recollect most of the names as they appeared

on the different pages. It was a source of deep regret to

him that so much eclecticism was practiced by those

who were so intimately associated with him in college

and other work.

Mr. President, we all might have asked that a man

so intellectual, so gifted a character, so true to his

profession, might have been spared a little longer, to

have finished the work he was engaged in, and so nearly

180

completed, but the Great Physician called him to a

nobler and higher sphere for future labors. Waiving

from the occasion all utterances of private sorrow, we

unite this evening with our brethren in other cities,

assembled at this hour, in placing high on the roll of

professional honor the name of Constantine HERING.

Dr. CLAUSEN moved the adoption of the

resolutions, which motion was carried.

In conclusion, it was moved, and carried, and that

copies of the proceedings be sent to the secretary of

“The Hering Memorial Committee.”at Philadelphia,

also to the MEDICAL ADVANCE. –A.C. Buell, M.D.,

Secretary, Cleveland Academy of Medicine and

Surgery.

Medical Advance 1880

*******************************************

v. Unpublished material from the writings of

Constantine Hering

CALVIN B. KNERR, M.D.

It appears to me to be unusually appropriate, and

significant, that the International Association of strictly

Homœopathic physicians should hold its meeting here

today, in this Athens of the New World where

Homœopathy has flourished from its earliest history in

this country, and where the torch still burns brightly

showing the way to all who avidly search for its true

and unadulterated principles. I refer with highest praise

to the Post Graduate Course in Homœopathic Medicine

established here in Boston. It is with extreme regret that

we must admit it that our precious principles are taught

in so step-motherly a fashion in some of our

institutions., We reluctantly come to realize that new

comers about to take up the study of medicine would do

well to first enter any of our modern universities where

are taught the fundamental branches essential to a sound

medical and surgical knowledge; to graduate there-

from, then, finally, to take a full course in Homœopathic

Materia Medica and therapeutics so ably taught in this

post graduate course.

It is here, in Boston, that men like

WESSELHOEFTS came to practice. One of these, the

elder WILLIAM, was a pioneer, who has stood

shoulder to shoulder with HERING at the Allentown

Academy, the first Homœopathic college in the world,

where Homœopathic literature had its beginning, where

some of the earlier text books, printed in German, were

translated and published for the benefit of its students.

It was there that WESSELHOEPT gathered the seeds of

sound doctrine which he later planted here in Boston,

which has borne fruit manifold and is still productive in

the hands of his successors.

Among those pioneers, the founders of the

Allentown Academy, I am proud to name one of my

ancestors, a country clergyman of German descent, the

Rev. John HELFRICH, who like the honoured

BOENNINGHAUSEN, became a skilled amateur in

Homœopathy, which he practiced among his

parishioners and friends, and assisted in making

provings and contributions to the literature of those

early days.

I owe my affiliation with my great teacher and

honoured father-in-law, which began directly after my

graduation from HAHNEMANN College, in the year

1869, to the close friendship between Dr. HERING and

my great uncle.

To the few to whom it has been permitted, by

Providence, to have shared in the lives and labours of

great men, to have lived, walked and talked with them,

shared their intimacies and confidences, observed them

in their daily talks of doing good in a great way, has

been granted a privilege that cannot be too highly

estimated, nor too deeply treasured in both heart and

mind.

As I look back upon the past from what must be

near the submit of a long life, longer than what is

allotted to most men, I realize that the years in which I

sat at the feet of HERING were years of golden

opportunity. From the moment of my entering upon my

duties as assistant to the great master, it was borne in

upon my mind that this rare opportunity for acquiring

supreme knowledge, would also be an opportunity for

sharing with others of my profession, particularly those

of a future generation, advantages enjoyed by me. I

forthwith began to record in a diary the conversations of

Dr. HERING, his table talk, the daily incidents that

occurred in his busy life, his interviews with other

physicians of prominence, who came to consult or to be

instructed and entertained by the sage so widely known

181

and respected. In the years that followed, eleven in all,

with the exception of a year and three months spent

abroad in hospitals, and in travel, the book grew to a fair

size filled with a mass of daily notes, of a kind that are

calculated to interest the general reader, the followers of

HAHNEMANN, and particularly the neophytes in

Homœopathy. I have in mind, if my plans succeed, to

place before the public, and the profession, a volume to

bear the title, “Conversation and Philosophy of Dr.

CONSTANTINE HERING”, in two parts; Part I to

contain the Notes, Part II, “Appreciations by the

Profession”, in all covering about four hundred pages, to

be neatly bound, and obtainable at a moderate price.

This first of a series of volume is to be followed by

other volumes to contain the Lesser Writings from

HERING’s pen, consisting of essays on Materia Medica

and therapeutics; provings and history of provings;

clinical observations; correspondence with eminent

homœopaths of an early period: HAHNEMANN,

STAPF, JENICHEN and others in foreign lands as well

as that of a later period, letters from and to practitioners

in this country: ALLEN, DUNHAM, BAYARD,

BELL, BERRIDGE (of London), BOYCE, BUTE

(HERING’s student and predecessor in North America,

the one who coped with Cholera in Philadelphia, before

HERING’s arrival), P.P. WELLS, the

WESSELHOEFTS, WILLIAM and CONRAD, and

many more from different parts of the world.

I must not forget to mention the clever Satires and

Skits written against the detractors and enemies of

Homœopathy, without and within the walls; essays on

natural science, charming anecdotes and fairy tales,

remarks on art, drama, music, history and other subjects

of national interest, including a pamphlet entitled

Natural Boundaries, suggesting a line to be drawn

between France and Germany. Most of the subjects,

written in German, have been translated by me, and

only require editorial workmanship from some willing

hand in the ranks, sufficiently interested to prepare them

for publication at such time as an appreciative

profession may desire them.

From the manuscript of the first volume,

Conversation and Philosophy of CONSTANTINE

HERING, I have culled a few cases, hitherto un

published, and some general remarks to illustrate Dr.

HERING’s method of practice.

Case 1. Was that of Judge M., a prominent member of

the bar and the judiciary, unusually bright and

competent, who was born a hydrocephaloid. His head

remained unusually large in his earlier years until he

came under the care of Dr. HERING, who prescribed

occasional doses of Calcarea phosphorica in a high

potency. At intervals the boy with the big head, as his

deformity was corrected, required to be fitted with a

smaller not a larger hat, as is the custom with growing

lads.

Case 2. A case of “kill or cure”.

This very peculiar case, on account of its strange

manner of treatment, happened in Dr. HERING’s early

years in Philadelphia. The doctor enjoyed relating it,

mainly, I believe, on account of its dramatic incidents.

He never offered an explanation of how, or by what

rule, the cure was made.

Was it Allopathy, Homœopathy, Psychotherapy or

Hydrotherapy?

Dr. HERING states the case as follows:

A young man who had suffered a long time from

intermittent fever came to me with a doleful tale. He

wished to marry the daughter of a rich manufacturer.

He could only get her in condition that he would be able

to fill the position of fireman in her father’s

establishment, This, he said, was impossible on account

of being harassed by chills and fever. The young fellow

was desperate; said he would either drown or shoot

himself if he could not be relieved of the malady. He

demanded me a prescription which would either “kill or

cure”!

I hesitated a moment then gave him the following

advice: Go to the Schuylkill River when you feel the

fever coming on. Undress. Get some of your friends to

tie a rope under your shoulders so that they can suspend

you in the water up to your mouth. Jump into the river

and force yourself to stay there during the chill. When

the fever, which follows the chill, comes on remain

there until the sweat appears, then leave the water.

My directions were followed to the letter. The

patient soon became blue in the face; his friends thought

he would die, but he mentioned to them that he wished

to stay in the water. Soon the fever took hold of him and

182

the poor fellow became so weak that he could scarcely

utter a word. His friends again mentioned to pull him

out, but he decided to stand the ordeal. He had been in

the water two hours when the Sweat came on. He now

consented to be taken from the river and his friends

pulled him to the shore, wrapped him into warm

blankets and took him home. From that day he had no

return of chills or fever, was married to the girl of his

choice, and supposedly lived happily ever after.

Should I again be moved to advise this heroic

treatment I would urge the patient to get out of the bath

as soon as the fever came on. The remedy, in good

faith, is one of kill or cure!

Case 3. A young Cuban was brought to Philadelphia for

treatment. I was called in consultation with some

allopathic physician who had the case in hand. I found

a young man, with black eyes, a mere skeleton filled

with air, unable to swallow a morsel of food without

vomiting it up directly after. He cursed at doctors in

general and swore that he would take neither

Homœopathic nor any other kind of medicine. I sent

him to the nearest confectionery shop for some plain

cream of which I ordered a teaspoonful to be taken, with

a little sugar, every half hour. The patient took it. Next

day he said had not vomited once. I then increased the

quantity of cream to dessert-spoonful doses, every hour.

On the following day he complained of severe pain in

the stomach. I felt a large lump there the size of a fist.

This his physician had pronounced to be cancer. It was

none. I gave him two globules of Hyoscyamus on the

tongue. He had no more pain after this. I now ordered

a tablespoonful of beef tea to be taken on the one-half

hour, and the same quantity of arrowroot on the next

half-hour, turn about. The young man kept on gaining

weight steadily and in a short time he returned to his

island a well man. When he received my bill, in the

amount of one hundred dollars, he paid it promptly, at

the same time telling me that I was the most sensible

doctor he had ever, met, and at the same time the most

stupid, because he had expected to pay me no less that a

thousand!

This patient recommended a great many others to

me, from Cuba.

Case 4. Later, while still living on Walnut Street, there

came to my office a father and son. The son was in

almost the same condition as the case just described.

The father asked me what he should do. I told him to

give his son small quantities of food, and often. When I

turned my back the two slipped out of my office without

paying a fee. I subsequently learned that the father said:

Anybody could have given him the same advice!” And

yet it cured his boy! There is much truth in small

suggestions like these, often overlooked, or disregarded

by reason of their apparent insignificance.

HERING did not contribute much of clinical

material from his practice to our literature. He made

constant use of cases cured by others. In fact he

remarked some where that he intended to write a certain

book as soon as he could accumulate a thousand or

more typical cases. This book was not written.

HERING never failed to write down the symptoms

of his patients at their first visit, and again at future

visits, for which purpose he carried with him a small

note-book to the bed-side, and his office he used tablets

of note-paper about three by four in size. While these

had accumulated stacks upon stacks of such notes,

completely deciphered to be of any use, not even by

those among us who were familiar with his handwriting.

Other papers of Materia Medica and other subjects,

though hard to read, are not beyond recovery. Since,

after his death, I am probably the only person living

who can read the papers, I have made it my business

through the many years that they have been in my

possession, to rewrite, copy and translate most of them.

There is much material particularly of what was written

in German, that was copied by his secretary who wrote

a clear hand, almost equal to engraving; all of it in ink

which so far has withstood the corroding influence of

time. The paper, of the best, also holds well. Good

Lotzbecker snuff which the doctor used and let fall

among his papers and the leaves of his books has

preserved them from decay and the ravages of the

bookworm.

HERING says both HAHNEMANN and STAPF

kept records of their cases in blank books, or ledgers, in

which a single page was devoted to each patient.

Between lines there was left room for remarks. The

symptoms were numbered. After each symptom were

placed the marks signifying better or worse, as the

treatment progressed.

183

HERING was the first to condemn the giving of

castor oil on the third day after child birth, which was

almost universally done to produce a bowel movement

with the lying-in. He claims that the seventh day after

child birth is the natural time for passage; if it does not

come then he advised a dose of Bryonia, or Nux vomica.

We see with satifaction that practice of purging is being

largely ignored even by the ordinary practitioners of

medicine. Owing to sanitation and better care of the

patient cases of puerperal fever are extremely rare.

Hepar sulphur: Before the advent of modern

surgery Dr. HERING fought off lancing abcesses,

which he thought bad practice, and unnecessary if

Hepar, in a high potency, were given to the patient.

This suggestion came from him as early as 1827, while

in South America. At about the same time,

HARTMANN, in Germany, introduced Mercurius.

I have heard Dr. HERING say that in five years he

had not once prescribed either Hepar or Spongia,

remedies then in general favour for so-called croup, and

much abused, as was the case with Aconite. He had

good results from Arsenicum in croup in cases of great

weakness, or a suppressed urticaria; and Belladonna for

the spasmodic variety.

Nitricum: A keynote of Nitricum is: Drinking often,

but a little at a time. The patient drinks but little at a

time because the act of swallowing interferes with

respiration. HERING says this is Grauvogl`s

observation.

Euphrasia and Cepa. Attention is called to a

comparison between these two remedies.

HERING laid great stress upon the following with a

complementary medicine where the previous remedy

had ceased to be beneficial after waiting a reasonable

time, with a similarly acting medicine, preferably one

from another group, as for instance Belladonna after

Rhus tox ; Pulsatilla after Nux vomica in many

variations. The key to this will be found under Chapter

48, Relationship, in Guiding Symptoms, the

Condensed Materia Medica, and in the Repertory to

those works.

Certain remedies are inimical and should not be

allowed to follow each other closely, as for instance;

Phosphorus and Causticum, also Rhus Tox, and Apis;

likewise Nux vomica and Ignatia. Only one of them can

be properly indicated.

This is well illustrated by HERING in an account

he gives of selecting, for proving, a specimen; of the

drug Aloes. He says: I went into a drugstore in

Philadelphia (Morris`) to buy some Aloes. He showed

me two kinds. I told him that both of them were

adulterations. He sent his boy out to all the drugstores

in town for samples. An immense heap of Aloes was

collected, but all of them were bogus. The druggist was

chagrined. He sent to New York for more samples. I

came to examine this large assortment but did not find a

single genuine specimen among them. At last I noticed

that the druggist held back a small package, carefully

wrapped in paper, which he did not seem willing to

show me, I asked to see it. He handed it over, smiled as

I said, “This is genuine Aloes. Where did you get it?”

He confessed that he had stolen it from a collection in

the Academy of Pharmacy, of which he was a trustee.

The sample had been brought into the country by an

expedition that had sailed around the world which had

received the specimen from the Sultan of Muscat, who

grew the plant from which the substance is derived.

When you break a piece of Aloes the fracture must

show a purplish golden hue, almost transparent. The

adulterated specimens were boiled in certain oils to such

a degree that they made the paper in which they came

greasy.

Aloes has its sphere of action in the pelvis. There

is great congestion there, with a feeling of fullness, as if

everything was tending there. Haemorrhoidal tenesmus.

HERING got the Arum triphyllum (Jackrin-the-

Pulpit) from an up-country Pennsylvania German who

had it from an old woman, in one of the valleys of

Pennsylvania.

After a proving it became a valuable remedy in his

hands for scarlet fever in its worst form.

HERING was called to see three children located in

a basement on Cherry Street. The oldest child was in

the last stage of sickness, evidently dying. The second

was in the second stage and very sick. The third had

just begun to sicken. He thought of the Pennsylvania

German`s remedy, the Arum triphyllum which he

184

administered to each of the three children in the sixth

dilution. All three recovered.

The chief indications for the remedy are soreness of

the mouth, cracked lips and salivation. He tried the

remedy again soon after, this time getting and

aggravation, probably due to a lower potency; higher

ones were made use of later.

Hamamelis (witch hazel) was suggested to

HERING by a consumptive at the point of death, who

controlled his haemorrhages with the quack medicine,

which he himself had introduced, and which made him

rich, but which he kept a secret. HERING thought if a

substance can stop haemorrhages from a lung almost

gone, it must be a good remedy.

The consumptive had a fair daughter who

impressed the doctor. She revealed to him the formula.

Her father had planted acres with the witch dazel, had

built a distillery by which to extract the sap of the bush

during the month of February, when it is strongest, just

before the flowering season, when all plants are

strongest in sap. HERING says if it had not been for

consideration of the daughter, he would; be not have

had any time for a man who discovered a healing

remedy and guarded its secret for material gain.

Either everything is chance or all things that happen

are governed by laws; otherwise where would a line be

drawn between chance and rule?

The side that hates will lose.

HERING believed, with Jean Paul RICHTER, that

all things that happen, happen twice, the duplicature of

events. There are laws that govern history as well as

that govern space, planetary movements.

There are four kinds of motion; 1. Up and down. 2.

From side to side. 3. Forward and backward, the motion

of the rocking chair, and 4. The swing.

The first is the motion of health, liked by babies.

The jumper is an excellent invention for the nursery.

The second is not healthy, but not quite as bad as

the third, which is most detrimental to women and

children, causing all manner of diseases with them. No

person can stand a rocking chair in the long run. A

fourth motion, that of swinging around in a circle, is the

worst of all motions. HERING believed (with

SWEDENBORG) that the nerves contain a gaseous

substance which circulates from the periphery to the

centre through the sensory nerves, and from the centre

to the periphery through the motor nerves. In sleep this

current is reversed.

Medicines placed upon the tongue are there

changed to a nervegas, which is transmitted to diseased

parts.

This would explain the lightning like cures as

mentioned by P.P.WELLS and observed by others.

HERING wonders if the metals contained in a battery

are dissolved, disintegrated and thus pass on through the

wires. He remarked, “Now we have only the effects

from copper and zinc. Other metals might come into

use”.

The Rev. John HELFRICH, a lay practitioner,

associated with the Allentown Academy, once

contributed a case to the Correspondenzblatt, a cure

with Ipecacuanha in which the patient had no symptoms

of this particular remedy. Why did he prescribe the

Ipecac? Because a number of other patients with the

same sickness, had gotten well under it. He had

stumbled upon the law of treatment the genus

epidemicus!

In cities we have not the same opportunity to

observe this as in the country.

If a wrong is done, either from malice or from

ignorance, Nemesis is sure to follow. This would

appear to be a law of nature. I hold to the belief that

history repeats itself and that everything happens in

doubles. For example, this morning I had a patient who

had a strange symptom not to be found in our Materia

Medica. This afternoon there came another with the

same strange symptom. The symptom is: He is

constantly thinking of his sickness; cannot get it out of

his mind!

I was asked the other day whether it was not very

provoking, as well as discouraging, to meet with

ungrateful patients.

185

Ingratitude we meet with every day, said I. Our

Lord and Master was covered with it. Surely God has

more cause to complain of ingratitude that have I.

KEPLER, the great German astronomist, was a

Protestant. He with his family and friends had to leave

their possessions in Austria on account of religious

persecution. He was followed by riders, sent out by the

King, who asked him to return, KEPLER said: “If I go

back my friends will have to return with me”!

KEPLER was once asked how he could wait so

long and so patiently for his theories to be accepted and

replied, “The Lord has waited a long time for people to

understand the harmony of His creation! Why should I

be impatient?”

It would seem to be scarcely sufficient to close

these reminiscences of Dr. HERING without saying

something about the South American Lachesis. I will

let that sainted homœopath and skilful practitioner of

other days, Dr. C.W. BOYCE of Auburn, New York,

do the speaking. Dr. BOYCE was an intimate friend of

HERING, who made several long visits to Philadelphia,

where the two spent days in each other`s society.

I quote from an Appreciation of HERING by

BOYCE, read at the HERING Memorial meeting in

1880, in which are contained these remarks. Dr.

HERING named BOYCE “the man who saved

Lachesis”. This was after the bombastic and superficial

HEMPEL had declared the remedy “Inert”, in fact, no

remedy at all”!

BOYCE says:

Often, as I came to Dr. HERING`s house he would

exclaim, “Here comes the man who saved Lachesis”.

He loved to tell me about the capture of the snake, and

how he took the poison, and how he had proved it. We

were to go to the Academy of Natural Sciences together

and see the original snake.

The name of Dr. HERING is so closely associated

with Lachesis, in my mind, that when one is mentioned

the other is almost sure to come up with it.

And to a great extent, with me, Homœopathy

depends upon Lachesis for its glory.

I had a case of Typhoid fever which had continued

unchecked for twenty one days. At this time there

seemed no chance for the patient for recovery. Hope

had been abandoned, when during the night following

the twenty first day, Lachesis was given every two

hours. Next morning was a complete change for the

better. The tongue was moist, delirium greatly lessened.

From this time on convalescence progressed until health

was restored.

This case was never forgotten, but in my daily

rounds it was a long time before I saw another such

result. It came, however, in a case of gangrene. A

woman discovered a small black spot on the calf of her

leg, which gave her a great deal of uneasiness, and it

rapidly increased in size. When I saw her, she was in

bed, and the spot measured three inches in diameter; it

was rapidly increased in size, and she grew sicker and

sicker. Lachesis was given and in few hours the

progress of the disease was checked. In a few days the

entire piece of flesh which was affected fell out, leaving

a hole reaching to the sheath of the muscles; but this

healed kindly in a short time.

Again followed a time of professional drudgery,

without striking results, when again I was startled. A

woman who was nursing a child, was aroused at

midnight by the cry of fire. She had only time to grasp

her child and rush out of the house in her night-clothes.

It was winter-time, and she went into snow to her knees.

She stood about in this undress until the house was

consumed before seeking shelter. The result was that

she did not get out of the bed until the following

summer, and then only by the help of Lachesis, which,

in nine days, not only took her out of bed, but set her to

doing her housework.

In about another month another great calamity

seemed to be impending. My eldest daughter was taken

with diphtheria. It went on to the croupy stage. This

was at a time when I had never seen a case recover in

which the larynx had become involved. The disease had

first shown itself on November 1st. You all know how

this disease progresses, and how anxious we all are

when we have such cases to treat. This one progressed

until the eleventh day, slowly but surely getting worse,

when I wrote to Dr. HERING, giving minutely the

symptoms and condition, saying that on the thirteenth

day, when I knew he would have the letter, I would

186

telegraph the symptoms, if the patient were still alive.

This I did, and soon had the reply; “Give Lachesis”.

In December 1863, another claim came to me in my

immediate family. To give a correct account of this

case I must copy it as reported at the time. “A child of

twenty-one months, with light hair, blue eyes and light

complexion, took cold on Christmas day. During the

night of the 26th there was fever and rapid respiration.,

At 11a.m. on the 27th, the child had a spasm lasting

fifteen minutes. From this time until January 8th there

was continued fever, greatly increased at night, with a

pulse of 150. The respirations per minute were seventy

on actual count, and at no time less. Generally there

was a red spot on one cheek, which frequently changed

sides. When one cheek was red the other generally was

pale. All of this time the left lung was impervious to

air. Auscultation revealed slight bronchial respiration

but no vesicular murur. The right lung was not

implicated; there was constant cough, yet much

increased at night. The case had gradually, but surely

got worse, upto January 8th, when the right lung began

to be affected. On this day the child became uneasy and

restless, throwing itself about in all directions and

positions in its efforts to get breath. The face grew

dark, there was constant spasmodic cough with laboured

breathing, the little thing in its agony striking at the

mother for control. When it fell asleep for a few

seconds at a time the throat became so dry that a

condition resembling croup came on, and all the

sufferings were increased. This fearful condition was

rapidly hurrying the little sufferer to its grave. All the

remedies prominent in similar conditions had been

given, including Lachesis 200, without result. At this

juncture Lachesis 12 (three pellets) was given, dry on

the tongue; immediately (the pellets had not entirely

dissolved on the tongue) the cough stopped and the

breathing was relieved, for four hours. At the end of

this time the cough gradually returned with all of the

sufferings (in a diminished degree) when another dose

of Lachesis 12 produced the same decided relief, this

time lasting for sixteen hours. Four doses in twelve

hours so changed the condition that the child slept

nearly all of the night, and air passed freely again to all

parts of the previously obstructed lung.

I consulted Dr. HERING on one occasion with

reference to a patient in whom I had an especial interest

(it being my other and better half), and after making

careful and critical examination, he invited me to his

private study to review the case further, and proceeded

to make an exhaustive investigation. His manner of

study, his thoroughness in analyzing a case (so in

contrast with many whom I met in the profession

possessed with or of assumption than wisdom, who

would design to study a case only as a marked

exception) impressed my mind forcibly as to the

necessity of a thorough and accurate knowledge of

pathological condition, symptoms, and remedy, before

prescribing. In the course of that investigation, he

remarked to me;

“Let us apply the triangular test, and if we find

three important or characteristic symptoms, pointing to

only remedy, let me assure you that we can prescribe it

with almost unerring certainty. I have tested its

application in hundreds of cases, and when clearly

defined, it seldom fails to fulfill its mission.

As an aid to my investigation, I have kept faithfully

in view the illustration of the triangle, the trinity of

symptoms, in the selection of a remedy, with the motto

inscribed within the boundaries of its lines, and angles,

so appropriately expressed: “By this sign we conquer”.

Friends, it requires the highest order of both

physical and moral courage, to risk life calmly in trying

to succour others. Witness the heroic act of a man alone

in a room, whence ask the attendants have fled, with the

box he had just opened containing the most venomous

serpent, the largest of its species, from whose glands

after the most mature deliberation, he is about to extract

the deadly poison. See the nerve of the man, who, alert

as is the snake, seizes it just below the head with a firm

grasp, when its folds uncoiled, with reared head and

flaming eye, forked tongue and naked fang, it is anxious

to strike the intrepid soul, who, at the risk of his life,

seeks from its venom the healing balm for earth`s

sufferers. Watch him adjust the pointed stick between

the opened jaws of the serpent whose bite is certain

death, and whose impotent rage secretes the deadly

saliva, while he tantalized it till it can distill no more

poision, when into a jar of alcohol, he thrusts the

monster, nor relaxes his grip of steel till life is extinct.

The poison, caught on a watch glass, is transferred to a

mortar and rubbed with sugar of milk, till his purple and

bloated face, and swimming brain, suspend his eagar

operation. He swallows the preparation with measured

187

regularity to produce upon himself the effects of the

venom. Observe him toss in his fever, note the

loquacious delirium as he flirts from subject to subject,

note the suffocation, the frantic struggle for breath,

while he clutches and tears, from throat and breast, all

clothing; mark his mental condition, the anguish and

apprehension, and ask yourselves for whom for what

purpose he does this and then answer-is he not a hero?

The lines, just read, from the eulogy by Dr.

BOYCE, deserve to be remembered, and because there

are many more golden opinions, reminiscent of

incidents in the life of Dr. HERING, which were

presented at the Memorial meeting, of which I believe

there is no parallel in history (at least I know of none to

equal it) I intend to incorporate this and other eulogies

in my book, so that posterity may keep in mind that a

man like HERING, incomparable, eminent, totally

unselfish, lived and laboured to the last breath of his life

to establish a better system of medicine for which

science must forever be beholden to him.

I will close with a question which possibly few, or

none, of us present will be able to answer offhand.

HERING asks, “Who were the first homœopaths

mentioned in the New Testament?” The answer is given

by St. PAUL who in Acts, Chapter 14, verse 15, says,

“We are homoeopatois,” the Greek word signifying of

like passions; in German aehnlich leidende: Of like

suffering.

HERING laughs and says, “That is something the

Old Man (meaning HAHNEMANN, whom he adored)

did not know”.

(Read before the I.H.A. Bureau of Clinical Medicine,

June 19th, 1937. From HOMŒOPATHY, January,

1938).

*******************************************

vi. Prof. Constantine Hering`s Introductory

(To Courses of Lectures at Hahnemann College

of Philadelphia, 1867-68, “The Homœopathic

Medicine” Vol. I, Satyaprakash, Introduction by

Dr. H.L. CHITKARA)

There was an old retired Statesman in Holland, a

man of standing, who in the year 1831 wrote a small but

replete work containing a sketch of all the most

important events, characterizing the last sixty years of

his life. Beginning 1770, six years before the new era in

history, he pictured what had happened in the world

since that time, from the Declaration of Independence to

the French Revolution, the conquering of Europe, the

German wars against Napoleon, the Battle of Waterloo,

fought very near his home, up to Nepoleon`s death on

the Island of St. Helena.

The author did not forget the principal power, the

inward moving force, the sciences and arts.

Speaking of medicine he showed how in that also

one revolution followed the other, and one revolution

followed the other, and one new system the other. He

mentioned JOHN BROWN, who, like a rocket, shot up

among the clouds, bursting and sending fire-balls,

spreading a brilliant light in the dark night of medicine,

to be followed by a greater darkness, BROUSSAIS,

with his French centralization, “all diseases are

gastritis:, and “the universal remedy leeches”, RASON,

the Italian, an altered BROWN proposing “contra-

stimulus”, and giving the most overwhelming doses,

Finally, our author speaks of the Organon of

HAHNEMANN. As he was more or less opposed to all

revolutions, conservative in the extreme, he objects to

this too, but still allows, “at first sight this system seems

to be very acceptable”, “but as there are so many

different diseases and thus a great many different drugs

required, where will HAHNEMANN ever find so many

healthy men, willing to submit to being made sick,

merely from love of their fellowmen?”

How can you expect, he says, to find men willing to

make themselves sick, in order to be able to heal the

sick?

That was his principal doubt, and it was a more

cutting objection than all others thrown against

HAHNEMANN, but, it did not do any harm. At the

time he was writing this, only twenty years after

HAHNEMANN published the first edition of his

Organon, six volumes of his Materia Medica had been

published already, and four volumes of his Antipsorics.

Two volumes had been published by HARTLAUB, and

twenty seven numbers of the Archives had given, in

each number, a new proved drug.

The next objection to HAHNEMANN`s Materia

Medica had not much more sense or weight: “The

healthy and the sick are entirely and altogether

different”. “Effects of drugs on the healthy are of no use

and cannot be applied to the sick”. This is an absurdity

throughout. The differences between the most healthy

and the sickest are gradual ones, therefore a sharp line

of division can nowhere be drawn.

188

As soon as a healthy man is proving, he gets sick,

and thus he belongs in so far to the sick. Why should we

not have a right to compare the one suffering, from a

drug, with another suffering from miasma or other

influences?

A third grand objection was made, a monstrous

one, - a real monster of an objection:

“Come out ye Homœopathic men” they said “and

make a true intermittent, make a scarlet fever, make a

real disease, and we will come with our diagnostic

instruments and examine”. They supposed, of course,

we did not understand their pathology, and were not

able to make a diagnostic investigation. Of course it

would be an easy thing to show, in each such case, if we

would offer them as such, that they were not real

intermittent, nor real scarlet fevers, etc. Strange

infatuation! We do not need their pathology, nor their

instruments to obtain exactly objective characteristic

diagnostics. We can do this ourselves, just as well as

they. Why should we not have been able to learn what

they have learned? But the greatest absurdity in their

objection lies herein: we have never pretended to make

such diseases, we never did pretend to make diseases.

Did we ever say we could make the Plague, as the

witches did in the middle ages? Did we ever say we

could make an epidemic Cholera Asiatica, as the stupid

peasants in Russia believed, and in Italy still believe?

All that we ever pretended to find out and get by our

provings was: a number of symptoms, resembling cases

of sickmen, not of diseases. Even HAHNEMANN in his

first experiment did not say Cinchona powder had

produced an intermittent fever. He very wisely said, it

made such symptoms as I had been subject to before,

when I suffered with the intermittent.

A fourth objection has been made and has been

repeated by a great number, has been echoed all over

the land, has been such a powerful and persuasive one,

that we hear it even in our midst, from our own friends

up to this day. Our Materia Medica contains a great

many symptoms, and a great many even very doubtful,

some decidedly false. Thus our Materia Medica is not

pure, and it must be purified.

This “uncertainty of symptoms”, so much

complained of, is not a thing we pretend to oppose; this

objection is not only allowed to them, but it is even

granted that every single symptoms of each prover may

not be from the drug, but from something else. We do

not think, do not dream of opposing it at all, we give up

to it altogether and entirely. It was considered not worth

while on our side to talk much about it, Why should we?

Are not all human undertakings liable to error? Why did

HAHNEMANN so often and emphatically recommend

the greatest care in proving? He knew as well as any

one of us, that observations are very often deceiving,

even a master-mind may be deceived, and may make an

erroneous observation. Did not HIPPOCRATES, 2300

years ago, state in the first of his famous aphorisms:

“Life is short, our art is long, the chances are transient;

trials very slippery, and judgment a difficult thing”.

Thus allowing all these objections, regarding the

uncertainty, as based on a self evident truth; they may

be raised by all our opponents and repeated in our

midst, but they all fall down to the ground, like the

above first objection of the old retired Hollander, for we

are a great many years ahead of them, as we have a way

to ascertain what is true. This very cry of uncertainty or

impurity was raised further and particularly against

symptoms quoted, taken out of old reports, books, etc.;

neither HAHNEMANN nor any one of us laid much

weight on any of them. We can do without them; let

them all be stricken out, we do not care. The opponents

in our midst dwell upon symptoms observed on the sick

and call them impure; they roll their eyes, like

hypocrites, saying, HAHNEMANN used the word

M.M. Pura, and he had no right to do it; a single

symptom taken from a sick man made all the rest

impure. He used this word as it has been used by all

philosophers and scientific men, meaning, free from

guessing, but they use it now as the washerwomen use

the word “clean”.

The more our Materia Medica became enlarged by

observations, and the greater the difficulty in studying

it, the more popular the cry became for purifying it; and

the more physicians were driven over to our side, the

more enemies we had in our own camp.

What is to be said about these objections?

Regarding the uncertainty the symptoms obtained by

provers, it is true; further, symptoms observed in sick

persons are very uncertain, that is also true; further,

symptoms taken out of old moldy books, are still more

doubtful, that is true; in fact, all the objections raised

against the collection called Materia Medica are true,

every one of them. But what possesses our opponents

and all their imitators within our own ranks, to imagine,

that they tell us something new by making such

objections? How self-conceited they must be, to come

out thus, like wiseacres, supposing we had not known

all this long ago. Of course we did. It is a self-evident

truth, that particularly in such experiments with drugs

on the healthy, and still more on the sick, the symptoms

may or may not be caused by the drug. Only the most

shocking impudence, and as is usually the case,

ignorance combined with it, could pretend to teach us,

as if we were school-boys. It is not at all in these

objections that we differ from them. All the conclusions

drawn by our opponents and by all their imitators within

our own ranks: all their conclusions are wrong,

essentially and entirely wrong, are against all sound

logic, against all principles of the strict method to build

189

up a real, a natural science, by careful induction. We do

not care much about all their opposition, original or

copied, because we are all the time engaged in healing

the sick, and that is the very way, nay, the only way of

continually perfecting our Materia Medica. While we

are collecting facts upon facts, bonafide, according to

the best of our abilities, analytically, in order to abstract

what is common to them; while we are collecting one

cure after another and trying to find out, how far they

correspond with the symptoms – a difficult, a tedious, a

toilsome task, but one that brings its reward – our

opponents creep into the core, into the midst, and object

synthetically, arbitrarily, without any real reason,

against all the rules of sound thinking, and ask a number

of hypocritical and hypercritical questions: Who was

prover? Was he really healthy? Who reported the

proving? Was he able to report? Were his reports in the

strict scientific form? And arbitrarily they say: All

symptoms observed on the sick are good for nothing,

etc. striking in this way, as it were, at the roots the

symptoms fall by the hundred, and by the thousand. One

of the most impudent and most illogical, objected, for

instance, to all symptoms of NENNING, a late Surgeon

in Bohemia, and with one stroke he cut them all off,

boasting and crowing like a rooster on his own dunghill,

that 11,447 symptoms were all to be stricken out.

