©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 1

CONTINUING HOMŒOPATHIC MEDICAL EDUCATION SERVICES

QUARTERLY HOMŒOPATHIC DIGEST

VOL. XXX, 1 & 2, 2013

Part I Current Literature Listing

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Part I of the journal lists the current literature in Homeopathy drawn from the well-known homœopathic journals

published world-over - India, England, Germany, France, Brazil, USA, etc., - discipline-wise, with brief

abstracts/extracts. Readers may refer to the original articles for detailed study. The full names and addresses of the

journals covered by this compilation are given at the end of Part I. Part II contains selected essays/articles/extracts,

while Part III carries original articles for this journal, Book Reviews, etc.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

I. PHILOSOPHY

1. Beware Scientism’s onward March!

MILGROM, Lionel (AJHM. 104, 1/2011)

The American Journal of Medicine published an

attack on Homœopathy authored by U.K. based

‘sceptics’, Professors Michael Baum and Edward Ernst

(Should we maintain an open mind about

Homœopathy?’ American Journal of Medicine 2009;

122(11)973-74).

This paper seeks to demonstrate how such attacks

are based on opinionated scientism, not science-based

facts, while highlighting the essentially globalized

context in which the current climate of so-called

scientism against and Homœopathy is able to flourish.

What is ‘Science’ and what is ‘Scientism’.

Science may be defined as a continuing effort to

increase human knowledge and understanding through

observation (Objectivity in observation is always

conditioned by expectations and past experience

regardless of the ‘rigour’ of the Science). ‘Scientism’,

on the other hand is the totally unscientific belief that:

1. Only scientific knowledge is real knowledge.

2. There is no rational, objective form of inquiry

that is not a branch of science.

3. Science is the absolute and only justifiable

access to truth.

Supporters of Scientism which has its roots in

materialistic logical positivism and naïve inductionism

see it as their bounden duty to do away with most, if not

all, metaphysical, mythological, philosophical,

sociological (in any non-reductive sense) and religious

claims to knowledge, as their truth cannot be

apprehended by the scientific method. The scientism

supporters represent a form of dogmatic intolerance

bordering on fundamentalism, even fascism.

Neurophysiologist, Nobel Laureate Sir John Eccles

put it, “Arrogance is one of the worst diseases of

scientists and it gives rise to statements of authority and

finality which are expressed usually in fields that are

completely beyond the scientific competence of the

dogmatist. It is important to realize that dogmatism has

now become a disease of scientists rather than of

theologians.”

It is a small group of bio-medically oriented

scientists who are very vociferous in condemning

Homœopathy (they have, presumably, never tried

Homœopathy medicines personally). And

Homœopathy is not a bio-medical science.

These ‘Scientists’ refuse to study the several

evidences that are coming up all round in different parts

of the world.

Dr. Lionel MILGROM refers to the relevance of

‘evidence-based’ medicine, the role of randomized

controlled trials, the ‘memory of water’, etc.

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[The most fitting response to all the noise raised by the

‘Scientism’ group is for the homœopaths to keep

performing ‘cures’ and the public would support it =

KSS].

2. Modern Biomedical Model of Miasms

SHEPPERD, Joel (AJHM. 104, 2/2011)

HAHNEMANN defines “Miasm” in precise terms.

It is based on a careful observation of several cases and

thus with reference to clinical states. The ‘Miasm’

process describes the stages that lead to disease. This

description resulted from perceptible phenomena of the

wholeness of a person.

Retrovirus research forces biomedicine to rethink

the pathway to chronic disease.

The exact definitions of acute and chronic Miasms

are also discussed.

Dr. SHEPPARD says that a study of the Retrovirus

research comments makes us to conclude that allopathic

comments sound more and more like homœopathic

language. Hahnemann’s language provided a guidemap

to the understanding of chronic disease two hundred

years ahead of its time.

3. “Correspondentia Correspondentibus Curantur”

Reversionary Homœopathy

SHEPPERD, Joel (AJHM. 104, 3/2011)

The Organon gives us instructions on Case Taking.

The homœopath needs to know the direct sensory

phenomena of the case. This is a given. It is enough to

gather all the perceptible signs and symptoms and

circumstances in order to find a correct homœopathic

remedy.

The modern homœopath finds it too hard. So he

innovates free fancies of thought that replace experience

and pure experiments. The innovator is a wonderful

weaver, a fabricator. The so-called neo innovations in

Homœopathy are old history. They have been tried

before and failed.

Themes are everywhere and everything they think.

Delusion of theme completely control the new wave of

homœopathic practices. These are embodied

abstractions and theories of the mind. This way of

thinking discredits the concrete context of the physical

plane. We are right now embodied, and every single

symptom is pre-eminent. Every medicine used must be

verified on a physical body.

The true homœopathic method is an art only if art is

defined as mastery of a skill through actual experience.

There is no cutting corners, no short cuts, no mind

tricks, no easy-chair Homœopathy. Experience for

yourself the wondrous melodies of the rightful

homœopathy.

[There is a case of Discombobulation; the meaning

of this word is given in the Webster’s Unbridged

Dictionary as; to upset; frustrate. The case finally rests

‘cured’ with a ‘noble gas’ – Argon! To me this remedy

is quite new. There is no proving mentioned. There is

no Materia Medica. It is another matter that the patient

felt well, almost all on ‘mental’. The article ends with a

Note on the ‘Homœopathy’ doctors who have authored

this Case Report as “their lectures all over the globe are

now popularly known in homœopathic circles as the

Dynamic Duo. They have done pioneering work on

noble gases, imponderables, salts, nosodes and big

cats.”(!!!).

Quo vadis Homœopathy? = KSS].

4. Miasms and Social change

ALDERSON, William (HL. 22, 1/2009)

While the Miasms have frequently been studied

from the clinical perspective, little has been done about

identifying their origins. However, if social factors are

included among the possible environmental causes of

illness, a significant pattern emerges. Study of

historical, biological, anthropological and

palaeopathological information reveals a number of

points. There is a temporal and geographical correlation

between the earliest appearances of the miasmatic

diseases and the emergence of class societies. The

different impact of colonization on the health of

Europeans and indigenous people appears contradictory

until social relations are taken into account. Surveys of

modern European society indicate a direct relationship

between higher social status and lower mortality rates

even when living standards are high. The indigenous

classless societies of both North America and Australia

appear to have divided illnesses into those arising from

accidents or poisoning and those arising from social

factors. Study of the mental aspects of the Miasms is

also revealing in this context. The symptoms of psora

show a strong relationship to the circumstances of

developing social divisions and unequal distribution of

resources. The symptoms of tuberculosis (and leprosy)

and syphilis show a similar relationship to the

circumstances of social tension and collapse. In

conclusion, it would appear that the Miasms may well

have their origin in the development of the first class

societies, suggesting that a prerequisite of their

permanent cure is the restoration of egalitarian social

organization.

5. The Return of the Jedi Warrior

CHAPPELL, Peter (HL. 22, 1/2009)

This article discusses the intelligent purpose and

function of epidemic diseases and the effects of

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mistreatment, raise fundamental questions about treating

epidemics, and point to a likely priority for

Homœopathy, this century as it was in the 19th century.

Finally a suggestion as to how to solve the current eco-

crisis homœopathically.

6. Paradigmenkrise in der Homöo pathie: Homöopa-

thische Medizin und Naturnissenschaftliche

Rationalitat: Wissenschaftsbegriff der Homöopa-

thie und neue Strömungen (The Paradigms crisis in

the Homœopathic Medicine and Scientific

rationality: Scientific comprehension of

Homœopathy and the new currents)

WÜRGER, Wolfgang

(ZKH. 53, 3/2009 & ZKH. 55, 1/2011)

In the last two decades has arisen different entirely

new schools and trends with regard to Homœopathy.

There has been much discussions on these in various

homœopathic journals. Some of these trends have

moved far from the basic rules.

This subject of Paradigms are discussed in detail

under Chapters:

1. The Past

2. Misunderstanding of the Scientific theories of

the Modern Medicine.

3. The basis and the consequences of the

misunderstanding of the Modern Medicine.

4. Paradigm differences between the scientific

Medicine and homœopathic Medicine

i) The epistemological differences.

ii) The methodological differences.

iii) The practical difference

iv) Differences of the Rationality Model

5. Theoretic and practical conclusions.

The above mentioned are discussed in the light of

thoughts of Francis BACON, DESCARTES,

FOUCALT, HAHNEMANN, KENT, KLUNKER,

WITTGENSTEIN, WÜRGER, et al.

Whereas the ‘scientism’ required proof of

Homœopathy as a Medical System, in terms of their

methods but which do not fit in, in the very nature of

Homœopathy, the new ‘trends’, the ‘innovations’

challenge the fundamentals of Homœopathy. Under

these circumstances it is quite necessary that we reflect

thoroughly our fundamentals so that Homœopathy can

strongly assert our position. Such ‘reflection’ will help

us to clear away any pollutions.

The author examines these under following heads:

1. The positioning of Hahnemann’s Medicine in the

discussions

2. The Leading concepts of scientific Homœopathy

3. The concept of (personal) experiences in

Homœopathy

4. Erroneous application of Inductive concept.

5. The concept of empiricism in Homœopathy

6. The new waves and paradigmatic difference

7. Empiricism and Intuition

8. Rationality and Speculation

Careful reflection would convince that

Homœopathy stands on its own scientific

understanding.

7. Der Versorgungsbeitrag der Homöopathie in Indien

Teil I & II

(Homœopathy in India in Health Care – Part I & II)

DINGES, Martin (ZKH. 55, 1 & 3/2011)

In India, Homœopathy has the World’s most

powerful position in the Health Care. This is in a

catastrophic state due to neglect over decades.

Homœopathy Care availability varies from State to

State. However, Homœopathy doctors are provided

jobs in Government to some extent.

The study shows that the availability of

homœopathic care is lesser than the demand including

Public Health Service. This gap is filled by Private

availability.

This is a detailed study with particular references to

Government health services.

8. Believing in order to understand: Hahnemann’s

hierarchisation of values

SCHMIDT, JM (HOM. 97, 3/2008)

During the last 200 years, the social, scientific, and

religious framework in which Homœopathy is taught

and practiced has changed tremendously. Various

different forms of Homœopathy have been advocated.

To avoid being misled by the prevailing pluralism as a

standard of reference for assessing new concepts,

Hahnemann’s original ideas and attitude toward

medicine, philosophy, and ethics are discussed.

Hahnemann’s hierarchisation of values appears to

consist primarily in striving for a world view in which

he could conceive of himself as a spiritual and moral

being, secondly in a yearning for scientific

advancement, and thirdly in his need to earn a living.

Homœopaths are challenged to match this

hierarchisation and be aware that Homœopathy

comprises dimensions other than just science and

economics.

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II. MATERIA MEDICA

1. Calcarea fluorica: Effect on Body and Mind

SPRINGER, Wolfgang

(AJHM. 104, 1/2011)

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“The first incomplete Proving of Calcarea fluorica

came from the Americans MURCH and BELL in 1864-

1874 with only 4 provers”. HERING’s Guiding

Symptom contain SCHUSSLER’s ‘cured’ symptoms

also. “The remedy seems to correspond to a

defectiveness of the connective tissue.

CLARKE says that it has been for dispersing bony

growths; ulceration of bones; and for Fistula. Also of

cure of a giant celled sarcoma of upper maxilla;

Induration threatening suppuration is a marked

indication.

The following observations have been made by

Dr.W.SPRINGER:

Rubrics:

Ardent in work

Dreams of new places

Dreams of events from a book

Industrious

Very impatient and then irritable towards others.

Work can never be done never fast enough.

Rubrics:

Hurry

Hurry in occupation

Anxiety about money matters

Cares about money matters

Fear of poverty

Fear of daily work

Rubrics expressing of the intensity of fears:

Anxiety with trembling of hands

Delusions he is poor

Delusions will come to want

Concentration difficult, eating ameliorates

Irritability, eating ameliorates

Indolence, aversion to work

Restlessness during tired aching in back

Lack of initiative

Irresolution

Dreams of things one heard, read, talked or thought

about

The general or dormant fears may increase:

Rubrics:

Fear of cancer

Fear of high places

Finally, patients’ thoughts revolve around their

anxieties, death, those people they have known who

have died, and the financial issues:

Rubrics: (in addition to those above)

Dreams of death of relatives

Dreams of dead people with weeping

Jumping out of bed from dreams

Dreams, anxious

Rubrics:

Children: too coquettish – a good observation by

Jacques LAMOTHE.

Head

Eruptions at the margins of hair

Exostoses

Brain hemorrhage in newborns (by T.G. ROBERTS)

Lusterless hair

Hair tangles easily

Numbness with headache

Pain, cold air ameliorates

Pain, washing hair with cold water ameliorates

Pain, alcohol aggravates

Pain, ascending stairs aggravates

Pain, ascending on elevator

Pain, exertion aggravates

Pain, exposure to sun aggravates

Pain, dump, wet weather aggravates

Pain, windy, stormy weather aggravates

Tumors

Hard warts on scalp

An important general observation: all organs of the

neck are frequently affected.

Eyes

Cataract after injuries

Falling out of eyelashes

Sensation of hair in the eyes or between upper lids and

eyeballs

Pain while writing

Spots on the cornea

Recurrent sties (according to my experience, one may

add Thuja)

Tumors or cysts in the lids

Recurrent infection of tarsal glands

Sees sparks

Scintillating scotoma (by Ensinger)

Ears

Calcareous deposit on tympanum (A visible sign on the

tympanic membrane. I now habitually check the

patients’ tympanum when suspecting Calcarea fluorica

or Syphillinum.)

Threatening mastoid caries

Exotosis of external meatus

Chronic inflammation of the middle ear, also

suppurative

Cholesteatoma

Otosclerosis

Adenoidal hypertrophy

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Offensive, profuse, thick, green-yellow discharge of

nose

Hardening of nose

Atrophic inflammation of nose

Ozaena

Ineffectual efforts to sneeze

Face

Herpes below the corners of the mouth, or

Quite small, hard herpes blisters on the lips, not

scattered, as in Natrum muriaticum

Exostosis of lower jaws

Inflammation of the periosteum of jaws

Swelling sensation of lips

Mouth

Cancer of salivary glands

Boils on gums

Fistula on gums

Hardening of tongue

Gingivitis

Teeth

Teeth breaking off

Premature caries in children

Crumbling of teeth

Slow dentition

Deficient enamel

Fistula dentalis

Pain from touch of (warm) food

Pain during pregnancy

Pain in roots of dead teeth

White stripes on teeth

Inner throat

Choking from cold

Deposits, tonsils – plugs of mucus constantly form in

crypts

Enlargement of tonsils (with plugs of pus)

Induration of tonsils

Burning pain from cold drinks

Suffocated feeling at night

Suffocated feeling from cold drinks

Sensation as if the epiglottis is almost completely closed

or as if the patient has to breathe through a thick cloth,

so that only a little air can reach his lungs

Ragged tonsils, painful swelling with pus, chronic

tonsillitis

Outer throat

Clothing aggravates

Constriction of thyroid gland

Goiter

Goiter in children (from Hempel’s Materia Medica)

Indurated goiter

Lumpy goiter

Induration of the lymphatic glands (swelling hard as

stone)

Thyroiditis

Jerking in the thyroid gland in goiter

Swelling of the thyroid gland

Tension of the thyroid gland

Toxic adenoma of the thyroid gland

Stomach

Diminished appetite around eating time

Stomach problems in children

Hiccough in children

Hiccough, aggravated when hawking

Indigestion, brain fag in children (a nice symptom

which has helped me sometimes when treating mentally

overstrained pupils; this is a kind of acute indigestion

caused by fatigue or mental exhaustion.)

Indigestion from exhaustion (a little nugget by William

Boericke)

Indigestion after mental exertion

Vomiting in children

Vomiting during dentition

Yet also…

Absence of sensation of satiety, could eat constantly

Emaciation in spite of good appetite

Pain as if feeling hungry two hours after eating

Abdomen

Liver cancer (an observation by O.Leeser)

Fatty liver degeneration (by Cowperthwaite)

Pancreatitis

Distension in pregnancy

Flatulence in pregnancy

Enteroptosis (by Lilienthal)

Hardness of liver (by Boericke)

Chronic hepatitis

Pain liver, bending forward ameliorates

Pain liver, lying on the right, the painful side,

aggravates

Pain liver, lying on painless side ameliorates

Pain liver, motion and walking ameliorates, sitting

aggravates

Cutting pain liver region, motion ameliorates

Cutting pain liver region when sitting, walking

ameliorates

Rectum

Constipation from hemorrhoids

Constipation in old people

Fissures

Diarrhea after fat food

Fatty, greasy stool, sedimentous

Soft stool immediately after eating (all symptoms of a

pancreatic disease)

Diarrhea in gouty subjects

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Hemorrhoids with back pain

Itching at night

Black, knotty, lumpy stool

Intertrigo

During defecation of hard stool a feeling as if the anus

would be torn apart

Bladder

Frequent urination at night

Increased urine at night

Male Genitalia

Cancer of testes (by Dunham)

Falling out of hair

Induration of testes

Orchitis in syphilis

Chronic inflammation of testes (by Minton)

Cryptorchism

Tumors in testes

Hydrocele

Female Genitalia

Endometriosis

Falling out of hair

Metrorrhagia from myomas

Pain from feeble contractions

Bearing down pain in the uterus from metrorrhagia

Cysts in ovaries

Fibroma

Varicose veins

Larynx & trachea

Croup

Feeling as of foreign bodies in larynx

Inflammation of larynx in syphilis

Laryngismus stridulus after midnight

Polypi in larynx

Papilloma in larynx

Speech &Voice

Hoarseness from reading aloud

Hoarseness aggravated by laughing

Chest

Hard nodules in mammae

Hard cancer in mammae, knotted sensation

Hyperemia of chest in mammae, before menses

Exostoses of ribs

Heaviness of chest, ameliorates during menses

Induration of mammae

Tumors in bloodvessels

Tumors of mammae, fibroids

Heart, Circulation & Blood

Aneurysm in arteries, capillaries

Angina pectoris from organic heart complaints

Dilatation of heart capillaries

Fibroid deposits about the endocardium

Aortitis luica

Atheromatous inflammation of the aorta

Murmurs of heart valves

Pain in the region of heart, ameliorated by pressure with

both hands

Palpitation of heart with flushes of heat; also actual

cardiac arrhythmia is possible

Haemorrhage in newborns during delivery

Back

Caries, necrosis of spine (by Hoyne)

Curvature of spine

Back pain, warm application ameliorate

Back pain, gentle motion ameliorates

Pain in lumbar region, warm applications ameliorate

Pain in lumbar region, warmth ameliorates

Pain in lumbar region, continued motion ameliorates

Chronic pain in lumbar region

Restlessness in lumbar region

Osseous tumors, exostoses

Pain deep in the sacral region with hemorrhoids

Extremities

Arthritic nodosities in joints of fingers

Brittle fingernails

Chronic bursitis praepatellaris from kneeling

Callosities of hands

Chapped palms

Coldness of wrists – a small, reliable symptom of

Calcarea flourica

Corrugated fingernails

Cracks in heels – also calcaneal spur, as in Hekla lava

Cramps in calves at night, uncovering ameliorates

Spontaneous dislocation of hips – also disposition to

luxation

Enlargement of femur in rachitic infants

Exostoses, especially on the fingers

Ganglion of wrists

Rapid growth of nails

Heat, uncovers feet

Burning heat of feet, uncovers them

Hypertrophy of nails

Inflammation of skin with atrophy

Chronic inflammation of synovia of the knees

Phlegmasia alba dolens: varices of lower limbs with

weakness, feeling of heaviness and the desire to put the

feet up, which ameliorates pain along the Vena Saphena

magna on touch.

Pain, warmth of bed ameliorates

Pain from change of weather

Pain from windy, stormy weather

Pain in hips, motion ameliorates

Neuralgic pain in sciatic nerves

Sensation as if rice bodies were in joints

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Sensitive upper limbs along cubital nerve

Swelling periosteum

Swelling tendons

Thin nails

Trembling knees from exhaustion

Tumors in hollow of knees – for example, Baker Cysts

Cyst in wrists

Late learning to walk

Warts in the bends of the elbow

Ankles: weak while walking

Over-extensible joints

Pasty swelling of the feet in warm climate

Sleep

Disturbed by nightmares

Disturbed before menses

Sleeplessness from worries (by Cowperthwaite)

Interrupted sleep between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Perspiration

During slight exertion

Offensive odor

Skin

The skin can appear thin, transparent and remarkably

white.

It can be rough, dry and tending to have cracks, fissures

and rhagades.

Anesthesia in spots

Atrophy of skin

Burns after x-ray exposure

Hard cicatrices

Itching cicatrices

Keloids

Eruptions around orifices

The preferred locations of skin affections are the corners

of the mouth, lips, margins of lids, nostrils, behind the

ears, glans penis, scrotum and anus.

Parchmentlike skin

Itching, uncovering ameliorates

Itching worse in warmth of bed

Itching without skin eruption

Lichen with atrophy

Sceleroderma

Sensitiveness to touch

Fistulous ulcers

Indurated base of ulcers

Vitiligo

Nevi

Generalities

Adhesion after operations

Cancerous affections after injuries

Cancerous affections, advanced stages

Osteosarcoma

Arrested development of bones

Grass-green discharges

Exostoses after injuries

Fistulae with ulcers of skin

Fistulae in bones

Eggs aggravate and aversion to eggs (different from

Calcarea carbonica)

Aversion to fat

Sometimes desire for sweet and salt

Desire for hearty food

Desire for sweets, which aggravates

Disorders of growth

Induration after injuries

Induration of connective tissue

Induration of muscles

Stony induration of glands

Chronic inflammation of glands

Injuries from exertion

Dislocation, luxation

Slow repair of broken bones in children

Ameliorated during menses

Continued motion ameliorates

Changes of weather aggravates

Stormy weather aggravates

Freezing with trembling; does not get warm again after

a cold shower

Growing pains (from Allen’s Encyclopedia)

Rheumatic pain in muscles

Pain as if joints were sprained

Hard pressure ameliorates, slight pressure aggravates

Lack of reaction in suppuration

Snow aggravates (from Allen’s Encyclopedia)

Thickened bones

Tumors in bones

Atheroma (by Phatak)

Fibroid tumors

Hard, benign tumors

Neurofibromatosis

Wet warmth aggravates – important!

Wounds after x-ray exposure

Effects of x-ray exposure

Lymphogranulomatosis. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

2. Materia Medica of Incarceration in America

WEINSTEIN, Corey (AJHM. 104, 1/2011)

Dr. WEINSTEIN has years of experience as a

correctional medical consultant provides Materia

Medica description of eight remedies he has prescribed

often for inmates. These remedies are : 1. Ammonium

carbonicum, 2. Nitricum acidum, 3. Carcinosinum, 4.

Anacardium, 5. Granite, 6. Germanium, 7. Falco

peregrines, 8. Lac caninum.

Details of these remedies are given in Part II of this

QHD.

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3. Calcarea silicate: A Review with Cases

GUESS, George (AJHM. 104, 2/2011)

This paper was presented in the LIGA 2010

Conference, California.

This is one of Kent’s synthetic remedies like

Alumina silicata and Natrum silicata. None of these

were ‘proven’ remedies. Infact H.C. ALLEN

admonished KENT when he presented in a meeting the

synthetic remedy unproven. Subsequently KENT did

not present any synthetic remedy.

However, Materia Medicas of VERMEULEN,

Robin MURPHY, BOERICKE contain good amount of

schematic information, we don’t know from which

source these indications were obtained. CLARKE

mentions only few lines. Almost the entire knowledge

seem to have come from clinical experience.

In this presentation Dr. GUESS writes of 49 year

old woman with chief complaints of great fatigue,

aching all over, puffy eyes, sinus pressure, etc. history

of recurrent strep throat. Chilly patient.

In this case Dr. GUESS gave Calcarea silicata 200,

later M, and XM twice, over a period of several months

and she was relieved of all her complaints.

Another case of a boy, 10 years with sinusitis.

Calcarea silicata 200, M, over a period of 2½ years

cured.

Dr. GUESS presents a Materia Medica of Calcarea

silicata drawn from different authors.

4. Drug proving of Columbia Livia

PRITI, Shah (HL. 22, 1/2009)

The article describes a single blind proving of

Columbia Livia, known as common city pigeon.

Eight provers: Three males and five females.

Sphere of Action: Mind, Urinary System, Gastro-

Intestinal Tract, Head,

Respiratory System,

Extremities.

Mind

The main themes which showed up in the mind

section are:

1) ORDINARY V/S EXTRAORDINARY

 Almost all the provers experienced the same theme

of being treated as someone who is ordinary, not

important. As whatever you are has no value, no

consideration, your absence and presence does not

make much of a difference to people. As if you as

a person are of no need to anybody.

 As if you are an ordinary person, someone who has

nothing special in him, as if you are nothing.

 Conversely a few provers started feeling important

and superior and good, not caring what others think

about them (other polarity).

2) PROGRESS V/S STAGNATION

 To rise above being ordinary you have to progress,

keep progressing continuously, so that you achieve

a high position, you rise above the level of ordinary

and you no longer remain ordinary.

 If you do not work hard you will remain ordinary,

will be nothing at all.

3) SURVIVAL V/S SUFFOCATION

 If you are ordinary you cannot survive, people will

dominate you and suffocate you and it will be

difficult for you to survive.

 You will suffocate and die.

 Hence to survive and to breathe easily you have to

be at the position where nobody can dominate you,

pressurize you, oppress you.

 At least there should be one person whom you can

dominate so that there is one person fewer to

dominate you.

4) INJUSTICE

 Feeling of injustice being done to me. Cannot

tolerate injustice.

5) DOMINATION

 Feel dominated by people, as if they are trying to

dominate me and suppress me. Feeling oppressed,

not able to breathe freely. Desire for open air, to

move out feels good.

 Conversely, I too want to dominate people. Feel

superior and desire to dominate and to comment on

everybody. I enjoy doing that.

 I am more confident, can say clearly whatever I

want to say.

 If I want to say no, I say no, without bothering

about anybody, which I normally would bother

about.

 The opinions of others no longer trouble me or

worry me. It is all right whatever they are thinking,

I will do what I think is right.

 Everybody has to listen to my opinions, and follow

my instructions, otherwise I feel anger and

irritability.

6) LONLINESS

 Intense loneliness, to the point of weeping for a

long time, in a male prover.

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 Desire to call up people and talk, due to this

loneliness.

 Intense desire for family, so that you have people

around.

7) ANGER

 Anger at trifles, at smallest of things, sometimes

even without provocation. It is so violent that I

have to exert control over myself and despite that it

gets expressed outside, which it normally would

not.

 Anger accompanied by trembling.

8) HURRIED/RUSHED FEELING

 There was a strange rushed feeling, a desire to

accomplish everything fast-fast, there is no time,

just finish it off fast.

 Feeling of natural calmness gone. Cannot sit in

silence even for a little time, has to continuously

kept working, keep doing something. No rest, no

peace.

9) COMMUNICATION, DESIRE FOR AND

SOCIABLE

 Talking more than normal. Almost compulsive

desire to talk, to communicate with people. Calling

up people far away and talking with them.

 Conversely, a few provers who normally associated

with and communicated a lot with people outside of

the family stopped doing so and instead became

more social and more connected with family.

 Connections with society and family were

improved, and, for provers who had weak

connections in this respect, this was almost curative

for them.

 All others started experiencing adjustment

problems with the family, feeling they were being

dominated and had to keep adjusting all the time,

without others doing the same.

DREAMS

 Embarrassment

 Being present without clothes

 Losing one’s virginity

 Committing some crime

 Marriage proposals

 Urination

 Being in a dirty place, etc.

HEAD

 Heaviness of head, as if will burst.

 Left side more than right side. Mainly in the

forehead and temples. Throbbing, pressing pains,

as if everything will come out of the head, to

relieve the pressure.

 Pain extending to entire left side and left ear,

extending to right side when severe.

 As if there is an intense pressure on the head and it

will burst.

 Better: hard pressure; tea; sleep; diverting attention.

 Worse: giving attention; 11.00-11.30pm, at

bedtime; on waking, in the morning; night, about to

sleep.

MOUTH

 Severe infections, ulcerations and pain in the gums,

with frequent bleeding episodes, almost daily for

days.

 Cutting of wisdom tooth in at least three provers,

one of whom came down with severe acute

infection, such that could not even open mouth;

severe pain, had to have dental treatment.

EAR

 Pain in the ears associated with headache.

 Hearing power reduced for a few, but curative

improved hearing for those who had a hearing

problem.

NOSE

 Cold and coryza, frequent; worse from dust, etc.

THROAT

 Repeated throat infections, with severe pain and

sticky discharges, difficult to remove, associated

with cough with expectoration.

 Yellowish or whitish, sticky expectoration.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

 Breathlessness with oppressive breathing and desire

for open air.

 Felt suffocative spells coming up, as if not able to

breathe in enough air and has to rush out in the

open.

EYES

 Occasional pain associated with headaches.

 Conjunctivitis, with intense redness, burning and

watering of the eyes.

GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT

 Constipation with the closing of the anus, unable to

pass normal stools.

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 Diarrhea, occasional.

 Sticky stools, with bleeding and mild prolapse of

rectum.

 Flatulence intense (3), with abdominal pain and

tenesmus in stools.

ABDOMEN

 Pain and heaviness of the abdomen, as if weight is

put on the abdomen.

 Intense burning in the abdomen with bilious

vomiting, the whole episode leading to acute state

of severe vomiting, loss of appetite and intense

burning, not relieved by anything and unable to

hold anything, even water.

URINARY SYSTEM

 Increased frequency of micturation with occasional

burning sensation while passing urine.

 Urine passed is more than the water consumed.

 Occasional pain in the back in the in the renal area,

giving a feeling of renal calculus.

 One prover in the first week immediately after

potentisation came down with severe pain in the

renal area and cramps; the report showed renal

calculus.

FEMALE

 Menstrual cycle delayed, with dysmenorrhoeal

pain, even in provers who had never experienced

this before.

 Conversely, provers with regular complaint of

dysmenorrhoea experienced a curative action.

EXTREMITIES

 Pain, heaviness-extreme in the legs.

 Sciatica-like pains, with pulling sensation in the

nerves.

SKIN

 Pustules on the skin, with intense redness and

burning pain.

 Skin more sensitive to the effect of sun, leading to

severe tanning and peeling of the skin.

 Skin complexion, more fair than normal, but acne

showed up.

GENERALITIES

 General heaviness and in parts of the body.

 Feeling of pressure and pain all over the body.

 Sensation of weight with general tiredness.

 Bleeding from various places: mouth, stools, urine,

etc.

SLEEP

 Disturbed for most of the provers.

 Sleep – late at night and unable to wake up early.

Unfresh feeling.

 Or falling asleep late and wake up early with

complete freshness.

 Sleep reduced.

 Sleep increased.

 Sleep position changed for most provers, lying on

the abdomen with legs spread apart, as if needing

lots of space and no disturbance.

THIRST

 Thirst increased for most provers in initial stages of

the proving.

 Frequent thirst for large quantity of water.

 It reduced in the latter stage of the proving.

APPETITE

 Reduced, no desire for food in lunch box, desire

something freshly cooked.

CRAVING

 Cold water (3), cold food (3), cold milk shakes,

everything cold.

 Sweets (3).

 Refreshing things (3); buttermilk, lemon juice, cold

drinks.

 Potato wafers.

AVERSIONS

 To routine food and food which is not hot.

 Fruit juices.

PHARMACY

 Columbia livia can be obtained in up to 30c

potency from the author.

5. Homœopathic Polio Drop

Cured Brain Tumor while surgeons were cluless

BAIG, Mirza Anwar (HL. 22, 1/2009)

Seven year old Master N.A., had a huge and

growing brain tumor, operated once. Now with a

recurrent huge mass which was inoperable. Enhanced

hydrocephalus. Two months later he was treated

homœopathically.

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At age 1½yrs, symptoms of hydrocephalus with

squints in both eyes. Diagnosed as Congenital

aqueductal stenosis. VP Shunt done. Again symptoms

reappered in 2006. Intermittent episodes of headaches

vomiting, fever, dullness with double vision. MRI

revealed large tumour, measuring 13.4x6.2x5.5 cm.

History of BCG inoculation in infancy but no mark

of the vaccine. H/o repeated booster doses of oral polio

drops. Phosphorus 30 one pill given. Five days later

came with ear discharge. Nosode I (Molecular nosode

of Carcinosinum) was given to antidote the sycotic

influence. Two weeks later:

This brought back the original symptoms of

headache, vomiting. Hydrocephalus size ↓. Glonoine

30c 2 doses.

Baryta carbonicum 30 and Nosode I in alternate

weeks.

3 months later no further changes. Thuja 30, two

doses. Three weeks later h/o fever, rattling cough and

ear discharge. Biochemic remedy. No >. Bad

Otorrhoea with enlarged tonsils and high fever. Hepar

sulphuris. Headache and vomiting returned, but

Otorrhoea and fever stopped.

Finally OPV –num (Nosode from oral polio drops)

on alternate weeks. He gradually improved.

Hydrocephalus ↓ to 50cms. MRI revealed, the

heterogenous mass has become homogenous and the

size of the tumor ↓by 2 cm.

The child is active without any complaints.

A case of Sarcoma

13-year-old boy with Sarcoma of left gluteus,

operated twice, now with recurrence the size of a

football with engorged blood vessels. Left hip joint

fused.

History of fall on left gluteus at seven years age.

Pain persisted and a soft tissue growth developed and

was operated. Arnica 30 stabilised the case based on

the ribbon like stool.

Carcinosin-num nosode brought out the

exanthematous discharge from the body and also

brought out the BCG – mark.

BCG-num nosode, helped in checking his recurrent

respiratory tract infections and OPV-Num, nosode

shrunk the growth.

A case of Encephalomalacia

10 year-old Salman with growing lesions of

Encephalomalacia. He was fully vaccinated and had a

big scar (of BCG). Also received polio drops regularly.

Had convulsions during sleep, copious sweat and

periodicity. Silicea 30, one dose. Pulsatilla palliated

his suffering. Cicuta once during fits. Nosode OPV-

num finally improved his condition. It stopped the

formation of new lesions, cured his convulsions and

made him absolutely healthy. CT Scan revealed, no

new lesions, earlier ones had calcified.