Hundreds of most striking cures have been made, before

and since, simply by the use of symptoms of the same

NENNING. But, because the great critic was not able to

make such cures himself, he follows in the footsteps of

our opponents in the old school, and doubts them, and

because he doubts them, he denies them, and because he

denies them, of course they cannot be worth anything.

What is our way now to certainty? How do we find

out what is true, what is trustworthy and what is not?

To give you an idea in a few words, of our way to

certainty, our manner of sifting the results of our

provings, it is the following:

1. Some symptoms are more decided, and of course

require more attention.

2. If we repeat our proving and get the same symptoms;

still more.

3. If others prove the same drug and get the same or

corresponding, symptoms, harmonizing with each other

physiologically or pathologically, we consider this a

further corroboration.

4. By comparative study of the symptoms of the same

drug, we find out what agrees, and what does not, and

use Physiology and Pathology as much as we can.

5. We finally give a drug in cases where it seems to be

indicated, according to our law, and make successful

cures, these corroborate some of them still more. Some

symptoms become consequently more prominent, some

are very often useful, others less often.

6. Some of the sick while we are treating them

will get new symptoms, soon after the administration of

a drug, if such symptoms, disappear a while after, and if

they agree with the others from healthy persons, such

symptoms may likewise be used and likewise be

corroborated afterwards by cures.

7. In this way we obtain our much talked of

CHARACTERISTICS

This is our way to certainty, and all objections

disappear and vanish before them.

These characteristics are to be regarded as

settlements in the primeval forests, after a while they

become villages, then large towns.

The question has often been raised, what do we

mean by characteristics? What are they? Characteristics

are symptoms, or only parts of symptom or groups of

several symptoms, together representing the character of

a drug, or the character of its effects.

What is character?

Applied to effects of drugs we mean by character

the whole of such peculiarities as distinguish this drug

from all others. Originally the word character meant the

stamp of coins, the mark, the sign of worth. Such drugs

as we do not know enough about, we say, have no

decided character. Such as we have been giving often

and repeatedly, and with a sure success, we say have a

character. The single symptoms, or parts of them, we

call characteristics.

It is an error to suppose a characteristic to be such a

symptom as any respective drug has alone; this may be

the case, but even the most decided and true symptom

of a drug may be a unicum, and not be characteristic. It

never becomes a characteristic, because it is a unicum.

We do not know all symptoms of our best proved and

most given drugs, and we know very little, or nothing at

all, of an endless number of others. Thus a symptom

being known of one drug only, our attention may be

called to this drug, if we meet the symptom in practice,

but such a symptom is not a characteristic until cures

corroborate it, and if this is the case, we certainly will

obtain other symptoms combined with it.

It is true, we have some very remarkable

characteristics, corroborated again and again, symptoms

standing alone, as unica.

To illustrate by example, when SCHRETER, one of

the provers most objected to by the purificators, next to

NENNING, proved Borax on himself and also collected

symptoms observed in sick children, as being new and

corresponding to the other symptoms of Borax, he

published the following:

No.4. Very anxious when riding quickly down hill,

it is as if it would take his breath away, which was never

the case before. (This symptom continued during the

first five weeks.)

190

5. The child, when dancing it up down, is afraid;

when rocking it in the arms, it makes an anxious face

during the motion downward. (Observed the first three

weeks.)

These two observations strengthen each other.

Hence, lecturing on Borax in Allentown, in 1835, the

attention of the students was called to this fact. There

was nothing like it in our whole Materia Medica.

Coffea tosta produced once a similar symptom. After it

had been taken in a strong dose, extract of a pound, the

slightest motion of the hammock seemed an enormous

one. The perception of passive motion was a

magnifying one. Carbo vegetabilis has since been added

by BOENNINGHAUSEN: symptoms increasing by

sitting on a swing. Carbo has Vertigo from the slightest

motion, also hiccough and nasusea, and thus differs

from Borax considerably.

This one symptom of Borax has been the source of

an infinite number of cures in this country. (In

Hartmann’s Therapeutics and Ruckert’s collection of

cases it is not mentioned as having been used once. See

Dr. MARTIN’s case in our Journal.)

Another famous unicum was the aggravation of

symptoms by shaving, in Carbo animalis, observed by

Dr. ADAMS of Petersburg; this was generalized by

BOENNINGHAUSEN, and in the preface of his

Repertory he mentions a remarkable case. Others will

appear in our journals. But also this unicum no longer

stands entirely alone. Pulsatilla has the same

peculiarity, and others may follow.

A famous much talked of symptom is the fan like

motion of the wings of the nose in Lycopodium. This

one symptom has a literature, such quarrels arose about

it. It should never be forgotten that the real symptom of

Lycopodium is not a fanlike but a spasmodic motion of

the nostrils, and it corresponds with a dozen of others of

this drug, as we will see in the lectures. If the other

symptoms of the case do not correspond with

Lycopodium, and it is given according to this one single

symptom, it will either not make a cure of the case, or

the cure will be merely an accidental one. It also no

longer stands as a unicum, since GROSS ascertained, in

Asthma. Ferrum has the same as a characteristic And

how could it? The fanlike motion is a symptom in all

diseases with difficult breathing, and we cannot expect

to cure all by Lycopodium.

In short a symptom that is found in one of our drugs

and in no other, never is a characteristic because it is a

unicum; everyday we may find the very same in

another, and on the other hand, it may be a very good

genuine symptom and a unicum, still very far from

being a real characteristic.

There are a great many more such peculiarities of a

very different value; further observations only can

decide.

Another error was once started, and the attempt was

made to adopt one real good and characteristic symptom

as the main one of each drug, and dropping all the rest,

give that medicine in every case where we meet such a

symptom in practice, as a characteristic of a case. It is

against the main rule of HAHNEMANN ever to give, if

we can possibly help it, a medicine for a single

symptom, but always select a medicine for the totality

of symptoms, that is, for the sick, for the individual

before us. Such a practice would also lead to a continual

change of medicine, and to the breaking of another wise

rule of our master: “Let every given medicine have its

full time, as long as the case allows it.”

We arrive at another error to which characteristics

have led some of our practitioners; an error requiring

your particular attention. It rests on a very remarkable

fact, observed by our school, and we may well say, the

greater the truth, the greater the error. Among all

corroborations of our Materia Medica, the greatest and

the most undeniable, is the following:

Having found by our provings, by cures, and by

careful observations, a group of characteristics, and

knowing the full and complete character of the drug, we

sometimes meet with cases, where, after we find one or

a few such characteristics, we find also the others, even

all of them; all characteristic symptoms of the case are

to be found in the very same drug together. For instance

we find some symptoms of a woman in Calcarea, and

afterwards all others similar; the same with a child. The

best illustration is a case communicated once by

BOENNINGHAUSEN.

PULSATILLA CHARACTERISTICS.

“About three years ago, while traveling,” says

BOENNINGHAUSEN, “in 1835, I arrived one evening

at a hotel, where, as it happened to be Sunday, I found

several friends of the proprietor assembled, and also the

family physician, quite a young man. I had but just

entered the parlor when the eldest daughter stepped up

to me and asked me to cure her toothache, which she

said, since a fortnight, came on every evening after

sunset and lasted till midnight. Many things had been

tried but all in vain, which was also affirmed by the

young physician who stood near us, and the only

possible relief she obtained was by going out of doors

or leaning out of the open window. It was hardly the

place to question her in regard to other symptoms,

particularly of a more private nature, so with the

conviction that if it did not help her, it would certainly

do her no harm, I took from my pocket case a bottle of

the decilliond potency of Pulsatilla and asked the young

lady to smell of it once. The success exceeded my most

sanguine expectations, for while closing my case and

putting it back into my pocket, to the great amazement

of all the guests she cried out my toothache is gone, I do

not feel any more pain.

191

The young physician, who was fresh from the

University, was very much astonished and said if the

cure were lasting it was indeed wonderful.

I now began to draw my conclusions backwards,

because Pulsatilla had helped her so quickly the

characteristics of the remedy must also be found among

her symptoms. So I answered that if the patient would

obey Homœopathic rules regarding diet eight or ten

days, the toothache would not only stay away, but she

would also be freed from her other complaints. This

puzzled the youthful disciple of Æsculapius still more,

and he asked what other complaints? I began to

enumerate some of the characteristics of this remedy:

Predominant chilliness; want of thirst; lachrymose

disposition; the warmth of the stove is unbearable;

sleeplessness before midnight, and stupefying

unrefreshing sleep towards morning; disgust for

fatty dishes etc. He declared that I must have

ascertained all these symptoms from the young lady

herself, and when the others said that I had but just

arrived, and not spoken a word with her but what he had

heard, he replied rather crossly that they only said so to

please me, and that it was not possible for me to know

these things otherwise. I then proposed to him that I

would tell him something secretly, and he should then

go to the lady and ascertain whether I was right, and as

he assented to this I took him aside and told him that the

patient suffered from diarrhoea which was mostly

slimy, and that menstruation appeared too late,

about every five weeks, lasted only a few days, and

that she suffered during that time with pain in the

small of her back, and cramp-like pain in the

abdomen.

To test the truth to his own satisfaction, he told her

that I had said she suffered from constipation, and her

menstruation came too soon, and was too copious,

whereupon she answered that in this respect I had made

a great mistake, for exactly the opposite were the case,

and on questioning her more closely he found

everything that I had told him corroborated, which he

afterwards told me himself with most praiseworthy

candor.

A few months later, when I saw the girl again, she

was fresh and blooming, and thanked me warmly for the

good I had done her, as my prophesy in regard to her

complaints had proved true, and she was now entirely

well.

Whether the young Doctor ever investigated

Homœopathy I do not know, but I hardly think so, for I

never heard of it.”

Such cases we meet with in life, but it would be a

very deceiving rule to expect it always to be so.

The first symptoms in this case could have been

connected with others, with entirely different symptoms,

not indicating Pulsatilla, but Sepia. B. saw the girl

before him, her face, her whole appearance may have

reminded him of Pulsatilla. Her features may have been

such as reminded him of other cases cured by the same

medicine. B. further was careful enough and said, “As it

helped her so quickly, I concluded that the girl would

have the other characteristics of Puls.” There is a very

great and an essential difference between a conclusion,

a priori or a posteriori.

If we find in a case one characteristic symptom

which indicates a certain well known drug, our attention

may be called to it and we may expect to find some of

the others, but we ought to find all the others

corresponding, before giving it, and then we may expect

a cure. Of course we ought not to suggest them in the

examination of the sick. We ought always to get the

symptoms out of the sick, not examine them into the

sick. This is the main rule of a true Hahnemannian

examination.

To decide to give a medicine according to one

symptom, no matter how characteristic it may be, is to

repeat the same fault that others may have fallen into,

prescribing for names when they decide to give

Belladonna because the child has the Scarlet fever. We

may succeed, by good luck, by chance only. All such

cures are on the one side as on the other, accidental

ones. We will have ample occasions in the course of the

lectures to explain this more fully; to elucidate it, and

prove it.

Characteristics ought always to be used in

combination, not singly.

These combinations even, if they appear to differ

endlessly, like the position of the pieces on the

chessboard, are limited by laws; not every variation that

can be made; not every combination that is possible, is

to be found in nature. Aided by physiology and

pathology, we may find these laws; in the course of the

lectures this will be spoken of. On the other side, you

will learn how far each combination of characteristics

indicates the respective drug. As often as we meet with

them in the sick, they indicate the drug, independent of

the pathology of the case. Ample illustration will be

given of this very important fact. It is the method of the

Philadelphia School to study Materia Medica by

characteristics. All who belong to the Philadelphia

School have to learn how to heal the sick by mastering

the characteristics.

The lectures on Materia Medica will thus

principally give you the main characteristics, at least of

all of our well known drugs, and in such an order that

you will be able to comprehend them, digest them, as it

were, and if you are willing, earnest, and do your share,

and store them up by daily, weekly, monthly repetitions,

you will have them on hand, and they will be ready for

use all your lifetime.

192

We will not forget the general principles or lose

sight of them. One hour of the four every week we will

dwell on generalities, while the other three hours we

will take the specialities of one drug after the other, and

one family after the other, the most important first,

adding from time to time by comparisons. One hour we

must have to bestow on the higher principles of our

healing art.

If you know nothing but generalities you are

altogether dependent on good luck to meet such cases as

your characteristics will be fit for. Then you would be

like a man in a large hotel, having a great many rooms,

with a large bundle of keys in his hand. Such a man has

continually to try and find the right one. He may find it

or not, just as it happens. The master-key will open all

doors. General principles are master-keys.

Regarding the characteristics, in order to save time,

you ought to get what was printed a year ago, for the

use of our Philadelphia School, in the form of cards,

according to Dr. Tucker’s method, and introduced by

us. You ought to have them, either printed or copy

them. They have been selected with great care and will

form the basis of the lectures. You ought to commit

them to memory according to Dr. Tucker’s method, if

possible, before the lecture on each such drug.

Supposing every one of you to know them by heart,

we may refer to them again and again, but lose no time

by dictating any of them. All others to be added will be

dictated.

All those that may have been printed in the journal

of our school will be referred to, but not dictated. In this

way we save time and you may be able to carry with

you at the end of the lectures, all that is most valuable in

our Materia Medica. At the time of your examination

you will find the very same little cards spread out on the

table. Then you will have a chance to show how many

you know. CONCLUSION.

While all your instruction in the Philadelphia

School is based on characteristics, you should be

warned in the first lecture against all errors in regard to

them, which, when practicing, you might fall into. There

is one more to be spoken of. Suppose you had a case

where not only the symptoms were changing all the

time, but even the most characteristic symptoms. One

day you find the one, another day another medicine, as

it seems, clearly indicated by them. What have you to

do? Such hysterical or hypochondrical cases you will

certainly meet with, and it may be that your whole

reputation will depend on such a case. What have you to

do? Be very careful in the selection of the medicine,

never decide in a hurry, as such cases will give you

ample time to study them. And after having carefully

decided, and found, by similarly, of course, the best

opposite, be firm, make it a main condition, the patient

must not take any other medicine, and stand firm with

your well selected one; give, if necessary to repeat, the

same higher and higher, but, if possible, do not change,

until all has been gained by that drug which can

possibly be gained by it. The best remedy there is for

changeability is firmness. This may be illustrated by an

example taken from life.

Suppose there was a college, a medical college, a

Homœopathic medical college, which had existed

twenty years and had changed professors nearly every

year, or if there was no change in men, they changed

their chairs, and, what is still worse, changed principles

every year, sometimes even in one single summer.

Another set of men each winter; another modification of

doctrines each course. What would be the remedy for it

if it became dangerous to the cause? Something similar,

and of course opposite, with the principal character of

firmness. A similar but an opposite college, opposite by

its firmness; free from all undue influence from without

and from within. To prevent this it was better to hire

rooms. Have no building except what could be paid for,

or built on endowments of cash in hand. No interest on

stocks to be paid, but scholarships, thereby affording to

students who may not have the necessary money, a

chance, without begging or marketing. No floating debt

or mortgage; but a permanent body of trustees. Not a

floating concern, but above all, a permanent faculty,

every member selected with care and elected for a

lifetime.

This will be the remedy and secure permanent

progress. But still, objections may be made to this, as

well as to our Materia Medica. The very word “life-

time” reminds everyone that this very time is limited.

Life is short says HIPPOCRATES. Suppose there was

an old man among the permanent faculty, his death

would make a change in spite of all the trustees and

bylaws. That is true, it may be. But how have we to act

as long as we have life; by what must we be ruled in

such cases? There is a great difference between

possibility and probability. The possibility of dying is

the same to all of us, young and old. The probability of

it makes the difference. Now let us ask the Insurance

Companies about probabilities; they know, because with

them large sums of money are at stake. The rule of

probability says, that, for instance, if a man has reached

the age of 67, he may be expected to live till 76. Of

course, according to possibility, changes may take place

at any time in spite of probability. But the difference is a

very great one between changes happening according to

a higher law by the Divine Will, and a change made

according to the arbitrary, tyrannical notions of one, two

or three wire-pulling men. Suppose the said old man

reaches his 76th year, possibly more, what a burden

such an old fogy will be, full of notions, and how

arbitrary he may be in ten years, nobody knows, he does

193

not know himself. How will you get rid of him? By

impeachment? We know that is easier said than done.

Well, if any one should be uneasy about that, he will

send in his resignation, to take effect on the 22nd of

March, 1876, when it will be fifty years since he

obtained his degree as M.D. – nine years, they may be

willing to bear with him.

But the age of 76 reminds us of a story, and a very

good one.

After Napoleon had disturbed the peace of Europe,

and was finally beaten in the battle of Leipzig by the

allied powers, and banished by them to the Island of

Elba, he returned again with a large army. The allies had

once more to march from the North to the South.

Blucher was placed at the head as main commander of

the Prussian army, and marched from the North towards

Belgium. Great objections were raised on account of his

age. He is old now and infirm, and full of queer notions,

etc. He was attacked near Ligny, before he was ready,

and was beaten, his horse fell, he was thrown under it,

and was carried away for dead. Of course in a day or

two he rallied again, sat on the back of another horse,

and was smoking his little pipe lustily.

Napoleon now turned his whole power against

Wellington, who stood before Waterloo. The Iron Duke

stood it manfully and did not move an inch all day, kept

his position firm.

But as the sun turned towards the West and sank

deeper and deeper in the horizon, the Duke wrote with a

lead pencil the order to his generals to be ready to return

during the night and retreat to another position. There

was a little cloud seen in the far East on the horizon.

The cloud increased. It was an army, coming nearer like

a hailstorm, and the cloud opened, and cannon balls

came like hail into the right wing of the French army

and rolled it up. The battle was won.

Who was the commander of that army? Who rolled

up Napoleon’s old guards with his young volunteers? It

was Blucher, the old man of 76.

By that battle peace was secured for fifty years. Let

us trust to the one from whom comes life and progress

and peace, and let us never forget our friends, the Life

Insurance Companies and their probabilities. We hope

they will be right, and if they should; present company

is invited to come on the 22nd of March in 1876, to 114

N. 12th Street. Please take a note of that and do not

forget it.

(American Homœopathic Observer. Volume V,

January, 1868.)

*******************************************

vii. HAHNEMANN’S THREE RULES

CONCERNING THE RANK OF SYMPTOMS

BY CONSTANTINE HERING

(The Hahnemannian Monthly, Vol. I, No 1, August

1865).

HAHNEMANN’s advice is, to take all the

symptoms of each case, as if it were the only one,

Comp. Organon § 83, and following: the same is to be

while proving; write down all the symptoms. Comp.

Organon, §138, 139, etc. In contradiction the common

old scholls examine each case in order to make a

diagnosis and to enable the doctor to tell the patient

“what is the matter,” and if they talk about the effects of

a drug, they ask: “What diseases does it cure?” “What

pathological character is its ‘character?’ “ The true

Hahnemannian examines each case to get such

symptoms as distinguish this case from all others. He

observes the strictest individualiztion; like a portrait

painter, he wants a photography of each single case of

sickness. Such symptoms or groups of symptoms as

distinguish the case before him from others, are the

characterisitc symptoms he aims at. The same in

proving; we want the characteristics of a medicine, i.e.,

such symptoms as distinguish it from all others.

Hahnemann’s rule sets forth, that we must aim to

get all symptoms, particularly such as have hitherto

been overlooked, neglected, not listened and sneered at,

to get what we must necessarily know. It is the same

with the provings of drugs. By collecting all and every

symptom and particularly the so-called minutiae, we

obtain the characteristics. The common old schools are

satisfied with a general pathological character by which

drugs may be divided into classes, but never can be

individualized, each as a thing per se.

Hahnemann’s first rule is, the characterisitcs of the

case must be similar to the characteristics of the drug.

(compare Organon § 153, and others.)

This rule has also been expessed in the following

words: The symptoms of a case and the symptoms of a

medicine must not only be alike, one by one, but in both

the same symptoms must also be of a like rank.

(Compare Archiv. XI., 3, p.92) It is thus the rank,

according to which we arrange the symptoms obtained

by the examination of a case, - the rank, the value, the

importance of the respective symptoms of the drug,

194

which decides when, as it often will happen, several

different drugs have apparently the same similarity; it is

this rank which decides in the selection.

Hahnemann has given us a second rule in his

Chronic Disease. We may either adopt his psoric

theory or not; but, if we follow his practical advice laid

down in the said work, we shall, in propotion, have far

better success and will we forced to adopt atleast all the

practical rules contained in said theory.

The pith of this theory is not refuted by the

discovery of the acarus scabiei, nor by the generatio

aequivoca, nor the contagiousness, nor by the

propagation of the animalculae, nor by anything else;

the quintessence of his doctrine is, to give in all chronic

diseases, i.e., such as progress from without inwardly,

from the less essential parts of our body to the more

essential, from the periphery to the central organs,

generally from below upwards, - to give in all such

cases by preference, such drugs as are opposite in their

direction, or way of action, such as act from within

outward, from up downward, from the essential organs

to the less essential from the brain and nerves outwards

and down to the most outward and the lowest of all

organs, to the skin. (Com. Preface to treatise on chronic

diseases, p.7, and following.) The metaphysics of our

science tell us, that all drug diseases (paranosses) are in

their essence and off-spring, opposite to the whole mass

of epidemic, contagious, and other diseases, all of the

latter being originated by a conflux of causes,

(Synnoses).

Hahnemann’s doctrine of treating chronic diseases,

includes another and opposite. Viz.: the opposite

direction in the development of each case of chronic

disease. All the antipsoric drugs of Hahnemann have

this peculiarity as the most characterisitc; the evolution

of the effects from within towards without. Thus, all

symptoms indicating such a direction in the cases from

without towards within, and in the drugs the opposite

from within towards without, are of the highest rank,

they divide the choice.

Hahnemann gives us a third rule, which has been

overlooked by all the low dilutionists, or is, at least,

never mentioned by them, and has even been entirely

neglected by the theorizers of our school;

notwithstandingthat, without this third rule, the

Homœopathic healing art would be a most imperfect

one. This rule enables the true Hahnemannian artist, not

only to cure the most obstinate chronic diseases, but

also to make a certain prognosis, when discharging a

case, whether the patient will remain cured, or whether

the disease will return, like a half-paid creditor, at the

first opportunity.

Hahnemann states, in his treatise on chronic

diseases, first ed., p. 228, ed., p. 168, American

translation, p. 171 : Symptoms recently developed are

the first to yield; older symptoms disappear last. Here

we have one of Hahnemann’s general observations,

which like all of them, is of endless value, a plain,

practical rule and of immense importance.

It might seem to some to very natural that recent

symptoms should give way first, older ones last, that it

ought to have been observed by all and every physician

at all times. But this is not the case; it was never

observed before Hahnemann, nor ever stated as a rule

before.

We will set forth here all the consequences of this

rule of succession but first repeat it in another form.

We might express the above rule also in the

following words : In diseases of long standing, where

the symptoms or groups of symptoms have befallen the

sick in a certain order, suceeding each other, more and

more being added from time to time to those already

existing, in such cases this order should be reversed

during the cure; the last ought to disappear first and the

first last.

Suppose a patient had experienced the symptoms he

suffers in the order a, b, c, d, e, then they ought to leave

him, if the cure is to be perfect and permanent, in the

order e, d, c, b, a. The latest symptoms have thus the

highest rank in deciding the choice of a remedy.

Suppose a patient complained of new symptoms, as

it often happens during the treatment of cases of long

standing, particularly if we chosen with great care a so-

called antipsoric medicine, and the improvement has, of

course, continued uninterruptedly, four, six, eight

weeks, after which time the improvement gradually

ceases, runs out, and the patient begins again to

complain rather more. In such cases we will very often

find, if we again take an accurate image of the newly

195

increased diseased state, exactly as we did before, that

several new symptoms have appeared. We may

represent it by the formula: a, b, c, d, e, have lessened,

especially e, d, c, : and now a, b, are on the increase

again, even c, reappears; d, e, are gone, but another

symptom f, has been added, or f, g,. These new

symptoms are always of the highest rank, even if

apparently unimportant.

It may be observed that they generally are such as

will be found among the symptoms of the last given

remedy, thus the caution may be here in its place, that

after such a long interval, or after such a real gain, as

the disappearance of d, e, the same drug will never be of

any more benefit, the greatest counter-indication being

the new symptoms. Another medicine has to be

selected, and one which has especially f, or f, g, as

characteristics.

The practical influence of these three rules of rank

proves to be not only a manifold one, but their

observance becomes a characteristic sign of difference

of a mere emperic – in Homœopathics a perverted

Homœopathician, and a real Hahnemannian; the first

will cover symptom by symptom, without knowing or

making any distinction; and the second will be satisfied

with a few such symptoms as tell him, what he calls the

scientific character and enable him to go on the stilts of

pathology; the third will observe the rules and heal the

sick as Hahnemann did. It is thus worth while to look at

them closer, and let them pass before our eyes once

more.

According to the first rule we must inquire not only

for the seat of symptoms, inquire which organ seems to

be centre of the pathological action, but also for the

minutiae in locality, notwithstanding their complete

unimportance in pathology, viz. : little inflammation on

the point of nose and lobe of the ear may help to

indicate nitrum, etc. According to this rule we will

carefully note it down, if any of these sensations of a

patient are on one side of the body or the other, if they

predominate on one side, or if they pass over from one

side to the other.

We have further to inquire for each kind of

sensation with much more accuracy than would be

required if we had nothing else to decide than the

pathological character; some peculiar sensations, trifles

in themselves, may be importance in the choice of the

medicine, even such as are unexplained by physiology

or never taken notice of by pathology, viz., a feeling as

if from the falling of a drop of water, may help to

indicate Cannabis.

We must inquire for the times of the day when the

symptoms of a patient appear to increase, are

amelioration or dsappear. This is very often the only

criterion, by which we decide our choice. Even the

hours of the day are very often a decisive influence,

viz., the hours after midnight, one to three, may help to

indicate arsenicum or Kali carbonicum; the hours in the

afternoon, from four to seven in the evening, may help

indicate helleborus or lycopodium, etc.

Likewise every function of our body : sleeping and

waking, eating, drinking, walking, standing, rest or

motion, etc., must be taken into consideration, in so far

as they may be one of the conditions of aggravation or

amelioration of any of the symptoms of our sick.

In the same way all connections of symptoms

following each other or alternating with one another,

whether they have a pthological importance or not, are

all for us of the highest rank, if, aided by them, we may

distinguish one case from another, or one drug from

another. The first rule, then, is, that not only the

characteristics must be alike, but there must also be a

similarity of their respective rank.

The second rule of Hahnemann introduces a kind

of distinction between the different medicines which

have been proved and applied, which must gradually

lead to the adoption of an order of rank among them. It

is a similar division to that of the so-called Polychrests.

But it is not this alone; the same rule is also of great

influence when we arrange the symptoms of the sick.

All symptoms of inward affections, all the

symptoms of the mind or other inward actions, are,

according to it, of much higher value than the most

molesting or destructive symptoms on the surface of the

body. A decrease or an amelioration of outward

symptoms, with an increase of inward complaints, even

if the latter apparently are of little importance, will be

an indication for us, that our patient is getting worse,

and we must try to find out, among his symptoms, the

leading one, to indicate another, a real curative medicne.

196

Very frequently we will see ineffectual attempts, as

it were, of the inward actions, to throw out and bring to

the surface that which attacks the centre of the life. We

must try to assist such attempts, but neither by outward

applications, nor by a mere removal of that which the

disease produces, and still less by medicines only

similar to the same outward symptoms; on the contrary,

we must inquire principally for the hidden inward

symptoms, and compare them with the utmost care, to

find among our medicines such as correspond exactly to

the subjective or inward symptoms, and by preference

among antipsorics, i.e., such as act more than others

from within towards without. The principal

characteristics of the antipsorics were obtained from the

sick, and only by the use of potencies. Drugs cannot

manifest such most important peculiarities except by

high potencies, and with the most sensible persons.

The uses of the third rule of HAHNEMANN are the

following:

1. During the examination of the sick we must inquire

as much as possible, in which order, according to

time, did the different symptoms make their first

appearance.

2. After such a careful and complete examination of a

case, we must arrange our collection of symptoms

according to their value, that is their importance as

indicative, and we must bring such as have

appeared later, in the foreground, of course without

neglecting the others, and even the oldest. Further,

we must compare when selecting a medicine, and

find whether the one to be chosen has a

characteristic similarity, particularly with the

symptoms which appeared last.

3. If the patient had been drugged by the old school,

we must direct our antidotes principally against the

last given drugs. For instance, against abuse of

alcohol or aromatics, Nux vomica; against tea,

Pulsatilla or Thuja; against quinine, Pulsatilla, etc.;

against jodium and jodiate of potassium, Hepar

s.c.; against blistering, Camphor; against

cauterizing with nitrate of silver, Natrum mur.;

against bleeding, purging, or losses of blood,

Cinchona; against mechanical injuries by

stretching, Rhus; by bruising, Arnica, etc., etc.;

against Chloroform, Hyoscyamus, etc.

4. In every chronic case, after a well chosen medicine

has had time to improve the case, and ceases to do

good, and we have to make a new examination to

obtain a full image of the new state of the sick, we

must again inquire particularly after newly

appearing symptoms. As we will find in almost all

carefully observed cases, that the new symptoms

corresponding to the last applied medicine, and as

we know, a repetition of the same drug would only

aggravate, without giving relief, particularly if

general characterisitics, viz., with regard to times of

day, sides of the body, or other localities, have

changed, or if other general conditions are altered;

the new medicine must be chosen with regard to

such new symptoms, considering them as the most

indicative, or of high rank.

5. If we have succeded in restoring a chronic case of

long standing, and the symptoms have disappeared in

the reverse order of their appearance, we can dismiss the

case with full confidence as being cured, and not being

in danger of returning again; if not, we had better tell

the patioent, even if he should be satisfied with the

partial cure, that he may, before long, be sick again.

As an appendix to Hahnemann’s three rules of rank,

another, in regard to the sides of the body could be

mentioned here, and if this new rule should be

sufficiently coroborated and sustained by further

observations, it might become in some cases of great

importance. This rule is the following: Every affection

going from one side of the body to the other, is more

effectually overcome by such medicines as will cause or

produce the same similar affection, but in the opposite

direction. It seems to correspond to the last of the rules

given above, but has been discovered entirely

independent of it, hence it is better to give it to the

profession in a genetic form, and in a separate

communication, which will appear in our next number.

*******************************************

viii. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF DRUGS ARE

OBTAINED IN THE FOLLOWING WAY:

************

1. By provings on the healthy, with proper care; as

much as possible with the same preparation, but in

different potencies and on different constitution,

during different local and atmosphere influences.

2. By arranging the symptoms observed, according to

the same scheme, thereby enabling a comparison of

the effects of each drug on the different organs,

tissues and functions, with all their modalities and

combinations.

197

3. By collecting all the symptoms of any case

according to HAHNEMANN’s advice, to examine,

the sick, also, according to all their modalities and

combinations – and comparing them with the

symptoms of the drug most similar.

4. By observing carefully such symptoms as may

appear after the drug has been given to the sick, and

comparing them with the symptoms produced on

the healthy.

5. By noting all such symptoms as disappear in the

sick, and their modalities and combinations as

corroborations of the former or hints for further

observation.

6. By regarding all peculiarities of persons, cured by

each and the same drug, as marks of distinction

from others who have taken the same drug without

benefit, as symptoms neither produced nor

removed.

7. Considering all obtained by proving (sub. 1) from

the sick (sub. 6), as more or less probable;

characteristics are obtained by frequent appearance,

mutual corroborations and repeated confirmation.

(C. HERING – American Journal of Homœopathic

Materia Medica, Vol. I, 1/1867 – republished 1990 by

The New England School of Homœopathy).

*******************************************

ix. ON THE STUDY OF HOMEOPATHIC

MATERIA MEDICA, CONSTANTINE

HERING

(BHJ. II, 7/1844)

Section 1

The ordinary mode for acquiring knowledge of

remedial agents - namely, merely by experience during

practice - cannot be termed studying the medicines, and

no directions are required for it.

Much time and labor may be expended in this mode

without ever attaining a complete command of the

medicinal agents. Many a homœopathic practitioner will

find himself in the situation of walking on a treadmill -

setting machinery in motion, without moving from the

spot.

He who trusts solely the experience and

observations of others, and thinks that by means of

published collections of cases he will also attain

accuracy in the selection of medicines in individual

cases, or find a similar accuracy in his general views of

medicinal agents - such a one constantly remains in a

state of dependence, moving merely in the narrow circle

which others have chalked out.

In another country amidst other customs, and at

other times when a different character of disease is

present - indeed, during the prevalence of individual

epidemic diseases - he stands helpless and bewildered.

His pockets are full of paper money that is not current

there, and his hands are destitute of any available coin.

He who relies only on his own experience for

knowledge of medicines can only attain a very limited

understanding. His personal knowledge will be quite

imperfect as regards individual remedial agents. If,

perchance, one or other property appears peculiarly

prominent, then the others will be but seldom or never

attended to.

For example, consider the case of Aconite, which

certainly is of frequent use in inflammations, but much

more often in cases where no inflammation exists. Or

consider Belladonna, which is frequently employed

where it does not answer at all, and where Hyosc.,

Arsen., Bryon., or some other remedy, should be used

instead.

So understanding acquired only in this way will be

imperfect, in fine, as regards our whole Materia Medica

- because by this method the knowledge of Materia

Medica cannot but always be very deficient. Only a

small number of favorite remedies will be retained in

memory - merely such ones as are known, or thought to

be known, to possess some general determinate

properties which render their selection easy.

In the greater number of cases that come under

daily observation, these favorite remedies will very

frequently be given where they are not of the slightest

use. A number of remedies will be employed for merely

single symptoms. And a large number will never be

prescribed at all.

In cases of a more serious and rarer description,

even where the most careful research is employed, it is

often all in vain. For sometimes many remedies seem to

be equally indicated, so it is difficult to make a selection

from among them. At other times no single remedy

seems applicable.

The more intimate our acquaintance with the

medicines, the more seldom will such cases occur, and

the nearer is the physician to the attainment of complete

mastery of his subject.

Tyros, who have merely glanced at the remedies,

imagine that it is not possible to become acquainted

with a single remedy which has such a vast number of

symptoms - just as a country clown on coming to town

is at a loss to conceive how the people know which way

to go among such a number of houses. And yet, in the

course of time, he himself finds no difficulty in doing

this.

198

Let us observe how this happens. It may help us a

little in studying the Materia Medica.

It is well known that a person who has been in

many large towns can much sooner find his way than

other strangers who have not. This is true without there

being much resemblance between the towns. He must

unconsciously have invented some method by which he

becomes quickly at home in every new town.