6. Carbos: The Unseen Vital Force

TIMMERMAN, Alize (HL. 22, 2/2009)

Remedies of the Carbo group are partly very old

remedies (some belong to the Polychrests) and partly

very new remedies; their development is based on the

teachings of Jan SCHOLTEN. Jan SCHOLTEN took

the periodic table of the Elements as the dominant

guiding principle to describe new remedies. In this

article (adapted from the presentation given at the Links

Conference in October 2007), the properties of Carbon

and Carbon-containing compounds are explored. The

present focus on male characteristics in society and the

accompanying emphasis in some new homœopathic

views on a ‘scientific’ approach to Homœopathy is

questioned. On the basis of an arche-typical distinction,

the remedies of the Carbo group are divided into three

clusters, each cluster being correlated with a specific

group of remedies also identifiable from the periodic

table standpoint. Cluster 1 is associated with Graphites,

Diamond, Carbo animalis; Cluster 2 is associated with

Carbos in salts from the left side of the periodic table

while Cluster 3 is associated with Carbos in salts from

the right side of the periodic table. An example of each

cluster is presented in a case report.

[This has nothing to do with Homœopathy founded by

Samuel HAHNEMANN. Personally, I consider these as

caricathes although results such therapeutic technique

bring good results. For that matter that are several other

therapies which too give good results. = KSS]

7. Birds

FRASER, Peter

(HL. 22, 3/2009)

The bird remedies have only been developed

recently. Birds have themes that are formed between

the restrictions of Earth and the freedom of Sky.

Whatever prevents the freedom of flying is what

differentiates each bird. There are thematic overlaps

with at least three miasms: AIDS, Cancer and the

Tubercular. As creatures strongly connected to the Sky,

birds need to be differentiated from other groups that

have Sky aspects – such as the insects and the drugs.

8. Homœopathy and systematics: a systematic

analysis of the therapeutic effects of the plant

species used in Homœopathy

BHARATAN, V. (HOM. 97, 3/2008)

The therapeutic effects of the plant species used in

Homœopathy have never been subjected to systematic

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analysis. A survey of the various Materiae Medicae

shows that over 800 plant species are the source of

medicines in Homœopathy. As these medicines are

considered related to one another with respect to their

therapeutic effects for treating similar symptoms, the

aim is to classify and map them using the concept of

homology. This involves placing the discipline of

Homœopathy into a comparative framework using these

plant medicines as taxa, therapeutic effects as

characters, and contemporary cladistic techniques to

analyse these relationships. The results are compared

using cladograms based on different data sets used in

biology (e.g. morphological characters and DNA

sequences) to test whether similar cladistic patterns

exist among these medicines. By classifying the

therapeutic actions, genuine homologies can be

distinguished from homoplasies. As this is a

comparative study it has been necessary first to update

the existing nomenclature of the plant species in the

homœopathic literature in line with the current

International Code of Botanical Nomenclature.

What this analysis has brought sharply into focus is

that to understand and explain the complexity of human

illness and sickness, it is necessary to move beyond the

mechanistic world view of contemporary science and

take into account the holistic and integrated aspects of

biological complexity. This depends on the questions

that are asked and it is notable that analyzing data using

cladistic analysis, the holistic model to which

Homœopathy subscribes has the potential to offer an

explanatory framework to both accommodate and

validate assumptions of complexity and synergism in

the plant medicines and reductionism in biomedicine.

This analysis is just the starting point for further

research and analyses to be undertaken and hypotheses

to be tested. The standardized checklist of the plant

names used in Homœopathy should not only prevent the

wrong plants from being used in the preparation of the

remedies but also allow for the exchange of information

for all concerned with plant remedies in Homœopathy.

9. Raven – Corvus Corax principalis Sanguis

DEACON, Pat (HL. 22, 3/2009)

From three cases, a unified picture emerges of

Corvus corax principalis sanguis, the remedy prepared

from Raven’s blood, and this picture confirms Greg

Bedayn’s proving. The presence of neurological

pathology seems notable, as do themes related to

depression, grief and death. Sometimes raucous and

black-haired, this remedy can be highly vocal and, in

the extended case given here, a visionary leader.

10. Unleashing the Andean Condor

An Experience of C5 Trituration

BROWN Doug (HL. 22, 3/2009)

After two years of personal healing from Vultur

gryphus I participated in a trituration of this remedy to

C5. In this paper 1 outline the themes that emerged in

our trituration, which substantiated and complemented

the first trituration reported by Elizabeth Schultz and

Uri Rimmler. The condor, like other birds, concerns

itself with rising above the negativity of the material

plane. But it is specifically linked to the world of the

dead and the process of death, to the release of the soul

from entrapment in the body. This in turn leads to a

sensation of transcendence of time with sensations of

timelessness and synchronicity. Collective aspects of

death, specifically genocide and collective guilt,

judgement, and forgiveness arose during our C4 and C5

triturations. Finally, Vultur gryphus is compared with

its cousin, Cathartes aura, the turkey vulture.

11. The Chicken or a Real No-Brainer

A Trituration of Gallus domesticus

GUENTHER, Roland (HL. 22, 3/2009)

In a C4 trituration of a chicken feather the

participants experienced a state of psychological

blindness and a refusal to be cognizant of their

motivations. Aimless activity, superficial talk,

meaningless social interaction were used to hide fears

and insecurity. A desire to belong to a group and to

conform helped to cover up fears of starvation and of

survival. Even the sense of apparent freedom afforded

by New Age ideologies ended up in boredom and

resignation, because no transformation of unconscious

fears had occurred. “Chicken” might be a remedy for

people who live their lives unconsciously and avoid

confrontation with their fears through conforming to

mainstream societal norms.

12. Zombies, Exorcism and walking back into the Body

A case of Turkey Vulture

DOUGLAS-TOURNER, Allison (HL. 22, 3/2009)

A female, born 1983, married, no children,

presented with chronic sinus infection, low energy,

nausea, dizziness, stomach pains, gas and diarrhea. Had

chronic strep throat and ear infections in the past.

Loves travelling. Five years of drugs, alcohol, LSD and

cocaine had adverse effects. Depressed. Tattoos of

Dragon and Phoenix on forearms. Loves nature. Has

Houseplants in pots. The themes of the case derived

were: Ungrounded, Unbalanced; community and nature;

Death, infection, Zombies.

By searching the ‘Phoenix’ on Reference Works,

the remedy Cathartes aura (Turkey Vulture) was

arrived. A dose of 200c given.

Two months later: Much better. Communication

clearer. Many symptoms popped up and went away.

No nausea. Less frustrated and irritable. Not interested

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in drugs and alcohol. Energy is good. She had an

image of the Phoenix arising from the ashes. Another

dose six months later – Feeling well and healthier.

13. Bird and Bird-like – susceptible to or Being The

Unseen Force

Part one – Cathartes aura

SHEPARD, Cynthia A. (HL. 22, 3/2009)

Presented here is the first of two cases (the second

to be published in the next issue – the editor), one a bird

and the other “bird-like”. They share a similar depth of

injury, one that includes multiple levels of trauma.

Each case stands on its own as a contribution to our

clinical understanding of both Cathartes aura and

Magnetis polus arcticus but, in addition to this, there

are interesting features to be understood through

comparing the bird and bird-like. Primary among these

features is the concept of unseen force. With the

Turkey Vulture case a mode of operating in the world as

the invisible yet powerful force is revealed, and (in the

second part) with the North Pole magnet case we will

see how being susceptible to an overwhelming unseen

force has limited the patient’s life expression and

healing.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

III. THERAPEUTICS

1. The Role of Homœopathy in Surgical Cases

PAREEK, Pawan (AJHM. 104, 1/2011)

Two cases, one of Hydrocephalus, the other of

coma following a haemorrhagic stroke that responded

favourably to Homœopathy in lieu of surgery are

presented.

The author warns the Homœopaths that applying

Homœopathy injudiciously and undertaking

homœopathic treatment of serious, urgent surgical

conditions is risky. Some conditions do require surgery,

like large Tumor, large Renal Calculi, Intestinal

obstruction, Congenital deformities, Compound

fractures, Appendicitis threatening suppuration, etc.

He concludes: One must never consider a case

hopeless or incurable from the start. Patients normally

respond rapidly and readily to proper homœopathic

treatment.

2. Case Report: Cardiac Failure from Congenital

Cardiac Anomalies Treated with Homœopathic

Medicines

SEVAR, Raymond (AJHM. 104, 2/2011)

A low birth weight female twin presents at 10

weeks with life threatening cardiac failure due to severe

congenital anomalies despite maximum doses of

diuretics. Corrective surgery was planned if she

survived long enough to double her present weight.

The child, L, 2½ months old, has a large VSD and

ASD and Coarctation of Aorta. During the pregnancy

they found she had a single strand umbilical cord and

problems with intra-uterine blood flow. She was so

small and not growing much. She has also a cleft

palate. Her hands and feet were cold. Very high

pitched cry. Had a very fast respiratory rate, a visible

cardiac heave, a cardiac cough and a deformity of her

left ear.

The mother had three babies lost before ‘L’.

Suspected chromosomal abnormality.

L is worse from being moved.

Homœopathic treatment (Laurocerasus) was

integrated into her management. Cardiac failure was

relieved and corrective cardiac surgery was successful.

Post-operative night terrors were relieved by

Stramonium. Cardiac failure and cleft palate prevented

oral feeding; nutrition commenced by naso-gastric tube

and continued after repair by gastrostomy resulted in

slow growth below the third percentile and

developmental delay. Homœopathic treatment with

Phytolacca resulted in rapid commencement of oral

feeding and, with Gaertner and Silicea terra, resulted in

sustained weight gain and a surge in motor and social

development.

The integration of homœopathic treatment into the

management plan of this child over six years has

required clinical focus and given opportunity for

extensive reflective practice, highlighting the usefulness

of peer supervision and continued professional

competence. Working within the boundary of

professional competence – albeit near the edge of the

boundary – has been challenging.

3. The Diabetic Cardiac Patient

MOILOA, Motlhabane, R. (AJHM. 104, 3/2011)

Diabetes mellitus is a very prominent prevalent

disease worldwide with significant Cardiac

complications.

The author presents a few homœopathic remedies

that coincide with both Diabetes and Cardiac

conditions.

1. Crataegus oxyacantha

2. Phaseolus

3. Arsenicum album

4. Phosphorus

5. Natrum muriaticum

6. Iodum.

4. An anxious young woman with a Rheumatoid

Disorder

SEBASTIAN, Irene (AJHM. 104, 3/2011)

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The case of a young woman with “scleroderma

versus lupus” is presented. Based on the history of

abdominal pains which was ameliorated by Diarrhoea,

followed by the cessation of these symptoms and the

subsequent onset of arthralgias, it was apparent that this

was a case of metastasis. Of interest was the patient’s

development of severe anxiety, with a feeling that

something bad could happen at anytime, in response to

the untimely death of her younger brother prior to the

onset of her illness. Abrotanum was curative of her

emotional as well as physical symptoms. [There has

been no Proving of this bacteria; and no Materia Medica

source either. So much speculations. Where is

‘Homœopathy’ in this? = KSS]

5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A New Treatment

paradigm

GAMBLE, Jon (HL. 22, 1/2009)

The diagnostic features of IBS are

Abdominal pain,

Relief of pain on defecation,

Increased Stool frequency with pain,

Loose stools with pain, mucus in stools,

Feeling of incomplete evacuation.

The lifestyle factors involved are stress, excessive

use of Caffeine, inadequate water intake, inadequate

sleep, long working hours without finding time for

toileting; poor nutrition, lack of exercise, eating meals

too quickly.

70% cases of IBS in the author’s clinic have

symptoms suggesting intestinal parasites.

Two cases of IBS treated by Cina, then Trichinose

nosode and then by Gaertner are presented.

6. Complaints Ever Since Malaria

A case of China officinalis

DEVKOTA, Bharati Ankalgi

(HL. 22, 1/2009)

A 65-year-old man came with pain in the right

gluteal region which he had for the past five years. This

pain was of a burning type with high intermittent fever.

His medical reports suggested Hepatosplenomegaly and

chronic active inflammation of the liver. A malaria

attack 50 years ago which repeated itself ten years later

had affected him profoundly. After a symptom-free

period, now it was again disturbing his whole system for

the last five years. After China officinalis, he had a

strong aggravation followed by good improvement.

7. Unlocking the case with one key 3

BJORNDAL, Andreas (HL. 22, 1/2009)

Cancer cured by Homœopathy only: A case of

Myelomatosis.

A woman consulted for Myelomatosis in 1996.

The plan was to delay chemotherapy. Two years later,

thanks to Tuberculinum bovinum Kent, she had still not

needed any Chemotherapy. Her affinity for mountains,

loving cats and desire for milk were clear indications.

After two years of improvement, she was not

progressing further. Bacillinum gave an <. While

searching for other tubercular nosodes, she came across

BCG which was given under Lymphogranulomatosis, in

Complete Repertory. BCG 30 one dose. The usual

bone pain on waking was gone after the first night. The

cancer got cured.

8. Small enough to take over the World

Aeromonas hydrophila

JOHNSTON, Linda (HL. 22, 1/2009)

A 23 year old female with Migraine, since age

six. Gets them on Mondays. An hour later vomiting,

then sleeping for an hour relieves it. With Headache,

extreme discomfort around eyes, and they feel coming

out of head. During further discussion, the ideas

emerged were small, tiny, single celled and ocean,

water, floating, waves. – this led to the bacterium inside

fish – Fish Bacteria. Aeromonas hydrophila 1M.

(The remedy is made from the scrapings of a lesion on

the scales of the fish Blue Shubunkin infected with the

disease – causing bacterium Aeromonas hydrophilia).

Two months after the remedy was given she was

headache free for weeks at a time. Headache was less

painful and much shorter. Visual illusions much less.

Over the next three years, three more doses were

required. [If these speculations, imaginations are

Homœopathy, we may dump all the great text books,

volumes of Materia Medica etc. and begin to we

a….=KSS]

9. Alice in Wonderland

Growing Big and Growing Small

Lalor, Liz (HL. 22, 2/2009)

The homœopathic remedy Agaricus is derived

from a dilution of the Fly Agaric fungus (Magic

Mushrooms

- Agaricaceae family). Homœopaths have

for years surmised the constitutional picture of Alice in

the wonderful dreamtale of Alice’s Adventure in

Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. The fact that Alice

repertorised so wonderfully as Agaricus is what

continually stimulates the minds, and passions, of all

homœopaths.

Magic Mushrooms is a popular term for psilocybin

mushrooms, fungi that contain the psychedelic

substances psilocybin and psilocin and which produce

hallucinogenic effects.

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10. Lack of Oxygen in my Heart – Coldness in My

Heart

A Case of Aconitum napellus

KAWAN, Bishnu Bhakta (HL. 22, 2/2009)

A 30-year-old male, tall and thin with anxious face.

Complains of faintness during urination at times.

“Feeling of lack of oxygen in his heart” and coldness in

heart at that time. Head injury few years ago. Fear of

death during these attacks of faintness. Despair of

recovering. Years of medication failed to help.

Aconitum 30c & 200c, starting the next day for 3

days. In the next 30 days felt better in all aspects and

then relapse. Repeat Aconite 200. In the next three

years few more doses and lastly 1M and no problems at

all.

11. Importance of Hand Gestures

A case of Cactus grandiflora

OAK, Pankaj, A. (HL. 22, 2/2009)

A 33-year-old unmarried lady complained of lack

of confidence and feels pressurized at office. She is

sensitive to being laughed at, feels insulted easily, gets

hurt easily. Pain in hands and chest when angry. While

narrating repeated hand gestures were of closing the fist

and opening it – contraction and relaxation.

Sensitivity pointed to Plant Kingdom. Vital sensation

of contraction and relaxation points to Cactacea family.

The problem is not constant or stable which leads to

Malarial Miasm and the remedy is Cactus grandiflora.

The level of experience is stage IV – Delusion level so

the potency is 1M. Cactus grandiflora 1M.

Two weeks later, improvement in working pattern.

Still suffocative. Placebo. A month later, concentration

better. Two months later. Pain neck, subsided on its

own.

Eight months later – again lack of confidence,

nervous, feels taunted. Cactus 1M. After fourteen

months – No confusion. Confident. She has visited

thrice during next year or more and every time Cactus

1M helped.

12. Borax and Related remedies in Labour

The Fear of Falling

LEVANON, Dafna (HL. 22, 2/2009)

A lady consulted for abnormal position of the

foetus 12 days before her labour. Having strange

contractions – since 7th month. Started as pressure in

the bladder and extend up to the abdomen. She also had

fear of downward motion and also aphthae and herpetic

eruptions on lips. During the contraction, the head of

the child goes up. Borax 200. Three days later, the

foetus had turned 90 degrees to the side. Another dose

and the turn had completed and the foetus head was

down. During the labour another dose and she gave

birth.

2nd Case:

For a woman in her 11th pregnancy at 42 weeks,

Natrum muriaticum 200 was given for the indications;

she was calmer, slept better. Contractions started but

cervix only 75% effaced. She was impatient and had

pain in back. Nux vomica 200. Less pressure felt in

genital area. Few hours later water broke, and cervix

much effaced but foetus was high up. Borax 200.

Contractions came, but mild. Another dose an hour

later. There was full dilatation and delivered.

13. A case of MS and Sterility

GEUKENS, Alfons (HL. 22, 2/2009)

31 year-old, blond complexioned woman wanted to

become pregnant after several trials of IVF failed. She

had Multiple Sclerosis whose symptoms subsided with

cortisone. She had difficulty in swallowing, talking.