In like manner, many homeopaths have

unconsciously adopted a method of studying the

Materia Medica. Our present object is to make this

method known.

Learning the Materia Medica “by heart,” would be

a highly absurd plan - and not only impossible on

account of the extent of the undertaking, but even if

possible, still, utterly useless. In order to acquire a

foreign language, what good would it do to learn the

dictionary from beginning to end?

One who could repeat the list of symptoms of a

remedy in their regular order would not thereby possess

knowledge of the combination of symptoms - and it is

that knowledge of which we stand in need.

In practice, we never make use of the whole range

of symptoms, but only of a particular combination of a

small portion of them. To the general symptoms of

every form of disease, corresponding ones may be

found in a large number of remedies - and every remedy

contains the indications of a vast variety of diseases.

Section 2

THE GOAL OF STUDY

Every medicine has its peculiar characteristic traits

which must occur in each of the groups that are

mentioned above. There cannot be the least doubt about

this fact. But this only shows the goal from afar - a goal

that we may reach by a careful study of the Materia

Medica.

Up to this time, only a few fragments of such

characteristic traits have been discovered. Anyone may

soon learn these by heart; but this can never be called

studying the medicines.

Properly speaking, the study of the medicines is

rather the road to a fresh discovery of those traits which,

during practice, are continually presenting themselves to

us. And, at the same time, it will show the fallacy of

many well-known dicta proceeding from some who

have attained the reputation of great authorities through

the indolence of others.

The homœopathic physician who knows little more

than the characteristics of a few polychrest medicines

(with the addition, perhaps, of a few other scraps of

knowledge which he himself picked up) has only a one-

legged stool - we may turn ourselves hither and thither,

but it will fall to the ground if not sat on by someone

with two legs.

The homœopathic physician who knows no more

than this is like a bad chess player – someone who only

knows one or two methods of giving checkmate which

he has learned from studying the fag ends of games

played by celebrated players - put together with but a

few other modes he has discovered himself.

The master of the game commands all the pieces in

every situation. He shows his skill even when

checkmated, and, properly speaking, he never loses.

Even though the physician at the bedside of the patient

has ever so carefully compared a medicine with the case

before him, this will tend but little to advance his

knowledge of it. And such a comparison cannot be

termed a study of the medicine, as it is only viewed in

connection with the case thus before him.

To study a remedial agent is to attentively observe

its symptoms and curative powers, without any

reference to particular cases or particular diseases. It is

to consider all its effects as connected with one another.

All its individual symptoms are seen as separate parts of

a whole. The many changes produced in the sensations

by its action, which have been separately observed and

collected together, are to be regarded as symptoms of

one and the same artificial disease. They are seen to

belong to one morbid picture.

The proper mode of studying the whole Materia

Medica consists of first making oneself the complete

master of a few medicines. Afterwards comes the

mastery of those medicines most nearly connected with

the first few, and so on.

There is always a comparing of the new ones with

those that were first studied. On this account, I call this

the diagnostic method.

After one or more families of nearly related

substances have thus been worked out, the others follow

much more easily. After pursuing the study in this

manner with unremitting diligence for several years,

then any new medicine may be made available after

only one perusal.

By carefully reading it over only once, so much

remains impressed on the memory by the unconsciously

acquired habit of comparison, that in a case of disease in

which it is indicated, it is easily recalled to mind.

He who can do this will not complain of the

number of imperfectly proved medicines, or of the

fewness of their recorded symptoms, while at the same

time finding fault with the large number of symptoms

presented by other medicines.

Be the symptoms as numerous as they may, he can

make himself be the master of them. Be they ever so

small in number, he understands how to avail himself of

them.

He who has not the requisite foundation finds all

additions to the Materia Medica a disagreeable burden.

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He shows by his discontent that he has not yet made

himself master of the old matter.

Methinks most of those who complain of our

Materia Medica, are either totally ignorant of, or have

but a scanty acquaintance with, our medicines.

Before we proceed to give specific directions, we shall:

1. Endeavor to defend the method we have proposed

2. Show how a single medicine is to be studied

3. Show how the others are to be connected to this one

Section 3

A DEFENSE OF THE METHOD WE HAVE

PROPOSED

The assertion that one remedy must first be

perfectly known, and that then the rest will be acquired

with less difficulty, and still more easily the farther we

advance, is founded on the principles and practice of

mnemonics.

This diagnostic method, indeed, appears to me to be

the only practical plan of studying the Materia Medica,

or at any rate, the shortest and most direct way of

attaining the end proposed.

There are certainly two other possible methods.

One is to learn what are called the principal symptoms

of each medicine. The other is to study each substance

by itself, and thus, all of them unconnectedly. A fourth

and last method would be, not to study the Materia

Medica at all. (Exempla sunt odiosa!)

To learn the so-called principal symptoms - e.g., to

extract from an epitome like Jahr's Manual, the most

prominently marked sentences, and to get these off by

heart - is the shortest way to practice.

But, at the same time, it is the surest way to

permanent mediocrity. Let him who is forced to make a

trade of his profession, adopt this method. It will bring

him soonest into the center of the woods.

But let him not forget to secure at the same time a

permanent possession. If not, he will resemble the

squatters in the far west, who establish themselves

without troubling their heads about their right to the

soil. And when the buyer of the land chases them off,

they remove to a distance, out of one wretched wooden

hut into another.

They barely support their existence by the scanty

profits arising from ill cultivated ground, and the

uncertainties of the chase. This superficial, unmeaning

sort of life has charms for them. And their labors,

together with those of the destructive wood house,

lighten the task of the settler.

Those qualities that we at present term the principal

symptoms of the medicines are, for the most part,

unsatisfactory - nay, they prove an obstacle in the way

of accurate individualization, and lead to carelessness. It

is much more convenient to administer to patients a

dozen homeopathic remedies according to this principle,

than any plan of the old school. And one may, by such

practice, be pretty sure, that by the end of the year a

number of patients will have recovered.

These principal symptoms are, moreover, in many

instances incomplete, and in many others perfectly

false. They can only be known with certainty, and have

their due value assigned them, by a careful study of the

various medicines, having especial regard to their

relations one with another.

A mere acquaintance with these principal

symptoms cannot be called studying the remedies. If we

were in possession of a scientific arrangement of the

Materia Medica, we might make it the basis of our study

of the medicines. But at present, we cannot expect to

construct anything satisfactory on such an uncertain and

incomplete basis.

He who seeks to study the medicines according to

their symptoms, but each medicine separately and

without instituting a comparison between them, will,

with the very best memory, not advance far before

forgetting what he had previously learned. The memory

is incapable of retaining anything but what is presented

to it in connection with something else. An idea is easily

brought to the recollection only when in connection

with others.

We would remind him who has had no experience

of the comparative method, either on himself or others,

that acquiring a knowledge of the symptoms of

medicines, is exactly similar to the mode in which the

chemist, the mineralogist, the botanist, and the zoologist

acquire a knowledge of the objects connected with their

respective sciences. We should, therefore, set about it in

a similar manner.

Let it be considered what a multitude of signs are

so perfectly at the command of the zoologist, that he can

easily recall them to his recollection. Although no one is

capable of giving a complete description of all animals,

a repetition of all their characteristics “off the book,” as

the saying is.

Yet the zoologist can at once tell a new animal

when he sees it. He can instantly determine to what

class it belongs, and point out its particular

characteristics. By merely looking at each animal, he

already knows its characteristic peculiarities, or at least

has no difficulty in discovering them.

The homeopathic physician must do just the same

with his medicines. Let it not be alleged that zoology

and the other branches of natural science are things

quite different from our science. It must be regarded and

dealt with in exactly the same manner as the natural

sciences.

Let it not be said that those sciences are so far

advanced, and the system so perfect, that everything

connected with them is much easier. Suppose that our

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Materia Medica were at present as little advanced as a

natural science - as zoology in the time of ARISTOTLE.

This should not deter us from regarding it as such,

working it out as such, and studying it as such.

By this means we should make as much progress in

it as was then made in zoology - and that is a good deal

in comparison to knowing nothing at all, or to

wandering in benighted ignorance amidst a profusion of

everything.

I refer to those who possess a real knowledge of our

Materia Medica, if that has not been obtained in the way

I have just pointed out - and I doubt not that some now

see that they have unconsciously obtained their

knowledge in the same manner. There can only be one

right way. But this may have been pursued without the

individual being exactly aware of it himself, as has

happened to those proficient in many of the arts.

When one remedy has been accurately studied, and

the art has been acquired of classing others along with it

according to their resemblance and of distinguishing the

differences between them, then each subsequent group

that is studied in a similar manner costs far less trouble.

The result will be that he who has thus made himself

master of a hundred medicines will require for the

second hundred scarcely so much time and labor as he

expended on the first ten.

An increase of the medicines, therefore, ad

infinitum, will never prove too much for human

capabilities. Entomologists can easily acquire

knowledge of a number of new insects. It requires little

trouble on the part of the botanist to learn an endless

succession of new plants. This they do by a speedy

conception of the resemblances and differences among

them - and the more practice they have, the easier it is.

It may be urged that no such laborious mode need

be adopted to acquire of one of the natural sciences, but

that the general characteristics of the various classes are

soon learned. In the present state of the natural sciences,

all the relationships existing among the various classes

and orders may be seen at a glance, and the study of

them thereby greatly simplified.

But, as we have not brought our Materia Medica to

such a pitch of perfection - and from the short time of its

existence, it has been impossible to advance it farther

than it is at present - we must dispense with this

simplifying glance.

We must, however, on this account, follow the only

path that leads to this end - laborious though it be at

present. As the progress of inventions facilitates

commerce and travel more and more, so the progress of

science always lightens the task of learning what has

been discovered. The same will be the case as regards

the Materia Medica.

Until that time comes, we must study the remedies

as we find them. The time is, we hope, not far distant,

when we shall be able to talk about the objects of our

science in the same manner as natural historians do of

theirs - when, like them, we may be able to give

complete descriptions of these objects without touching

upon unimportant information.

The time, we hope, is at hand when we shall know

what is and what is not important in our Materia

Medica.

Section 4

HOW IS A SINGLE MEDICINE TO BE

STUDIED?

How can a remedy be studied, if the symptoms are

not learned by heart? It can be learned through the same

principle as the whole materia medica - by comparison.

The symptoms of a medicine are to be read through

carefully several times. This should be done from

beginning to end, in the first years of study, with the pen

always in hand. While reading, one thing or other is

always to be particularly attended to.

-- The First Reading --

At first attention should be directed to the organs in

which the symptoms occur. It will be at once noted that

many organs or tissues are particularly attacked. The

organs that show the greatest number of symptoms are

to be regarded according to their physiological

relationship.

In this, our previous studies are a great assistance,

just as every physiological dogma, every hypothesis,

even though false, is an aid to the memory.

Thus, the ear is said to be the peculiar organ of the

osseous system. Therefore, when pains or nodes in the

bones occur, I would observe attentively the symptoms

of the ear. And, in this manner, many individual

symptoms would appear more significant where

connections exist.

For instance, between the functions of the skin and

kidneys, symptoms occurring in the one system will

always call to our mind those of the other - whether

those symptoms harmonize with or are opposed to one

another.

In our comparison, pathology will also be of use,

and that will be so whether its theories are true or false.

Thus, where symptoms referable to the liver occur, I

would always compare the pains in the right shoulder,

and vice versa.

Where turbid urine is passed in small quantity, I

would pay attention to the symptoms which point to the

serous cavities.

In doing this, for example, when studying Aurum, a

number of symptoms would thereby appear more

important, and consequently be more deeply impressed

on my mind. And this remedy would occur to my

memory not only in cases of effusion into the

pericardium, but also in hydrothorax and ascites.

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The important observation of Neumann - that

diabetes is always preceded by a diminution in the

activity of the kidneys - will be often serviceable in our

consideration of the medicines. It will, for example,

help to confirm the supposition that not much is to be

expected from Argentum in cases of diabetes, and that

this disease is mentioned in our repertories in

connection with silver in this manner: HAHNEMANN,

distrusted the alleged diuretic properties of nitrate of

silver. Rather he ascribed to it powers that are exactly

the reverse. But as far as I know, he does not adduce a

single instance of its efficacy.

While studying the symptoms of Phosphoric acid,

we should call to mind the same observation that is also

the recorded experience of its efficacy in several cases

of milky urine - a kind of diabetes.

In this manner we will see that a large number of the

symptoms may be pathologically connected.

During the first reading and comparison, the

symptoms arrange themselves, as it were, into some sort

of definite form. Thus we gain a collective impression

of the whole that we retain in the memory, and recall to

mind in all cases where the remedy is suitable.

-- The Second Reading --

During a second perusal of the medicine, attention

should be directed at the character of the symptoms. The

former perusal was but a preparation for this step. The

character of the pains in different parts should be

compared - all pains or other sensations of the same, or

a similar or a nearly related kind, that occur in different

parts should be carefully observed.

If this is done, it will be found, for example, that

burning pains occurring frequently in various parts are

not peculiar to Arsenic and Carbo-vegetabilis alone, but

they also occur in Phosphoric acid and other

substances. The mind will take a comprehensive view of

them, and a complete picture of them will be retained.

At the same time, attention must be paid to the parts

where these pains principally occur. Thus, we note

whether the burning pains are more in the mucous

membranes, or in the serous cavities, or in other parts.

For instance, the burning pain in the case of Arsenic

occurs most frequently internally, in the blood vessels.

In the case of Carb. veg. pain is seen more externally, in

the skin and joints.

Both substances cause burning in the stomach and

bowels, but Arsenic to a greater degree. On the other

hand, Carb. veg. causes much more in the breast - and

so forth.

In every substance where the same description of

pain prevails, an attentive examination will show the

characteristic features of each.

We will soon discover that certain kinds of pain

prevail in certain organs and tissues, e.g., tearing in the

muscles, dartings in the chest, cuttings in the abdomen,

pressure in the head, compression in the ears, boring in

the bones, etc. But this we shall enter into more

particularly in another place.

This tends much to assist the memory, both directly

and indirectly - the circumstance of an unusual pain

occurring in any organ would be the more observed. A

number of isolated symptoms are, moreover, more

easily remembered in connection - when placed side by

side.

For example, with respect to Aurum, it produces

determination of blood to the head, to the chest, to the

eyes; toothache from a similar cause; determination of

blood to the legs; and many other symptoms that may be

found to be connected with these.

An accordance of many of the symptoms of

different organs may often be observed. Thus Caust. has

sparks, flickerings, figures, an appearance of gauze

before the eyes. Also, it has ringing, whistling; singing,

chirping in the ears.

On the other hand, Phosph. has points and spots,

dark, black, and gray veils before the eyes; loud noises,

buzzing, throbbing in the ears.

After the moral symptoms have been arranged in

groups, they may be easily impressed on the memory by

comparing them with the corresponding symptoms of

other organs.

Thus anxiety, melancholy, etc., are to be compared

with the symptoms of the heart and chest – or a weak,

wandering, or obstinate state of mind, is compared with

the frequently analogous symptoms of the digestive

organs. And so forth.

Section 5

-- The Third Reading --

At the third reading, the conditions under which the

symptoms take place should be noted. This must always

be done pen in hand, even though RUCKERT’s

comparative work be employed.

Doing it one-self has great advantages, especially at

the commencement of the study. One is exercised

thereby; and all that has been previously learned is at

the same time revised.

It should be observed whether the symptoms take

place on the right side or the left. If this has not been

done previously, note at what part of the day they occur,

when our pathological knowledge will be of great

assistance to us. Observe in what attitudes, positions,

during what motions, etc., the symptoms occur.

Care should be taken not to indulge in vague

generalities, such as “aggravation in the evening,”

“worse on motion,” and the like. This is of small use in

acquiring knowledge of the medicine, and it is an

obstacle in the choice of it as a remedy.

What we wish to know is, what symptom is

aggravated in the evening or on motion. When possible,

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this symptom should be noted along with some

connecting idea.

Since HAHNEMANN taught us to distinguish

between Bryon. and Rhus. by pointing out their opposite

qualities - motion producing aggravation in the one case

and rest in the other - it has frequently happened that too

much value has been assigned to this circumstance in

the choice of Bryon.

Many other similar remedies are distinguished by

possessing a similar pair of opposite properties - Bell.

and Hyosc.; Nux. and Puls.; Chin. and Seneg.; Phos.

and Nitr.; Sulph. and Con.; Carb. and Dros. These along

with many other substances bear the same relation to

each other as Bryon. and Rhus.

Bell. has a far larger number of symptoms that are

worse on motion than Bryon. - yet the symptoms that

are worse on motion are perfectly distinct. As regards

Bell., they occur mostly in the vascular system. With

Bryon. they are chiefly to be found in the joints. The

symptoms of the respiratory organs with Bryon. are not

aggravated by motion. However, those produced by

Bell. are decidedly so.

One should be careful of coming to a converse

conclusion. I mean to say, in the case of a remedy

having a number of symptoms that are aggravated by

rest, it does not follow that they will be ameliorated by

motion, and vice versa. Thus Dulc. has many symptoms

that are better on motion, but very few that are worse

when at rest.

The Fourth Reading

The remedy may be perused yet a fourth time, with

particular attention being paid to the combinations of

the symptoms. The student may carefully observe what

symptoms follow each other or occur simultaneously.

However, the attention must have been previously

directed to this point. When this was not the case, the

student should seek to bring these combinations into

connection with his former observations.

Care should be taken not to adopt the notion that a

remedy can cure groups of symptoms in a patient only if

they occur in the order it produces them. A remedy is

capable of curing groups of symptoms which it does not

produce in the same combination at all - groups whose

component parts were observed in a number of different

provers, and frequently in quite a different order.

From a pathological point of view, a special study

of a medicine which compares it at the same time to

different forms of disease may be useful after a

thorough knowledge of the symptoms of the medicine

has been acquired. Experience teaches us that a number

of apparently perfectly different diseases, which are far

asunder in pathological works, may still be cured with

the same remedy.

It would consequently be necessary to go over

almost all diseases in connection with the remedy.

This would be a great waste of time, and would not

lead to a perfect knowledge of the remedy after all - our

pathological systems are very far from being complete

enough for this.

It would be well, however, to compare the

description of individual forms of disease, with many

classes of remedies. Thus, for instance, those catarrhs

which indicate Mercury and allied medicines are very

dissimilar to those in which Arsenic, and medicines of

its class, are efficacious.

Section 6

HOW OTHER MEDICINES ARE TO BE

CONNECTED TO THIS ONE

After a thorough acquaintance with one or more

remedies has been gained in the above manner, the

student must then pass on to others. The best course will

be to go on next to those most nearly allied.

The study of the second remedy is already

somewhat easier. This is partly owing to the practice

that has been had in acquiring knowledge of the

symptoms, and partly because deviations from the

character of the last studied medicine become more

vividly impressed upon our mind.

We must, consequently, have a very clear

perception of these differences. They must assist us to

attain a distinct idea of the peculiarities of the second

medicine, as well as to stamp the knowledge of the first

more forcibly on our memory.

Therefore we must search for resemblances and

observe differences in the more prominent symptoms -

and in those that are more easily remembered, rarer, and

more striking.

I have called attention above, in the examples of

Bryon. and Bell., Caust. and Phosph., Arsen. and Carb.

veg., to the fact, that medicines which otherwise present

great similarities in their symptoms, are yet widely

different in certain respects.

No regard needs to be paid to slight differences, nor

even to whole groups of symptoms which one of the

medicines has, and the other has not. No attention need

be given to the fact that, in one case many symptoms are

known, while with the other, very few are.

These factors may, however, demand our attention

in cases where the different characters of the remedies

are thereby marked - as in the case of Bell. compared

with Bryon. regarding the moral symptoms, the effects

upon the organs of the senses, the symptoms of the

throat, etc.

The differences sometimes lie in the combinations

of symptoms, whereby they may present resemblances

to perfectly different diseases.

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More frequently, and much more clearly, these

differences are expressed in the conditions under which

the symptoms occur. These are often exactly opposite.

Thus the very similar headaches produced by Bell. and

Bry. occur in the former in the evening, in the latter in

the morning.

These differences are sometimes very subtle. For

instance, most of the exacerbations of Acid. nitr. occur

in the evening, but those of Acid. mur. are before

midnight. Those of Acid. sulph. are after midnight, and

those of Acid. phosph. are seen towards the morning.

But all the acids present nocturnal aggravations.

Symptoms of an opposite character are rare. But

differences in nature are very frequent, as is the case in

the gastric symptoms of Bell. and Bry., Bry. and Ant.

crud., Ant. crud. and Ipec., etc.

Symptoms in opposite situations are more frequent.

Thus, similar symptoms are often distinguished by

occurring in one case on the right, in another on the left

side - as happens with Arn. and Lach and others.

The catarrhal affections of Bell. are distinguished

from those of Dulc. in that those of the former occur

more in the mucous membranes of the head and neck –

in the region of the carotids – where those of the latter

occur more in the chest and abdomen – in the course of

the descending aorta, etc.

Beginners are apt to attend too much to specialties

when making these comparisons. This over-attention

becomes a very laborious task, and is apt to lead to a

total abandonment of the study.

There is, however, no better way of avoiding this

error, and of learning how to make one's self quickly the

master of the generalities, than to surmount undauntedly

the laboriousness of the beginning.

On a second comparison, the mind is more

accustomed to the work. According to the talents and

previous acquirements of the student, will it be a longer

or shorter time before he comes to be able to complete

the comparison of two remedies in a few days.

We must caution those who pay too much attention

to specialties not to be so very minute, but above all

things to seek for points of crystallization. We must

point out to those who are disposed to be superficial that

important discoveries for practice may be made by a

careful comparison.

The comparisons may be very easily made by

means of RUCKERT’s systematic tables. The remedies

to be compared are to be sought out in each division,

their symptoms carefully read, and the result committed

to writing.

A separate column is assigned to each medicine.

Those symptoms which both have in common should be

written in the middle. When there is only similarity, the

sign of similarity should be placed in the middle

between them. Where opposites, or well-defined

differences exist, they should be distinguished by an

interposed arrow, etc.

It cannot be expected that anyone, least of all a

beginner, will compare every remedy with every other.

The student should select remedies for this purpose that

he considers to be analogous, and which are known to

possess important properties.

All remedies that are closely related by the source

of their derivation, must also be related with respect to

their symptoms. All that are chemically allied must be

so medicinally. Those possessing similar odors – as are

Phosph., Ars., All. sat., Asaf., and Bufo. – must possess

resemblances in their symptoms, etc.

The chemical preparations may be arranged in

natural families, according to one or other system.

Those nearly related are thus compared, e.g., Sulph.

and Phosph.; Chlor. and Iod.; the carbons and Graph.;

the oxygenous acids, Nitr. ac., Sulph. ac., and Phosph.

ac. are compared with each other, and with the

hydrogenous acids, Mur. ac., Hydrocyan. ac.

Further, Sil., Alum.; the carbonates of potash, soda,

and ammonia; Bar. and Stront.; Calc. and Magn.; the

muriates of soda and Am., Bar. and Magn. The acetates

of Cupr., Ferr., Plumb., Mang.; the metals Aur., Plat.,

Stann., Arg., and Zinc.

Interesting comparisons may be made between

Phos. ac. and Phos.; Sulph. ac. and Sulph.; as also

Sulph. and Hep., Hep. and Calc.

Section 7

MEDICINES FROM THE VEGETABLE

KINGDOM

Among medicines belonging to the vegetable

kingdom, those which may be compared as being nearly

allied, are:

Anac. and Rhus.

Bryon. and Coloc.

Ind. and Tong.

Op. and Chelid.

Spig. and Menyanth.

Viol. od. and Jac.

Thuya. and Sabin.

Coff., Ipec., Chin.

Colch., Verat., Sabad.

Euphr., Dig., Grat.

Lauroc., Prun. sp., Amyg. am.

Led., Rhod., Nux vom., Ign., Oleand.

Arn., Cham., Cin., Leont.

Asa., Cic., Con., Aet., Phell.

Bell., Caps., Hyosc., Stram., Tab., Verb.

Acon., Clem., Hell., Puls., Staph., Ran. bulb., and Sol.

The cryptogamous plants, Agar. musc., Bov.,

Lycop., are too remote from each other - and yet their

symptoms are much more similar than those of the more

nearly related families of Solonaceae and

Ranunculaceae. Sec. can only be judged from the cures

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it has effected - the symptoms of it derived from

epidemic diseases are not to be relied on.

It is worthy of observation that the differences of

those substances which are allied in their origin lie

principally in the conditions of the symptoms; whereas

those substances nearly connected by the similarity of

their symptoms alone, agree merely in single

departments of symptoms, but in others have quite a

different character and seat.

Families of substances that are related only in their

symptom may be formed from such medicines as may

be employed with advantage in succession - or which

serve as antidotes to each other.

In the present state of homeopathic literature, the

formation of such families is a very hazardous

experiment. But they are of much greater practical value

than those formed from their natural affinity.

It is perfectly evident that substances that have a

similar origin must produce many similar symptoms.

Our business should be to search for the differences, in

order to avoid confusion.

When, however, minerals, plants, and animals,

widely different from each other, produce similar

groups of symptoms, there must be some deeper reason

for this. It must indicate the similarity of the medicinal

to the natural diseases.

Such allied medicines are in general the best

antidotes of each other. However - as must happen from

the rules laid down above - among the metals that form

several families, there are antidotes which are never

found among those that are nearly connected, but

always among those that are widely separated.

Thus it follows that Sel., Ars., and Aur.; Plat. and

Argent.; Stan. Plumb., Zinc. and Nic.; Ferr. and Mang.

do not antidote each other. But the metals Plumb. and

Plat.; Ferr. and Ars.; Aur. and Merc. do.

Among plants there must be antidotes in each

family, and perhaps in each genus. There are, indeed

separate parts in every plant and animal, which seems to

have a power of neutralizing the effects of the others.

Other homeopathic writers have pointed out a close

connection between the two naturally allied substances

Nux. and Ign., on the one hand, and the symptomatically

allied Puls. - to which may be added Cham., Coff., and

Caps. We may, I think, also reckon Ambr. among these.

Another family is Ars., Verat., Ipec., Asar., to which we

may add Ferr. and Chin.; perhaps also Staph., and Ac.

sulph.

Sulph., Calc., and Lyc. are well known as doing

well in succession – to which may be joined Led., and in

another point of view, Therid.

One of the most remarkable and beautiful families

is Hep., Merc., Bell., and Lach. Between these and those

allied to Arsen., may be placed Phos. ac. and Carb.

veg., and those related to them, as also Cupr., and on

another account Aur.

Anyone who has thoroughly made himself master

of two or three families, and then from time to time

makes a comparison between two remedies which

appear to him to be related – and between which he has

frequently needed to make a most accurate choice in

practice, as for instance, Sulph. and Ferr.; Phos. and

Caust.; Ars. and Carb. v.; Bell. and Bry.; Bry. and Rhus.;

Rhus. and Dulc., etc. - this homeopathic doctor

gradually obtains such an extensive basis of knowledge

that all the rest of the remedies are acquired without

difficulty.

If a crystal of salt is suspended in a saturated

solution of the same salt, the most beautiful crystals

collect upon it.

So, one who is acquainted with a large number of

medicines in the above manner, can thereafter compare

every medicine with every other in a very short time -

and without many quires of paper.

This must happen before our Materia Medica,

which ought to belong to the natural sciences, can be

looked upon as one of them.

(From "Wirkungen des Schlagengiftes", Allentown

und Leipzig, bei C. Kummer, 1837. British

Homeopathic Journal, Vol. II, 7/1844. Modernized

1102 Pleasant Street, PMB816, Worcester, MA 01602

Tel: 250 881-1252 Fax: 443 638-2414

info@WholeHealthNow.com)

*******************************************

x. PRACTICAL REMARKS

HERING

Cases spoiled by the use of Aconite may often be got

right again by giving Sulphur.

Arnica is more apt than Aconite to spoil a case. Arnica

makes a much more profound impression upon the

system than Aconite.

Brilliant results have frequently been obtained with it in

the worst forms of Typhus.

No Arnica should be used except such as is made from

the root.

Physicians who wear spectacles, and have to ride long

distances in very cold weather, will find protection from

freezing of the parts coming in contact with the metal,

by bathing the skin with Camphor.

205

Ranunculus bulb. Is one of our most effective agents for

the removal of bad effects from the abuse of

intoxicating drinks.

At least one-half of the chronic diseases of women and

children are developed by using too much sugar.

(American Journal of Homœopathic Materia Medica,

June 1868).

*******************************************

xi. A GOLDEN PRINCIPLE

HERING

When the patient, after having taken the medicine once,

or oftener, begins to feel better, however little, he

should discontinue it, lest the healthful progress of the

cure be interfered with by taking too much; but as soon

as the improvement ceases the same medicine should be

taken again; or in case the symptoms have altered,

another more appropriate one.

(The Homœopathic Heritage, Vol. I, Sept. 1976).

*******************************************

VI. i. “WHAT CONSTITUTES A SCIENTIFIC

PRESCRIPTION?”

P.P. WELLS, M.D., BROOKLYN, N.Y.

(MEDICAL ADVANCE, VOL. XVI, ANN

ARBOR JAN. 1886, No.7, p.no.391)

In the MEDICAL ADVANCE, Vol. XV., No.5,

p.271, the above question heads a paper of more than

common interest, as well for the thought with which it

has been elaborated, as for the confessions which from

time to time appear as the writer progresses. In this

time, when the word “scientific” is of so frequent use,

and carries in it so great a force and charm to so many

minds, we should prefer the question in this form: What

constitutes a prescription “Scientific?” Prescription, as

a duty, is only related to the “science of therapeutics.”

It is “scientific” only when, and just in proportion as, it

is in accord with this “science”. There are many

sciences remotely related to this of therapeutics, but this

duty of prescription, which sums up the practical

application of the law which underlies this science, is

more nearly related to it than any co-related science

whatever. The prescription is “scientific” when it has

been made in compliance with the requirements of this

law. All prescriptions otherwise made, i.e., all into the

basis of which elements not required by this law have

been incorporated, or from which basis any elements

have been omitted or excluded which this law requires,

are by these facts made “unscientific.”

Then the subject is resolved into the answer to this

other question-what does the law which underlies

therapeutics require in a prescription? It requires that

all knowable phenomena of a sickness shall have their

counterpart in the record of the agent the prescription

presents for its cure. This faithfully complied with, and

neither law nor the cure require anything more or

beyond this. This prescription is scientific, and no other

is, whatever of sciences remotely related to that of

therapeutics may have been lugged in as helps in the

process of its make up. Indeed it is but too often the

case that the more these have been brought into the

discharge of this duty the more “unscientific” has been

the prescription, and unsatisfactory the result. Simple

compliance with law gives to the sick the “scientific”

prescription which alone is adequate to the speediest

and safest cure the case admits of, and this without the

interference of any accessories whatever.

The writer gives four peculiarities which, as he

understands it, “constitutes a scientific prescription.”

The first is:

“A remedy or remedial measure which antidotes, or

neutralizes, or counteracts the cause.”

It is a sufficient reply to this, that many

prescriptions are necessitated, where the prescriber is

ignorant of the “cause” of the sickness he is expected to

cure. And then, further, it is the effects of the cause he

is to cure and not the cause. Now in prescribing for a

case of migraine. What does the prescriber know of the

cause of this? It is wholly beyond his reach oftener than

otherwise, and he is only concerned with the sufferings

this cause has produced. And by a strict compliance

with the demands of law he may hope to cure its pains

with no reference whatever to “antidoting,”

“neutralizing,” or “counteracting” the cause, of which

he knows nothing, and this just as certainly as if he

knew all about it. But it is not to be denied that there

are cases of sickness where a true knowledge of the

cause may help the prescriber greatly in his search for

his specific. A knowledge of this, when it can be had, is

never to be despised or neglected, though a prescription

may be a compliance with the demands of law without

this, and therefore be a “scientific prescription.”

In illustration of the writer’s idea of the importance

of a knowledge of the cause of sickness, after naming

many different causes of these, he says:

“Are we to treat morbid states from such diversified

causes upon the one undeviating principle or method,

that of their symptomological similar? Dolor, calor,

and rubor may appear in some phase of the disease

resulting from every cause specified, and shall pain,

heat, and redness form the basis of a prescription,

206

whatever their origin, or whatever organ or tissue they

may involve?”

This would look a little as if the writer had very

imperfectly comprehended the scope of our law, or

when writing the above was for the time unmindful of

its requirements. Has he met many cases for treatment

composed only of the three elements he has instanced?

These three elements are often met, but they do not

often compose all the symptoms of a case, hence they

are but a part of the facts which are to be accepted as the

basis for a “specific prescription,” and presumably if

this writer will give the other symptoms of his case their

proper place, with these three, in the basis of his clinical

prescriptions, and then deal with the whole as the law

requires he will find less of occasion for criticism, and

none for dissatisfaction with the results of his treatment.

It is not easy, before the problem of a specific, or

“scientific prescription,” which we take to be the same

thing, to say what importance can attach to his diverse

causation, as elements in this problem, unless different

causes produce different effects. Nor what to these

different effects, unless the difference is perceptible to

the prescriber. Nor how this difference can appear

otherwise than in the symptoms. So that, after all, the

talk of the importance of causation as a controlling

factor in specific prescribing, (or “scientific”) we are

forced back on the totality of the symptoms for all

knowledge we can possibly have of the effects of

different causations in producing morbid states of

functions or tissues. If different causes produce

identical effects, then the specific for these is in the one

drug. If the effects of different causes are not identical,

the specific is pointed out by the differences in their

action. The totality of these decides the question of

specificity, and also the “scientific” character of the

prescription founded on it. And this totality will prove

as sure a guide to this knowledge as it is to that of the

single specific, which Homœopathy presents as our only

guide. With this knowledge, however, we are to accept

all the effects of whatever cause, or we are never to

come to this knowledge, without which, indeed a

successful prescription may be possible, but then it is

never “scientific,” but only a fortunate blunder.

The writer’s second element in a “scientific

prescription” he gives in these words:

A remedy or remedial measure which harmonizes

with the natural principles involved, be they

mechanical, chemical, or dynamical.

With this there may be no complaint. But with the

illustrations given as his idea of, this proper

relationship, and of this as opposed to, or in any way an

addition to, or improvement of, the directions of our law

for dealing with the sicknesses resulting from varied

causations, we should object. And first-of his abscess-

of his overloaded stomach, etc.

These are mechanical conditions, and the law is,

mechanical and chemical conditions may require for

their relief mechanical or chemical means. There is

nothing different from this in our law of therapeutics, or

in any intelligent advocacy of this law. That this should

be assumed by implication, reminds one somewhat of

the old time opposition to a practice based on the

totality of the symptoms, which represented this practice

as though it pretended to reduce fractures and

dislocations by powders and pellets. The “natural

principles involved” in all cases of sickness outside the

circle which embraces those of chemical and

mechanical origin are dynamic in their nature, and are

best dealt with by means which are of a similar nature.