Paralysis of right side with inco-ordination. Reflects

long before answering. Slowness. Vertigo+. Tiredness

from the smallest loss of sleep. Anaemic. Irritability,

vomiting and diarrhea before menses since menarche.

Cocculus 30, one granule to be taken every day.

4 weeks later, vertigo completely gone. Refreshing

sleep active. Normal menstruation. No numbness of

hands (Remnants of MS even after cortisone).

5 months later, doses of 200 potency as and when

needed.

A year later, pregnant, since 3 months. Nausea and

vomiting, need to lie down often. Cocculus 1M.

delivered a boy normally.

14. Herniated Lumbar Disc – A Clinical Study

GUNDIMEDA, Ram Mohan (HL. 22, 2/2009)

A study of 21 MRI scans of various types of disc

prolapsed cases treated in the last four years confirmed

that the disc between L4-L5 is most commonly affected.

One failed post-laminectomy case was treated and the

treatment was assessed based on a visual analogous

scale. The homœopathic medicines that gave good

results and caused work absence to come drastically

down are shown. The comparative prognosis in other

systems of medicines is much less favourable.

Common symptoms are:

Leg pain (Like an electric shock), experienced over

the outside of the thigh, the lower leg or foot; sitting and

bending worsen the pain in central disc herniation.

Paraesthesia and muscle weakness are also seen.

Difficult urination, incontinence or impotence when

nerve roots of cauda equina are compressed.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 16

Pain with flexion, rotation or prolonged sitting or

standing and sharp pain are indicative of disk diseases.

The remedies used were Bry, Rhus-t., Hyp., and

Coloc. In acute condition. Lyco., Kali-c., Puls., Calc.

flour., Thuja, and Calc. carb. as constitutional remedies

and Medo. and Tub. as intercurrent remedies.

A case is presented.

15. Case of Discombobulation

JOSHI, Shachindra and Bhawisha

(HL. 22, 3/2009)

A 52 year-old-woman with complaints of fatigue,

repeated urinary tract infections and menopausal

Syndrome. Sleeplessness and panic attacks. Felt totally

isolated from the world. Fear relating to survival last

year. Had lot of frightening experiences in the past.

Feels giddy and discombobulated when in a crowd of

people. She felt her life had slowed down. [Perhaps the

great warrior Arjuna of Mahabharata who was much

confused on the war front should have consulted these

“homœopaths”.

These long, fancy case narrations and new remedies

not proved or available for everyone raises the

questions. Why should one study the Organon? Where

is the need for HERING and his 10 volumes of Guiding

Symptoms Dr.H.C. ALLEN or LIPPE or

FARRINGTON. All of these are to be dumped? =

KSS]

16. Peace Prevails over Angry Rage

The art & magic of Homœopathy

Bye-bye bedwetting, Violence, & ADHD, Hello

happy kid!

LUEPKER, Ian (HT. 32, 1/2012)

Brian, 10 year-old, boy with much anger, will hit,

punch and scream. Muscles tight with anger.

Diagnosed with ADHD. Bedwetting. Irritability from

noises.

Hives if he is angry or sad.

Feels mistreated. Rage from slightest blame.

Wants to take revenge when someone bosses him.

Jealous of younger brother. Dreams of being in desert

and attacked by animals. Craving for cold drinks.

Headache > by it. Dwells on past disagreeable

occurences. Sensitivity to slight noise. Bedwetting.

Apis and Hyoscyamus were considered. Formica

rufa 1M given.

6 weeks later: Bedwetting much less,

calmed down, sleep

improved. Had rashes which

came and left quickly.

6 weeks later: No bedwetting.

Improvement progressive.

2 months later: Mild relapse. Formica rufa

1M.

2 months later: Mood and patience

improved. Bedwetting

stopped. Not reacting to

sounds, even enjoys listening

to music.

3 months later: No problems.

2 months later: relapse after filling of tooth

cavities. Another dose.

A year later: Last and 4th dose and no

related problems.

Speech difficulties – Helleborus, Opium

Depression – Natrum mur.

Constipation, deteriorating muscular systems – Nux-v.

Rage attacks – Lyssin, Belladonna.

‘Spaced out’ mental state – Opium

Frequent ‘colds’ – Aconite.

Tom Cellini has been symptomatic for 26 years

uses a wheelchair and must be fed and completely cared

for. Their 42 year old daughter is symptomatic with HD

for 10 years.

The author thanks BARBARA, for her inspiration

with remarkable determination and tireless efforts.

19. Sweat Relief for Hormonal Ups and Downs

Homœopathy for women’s health at every stage

CATES, Trevor Holly (HT. 32, 1/2012)

Homœopathy helps difficult symptoms and

conditions associated with hormonal development –

from PMS, menstrual cramps to morning sickness and

then later hot flashes.

PMS & Painful Periods

Magnesium phosphoric: Menstrual cramps better by

bending forward and warm

applications

Colocynthis: When there is irritability and

> by strong pressure

Pulsatilla: Irregular periods, painful

breasts and bursts into tears

easily.

Nux vomica: Irritability, Jealousy, worse

on waking and cannot

tolerate tight clothing.

Pregnancy and Morning Sickness

Nux vomica: Nausea worse in the

morning. Desire for coffee.

Chilly and irritable.

Ipecac: Persistent nausea with

vomiting of both liquids and

solids, and lack of thirst.

Sepia: Nausea with irritability and

weepiness. Desire for

pickles, sour and vinegar

foods.

Mid life changes:

Lachesis: Hot flashes, sweating,

dizziness and irritability and

< by pressure of clothes.

Pulsatilla: Hot flashes, cries easily,

feels chilly prefers open air.

Sepia: Sweats worse at night, chilly,

irritable and averse to sex.

20. Carrots, sticks and coughs

DOOLEY, Timothy R. (HT. 32, 1/2012)

Homœopathic remedies help in controlling coughs

and help to throw off respiratory infection of all types.

Aconite: Sudden onset, restless and anxious

with cough. Exposure to dry cold

winds.

Hepar sulph: Chilly, irritable, averse to cold and

drafts. Cough croupy. Yellow

discharge.

Phosphorus: Thirst for cold drinks. Racking

cough, inflammatory, hoarse, dry or

tickling. Better in open air. Worse

lying on left side.

Rumex: Cough worse by breathing cold air.

Mucous tough, hard to expel.

Arsenicum album: Wants warm food and drinks,

restless, sips water frequently. Cough

better by sitting up, can’t lie down.

Pulsatilla: cough worse at night, better by sitting.

No thirst. Thick bland, yellow or

green discharges. Wants to be held.

Spongia: Hollow, barking cough. Dry air

passages. Better after eating, warm

drinks. Feels plug in voice box.

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Bryonia: Worse from any movement. Hold

their chest, head while coughing.

Pleurisy. Increased thirst. Irritability

and dry constipation.

21. Sam’s lesson: Homœopathy First for coughs

SHALTS, Edward (HT. 32, 1/2012)

Sam, had depression which cleared up with

homœopathic treatment. Minor problems now and

again would clear up with Homœopathy. During a

Christmas one year, had pretty severe cold. On 2nd Jan.

developed a severe cough. Dry and worse every time

going into the cold or tried to talk. < on lying down at

night left side. Tickling in throat and behind sternum.

No relief, after 10 days of antibiotics, and 2 days of

Prednisalone.

After a dose of Rumex crispus 30, he could sleep

well and with 2 more doses, whole episode of cough

was over.

22. Homöopathische Therapie beim apoplextischen

Insult: Arnica, Nux vomica, Lachesis, Crotalus

horridus, Naja

(Homöopathic Therapy in apopleptic strokes)

HADULLA MICHAELS & LANGSDORF, Jüngen

(ZKH. 55, 1/2011)

Acute ‘Stroke’ needs urgent interventions. In

addition to immediate management with recombinant

Tissue Plasma Activated in the first hours.

Subsequently homœopathic medicine in addition would

bring about very good results.

Nux vomica and the ‘snake remedies’ in

Homœopathy like Lachesis, Naja, Crotalus horridus

and Bothrops lanceolatus are receommended.

Three cases which were treated in the above

manner are reported.

Excellent knowledge of the Materia Medica is

stressed.

23. Latrodectus mactans: Protokole eines kardialen

Notfalls

(Latrodectus mactans: Protocol of a Cardiac

Emergency)

LANDA, Angela (ZKH. 55, 1/2011)

A case of Cardiac emergency.

51 year-old man, pain in chest high blood pressure

since several days.

The patient complained of severe pain, no radiation

to any other part. Pains in throat, extremely severe as

when the throat is pressed. Dyspnoea, cough, much

anxiety. Tachycardia 105/min. B.P. 190/10. Cold

sweat. Heavy smoker: 60 cigarettes a day. Alcohol too.

Has, at present marital problems, and some problems

with his Firm. Has not been taking his BP tablets since

weeks.

A dose of Latradectus mactans D 200 on the

tongue.

In the meantime the Emergency/Critical case

Doctors came and discussed about tansporting the

patient. Roads were bad and it was not possible to do it

with a helicopter.

Meanwhile the patient felt better, calmer, better

respiration, B.P. 155/90. Pulse 81/min. Few days later

saw the patient and he remained well.

Rubrics in Kent in which Lat-m is found:

Mind: Fear of death in Angina Pectoris

Respiration: Impeded from pain in chest

Chest: painful oppression

Chest: Angina pectoris

Chest: Pain, Heart-Heart region

Chest: Pain, Heart radiating, accompanied by difficult

breathing

Chest: Perspiration: Cold.

When we face emergency situations when intensive

medical facilities are unavailable the wonderful action

of our medicines comes to the rescue.

24. Selbstverletzendes Verhalten bei Borderline –

Persönlichkeitsstörung – Ein Fallbeispiel behandelt

mit Bönninghausen-Methode und Polaritäitsanalyse

disposition to Self-Injury in borderline Personality

disturbance.

(A Case example handled by Boenninghausen

Method and Polarity analysis)

FREI, Heiner (ZKH. 55, 2/2011)

Borderline Personality Disorder was placed

between neurotic and psychotic disorders and hence

termed as ‘borderline’. Since 1980 it has come on its

own as a Syndrome(BPS). The American Psychiatric

Association has defined it as DSM III. The problem is

more among adolescents and more in women. In most

of the cases the cause may be psychic or physical

trauma.

The case study of a 15 year old female is discussed.

Boenninghausen’s Polarity Analysis Method was

adopted and Belladonna 200 so selected and given

helped the girl substantially.

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IV. REPERTORY

1. Adding and Grading

PATEL, Ramanlal P. (HL. 22, 2/2009)

In recent years thousands of new additions have

been made to repertories. These additions and the way

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remedies have been graded in rubrics have often been

done without following the guidelines laid out by

HAHNEMANN, BOENNINGHAUSEN and KENT.

This has resulted in repertories that misguide

homœopaths and harm patients.

Response by ZANDVOORT, Roger Van.

The lowest degree used to grade those additions

found only in proving without clinical confirmations

represent 70% of Kent’s repertory as well as in

Complete Repertory.

Much more statistics can be found in

http://www.morphologica.com/english/repertory/statisti

cs.htm

Boenninghausen’s and Jahr’s work are good and

are completely included in my repertories. Their

gradings are different from the one used by Kent. Kent

missed many important sources from German material,

as he used only those translated to English.

Reply by SCHROYENS, Frederik

The core intention of Dr. Patel is to hail a carefully

built repertory, which I fully support. I do not agree

with many of his claims.

Synthesis 9.1 contains only 1,39,714 rubrics and

not more than a million rubrics.

Synthesis Edition 7 had speculative information

and the choice of using or ignoring were given. In Nov.

2007, Essential Synthesis published, where speculative

information was removed.

Grading System need to be reviewed carefully.

Synthesis Treasure edition 9.2 contains Kent’s last

additions.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

V. PHARMACOLOGY

1. Electrical impedance and HV plasma images of

high dilutions of sodium chloride

ASSUMPÇÃO, R. (HOM. 97, 3/2008)

This paper reports impedance data and high voltage

plasma photographic plates of high dilutions of Sodium

chloride in water submitted to the homœopathic dilution

and succussion upto 30cH. Extremely low

concentrations of the original salt, even beyond

Avogadro number, clearly differ from ‘pure’ water and;

the action of Sodium chloride on the electrical

properties of water is inverted at high dilution.

2. Delayed luminescence of high homœopathic

potencies on sugar globuli

LENGER, K., BAJPAI. RP., & DREXEL, M.

(HOM. 97, 3/2008)

Delayed luminescence signals of Arg. Met. CMf

(100Mf), Canth. CMf, Bov. CMf absorbed onto sugar

globuli was observed by exciting them at their known

resonance frequency of 2.060 MHz. Alc. LMK (50MK)

could not be excited by 2.060 MHz and showed

properties of control globuli. Canth. LMK could not be

excited at 2.006 MHz.

The delayed luminescence signals were

characterized by the coefficient B2 typical of the

delayed luminescence of non-living complex systems,

and by the coefficient B0 typical of living systems.

Both coefficients can be considered as indicative of

holistic quantum structures in homœopathic potencies.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

VI. VETERINARY

1. Homœopathic treatment of Equine Laminitis

LUCERNE, Eve Mary (HT. 32, 1/2012)

Founder or laminitis is a rheumatic inflammation of

the ligaments and bones of the lower limbs, usually of

the front legs.

When her mare developed gravel and substantial

Founder, was confirmed on X-ray a dose of Belladonna

30c on first day, followed by Ginkgo biloba 2x three

times a day for the next two days. Swelling and

lameness subsided. In due course she’s grown a nice,

healthy hoof.

This was based on the work of German Veterinary

Dr. Hans WOLTER.

2. Effect of homœopathic medicines on helminth

parasitism and resistance of Haemonchus contortus

infected sheep

ZACHARIAS, F., GUIMARÃES, JE., ARAỨJO et

al. (HOM. 97, 3/2008)

This study evaluated the effects of homœopathic

treatment on control of Haemonchus contortus infection

in sheep. Twenty lambs were randomized to three

treatments: treated with the homœopathic medicines,

Ferrum phosphoricum, Arsenicum album and Calcarea

carbonica; treated with a conventional antihelminthic,

doramectin, and an untreated control group. Fecal and

blood samples were taken from each animal on days 18,

38 and 68 after start of treatment.

A significant reduction in number of H. contortus

larvae (p < 0.01) was observed for animals in the

homœopathic treatment group compared to the control

group. Fecal egg counts showed negative correlation

between haematocrit and haemoglobin concentrations in

the homœopathic treatment group (p < 0.01); however,

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 20

the biochemical and immunological parameters showed

better correlation, indicating that the homœopathic

medicine improved vital functions. Daily weight gain

in the homœopathic treatment group was superior to the

control and to the antihelminthic groups, 31 and 6.5%,

respectively. The cost benefit analysis confirmed that

Homœopathy group increases economic trend when

compared with the other groups.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

VII. RESEARCH

1. Homœopathic Research Matters

Silica – based Nanomedicine?

JOHNSON, Christopher (HT. 32, 1/2012)

In 2007, the journal Homeopathy ran a special

edition focusing on the properties of water. David

ANICK of Harvard Medical School and John IVES

OF Samnueli Institute theorized that Silica particles

leaching from the glass vials used in remedy production

could develop, into remedy-specific structures.

In 2010, they published a paper reporting the

preparation of homœopathic potencies of glutamate and

acetylthiocholine (upto 30c) in both glass and plastic

containers. Then added enzymes to the 30c

preparations.

The results showed (1) there were small but

material concentrations of Silica particles in solutions in

glass, but not plastic and these solutions significantly

prolonged the life of enzymes.

In October 2010, Homœopathy published a paper

demonstrating for the first time in history that

homœopathic remedies contain actual physical remnants

of the source material. In this study by Indian Institute

of Technology (Mumbai) used various cutting edge

technologies to take nano-scale snapshots of high

potency remedies (Zincum, Aurum, Stannum, Cuprum,

Argentum and Platinum) in 6c, 30, and 200 potencies.

They found nano-size crystalline structures with the

same signature, as the source substance in crude form.

A team from the prestigious Indian Institute of

Technology (I.I.T.), Mumbai used various cutting edge

technologies to take nanoscale snapshots of

commercially acquired high potency remedies (Zincum,

Aurum, Stannum, Cuprum, Argentum, and Platinum)

in6c, 30c, 200c potencies. What they found was nano-

size crystalline structures with the same signature as the

source substance in crude form. In 2011,

“Homœopathy Emerging as Nanomedicine” was

published in The International Journal of High

Dilution Research”. In it researchers from the

Department of Biochemical Engineering and

Biotechnology at the I.I.T. (Delhi) tested homœopathic

remedies Pulsatilla, Colchicum and Belladonna

(potencies 1 through 15c) and confirmed that

homœopathic remedies create silicates with specific

crystalline structures.

It is exciting to see these highly skilled scientists

interested in Homœopathy and contributing to the field!

It seems only a matter of time before breakthroughs are

made that not only give Homœopathy more clout but

also provide insights that could improve practice of

Homœopathy.

3. Towards standard setting for patient-reported

outcomes in the NHS homœopathic hospitals

THOMPSON A. Elizabeth, MATHIE T. Robert

et al. (HOM. 97, 3/2008)

Introduction: We report findings from a pilot data

collection study within a programme of quality

assurance, improvement and development across all five

homœopathic hospitals in the UK National Health

Service (NHS).