To resort to these for the relief of mechanical conditions

can only be the act of a professional idiot. In this it

would be on the same plane of intelligence as that which

would resort to chemical means for the relief of

dynamic conditions. In dealing with the results of

chemical causes, only chemical means are in place,

while the cause continues to act chemically. After this

action has ceased, the case is to have the dynamic

remedy which has in its record facts which are most like

those dynamic results, which remain to be cured after

the cessation of the chemical action of the cause.

The writer under his second head has spoken

plainly and well of microbes as causes of diseased

action, and of treatment based on their supposed

character as causes. To his utterances on these subjects

intelligent men may safely say, amen!

The last paragraph under this second head is not

very clear as to what the writer really meant to say. We

can attach to it no meaning, unless it would be one

which would seem to be subversive of fundamental

principles of Homœopathic philosophy, and we are not

willing to believe he intended this.

The third peculiarity of a “scientific prescription” is

given by the writer in these words:

A remedy or remedial measure which fulfills the

indication of the pathological condition.

Of course this is not to be left out of a prescription

which is intended to be “scientific.” But what is this

“pathological condition,” anyway, and how is it to be

discovered? It is talked of much, and much insisted on

as a necessary element in therapeutic problems, but

oftener than otherwise with no very clear idea of what

this really is, or of its true place in clinical duties. It is

not always clear, so it would seem, to those who talk

most, and most earnestly of pathology, its “states” and

“conditions,” that the “science” of therapeutics is one

thing and that of pathology another. And that, strictly

regarded, the relations of the two are only remote, if

indeed they are not independent of each other, though

both enter into, and are parts, in all clinical duties. The

“science” of therapeutics is that which teaches how to

207

come to a knowledge of the specific remedy for a case

of sickness. The law which underlies this “science,”

and which is the only known and sure guide in its

practical application, requires the comparison of two

known factors in every case of sickness to be cured, that

the demanded similarity of each to the other may be

ascertained before it will accept the one as the curative

of the other, and the pathological condition is not one of

these factors. This is a necessity in the case, because the

law requires known factors for its demanded

comparison, and the pathological condition is often

largely, and always more or less, a matter of guessing.

The pathological “condition” is a supposed

condition of internal parts which are not and cannot be

seen. Why is this “condition,” then, supposed to be thus

or thus? Why, indeed, but because certain perceptible

phenomena are supposed to be indicative of this. These

perceptible phenomena (symptoms) are all there is

known about it and these the “science” of therapeutics

claims as its own, and uses them, and by this use

constitutes any presumption founded on them

“scientific.” Pathology only uses these as a basis for

guessing, and therefore, just so far as these guesses have

entered into the making of a “presumption”, they have

made it, of necessity, “unscientific.” The guesses of the

pathologist have no place with the factors therapeutics

accepts as helps in its practical application. The

intelligent pathologist uses his guesses, founded on

symptoms, to help his judgment in deciding as to the

curability of his case and in forecasting its probable

future. If he brings them at all into the duty of selecting

the specific curative, (making a “scientific

prescription”) he violates, by so doing, the law,

obedience to which alone can constitute any

prescription “scientific.”

The science of pathology has its place with the

sciences the physician should know, but knowing this is

not all there is of it, and if he do not know also where

and when it is to find its appropriate place and use in

practical duties, it is of no earthly value to him, talk of it

and boast of it as much as he will. And in search for,

and discovery of, the specific for a given case of

sickness, this has no place. Its only place in clinical

duties is in the prognosis of the case, and is not, and

never can be, rightly brought into the question of

selecting its specific curative. These facts, we think,

dispose effectually of our author’s third element of a

“scientific prescription.” And then his attempts to

illustrate the necessity of a recognition of this

“condition” of “scientific prescribing” are so many

evidences that he has wholly failed to comprehend the

first principles of Homœopathic philosophy. He gives

several symptoms of Calcarea carb., and says:

“They are given as characteristic indications for

the administration of the remedy”; and that “one

reputable author advises its use upon these indications

in ninety named diseases, which involves, probably,

every tissue and organ of the body, every function,

diseases acute and chronic, toxic and benign, organic

and functional, and those representing exaltation and

depression indiscriminately.”

Just so. While we would again remind our author

that Homœopathy demands that which is most like all

the symptoms of a case, to constitute any member of

Materia Medica its curative, and therefore its selection a

fulfillment of whatever pertains to a “scientific

prescription,” we would advise him, in any case where

he finds the symptoms he has given, to carefully

consider Calcarea before he selects another remedy in

its place, and only to do this after he has found some

other remedy more like the demanded totality than is

Calcarea. If, after such an examination he finds the

Calcarea the most like, he can give it with the utmost

confidence, and expect a successful result of its use.

And further: The remedy will act out its own nature in

restoring sick forces, and in doing this, if its actions be

really most like those of the morbid process, it will cure,

asking few or no questions as to “causes” or

“pathological conditions,” because this is law that it

shall do so. It will be all the better for the prescriber

and his patients if he asks as few, giving the specific,

because it is declared to be such by the law, which is not

likely to make mistakes, and which these many years

has justified itself, and the selection of specific curatives

under its guidance, by successes such as have followed

no clinical practice based on other, or on no principles.

The difficulty with this writer in understanding

homœopathic law and philosophy is his notions of

“causes” and “pathological conditions” with which true

“scientific,” i.e., Homœopathic “prescribing” has so

small concern, seems to get between his vision and the

demands of law, so that they are very imperfectly seen

and comprehended. The Calcarea will care nothing for

the names of these ninety diseases to which he has

alluded, to show what seemed to him to be the absurdity

of the claim some one had set up for the broad range of

the clinical application of this remedy. Whether this

claim be just or not is in no part dependent on or

decided by the greater or less range of causation of these

ninety diseases, but only whether the action of the

remedy be more like the morbid phenomena which

characterize them, however caused, or whatever its

pathological condition, than is that of any other drug. If

this be so, then Calcarea is the curative of one and all of

them by reason of this fact.

Our much loved and honored Carroll Dunham gave

the true definition of pathology when he declared it to

be “the science of symptoms.” This our author has

quoted, but he seems to have failed to apprehend the

scope of this definition, which effectually disposes of

208

his third elementin his “scientific prescription,” where

he seems to present his “pathological condition” as a

necessary element, to be added to the proper

consideration of the symptoms of a case, to constitute

any prescription for its cure “scientific.” Presumably

preconceived notions of the much talked of “causes”

and “conditions” obscured his vision, as we have

already suggested.

His fourth element which he gives as necessary to a

“scientific prescription” was evidently intended to cover

all possible grounds, not already considered, under the

treatment of his three preceding ones. It is given in

these words-

“A remedy or remedial measure which

characteristically fulfills the law of similars, as regards

all subjective and objective signs, organic affinities,

order of progression, and primary and secondary

manifestations of both disease and drugs.”

This seems an example of an effort to load down

the simplicity of our law of therapeutics with

considerations of which it has no need, and which can in

no wise be helps to it in the duty of prescribing. It is but

another of the many utterances we have heard from

thoughtful men, who could not be content with its sole

requirement of likeness to the “totality of the

symptoms.” There must be something more to give

“scientific” character to prescriptions, and the

“scientific” they would have. It is not enough that the

remedy chosen proves curative, which it certainly will,

if it be most like this totality-it must also be “scientific”

to satisfy our pride. We say satisfy our pride, because

we can see no other end gained by incorporating into the

process of finding the specific curative, considerations

of other questions, or sciences, not included in this

totality. These outside considerations only obscure the

light which discloses the true curative, and in no way or

time do they, or can they, contribute aught to its

discovery.

It is not denied, and should not be forgotten, that

when the prescriber enters the sick room there should go

with him a knowledge of many sciences, and that he

may have use for either, or all of them, before he leaves

it. And this consideration gives opportunity for the

remark, that clinical duties and the duty of finding the

specific curative are not interchangeable terms. The one

may involve a knowledge of etiology, pathology,

diagnosis, prognosis, sanitation, etc.; the other, a

knowledge of the “totality of the symptoms,” and of the

remedy, the record of the actions of which on the

organism is most like this “totality.” To attempt to

combine aught of knowledge of these other sciences

with that the law requires for the discovery of the

curative, is only to introduce confusion where the God-

given law only deals successfully with plainest

simplicity. Keep this distinction clear in the mind, and

much confusion is saved, and much of talk of the

necessity of the “scientific,” as a basis for clinical

prescription, where there is no perception of the only

“scientific” foundation possible for a “scientific”

prescription-that of the science of therapeutics.

What our author says, finally, of the scientific

intelligence of Hahnemann is no more than just. But in

his admiring enthusiasm of the intelligence which

discovered the nature and causes of the different classes

of chronic diseases, (would that all the world might be

inspired with the like!) he seems to have forgotten that

when after these “profound studies” which brought

these causes and their nature to light, this man, fearless

among the learned and “scientific” of his generation,

when he would cure the results of the action of these

discovered causes of disease, based his prescriptions on

a knowledge of the “totality of the symptoms,” and not

on any pathological condition supposed to have resulted

from these causes. And his record of cures will stand

through all time with that of those who have cured most,

safest and speediest of those prescribed for-and this

because his prescriptions were par excellence

“SCIENTIFIC.”

*******************************************

ii. REASONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF THE

HOMŒOPATHIC LAW AND PHILOSOPHY AS

ITS SCIENCE OF THERAPEUTICS.**

P.P. WELLS, M.D., BROOKLYN.

THE MEDICAL ADVANCE, VOL. XVI., FEB.

1886, NO.8. P.469

Medical education in its completeness is a

compound of knowledges of many sciences. While in

its constitution this is very composite, in its objective it

is very simple. It is to relieve human pains and

sufferings and cure and prevent human sicknesses. A

knowledge of whatever helps to the attainment of these

may rightfully be incorporated into the sum of whatever

has entered into an education of which these are its

legitimate objectives. Preventing, relieving, and curing

are the functions of the physicians’ office, not to pose

before the world as expounders of the inexplicable, and

masters of all the unknowable in the universe. To be

able to explain everything is the function of the sham-to

cure is that of the true physician.

To the attainment of this end there have been many

ways laid out in preceding generations which were to be

followed by those who should cure. These have had

their origin in the minds of ingenious men, who

imagined the nature of the different factors in the

problem of cure, and also the processes by which this

* Introductory to the Course of Lectures for 1885-86 in

the Woman’s College and Hospital in New York City.

209

was to be effected, and this they called “theory.” There

have been many of these theories. Together they

constitute the history of practical medicine from its

beginning down to the birth of a knowledge of the

divine law of therapeutics, the promulgation of which

among men was given to Samuel Hahnemann. Previous

to this, practical medicine was theory-i.e., imagination.

This has survived the advent of law, and is now all

about us in the garb of Allopathy. The record of

practical medicine from the time of Hahnemann has

incorporated into it a new element. Theory has been

displaced by law. This element it is which characterizes

the system he proclaimed to the world and called

Homœopathy. This has survived the opposition, abuse,

and hate of the older – the system of theory – and the

two now exist together in the world. Allopathy, theory,

imagination, guessing, on the one side, and

Homœopathy, in itself a law, God-given, which declares

the relationship between sicknesses and their curatives,

and points the way to their discovery in all curable

cases. Here in a single point are the characteristics of

the two divisions, in which we meet the practical

medicine of to-day – imagination on the one side and

law on the other. To which shall we give our adherence

and confidence?

It would seem that the question contains in itself its

own and only possible answer. And yet, plain as may

appear the superiority of law to speculative guessing,

law has not yet all of science and intelligence on its

side. So great is the force of tradition, and so much of

power is there in its hold on those who have trusted it

and have given their lives and their faith to its control,

that these have, from the beginning, been found the

most violent and persistent opponents of law. Absurd as

it may appear, there have been, and still are, many who

prefer the guidance and authority of human guessing to

that of this only law of therapeutics. This being so,

then, when one enters the studies needful to a medical

education, he meets at the outset the problem of this

education, presenting to him the question of law or

theory. He must make his choice. Let him do this in

the light of truth, and do it loyally, firmly, finally. Let

there be no insane attempt to mix the two, for this is

really impossible. He who attempts this, if he

perseveres in this course, is in the end only doomed to a

drowning in his own folly.

If we now receive the law of relationship between

curing agents and sicknesses as given to us by

Hahnemann, what are the grounds of our acceptance of

it as truth coming to us with divine authority? What

does this law say to us that, as wise seekers of truth, we

would present to the ignorant or the skeptical as a

justification of our choice?

First.- It demands, before proceeding to the choice

of remedies for pains and sicknesses, an exact

knowledge of the facts of the case in hand – facts, and

not our own imaginations or those of other men as to the

condition of internal parts or organs in the case, which

condition is charged with the responsibility for the

sufferings and danger of the case. It demands a

knowledge of all the facts which can be known, and

therefore are knowable, instead of imaginations of

supposed conditions of which no man living can know,

because while the patient lives these are wholly in the

category of the unknowable; and when he is dead the

case is but little better, for whatever is learned from

autopsies comes too late for practical purposes. This

knowledge includes the history of the case as well as

that of the facts perceptible to patient and prescriber.

Then the law goes farther, and demands of the

prescriber that he shall have a like knowledge of all the

facts of the action on the organism of the remedy he is

to employ, in the same detail as is that of the sickness to

be cured. This is the first great distinctive feature of the

system of law. It deals only with the knowable, and

insists that this shall be known in its entirety, both as to

sickness and remedy. In this it stands alone of all which

has claimed to represent a system of practical medicine

in all past history. And this is the first fact we present

which challenges our confidence in the truth of the

system of law.

As first propounded by Hahnemann, this system

was met and opposed because it ignored the

imaginations of the current medicine of the day. “This

totality of the symptoms – these knowable facts – and

this all? Where then is to be the place of the science of

pathology, and what can be the use of it? And what can

any system of practical medicine be without this which

makes so great a part of that which is our great boast? It

is only symptoms. The attempt to base a practical

therapeutics on these is only to deal with the surface of

things. It is superficial, and only superficial, neglecting

to go to the depth of things, as we do, in our

imaginations!” These and like objections were and are

brought against this system, which demanded facts and

a knowledge of them as opposed to that which only

proceeded on theories and hypotheses, and held these as

not only sufficient, but indispensably necessary, to the

duties of the practical prescriber.

In reply to such objections to this system of law, we

say, first, when we present it to your confidence, we

have no apologies to offer to these objectors, either for

the system or its author. They need none. If they are

accused of partial views of the sciences necessary to a

complete medical education, and neglect of some

necessary to a complete medical education, and neglect

of some necessary to an intelligent therapeusis and its

practical administration, it is a sufficient reply that

HAHNEMANN and his system require a knowledge of

all that is knowable of the factors of problems of

210

practical healing, and he or that which demands more is

only acting the part of ignorance or folly. * * * He who

demands more than all existing facts is simply insisting

on acceptance of his own imaginations being received

as of equal authority with facts, or that these be

permitted to displace facts, which the system of law will

not accede to. In this very point the antagonism of the

systems of law and theory has its chief existence. It is

not a little singular that human vanity and conceit can

go this extent in opposing a system of law and

philosophy and a practice based on these, and bring

nothing as a substitute with a foundation more

substantial than sheer imagination or hypothesis. And

certainly human conceit, arrogance, impudence, and

pride can go no farther than they have gone when they

claim for this system of mere fancies, that this, and not

the system of law, is to be accepted by men as the

embodiment “scientific medicine.” And it seems the

more strange and singular if we have examined this

pretended system, and have seen its emptiness, and the

fact that the therapeutics with only a theoretic

foundation are as destitute of all belonging to true

science as the mummy of Ramesis the First is of life.

Truly law owes no apology to theory. It offers none,

but instead, asserts its own superior authority and worth

with the confidence of a perfect assurance. If any are

disposed to discredit the confidence of this assurance,

and call it only unseemly “dogmatism,” we would

remind such an one that a man with truth on his side has

a perfect right to dogmatize, as to all who have nothing

better to oppose to it than theories and hypotheses, and

that dogmatism here is rather graceful than unseemly.

It is not forgotten that there have been and are those

who have appeared as apologists for what they regarded

as the defects of this system of law. But such have

given us no new facts to redeem their alleged defects.

They have suggested no improvements which could

give added efficacy to the therapeutics of law. Like the

habitual carpers at our Materia Medica, they have only

asserted imperfections which they have done nothing to

amend. And but little attention to their utterances and

movements is necessary to a discovery of the apparent

animus and motive of these apologists. Their objective

seems to be a harmony and blending of the systems of

law and theory, that of the two they may make one, and

so have peace. In their efforts for this they have been

chiefly busy with efforts to destroy all which is

characteristic of the system of law, that it may be more

acceptable to theorists, evidently calculating on the

ready reception of law, when dead, by those who have

in all their history had so little to do with any principles

with life in them. These apologists would seem to be

ambitious of blending the living with the dead, and

would have us believe that the intended result is to be

only in the interest of the living. We accept no such

apologies. We respect no such apologists. Before all

such, and to all such, law may well exclaim-

“Timeo Danaos, et dona ferentes.”

Indeed they bring no gifts, and are excepted to

bring none, except it may be an acceptance of the

cadaver of Homœopathy, after its like has been

sacrificed by its professed friends. And then, if this be

so accepted, which party is the gainer, and what has it

gained?

If these apologists have attempted improvements

of the system of law at any time, it has been by a

sacrifice of the second reason I would present as a claim

on your confidence in its truth and authority – viz.: its

simplicity. It needs no aids from outside sources to

secure to its practical administration its greatest possible

successes. It accepts none. Wherever these have been

thrust into that administration they have only and

invariably damaged the record: something from old

physic, perhaps to appear to be doing more for the sick,

and so to relieve the anxiety and satisfy the prejudices

of friends. But the more from this source has always

been the worse. Law will have simple obedience, and to

this and this alone, it promises success. The disaster

which is so certain to follow violations of law by the

introduction of means it neither calls for nor sanctions,

has only this one poor consolation for its victims or their

friends: “Everything has been done that could be done.”

Yes; and hence the disaster. It has come because

“everything has been done” except the one only thing

law demanded.

We have said we present the system of law to your

confidence because of its simplicity. In this it is like all

natural laws. We use the term as applicable to its nature

and as opposed to the complex. It is simple in its

expression – Like cures like. The terms are brief and

easily understood, it would seem. But it may be

possible to make a mistake in this last, if we hastily

conclude that, because simple, therefore easy to be

understood. Perhaps, before we thus conclude, if we

ask and endeavor to answer the question, “What is the

like which cures?” We may find the answer not so easy

as we may have been tempted to believe because of the

simplicity of the law. Though the law demands a

recognition of all the facts of the case, this is not

because each fact is of equal importance to every other

in disclosing the curative relation to the case of the one

drug the law demands of us that we find in the discharge

of clinical duties under its direction, but because until

all are exposed we have no certainty that that which is

most important to this discovery has not been left out of

sight; and so a failure to find a simillimum is the result,

and so the consequent failure to cure. Hence one of the

elements of first importance in the education which

qualifies one to cure the sick is that knowledge which

enables the prescriber to distinguish between those

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symptoms which are most important as indices to this

relationship and those which are less so. To become

master of this element is not an easy matter. To become

a master in specific prescribing without this knowledge

is simply impossible.

The most that can be done for the beginner to aid

him in its mastery is to give him general principles for

his guidance. Here is one: Those symptoms which

belong to a class of sicknesses, and are found in each

example of it, and which dominate diagnosis, are of

very little importance as indices of the specific curative.

As an example, the pains, tenesmus, tormina, etc., of

dysentery, without which no case is dysentery, are of

first importance to the diagnosis, but are the least helps

to the discovery of the curative. It is that which is

characteristic of the case in hand, and not that which

belongs to every member of the family which points us

to the specific. It is a simillimum to these

characteristics of the case which we are to find in the

record of some drug, and not to those of the family. The

law in this is simple. Its language is the one drug. The

duty of finding this, under, the guidance of law is not

seldom difficult. In this simplicity it stands in sublime

contrast with the medicine of theory, which accepts any

and everything the prescriber thinks may do his patient

good; as is also the administration of this, singly or in

mixture, as the case may be, with the giving of the one

specific when found. Here are the two-the one

guessing, despairing, giving anything which he

imagines will help his case, while the other, with his

specific, is able to say, I know, because I have the

warrant of God’s law for my assurance.

Then we present a third reason for our confidence

in our law, viz; its completeness in itself, which makes it

equal to all needs of sick conditions of men. It is as

appropriate to the gravest of these as to the most trifling.

To the new and strange, as to the old and familiar. Its

practitioner, who is equipped for its practical duties, is

as ready for the first case of a strange plague as for any

subsequent one. No case of new sickness is a stranger

before the law. It, as are all others, is met by the

simillimum to its phenomena, and in this is found its

master. So that to its completeness in itself, having no

needs of outside help, it adds a fourth reason to our

acceptance in its universality of application-it meets the

wants of all curable cases in all lands and climes. This

fact alone stamps it as one of nature’s laws. And

besides this there is no one of the proposed methods of

treating the sick, which does not fail to establish itself as

a law, by reason of failure to sustain this character of

universality of applicability to all sicknesses. Being a

natural law it is unchangeable. Time has no power to

change its relationships or to diminish its efficacy.

This does not mean that diseases called by the same

name are always to be cured by the same drug. The

system of law has nothing to do with names when it

promises cure by the use of the simillimum. In this

again it is found in sharp contrast with the medicine of

theory, which deals only with names, which are

accepted as representing things. The first duty of the

theorist is his diagnosis, i.e. find a name and then deal

with what he understands the name to represent. The

prescriber, under the authority of the law, disregards

names wholly when he is searching for his specific

remedy. He is engaged with the phenonema of the

sickness before him because it is the simillimum to

these which cures. The law does not concern itself with

names. Hence it may happen that when called to treat a

case-it may be of whooping cough-the remedy which

cured all cases last year is of no value in treating what

we call by the same name this. The reason is this-

though the defining or general symptoms compel the

use of the same name, the totality of the symptoms are

changed, and this, under law, compels a change of the

remedy. Sicknesses change and so call for change of

remedy, and it is one of the glories of our law that it is

always ready to meet such changes and never is

surprised by them.

Such is the law we commend to your confidence, as

from the omniscience and benevolence of the Supreme-

His one great gift to humanity for the relief and cure of

its pains and sicknesses; and these are some of the

evidences of its divine origin. In one word, its perfect

adaptedness to all the needs of relief proclaims its

origin, while the triumph of its intelligent administration

challenges your confidence in and loyalty to it, in all

your future studies and labors. The medical education

which you are now endeavoring to gain is that and all

that, and only that, which contributes to an intelligent

administration of this law. It is, if rightfully made up,

composed of two parts-one training your own powers of

mind into a fitness for this sublime duty, the other of

gathering into the mind such knowledge of facts and

principles as are involved in this duty.

And first, of your own mind. And, here, from the

nature of the case, you must be almost wholly

dependent on yourselves. No one can help you much in

this. In the iniatory endeavor to prepare your mind for

the serious duties of your future life, first, with all your

strength and in all time cultivate your powers of

attention and observation. Insist on seeing, and

carefully, whatever is before your eyes, for this is just

what your eyes were given to you for. If this seems an

easy thing, and one which will do itself, because you

cannot but see what is before you, don’t make a mistake

and fail to cultivate these powers. It is not easy to see

all that is before one. Few persons do this, and no one

does who has not cultivated the faculty of observation.

This, in the practice of specific medicine, is a power of

the very highest importance. How are you to cure by

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finding and giving the remedy which has in its record

facts most like those of the case you would cure if you

have not seen these facts? If not seen, their necessary

comparison with the Materia Medica record is

impossible. Therefore see everything before you. For

example, the patient being in bed, note, his position. Is

he on his back or side? If on the side, on which? Note

his posture; is he lying straight or bent? Is he quiet, or

restless and constantly moving? Is his aspect tranquil or

anxious, expressive of pain or peace, of reason or

delirium? The color of his face-is it pale or red? If red,

dark or bright? Is the red in circumscribed spots or

diffused? Is the color dirty gray? Are there dark circles

under the eyes? Is the general surface warm, hot, cool

or cold; dry, damp or wet? If wet, is the perspiration hot

or cold? Is the morale tranquil or excited? If excited,

what is the character of the excitement? What is the

character of the respiration and pulse? These and all

other visible facts are to be carefully noted; and the

point we wish to make is, that you are so to train your

power of observation that it will permit no one to escape

notice. It is no part of our duty or intention to enter on

an explanation of the relation or significance of these

facts. This would be to usurp the duty of your teacher,

which I would avoid. By a careful training of this

faculty you may come to that pass with it which will at a

glance give you intelligence as to the nature of the

problem before you, and a power to deal with it

successfully, which those who are careless of this duty

can never either emulate or understand.

Next in importance to a cultivated faculty of

observation is the possession of the art of gathering all

the symptoms of a case to be treated, and the first step

toward acquiring this art is to get a definite idea of what

constitutes a symptom. Do you say; “Why, a symptom

is only a simple fact?” This view is wholly defective

and inadequate to the expression of this constitution as

before the specific prescriber. For him a symptom is

much more than this. It is a fact, but not a simple fact.

So far from this is it, that it is a fact with all that belongs

to it of circumstance, condition, and relation to time,

and to all the functions of all the organs of the body-

how this fact affects each and how each is affected by it.

How is it affected by motion or repose – by position or

change of position? What are the qualities of this fact?

If it be a sensation or a pain – what its exact location-

what the time and circumstance of its appearance,

aggravation or relief. These and many other elements

which complicate the nature of this fact are to be taken

into the account before the specific prescriber can

accept it as a complete symptom. The reason of this is

because the relationship between the sickness and its

curative is found in the similiarity of these complicating

elements to like elements in the record of the Materia

Medica. To gather symptoms, thus understood, is the

daily and life duty of the Homœopathic prescriber; and

until this is accomplished a Homœopathic prescription

is an impossibility. The pretense of this, without the

performance of this first duty, is ever and always a false

pretense. This is not only the most important part of the

duty of prescribing, but by far the most difficult. It is

the most important because until this is successfully

accomplished no subsequent step can be taken under our

law for the relief or cure of the patient. It is to be done,

and done carefully and right, or if otherwise the duty be

performed carelessly, or a part of the needful record be

wanting, then finding the curing agent may be an

impossibility, by reason of the partial statement of one

of the elements of the comparison which is to reveal the

curative. The likeness to this which represents but part

of the case may not have the relationship of curative to

your case, and discovery of a simillimum to this, if it be

given, can only end in disappointment and failure. The

law requires all, and will have it, or it gives us no

promise of good. Its promise of cure is to that which is

most like all the facts of the case. To gather only a part,

and proceed to prescribe on this, is only of the nature of

breach of contract on the part of the prescriber, both as

to the law and the best interests of the patient. All of

success in practice depends on the thoroughness and

completeness of the performance of this duty.

Therefore count no labor or careful study given to this,

more than its importance demands. Be content with no

less than a constant and perpetual endeavor to

strengthen your powers in use in this duty, and to

increase their familiarity with the processes by which its

objective is obtained. Let there be nothing of slip-slop

or hap-hazard in its performance, not even for once, for

this once may become the beginning of a habit, and the

habit once formed, and practical life becomes a wreck,

from which there can be no recovery. Cultivate this

power to gather symptoms truly and in their entirety till

you have mastered the great difficulty, and then you

may safely assure yourselves that you have a large part,

and a most valuable part, of a practical medical

education. This, if you achieve it, remember, is to be a

fruit of your own mind-working. Your teacher cannot

give this faculty. It must have its origin in your own

conviction of its importance, and its growth from the

vigorous impulses of your own will. Never cease trying

to do this better and more thoroughly, and the end will

be, you will find yourselves doing it better and more

thoroughly, and your successes will become greater and

more assuring and comforting as you continue to strive.

In view of the supreme importance of this duty,

may I not hope to be pardoned if I so trespass on the

proper ground of your official teacher as to offer some

suggestions as to how this securing of this totality of

symptoms may be best accomplished? In the first place,

write down your facts as you gather them, and you will

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save the risk of neglecting some if you trust your

memory. Have a small, blank note-book always by you,

ready for your record. Have some regular, orderly plan

of procedure, trusting nothing to chance. It is not a bad

one which begins at the head and inquires as to all

possible pains, vertigo, and mental and moral

symptoms, with all conditions and modalities connected

with them. Then follow with the organs of sense,

learning all aberrations of functions and pains, with

conditions and modalities as before, and proceed

through the organism according to the anatomical

schema found in the Materia Medica record, noting all

pains, functional disturbances, and their conditions and

modalities as before. Then deal in the same manner

with the general symptoms, skin, sleep, and fever.

Having gone over all this, and thus carefully, you have a

basis on which a rational and specific prescription can

be founded.

These two indispensable elements of a medical

education you are to acquire mainly by the use of your

own powers. No one, not even your teachers, can help

you much in this work. The most they can do is in the

way of advice as to methods of procedure. Attention

and observation engages with objectives which are

visible. The art of gathering all the symptoms of the

case has largely to do with invisibles, the objective of

which is to bring them into light and place them in the

record which is to be the basis of a legal and rational

proceeding for cure. There is and can be no other

foundation for this than this record, and hence the

necessity for its completeness and perfection. When

law insists on the perfection of the record, it means it

shall have in it no false entries; that in the answer to the

needful inquiries the patient is not to be permitted to

deceive himself nor his prescriber by whatever of

exaggerations or imaginations of his own. It is not to be

forgotten when gathering the symptoms of a sickness,

that there is occasionally met a weakness of human

nature which is ambitious that its own case shall be

regarded as an interesting one, and to make it so this

variety will not hesitate to draw on imagination, and is

certain to exaggerate whatever of facts they may

disclose. These are most difficult and not pleasant

patients to prescribe for. It is to be carefully guarded

against that if such patients succeed in deceiving

themselves, they shall not deceive the prescriber.

There is a second part of a true medical education,

to which the knowledge of others may be made to

contribute. We refer to that part of it which includes a

knowledge of the facts and laws of life, sick and in

health; the philosophy of sick conditions and of their

recovery; a knowledge of the nature and action of the

means in use for this end, and their rightful

administration both as to form and method – in short,

whatever enables one to place his problem of cure in the

clearest light of law, and in this light helps to its more

ready and certain solution, is to be a part of the capital

of every one who is to assume the duties of the practical

healer. The educational processes he has passed

through, presumably, have had for their objectives a

general qualification for these duties. He has been

taught a knowledge of the law which underlies and

sustains the only “science” of therapeutics. He has

learned its universality of scope and adaptability to the

healing of the sicknesses of men. He has made himself

familiar with the corollaries of the law which control its

administration, and the right management of the means

it employs for healings. It is to be presumed he has

been taught these knowledges as they are found in the

Organon of Homœopathic Medicine, and are found

nowhere else. It is presumed he has been taught these

and also the true nature of sicknesses as there taught,

because if not knowing these, whatever else he knows,

he is wholly destitute of the knowledges which furnish

the specific prescriber for his work. Without a

knowledge of these there is no medical education which

is worthy of respect or confidence. A knowledge of

these principles, and how to make practical application

of them, is a medical education in itself. Other

knowledges may be required to give completeness to the

sum the healer should know. But whatever else he

knows, and not this, he is not the possessor of an

education which qualifies him to deal specifically with

the sicknesses of men. Without these knowledges the

would-be healer is but too likely to drift into the habits

and methods of the medicine of theory, and there being

no great difference between this and the kind of

Homœopathy he knows, represents, and practices, he

soon falls to dreaming of a possible union of the

practical medicine of law and theory – “on a scientific

basis.”

One thing more. We have only considered medical

education as exclusively related to the intellect. If it

stops here it leaves its votary but partially fitted for his

best work. The heart of the healer must also be

educated for the duties of his office. And we would

begin this by enforcing the apostolic injunction, “Let

patience have her perfect work.” In this we do not

forget the beauty and need of gentleness and

affectionate interest in the subjects of professional care.

These in woman are known to be present as a

spontaneity. But we begin with patience because of the

great difficulty often experienced in its exercise, and

because the practice of it is indispensable to the success

an observance of the demands of law promises to us.

We inculcate patience first, because often, in dealing

with important sicknesses, success will depend so much

on its presence. Patience first in gathering the basis of a

rational prescription, which is often very difficult. And

there are many reasons for this. Some belong to the

214

patient and some to the prescriber. The patient may be

of that eccentric order who think it is smart to deceive,

conceal, or mislead the inquirer after his symptoms. In

this his eccentric vanity presents him to himself as the

superior of his doctor, and he likes the view. I have

seen and dealt with some of this class, and confess that a

proper dealing with, them requires a sublimity of

patience almost beyond the possible. But this poor

vanity is to be borne with, and by persistent

perseverance is to be overcome. The truth must be had.

Then another class is met who are almost wholly

incapable of giving an intelligent account of the

elements of their sickness. They only know they feel

bad, and any attempt at an analysis of their bad feelings

is something beyond their comprehension. A pain is a

pain with them, and all are alike, and their whole idea of

it is limited to the sense of discomfort it causes. These

may not foolishly vain, but they are almost incorrigibly

dull, and truth, which must be had, is only obtained

from them by utmost patience and perseverance. Each

patient will have personal peculiarities and each present

his peculiar difficulties to be overcome, and each will

demand more less carefulness and patience for their

mastery. No doubt it is easier to generalize and guess

than to strive and overcome the many difficulties

incident to a specific dealing with sicknesses. But

remember, if you yield to the temptation, and substitute

generalization for the individualization a practice

founded on law requires, you have by so doing

abandoned Homœopathy, and have no longer a right to

its honorable name. If for the sake of ease, or for any

other cause, you proceed to find and give a remedy for

pneumonia, for example, instead of searching out the

facts of that sickness and finding the remedy for these,

as the law requires, you will not only have abandoned

Homœopathy, but will have added, probably, to the long

list of fatal cases which have been so treated before. It

is easier to prescribe for a name than for the “totality of

the symptoms” – i.e., for all that is knowable of a case;

but certainly we know no other reason for this stupid

resort. It may be true, as was said recently by a so-

called homœopathist of New York, that those in your

city “who prescribe on symptoms could be counted on

his fingers.” If so, then all that follows from the fact is,

that the number of those here who are really true

homœopathists are all found in this limited number.

The doctor who had made this interesting discovery

gave the exponent of his own professional character

when he replied to the question, in a professional

consultation, “What are the reasons which decide your

choice of the remedy you recommend in this case?” His

answer was, “It is Dr. _’s great remedy in these cases!”

His professional life has evidently been an imitation of

the child’s game, known as “follow my leader.” You

may meet such – and it is to be feared there are but too

many of them. If you do, they may tax you for all the

patience you have, and perhaps more.