Aims: (1) To pilot the collection of clinical data in the

homœopathic hospital outpatient setting, recording

patient-reported outcome since first appointment; (2) to

sample the range of medical complaints that secondary-

care doctors treat using Homœopathy, and thus identify

the nature and complexity of complaints most

frequently treated nationally; (3) to present a cross

section of outcome scores by appointment number,

including that for the most frequently treated medical

complaints; (4) to explore approaches to standard

setting for homœopathic practice outcome in patients

treated at the homœopathic hospitals.

Methods: A total of 51 medical practitioners took part

in data collection over a 4-week period. Consecutive

patient appointments were recorded under the headings:

(1) date of first appointment in the current series; (2)

appointment number; (3) age of patient; (4) sex of

patient; (5) main medical complaint being treated; (6)

whether other main medical complaint(s); (7) patient-

reported change in health, using Outcome Related to

Impact on Daily Living (ORIDL) and its derivative, the

ORIDL Profile Score (ORIDL-PS; range, -4 to +4,

where a score ≤ --2 or ≥ +2 indicates an effect on the

quality of a patient’s daily life); (8) receipt of other

complementary medicine for their main medical

complaint.

Results: The distribution of patient age was bimodal:

main peak, 49 years; secondary peak, 6 years. Male:

female ratio was 1:3.5. Data were recorded on a total of

1797 individual patients: 195 first appointments, 1602

follow-ups (FUs). Size of clinical service and

proportion of patients who attended more than six visits

varied between hospitals. A total of 235 different

medical complaints were reported. The 30 most

commonly treated complaints were (in decreasing order

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 21

of frequency): eczema; chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS);

menopausal disorder; osteoarthritis; depression; breast

cancer; rheumatoid arthritis; asthma; anxiety; irritable

bowel syndrome; multiple sclerosis; psoriasis; allergy

(unspecified); fibromyalgia; migraine; premenstrual

syndrome; chronic rhinitis; headache; vitiligo; seasonal

allergic rhinitis; chronic intractable pain; insomnia;

ulcerative colitis; acne; psoriatic arthropathy; urticaria;

ovarian cancer; attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

(ADHD); epilepsy; sinusitis. The proportion of patients

with important co-morbidity was higher in those seen

after visit 6 (56.9%) compared with those seen up to and

including that point (40.7%; P < 0.001). the proportion

of FU patients reporting ORIDL-PS ≥ +2 (improvement

affecting daily living) increased overall with

appointment number: 34.5% of patients at visit 2 and

59.3% of patients at visit 6, for example. Amongst the

four most frequently treated complaints, the proportion

of patients that reported ORIDL-PS ≥ +2 at visit

numbers greater than 6 varied between 59.3% (CFS)

and 73.3% (menopausal disorder).

Conclusions: We have successfully piloted a process of

national clinical data collection using patient-reported

outcome in homœopathic hospital outpatients,

identifying a wide range and complexity of medical

complaints treated in that setting. After a series of

Homœopathy appointments, a high proportion of

patients, often representing “effectiveness gaps” for

conventional medical treatment, reported improvement

in health affecting their daily living. These pilot

findings are informing our developing programme of

standard setting for homœopathic care in the hospital

outpatient context.

4. An animal model for the study of Chamomilla in

stress and depression: pilot study

PINTO, Sandra Augusta Gordinho, BOHLAND,

ELISABETH et al. (HOM. 97, 3/2008)

The behavioral and hematological effects of

treatment with Chamomilla 6cH in mice subjected to

experimental stress are described. Swiss mice were

randomly divided into pairs, one animal was inoculated

with Ehrlich’s tumor, the other was treated daily with

Chamomilla 6cH or control or received no treatment.

After 7 days, the animals were observed in an open-field

arena and blood samples taken. Mice who cohabitated

with a sick cage-mate showed a decrease in their

general activity, but those treated with Chamomilla 6cH

were less severely affected (p = 0.0426). No

hematological changes were observed.

In a second experiment, the forced swimming test

was applied to mice pre-treated with Chamomilla 6cH,

controls were: water, 10% ethanol or amitriptyline.

Only the amitriptyline and ethanol treated groups

showed significant excitatory behavior (p = 0.0020),

Chamomilla 6cH treated animals’ scores intermediate

between water control and ethanol or amitriptyline. A

decrease in the leukocyte count was observed in the

amitriptyline and Chamomilla 6cH treated groups (p =

0.039). these data suggest that treatment with

Chamomilla 6cH is related to the recovery of basal

behavioral conditions in mice subjected to stressful

conditions.

5. ‘Homœopathy’: Untangling the debate

RELTON, Clare, O’CATHAIN, Alicia &

THOMAS J. Kate (HOM. 97, 3/2008)

There are active public campaigns both for and

against Homœopathy, and its continuing availability in

the NHS is debated in the medical, scientific and

popular press. However, there is a lack of clarity in key

terms used in the debate, and in how the evidence base

of Homœopathy is described and interpreted.

The term ‘Homœopathy’ is used with several

different meanings including: the therapeutic system,

homœopathic medicine, treatment by a homœopath, and

the principles of ‘Homœopathy’. Conclusions drawn

from one of these aspects are often inappropriately

applied to another aspect. In interpreting the

Homœopathy evidence it is important to understand that

the existing clinical experimental (randomized

controlled trial) evidence base provides evidence as to

the efficacy of homœopathic medicines, but not the

effectiveness of treatment by a homœopath. The

observational evidence base provides evidence as to the

effectiveness of treatment by a homœopath. We make

four recommendations to promote clarity in the

reporting, design and interpretation of Homœopathy

research.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

VIII. GENERAL

1. Conversations with Ichabod

MARRS, Iain (HL. 22, 3/2009)

This short article is based on a book by Brenda Cox

(Conversations with an Eagle, Greystone, Vancouver,

BC, Canada, 2002), in which she narrates her

experiences with Ichabod, a bald-headed eagle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

IX. BOOKS

I. PRAXIS: Method of complexity by Massimo

MANGIALAVORI Vol.I Methodology, Vol. II

Case Studies of the homœopathic Family Matrix

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 22

Press, Modena, Italy. J. Sobraske, Ed. 284, 298

pp., with Indices, $125.00 the set. Review Richard

MOSKOWITZ (AJHM. 103, 4/2010).

“Massimo MANGIALAVORI’s latest work is

strong and valuable medicine for homœopaths of all

persuasions and at all levels of experience. Simply

reading it for this occasion has also enriched and

sharpened my practice. Beyond that it is also a pleasure

to read. It is written with intelligence, which is to say,

perceptively, with careful attention to detail, yet never

losing sight of the “big picture.” Better still, “” to

ponder it, digest it slowly and take it to heart, …….

“It all culminates in his concept of Homœpathic

family, precisely the point where his method comes

closest to that of SANKARAN and SCHOLTEN… The

attempt to classify homœopathic remedies into

“families” has a very old pedigree, and consists of two

possible strategies, based on “taxonomy” the place of

the remedy within nature … … his insistence that no

one method or formula of case-taking or remedy study

every case… This brings me to his first heresy.

Contrary to all we were once taught, that Provings are

not the best source for Materia Medica study, because

they yield a vast amount of information, in long lists of

detailed symptoms, …..

…I have no doubt that this work is among the very

best our method has produced in its long history…”

[The review is quite long and very appreciative.

Personally I feel that the author, Massimo

MANGIALAVORI, is one of “innovators”, the

SANKARAN, SCHOLTEN and their like thinkers. In

so far as the statement that proving is not the best source

of Materia Medica, [I may only point out that

HAHNEMANN has said that Proving is the only

method to ascertain the curative of power drugs. He has

clearly said that drugs in the source family do not really

produce similar symptoms.

“Essay on a New Principle for ascertaining the

Curative Powers of Drugs” – and other writeup of

Samuel HAHNEMANN = KSS.]

II. Butterflies: An Innovative Guide to the use of

Butterfly Remedies in Homœopathy, by Patricia

LeROUX, Narayana Verlag GmbH. 2009. 25Є.

ISBN 978-3-939931, review by Jay YASGUR

(AJHM. 103, 1/2010).

“Butterflies is the most recent book by the French

Paediatrician Patricia LeROUX who first began

studying butterfly-as-remedy in Marseilles in 2001. Her

inspiration came from the Indian Homœopath Chetna

SHUKLA and Dutch Homœopath J.P. JANSSEN. This

work which discusses five moths and eight butterflies, is

the culmination of her labors until now.

“… In the Provings section LeROUX outlines the

method which range from toxicological information to

meditative Provings. Nearly all the Provings are very

small and thus her caveat “that the following

information is only minimal and calls for

verification…”. “ …Despite the paucity of information

from which this book suffers, this section does make for

interesting reading. The theme of ‘autocastration’ came

up with this remedy …. This work is certainly

incomplete and in need of much more, ….” [What is the

use of reporting an incomplete work. Anything seems

to sell in Homœopathy = KSS].

III. The Trituration Handbook: Into the Heart of

Homœopathy, by Anneke HOGELAND and

Judy SCHRIEBMAN, Homœopathy West 2008;

quality paperbook: ISBN 978-0-9754763-2-1.

$40US. Review Jay YASGUR (AJHM. 103,

1/2010):

“This is one of the most innovative books to

recently come along, in that it discusses, in detail, C4-

Homœopathy and trituration Provings. C4

Homœopathy emerged circa 1993 under the guidance

by Jürgen BECKER, who was justly inspired by the

work of non-homœopath Witold EHRLER. Witold’s

thought is based on the ‘8 carbon levels of existence.’

Where Witold’s Cosmology dovetails with

Homœopathy/and it does so quite nicely) is with the

trituration methodology.

….Dutch Alize TIMMERMAN is another pioneer

in the field.

…This ‘new wave’ approach to Homœopathy is not

for the neophyte. [not for the well-experienced either =

KSS].

…It is a durable, well-produced book, and an

enlightening read.

[What is required badly is proper training of the

Homœopath in the actual, genuine practice of

Homœopathy. Nobody does it. No one has come in

place of late Dr. Pierre SCHMIDT. Where is the need

for innovation? = KSS].

IV. Homœopathy and Mental Health Care:

Integrative Practice, Principles and Research,

JOHANNES, Christopher K., and Vander ZEE,

Harry. ISBN 978-94-90453-01-5 $50 USD.

Review Jay YASGUR (AJHM. 103, 2/2010):

“In twenty Chapters, divided into three sections

(Introductions, Integrations, Case Applications and

Therapeutic process, Research, Ethics and Theory), the

editior presents “Homœopathy and Mental Health Care:

Exploring the Role of Homœopathy in Reducing the

Global Mental Health Burden… etc., etc. Several

contributions on several aspects. … . . Not everything

in this book will be of interest, but, no doubt, several

chapters will make few fine reading.”

V. Homœopathy, Patterns in the Periodic Table,

Part I, Rows 1, 2, 3 and Noble Gases by

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Bawisha JOSHI 400pp. 2008. ISBN 978-81-

7525-940-9. $ 80USD - review by Jay YASGUR

(AJHM. 103, 2/2010): …… If you are interested

in Scholten’s methodology, you’ll find this book

quite useful, this despite the fact that it is set up in a

sans-serif font.

VI. The Source in Homœopathy: Cosmic Diversity

and Individual Talent by Irene

SCHLINGENSIEPEN-BRYSCH. ISBN-978-3-

939931-18-8. $45 USD. Review by Jay YASGUR

(AJHM. 103, 2/2010):

“Dr. SCHLINGENSIEPEN-BRYSCH’s ‘brand’ of

Homœopathy is called ‘source-based’ and is described

in this tome. Actually, like all books, it discusses far

more than that. ‘Source-based Homœopathy’ means

that the patient through words, feelings, gestures, will

tell you the exact remedy he or she needs.” [This is

nothing new. Has not HAHNEMANN already said in

the Organon “the physician see, hears and remarks by

his other sense….” (Aph. 84).? = KSS].

VII. The Power of Vision: Life of Samuel

Hahnemann by Catherine Coulter. Ninth House

Publishing, Arlington, MA, 2011, soft cover 191

pages, $24.95. Reviewed by Richard

MOSKOWITZ (HT. 32, 1/2012).

This book was written primarily for adolescents

and young adults, and for the most part in simple

language. Unlike any previous biography, this one

centers on his own childhood, adolescence, and young

adulthood as a unique vantage point from which his

maturity and old age actually make a new kind of sense.

VIII. Die Geschichte der Homöopathie in der

Schweiz. Quellen und Studien zur

Homöopathiegeschichte Band 12 (History of

Homœopathy in Switzerland) ERLACH, A.

Haug. Stuttgart 2009. 330S. Є79.95 review

Christian LUCAE (ZKH. 54, 1/2010) (German):

At first the author had planned to write the

biography of Pierre SCHMIDT whose large library is in

St. Gallen. During the course of this research he

concluded to write a larger history of Homœopathy in

Switzerland. This took him ten years and at last he

brought up a large volume …. The book contains also

biographies of Rudolf FLURY, Antoine NEBEL senior

and the book more valued.

… An excellently researched book.

IX. Verlaufsbeurteilung in der Homöopathie (The

judgement of course in Homœopathy), SPRING,

B. Stuttgart, Haug 2009m 208 S. Є49.95 review

Thomas GENEPPER (German) ZKH. 54, 1/2010):

“The travel is often more difficult than the starting”

Beat SPRING has written a thorough book on the

subject. He has drawn from the old and new thoughts

also. He attempts to throw more light on ‘Hering’s

Law’.

The book gives useful hints for strategy and

essential questions. SPRING has given more models

other than the Herings-Law (it actually Hahnemann’s

observations) and Kent’s thirteen reactions.

A helpful book in daily practice.

X. Looking Back Moving Forward by RONSON,

R.J. , London. Food for thoughts Publications

2007, 498 pp. ₤33. (English) review Christian

LUCAE (ZKH. 54, 1/2010):

In form Interview with the Homœopaths of the

time; it allows a view of the last 40 years of

Homœopathy in the U.K. Interview with George

VITHOULKAS was the origin of this inquiry. Some of

those interviewed are Peter CHAPPEL, Roger

SAVAGE, Francis TREUHERZ, Lionel MILGRAM, et

al. also Jeremy SHERR, Brian KAPLAN, Sheilagh

CREASY, and others.

Those interested in British Homœopathy will find

the book interesting.

XI. Selbstver ständnisse. Dialoge über Körper und

Gemüt im frühen 19. Jahr-hundert (Self

awareness. Dialogue on Body and Mind in early

19th Century), STOCKMEYER, B: Götingen

Wallstein Verlag: 2009, geb. 452 S. Є39.90

(German) review Christian LUCAE (ZKH. 54,

2/2010):

The title and publication may not recall that it

would have any connection with Homœopathy. It

contains an evaluation of about 800 letters from

Hahnemann’s Practice, supplements with information

from Case Registers, sketches from the diary and

autobiographies.

From 1831 in Koethen, HAHNEMANN began to

collect his correspondence systematically. In all there

are 5000 letters, and Case Reports. These are all in the

Robert Bosch Institute for history of Medicine. The

author who is an assistant in the Faculty for History in

Bielfeld University gives interesting insights in the

disease reports of 46 patients of HAHNEMANN from

the angle of the historic Anthropology.

The difficulties of HAHNEMANN with his

demand for anamnesis of the patient, a thorough

dialogue with critical, inquiring and skeptical patients

are well described.

To those who have studied hitherto the Hahnemann

Case Registers or the historically researched literature in

this regard, this book is rather unusual. It is not the

medical procedure or the actual treatment but the art and

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method of narration of the patients of these times, which

form the main subject of this book.

XII. Homöopathische Krankheits-Bilder, Mit

cartoons zum passenden Arzneimittel, Band 2.

(Homœopathy Disease picture, with Cartoons of

suitable medicines – Vol. 2) by A. GOETHE,

DRINNENBERG, J. Haug: 2010, 200 pp.

Є39.95. (German) review Christian LUCAE

(ZKH. 54, 4/2010):

“Besides Homœopathy laughing is always the best

medicine,” said Jens WURSTER who has written to

Introduction to the above work by GOTHE (Text) and

DRINNENBERG (illustrations).

On every page one medicine with a short and

concise text characterizing the diagnosis given on the

page. Rest of the page contains cartoon drawings.

When one keep in mind the cartoon, one will

rapidly recall the drug and its characteristic.

An interesting work.

XIII. Homöopathie bei rhematischen Er-krankungen

(Homœopathy in rheumatic diseases), A.

VOEGELI, 8 überarb. Aufl. Stuttgart, Haug.

2006, 133 pp. Є29.95 (German) review

FRIEDBERT Alt (ZKH. 54, 4/2010):

The book has 116 pages in regard to the causes and

therapy of rheumatic diseases. The author in the

Introduction, explains classical Homœopathy. … At the

end there is Materia Medica of acute remedies.

Recommended to everyone dealing with rheumatic

disease.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

X. OBITUARY

1. Rustom Roy, PhD: July 3, 1924 – August 26, 2010

(AJHM. 103, 4/2010).

It is with a heavy heart that I convey to you that

Rustum ROY, PhD., professor emeritus in material

sciences at Penn State University, has passed away at 86

years of age.

Dr. ROY was a highly regarded professor of

material sciences who had an appreciation for

alternative medicine and homœopathic medicine. Dr.

Roy created the Material Sciences Lab at Penn State,

and this laboratory and his department at Penn State has

consistently been recognized as one of the best in the

world.

One personal story with Dr. ROY comes

immediately to mind:

Just after Dr. ROY published one of his important

articles on Homœopathy, he participated in a press

conference sponsored by the National Center for

Homœopathy. One of the reporters at this press

conference was from the respected scientific magazine,

“The New Scientist.” This reporter initially startled all

of us by asserting that he previously worked and wrote

for “Nature” magazine but then he noted that in order to

get that job one of the editors at “Nature” posed a

difficult technical question to him for which he was

required to read one of Dr. Roy’s articles. The reporter

noted that Dr. ROY solved a very complex question in a

sophisticated fashion, and because this reporter was able

to convey Dr. Roy’s wisdom to his interviewer at

“Nature,” he got the job.

This reporter told Dr. Roy that he had followed his

career ever since and has been consistently impressed

by his scholarship and inventive thinking. The reporter

wrote an impressively positive article about

Homœopathy and the work of Dr. Rustum ROY,

entitled “Water: The Quantum Elixir”

(http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19025461.200-

water-the-quantum-elixir.html or

http//www.proxywhore.com/invboard/index

php?showtopic=48470)

For those of us involved in Homœopathy, it is

impressive that the editors at “Nature” had enough

respect for Dr. ROY that they used some of his work in

material sciences to determine whether to employ

science writers. (Sadly but predictably, the editors at

“Nature” have changed their attitudes towards Dr. Roy

ever since he expressed special appreciation and respect

for homœopathic medicine, once again proving the

problems inherent in fundamentalism of various sorts,

including scientific fundamentalism.)

Despite Dr. Roy’s advancing age, he maintained

strong and sharp intellectual capacities to the very end.

Evidence of his mental acuity is the fact that for the

past couple of years he has co-hosted a truly excellent

internet radio show with Huffington Post blogger Alison

ROSE LEVY called “Whole Person Healing Via Body

Mind Spirit”

(http//www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vshow.asp

x?sid=1601). The list of guests that he and Alison

interviewed on this show represent a who’s who in

“whole person healing.”

As a materials scientist, he understood that it is not

simply necessary to understand the chemical

composition of a substance but to understand its

structure. He commonly noted that the strongest

mineral in the world is the diamond, which is made of

pure carbon. He then also noted that the weakest

mineral in the world is graphite, which is also made out

of pure carbon. His lesson here is that the structure of a

substance is critical. Dr. ROY then asserted that the

bubbles and nano-bubbles that occur from the shaking

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of double-distilled water charges the water pressure in

glass vials to attain 10,000 atm (atmospheres). Making

a homœopathic medicine in this highly pressurized

water is not the same as using simple water.

Dr. ROY was known to call people who deny the

wide variety of scientific evidence for Homœopathy to

be “homeophobes.” He laughed at their ignorance

about Homœopathy and about real science, though he

was saddened by their extreme arrogance.

- Dana Ullman, MPH

2. Dr. Alfons GEUKENS. 30.9.1944 – 18.10.2010.

(AJHM. 103, 4/2010).

Dr. GEUKENS studied with George

VITHOULKAS. He was very enthuastic with

Homœopathy. In his turn he taught several doctors by

practical demonstration in his hospital: Chronic

pathology, acute diseases and 24 hours coverage. In

the constant stream of patients he made the Materia

Medical come alive. There was no elaborate

psychological analyses, but in very concrete “bedside”

therapy. He always stressed the importance of a good

clinical examination and bent acute prescribing. He

know a lot about serious pathology with his experience

in Tropical Medicine.

He organized Seminars, he was an inspiring father

for a whole generation of homœopaths. – Dr. Henk van

Hootegem, Belgium.

3. David Warkentin: (20.8.1951 – 9.9.2010).

AJHM. 103, 4/2010).

“It is with much sadness that I write to

acknowledge the death of David WARKENTIN on

Sept. 9, 2010. He passed away peacefully at his home

in the forested hills of Nicasio, California, attended by

his partner Vajra MATUSOW and many close friends

who cared for him tenderly through his last days. He

had no inkling of illness until early July and survived

barely two months from the time of his diagnosis. It

was stunning to see such a rich and complex life

extinguished so rapidly.

David Kent WARKENTIN was born in Atherton,

California on August 20, 1951. David realized that his

very birth name contained the heart of Homœopathy in

it. J.T. KENT was one of David’s great heroes as

reflected in the name he named his ground-breaking

software company – Kent Homœopathic Associates or

KHA.

He was a fantastic outdoors man finding renewal in

nature…..His dry and cutting wit was balanced by

gentlest of spirits. He was a practicing homœopath of

high reputation working in an office with Bill GRAY,

Nancy HERRICK and Peggy CHIPKIN as a lay

prescriber.

In 1985 David was one of the cofounders of the

Hahnemann Medical Clinic in Berkeley and one of the

first instructor at the Hahnemann College of

Homœopathy. David continued to teach at almost every

educational forum in America and in Europe and Asia.

David’s seminal work with homœopathic software

program, Mac Repertory, has remained on the cutting

edge of homœopathic software ever since.

David served for many years on the Board of

Directors of the National Center for Homœopathy

with Todd ROWE, Joyce FRYE, Jay BORNEMAN and

Julian WINSTON.

David died from a very aggressive malignant

Melanoma having a dozen cerebral tumors at the time

he first became symptomatic. His primary Tumor was

hidden in his Pelvis unnoticed. I mention this because

David would want to help others even in his death.

There is a well documented link between

electromagnetic frequencies produced by cell phone and

other technologies and Melanoma. David’s computer

sat in his lap (immediately above the location of his

primary tumor) perhaps twelve hours per day hooked up

to a cell phone receiver. Let us use this as a caution to

be wary of allopathic assurances that these technologies

are harmless. In David’s name, tell your friends and

patients!

David will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his

devotion to our profession and his innovative genius.

The loss to our profession is as incalculable as it is

painful to those of us who loved him.

- Roger Morrison, M.D.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

XI. NEWS & NOTES

I. Leprosy continues to haunt India, social stigma

remains DHAR, Aarti. The Hindu, Jan. 30, 2013.

The disease Leprosy continues to haunt the

Government. Those affected continue to face social

stigma and discrimination. The Annual New Case

Detection Rate for 2011-12 is 10.35 per 100,000

population.

Leprosy is a leading cause of permanent physical

disability. Timely diagnosis and treatment of cases,

before nerve damage occurred, is the most effective way

of preventing disability due to leprosy.

There are 700 leprosy colonies in the country where

over 2 lakh people live marginalized lives. There is a

steady flow of new cases, may be due to complacency

in the implementation of the National Leprosy

Eradication Programme. Though in 2005 leprosy was

eliminated (having less than 1 patient per 10,000

population), now it has world’s highest burden of

disease accounting for close to 58 percent of the cases in

the world. There has been a huge reduction in the funds

ever since leprosy was ‘eliminated’ that has adversely

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impacted the non-governmental Organizations and civil

society activists working for the uplift of the leprosy-

affected and cured people.

II. The hazy haven of heroes and heroin by

Girijakumar (Extracts from The Hindu, Chennai –

April 21, 2013)

For several celebrities, drugs are synonymous with

their flamboyant glamorous and reckless lifestyles.

Some of the users conceal the consequences of this

habit by falsely-assumed benefits – e.g. mood

stimulation. The string of scandals implicating

celebrities reflects the nation’s unbounded consumption

patterns.

Drugs like Cannabis, Coke and Heroin are ‘snorted’

/injected. These are well known for a bacchanalian

night out.

The Count of celebrity addiction is alarmingly long

and steadily on the rise. India’s emerging status as a

drug consuming nation is linked in ways to the

international drug trade.

Several members of the film industry believe that

these drugs drive their ‘creative instinct’ and contribute

to ‘exceptional performance’. It is not just the actors,

but the film makers as well. Celebrities co-exist with

addiction. In the end, the drug infused celebrity utopia

is bound to be shattered. [One important aspect is

money. All these ‘celebrities have lot of ill-gotten

money. Money which they can burn. Few years ago a

News Channel showed a celebrity (Junior) ‘snorting’

through a Rupee Five hundred currency note rolled! It

is not such celebrity alone. It is the ill-gotten money =

KSS.]

III. Sixty years of DNA. It is sixty years since James

WATSON and Francis CRICK published their papers in

Nature describing the double helical structure of the

DNA molecule. It unleashed a genomic worldview and

led to the central dogma of Genetics and Biology, the

linear flow of cellular information from DNA (deoxy-

ribonucleic acid) to RNA (ribonucleic acid) to Protein

within cells, which seemed elegant in its simplicity,

captured the imagination of many and is now enshrined

in science. Ever since, largely through

miscommunication “there is a gene for condition XYZ”

has been taken to mean, “the gene causes XYZ and the

gene alone causes it.” This idea has trapped the general

thinking on genetics in numerous ways.

This popular notion of the DNA being the central

and only player in cellular and genetic information is

quite flawed and scientists have known this for a long

time even as new evidence continues to mount opposing

the perception of DNA as the master molecule……

indeed “What is a gene?” is a hotly debated and

unsettled question in Science. ….. Genetic expression

is quite plastic and the effect of multiple genes cannot

be added up. …..

That genetic tests claim to be able to predict or add

value to one’s health is false or highly

exaggerated…..(Extract from Sujatha Byravan, The

Hindu, 6 May 2013).

IV. Drug-resistant Bacteria on the rampage, says

expert. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics the reason.

Antibiotics, once hailed as the bedrock of modern

medicine, may not work on infections in the next ten

years as their indiscriminate use had spawned drug

resistant Bacteria, Camilla RODRIGUES Chairperson

of the Infection Control Committee of Hinduja Hospital,

Mumbai said. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics, the

problem is much more in India…. The focus needs to

be directed at improving public sanitation conditions as

large amounts of consumed antibiotics are excreted by

the human body, making sewers happy breeding

grounds for bacterial organisms to churn out

superbugs…..(The Hindu, May 6, 2013).

V. Draw the Line At Salty Treats: (The Hindu,

Jan. 28, 2013) – G. Ananthakrishnan. “Salt, Salt, Salt,”

said Nancy Spaeth, four time renal transplant recipient,

to her audience. Most of us are eating too much salt and

it has serious consequences for our health that surface

without warning.

Having lived with kidney disease for decades. Ms.

SPAETH, a nurse, knows what she is talking about

when she says we need to cut our salt intake. The next

time you are at a store, take a look at all those packaged

snacks that beckon with alluring packaging, ethnic

flavours and funny names. Almost all of them are

salted and that too, heavily. We don’t live in that part of

the world where ‘low sodium’ is really on.

Dr. Georgi ABRAHAM, one of the senior

Nephrologists says “The maximum Sodium chloride or

common salt a healthy person needs in a day is 4 gms”.

Professor Kiyoshi KUROKAWA, a Japanese

Professor of Medicine points out in his article that high

blood pressure is directly linked to salt intake, because it

raises the body’s fluid volume. He also says that areas

of Japan where salt consumption was higher had

proportionately higher sales of anti-hypertension

medications.

What distinguishes us, modern humans, is our

acquired taste for salt – one that is fed constantly by the

packaged food industry. That taste is raising our blood

pressure silently and scarring our internal organs like

the heart and kidneys. Rates of Diabetes and

Hypertension are growing, leading to organ failure and

our eating habits only hasten the decline. Air-

conditioning combined with high-salt diets is a double

whammy for blood pressure.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 27

Our law is so weak that brands do not even say on

the package labels, how much Sodium the food

contains. For now, the real option is to say ‘no’ to salt.

VI. On Inhaling drugs that heal, not harm.

How many different ways can we administer a

medication or a drug? Depending on its physical

properties, it can be rubbed on the skin like most

lotions. It can be instilled in the form of drops,

swallowed in the form of tablets, emulsions or potions.

It is injected directly into bloodstream.

Of all these, the mode of injection using a syringe

and needle is perhaps the latest, or most modern

method. It requires technology of the kind that was not

available a century ago – making metal needles that are

hollow and with sharp tips, and syringes to suck up the

solution and deliver known amounts through the needle

attached at the delivery end. But then, native medicine

men in Central America, the orient and perhaps even in

India, seem to have used ants, wasps and bees to sting

their venom into the bodies of patients suffering from

nervous disabilities. Such attempts were made

presumably to “awaken” the sleeping sensations” of the

patient, as a form of shock therapy.

There is another form of taking in drugs and

chemicals, and that is inhalation through the lungs. This

can be done as a spray through the nose, or as fine

particles through the nostrils. This mode of drug

delivery has been known for at least half a century – and

known to have been practiced by the Indian tribes of the

American continent. Indeed the current fad called

aromatherapy owes its origin to these tribes.

These Indian tribes took drugs and medication not

only for illnesses, but also as a pleasurable addiction.

The practice of sniffing snuff, originated in this manner.

The Indians dried the tobacco leaves and chewed on

them. They rolled the dry leaves, lit them and inhaled

or smoked them – calling this practice “Sik-ar” (hence

cigar/cigarette). Happily enough, the practice of

sniffing tobacco as snuff is not as wide-spread or

popular today as it used to be even 50 years ago.

(Sadly, however, sniffing other drugs such as cocaine,

Marijuana, Amphetamines and other mood-enhancing

but deadly addictives are practiced among the so-called

“with it” crowd. Thankfully though, this practice is on

the decline because of the enormity of the cost, medical

warnings and governmental action.)

Now comes an interesting and welcome turn to this

sniff mode of intake of substances. If we can take in

mood-altering substances why not Insulin, why not

Immunologicals, Hormones? The idea of inhalation

delivery through the airsac or the lungs has been around

for a couple of decades already, as people suffering

from Asthma are only too aware. Antihistamines,

which counteract allergy and associated discomfort,

have been packaged in the form of aerosols or “clouds”,

and delivered through the open mouth into the lungs

using nebulizers and they provide fast relief by opening

up the breathing passage.

There are several plus points for the through – the –

lung delivery of medication. The lungs have a large

surface area, so that absorption is fast and ample. Lungs

are quite tolerant to foreign substances, they are much

more permeable than skin, nasal mucosa or the gastro-

intestinal tract. And lungs have substances that inhibit

the enzymatic breakdown of proteins, so that the

through-lung delivery of proteins is more attractive than

through the stomach. This has led to much research into

the pulmonary delivery of protein drugs.

When we attempt to deliver material through

inhalation into the lungs, we need to “fool” the lung so

that it does not expel it through sneezing or through the

mouth. These occur through the “hairs” and the “muco-

ciliatary escalator” of the upper lungs. If we bypass this

through some clever means, the lungs will still put up

resistance. An army of cells there, the macrophages,

close in on the inhaled particles and digest them into

bits and clear them off. The pharmacologist who wishes

to deliver drugs through the pulmonary mode needs to

overcome both these protection mechanisms.

There are some issues that need to be addressed

when delivering medication as solids and dry powders.

They tend to clump and thus are hard to aerosolize or

puff through. On the manufacturing side, they pose

problems of preparation and packaging. The alternative

of spraying aqueous solutions, while quantitative and

reproducible in measured doses, has difficulties of

microbial contamination, low drug loading and stable

formulations.

KLIBANOV was one of the first people to show

that many proteins are actually quite stable and

biologically active even when they are suspended as

insoluble powders in organic solvents like ethanol.

When he presented his initial results almost two decades

ago, they were received with skepticism.

He summarizes that many Proteins and Enzymes

are actually active and stable when dispersed as

suspensions in organic solvents like ethanol; some even

perform better than in water.

Once having gotten this idea, the group decided to

suspend the drug insulin in ethanol, sonicate it and spray

it as an aerosol into rats, using a commercial nebulizer.

The results were excellent, nebulization delivered the

protein into the animal and the protein was active. The

particle size of the ethanol spray was good enough to

escape the macrophage clearance route, and light

enough to be sprayed deep into the lungs. And ethanol

is an excellent vehicle of delivery.

Ayurveda, the hoary Indian medical practice of

yore, has used nasal therapy or nasya. Since we are not

sure of the dates of origin of Ayurvedic practices, I

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 28

cannot state whether we invented nyasa in India or

adapted it from elsewhere.

The doctor-academician-scholar Dr.M.S. Valiathan

of Manipal writes in response to my query on this issue

thus: “The nose, according to Charaka, is the “gateway”

to the head. The nasal route for the administration of

drugs was widely used in Ayurveda for treating a

variety of ailments – mostly of the head, but not

excluding systemic.

Nasal administration of drugs was indeed one of the

chief procedures or Panchakarma of Ayurveda.

Charaka prescribed a number of herbal formulations as

powder, paste, ointment and so on for nasal application.

The underlying principle of nasal therapy or nasya was

that the medication would pervade the head region

through innumerable channels and clear them of

disturbed dosha.

- D. Balasubramanian

L.V. Prasad Eye Institute

Hyderabad – 500 034

in The Hindu, Oct. 25, 2001]

[In so far as Homœopathy is concerned ‘Olfaction’ of

homœopathic medicines has been advised as early as in

1830 by HAHNEMANN. He has also suggested

rubbing of the remedy on the skin.]

VII. A Silent Killer. Hypertension has become a

common ailment across age groups. Dr. J.P.S.