But there is another field in which you may be called

on for your whole stock of patience. You have studied

your case, gathered its facts, and, as you believe, have

found your simillimum. You have given this, and when

the time comes that you look for response in the relief

of your patient, it has not appeared. What shall you do?

Change your remedy? Not so. Revise your

examination of your case and your comparison of its

record with that of the Materia Medica, and if you find

your selection justifies – wait! “Not able to wait for a

thing” – said that great master of prescribing, the elder

Gross – “is the original sin.” Or, more literally

translated, the parent of all sins. And in therapeutics

there is in this more of truth than rhetoric.

We would emphasize this duty of waiting, because

just for the want of this many lives are lost. Let it be

remembered, different patients respond to their specific

in times which differ greatly as to extent. The same is

true also as to the time required by different remedies

for their reactive and curative action. Some are reacted

on instantaneously, sometimes, and always, if at all, in a

short time after their administration. Others only after

hours, days, or even weeks. I have seen the best of

results, in gravest sicknesses, appear after two weeks of

painful waiting. I have seen the worst of results follow

the change of remedy which impatience had demanded

and practiced, because the expected curative action was

delayed beyond the time in which it had been looked

for. For the government of practice in the matter of

change of remedy and repetition of dose – study the

directions of the Master in his Organon, obey these

implicitly, and then – let patience and your specific have

their perfect work. – Homœopathic Physician.

*******************************************

iii. P.P. WELLS, M.D. p.no. 546

THE MEDICAL ADVANCE.

VOL. XVI. ANN ARBOR, FEB. 1986, NO.7

Dr. WELLS was born in Hopkinton, N.H., July 8,

1808, his father being an allopathic physician. He

remained a member of his father’s household until

twelve years of age, when by reason of excessive labors

in a comparatively new, his father having lost at the

same time, both his health and property, it became

necessary for the son from this time to make his way in

the world by his own exertions. From twelve to fifteen

years of age he lived on a farm and in a tan-yard-in the

field in fair weather, and in the yard during the storms.

When four years of age he began to attend the district

school three months in the winter and four or five

215

months in the summer, and this was his early

opportunity for what is commonly called an education.

When fifteen years old he went from the tan-yard to a

printing office where he worked on till nearly twenty

one, and one of his last labors as a printer was carrying

through the press the first complete edition of the

Waverly novels published in this country. It was

Col.S.H. Parker’s edition, on 12mo. Plates.

In May, 1830, in Newport, N.H., he began the study

of medicine, in the office of Dr.J.B.McGREGORY. In

the following year he became a pupil of the faculty of

the medical department of Dartmouth college, and for

the three following years was assistant to the Professor

of Anatomy in that school, and received his degree of

doctor of Medicine Oct. 4, 1833, and began practice in

Cambridge, Mass., the following month. He removed to

Roxbury, Mass, in June, 1834, where he remained until

August, 1840. In October 1841 he located in

Providencem R.I., where in the following January, after

an irresistible importunity from the late J. Foster Flagg,

of Boston, he entered on experiments with

Homœopathic means, to prove their non entity, in which

he had no doubt of success, for no one could be more

ignorant of Homœopathic philosophy, or talk more

foolishly of it, or be more earnestly prejudiced against it

than he was. His first experiment was made with great

care, and the result was a revelation to him. It

demonstrated Homœopathic means were powers, and

not shadowy imaginings at all. So different was this

from his expectations, and from anything in his previous

experience, he became at once deeply interested in the

new revelation, and continued his experiments,

gathering from each succeeding one new proofs of the

reality and efficiency of the new powers, and of their

superiority as healing agents over the means he had

employed as instructed by his allopathic education and

text books. So complete and satisfactory were the

results of his first attempts at Homœopathic prescribing,

that from the first to the present time he has given to

patients but two doses of allopathic medicines, and

these at the earnest solicitations of friends of the

patients. The results of these were painful and

extinguished every lingering inclination to dabble with

the means used in his former practice. And from that

time to the present, now 44 years, in a practice most of

the time large, has he seen any case.

 When the late Gen. McNeal of the United States

Army, was enquired of by his fellow officers at a dinner

table from what college he was graduated? replied-

“from between the handles of a breaking-up-plough.”

To a similar inquiry Dr. WELLS has answered – “At

the end of the devil’s tail,” which old printers, like

himself, will understand as the lever which gave the

impression in the hand presses of the old time.

He began the practice alone, with only the

Organon for his guide, with no near neighbor to

suggest any short and easy methods to overcome the

difficulties of clinical problems. He had only the

Organon, and felt and still feels something as Baily

Nicol Jarvie did in his fight with the wild Highlanders,

when his only weapon was a heated iron plow share. “I

dinna want a better!”. There were then no colleges,

pretending to teach Homœopathy, and doing it not, to

deceive and damage him. There was only the

Allentown school, and this was far away. So he had

only to dig, and dig very hard, in dealing with sick

patients. He had no help from English or French

Homœopathic literature, for there was none. There was

“Jahr’s New Manuel,” and Ruoff’s Repertory in

English, the latter of which he never used. He had then

measurably mastered the French language, after his

graduation, and had studied the German a little. He had

Hahnemann’s Materia Medica Pura and his Chronic

Diseases in the original, but their language was to him

almost an unknown tongue. He wrote out the symptoms

of all his cases, and brought these to these treasure

houses for their simillimum. Sometimes he studied

chronic cases a fortnight and acute ones a whole day,

before prescribing for them, and then he cured them.

His knowledge of the German language was then so

limited he was obliged to have almost constant resort to

the lexicon in his study of his cases. He saw no way to

lessen his difficulties but to make himself familiar with

the language of the Materia Medica, and this he at once

determined to do. A great difficulty in this pursuit was

want of time, for he was now “a busy doctor” and had

many calls from those who needed to be cured. Still he

determined to give two hours each day to this study,

whatever might happen. And this he did faithfully, till

this language as met in our Materia Medica became as

his own, though many times the two hours were those

which fell between 12 and 2 o’clock at night. His

studies of Materia Medica have been, and are still, in

this beautiful and exact language; exact, far beyond

English in its expressions of subjective phenomena.

In 1843 he took up his residence in Brooklyn, N.

Y., where he has since resided and practiced.

In 1861, the American Homœopathic Review was

resuscitated after a period of suspension, and

Dr.WELLS consented after much urging, and with great

reluctance that his name should appear as one of its

editors. In the subsequent numbers of the Review

appeared the monographs which were his first essay at

professional writing.

In 1866 and 1867-8 he was induced to accept the

Chair of Practice in the New York Homœopathic

Medical College. He did this with reluctance, regarding

 Rob Roy.

216

himself then and ever as a learner and not as a teacher.

When the college was reorganized in 1869 he was

confined to his bed by an attack of acute rheumatism,

which kept him in that position for nearly a year, and his

name did not appear among those of the new faculty.

In entering on the investigation which ended in his

conversion to Homœopathic faith and practice, there

were two points of difficulty which seemed to him

insurmountable, and to prove them such was the

objective of his experiments. One was the claimed

enhancement of curing power by the manipulation of

drugs as directed by Hahnemann, in his Organon. This

enhancement seemed an absurdity to him, and he would

prove it to be such, or fail. He failed, most

ignominiously. The experiment proved the truth of the

claim beyond reasonable doubt. This enhancement of

power has come to be known as “dynamization” or

“potentization.” That which these terms express has

from that time been to him a fundamental article of

faith, and a practice founded on it, extending through

forty-four years has confirmed his confidence in the

truth of this claim more and more, till now heaccepts it

as an integral and essential part of Homœopathic

philosophy.

The second point was, that this manipulation could

result in developing a healing power in substances,

wholly inert in their natural state, till so treated.

Examples of such substances are found in Silicea,

Carbo veg., etc. as to the Silex, the matter was settled

by the results of its use in a case of mammary abscess,

the first case in his new practice which had called for

either of these substances regarded as inert. The patient

was a colored woman, about 30 years of age, with a

baby four weeks old. The breast was greatly swollen,

extremely sensitive to touch or pressure, and was

discharging a thin, abundant, ichorous matter through

several ragged openings around the nipple. She had a

high fever, skin hot and dry, great thirst, severe pain in

the breast, constipation of bowels, and sleepless nights.

She received six pellets of the thirtieth of Silicea in half

a tumbler of water, of which she was to take a

teaspoonful every four hours. She was seen the second

day after this prescription, when the pain, soreness,

swelling and fever were gone. She needed and got no

more medicine. She took four teaspoonfuls of the water

and was so well after this she thought she needed no

more. It may be remembered that as this was a gratitude

service, he felt at liberty to give this inert substance to

this great sufferer as an experiment in the interest of an

increase of his knowledge, and to free the experiment

from all influences which could affect the discharging

abscess, curatively or otherwise, all dressings, as of

poultices, etc., were removed and only dry, carded

cotton applied to it. There was nothing more to treat

after forty-eight hours. Has any man seen so speedy a

cure of a similar case by any means from outside of the

Homœopathic Materia Medica? Was this surprising

result the outcome of quackery or of Scientific

medicine? This case settled the question of developed

power to heal in otherwise inert substances. Would it

be wisdom or folly to doubt that here the Silex was the

efficient agent in this very rapid cure?

*******************************************

VII. i. SELECTIONS.

CHOLERA INFANTUM

AD. LIPPE, M.D., Philadelphia.

The Medical Advance, August 1884, p.no.102.

Cholera infantum, or, as this form of disease is

generally termed, “summer complaint,” comprises all

the various diseases of the digestive organs and brain

with which children are attacked during the summer,

and most frequently during dentition during their second

summer. The various forms of diseases of the digestive

organs are these attacking the stomach as its principle

seat, as catarrh, acidity, inflammation, ulceration, or

softening of it, or the intestines alone are the seat of the

disease, as an erethematous inflammatous inflammation,

catarrh, excoriations, and ulceration.

The disease often appears in different forms, at

different seasons and in different localities.

The brain is very frequently the seat of the disease

from the very inception of it, and the erroneous idea that

a later stage of the disease itself develops the various

cerebral symptoms is only a proof that the first

observations of the state of the patient’s disturbed health

were made inaccurately, and that the cerebral symptoms

had been entirely overlooked. The most frequent brain

disturbance, from the very beginning of the disease is

hydrocepholoid.

If the observing healer has found the cerebral

symptoms (dilated pupils, hot head, cold extremities,

drowsiness) present in a child during the hot weather

and the prevalence of cholera infantum, he may avert all

further anxieties (especially if the child also vomits) by

administering a single dose of Belladonna.

The knowledge of the seat of the disease, its name,

or a knowledge of the stage in which we find the

disease, does not indicate a particular treatment, or

indicate the truly curative remedy; but this knowledge is

nevertheless necessary, for it facilitates the examination

of the sick, and it enables the physician to classify the

symptoms obtained, and to consider as most important

in each individual case, the symptoms indicating the

progress of disease in this or the other locality, and the

changes or suppression of one or the other function of

organs. As an illustration of these propositions, let us

turn to a child supposed to suffer from epidemic cholera

217

infantum; we are informed that the child has diarrhoea

since midnight, but does not give signs of pain; it lies

quiet, its eyes are only half closed, the anterior fontanel

is elevated, the face is pale, the wrists and feet are cold,

and upon further inquiry learn that the child has not

passed any urine since the previous evening; the

abdomen is flabby, not hot. It would be useless, in such

a case to select the remedy guided by the nature of the

evacuations. Here we are presented with a decided case

of hydrocephaloid, a case of great gravity, possibly to

end fatally within one, or at least, a few days; and we

further know that should the patient pass urine within a

few hours after the administration of the truly

homœopathic remedy (Sulphur in this case), the

recovery becomes a certainty, and probably without any

further medication. Another child has cholera infantum,

and cries most persistently, has done so all night, is

cutting teeth, and the distressed mother says this

screaming has lasted all night; we have to carry the

child all the time to pacify it; it has frequent green

discharges from the bowels, preceeded by an increase of

pain, causing it to draw up its knees to the abdomen; the

abdomen is hot, the thirst incessant, we are sure there is

nothing the matter with the child’s brain but the seat of

the inflammatory disease is in the small intestines. A

dose of Chamomilla will soon quiet the child.

In the first case the brain symptoms, with the

concomitant suppression of the urinary discharge, stand

foremost; in the second case the intestinal symptoms,

with the concomitant restlessness and the desire to be

carried, stand most prominent.

Knowing that the gravest cases of cholera infantum

appear without any previous indisposition, without any

precursory diarrhœa, probably with no other warning

than a little more sleepiness of the otherwise, to all

appearances, well child, and that in just such cases all

depends on the proper choice of the first remedy, we

must be prepared beforehand to choose right, and

administer the remedy according to the Homœopathic

law of cure.

It has been proposed to begin the treatment of these

grave cases of cholera infantum, having their origin in a

disturbed condition of the brain, by administering

Aconite and Bryonia in alteration. As this proposition is

a violation of all and every fundamental principle of our

school, the result will be a failure to cure. First and

foremost, the character of the disease, its locality, or its

kind, can never serve as a guide to our therapeutic

action; much less can the administration of two entirely

differently acting drugs, as are Aconite and Bryonia, be

followed by salutary results; either one or the other can

stand in the proper relation as a therapeutic agent under

the law of the similar, never both, and why, then, not

adhere to the law, and administer the simillimum?

The therapeutics include also the dietetics, and in

cholera infantum it becomes very important to see to it

that the proper nourishment is given to the children.

The better the dietetics of a child have been understood,

and the more proper the nourishment has been from its

birth, the less liable will it be to be attacked violently by

the ordinary diseases of children during the hot weather.

There are general dietetic rules for children laid down in

the books, and its all well to know them, but they lead to

generalizations; each individual child wants its

individual diet, adopted to its individual constitutional

conditions. The administration of crude substances

supposed to be wanting in the organism is based on

“materialism;” the substances so wanting, or supposed

to be wanting, can at best only be supplied by food

containing them only in a greater proportion than its

ordinary nourishment did. The instinct of children will

very frequently indicate the requisite nourishment,

which then should never be withheld, if it is even

contrary to speculative science. In properly nourished

children we will rarely ever find a bad case of cholera

infantum, and the more we have studied carefully the

proper diet of each individual child under our care, the

less will they be liable to diseases of the digestive

organs. Many cases of children come under the

treatment of the physician which he has never seen

before, and the more general experience he has gained

about the proper diet of children, the easier will he be

able to detect what mistakes have been made in each

individual case, and he will at once endeavor to correct

the erroneous diet.

The erroneous but generally accepted notion that

children should be nursed during the second summer on

account of the prevalence of cholera infantum during

that season causes more cases and is the frequent cause

of the great mortality in that disease. There are nine

months of gestation, and exactly nine months of

lactation (nursing and feeding by the mother’s milk).

The appearance of the teeth is the first indication that

farinaceous food is wanted and it must not be withheld,

and as different children cut their teeth earlier or later

during the first nine months, farinaceous food should be

given as it is needed.

All the dietetics being properly attended to, the

chief problem is to find in each individual case the

corresponding similar remedy. In grave cases, the

choice of a remedy must be made at once, as delay is

attended by great danger. It is the aim of these short

pages to give characteristic symptoms, and a concise

description of frequently occurring combinations of

symptoms in this form of disease, with their

correspondingly similar remedy.

We shall first give the most frequently indicated

remedies, and then those less often called for.

218

Apis mel.-The child is inclined to stupor, out of

which it starts with a loud, shrill scream. The eyes have

a reddish tint. The head is hot. The tongue is dry, but

thirst is but seldom present. The skin is dry the hands at

times cold and blue. Suppression of urine. The

abdomen is tender to pressure. The diarrhœa is worse in

the morning, always mixed with mucus, sometimes very

offensive or involuntary, or containing flakes of pus.

Belladonna.-The child lies in a stupor; it frequently

starts up suddenly in its sleep; when awake it is angry

and violent. The head is hot, and is often rolled from

side to side. The face is generally purple, red, and hot,

or very pale and cold. The tongue is red on the edges,

or coated whitish yellow, or has two white strips of

coating extending down on both sides of the tongue.

Thirst moderates, pulse very frequent, small, and hard,

occasionally full. Hands and feet cold; the hotter the

head is, the colder are the feet. The abdomen is hot.

The stools are clay color or green, or consist of white or

granular yellow slimy mucus, and very frequent.

Chamomilla.-The child is exceedingly peevish; the

gums are very hot, the cheeks are red, at times only one

cheek; the child wants to be carried all the time; has

attacks of colic, draws its knees up, and seems to be

relieved for a short time after a passage from the

bowels. Vomiting of food and sour mucus. The stools

are green, or green mucus at times mixed with white

mucus or chopped; the discharges are hot, excoriating

the parts, frequent, sometimes smelling like rotten eggs.

Croton tiglium.-The child has stool as often as it is

fed or nurses. The discharge is sudden, noisy, and

violent, consisting generally of yellow water.

Ipecacuanha.-Diarrhœa and vomiting. Vomiting of

food and drink as often as one drinks, or vomiting of

green mucus. Much nausea, with pale face and

oppressed breathing. Stools are of green mucus, or are

bloody or fermented.

Natrum sulphuricum.-Frequent attacks of violent

colic, with rumbling in the abdomen, relieved by the

violent discharge of yellow water with large quantities

of flatus. The stools are more frequent during the

morning hours, after the child has been taken up and is

moved about, like Bryonia.

Podophyllum pelt.-Drowsiness or restless sleep,

with grinding of the teeth or rolling of the head.

Vomiting of frothy mucus, green, or of food. The

diarrhœa is worse in the morning, and the discharges are

more frequent at night than during the day. Stools

green, watery, or mixed with mucus; or like chalk;

profuse and painless. During and after stool, prolapsus

ani. During dentition also catarrhal cough and catarrh

of the chest. Cramps of the feet, calves, and thighs.

Sulphur.-The disease generally begins after

midnight; diarrhœa and vomiting; the discharges from

the bowels are generally watery, green, and involuntary;

they sometimes smell sour, at other times they are very

offensive: vomiting is frequent, often smelling sour (like

Calc. c.), with cold perspiration on the face (Veratr.

Cold perspiration on the forehead). The face is pale, the

fontanels open, hands and feet cold the very first

morning; the child lies in a stupor with its eyes half

open; not much thirst and entire suppression of urine.

The child does not scream out violently as under Apis,

or roll his head as under Belladonna. In such a case as

above described one single dose of Sulphur will suffice

to re-establish the urinary secretions and cause the child

to sit up again and take food.

Aconitum nap. Is seldom indicated, and then only at

the beginning of the disease, especially when it has been

caused by a check of perspiration, mostly during the

night, when the weather has changed from extreme heat

to cold. The child is excessively agitated and restless,

pulse very frequent and hard, abdomen very hot; much

thirst; the discharges are watery and contain bloody

mucus.

Arsenicum.-Diarrhœa and vomiting; much thirst for

cold water, but everything the child drinks is thrown up

at once; hot skin, great restlessness; the child

continuously tosses about, changes it position, and cries

incessantly. Stools watery and very offensive, or black

fluid, or dark, thick green mucus; very great weakness

and emaciation.

Benzoic acid.-If, during an attack, the urinary

discharges become very scanty, and if the urine has a

very pungent, strong smell, and if the urine easily

becomes turbid.

Bismuth.-Diarrhœa and vomiting. The vomiting

prevails; all food and drink is thrown up at once; the

abdomen is bloated, the face is pale, blue rings under

the eyes. (Compare Creosote.)

Bryonia.- The attacks return as the weather

becomes hot, and are relieved on cool days. (Aconite

and Dulcamara have the reverse.) Vomiting of bile,

tongue coated yellow, thirst, not frequent, but drinking

of large quantities, (Aconite has the reverse); abdomen

hot, the child does not want to be moved. (Aconite has

the reverse); every motion causes pain in the abdomen

and a discharge from the bowels. Worse in the morning

when beginning to be moved.

Calcarea carbonica.-Open fontanels; stools gray-

like clay, smelling sour; vomiting of food, especially

milk, sour; profuse perspiration on the head during

sleep; swollen, distended abdomen, (Sacchar. off.);

urine clear, (Benz. Ac. has turbid urine), is passed with

difficulty, and has a strong pungent, fetid odor.

Carbo veg.-Diarrhœa; stools very putrid or bloody;

face pale or greenish; the gums recede from the teeth

and bleed easily; abdomen distended; emission of large

quantities of flatus; skin cold; tongue and breath cold;

voice hoarse or lost.

219

China.-Painless watery diarrhœa, yellow or

blackish or of indigested food; worse after eating

(Ferrum has diarrhœa while eating), and worse at night

and after eating fruit, with much tendency to perspire.

Colocynthis.-Diarrhœa with violent colic before,

during or after the stool; compelling the child to bend

double, which seems to give relief (the colic of

Belladonna is relieved by hard pressure across the

abdomen; that of Rhus tox. is relieved by lying on the

abdomen).

Creosote.-Diarrhœa with vomiting; the continuous

vomiting and straining to vomit predominates; the child

resists the tightening of anything around the abdomen,

which increases the restlessness and pain; much thirst;

gums hot; coldness of the hands and feet. (Compare

Bismuth).

Iris vers.-Diarrhœa and vomiting; vomiting of food,

bile or of a very sour fluid; profuse, frequent, watery

stools. Tympanitis.

Natrum mur.-Watery diarrhœa with colic; incessant

thirst with nausea; emaciation beginning at or

principally on the neck; abdomen bloated.

Nitric acidium.-Diarrhœa, green, mucous or bloody,

or putrid; putrid smell from the mouth; copious flow of

saliva; ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue.

Paulina sorbilis.-Green profuse stools, inodorous.

Petroleum.-Diarrhœa only during the day.

Phosphorus.-Diarrhœa and vomiting; desire for

cold water, which is throw up as soon as it becomes

warm in the stomach; diarrhœa is worse in the morning;

stools consist of green mucus, brown fluid, white

mucus, or containing little grains like tallow.

Silicea-Fontanels open; much perspiration on the

head; great thirst; emaciation; rolling of the head;

suppressed urinary secretions; watery, very offensive

stools. (Calc. carb., has sour smelling stools).

Sulphuric acid.-Frequent, large, watery, very

offensive evacuations, with apthae and great irritability.

Veratrum album.-Diarrhoea and vomiting; great

weakness; vomiting of frothy substance; profuse watery

diarrhoea, with flakes; during stool cold perspiration on

the forehead; pale face; cold hands; voice weak or

hoarse; suppression of urine.

If marasmus follows a protracted case of cholera

infantum we have two great principle remedies to stay

its progress and cure the patient.

Sarsaparilla.-Great emaciation; the skin lies in

folds; the face is shriveled; aphthae on the tongue and

on the roof of the mouth.

Iodine.-The child has an inordinate appetite, but

never the less continues to emaciate.

If effusions on the brain have taken place, then we

may resort to Digitalis, Helleborous, Hyoscyamus,

Opium, Zinc, according to their respective indications.

These general indications will enable the

practitioner to find the proper remedy in many cases,

especially in cases requiring prompt and unhesitating

prescriptions. The variety of cases is so great that it is

utterly impossible to give a proper prescription for all

and every variety of cholera infantum or any other

disease. – Homœopathic Physician.

********************************************

ii. LYCOPODIUM AFTER CALCAREA OST.

WHY?

AD. LIPPE, M.D., PHILADELPHIA, Pa.

The Medical Advance, Jan. 1885, Page No.361.

Our learned friend, Charles B. Gilbert, M.D.,

Washington, D. C., has asked me a question, “Why

Lycopodium follows Lachesis and Pulsatilla well,” in a

paper published in the December number of The

ADVANCE, page 305. We will first take up the

question at the head of Dr. Gilbert’s paper, “Why

Lycopodium after Calcarea ost.” Hahnemann, in his

chronic disease, tells in the preface to Lycopodium that

it (Lyco.) acts especially beneficial if it is indicated after

Calcarea has exhausted its effect. That was the

experience of Hahnemann. If Calcarea is

homœopathically indicated and if, after the curative

effects of Calcarea have been exhausted, the remaining

or changed symptoms indicate Lycopodium, much good

can be expected from it if properly administered; it does

not follow that Lycopodium will be the next curative

remedy after Calcarea under all circumstances, by no

means. It will only act especially favorable if it is truly

indicated under the law of the similars. Why

Lycopodium acts so favorably under these

circumstances is quite another question, and there are

many similar questions of why and wherefore that

will never be answered; for instance, why does Caust.

and Phosphor. or Apis and Rhus never follow well one

after another? The first question is one of “Facts.”

Who could answer the question, Why does Castor Oil

act as a purgative? It is an undeniable fact that it does

so act, but why? Because it does! Have we not a living

tree I ask my friend? The living tree developed itself

under the tender care of the great philosopher, Samuel

HAHNEMANN. We have there first the blade, then the

ear and then the full corn in the ear. The blade arose out

of the law of the similars, and to make this law bring

forth a blade the philosopher ascertained by means of

proving drugs on himself and others the sick-making

powers of drugs, and thereby created a Materia

Medica, with a full symptomatology of every drug

showing how each drug had its own peculiar sick-

making properties, and when he and others administered

these so proved drugs under the simple and strict law of

220

the similars for the cure of the sick (not for the cure of

classified diseases) then grew up the ear, showing

marvellous confirmation of the correctness of the law of

the similars. And after the great philosopher had found

how much more curative these remedies so applied were

when he diminished the dose, the came the full corn in

the ear, and the Homœopathic healing art became a

great power for the cure of the sick. It was then that the

relative relations of the various proved and applied

drugs became known. These observations were made

by men fully versed in the symptomatology of our

Materia Medica; these facts were put on record, were

confirmed by other like good observers. Why is there a

differential relationship between cathartics? Now if the

mind is in the proper logical condition the first thing to

answer is, are there cathartics surely that can be tried?

And we suggest to our learned friend to do so. Let him

take an appreciable dose of Castor Oil, or if he pleases,

a dozen or two of the beans of the Palma Christi, and

the cathartic effects will soon follow. But as one

witness is never sufficient, we further suggest that our

anxiously enquiring friend take a little Colocynthis in an

appreciable dose, such as even the celebrated Boston

microscopist could not object to, and if that also acts as

a cathartic you may become satisfied that even among

coarse cathartics there exists a relationship, and that a

differentiality exists even between cathartics. If our

learned friend begins now to regain the natural vision of

mankind, is cured of myopia without Dr. R. Hughes’

specific remedy for that supposed disease, then he may

make a comparison between the tenderly related

cathartics, Castor Oil and Colocynthis, and if his

propensities to ask questions gradually increase, he will

add to the list of cathartics to be compared, say Cuprum

and Veratrum. He will eagerly take these and find that

each of them causes a different diarrhoea, acts

differently as a cathartic; and if his eyesight brightens

he will administer minute, potentized doses of the same

drugs if he meet a similar set of symptoms such as each

of them is capable of producing on the healthy organism

in the sick, and he will cure. Furthermore he will learn

that relationships exist among drugs and that the very

comparisons of the symptomatology of these related

drugs assist us in finding the characteristic symptoms of

each individual drug and gives us a decided answer as to

the reason of their homeopathicity in a given case.

Just as soon as our learned friend, Dr. Gilbert, tells

us why Castor Oil and Colocynthis are purgatives of a

different kind, we shall tell him why Lycopodium and

Lachesis follow Pulsatilla well. Try the cathartics first,

then try the truth of statements made by hard working

healers, and if you find their kind aid offered their

brethren not to be correct please expose them, but take

good care to illustrate your experimental failures. And,

if in your wisdom and in your superior judgment, you

find the work of any author on Materia Medica a

hermaphrodite Materia Medica, burn the books; and if

pleased better with the new prospective Materia

Medica, a veritable pathological picture book, it may be

infinitely better to return altogether to the allopathic

flesh pots of Egypt. Keep on prescribing for names of

diseases, and what then-why-cease curing the sick.

********************************************

iii. EDITOR’S TABLE

The Medical Advance, Jan. 1885, Page No.392.

* * * * *

Dr. CONSTANTINE LIPPE died suddenly January

1st, 1885, at his residence, 68 West 50th street, New

York, of pneumonia. Dr. Lippe was born at Carlysle,

Pa., in 1839, and was educated at the University of

Pennsylvania. On the breaking out of the war, he had

just graduated at Cleveland College, but he patriotically

laid medicine aside and joined the First Pennsylvania

Lancers, and was soon promoted to a captaincy. At the

battle of Cold Harbor he received a severe wound from

a shell which incapacitated him for service, and from

which he never fully recovered. As a classmate in

college we knew him intimately. As a man and a

physician his death has left a blank hard to fill. As a

true follower of Hahnemann, he had few equals and no

superiors; a conscientious and able practitioner, a

frequent contributor to our journals, and the author of a

valuable repertory, for which he was re-writing a second

edition. We feel sure the announcement will cause

universal regret among homœopathists generally that

such an able and energetic worker should be so

suddenly taken from the profession which he loved and

so well adorned. Among patients and friends his loss

will be grievously lamented, and his place will be long

vacant. Universal sympathy will be extended to his

father, Dr. Adolph Lippe, who loses, in two brief weeks,

a cherished daughter and a valued son.

[The X-ray of this injury may be seen in E.

CARLETON’s book “Homœopathy in Medicine and

Surgery” = KSS.]

********************************************

iv. CORRESPONDENCE

CORRECTION OF A SLIGHT ERROR.

The Medical Advance, Feb. 1885, Page No. 430.

Editor Medical Advance:

On page 98 of the August No. of the MEDICAL

ADVANCE we find a foreign letter which is full of

slight errors. Although Spain is far away, the history of

221

Homœopathy in that land is well known to us. The

correspondent (A. B. H.) says: “A few years ago

Homœopathy was unrecognized here.” A.B, H. seems

to be entirely ignorant of the great work done in Spain

by the late Marquis de Nuñez, the late court physician to

the then Queen Isabella, the prover of Tarantula. Signor

Nuñez, many long years ago, resided in the south of

Spain and was a lawyer. He interested himself in the

study of Hahnemann’s writings and, convinced of the

truth of Homœopathy, he induced a priest, confined to

his bed for some time with a spinal disease, to apply for

homœopathic aid. The case was carefully described and

sent to the late Dr. Boenninghausen, who prescribed (a

lucky prescriber) for him one dose of Calc. carb. The

priest was cured and found himself a short time

afterwards in Madrid as a high dignitary of the church.

The grateful cured old friend of Nuñez now called him

to Madrid where he studied medicine, and after

graduating as a doctor of medicine, began his career as a

healer. Like Boenninghausen and many others, he fully

accepted Hahnemann’s methods and became a personal

friend as well as a disciple of the great philosopher. He

became, as a learned doctor in Ohio terms all

hahnemannians, “A lucky prescriber,” and these many

long years ago Homœopathy was fully recognized in

Spain, and even the court adopted the Homœopathy

taught by Hahnemann and practiced by Nuñez.

Honored and created a marquis he acquired a large

fortune which he left to a homœopathic hospital. His

proving of Tarantula has enriched our Materia Medica.

To prevent persons not fully versed in the methods of

Hahnemann this very Marquis de nuñez created a

“Homœopathic Institute,” and no licentiate of medicine

is allowed to practice Homœopathy in Spain without a

certificate of competency from that Institute. It may

interest the true Homœopathicians to have another

historical fact laid before the profession, to show how

our school was adopted and honored when introduced

by men who followed Hahnemann and his methods not

only in Spain but all over the world. The departures

introduced of late by designing men are bringing our

school gradually into more discredit and we are, on

account of these departures, exposed to the ridicule and

sneers of the adherents of the allopathic school. It is

utterly silly to attempt to make our healing art

acceptable to the Allopathists by dropping the essential

doctrines not palatable to the great mass of

materialistically inclined physicians. As soon as we

drop the essentials, or either of them, viz.: “The law of

the similars, the single remedy, and the minimum dose,”

we cease to obtain the results which follow a faithful

adherence to them, and we cease to be “lucky

prescribers.” Then arises in the minds of those who

have accepted the various increasing departures a

serious doubt as to the correctness and applicability of

Hahnemann’s teachings. Few of these men have the

honesty to drop the name of a healing art which if

applied as the marquis de Nuñez understandingly and

conscientiously did apply it, without departure from the

teachings of the great master, has proved to lead our

school to be honored; but they prefer to hold on to the

name only that they may reap the benefit of the credit

attached to a healing art if properly practiced.

AD. LIPPE, M.D.

*********************************************

v. FATAL ERRORS

AD. LIPPE, M.D., Philadelphia.

The Medical Advance, June 1885, Page No.599

It was a fatal error when the American Institute of

Homœopathy became a sponsor and ordered the

publication of a revised Materia Medica. It was a fatal

error to leave the editing of it to Richard Hughes, M.D.

and J. P. Dake, M.D., with the aid of a consultative

committee.

We have now before us the first part of what is

termed A Cyclopedia of Drug Pathogenesy. The title is

also a fatal error, of which any one who looks into this

volume will soon be convinced. Richard Hughes, M.D.,

has been finding fault with Hahnemann’s omission to

publish, in connection with his Materia Medica Pura,

the day-books of the provers; he seems not to know

under what painful pecuniary circumstances these

masterworks of the founder of our school were

published. He did not appreciate the large pecuniary

losses of the enthusiastic publisher, Arnold, who

became a convert to the new Healing Art as practiced on

him by Samuel Hahnemann, and grateful for the

immense benefit he received from the great Healer, he

sacrificed his money freely, so that others might be

instructed by the great man, and enabled by means of a

Materia Medica to apply the law of the similars for the

cure of the sick. It is also a fatal error to suppose that

the laborious work of formulating the provings of drugs

into a systematized form showing plainly

comprehensively the sick-making properties of drugs,

could be better made to-day by others than by

Hahnemann himself, who carefully and personally

examined every prover before accepting his provings. It

is a fatal error to suppose any one this day is better able

to clearly point out the characteristic symptoms of drugs

and their strong clinical indications, than Hahnemann

did in his prefaces to the various drugs in his valuable

works. Nevertheless we have heard the chairmen of

bureaus of Materia Medica of the American Institute of

Homœopathy unceasingly preach of the necessity to

revise our Materia Medica.

222

The only introduction or preface to this singular

work is to be found on the inside of the title-page in the

shape of the instructions adopted jointly by the

American Institute of Homœopathy and the British

Homœopathic Society. These instructions have been

reviewed before, but on this solemn occasion when the

first fruit of the labors of the learned executors of these

instructions is laid before us, let us dwell for a moment

on the ninth instruction. It reads: “Include symptoms

reported as coming from attenuations above the 12th

decimal only when in accord with symptoms from

attenuations below.”