SAWHNEY offers tips to prevent and manage it. (The

Hindu, April 21, 2013).

Hypertension is a ‘silent killer’ and affects every

third person above the age of 18. Commonly known as

High Blood Pressure (HBP) or Hypertension, many of

us at this moment are living with it knowingly or

unknowingly, unaware of the long-term consequences.

While high BP is generally hereditary, this is not

the only cause. Several factors like consumption of

junk food, sedentary lifestyle, high intake of salt and

alcohol, chronic stress and high cholesterol levels also

cause high BP.

It can be managed or prevented by lifestyle changes

and medication. A few small changes can help reduce

blood pressure.

To begin with, limit salt intake. The WHO

recommends no more than five grams of salt – the

equivalent of one teaspoon – a day. Processed and

packaged foods, fast food, and canned food are high in

salt; so avoid them.

Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables for

fibre and avoid salty food like sauces, pickles and chips.

Fruits and vegetables are low in sodium and high in

potassium. Reduce fatty and fried food – especially

saturated fats/transfats and replace them with

polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

Keep weight under control.

Start exercising. Stressful situations can cause

temporary BP spikes. Being physically active is one of

the most important things to prevent or control high

blood pressure.

Getting enough sleep, deep breathing, meditation,

yoga, and exercising for at least 30 minutes daily can

help reduce stress. Examples of moderate activities are

brisk walking, cycling, gardening and housework.

VIII. ‘Health Capsules’ by Bron Smith: a feature,

brief in The Hindu, 5.6.2013 Chennai mentions of

‘Artemisia absinthium’ – Wormwood. It says that there

is an alternative to Chemotherapy and it is ‘Artemisinin’

extract from Wormwood. This ancient remedy has been

used by the Chinese for thousands of years. Artemisinin

acts like a “smart bomb”. It selects and kills Cancer

cells. But leave normal cells alone. It is truly

Chemotherapy from Nature.

[In this connection we should recall that the

homœopathic medicine – Cina Artemisia – has been

used successfully in case of children who were afflicted

with ailments consequent to the Chernobyl disaster.

“The Children of Chernobyl and Cina” by L.G.

Vasilyeva, G.A. Zakharchenko in the British

Homœopathic Journal Vol.81, 2/1992 pp.75-77

published in full in the QHD, 10, 2/1993. Subsequently

too references have been made in this regard. We may

apply ‘Cina’ in potency in Cancers provided symptoms

are found to justify Cina. We may also point out

Artimisia vulgaris which is worm wood = KSS]

IX. Statins may undo fitness benefits of exercise: A

new study suggests that the Cholesterol-lowering

medications, Statins, the most prescribed drug may

block some of the fitness benefits of exercise.

The people who benefit from exercise are mostly

the same who would be prescribed Statins (sedentary,

overweight, risk of heart disease, etc.). Thus while on

one hand the drug will benefit these persons, on the

other hand the benefits of the workouts will be

mortified. (The Journal of the American College of

Cardiology’s research article in the Indian Express,

Pune, May 25, 2013)

X. What are the side Effects of Diuretic

Medications?

Side effects of diuretic include frequent urination,

heart arrhythmias, electrolyte imbalances, extreme

tiredness or weakness, muscle cramps, light heartedness

or dizziness, blurred vision, Headache, Tinnitis, Dry

mouth, constipation, nausea and vomiting. (Health

Capsules by Bron Smith, in The Hindu, 5.6.2013

Chennai).

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 29

XI. How effective are drugs at treating disease?

A top executive of the Pharmaceutical Company

Glaxosmithkline confessed in 2003 that “the vast

majority of drugs – more than 90 percent – only work in

30 to 50 percent of the people.” That suggests that most

prescription drugs won’t work for most people most of

the time.

(Health Capsule, 5.6.2013 by Bron Smith in The

Hindu, Chennai).

XII. Should I take Antibiotics for a chest cold?

A new study has demonstrated that doctors would

need to give Antibiotics to 12,000 people with acute

respiratory infections in order to prevent just one case of

hospitalization with Pneumonia. Also many respiratory

injections, are caused by viruses, against which

antibiotics are useless.

XIII. Linking Provings and sources.

WICHMANN, Jörg (HT. 22, 1/2009).

Homœopathic Links wants to inform all

homœopaths about recent proving in the website

www.provings.info. More than two hundred old and

new proving notes have been added since the last

update. And the number of remedies is far above 2000.

XIV. Ananda ZAREN Memorial. COHEN, Karen

(HL. 22, 2/2009).

Ananda sat in the dim sterile room, patiently

observing the small bundle in the intensive care isolet.

The preterm infant was unable to breathe normal room

air. Her tiny chest rose in an uneven rhythm as it had

for the past three months. When the nurse came and

touched the baby she seemed to shrink from the contact

and tried weakly to avert her face. Ananda noticed that

she furrowed her brow shutting her eyes more tightly

when the nurse adjusted the curtains causing a

momentary alteration in light. Apparently her retinas

were detaching and, if she opened her eyes at all they

appeared dull and lifeless. After silently watching for

an hour Ananda had all of the information she required.

A history of jaundice, sensitivity to noise, photo-

sensitivity and the body language of avoidance of all

human contact indicated the need for Natrum

sulphuricum. Ananda gave the remedy to the child and

left for the evening. The next morning the infant

appeared to be stronger, able to oxygenate on room air

and voluntarily opened her eyes and made contact with

her mother for the first time. The remedy had done its

work.

Homœopathy was a life work and passion for

Ananda Zaren. Originally trained as a nurse and

midwife, Ananda began her formal training in

Homœopathy in 1976. Although she was attending

births she decided that Homœopathy would be her life’s

work. She had the good fortune to study with George

VITHOULKAS, making the journey to Alonissos at

every opportunity for eight years. She would lie in the

bathtub for hours reading the repertory beginning at the

front and then reading it again from the back. Her well-

worn copy of Boericke’s Materia Medica was filled

with hand written notations detailing subtle frindings

that illumined and enhanced her understanding of the

physical and emotional terrain of each remedy.

The daily practice of Homœopathy formed the very

centre of Ananda’s life. She often happily worked six

days a week, welcoming patients who came from

considerable distances and preferring to spend her time

in her “learning lab” as she called the practice. Her

power of observation was extremely acute and she was

a master at cataloguing nuance and gesture, every aspect

of human expression which she interpreted as the

language of the Vital Force. Once a remedy was acting

she relished every moment of follow-up; for her this

was precious time spent in the presence of pure living

Materia Medica.

Ananda had the extraordinary ability to gaze

beneath the façade or mask as she called it where anger,

fear and grief inform behavior and contribute to

physical pathology. She had intimate awareness of the

hidden elements of the human psyche. Many of her

patients recall a deeply curative and transformational

experience that began at the moment she beamed her

intense light of comprehension, recognition, acceptance,

and compassion followed by the accurate homœopathic

prescription.

Ananda’s strength was her work with women and

infants. She felt that infants were fully capable of

emotional perception and believed that comprehending

the emotional state of the person before you, regardless

of age, was requisite to finding the homœopathic

Simillimum. In 1989, she was invited to practice

Homœopathy for a four-months period in an in-patient

allopathic hospital in Schwalmstadt, Germany. It was

here that she recorded many compelling cases, such as a

woman in a state of pseudocyesis (false pregnancy) who

responded beautifully to Crocus sativus. Ananda made

valuable additions to the understanding of many

remedies such as Baryta sulphurica, Bufo rana, Kali

ferrocyanicum, Lac caninum and Natrum

hypochlorosum. She was the author of two treatises on

Materia Medica entitled Core Elements of the Materia

Medica of the Mind Volume I and II, in which she

describes her case-taking methodology.

It is with gret sadness that the homœopathic

community bids adieu to Ananda Zaren. She worked

tirelessly and her insights will inspire homœopaths in

the future. She will be dearly missed by her colleagues

and patients, many of whom have been with her for

more than twenty years.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 30

XV. ABJF: Athato Brahma Jigyasa Foundation.

(HL. 22, 3/2009).

This is a not-for-profit organization which offers

free educative workshop series for Indian homœopaths.

It was established in 2007 under the patronage of

Swasthya Homœopathic Healing by Drs. Urvi and

Dinesh Chauhan, Mumbai, India.

The mission is to: Nurture budding homœopaths

Kindle the flame of Homœopathy.

XVI. Change happens when we demand it

The time is now GAHLES, Nancy (HT. 32, 1/2012).

Some of the most extraordinary achievements in

recent decades – for the environment, social justice,

community renewal, consumer protection, public safety,

civil rights and health care – have come about because

not – for – profit organizations were willing to take their

rightful place at the policy making table. Educating

legislators and the public about another system of

medicine – Homœopathy – is a crucial goal that we

must achieve. The mission is to raise awareness of

Homœopathy, to educate about Homœopathy to support

legalization of the practice of Homœopathy and to

ensure that access to homœopathic medicine is

protected.

As a representative to Integrative Healthcare

Policy Consortium, the author attended its first

congressional briefing. Members of the Senate and

House of Representatives saw and heard the

presentation defining integrative healthcare. This will

allow the inclusion of Certified Classical Homœopaths

as providers in the new national healthcare workforce,

along with licensed CAM providers will be a huge step

in adding diversity to the healthcare landscape.

XVII. Two new film projects (HT. 32, 1/2012).

Carol BOYCE’s film Homœopathy Around the

World – making a difference features homœopathic

projects in Cuba, Mexico, Haiti, Nepal, UK, Ghana,

Benin, Kenya, Swaziland, Tanzania, India, the Solomon

Islands, Malawi and more.

The sale of the film have been steady and the

profits from sales go directly to the projects who

provided media for the film.

Work is going on Autism project and research

project related to infectious diseases.

The other film is In Search of Evidence by

Canadian practitioner and Film maker Ananda MORE.

Her quest is to have - an effective way of preventing

epidemics, and treating disease without adverse effects.

She is taking her quest to Cuba, where Homœopathy is

quickly becoming an important part of the public health

care system; where Homœopathy is routinely used in

hospitals, clinics and for disease prevention.

XVIII. Swiss Government endorses Homœopathy

(HT. 32, 1/2012).

The recently published English translation of the

2006 Swiss Health Technology Assessment report on

Homœopathy offers a clear endorsement of

Homœopathy’s benefits. This 234 – page report

authored by Dr. Gudrun BORNHÖFT and Prof. Peter

MATTHIESSEN and commissioned by Switzerland’s

Federal Social Insurance Office exhaustively reviews

the clinical research in Homœopathy and summarizes

22 systematic reviews of clinical trials, 20 of which

show a positive direction of evidence for Homœopathy.

After this publication, a public referendum in

Switzerland supported the inclusion of Homœopathy in

the Swiss national health insurance, with 67% of people

voting in favor.

- British Homœopathic Association, Feb. 8,

2012, www.britishhomeopathic.org

XIX. European Union (EU) studies Homœopathy

for farm animals. (HT. 32, 1/2012).

The EU Parliament’s agriculture Committee voted

to spend 2 million Euros on a pilot research project that

will examine the effectiveness of homœopathic

treatment on farm animals with antibiotic resistance

becoming a growing concern, it is hoped that

Homœopathy may be able to reduce antibiotic use in the

raising of livestock.

Farming UK.org. Nov.11, 2011.

- The Daily Mail (UK), 31 Aug. 2011.

XX. UK Universities drop Homœopathy and

Complementary degrees. (HT. 32, 1/2012).

As of 2012, it will be no longer possible to study

Homœopathy to a degree level in a British University.

Universities have scrapped their Homœopathy and

complementary/alternative programs in large part

because of a campaign against Homœopathy by the

group “Sense About Science” and other skeptics.

- The Telegraph (UK) 3 Jan. 2012.

XXI. Singer Judy COLLINS advocates

homœopathic treatment (HT. 32, 1/2012).

Reporter Doug ELFMAN remarks that folk singer

Judy COLLIN’s voice on her new CD “Sounds

shockingly as pretty and clear as it did four decades

ago”.

The singer attributes this to exercises, Meditation,

sleeping well, getting Acupuncture and seeing a

homœopathic practitioner.

- Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nov. 4, 2011.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 31

XXII. Using Modern drugs According to the Law

of Similars. (HT. 32, 1/2012).

A Brazilian homœopathic physician Dr. Marcus

TEIXEIRA, is spear-heading a project to use

conventional drugs according to homœopathic

principles.

He suggests drugs that increase blood sugar might

be homœopathically employed to treat diabetes; drugs

that cause immune suppression might be used to

stimulate the immune system in immune suppressed

patients; and so on.

He and his colleagues have created a homœopathic

Materia Medica of Modern Drugs and a Homœopathic

Repertory of Modern Drugs and are asking homœopaths

to unite around this project, apply it in practice and

write up their results.

www.newhomeopathicmedicines.com

XXIII. In the ZKH. 54, 4/2010, Dr. Hans von

ZWEMKE wrote a criticism of James TYLER

KENT with particular reference to his Philosophy,

as in KENT’s Lectures on Homœopathic Philosophy.

Quoting extensively from that book, ZWEMKE

criticizes KENT as unscientific, more of a religious

moralist and far from HAHNEMANN. KENT is

accused of being a Swedenborgian moral philosopher.

Also in arranging the hierarchies of the case, KENT

placed the mental, moral at the top which is in accord

with Swedenborg philosophy. KENT is also said to

have misunderstood Hahnemann’s Vital Power and

Mind (as Will and Understanding) and introduce an

immortal soul.

It may be pointed out that there have been several

others in the past who have criticized KENT similarly,

e.g. Dr. G.S. HEHR (‘was Kent a Hahnemannian’?), Dr.

W. BUSCHEUER (‘Homöopathie als Vollendung der

Hippokretischen Medizin’ and ‘Homöopathie und

Homöopathen’). KENT has concluded that the

character of a person has to be the central point which

should be remedied, which ZWEMKE says is not

HAHNEMANN’s Homœopathy.

In this connection Dr. Daniel COOK has responded

(vide Leserbrief, p. 49-50, ZKH. 55, 1/2011). As

HAHNEMANN has expressed of disease and healing in

terms in those days as not material, KENT has said in

words in his days with similar aim. Both

HAHNEMANN and KENT meant same. One has to

study Kent’s lectures, the practice of his students and

their students – GLADWIN, AUSTIN, Pierre

SCHMIDT, Margaret TYLER, Jost KÜNZLI, Will

KLUNKER, Jacques BAUR and others – and find out

that KENT was Hahnemannian.

KENT saw man as undivided whole manifested in

its functions and processes (including health, disease

and healing); to a large extent the life of this entity

reacts to sensations motives which may be referred as

from within to without. Things are first identified

general and then as specific. Are we to call it

“Swedenborgian”?

Dr. Gerhardus LANG also has responded to the

same article of Hans ZWEMKE. He points out that

grand results were obtained by Dario SPINEDI and also

KÜNZLI with the Sehgal method in which only mental

symptom are reckoned with. Hahnemann’s “Spirit-

like” and “dynamic” are such that must be understood in

the light of one’s experience.

Dr. Hans ZWEMKE has however defended his

opinion in his letter to the Editor in ZKH. 55, 2/2011.

XXIV. With regard to the errors in the Kent

Repertory, with particular reference to Lycopodium

clavatum (see Homeopathy, 100/2011: 293 – 299 by

U.C. ADLER; also QHD…3 & 4/2012, p.9 ), Matthias

WISCHNER, writes ZKH. 55, 4/2011: It is known that

Kent Repertory has errors and there has been articles in

ZKH listing the errors and corrections. However, most

of these have been regarding confusion of remedy

names. In the work mentioned (i.e. ADLER’s in the

Homeopathy) it is a matter of wrong interpretation.

The listing of Lycopodium in the rubric “Fear, ghosts,

of”. The correct translation in English, of the original

German, should be “Fear or fright for imaginary

images”.

Repertories in future may be made with the help of

original sources – Hahnemann’s Materia Medica and

Chronic Disease and RUCKERT’s repertory.

XXV. Lifestyle diseases more common among the

poor in India (The Hindu, July 18, 2013)

A new study shows that the actual prevalence of

common non-communicable diseases is far higher

among the poor than the rich. Five non-communicable

diseases – Angina, Hypertension, Chronic lung diseases

and Asthma, Vision problems and Depression were

taken into study.

A team of researchers from leading medical

research Institutions across the world including the

Public Health Foundation of India, Harvard and

Stanford in the U.S. and Oxford in the U.K. studied self-

reported and actual levels of Non-communicable

diseases using standardized measures.

The researches looked at the proportion of

respondents within each wealth quintile (one fifth of the

population) who self-reported having one or more of

these five diseases. But by using standardized medical

tests, they found that while the richest 20 percent tended

to self report higher rates of prevalence than the poorest

20 percent; the actual prevalence of the disease is higher

among the poorest 20 percent than the richest 20 percent

for four out of five diseases. Only Chronic Lung

Diseases and Asthma were less in the 20 percent.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 32

At the moment, the source for data on the

prevalence of Non-communicable diseases in India is

the National sample survey in which respondents self

report. The National Family Health Survey does not

study Non-communicable diseases apart from diabetes.

The Government has announced a new programme

for Non-communicable diseases for which they will be

screening 100 districts in 5 states.

Substantial resources are required to improve the

situation. (Source: The Hindu, Chennai, July 18,

2013).