What could we expect from our learned colleagues

who accepted such a superlatively illogical and

therefore absurd instruction? It is plainly admitted that

attenuations above the twelfth have been reported to

have produced symptoms; if all the symptoms so

produced are not in accord with symptoms from

attenuations below, they must be excluded. The fact is,

that the Vienna provers of Natrum muriaticum did

obtain many symptoms from attenuations above the

twelfth, and if the compilers of the ninth instruction will

condescend to examine the results of these very

carefully made and valuable provings, they will find

that the symptoms made by the lower and higher (30th)

potency vary much, but they are all in accord – there is

an easily comprehensible analogy between them; and

according to the testimony of Dr. Watzke, these

symptoms obtained from the provings of the thirtieth

potency, are by far more valuable for clinical use than

those obtained by lower potencies. If there is an

unmistakable analogy between the various results of

different potencies, then they are in accord. If, as it

seems, by accord was meant the same, then the

expression is a fatal error; and even if it was the

intention of the unfortunate men of learning to exclude

if possible all the provings above the twelfth, they again

commit a fatal error, as it is a fully established fact that

there is sick-making and curative virtue and power

above the twelfth potency, all the assertions of Drs.

Hughes and Dake to the contrary notwithstanding. Nay,

we go much further, and say, that we do know from the

clinical experiment that there has not as yet been made

any potency that was not capable of sick-making and

curative virtue.

Of what use will a work like this Cyclopedia of

Drug Pathogenesy be? By the diligent study and use of

Hahnemann’s Materia Medica, his Chronic Diseases,

and the similar works of his followers, the homœopathic

Healer was able to demonstrate the superiority of

Hahnemann’s methods over all other methods of cure;

he also demonstrated that the law of the similars

properly applied was like all natural laws, an infallible

Law. And now we are apparently invited to quit our

best guides, abandon our old friends, and operate from a

new basis, viz., by the Cyclopedia of Drug Pathogenesy.

That may suit some people, but we feel ourselves

compelled to differ entirely from such men of learning

as Drs. Hughes and Dake and their consultative

committee; and we must declare this new effort to

supersede the labors of men who made our Healing-Art

what it is, a fatal error.

What the homœopathic Healer does want is a

collection of the accumulation of characteristic

symptoms of drugs, the result of the clinical experiment.

We want more good provings, we want additions to our

stock of drug knowledge, but we must consider all

efforts to “revise,” “weed out,” and “purify” our Materia

Medica as fatal errors. The latest works of the late Dr.

Hering show in what direction our Materia Medica can

be made most useful; his renditions of Stramonium and

Nux moschata are masterworks; and what would be the

outcome of these great works if such vandalism as Drs.

Hughes and dake persistently talk about were applied to

them?

It is to be hoped that the members of the American

Institute of Homœopathy will become satisfied that they

were led into one fatal error when they became sponsors

to the utterly useless work before us, and hereafter allow

these active reformers to pursue their course

consistently, and burthen our literature with as many

fatal errors as they see fit. The Homœopathicians

cannot utilize these fatal errors; they may do as a sop for

the common school of medicine, thrown by the

“recognition seekers,” but even that sop will in the

course of time prove itself to be a fatal error.

*******************************************

vi. PROGRESSIVE MATERIA MEDICA: HOW

IT IS DEVELOPED

ADOLPH LIPPE, M.D.

A retrospective view of our Materia Medica

demonstrates its past and indicates its future

development. The first and the earliest series of a

Homœopathic Materia Medica was written by

HAHNEMANN in 1805; it was entitled “Fragmenta de

viribus medicamentorum positivis, sive in sane corpore

humano observatis.” We are indebted to the late Dr.

Quinn for a translation of this work into the English

language in 1834. It contained the pathogenesis of 27

remedies. In 1811 the first volume of the Materia

Medica Pura appeared, published by Arnold, the book-

publisher to whose great generosity the profession will

be forever indebted. It was then impossible to obtain a

publisher of such a work, but Arnold had been cured by

HAHNEMANN and was anxious to show his gratitude.

In 1821 the sixth volume appeared. From 1822 till 1827

223

a second augmented edition of his work was published,

and in 1835 till 1839 the second edition of

HAHNEMANN’s “Chronic Diseases” was published.

Provings on himself and others as well as observations

of others were collected into this laborious work.

Before HAHNEMANN had finished his Chronic

Diseases, Constantine HERING in 1837 came out in

this country with his first great work on “The effect of

the Snake Poisons. Compiled Comparatively for the use

of Physicians, with a Preface on the Study of

Homœopathic Materia Medica-Allentown, pa.”

The next great step forward toward the

development of HAHNEMANN’s Materia Medica was

taken by the Vienna Provers in 1848. The first addition

was an essay on Natrum muriaticum. For the first time

we find an elaborate day book of the Provers and many

clinical remarks. Another addition to our Materia

Medica by Constantine HERING, was published 1857,

American Provings of Medicines, preliminaries to our

Materia Medica as a natural science, containing the

natural history and the pathogenesis of twelve new

remedies. Some of these medicines had been previously

proved to some extent, and a valuable addition to our

Materia Medica is to be found in the first volume of the

Transactions of the American Institute of Homœopathy

in 1846. Valuable Monographs of new medicines

appeared from time to time, till we had progressive

editions by the late Constantine HERING, and we may

here mention as his master-work the pathogenesis of

Nux moschata and Stramonium; they may well serve as

an introduction to a progressive Materia Medica. In

contemplating the introduction of a new

Materia Medica in the future, we do find the present

works far from satisfactory and the very latest attempt

by our British Homœopaths to reduce our Materia

Medica into a mere collection of day-books of the

provers, would make the study of it a very burdensome

and in most cases a thankless task. We must remember

that the proving of drugs on the healthy is the first step

towards a knowledge of their sick-making power, and

under the possibility thereby, to apply the law of the

similars we next obtain a knowledge of their curative

power, through the confirmation of their statements by

the clinical experiment, is a useless attempt to ignore the

many confirmations of the provings previously reported

and accepted as facts. Changed conditions and

sensations caused by administering drugs to the healthy

individual and cured by the same drug, when the same

or any similar conditions arise in the sick, stand up as

the strongest possible evidence for the correctness of the

Law of the Similars.

After administering under that Law, a

Homœopathic remedy, certain experiences may follow

when the curative powers of the remedy develop

themselves; symptoms not previously known to belong

to the pathogenesis of the drug may simultaneously

disappear with the characteristic similar symptoms for

which the remedy was administered, or new symptoms

not previously known to the remedy may arise and

disappear with the progressive curative action of the

similar remedy. It is prudent to mark these symptoms,

and if, as it will frequently happen, that by a further

clinical experiment, these new symptoms observed on

the sick do prove to be correct, they deserve as much

credit as if they had been incorporated into the day-book

of a prover. The clinical experiment has in this manner

developed the most characteristic symptoms of drugs,

now guiding the Healer in the administration of drugs.

As an illustration let us look at the first proving of Lac

caninum. The late Dr.Reissig of New York, was first

induced to use Lac caninum for the cure of Diphtheria,

by reading in the old Arabian medical works an account

of the empirical use these ancients made of a variety of

milks. Dr.Reissig cured many cases of Diphtheria with

Lac caninum, but then the old question, asked by the

sagacious Dr.Cullen came up again, under what

circumstances does Lac caninum cure Diphtheria?

Provings were instituted but after all, the clinical

experiment and the accurate noting down of the effects

of the new remedy after it was administered under the

Law of the Similars, revealed the characteristic

indications for the use of this remedy; these

characteristic and so frequently confirmed symptoms,

are so well rendered in the little Monograph on

Diphtheria by the late Dr. Gregg, that they have become

familiar to the Students of Homœopathy. And in

dwelling on this remedy it has also been demonstrated

how logical deductions have shown a much larger field

of action of this remedy than was at first contemplated;

the Bacteriæ change their locality very often and

rapidly, they disappear from one place and reappear on

another place; and the further clinical experiment shows

that Lac caninum will cure rheumatic affections when

they are wandering about as do the pains characteristic

of Pulsatilla. This is merely to illustrate of what value

the clinical experiments are in developing the usefulness

of our Materia Medica, and why they should not be

ignored but rather be incorporated in a future Materia

Medica.

The next question is, what remedies should be

included in a future Materia Medica, and what

remedies should be excluded. All remedies proved

should be admitted and not a single symptom should be

omitted. Most all proved remedies have had their

clinical trials, and it is a positive evidence that while the

trial shows the correctness of the provings confirming it

shows the value of the provings. Some well proved

remedies have been but seldom applied for the cure of

the sick, because their characteristic symptoms have not

been met with in the sick. It may be that these at

224

present so rarely indicated remedies may in the course

of time take the place of remedies frequently indicated

and often used in years past; they may prove very

needful after the diseases have changed their symptoms,

which we observe so often. We will preserve these

seldom called-for but well-proved remedies till their

time of usefulness comes sooner or later. Not a single

well-observed symptoms, even if it appears trivial,

should be omitted, as cases will arise when these so-

called trivial symptoms, while in connection with other

symptoms, show an approaching resemblance to

symptoms not even fully developed in the prover. For

illustration, let a case previously reported serve. It was

the 21st day of abdominal typhus; the mental symptoms,

the violent screams at night, called for Stramonium.

The ulceration of the alimentary organs, from the lips

and mouth down to the anus, the greatly ulcerated sore

mouth, were prominent symptoms. Under Stramonium

we find one symptom – On the third day he felt as if his

mouth were going to be sore; - this single symptom

decided the choice of the remedy. The Stramonium

cured the patient, and pathogenesis of the remedy

should be allowed to read, so ulcerated mouth, e. t., in

Typhus abdominalis, as the prover only had a sensation

as if the mouth would be sore, it could well be surmised

that a sore mouth might have followed a protected

proving; now if this, to all appearances, trivial

symptoms had been left out, Stramonium would not

have been administered and a cure would have been

made an impossibility.

New remedies not properly proved and only

smuggled into our Materia because they have been

reported to have cured certain forms of diseases, should

be discarded at once, having no place in our

Homœopathic Materia Medica, which can only be used

to advantage by Healers who have long ago learned that

Homœopathy never treats diseases, pathological

conditions or sick Physiology, arranged under a system

of names of diseases.

That a progressively developed new Materia

Medica is a necessity is apparent, and the few remarks

here made may in the course of time, as soon as such a

work becomes feasible of execution, be a guide to those

who undertake it.

Positive Indications

Digitalis in homœopathic potency is the best

antidote to the depressant effects of the coal tar drugs on

the heart. – A.H.GRIMMER

Do not forget Stannum in frontal sinus conditions

where the pain rises slowly to a peak and falls

gradually. – B.C.WOODBURY

Sometimes the peculiarity of a remedy is seen in

the gross pathology with such distinct characterization

that there is no mistaking its identity. Such an instance

is the enlarged tonsils, acute or chronic, which are

shaped by the pressure of the surrounding tissues so that

they are flat-sided in various shapes with sharpened

edges. This local peculiarity shows an Echinacea

patient, as the more general symptoms will prove. –

R.E.S. HAYES

Black warts, Thuja. – R.E.S. HAYES

Finger warts, Kali c.; if red, Calcarea carb. – B.C.

WOODBURRY.

(The Homœopathic Heritage, Vol. V, No.3, March,

1980, p.97 - 101)

vii. “RATIONAL HOMŒOPATHY.”

Ad. LIPPE, M.D.

It is a fatal error to suppose that rational

Homœopathy differs in the least from eclectism.

Rational Homœopathy was ably presented to the

profession by Roth, Hirshel and a number of others.

They were utterly routed by Dr. C. HERING who

published his annihilating, sarcastic answer to their

irrational arguments in Clotar Mueller’s Quarterly. In

one of the last papers written by the ever ready defender

of Homœopathy as taught, promulgated and practiced

by its founder, now no more among us, we find him say,

(North American Journal of Homœopathy, August,

1880, page 80): “It is a pity that the definition of

rational Homœopathy is not given; for from Hahnemann

down to Hirshel there are many shades of difference in

this rationality.”

And now the Homœopathic Times, New York,

August, 1880, on page 110, gives us their definition of

“rational Homœopathy”. In the same number the death

of Constantine Hering is announced. How much the old

hero would have rejoiced over a final definition of this

sort of Homœopathy, and the opportunity of showing its

irrationality, can only be conjectured by such members

of the profession as have read C. Hering’s papers on

that subject above referred to, and who have seen the

complete rout of Roth’s forces, foot, horse and artillery.

It now behooves us first to thank the learned editors

of the Homœopathic times for their editorial in the

August number. They honestly and unreservedly define

their position, which, to strengthen, they have shown no

grace, nor any charity to anybody. As we differ very

essentially from their views expressed in said editorial,

we shall now undertake to show them their errors; we

225

are always ready to go into “an argument” on principles,

and will ask our learned friends to follow it up, make

good some of their assertions, and defend their assumed

position.

The editorial referred to is headed “Extremes”. The

learned editors roundly abuse the “materialists and the

symptomatologists,” and then enlarge upon what they

term “the most dangerous extreme that spiritualistic

transcendental philosophy which forever lives in cloud

land”. The kindly inclined editors wish them well; tell

them that there must be no limit to their aspiration, but

beg of them to absolve said editors and the rationals,

whom they represent, from their follies. Further, these

advocates of imaginary spiritual transcendental

philosophy are told: “We are glad a new society has

been formed, but regret it has appropriated the

venerable name of Hahnemann. It has raised its

standard so high, and inscribed upon it its principles in

such clear and unmistakable language, that they can be

read by all. Whatever this society may be, . . . it is but

Homœopathic, and can have no claim to that title. . .

You have so long been disturbers in our ranks; so long

brought ridicule upon our cause, we are glad you have

hoisted your own standard and formed a sect of your

own. Peace go with you.” Before we handle the

definition of what these learned editors term “midway

rational Homœopathy” we shall say a few words about

the irrational abuses by the editors of men who formed

an International Hahnemann Society kind enough to

state that the principles inscribed upon the standard of

this association are inscribed in such clear and

unmistakable language that they can be read by all, but

said editors claim that they (the principles) are not

Homœopathic! Will our learned friends be good enough

and tell us in what manner this association has offended

the Homœopathic principles? In what particular do they

differ with the fundamental principles developed in

HAHNEMENN”S Organon of the Healing Art? Are

not all the preambles based on historical facts? Could

we not prove each and all of them by quotations from

this very number of the Homœopathic Times? Have we

been disturbers in your ranks? To that accusation we

plead “guilty” and are glad to see you come out of your

hiding places like men and raise your standard so high,

and inscribe upon it your irrational claims to be

homœopathists, while in reality you come out bold as

defenders of pure and simple eclecticism.

And now we copy the final definition given by our

learned friends and well wishers, of rational

Homœopathy. They say: “Midway among all these

extremes, it seems to us, called by whatever name you

please, stands ‘rational Homœopathy’, the pivotal point

of medical science. It is not in itself a system of

medicine. It makes no such claim. The art of medicine

is too broad to be covered by a single dogma.

Homœopathy has incorporated its name into a great

fundamental truth, which, by its practical workings has

placed therapeutics among the sciences. It seeks to

utilize the dual action of drugs in the treatment of

disease. It brings to its aid all the helps of the vast field

of medical sciences, and all the facts brought out by its

investigations are appropriated to intelligent use. It

believes in no exclusive dogma, and is bound by the

trammels of no creed. Rational Homœopathy extends

the hand of brotherly fellowship to every earnest worker

in the great field of humanity. Differences of opinion

are not looked upon as causes of estrangement, and

while we mourn the bitterness of bigotry of some, and

what seems to us the wild vagaries of others, we prefer

going quietly on with our great work with kindly

feelings to all.”

Homœopathy is in itself an exclusive system of

medicine; there existed, before Hahnemann was allowed

to unfold the truths of this exclusive system of medicine

by him called Homœopathy, first, the allopathic;

second, the antipathic system of medicine, and there

exist in our days the rational and empirical schools of

medicine, as well as an entirely new school, the eclectic

school. The physiological school established the

foundation of a “rational therapeutics.” The empirical

school relies on clinical experience. The eclectic school

is bound by the trammels of no creed, believes in no

exclusive dogma, but relies in each case solely on the

individual judgment of the physician who declines

boldly to be guided by any principles derived from the

laws of nature, or by any rules for their infallible

application in therapeutics. Hahnemann has explained

these various modes and methods of applying medicines

for the cure of sick (therapeutics) in his Organon of the

Healing Art, paragraphs 53 to 69. It is a fatal error, it is

more than a fatal error to suppose that in one instance

the one mode of applying medicines for the cure of the

sick is more preferable, and that these different

methods, so entirely and directly opposed one to the

226

other, may all be applicable, and one as beneficial as the

other whenever the individual judgment of the physician

selects the one or the other method of cure. We are told

of rational Homœopathy that “it is not in itself a system

of medicine.” We grant this to be true, and also of the

rational therapeutics of the physiological school; but

Homœopathy discards these uncertain methods in

therapeutics. We are further told “the art of medicine is

too broad to be covered by a single dogma.” Under the

art of medicine here alluded to we discover the broad

system followed by eclectics. The law of the similars

and the inductive method of Hahnemann are accepted

by all true homœopaths; they are written on the standard

of that school, and a faithful adherence to this law and

these methods have enabled the followers of that

standard to establish the unerring truths taught by the

master. The overwhelming testimony given by these

men has proved certainly, first that Homœopathy is the

only true healing art; second, that Homœopathy is an

exclusive system of medicine; third, that the results of

the faithful adherence to the law and to Hahnemann’s

methods have been entirely satisfactory. The

Homœopathicians who adhere to the fundamental

principles of our exclusive school will continue to

develop this only true healing art; they will not despair

of these “rational homœopaths;” they hope to convince

them that they are greatly in error, and have committed

a fatal error when they discarded Homœopathy for

eclecticism. Our late friend, Dr. C. HERING, never

uttered a greater truth than when he wrote his last paper,

after fifty years of experience, after fifty years of

adherence to Homoeopthy, in his ripe old age:* “If our

school ever gives up the strict inductive method of

Hahnemann we are lost, and deserve to be mentioned

only as a caricature in the history of medicine.”

Medical Advance 1880

*********************************************

viii. Let us take up the most hopeless case of

sickness, a case incurable by its nature: the patient

suffers severe, very severe pains; there is no longer any

hope of effecting a cure. It is precisely here that it would

be a mercy to save him from the greater suffering which

necessarily follows the administration of anodynes; it is

then, as ever, our duty to hold fast to “our principles.”

The administration of an anodyne for excessive pain is

* North American Journal of Homœopathy, August,

1880, page 31.

followed by an apparent cessation of it, to return more

severe, as soon as the effect of the dose administered is

exhausted. We repeat, and the pains repeat; but that is

not all,—the poison does its work besides: the digestive

functions are disturbed, and, worse than all, the intellect,

the consciousness, the only spiritual part of the sick

individual,—let us call “mind,”—becomes seriously

impaired.

6

Is that mercy? Are we in duty bound to

destroy a person’s “mind”? The true “healer,” who not

only makes professions of faith, but who has really

comprehended and accepted the teachings of

Hahnemann, never stands in need of an anodyne.

In the course of time every physician will find

himself in attendance on an incurable case; he will find

himself so situated that it becomes his imperative duty

to wait on the incurably sick to the end. Here it is that

the great value of Hahnemann’s teachings is fully

appreciated, and that a strict adherence to our

fundamental principle will be followed by most

satisfactory results. The “healer” knows by past

experience that the most similar remedy is also the

greatest palliative. Under ordinary circumstances that

similar remedy would have “cured the sick,” but if such

changes of tissues have taken place that a cure is no

longer possible, the palliation may last for days, the

same symptoms do not return again, the progressive or

destructive process manifest itself now in a different

manner, and a new selection of the similar remedy must

be made—diligently to be sure; relief will follow again,

and the sufferings of the sadly afflicted, incurable

patient are in this manner wonderfully lessened,

lessened to the last moment of the earth life. To be sure,

this is a very laborious practice, requiring more

frequent changes in the prescriptions as the vitality of

the sick decreases, and each prescription becomes more

difficult. But what of that? What are we here for? Why,

we are here that we may heal the sick, that is our duty,

and if we cannot heal them (make them well), to relieve

their suffering;

7

and we must spare no pains to learn to

accomplish it, and earn the only reward which awaits

6

This is the same today. Patients are put on morphine or

other narcotics with the same devastating results. I have

heard and witnessed a number of sad and horrible

stories related to the abuse of this type of medical

practice.

7

In Greek mythology the wife of Asclepias, the god of

medicine and healing, was Epione whose duties were to

care for the sacred snakes and sooth pain. Of their

numerous children, there were Panacea, the goddess of

cures, and Hygieia, the goddess of health. Some of their

other children represented other functions found in

health, healing and medicine, such as recovery,

convalescence, surgery, etc. It is interesting to note that

soothing pain was considered to be a separate function.

227

the true healer,—the thanks of the cured, the blessings

of those to whom we administer true relief.

Whosoever calls himself a homeopathician and

administers anodynes does so in violation of his

professions, and who teaches this pernicious practice

does so in violation of the principles of the homeopathic

school of medicine.

*******************************************

VIII. Gun powder! Little-known remedy packs a

wallop against wounds

CASEY, Shirley, J. (HT. 27, 1/2007)

In Lyle Morgan’s Homœopathic Medicine: First

Aid and Emergency Care, I read: “In 4 years of

practice, using Gun powder (3x) as an adjunct treatment

to homœopathic wound cleansing, I have never had any

trouble from infection in a wound so treated.” And in

Dorothy Shepherd’s Magic of the Minimum Dose, I read

that abrasions “would not turn septic, if cleansed,

carefully … and a tablet of Gunpowder was given three

or four times a day for two or three days.” Further

research revealed that Gunpowder is not mentioned

frequently in the homœopathic literature. However,

John H. Clarke’s 30-page monograph, Gunpowder as a

War Remedy, published in 1915, was a wealth of

information. He wrote:

“The great sphere of action of gunpowder

is in cases of septic suppuration----or, in other

words---of wounds that have become poisoned

with the germs of putrefaction. … But

Gunpowder my [may] also be used as a

prophylactic.

That is to say, it will not only cure septic

suppuration when present, but it will afford

such protection to the organism against

harmful germs, that wounds will be less likely

to become septic in one who is under its

influence. …

Now the great point about Gunpowder is

that it has a broad and clear indication that

hardly anyone can miss---blood-poisoning. …

The poison quickly finds its way into the

blood-boils, carbuncles, eruptions, abscesses,

or other manifestations appear, showing

unmistakably that the blood has been

poisoned. To all these conditions Gunpowder

acts as an antidote.”

Gunpowder’s potential for helping wildlife

As a wildlife rehabilitator since 1986 who has used

Homœopathy since 1992, I immediately realized that

homœopathic Gunpowder could be of tremendous help

in the treatment of wild animals because wounds are

one of the most common conditions in wild animals

admitted to rehabilitation. Some wounds are minor and

the animals recover without incident----but others are

life-threatening or fatal.

Wild animals can get wounded in a variety of

ways: they may be bitten by household pets, hit by

vehicles, bullets, or gardening equipment, trapped, or

even bitten by other wild animals. Common wounds in

wild animals include punctures, lacerations, abrasions,

crushing injuries, burns, compound fractures, and more.

When seen by rehabilitators, the wounds may be recent

and fresh, or they may be older. They may be relatively

clean and unlikely to become infected if untreated, or

they can be contaminated and in the early stages of

infection. Occasionally, wild animals arrive in

rehabilitation with seriously infected wounds: severe

abscesses, gangrene, or septicemia (blood-poisoning).

It was interesting to note that Clarke described using

Gunpowder with similar infections from lacerations,

animal bites (including insect, squirrel, and snake

bites), and sores from various toxins.

Very small animals, such as young birds, rabbits,

and squirrels, are commonly admitted to rehabilitation

with bite wounds. Even after aggressive wound

cleaning and the use of the homœopathic remedies

Ledum and Hypericum, which can be very effective for

punctures and other kinds of lacerations, we

rehabilitators found that some of the wounds still

became infected, especially those from cat bites.

Waiting until the signs of infection were apparent

before selecting the homœopathic medicines matching

the symptoms meant that the infection could become

well established and more difficult to treat, particularly

in such small or young animals. Any homœopathic

remedy that could be given preventively----immediately

after the wound occurred or was found, but before an

infection developed as Clarke suggested for

Gunpowder—greatly interested me.

Concerns about antibiotic use

Rehabilitators work closely with their veterinarians

to learn basic skills and establish wound management

protocols to promote healing and deter infection. Many

veterinarians want rehabilitators to immediately clean,

flush, and treat minor wounds, but more severe wounds

are cleaned and treated by the veterinarian, such as

those needing suturing or surgery. Veterinarians often

prescribe antibiotics for wounds, especially those that

are severe, badly contaminated, or already infected.

Veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, and many

others, however, share increasing concerns about

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problems related to antibiotics. The World Health

Organization cites antibiotic resistance as one of the top

three world health problems. Antibiotics can cause a

variety of undesired side effects in wild animals,

including appetite loss and gastrointestinal difficulties

(e.g., diarrhea). In addition, antibiotics may not be

effective against some kinds of bacteria. It can also be

challenging to determine safe, yet effective, doses for

animals that are very small or large, or are difficult or

dangerous to medicate.

Considering Homœopathy for wounds

These and other concerns have prompted wildlife

rehabilitators and veterinarians to consider alternative

treatment options for wounds. While some have tried

various botanical and natural treatments, others have

turned to Homœopathy. Homœopathic literature

discusses many remedies that have been used

specifically with wounds. Most of these homœopathic

remedies are well-known, such as Hypericum, Ledum,

Calendula, Staphysagria, Phosphorus, Hamamelis,

Apis, and Arnica. Other homœopathic medicines are

commonly considered with infections, such as Hepar

sulphuris, Lachesis, Crotalus horridus, Mercurius, and

Pyrogenium.

So I gave a copy of Clarke’s monograph on

Gunpowder to several rehabilitators and veterinarians

who were already using Homœopathy with wildlife to

get their reaction. They were just as enthusiastic as I

was, especially since Clarke reported that homœopathic

Gunpowder was helpful with both obvious existing

infections and those that were expected due to the

nature of the wound.

Potency decisions

Morgan, Shepherd, and Clarke all described using

lower potencies (e.g., 3X) of Gunpowder when treating

people with wounds. However, as rehabilitators and

veterinarians working with wildlife, we knew that wild

animals often arrive in rehabilitation with a high vital

force and serious, acute conditions requiring immediate

attention. We had learned that that when using

homœopathic remedies with wildlife, a single dose of a

higher potency was often more appropriate than

multiple repetitions of lower potencies. Also,

minimizing the number of doses reduced the need to

handle and potentially stress the animals. So, several of

us ordered Gun powder in 30c and 200c potencies.

First successful cases lead to more

During the first few years, this group of

experienced and licensed rehabilitators used standard

wound management protocols, worked closely with

veterinarians, and used Gunpowder when it was

deemed appropriate. The group also had attended

training on the use of classical Homœopathy with

wildlife, had repertories and Materia Medicas, as well

as Clarke’s monograph on Gunpowder, and used

effective rehabilitation practices (e.g., diet, caging).

We saw positive results using Gunpowder with more

than a hundred cases of wildlife admitted with a wide

variety of wounds.

In 2002, I described the use of homœopathic,

Gunpowder during conference presentations at the

Academy of Veterinary Homœopathy and American

Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AVHMA).

Joyce Harman, DVM, mentioned her successful use of

Gunpowder for horses with bone infections at the same

AVHMA Conference.

I also started describing the use of homœopathic

Gunpowder in my seminars for wildlife rehabilitators.

In addition, my article “Homœopathic Gunpowder: Big

Bang from a Small Remedy” was published in the

Winter 2002 edition of the Journal of the American

Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. (See

Resources.)

Since then, we have heard that homœopathic

Gunpowder has been used successfully with hundreds,

if not thousands, of wildlife cases. The following are a

few examples. In each of the cases, the homœopathic

medicines were dissolved in water and administered

orally.

Eagle shot through the wing

A State wildlife officer found a Golden Eagle

(Aquila chrusaetps) sitting in a field, unable to fly, so

he took it to the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program in

Fort Collins, Colorado, on a Friday afternoon. The bird

was in mild shock and somewhat dehydrated. He had

an injured right wing and broken tail feathers. While

the eagle did not appear as frightened as most wild

animals do when captured, transported, and examined,

the experienced raptor rehabilitator still decided to

administer a dose of Aconite 1M, a homœopathic

remedy helpful in cases of fright, shock, and trauma.

Further examination revealed a small hole through

the tip of the eagle’s wing. The bullet had shot off a

small digit (bone), and the wound was close to other

bones. Since the injury was several days old and dirty,

the risk of infection was high. The wound was

thoroughly cleaned and flushed, and then bandaged

with a wet-to-dry wrap. Following this, an antibiotic

and a pain medication were given according to

conventional veterinary protocols. (See wound photo

below left.)

229

The rehabilitator also administered a dose of

Arnica montana 1M to address the trauma of the

eagle’s injury and his fall after being shot while flying.

Following rehydration, the eagle was placed in a cage

where his movement would be relatively limited.

The rehabilitator had recently acquired Clarke’s

monograph on Gunpowder and two potencies of the

remedy: 30c and 1M. She thought that homœopathic

Gunpowder could be a good match for the eagle since

the wound was contaminated, older, and had the

potential to develop a serious infection. She decided

that the higher potency would be the best choice

because the condition was acute and the eagle’s Vital

Force seemed high. So after consulting with a

homœopathic veterinarian, she gave Gunpowder 1M

about 6 hours after the Arnica. The eagle ate well and

improved over the weekend.

On Monday morning, the rehabilitator and two

conventional veterinarians examined the eagle’s wound.

The veterinarians were amazed that the bird’s wound

was healing so well and in record time. The

rehabilitator explained that she had also consulted with

a homœopathic veterinarian on the case and that the

remedies Arnica and Gunpowder had likely accelerated

and enhanced the eagle’s healing. (See photo of wound

after treatment below right.)

It took more than a year of care in rehabilitation for

the eagle to molt and new feathers to grow back on the

wing tip and tail. Also, the eagle had to adjust to his

missing digit and learn to fly again. The rehabilitators

and others involved in the eagle’s recovery were

convinced that Homœopathy played a key role in the

eventual release of this magnificent bird back to the

wild. (See photo on page 31.)

A squirrel’s stubborn abscess

A veterinary clinic called a local wildlife

rehabilitator about a juvenile Golden-Mantled Ground

Squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis) that had been attacked

by a client’s cat. The veterinarian had found three deep

punctures in the squirrel’s shoulder and left front leg.

He had cleaned the wounds and started the squirrel on a

week-long course of antibiotics before the rehabilitator

picked up the squirrel at the clinic.

Within two days, however, the squirrel’s shoulder

and left leg were slightly swollen and inflamed.

Another examination by the veterinarian resulted in

adding a second and stronger antibiotic that would be

given for ten days. The squirrel’s leg continued to

swell and the inflammation increased. Within four

more days, the leg became so hard and swollen that the

squirrel could not bend his elbow or toes, and the leg

seemed very painful when touched. Warm compresses

helped to reduce the swelling and pain while they were

applied, but by the end of the eighth day, the squirrel

was clearly in a very serious condition, even with the

antibiotics.

Consultation with the veterinarian resulted in the

rehabilitator contacting a homœopathic veterinarian

who prescribed Hepar sulphuris 30c because it is

frequently effective with abscesses. Unfortunately,

there was no change in the abscess by the next day. In

light of the small squirrel’s rapidly deteriorating

condition, they gave Lachesis 200c since it is often

effective with abscesses and infections that are

becoming septic. Again, there was no improvement in

12 hours---and there should have been if the remedy

was the correct match for the condition.

They decided to switch to homœopathic

Gunpowder and gave the squirrel one dose in the 200c

potency. Within eight hours, the swelling had softened

and a cream colored discharge started draining through

small holes that had appeared in the leg. The swelling

soon decreased 40% and the squirrel was able to bend

his elbow and toes.

The rate of improvement slowed at about 48 hours.

Another dose of Gunpowder 200c was administered

and the squirrel’s improvement continued steadily.

Within four days of the original dose of Gunpowder, all

signs of infection were gone and the squirrel was not

showing any difficulty with the leg or shoulder. After

another month in rehabilitation during which he

appeared healthy and active, the squirrel was released

back to the wild.

Blue Jay with a bone infection

A woman found a young Blue Jay (Cyanocitta

cristata) sitting on a gravel and dirt parking lot one

Tuesday. Since it did not fly away, she took it home,

placed it in a box, and fed it for a couple of days. The

diet of dry dog food soaked in water was not the best

for Blue Jays but it was acceptable for a few days.

When the bird still was not standing or trying to fly by

that Saturday evening, she took it to a wildlife

rehabilitator.

The rehabilitator knew from past experience that

wild animals that have recently been captured can

suffer ill effects from fear, and this bird appeared to be

severely frightened. So she gave the bird a dose of

Aconite 1M, placed him in a small, warm, quiet cage,

and let him calm down for an hour. She then conducted

a basic examination of the calmer bird. His weight and

general energy were good, but he had some swelling

and bruising related to a simple fracture of the left leg.

While there was a small scratch on the leg, she

observed no signs of infection. After giving a dose of

Arnica Montana 1M to address the traumatic injury,

help reduce pain, and accelerate his recovery, she

230

thoroughly cleaned the small scratch. Since the

veterinarian’s office was already closed for the

weekend she carefully set and wrapped the leg to

stabilize it according to the previous directions of her

veterinarian. A few hours later, she administered a

single dose of Symphytum 200c to reduce pain from the

fracture and accelerate bone healing. The bird ate well

and seemed better.

On Monday morning, she removed the wrap to

check the leg. While bird bones do heal faster than

mammal bones, she was impressed to find that the bone

was already fairly solid. The rehabilitator had seen

similar rapid healing of bird fractures when

homœopathic remedies such as Symphytum or Ruta

graveolens were used.

However, she was concerned about an area near the

scratch that was warm, swollen, and blue and red with a

slight greenish color. The leg appeared to be

developing a serious infection. The rehabilitator

consulted with a homœopathic veterinarian. Since the

skin on a bird’s leg is so thin that an infection can easily

involve the bone, they decided to administer a dose of

Gunpowder 200c immediately. If the leg did not start

to improve by the next morning, antibiotics would be

given. The veterinarian also advised the rehabilitator to

soak the bird’s leg in warm water with Epsom salts

three times a day.

By the next morning, the jay’s leg color was better,

and the swelling and inflammation were significantly

reduced. By the second day, there were no signs of

infection. Afrter close monitoring for two weeks in an

indoor cage, the bird was placed in an outdoor flight

cage to practice flying. He was released with other

young Blue Jays when they were ready for

independence.

Chimney Swift nabbed by a cat

A homeowner saw a Chimney Swift (Chaetura

pelagic) that had become soaked during a heavy

rainstorm. She then watched a neighbor’s cat grab the

bird before it was dry enough to fly. After scaring the

cat into dropping the bird, she took the bird to a

rehabilitator.

The Chimney Swift was cool, with shallow

breathing and dull eyes----a combination of signs that

indicated he was in shock. While trembling with fear,

he still appeared to have a strong will to live. The

rehabilitator gave the bird Aconite 1M and placed him

on heat in a small, quiet cage. When the rehabilitator

checked the bird an hour later, he was warm, strong,

and alert, so it appeared that the Aconite had helped.

There were no signs of wounds or injuries, but

since a cat had captured the bird, the rehabilitator knew

there were likely punctures; also, punctures from cat

bites often close quickly and may not be visible.

Concern about rapid infection and septicemia resulting

from the bacteria in cats’ mouths prompts many

veterinarians to routinely prescribe antibiotics when

small animals are injured by cats. The rehabilitator

gave a single dose of Gunpowder 30c as a prophylactic

as directed by a veterinarian. Within a day, the

Chimney Swift was acting normally and was placed in

an outdoor flight cage. He did not show any signs of

infection or other problems. The recovered bird was

released 14 days later---well after infection would have

appeared if there had been any.

Big results from a “small” remedy

Two of the cases described here show how

homœopathic Gunpowder was used successfully as a

prophylactic to prevent infection from occurring. In the

other cases, Gunpowder was used with wounds that

were already infected. Gunpowder appears to have

been highly effective in all four cases. There are many

more cases where rehabilitators have used Gunpowder

successfully, such as a young opossum with multiple

abdominal abscesses from cat bites; an infant squirrel

with an infected umbilicus; a raccoon with septicemia

that had not responded to multiple courses of

antibiotics; and a duck with a bone infection.

Homœopathic Gunpowder is not well represented

in the repertories; nor is it a match for all wounds, but it

nevertheless is worth considering. As Lyle Morgan

says in Homœopathic Medicine: First Aid and

Emergency Care, homœopathic Gunpowder “… is a

valuable, but all too often ignored remedy.” Those who

have seen homœopathic Gunpowder at work are likely

to add it to wound rubrics in their repertories, and are

not likely to forget its beneficial effects.

Resources

“Homœopathic First Aid Tips for Wildlife” by

Shirley Casey and Betty Jo Black, DVM, 2002.

www.ewildagain.org/Homœopathy/homeopathictips.ht

m

“Homeopathic Gunpowder: Big Bang from a Small

Remedy” by Shirley Casey, Winter 2002, Journal of

American Holistic Veterinary Medicine.

www.ewildagain.org/Homœopathy/gunpowder.htm

*********************************************

IX. Homœopathy Research in our Indian

Laboratory: An Overview

KHUDA-BUKHSH, Anisur Rahman

(AH. 19/2013)

Background and motivation

I began teaching in early 1975 at the University of

Kalyani as a Lecturer in Zoology. My initial research

was on mainstream cytogenetic subjects in the 1970s:

231

on fish, aphids and mice. Then in early 1980, I

observed profound ameliorative action of Arnica

montana 30c administered to a female student who

accidentally fell from a staircase and was seriously

injured. I was impressed and excited----and I promised

myself to do research on Homœopathy: to design

scientific experiments with suitable controls to

demonstrate the efficacy of potentized homœopathic

drugs.

Initial experiments on X-ray induced cytogenetic

effects in mice and their modulations by potentized

homœopathic drugs

First, we exposed mice (Mus musculus) to whole –

body X-irradiation in sub-lethal doses and made critical

observations on their chromosomal aberrations,

micronucleated erythrocytes, sperm head anomalies and

mitotic indices as cytogenetic endpoints. We divided a

healthy population of mice into four groups.

 Group 1: Drug-treated. Mice in this group received

the homœopathic potentized remedy Arnica

Montana 30c after X-irradiation.

 Group 2: Placebo treated control. This group

received “successes alcohol 30c” after X-

irradiation.

 Group 3: This group received only diluted alcohol

(not succussed).

 Group 4: This group received no alcohol, but only

water (negative control).

When the data were analyzed, the Arnica montana

30c treated mice showed fewer chromosomal

aberrations, micronuclei and fewer sperm with

abnormal head morphology. In addition, the reduced

mitotic index after X-irradiation in mice was found to

be elevated by the homœopathic drug, as compared to

all the controls. Thus, Arnica montana 30c appeared to

show a protective effect against cytogenetic damage

induced by whole-body X-irradiation in mice. We later

tested the effects of Arnica montana 30c in a further

two groups: one treated prior to X-irradiation, and

another treated both before and after X-irradiation. The

results showed a decreasing order of effectiveness.

1. Arnica montana 30c administered both prior to

and after X-irradiation had the maximum

protective effect.

2. Arnica treated post-exposure was the least

effectiveness.

3. Arnica treated pre-exposure was the least

effective.

Subsequently, more extensive investigations were

carried out in X-irradiated mice using further potentized

remedies. Hypericum 30c, Ruta graveolens 30c, X-ray

30c and Ginseng 30c also showed anti-radiation effects

in experimental mice when compared to controls.

Amelioration of arsenic toxicity in mice and humans

with Arsenicum album

After conducting extensive studies in mice, we

undertook a pilot human trial followed by more

extensive trials involving nearly 200 people living in

high-risk groundwater-contaminated villages to

ascertain if the potentized homœopathic drug,

Arsenicum album in 30c and 200c potencies could

exhibit amelioration in respect of a large number of

scientific endpoints, including arsenic levels in urine

and blood (also nail and hair samples in a few subjects).

It was observed that the arsenic content of urine and

blood decreased significantly along with positive

ameliorative changes in the “verum” treated subjects.

Furthermore, symptoms of arsenicosis diminished or

disappeared after treatment for a few months.

Subsequently, Arsenicum album LM 0/3 also appeared

to show benefits in the recovery process from

arsenicosis.

Amelioration of thalassemia patients on

Hydroxyurea treatment

We undertook a human trial consisting of some 38

thalassemic patients who had been on Hydroxyurea

treatment for varying periods of time, but whose

improvement had ceased or declined (as revealed from

blood parameters such as ferritin level, hemoglobin

level and/or status of enlargement of spleen/liver). The

administration of homœopathic drugs, for example

Ceanothus, Pulsatilla and Ferrum metallicum, not

only positively modulated the blood picture in respect

of ferritin and hemoglobin levels and reduction in size

of the spleen and liver of the “verum” treated subjects,

but also improved their mental state dramatically. All

the children became more energetic and cheerful after

receiving the additional treatment of the homœopathic

remedies as supportive care.

Anti-cancer potentials of homœopathic mother

tinctures and their bioactive components

We induced liver cancer in mice through chronic

feeding of p-DAB (initiator) and Phenobarbital

(promoter) and studied various cytogenetic and

biochemical parameters (mostly enzyme toxicity

biomarkers like lipid peroxidation, acid and alkaline

phosphatases, ALT, AST, GGT, etc.), and also studied

ultrastructural changes in the liver through SEM and

TEM electron microscopy. Then we studied the effect

of treatment with certain homœopathic drugs (such as

Chelidonium majus, Hydrastis, Myrica, Lycopodium

and Natrum-sulph, which are considered to have

beneficial effects on the liver) concurrently with the

carcinogens in one group of animals while the other

group received placebo (succussed alcohol). Both

mother tinctures and various potencies, including 6c,

30c, and 200c were used, and these drugs showed

232

protective effects in varying degrees. The intermittent

use of Cholesterinum 200c with Natrum-sulph

produced more pronounced protective effects than the

single treatment of either drug.

Subsequently, some of these drugs were also tested

on various cancer cell lines, including HepG2 (liver

cancer), HeLa (cervical cancer), A549 (lung cancer),

A375 (skin cancer), PC3 and Ln Cap (prostate cancer)

cell lines, and the drugs showed the ability to induce

apoptosis in these cancer cells. Further, the effects

were also confirmed from studies on various signal

proteins that showed positive changes in expression as

revealed from immunoblot and RT-PCR studies. Drug-

DNA interaction of homœopathic mother tinctures was

studied through circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD).

It was observed that the tinctures interacted with DNA

and changed the conformational and Tm (temperature

melting) profiles.

Anti-cancer potentials of nano-encapsulated

homœopathic mother tinctures and their bioactive

components

We were the first to formulate PLGA nano-

encapsulation of several mother tinctures of

homœopathic drugs, for example Gelsemium

sempervirens, Chelidonium majus, Polygala senega,

Hydrastis Canadensis, Phytolacca decandra, and to

examine their enhanced anti-cancer potentials in several

cancer cell lines at a relatively low doses.

We also studied anti-cancer potentials of several

bioactive ingredients of certain homœopathic mother

tinctures. For example, we studied the anti-cancer

effect scopoletin, an active coumarin compound

isolated from Gelsemium sempervirens, both in vivo on

certain cancer cell lines. Similarly, we studied the anti-

cancer activity of Cheldonine, Myricacone Berberine

and Lycopodine, bioactive compounds isolated from

Chelidonium majus, Myrica cerifera, Hydrastis and

Lycopodium, respectively. Subsequently, these

bioactive compounds were nano-encapsulated with

non-toxic, biodegradable polymers of PLGA and their

anti-cancer effects were compared with nano forms of

the dried powders of original mother tincture extracts.

The nano-forms of both mother tinctures and the

bioactive compounds showed greater anti-cancer

potentials than their unencapsulated counterparts.

Recently, a few other bioactive components like

Apigenin from Lycopodium, Quercerin from

Condurango and Thuja occidentalis. Thujone-rich

fraction from Thuja occidentalis, Condurango-

glycosides A from Condurango and Palmatine from

Hydrastis have also been studied for their anti-cancer

effects.

The anti-diabetic action of several homœopathic

drugs has also been evaluated. In this regard, the

homœopathic mother tinctures of Syzygium

jambolanum and Helonias dioica are worth mentioning

for their considerable anti-diabetic effect.

Demonstrable anti-cancer effects of potentized

homœopathic remedies

Potentized homœopathic remedies like

Condurango 30c, Hydrastis 30c, Lycopodium 15c and

30c, Secale 30c and Phytolacca decandra 15c showed

demonstrable anticancer properties against HeLa

(cervical cancer), A549 (lung cancer), A375 (skin

cancer) PC3 and Ln cap (prostrate cancer) cells in vitro.

Nano-precipitation by homœopathic drugs

To our knowledge, we were the first group to

successfully nano-precipitate silver from silver nitrate

solution by using certain homœopathic mother tinctures

as the reducing agents. We used mother tinctures of

several homœopathic drugs e.g. Hydrastis canadensis,

Gelsemium sempervirens, Thuja occidentalis and

Phytolacca decandra to precipitate nanoparticles of

silver from silver nitrate solution and evaluated the anti-

cancer potentials of the silver nanoparticles originating

from the different drugs. Interestingly, when the

nanoparticles emanating from the treatment of different

homœopathic mother tinctures were physicochemically

analyzed for their size, zeta potential, orientation and

interaction with calf-thymus DNA, they were found to

have subtle differences, and when their anti-cancer

potentials were tested in different cancer cell lines, they

also appeared to have subtle differences in their anti-

cancer effects. Further, they differed in their

antibacterial effect when tested on E-coli. Thus,

different homœopathic mother tinctures produced

nanoparticles of different sizes, electrical charges and

anti-cancer effects. These experimental results threw

significant light on the action of homœopathic mother

tinctures inside the human body, where they could

produce varying effects due to their differential ability

to produce nanoparticles from different salts.

Effect of homœopathic drugs on expression and

modulation of signal proteins and gene expression

We have extensively studied the expression of

various signal proteins, both in vivo (arsenic-treated

yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and E.coli and in

induced cancer and arsenic intoxicated mikce) or in

vitro in various cancer cells of different types and their

positive modulation by certain homœopathic drugs

along with amelioration of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress

and ROS generation. We studied the modulation of

expression of genes both at mRNA and protein levels.

We have also conducted studies on the expression of

matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are

associated with metastasis in cancer.

233

Immunofluorescence, western blot and RT-PCR

studies

We have studied the expression of some receptor

proteins like Aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) in

DMBA induced skin cancer of mice and its modulation

by a potentized drug, Secale cornutus 30c, along with

regression or disappearance of skin papillomata. We

studied several downstream signal proteins including

certain anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins. Secale 30c

modulated the expression of these signal proteins and

also brought about depolarization of mitochondrial

membrane potential conducive to apoptosis of cancer

cells.

On the physic-chemical nature of homœopathic

drugs

Mother tinctures and potentized homœopathic

remedies were subjected to analyses such as FTIR

(Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), mass

spectroscopy, 1H and 13NMR and COSY

(CORRELATED SPECTROSCOPY), and some of the

drugs showed characteristic peaks of their own. They

also showed subtle differences if different potencies of

the same drug were critically analyzed.

On understanding the molecular mechanism of

action: on bacteria, fungi and bacteriophages

We exposed bacteria (E.coli) to sub-lethal

concentrations of sodium arsenite or sodium arsenate

and measured their glucose uptake, hexokinase activity,

permease activity and ATP quantity before and after

arsenic insult. We also measured their Ars A,. Ars B

and Ars C expression along with permease gene

expression. We did similar measurements after the

addition of glucose to the medium. We added

homœopathic Glucose 30c to one group of

experimental material, keeping a group of placebo

control, and added homœopathic Arsenicum album 30c

to another group, also keeping a placebo control. While

administration of Glucose 30c increased uptake of

glucose similar to the addition of glucose in the

medium, and up-regulated permease gene expression

and Ars A gene expression (having ATPase activity),

the administration of Arsenicum album prevented

arsenic from entering into cells and up-regulated Ars B

gene expression (necessary for giving tolerance to

increased levels of arsenic). This trend of results was

also found in similar experiments with the budding

yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These results were

very significant in that even the lower organisms like

bacteria and fungi could show positive responses to

homœopathic potentized drugs, and could differentiate

between drugs in producing different responses,

indicating thereby that they could distinguish between

the ultra-high dilution in eliciting varying gene

expressions and biochemical responses.

In a very interesting experiment, we standardized

approximately the same number of plaques produced by

a certain number of bacteriophages (ФX174, group of

host-specific viruses living on E. coli). The

bacteriophage ФX174 attacks the bacterium E. coli and

the lyses of the bacterial colony represent the plaques.

When the bacteria were treated with several

homœopathic drugs claimed to have anti-viral effects

(e.g. Rhus-tox 30c, Aconite 30c, Belladonna 30c) they

showed reduced numbers of plaques as compared to

placebo, indicating that the bacteria were able to resist

the destructive effects of the virus (by lysis). We also

studied critically the expression of the E-gene in the

virus responsible for synthesizing the lysis-causing

product, and found down-regulation of E-gene

expression in the viral DNA after drug administration,

indicating thereby the induction in E. coli of

inactivation/repression to block E-gene expression.

Studies on epigenetic modifications and on global

microarray of genes

We are now conducting experimental studies to

examine if certain homœopathic potentized remedies

have the ability to trigger epigenetic modificationsin

some cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Results of our

pilot studies on DNA methylation-demethylation are

very encouraging, suggesting that certain potentized

homœopathic drugs can modulate DNA for regulating

gene expressions. Similarly, results of our pilot studies

on histone acetylation-deacetylation are also showing

strong indication that the potentized homœopathic

drugs can cause or modulate histone acetylation-

deacetylation in some cancer cells.

Our latest study looked at global microarray

analysis of the impact on expression profiles of a large

number of genes by two potentized (30c) homœopathic

drugs in HeLa cells of a cervical cancer cell line. Our

results were very exciting, as they verified that

potentized homœopathic drugs can trigger strikingly

different expression profiles compared with placebo.

These studies strongly vindicate our hypothesis that the

potentized homœopathic drugs actually work through

the regulation of expression of the relevant genes,

particularly through epigenetic modifications.

Our working hypothesis on molecular mechanism of

action and its logical derivation

Our initial results with X-ray induced

chromosomal aberrations and their protection and/or

repair by several potentized homœopathic medicines

generally used against shock and injury, compared with

succussed alcohol treated controls, led us to look for the

possible mechanism(s) by which chromosome/DNA

damage is repaired after radiation injury with the

available or intrinsic mechanisms known to be present

in mice. As control mice (placebo fed) failed to show

234

any detectable protection/repair and the homœopathic

remedies consistently showed positive results, we

wondered how these ultra-high diluted remedies could

bring about such changes as manifested in the repair of

chromosomes and sperm head morphology. It is

already known that certain specific genes are actively

involved in the repair process. Subsequently, we

obtained similar results when we found that certain

potentized homœopathic medicines could also

repair/protect chromosomal and nuclear damage (also

DNA damage) induced by certain chemical mutagens

and toxins. We deduced that this could not be possible

without the involvement and acceleration of functioning

of the repair “genes,” as the succussed alcohol failed to

show any protection/repair ability.

Our studies revealed that various other patho-

physiological biomarkers (mostly proteins transcribed

from DNA and

DIFFERENT HOMEOPATHIC

MOTHER TINCTURES

PRODUCED NANOPARTICULES

OF DIFFERENT SIZES,

ELECTRICAL CHARGES AND

ANTI-CANCER EFFECTS.

Translated) associated with the recovery process were

positively modulated by the homœopathic remedies

while placebo control consistently failed to show any

such positive outcome. Further, certain homœopathic

remedies positively modulated features associated with

the development of cancer (an outcome of primarily

epigenetic modifications ----through failure in gene

regulatory mechanisms owing to mutations) and could

protect against or ameliorate various types of induced

cancers in mice. Using SEM and TEM, corresponding

ultra-structural changes were demonstrated to occur

after administration of homœopathic remedies

considered to have a relevant organ affinity in vital

organs such as the liver; placebo showed no such

action. Thus, the homœopathic remedies were found to

be effective on various parameters of study (under

regulatory control of certain known genes) and on

different organisms. This would imply that potentized

homœopathic medicines, though devoid of any drug

molecule, were still capable of acting in a

multidirectional manner, which led to the idea that they

could trigger the activity through their regulatory action

on master gene(s), followed by a cascade of gene

actions responsible for the recovery process. But

exactly how this is accomplished by the ultra diluted

homœopathic remedies in higher complex organisms

still remains a scientific enigma. To investigate this we

undertook some experiments in primitive single-celled

organisms, the results of which clearly supported our

gene regulatory hypothesis. In experiments involving

both bacteria and bacteriophages with simple genetic

systems, certain genes of interest were very clearly

modulated by potentized homœopathic drugs (30c),

confirming that the homœopathic remedies could have

direct influences on specific and relevant genes.

At the present state of our knowledge, the

mechanism of action of homœopathic medicines diluted

beyond Avogadro’s limit is extremely difficult to

comprehend without the help of some working

hypotheses. We will by and large restrict ourselves to

the area of its biological action, mentioning briefly

some other relevant physic-chemical aspects. Firstly, to

understand the mechanism of action of the potentized

homœopathic medicines, one has to satisfactorily

answer the problem of the transfer of medicinal

properties of the original drug substance to and

retention of the same by the vehicle. Currently the

leading proposal for the mode of action of such “ultra

molecular” dilutions is that water is capable of storing

information relating to substances with which it has

been in contact and subsequently can transmit this

information to pre-sensitized biological systems. The

process is believed to be mediated by the structural

modification of water, analogous to the storage of

information by magnetic media. Such “information” is

retained in physical, rather than chemical form. Thus,

the molecular architecture of water has been studied in

respect of its key role in understanding the

homœopathic mechanism of action.

Comprehensive reviews are also available that deal

with in vivo and in vitro experiments with animal

models in relation various immunological,

cardiovascular and molecular aspects and the

mechanisms suggested to explain the results and

understand how the ultra-high dilutions of

homœopathic remedies may exert their action. We

(Khuda-Bukhsh) proposed a hypothesis based on

various pieces of evidence suggesting that potentized

homœopathic medicines act through regulation of gene

expression. The possible pathways and sites of action

have also been discussed, mainly through the ability of

certain homœopathic drugs to achieve epigenetic

modifications. We hypothesize that homœopathic

remedies carry specific “signals” that can be identified

by specific receptors and can act as a trigger to turn

“on” or “off” relevant genes, initiating a cascade of

gene actions to alter and correct the gene expressions

that might have gone wrong during the development of

the disease. At the present state of our knowledge

emanating from the various toxicological experiments,

particularly from the induced cancer studies, it appears

that one way that homœopathic medicines could act is

through cytokine signaling, particularly in view of the

fact that certain potentized homœopathic medicines

modulate signal proteins like NF-kB and IL-4, 6. Thus,

administration of potentized homœopathic medicines

235

can elicit a response in signal proteins and can either

up-regulate or down-regulate them. In our most recent

experiment (data still unpublished), a global microarray

profile of HeLa cells treated with 30c potency of

Condurango and Hydrastis showed modulation (mostly

down-regulation) of a large number of genes as

compared to succussed alcohol (placebo), which

provides further evidence

PILOT STUDIES… SUGGEST

THAT POTENTIZED

HOMEOPATHIC DRUGS

CAN MODULATE DNA

FOR REGULATING GENE

EXPRESSIONS.

that potentized homœopathic drugs can alter gene

expressions, even in cancer cells in vitro.

In higher eukaryotes like mammals, the regulation

of gene expression is a very complex phenomenon.

During this process, the roles of such phenomena as

activators, enhancers, gene silencing, phosphorylation-

dephophorylation, methylation-demethylation of DNA

and acetylation-deacetylation of histones have to be

properly assessed in order to understand the actual

molecular mechanisms involved in transmission of the

“information” of the homœopathic remedy down to the

“execution” level for active recovery process. Each

signal is communicated to the gene by a separate

activator (signal recognition particle). Signals are often

communicated to transcriptional regulators through

signal transduction pathways. However, how a

homœopathic medicine diluted beyond Avogado’s limit

can elicit response in a cell receptor and bind with the

receptor is not yet precisely known. The role of

nanoparticles in Homœopathy has also to be ascertained

properly.

One possibility is that during the “potentization”

process homœopathic medicines interact with

nanoparticles that eventually may have some role in

tagging onto some proteins, which eventually act as a

ligand; this hypothesis needs to be explored further.

To summarize, the evidence that supports the gene

regulatory hypothesis is:

i) Modern techniques have convincingly

demonstrated the action of several potentized

homœopathic medicines diluted beyond

Avogadro’s limit in modulating a significant

number of dependable parameters compared to

suitable controls. Further multiple parameters

change in the same time frame, which is difficult to

explain without a cascade of gene actions.

ii) The homœopathic remedies are diluted to such an

extent that there is not a single molecule of the

original substance that can chemically react.

However, there are demonstrable modulations in

almost every end-point that can be attributed to the

action of homœopathic medicines diluted beyond

Avogadro’s limit.

iii) In contrast to the presence of molecules in

orthodox drugs, which are absent in the potentized

homœopathic remedies, the possibility that the

homœopathic drug may indeed carry “molecular

imprints” or a definite “signal/information” of the

original molecule that can be deciphered by the

cells’ receptors, cannot be ruled out. Further, the

ability of potentized homœopathic medicines to

modulate the expression of signal proteins and

receptor proteins (like AhR, PCNA) may provide

additional evidence for their ability to influence the

regulatory genes.

iv) Nanoparticles have been shown to have effects on

the physic-chemical property of the homœopathic

dilutions, which may indicate some role of the

nanoparticles during the potentization process of

homœopathic medicines.

v) All parameters altered by homœopathic drugs as

reported by us are gene controlled.

vi) In the presence of Actinomycin D, a transcription

blocker, a potentized homœopathic medicine failed

to act.

vii) Homœopathic dilutions have demonstrable action

on plants, which lack any central nervous system.

Thus, our research on Homœopathy in the last

three decades yielded much suggestive information, for

example:

i) Medicinal action can be demonstrated compared to

controls.

ii) Much of the mechanism of action can now be

understood on the basis of scientific evidence.

iii) This opens up new avenues of research in other

systems and models to pave the way for a better

understanding of the mechanisms and pathways of

homœopathic medicine action.

We earnestly hope that our research findings will

stimulate others to repeat our experiments

independently and confirm (or refute) our findings,

which can only evaluate the scientific contributions that

we have endeavored to make through our sincere life-

long effort.

Our important publications related with high

dilution research: Papers in peer-reviewed journals

provided in chronological order, most recent first

1. Bhattacharjee N, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2012). Two

homœopathic remedies used intermittently provide

additional protective effects against hepatotoxicity

induced by carcinogens in mice. J Acupunct

Meridian Stud. 2012 Aug; 5(4): 166-75. doi:

10.1016/j. jams. 2012.05.004. Epub 2012 Jun 8.

2. Das S, Saha SK, De A, Das D, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

(2012). Potential of the homœopathic remedy,

236

Arnica Montana 30C, to reduce DNA damage in

Escherichia coli exposed to ultraviolet irradiation

through up-regulation of nucleotide excision repair

genes. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine /

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2012 Mar; 10 (3):

337-46.

3. De A, Das D, Dutta S, Chakraborty D, Boujedaini

N, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2012). Potentiated

homœopathic drug Arsenicum album 30C inhibits

intracellular reactive oxygen species generation

and up-regulates expression of arsenic resistance

gene in arsenite-exposed bacteria Escherichia coli.

Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine/Zhong Xi

Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2012 Feb; 10(2): 210-27.

4. Khuda-Bukhsh AR, Bhattacharyya SS, Paul S,

Dutta S, Boujedaini N, Belon P. (2011).

Modulation of Signal Proteins: A Plausible

Mechanism to Explain How a Potentized Drug

Secale Cor 30C Diluted beyond Avogadro’s Limit

Combats Skin Papilloma in Mice. Evid Based

Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011: 286320.

doi: 10.1093/ecam/nep084. Epub 2011 Jun 18.

5. Banerjee P, Bhattacharyya SS, Pathak S,

Boujedaini N, Belon P, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

(2011). Evidences of protective potentials of

microdoses of ultra-high diluted arsenic trioxide in

mice receiving repeated injections of arsenic

trioxide. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.

2011; 2011: 391752. doi: 10. 1093/ecam/nen090.

Epub 2011 Feb 14.

6. Das D, De A, Dutta S, Biswas R, Boujedaini N,

Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2011). Analysis of the

capability of ultra-highly diluted glucose to

increase glucose uptake in arsenite-stressed

bacteria Escherichia coli. Journal of Chinese

Integrative Medicine/Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao.

2011 Aug; 9 (8): 901-12.

7. Das D, De A, Dutta S, Biswas R, Boujedaini N,

Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2011). Potentized

homœopathic drug Arsenicum album 30C

positively modulates protein biomarkers and gene

expressions in Saccharomyces cerevisae exposed to

arsenate. Journal of Chinese Integrative

Medicine/Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2011 Jul;

9(7): 752-60.

8. Khuda-Bukhsh AR, Banerjee A, Biswas SJ,

Karmakar SR, Banerjee P, Pathak S, Guha B,

Haque S, Das D, DeA, Das D, Boujedaini N.

(2011). An initial report on the efficacy of a

millesimal potency Arsenicum album LM 0/3 in

ameliorating arsenic toxicity in humans living in a

high-risk arsenic village. Journal of Chinese

Integrative Medicine/Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao.

2011 Jun; 9(6): 596-604.

9. Khuda-Bukhsh AR, Roy-Karmakar S, Banerjee A,

Banerjee P, Pathak S, Biswas SJ, Haque S, Das D,

Boujedaini N, Belon P. (2011). A Follow-up Study

on the Efficacy of the Homœopathic Remedy

Arsenicum album in Volunteers Living in High

Risk Arsenic Contaminated Areas. Evid Based

Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011:129214.

doi:10.1093/ecam/nep 122. Epub 2011 Mar 9.

10. Banerjee A, Pathak S, Biswas S, Roy Karmakar S,

Boujedaini N, Belon P and Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

(2010). Chelidonium majus 30C and 200C in

induced hepato-toxicity in rats. Homœopathy.

2010Jul; 99(3): 167-76. Doi:

10.1016/j.homp.2010.05.008.

11. Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2009). Mice as a model for

Homœopathy research. Homœopathy. 2009 Oct;

98(4):267-79. Doi: 10.1016/j.homp. 2009.09.007.

12. Bhattacharjee N, Banerjee P, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

Homœopathic drugs Natrum Sulphuricum and

carcinosin prevent azo dye-induced

hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. Indian. J.Bichem.

Biophy Vol-46, August 2009, PP. 307-318.

13. Bhattacharjee N, Pathak S, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

(2009). Amelioration of carcinogen-induced

toxicity in mice by administration of a potentized

homœopathic drug, natrum sulphuricum 200. Evid

Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Mar; 6 (1):

65-75. doi: 10.1093/ecam/nem067. Epub 2007

Jun 19.

14. Banerjee P, Bhattacharyya SS, Pathak S, Naoual B,

Belon P, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2008). Comparative

efficacy of two microdoses of a potentized

homœopathic drug, Arsenicum album, to

ameliorate toxicity induced by repeated sublethal

injections of arsenic trioxide in mice.

Pathobiology. 2008; 75(3): 156-70.

doi:10.1159/000124976.

15. Belon P, Banerjee A, Karmakar SR, Biswas SJ,

Choudhury SC, Banerjee P, Das JK, Pathak S,

Guha B, Paul S, Bhattacharjee N, Khuda-Bukhsh

AR. (2007). Homœopathic remedy for arsenic

toxicity?: Evidencebased findings from a

randomized placebo-controlled double blind

human trial. Sci Total Environ. 2007 Oct 1; 384(1-

3): 141-50.epub 2007 Jul 12.

16. Banerjee P, Biswas SJ Belon P, Khuda-Bukhsh

AR. (2007). A potentized homœopathic drug,

Arsenicum album 200, can ameliorate genotoxicity

induced by repeated injections of arsenic trioxide

in mice. J Vet Ned A Physical Pathol Clin Med.

2007 Sep; 54(7): 370-6.

17. Pathak S, Bhattacharjee N, Das JK, Choudhury SC,

Karmakar SR, Banerjee P, Paul S, Banerjee A,

Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2007). Supportive evidence

for the anticancerous potential of alternative

237

medicine against hepatocarcinogenesis in mice.

Forsch Komplementmed. 2007 Jun; 14(3): 148-56.

Epub 2007 Jun 22.

18. Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Laboratory research in

homœopathy: pro. Integr Cancer Ther. 2006 Dec;

5(4): 320-32. Review.

19. Pathak S, Kumar Das J, Jyoti Biswas S, Khuda-

Bukhsh AR. (2006). Protective potentials of a

potentized homœopathic drug, Lycopodium-30, in

ameliorating azo dye induced hepatocarcinogenesis

in mice. Mol Cell Biochem. 2006 Apr; 285(1-

2):121-31. Epub 2006 Mar 15.

20. Biswas SJ, Pathak S, Bhattacharjee N, Das JK,

Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2005). Efficacy of the

potentized homœopathic drug, Carcinosin 200, fed

alone and in combination with another drug,

Chelidonium 200, in amelioration of p-

dimethylaminoazobenzene-induced hepato-

carcinogenesis in mice. J Altern Complement Med

2005 Oct; 11(5):839-54.

21. Belon P, Banerjee P, Choudhury SC, Banerjee A,

Biswas SJ, Karmakar SR, Pathak S, Guha B,

Chatterjee S, Bhattacharjee N, Das JK, Khuda-

Bukhsh AR. (2006). Can administration of

potentized homœopathic remedy, Arsenicum

album, alter antinuclear antibody (ANA) Titer in

people living in high-risk arsenic contaminated

areas? I. A correlation with certain hematological

parameters. Evid Based Complement Alternat

Med.2006 Mar: 3(1): 99-107. Epub 2006 Jan 23.

22. Khuda-Bukhsh AR, Pathak S, Guha B, Karmakar

SR, Das JK, Banerjee P, Biswas SJ, Mukherjee P,

Bhattacharjee N, Choudhury SC, Banerjee A,

Bhadra S, Mallick P, Chakrabarti J, Mandal B.

(2005). Can homœopathic arsenic remedy combat

arsenic poisoning in humans exposed to

groundwater arsenic contamination?: a preliminary

report on first human trial. Evid Based

Complement Alternat Med. 2005 Dec;2(4):537-48.

Epub 2005 Oct 19.

23. Data S, Biswas SJ, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2004).

Comparative Efficacy of Pre-feeding, Post-feeding

and Combined Pre- and Post-feeding of Two

Microdoses of a Potentized Homœopathic Drug,

Mercurius Solubilis, in Ameliorating Genotoxic

Effects Produced by Mercuric Chloride in Mice.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2004 Dec;

1 (3): 291-300. Epub 2004 Aug 18.

24. Biswas SJ, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2004). Evaluation

of protective potentials of a potentized

homœopathic drug, Chelidonium majus, during azo

dye induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. Indian

J Exp Biol. 2004 Jul; 42(7): 698-714.

25. Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2003). Towards

understanding molecular mechanisms of action of

homœopathic drugs: an overview. Mol Cell

Biochem. 2003 Nov; 253(1-2):339-45. Review.

26. Mallick P, Mallick JC, Guha B, Khuda-Bukhsh

AR, (2003). Ameliorating effect of microdoses of

a potentized homœopathic drug, Arsenicum album,

on arsenic-induced toxicity in mice. BMC

Complement Altern Med. 2003 Oct 22;3:7.

27. Biswas SJ, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (2002). Effect of a

homœopathic drug, Chelidonium, in amelioration

of p-DAB induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice.

BMC Complement Altern Med. 2002 Apr 10; 2:4.

28. Chakrabarti J, Biswas SJ, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

(2001). Cytogenetical effects of sonication in mice

and their modulations by actinomycin D and a

homœopathic drug, Arnica 30. Indian J Exp Biol.

2001 Dec; 39(12): 1235-42.

29. Data S, Mallick P & Khuda-Bukhsh AR (2001).

Comparative efficacy of two microdoses of a

potentized homœopathic drug, Cadmium

Sulphoricum, in reducing genotoxic effects

produced by cadmium chloride in mice: A time

course study. BMC Complementary and

Alternative Med, 1/9 p. 1-18.

30. Kundu SN, Mitra K &Khuda-Bukhsh AR (2000).

Efficacy of a potentized homœopathic drug

(Arsenicum album-30) in reducing cytotoxic effects

produced by of arsenic trioxide in mice. III.

Tissue damage recovery, and enzymatic changes in

liver. Comp Ther Med, 8: 76-81.

31. Kundu SN, Mitra K & Khuda-Bukhsh AR (2000).

Efficacy of a potentized homœopathic drug

(Arsenicum album-30) in reducing cytotoxic effects

produced by of arsenic trioxide in mice. IV. On

certain pathological conditions, gel electrophoretic

protein profiles, DNA and RNA. Comp Ther Med,

8: 157-165.

32. Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (1997). Potentized

homœopathic drugs act through regulation of gene

expression: A hypothesis to explain their

mechanism and pathways of action in vivo. Comp

Ther Med 5: 43-46.

33. Banik S and Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (1996).

Alterations of cytogenetical and haematological

effects by ultra-low doses of Ginseng in whole-

body X-irradiated mice. The Nucleus 49:28-35.

34. Khuda-Bukhsh AR and Banik S. (1991).

Assessment of cytogenetical damages in X-

irradiated mice and their alterations by oral

administrations of a potentized homœopathic drug,

Ginseng 200. Berlin J Res Hom 1:254-263.

35. Khuda-Bukhsh AR and Maity S. (1990)

Alterations of cytogenetic effects by oral

administrations of a homœopathic drug, Ruita

Graveolens, in mice exposed to sub-lethal X-

irradiation. Berlin J Res Hom 1:264-274.

238

36. Khuda-Bukhsh AR. (1986). Some homœopathic

drugs as radio-protective agents in X-irradiated

mice. In: Persp. In Cytol. Genet., Eds. G.K.

Manna and U. Sinha, 5: 407-412.

Important publications related with homœopathic

mother tinctures:

37. Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Mice as a model for

Homœopathy research. Homœopathy. 2009 Oct;

98(4): 267-79. doi:10.1016/j.homp.2009.09.007.

(Review)

38. Khuda-Bukhsh AR, Pathak S. Homeopathic drug

discovery: theory update and methodological

aspect. Expert Opin Drug Discov.2008 Aug; 3(8):

979-90. doi: 10.1517/17460441. 3.8.979. (Review)

39. Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Towards understanding

molecular mechanisms of action of homœopathic

drugs: an overview. Mol Cell Biochem. 2003Nov;

253(1-2): 339-45. Review.

40. Saha SK, Sikdar S, Mukherjee A, Bhadra K,

Boujedaini N, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Ethanolic

extract of the Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis,

has demonstrable chemopreventive effects on

HeLa cells in vitro; Drug DNA interaction with

calf thymus DNA as target. Environ. Toxicol.

Pharmacol. 2013, Article accepted (in press).

41. Ghosh S, Bishayee K, Paul A, Mukherjee A,

Sikdar S, Chakraborty D, Boujedaini N, Khuda-

Bukhsh AR. Homœopathic mother tincture of

Phytolacca decandra induces apoptosis in skin

melanoma cells by activating caspase-mediated

signaling via reactive oxygen species elevation. J

Integr Med. 2013 Mar; 11(2): 116-24. doi:

10.3736/jintegrmed2013014.

42. Mukherjee A, Sikdar S, Bishayee K, Paul A,

Ghosh S, Boujedaini N, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

Ethanolic extract of Thuja occidentalis blocks

proliferation of A549 cells and induces apoptosis in

vitro. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine.

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2012 Dec; 10(12):

1451-9. Doi: 10.3737/jcim20121218.

43. Samadder A, Das J, Das S, Biswas R, Khuda-

Bukhsh AR. Ameliorative potentials of Syzygium

jambolanum extract against arsenic-induced stress

in L6 cells in vitro. Journal of Chinese Integrative

Medicine. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2012

Nov; 10(11): 1293-302.

44. Bishayee K, Mukherjee A, Paul A, Khuda-Bukhsh

AR. Homœopathic mother tincture of Conium

initiates reactive oxygen species mediated DNA

damage and makes HeLa cells prone to apoptosis.

TANG Vol.2 No.3, 2012.9, 37-41 (5 pages)

45. Chakraborty D, Samadder A, Dutta S, Khuda-

Bukhsh AR. Antihyperglycemic potentials of a

threatened plant, Helonias dioica: antioxidative

stress responses and the signaling cascade. Exp

Biol Med (Maywood). 2012 Jan 1; 237 (1): 64-76.

doi: 10.1258/ebm.2011.011161. Epub 2011 Dec

14.

46. Samadder A, Chakraborty D, De A, Bhattacharyya

SS, Bhadra K, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Possible

signaling cascades involved in attenuation of

alloxan-induced oxidative stress and

hyperglycemia in mice by ethanolic extract of

Syzygium jambolanum: drug-DNA interaction

with calf thymus DNA as target. Eur J Pharm Sci.

2011 Oct 9; 44(3): 207-17.

doi:10.1016/j.ejps.2011.07.012. Epub 2011 Aug 4.

47. Paul S, Bhattacharyya SS, Samaddar A, Boujedaini

N, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Anticancer potentials of

root extract of Polygala senega against

benzo[a]pyrene-induced lung cancer in mice.

Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine. Zhong

Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2011 Mar; 9(3):320-7.

48. Paul S, Mandal SK, Bhattacharyya SS, Boujedaini

N, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. In vitro and in vivo studies

demonstrate anticancer property of root extract of

Polygala senega. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2010

Sep; 3(3): 188-96. doi:10.1016/S2005-

2901(10)60035-0.

49. Karmakar SR, Biswas SJ, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

Anticarcinogenic potentials of a plant extract

(Hydrastis Canadensis): I. Evidence from in vivo

studies in mice (Mus musculus). Asian Pac J

Cancer Prev. 2010; 11(2): 545-51.

50. Pathak S, Banerjee A, Paul S, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

Protective potentials of a plant extract

(Lycopodium clavatum) on mice chronically fed

hepato-carcinogens. Indian J Exp Biol. 2009 Jul;

47(7): 602-7.

51. Biswas SJ, Bhattacharjee N, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

Efficacy of a plant extract (Chelidonium majus L.)

in combating induced hepatocarcinogenesis in

mice. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 May; 46(5):1474-

87. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2007.12.009. Epub 2007

Dec 15.

Important publications related with nano-

homeopathic mother tinctures and their

bioactive ingredients:

52. Bishayee K, Ghosh S, Mukherjee A, Sadhukhan R,

Mondal J, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Quercetin induces

cytochrome-c release and ROS accumulation to

promote apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle in

G2/M, in cervical carcinoma: signal cascade and

drug-DNA interaction. Cell Prolif. 2013 Apr;

46(2): 153-63. doi: 10.1111/cpr.12017.

53. Das S, Das J, Samadder A, Boujedaini N, Khuda-

Bukhsh AR. Apigenin-induced apoptosis in A375

and A549 cells through selective action and

dysfunction of mitochondria. Exp Biol

239

Med(Maywood). 2012 Dec; 237 (12):1433-48.

Doi: 10.1258/ebm. 2012.012148.

54. Samadder A, Das J, Das S, Das D, De A, Bhadra

K, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Dihydroxy-isosteviol

methyl ester of Pulsatilla nigricans extract reduces

arsenic-induced DNA damage in testis cells of

male mice: its toxicity, drug-DNA interaction and

signaling cascades. Journal of Chinese Integrative

Medicine. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2012

Dec; 10(12):1433-42. doi: 10.3736/jcim20121216.

55. Bishayee K, Chakraborty D, Ghosh S, Boujedaini

N, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Lycopodine triggers

apoptosis by modulating 5-lipoxygenase, and

depolarizing mitochondrial membrane potential in

androgen sensitive and refractory prostate cancer

cells without modulating p53 activity: signaling

cascade and drug-DNA interaction. Eur J

Pharmacol. 2013 Jan 5; 698 (1-3): 110-21. doi:

10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.10.041. Epub 2012 Nov 6.

56. Samadder A, Das J, Das S, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

DIHYDROXY-ISOSTEVIOL-METHYL-ESTER,

AN ACTIVE BIOLOGICAL COMPONENT of

Pulsatilla nigricans, reduces arsenic induced

cellular dysfunction in testis of male mice.

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2012 Nov; 34(3):743-

52. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2012.09.013. Epub 2012

Oct 8.

57. Paul A Bishayee K, Ghosh S, Mukherjee A, Sikdar

S, Chakraborty D, Boujedaini N, Khuda-Bukhsh

AR. Chelidonine isolated from ethanolic extract of

Chelidonium majus promotes apoptosis in HeLa

cells through p38-p53 and PI3K/AKT signaling

pathways. Journal of Chinese Integrative

Medicine. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2012

Sep; 10(9): 1025-38.

58. Das S, Das J, Samadder A, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

Dihydroxy-Isosteviol Methyl Ester from Pulsatilla

nigricans Induces Apoptosis in HeLa Cells: Its

Cytoxicity and Interaction with Calf Thymus DNA.

Phytother Res.2012 Jun 29. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4768.

[Epub ahead of print].

59. Biswas R, Mandal SK, Dutta S, Bhattacharyya SS,

Boujedaini N, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Thujone-Rich

Fraction of Thuja occidentalis Demonstrates Major

Anti-Cancer Potentials: Evidences from In vitro

Studies on A375 Cells. Evid Based Complement

Alternat Med. 2011; 2011:568148. doi:

10.1093/ecam/neq042. Epub 2011 Feb 20.

60. Bhattacharyya SS, paul S, Dutta S, Boujedaini N,

Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Anti-oncogenic potentials of a

plant coumarin (7-hydroxy-6-methoxy coumarin)

against 7, 12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene-induced

skin papilloma in mice: the possible role of several

key signal proteins. Journal of Chinese Integrative

Medicine. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2010 Jul;

8(7): 645-54.

61. Mandal SK, Biswas R, Bhattacharyya SS, Paul S,

Dutta S, Pathak S, Khuda-Bukhsh AR, Lycopodine

from Lycopodium clavatum extract inhibits

proliferation of HeLa cells through induction of

apoptosis via caspase-3 activation. Eur J

Pharmacol. 2010 Jan 25; 626(2-3): 115-22. doi:

10,1016/j.ejphar.2009.09.033. Epub 2009 Sep 26.

62. Bhattacharyya SS, Mandal SK, Biswas R, Paul S,

Pathak S, Boujedaini N, Belon P, Khuda-Bukhsh

AR. In vitro studies demonstrate anticancer

activity of an alkaloid of the plant Gelsemium

sempervirens. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2008

Dec; 233(12):1591-601. doi: 10.3181/0805-RM-

181. Epub 2008 Nov7.

Important publications related with nano-

encapsulation of and nanoprecipation by

homeopathic mother tinctures and their

bioactive ingredients:

63. Samadder A, Das S, Das J, Paul A, Khuda-Bukhsh

AR. Ameliorative effects of Syzygium

jambolanum extract and its poly (lactic-co-

glycolic) acid nano-encapsulated form on arsenic-

induced hyperglycemic stress: a multi-parametric

evaluation. J. Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2012 Dec;

5(6):310-8. doi:10.1016/j.jams.2012.09.001. Epub

2012 Sep 18.

64. Das S, Das J, Samadder A, Bhattacharyya SS, Das

D, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Biosynthesized silver

nanoparticles by ethanolic extracts of Phytolacca

decandra, Gelsemium sempervirens, Hydrastis

Canadensis and Thuja occidentalis induce

differential cytotoxicity through G2/M arrest in

A375 cells. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2013

Jan 1; 101:325-36. doi:

10.1016/j.colsurfb.2012.07.008. Epub 2012 Jul 17.

65. Das J, Das S, Samadder A, Bhadra K, Khuda-

Bukhsh AR, Poly (lactide-co-glycolide)

encapsulated extract of Phytolacca decandra

demonstrates better intervention against induced

lung adenocarcinoma in mice and on A549 cells.

Eur J Pharm Sci. 2012 Sep 29; 47(2):313-24.

doi:10.1016/j.ejps.2012.06.018. Epub 2012 Jul 6.

66. Bhattacharyya SS, Das J, Das S, Samadder A, Das

D, De A, Paul S, Khuda-Bhuda-Bukhsh AR.

Rapid green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from

silver nitrate by a homeopathic mother tincture

Phytolacca Decandra. Journal of Chinese

Intergrative Medicine. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue

Bao. 2012 May; 10(5): 546-54.

67. Paul S. Bhattacharyya SS, Boujedaini N, Khuda-

Bukhsh AR. Anticancer Potentials of Root extract

of Polygala senega and Its PLGA Nanoparticles-

240

Encapsulated Folrm. Evid Based Complement

Alternat Med. 2011; 2011. doi:pii: 517204.

10.1155/2011/517204. Epub 2010 Sep 21.

68. Khuda-Bukhsh AR, Bhattacharyya SS, Paul S,

Boujedaini N. Polymeric nanoparticle

encapsulation of a naturally occurring plant

scopoletin and its effects on human melanoma cell

A375. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine.

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2010 Sep;8(9): 853-

62.

69. Bhattacharyya SS, Paul S, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

Encapsulated plant extract (Gelsemium

sempervirens) poly (lactide-co-glycolide)

nanoparticles enhance cellular uptake and increase

bioactivity in vitro. Exp Biol Med (Maywood).

2010Jun; 235(6):678-88.

Doi:10.1258/ebm.2010.009338.

*******************************************

X. Homœopathy and the science of high dilutions:

when to believe the unbelievable

BELLAVITE Paolo and BETTI Lucietta

(IJHDR. 11, 40/2012)

“How small must be the dose of each individual

medicine, homœopathically selected for a case of

disease, to effect the best cure? […] not the work

of theoretical speculation… Pure experiment,

careful observation of the sensitiveness of each

patient, and accurate experience can alone

determine this in each individual case.”

C.F.S. HAHNEMANN, Organon, par. 278.

In 1988, an editorial in journal Nature [1] titled

“When to believe the unbelievable” observed that the

famous high-dilution experiments by Benveniste’s

group [2] had no physical basis and suggested that

“prudent people should, for the time being, suspend

judgment.” However, judgment was was not suspended

at all, but in the following weeks the authors were

condemned and ridiculed for the alleged lack of

replication of their findings. Twenty-four years later,

although the idea that solutions beyond Avogadro’s

constant may exhibit biological and pharmacological

activity remains “unbelievable” to the common sense,

things are changing dramatically. Several groups of

researchers from countries all over the world are

devoted to this puzzling subject, which has weighty

implications not only for pharmacology (Homœopathy)

but also for biology, physics and the environmental

sciences. The XXVI meeting GIRI (International

Research Group on Very-low dose and High-Dilution

Effects), scheduled to take place in Florence on

September 20-22, 2012, will present a growing body of

evidence attesting to the effects of high dilutions (HD).

The program is organized around four main axes:

physicochemical features of HD, studies in plants and

the field, clinical and veterinary evidence, and

laboratory models.

The study of HD is a new interdeisciplinary field

almost inextricably linked to the two-century old

problem on the nature of homœopathic medicines.

Notwithstanding its widespread practice and the high

levels of patient satisfaction, Homœopathy gives rise to

intense skepticism, because its medicines are subjected

to a process of serial dilution that results in extremely

low (often non-measurable) levels of active principles.

Skepticism is only one short step away from ridicule,

which would be justified were homœopathic medicines

be nothing besides high dilutions. However, the

preparation of HD also involves agitation, which

introduces mechanical energy and strong turbulence into

the system. This step might impart a nano-heterogenous

structure to water by means of phenomena such as

coherence, epitaxy, temperature-pressure alterations,

and formation of nanobubbles containing gaseous

inclusions of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, silica,

and possibly also the source materials of medicines.

The existence and nature of clathrate-like hydrate

nanostructures formed during the dilution/agitation

process might be explained by cluster science,

according to which the chemical reactivity of different

geometrical structures of clusters of a same chemical

species may differ [3]. HD are not like ordinary bulk

drugs, and recent evidence suggests they should be

considered as colloidal solutions of nanoparticles of the

source material, the solvent, and possibly also the

container’s (e.g. silica) [4, 5]. This view agrees with

observations performed with low-temperature

thermoluminescence spectroscopy by Rey [6], and

results obtained with UV spectroscopy,

biocrystallization and the droplet evaporation method

will be presented at the XXVI GIRI meeting. These

methods are considered to be promising tools for the

investigation of subtle changes in the structure of water

and the effects of homœopathic preparations,

particularly in plants and biological fluids. Also new

applications of DNA microarray technology to the

investigation of homœopathic drugs will be discussed.

Elia’s group in Naples gathered an impressive

amount of experimental evidence on “anomalous states

of water”. These authors studied the electrical

conductivity, heat of mixing with acid or basic

solutions, and pH of water, and found that all three were

able to detect changes in the structure of water in space-

time. This phenomenon might be accounted for by a

common working hypothesis, i.e., formation of

dissipative structures. Water is a complex liquid

capable of self-organization induced by mechanical

241

and/or electromagnetic perturbations even when small.

Increase of environmental entropy due to dissipation,

and decrease due to formation of local orders still

amount to overall increase in entropy, whereby

formation of local structures in water occurs

spontaneously. In the liquid phase, such structures are

able to remain in a far-from-equilibrium state through

dissipation of radiant energy drawn from the

environment, whereas in the solid phase they are able to

retain their properties indefinitely without dissipation.

When sufficient water becomes available, these

nanostructuresare able to exploit radiating energy from

the environment and thus revert to the far-from-

equilibrium state. The existence of these aqueous

nanostructures in solid phase represents a novel and

totally unexpected phenomenon that is met in clinical

practice whenever homœopathic globules are dissolved

in the patient’s mouth; the aggregates are restored to the

liquid phase and thus recover their ability to dissipate

environmental energy to maintain their far-from-

equilibrium state. Under such conditions, they might

exert their therapeutic action as dissipative structures.

The biological mechanism(s) underlying the

regulatory processes affected by HD must yet be

elucidated. Various lines of investigation suggest that

HD might affect some subtle and early levels of signal

transduction and/or genetic expression. Changes in the

structure of water induced by HD might influence a

crucial layer of water surrounding the cells, and thus

also signal detection and transduction. Further studies

are needed to confirm whether this hypothesis applies to

the effects of HD observed in humans and plants.

One thing is certain: HD pharmacology challenges

the dose-response dogma. Rather than an exception,

non-linearity between dose and response is the rule in

biological systems. The occurrence of dual effects

(both stimulatory and inhibitory) caused by a same

agent in different doses or at different doses or at

different times was described in various experimental

systems, and is often referred to as “hormoligosis”, or

“hormesis”. So-called “paradoxical pharmacology” is a

related phenomenon belonging with the in vivo effects

of drugs, whereby the acute and chronic actions of drugs

often exhibit opposite effects. This is particularly true

for receptor-mediated events. The susceptibility of a

complex system is greatly enhanced close to a phase

transition or critical point, and under such conditions,

when random energy (“noise”) is added, even minute

perturbations push the system over the energy barrier.

This phenomenon, called stochastic resonance, may

represent the physical explanation of the effect of

agitation in the preparation of HD. This same

mechanism may also operate in vivo, where the

stochastic resonance provided by noise from

biochemical reactions may amplify the effect of the

small but highly specific information supplied by the

drug inside the living organism. Interestingly, the

results obtained by Jӓger’s …. among the response to

Homœopathic preparations of duckweed and yeast agree

with the hypothesis that more complex organisms show

stronger reactions to homœopathic medicines compared

to less complex organisms. Others and we intuitively

predicted that the “potency” increase induced by serial

dilution might have a physical basis grounded on the

theory of self-similarity and fractal structures formation

in serial dilutions (seen as mathematical iteration

processes).

Further development of basic research is highly

desirable, and several reports to be presented at the

GIRI meeting suggest that cell- and plant-based

bioassays may be suitable tools for this purpose.

Botanical bioassays seem particularly suitable in this

regard, because they allow for large numbers of

experimental replications. One major challenge basic

research must meet is the development of test systems

able to yield consistent results. The hindrance

represented by subjective evaluation is avoided by

means of the systematic use of: a) spectroscopic

quantitative methods; b) multiple intra-series and inter-

series replications; c) coded test samples; d) highly pure

compounds and parallel comparisons with control pure-

water dilutions; e) mechanical shaking methods with

standardized duration and frequency. A variety of

protocols and different experimental conditions in terms

of types of dilution/shaking procedures and solvent used

should be explored. Research on extremely sensitive

systems and very high dilutions of substances suggests

that trace elements, container materials, storage duration

and shaking methods may influence the results.

Therefore, suitable water controls prepared in an

identical manner and subjected to a same storage time

must be used. As a function of these considerations and

the controversial nature of the investigated subject,

independent replications are crucial to establish stable

models that might be used by different investigators

worldwide.

For two centuries, Homœopathy and science were

considered to be two opposing and conflicting fields.

Now things increasingly stimulates science to

investigate previously under-evaluated and little

understood subtle phenomena. For 26 years, GIRI has

been promoting a fruitful dialog for the sake of

furthering true science, i.e., science free from

ideological barriers and preconceptions. Novel

evidence have quite often disrupted scientific “dogmas”,

or previously dismissed phenomena grew in importance

within new conceptual frameworks. The unusual

properties of HD, which deserve further investigation,

are potentially relevant not only to homœopathic

pharmaceutical science, but also to agriculture

242

(“agrohomœopathy”), the environmental sciences and

the future of humankind as a whole.

[I think that we should stop writing ‘high dilutions’ as

instead as ‘high dynamisation’ since it is serial dilutions

and succussions. This has been repeatedly said bt

HAHNEMANN = KSS.]

References

[1] Opinion. When to believe the unbelievable.

Nature. 1988; 333(787): 6176.

[2] Davenas E, Beauvais F, Amara J, Robinson M,

Miadonna A, Tedeschi A, Pomeranz B, Fortner P,

Belon P, Sainte-Laudy J, Poitevin B, and

Benveniste J, Human basophil degranulation

triggered by very dilute antiserum against IgE.

Nature. 1988; 333: 816-818.

[3] Roy R, Tiller W, Bell IR, and Hoover MR, The

structure of liquid water. Novel insights from

materials research; potential relevance to

Homœopathy. Mat. Res. Innovat. 2005; 9: 98-103.

[4] Chikramane PS, Suresh AK, Bellare JR, and Kane

SG, Extreme homœopathic dilutions retain starting

materials; A nanoparticulate perspective.

Homœopathy. 2010; 99: 231-242.

[5] Upadhyay RP, Nayak C. Homœopathy emerging

as nanomedicine. Int J High Dilution Res. 2011

[cited 2012 Aug 5]; 10(37): 299-310. Available

from:http://www.feg.unesp.br/~ojs/index.php/ihdr/

article/view/525/551

[6] Rey L, Can low-temperature thermoluminescence

cast light on the nature of ultra-high dilutions?

Homœopathy. 2007; 96: 170-174.

*******************************************

GANDHI AT FIRST SIGHT

Three days after first walking the blue carpet with Gandhi,

Vincent Sheean hired a taxi to take him to Birla House in time for

Gandhi’s five p.m. prayer meeting. What he witnessed and then

put down on paper became one of the most memorable pieces of

writing on the slaying of the Mahatma:

As I came to the prayer ground at the e3nd of the garden I

ran into Bob Stimson, the Delhi correspondent of the B.B.C. We

fell into talk [….] It was unusual to see any representatives of the

Press at the prayer-meeting; Bob explained that he had submitted

some questions to the Mahatma for the B.B.C. and thought he

might as well stay for the prayers, since he was on the premises.

He looked at his watch and said: ‘Well, this is strange. Gandhi’s

late. He’s practically never late.’

We both looked at our watches again. It was 5.12 by my

watch when Bob said: ‘There he is.’ We stood near the corner of

the wall, on the side of the garden where he was coming, and

watched the evening light fall on his shining dark-brown head.

He did not walk under the arbour this evening, but across the

grass, on the open lawn on the other side of the flower-beds. [….]

It was one of those shining Delhi evenings, not at all warm, but

alight with the promise of spring. I felt well and happy and

grateful to be here. Bob and I stood idly talking, I do not

remember about what, and watching the Mahatma advance

towards us over the grass, leaning lightly on two of “the girls,”

with two or three other members of his “family” (family or

followers) behind them. I read afterwards that he had sandals on

his feet, but I did not see them. To me it looked as if he walked

barefoot on the grass. It was not a warm evening, and he was

wrapped in homespun shawls. He passed by us on the other side

and turned to ascend the four or five brick steps that led to the

terrace or prayer-ground.

Here, as usual, there was a clump of people, some of whom

were standing and some of whom had gone on their knees or bent

low before him. Bob and I turned to watch – we were perhaps ten

feet away from the steps – but the clump of people cut off our

view of the Mahatma now: he was so small. Then I heard four

small, dull, dark explosions. ‘What was that?’ I said to Bob in

sudden horror. ‘I don’t know’, he said. I remember that he grew

pale in an instant. ‘Not the Mahatma!’ I said, and then I knew.

What followed must be told as it happened (to me – me), or

there is not truth in it.

Inside my own head there occurred a wavelike disturbance

which I can only compare to a storm at sea – wind and wave

surging tremendously back and forth. I remember all this

distinctly; I do not believe that I lost consciousness even for a

moment, although there may have been an instant or two of half-

consciousness. I recoiled upon the brick wall and leaned against

it, bent almost in two. I felt the consciousness of the Mahatma

leave me then – I know of no other way of expressing this: he left

me. The storm inside my head continued for some little time –

minutes, perhaps; I have no way of reckoning. Then I was aware

of two things at once: a burning and stinging in the fingers of my

right hand and a similar burning and stinging in my eyes. In the

eyes it was tears, although of some more acid mixture than I had

known, and on my fingers I did now know for a while what it was,

because I put them in my mouth (like a child) to ease the burning.

In the wildness and confusion of that moment a young Indian –

unknown to me – came to where I was doubled up against the

wall and said: ‘Is he dead? Is he dead?’ The young Indian had

staring eyes and was as filled with horror as I was, I suppose,

although I do not know why he asked me such a question. ‘I

don’t know,’ I said, taking my fingers out of my mouth to do so.

Then I looked at my fingers. On the third and fourth fingers

of my right hand blisters had appeared. They were facing each

other, on the sides of those fingers which touch. The blister on

the third finger was rather large and was already filled with water.

The blister on the fourth or little finger was smaller. They had not

been there before I heard the shots. [….]

It was during this time, apparently, that many things

happened: a whole external series of events took place in my

immediate neighbourhood – a few yards away – and I was

unaware of them. A doctor was found; the police took charge; the

body of the Mahatma was carried away; the crowd melted,

perhaps urged to do so by the police. I saw none of this. The last

I saw of the Mahatma he was advancing over the grass in the

evening light, approaching the steps. When I finally took my

fingers out of my mouth and stood up, dry-eyed, there were police

and soldiers and not many people […] The room with the glass

doors and windows, by the rose-garden at the end of the arbour,

had a crowd of people around it. many were weeping. (Sheean,

Lead, Kindly Light, pp.215-218).

(Edited and Introduced by Thomas Weber)

*****************************************************

243

xi. Cancer

(A.U. RAMAKRISHNAN)

Table 1: Organ specific Cancer remedies

Cancer type Homœopathic remedy

Bladder Ter., Thuj.

Colon Lyc., Thuj.

Brain Plb-i., Sil., Bar-c.

Skin, Melanoma Ars-br., Ars-i.

ENT-region, Larynx Thuj., Phos., Arg-n., Lach., Kali-bi.

Bones including metastasis Hecla, Symph., Con.

Liver, Gallbladder Chel., Lyc., Con.

Leukaemia Hekla, Symph.

Lungs Lyc.

Lymphatic Bar-c.

Mamma Con., Puls., Sep., Phyt., Phos.

Stomach Orni., Cadm-s., Hydr., Thuj., Con.

Spleen Cean.

Mouth Aur-m.

Esophagus Con.

Ovaries Aur-m-n., Sep., Puls., Lach., Thuj.

Pancreas Cadm-s., Hydr.

Prostate Thuj., Con., Sabal, .

Rectum Aloe, Nit-ac., Thuj.

Terminal cases, rapid progress Ars.

Uterus, Cervix Aur-m-n., Sep., Puls., Lach., Thuj.

After Biopsy (Mammae, Prostate) Bell-p.

244

xii. Table 2: Characteristics of 31 Cancer remedies

Remedies

Homœopathic leading character, Tumor localization

Carc.

Family disposition and if Scirrhinum not effective.

Scirrh.

Hard tumors, Mamma, Liver, Prostate, Rectum, Liver metastasis, Leukaemia.

Aloe

Rectum-Ca, bleeding intestine, mucous in stool, stitching-burning pains, flatulence, hard pressure in anus (DD:

Sep.) Flatus and stool not clearly differentiable.

Ars-br.

Basalioma, Skin Cancer, Melanoma, Radiation dermatitis, dry, scaly or burnt.

Ars-i.

Skin Cancer, Melanoma, Radiation dermatitis, with infection signs, urinary tract systemic inflammatory signs

(BSG, Leuco etc.), also with infections of urinary tract, Abscesses (e.g.lung)

Ars.

In all cases, in which Cancer disease which attacks the constitution severely, rapid progress, terminal cases,

Cancer pains.

Aur-m.

Oral cavities, particularly carcinomatous ulcers, tongue, cheeks, tonsils, hard ulcer base, LK-swelling sub-

mandibular and in throat, severe salivation, offensive breath.

Aur-m-n.

Tumors of uterus, ovaries, cervix, induration and ulceration, prolapse tendency, leucorrhoea, ovarian cysts, uterus

calcifications.

Bar-c.

Brain tumors, esp. Glioma, Astrocytoma and Angioma

Bar-i.

Tumors of endocrinal glands, lymphoma, Ca. of tonsils region (Throat tumors)

Cadm-s.

Stomach, pancreas, vomiting coffee ground, Bleedings from stomach, Pains of cutting, burning and cramping

character, extreme weakness and chilliness.

Cean.

Spleen, Pancreas and Liver, Spleen enlargements, Leukaemia, lying on left side <, movement <.

Chel.

Liver, Gall bladder, with secondary/metastasis, Pain <lying rt. side, nausea, vomiting, > eating small quantity and

drinking water, dark urine, bright stool, also in low potencies, symptomatically possible in supplementing major

medicines.

Con.

Stony hard tumors, glandular tumors of breast, prostate, stomach, liver, oesophagus, bone metastasis (important!),

specific for Prostate in increased PSA.

Hecla

Main medicine for bone tumours like Sarcoma, Ewing, Myeloma, benign bone tumors, acute and chronic

Myeloid Leukaemia.

Hydr.

Stomach, Pancreas, Upper Gastrointestinal tract, LK infection in abdominal cavity, mucous membrane including

lungs and Oesophagus, yellow, adhesive and thick secretions, distension of abdomen, outbreak of sweat, much

pain and weakness.

Lach.

Cervix, uterus, ovaries, esp. lt. sided, loquacious, aggressive, multiple fantasies, important in throat tumors also.

Lil-t.

Uterus, Ovaries, Cervix, susceptible for anxieties, and sad, “bearing down” of the abdominal organs.

Lyc.

Primary and secondary Ca. of Lungs, liver, colon, more right-sided, agg. morning, forenoon and afternoon.

Nit-ac.

Rectum-Ca., Tumors in the crossing between skin and mucous membrane (lips, urethra, vagina, vulva, anal

periphery), stitching pain like needles.

245

Orni.

(Mother

tincture)

Stomach-Ca., to relieve the suffering symptomatically constant pain, lack of appetite, dilatation, much eructation

of air, vomiting coffee ground (6 gtt. 3-4 x daily in water)

Phos.

Breast, Uterus, Ovaries, Cervix, throat tumors, but without strong coordination, important Cancer remedies,

bleeding ulcer (DD: Sang.), inner and external bleeding.

Puls.

Breast, Uterus, Ovaries, Cervix, much constitutional aspects

Plb-i.

Brain tumor, much significance for every kind of neoplasms of nervous system, often also with signs of

inflammation, if less inflammatory then better Plumbum met.

Phyt.

Mamma-Ca., Parotitis, gen.gland tumors, bluish violet discoloration, induration, swelling, pain, hardness.

Sabal

Prostate-Ca. and enlargement, loss of libido, sexual diseases in the anamnesis.

Sang.

Similar to Phos., important bleeding remedy in Tumors, often in climacteric symptoms.

Sep.

Breast, Uterus, Ovaries, Cervix, much constitutional aspects.

Symph.

Secondary bone tumors, bone-metastasis, acute Leukemia (secondary to Hecla), if in the past history joint pains

and -inflammatory, periosteum pains.

Ter.

Bladder-Ca., burning and bleeding, painful micturition, weak stream

Thuj.

Skin tumors and -manifestation of all types, like warts, cauliflower like excrescences, spots, moles, stomach,

colon, rectum, bladder, ovaries, uterus, prostate (PSA only moderately increased)

(Internationaler Coethener Erfahrungstauch (ICE 3)

11 - 13.9.2003. AHZ. 249, 5/2003)

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Chuang-tZu

Small fear is fearful, great fear is slow. In action they are like a bolt, an arrow, in terms of their control over judgment. In stillness they are

like a prayer, a pledge, in terms of their attachment to victory. They kill like fall and winter, in the sense of daily dissolution. Their addiction to

what they do is such as to be irreversible. Their satiation is like a seal, meaning that they deepen with age. The mind drawing near to death

cannot bring about a restoration of positivity.

Joy, anger, sadness, happiness, worry, lament, vacillation, fearfulness, volatility, indulgence, licentiousness, pretentiousness—these are like

sounds issuing from hollows, or moisture producing mildew. Day and night they interchange before us, yet no one knows where they sprout.

Stop, stop! From morning to evening we find them; do they arise from the same source?

If not for other, there is no self. If not for self, nothing is apprehended. This is not remote, but we don’t know what constitutes the cause.

There seems to be a real director, but we cannot find any trace of it. its effectiveness is already proven, but we don’t see its form. It has sense,

but no form.

The whole body is there with all of its members, openings, and organs: with which is the self associated? Do you like any of them? That

means you have selfishness therein. Then do all sometimes act as servants? As servants, are they incapable of taking care of one another? Do

they alternate as ruler and subject? Evidently there is a real ruler existing therein: the master of whether or not we gain a sense of it does not

increase or decrease its reality.

Once we have taken on a definite form, we do not lose it until death. We oppose things, yet also follow them; we violate things, yet also

submit to them: that activity is all like a galloping horse that no one can stop. Isn’t it pitiful? We work all our lives without seeing it accomplish

anything. We wearily work to exhaustion, without even knowing what it all goes back to. How can we not be sad about this? People may say at

least it isn’t death, but what help is that? As the physical constitution changes, so does the mind; how can this not be considered a great sorrow?

Once a butcher was cutting up an ox for a king. As he felt with his hand, leaned in with his shoulder, stepped in and bent a knee to it, the

carcass fell apart with a peculiar sound as he played his cleaver.

The king, expressing admiration, said to the butcher, “Good! It seems that this is the consummation of technique.”

“When I first began to cut up oxen, all I saw was an ox. Even after three years I still had not seen a whole ox. Now I meet it with spirit

rather than look at it with my eyes.

“When sensory knowledge stops, then the spirit is ready to act. going by the natural pattern, I separate the joints, following the main

apertures, according to the nature of its formation. I have never even cut into a mass of gristle, much less a large bone.

“A good butcher changes cleavers every year because of damage, a mediocre butcher changes cleavers every month because of breakage.

I’ve had this cleaver for nineteen years now, and it has cut up thousands of oxen; yet its blade is as though it had newly come from the

whetstone.”

-Vitality, Energy, Spirit – A Taoist Sourcebook – Translated and edited by Thomas Cleary – Shambhala Dragon edition.

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