--------------------------------------------------------

LIST OF JOURNALS:

Full addresses of the Journals covered by this

Quarterly Homœopathic Digest are given below:

-------------------------------------------------------------

1. AJHM: American Journal of Homœopathic

Medicine, formerly Journal of the American

Institute of Homœopathy (JAIH). 801 N.

Fairfax Street, Suite 306 Alexandria, VA

22314.

2. HL: Homœopathic Links, Homœopathic

Research & Charities, F/s, Saraswat Colony,

Linking Road, Santacruz (W), MUMBAI –

400 054.

3. HOM: Homœopathy, Formerly British

Homœopathic Journal (BHJ), Faculty of

Homœopathy, 29 Park Street West, Luton,

Bedfordshire, LU13BE, UK

4. HT: Homœopathy Today, National Center for

Homœopathy, 801, North Fairfax Street, Suite

306, ALEXANDRIA, VA. 22314, USA.

5. THE HINDU: Newspaper, Chennai – 600

002.

6. ZKH: Zeitschrift für Klassische Homöopathie,

Karl F. Haug Verlag, Hüthig GmbH, Im

Weiher 10, D-69121 HEIDELBERG,

GERMANY.

====================================

RELATIVITY

We know beauty because there is ugly.

We know good because there is evil.

Being and not being,

having and not having,

create each other.

Difficult and easy,

long and short,

high and low,

define each other,

just as before and after follow each

other.

The dialectic of sound gives voice to

music,

Always transforming “is” from “was”

as the ancestors of “to be”.

The wise

Teach without telling,

allow without commanding,

have without possessing,

care without claiming.

In this way we harvest eternal

importance

Because we never announce it.

- TAO TE CHING

LAO TZU

========================================

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 33

PART II

(This Section abstracts/extracts from selected articles; even the entire article in some case)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Reflections at Midnight

ROSS, Gordon A.C. (BHJ. LXVII, 2/1978)

There are several areas in homœopathic treatment

which to me are unsatisfactory---perhaps because I

never have the requisite skill to get the best results I had

hoped for in my management of the cases.

I do not welcome patients with Multiple

Sclerosis—they improve for a time with me; their

relapses come inevitably. My brother found Natrum

mur. of great help in these cases, but with me, while it

might help for a time, the improvement never lasts.

It is the same with Diabetes---one could help them

with Syzygium, or with Uranium nitrate, but I always

feel more comfortable when I have sent them to diabetic

clinics in the hospitals, where they are stabilized, and

get substitution therapy and strict dietary instructions

and control, and supporting homœopathic medicines.

Breast carcinomas are a third problem: is the lump

merely a cyst or a Carcinoma? The only way to be sure

is to send the patient to hospital for a biopsy, and if the

result is positive the surgeon removes the breast and

institutes radium therapy.

When I was a student a poor woman was brought

into the surgeon’s clinic with a fulminating breast

Carcinoma discharging foul pus. The surgeon turned to

the class and said, “This gentlemen, is the result of her

treatment by a homœopath”. It wasn’t true of course.

She had been treated by the homœopath for ten years

and it had kept her going and at her work all that time.

It is a matter of opinion whether, with radium treatment

after the breast had been removed, she would have

lasted five years, but the students were not wise enough

to know this, and most of them condemned

Homœopathy for ever afterwards.

The Iscador treatment of Breast Cancers is

something I have often wondered about, but I have no

experience of it, for after the traumatic experience in the

last paragraph I have, in my practice, left breast

Carcinomas in the hands of the surgeon.

As far as I understand it, Iscador is the brain child

of Rudolf Steiner, the Anthrosophical apostle, who

believed that the localized emergence of neoplastic cells

was the result of disharmony in the whole person, body,

mind and spirit.

Malignant tumours may be treated by surgery,

irradiation, and cytostatic agents and hormone therapy.

For breast tumours the most popular preparation used is

Iscador Mali cum Argento which is mistletoe from an

apple-tree with traces of a silver salt added. Usually

fourteen shots are given by subcutaneous injections,

well-tolerated except in the case of brain tumours where

Steiner recommended oral administration.

On the Continent they believe that Iscador

stimulates the natural defensive mechanisms in the

body, but, as a devoted follower of Dr.J.T. KENT, I can

find no hint in all his prolifie writings of how mistletoe

can be claimed to do this. In his Lesser Writings,

under “Why is Cancer Incurable”, he states: “to cure

any condition, we must base the prescription on the

totality of the signs and symptoms and not on the

pathology. The cancer is the ultimate.” Here he

differed from Dr. Richard HUGHES.

Dr.E.B. NASH, whose Leaders in Homœopathic

Therapeutics was my earliest homœopathic Bible, lists

a dozen remedies to help Cancer: Carbo veg., Lachesis,

Apis, Conium, Phosphorus, Sepia, Carbo animalis,

Bismuth, Kreosotum, Anacardium, Lapis alb., but never

a mention Viscum album---mistletoe.

Bœricke’s Materia Medica was my second Bible.

Under Cancers, Mammae, he lists Asterias rubens,

Conium, Plumbum iodatum, Carcinosinum. If one

looks up Viscum album, there is no hint of help for

Cancers or Tumours of any kind.

Shakespeare wrote:

“A barren and detested vale you see it is.

The trees, though summer, yet forlorn and lean,

O’er come with moss and baleful Mistletoe.”

According to Mrs.C.F. LEYEL in Hearts Ease,

Mistletoe is an evergreen patial parasite growing on

apple trees, oaks, larches, cedars, hawthorns, service

trees and occasionally on pear trees. Mrs. Leyel says

mistletoe draws most of its nourishment from the tree

on which it grows and it has been found that when it

attaches itself to the pear tree it contains four times as

much phosphorus as the pear tree itself.

Mistletoe is disseminated by the thrush, who eats

the berries with relish and missels with his feet the

sticky seeds as he goes from tree to tree---hence he is

called the missel thrush (Mrs. C.F. Leyel in Green

Medicine).

Again what has Richard LUCAS to say about

mistletoe? “A complicated preparation of mistletoe

called Iscador is employed in the treatment of Cancer

patients at a research clinic headed by Dr. A. LEROI at

Kirschweg, Arlesheim, Switzerland … Recent progress

by the clinic have shown that psychological treatment

becomes every bit as important as physical treatment.

Researchers at Arlesheim discovered that the fear of

Cancer is as dangerous as Cancer itself. After the

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 34

treatment with Iscador, the research goes to great

lengths to establish the correct psychological part

Iscador therapy has for the patient. Through years of

experience they have found that the psychological

conditioning of the patient and his immediate family is

most vital.” (Common and Uncommon Uses of Herb for

Healthful Living. Richard Lucas. Parker Publishing

Co. Inc., N.Y.).

After I had read this I thought of something that I

cannot place in my mind. It was a remark by the late Sir

HENEAGE OGILVIE, one of our most distinguished

surgeons of a past decade (with such a romantic name

he should have been one of the Knights of olden times).

He said, as far as my memory serves, that in all his vast

experience he had never met up with cancer in a happy

patient. When I read this I thought of Mildred

ZACHARIAS, Champion of the World in Women’s

Golf, who died of a Breast Cancer at 48, and Sir Francis

CHICHESTER, who was said to have cancer and yet

sailed round the world … Body, mind, and spirit----a

trilogy which is worth examining in some detail, but

which does not always work in unison.

Those two are good examples of happy people with

abundant energy, and who achieved what they set out to

do in life because they were fully adjusted. When

Mildred ZACHARIAS stepped off the boat in her quest

for the British Women’s Golf Championship it is

reputed she said to the reporters: “All I want to know is

who is going to come second to me?” Again, when

someone asked her after she had won, why she could

drive as far as any man, she grinned and said, “I don’t

know---I just loosen my girdle and let the ball have it!”

This is part of the history of women’s golf, but

Mildred’s confidence did not endear her to her English

rivals.

I wrote a sonnet in her honour, published in a little

paperback:

To the Late Mildred ZACHARIAS:

Bravest and best of the early invaders,

Yours was the pluck of a young lioness,

All of us felt like a bunch of first graders

When you burnt up our courses in bogey, or less.

You never showed nerves or faint feminine

flutters,

You stept off the boat determined to win:

Commonplace now are pulchritudinous putters,

None had your verve, or your confident grin …

Caught up too soon by fate unrelenting

Your name is a legend where e’er golf is played.

The shield of your courage withstood all

indenting--

and that is the best of the records you made.

I give this here to show that mind and spirit and

self-discipline are not enough to halt the progress of

Cancer, and anything that can stem that progress should

be fully investigated. Dr. Rita LEROI had an article in

the British Homœopathic Journal (Vol.LX1/3, July

1972) from which I take the following: She quotes a few

sentences from Rudolf STEINER, at a Medical

Congress held fifty years earlier (1922)—

“In our organism we are constantly fighting the

life of our cells. The worst conception is brought

about by cellular pathology and physiology, which

considers the human organism as an edifice made

of cells, whereas the human being is an entity

linked with the cosmos and really has a constant

fight with the obstinacy of the cell.”

I suppose this is what made him think of a parasite

such as mistletoe taking up its abode on a living tree,

just as Cancer is a parasite invading a person, and he

would argue---this is all supposition—that while a

parasite might attack the body---mind and spirit should

help to keep it at bay. As I have tried to show, mind and

spirit is not enough. Iscador seems to give a direct

attack on malignant cells and simultaneously an

activation of defence stimulating the thymus and spleen

without side effects (to quote Dr.LEROI again).

If this can be proved by statistical evidence it seems

to me the duty of every physician to know about Iscador

and to let that knowledge be more readily available to

the public at large, but I have never seen any evidence

that the orthodox school have examined Dr. Leroi’s

patient work in her clinic over the years. Now to give

this paper some semblance of scientific reasoning, let us

consider the fundamentals---where does energy come

from?

In my time as a student we were taught that all

energy came from the sun’s rays, but they qualified this

by saying the energy that does the work of the world

comes from two sources, water power, and the

combustion of wood, or fossilized wood; which is coal.

The water comes from steam, generated by the sun’s

heat. When wood or coal burns it gives off carbon

dioxide water and heat---and then they would present us

with an equation: 6O2+C6H10O6→6CO2+5H2O+671.000

calories.

Isn’t science wonderful? I never understood this,

but I consoled myself by thinking it was old-fashioned

reasoning, from the day they split the atom and revealed

a new source of energy in Radium. Incidentally, I have

been reading two books about Madame CURIE, and

watching her life on TV, but nowhere does anyone give

credit for her grandfather having brought Homœopathy

to England. The Professor who condemned

homœopaths for letting that poor woman come to a

fulminating breast had the utmost faith in the knife plus

radium, but my teacher Dr. Henderson PATRICK

would have none of both---his theory was that they

merely spread the cancer quicker through the body and

as regards Radium, he maintained it would be better for

humanity if it had never been isolated: stoutly arguing

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 35

that what can cure can cause---standing one of our

principles on its head! Or so I used to think until I

learned of skin Cancers occurring in those who worked

with it.

This is by the way, to get back to the source of

energy. My chemical books tell me “that instead of

burning the starch of a plant, we consume it as food, it

goes through a series of changes instead of only one.

Yet the end products are the same carbon dioxide and

moisture issuing from our lungs, and heat and other

forms of energy developed in living organisms. Thus

when we use our muscles, or a steam engine, a petrol

engine or a water-wheel to do the work, sunlight is the

ultimate source of energy employed.”

What has still to be explained is what gives a

malignant cell its energy, and for that matter where does

our vital force come from? … If we could resolve these

matters to the satisfaction of our scientific friends,

Homœopathy would take a great step forward.

Writing this rather prolix paper has taken me longer

than I thought, with the result that I was late for my golf

game. I apologized to my opponent and explained I was

doing an article on mistletoe. As he teed up his ball he

remarked: “Very dangerous stuff, mistletoe---especially

if one does not notice it on the chandelier at Christmas

time!”

It is all in the point of view!

========================================

2. Depression

BLACKIE, M.G. (BHJ. LXVII, 4/1978)

Aurum is the most common, the most definite of all

the depression drugs. Aurum in a case of acute

depression is brooding and melancholy and just sits and

peers in front of him and won’t speak, and they look

extremely depressed. They have all sorts of strange

ideas. They think they have lost the affection of their

friends and family or that they have done something

frightful and that they are therefore feeling like this

because they are to blame for it. They get a real disgust

of life, and they are the patients who become suicidal. I

think, of all the patients who are suicidal, Aurum is the

most likely to be. They blame themselves for

everything. We had, years ago, a very interesting

patient with depression. She was twenty-four and she

had been in two mental homes, she had had two lots of

shock treatment and the main thing about her was that

she blamed herself tremendously for a tragedy that had

happened in the family. Her brother had died of

leukaemia and for some reason she was responsible for

it, and you could not get it out of her head. She would

have lunch with her father and after lunch she felt still

more depressed and down. She had the habit of picking

a scab on her face, so would have open wounds on her

face. In fact she would wear a scarf round her head to

hide those places where she scratched, especially after

seeing her father, because she felt it was her father who

blamed her. When she came to see us we gave her a

10M of Aurum and she was quite lifted up by it. Now,

she got gradually very, very much better from being

very bad and in between times we used to give her a 6

of Nat.mur., her constitutional drug. It was only that her

depression was deeper than a Nat.mur. depression and

was really covered by Aurum. She needed constant

reassurance. She never cried, except that tears would

trickle down occasionally, but she was not a crying type

at all, which Aurum is not. It is very difficult for them

to cry. And she went on and finally got quite out of it.

She is now married happily with two children and

comes in to see us if one of the children is ill, but

otherwise is perfectly, absolutely all right. The only

thing is that her husband finds that it is very difficult to

go on holiday with her because she never likes sitting

down to read. Whereas her husband would like to sit

down to read. So the holidays, I imagine, were a little

difficult! I have another Aurum who never, never sits

down to read. They always either have to be entertained

or have something to do and it is quite one of their

characteristics. As a rule they are quite happy to be left

alone and they rather seek to be left alone. This girl I

have mentioned I must say would be quite happy if her

husband felt it was all right to leave her alone on her

holiday, but he sometimes felt a little concerned himself

and then wondered whether she would not like a little

entertainment. I implored him last time to leave her

alone.

They have a rather dusky colour. There is also one

particular characteristic about them. You can never

rouse the Aurum patient to make an effort for

themselves, and if you do rouse them, and they walk

about in the open air, they are much better. It lifts their

depression quite considerably. They say in the books

that if you make the Aurum patients bathe their necks in

very cold water, it has the same effect, but never yet

have I managed to make an Aurum patient even want to

bathe their neck, let alone do it! They are also apt to get

bouts of vertigo and they walk about looking as if they

are quite drunk. They stagger from side to side and look

very topply and they can fall over and always to the left

side if they do. Often it is so bad that they have to lie

down at times and even then it takes quite a time to go

off, and it often accompanies their depression. They

also get pains in the head on lying down and feel as if

the bones of the head are sore and they do not want to

lie on them. This I have met so often. They sometimes

get eye symptoms, and get agglutinated eyes in the

morning. They get the feeling of sand in the eyes and

their eyes usually water quite a lot, and they do very,

very well on treatment, but remember the depression

with Aurum can lead to suicide. They are so depressed

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 36

and nothing lifts them up and when we first saw this girl

she was quite likely to commit suicide and that is why

we saw her so often. We felt that if she knew that

somebody was really out to help her it would do the

trick which it did because she did extraordinarily well in

the end. We gave her potencies of 10M, several doses.

If you are going to get a deep-acting result, give it high.

Now there is another type of Aurum. I should think

I meet it every week in my surgery. This is the patient

who comes in moderately depressed. I remember one

patient, a woman of about forty-five who came in

accompanied by her sister. Her sister had made her

come and her sister more or less told us the story and

said that she was very depressed and that her younger

son had lived with her always. However, he was now

going to get married and not only that, but he was going

to be moved in his work thirty or forty miles away, so

that she wouldn’t see him and this had depressed her

frightfully. The patient sat there absolutely silent and

did not say one word! I had seen her before. I had seen

here at other times of depression when her husband

died, so I did know her in this mood and then I had

given her Aurum 6. So I gave her some Aurum 6 and

away she went. About a month later she came in and

she was absolutely different. She was talking. She was

telling me about her son’s wedding, telling me that it

was not going to be so bad after all because either she

was going to them every three weeks or they were going

to visit her every three weekends and so she would go

on seeing them and things were much better and she

described all this, and she said one very interesting

thing. She said, “Now, Dr. Blackie, I do not want to be

on medicine all the time. If you will give me the box,

what I usually do is take about half of it and I then feel

very much better and put the other half away.” And she

said that she had at the moment got half a box, but was

told to come back in a month, so here she was and she

would like another whole box. She thought that if she

took a week or ten days of this medicine that she would

be all right. And you know, she is quite typical or a

certain type who comes in with a depressed mood,

probably in quite a bad phase at the time and who is

picked up wonderfully by a low Aurum. I find them

very interesting. I mean we give a lot of low Aurum in

our practice and find it extremely useful.

Now the next remedy I am going to do, you will be

surprised about but the one which is most like Aurum is

Calc. carb. This has a very acute depression and they

are difficult to distinguish from Aurum. The Calc.carb.

patients when they are depressed sit staring in front of

them with the most melancholy expression you can

possibly imagine. They have a heavy, dull appearance.

They feel incapable of making a mental effort and have

a great disinclination to work. More so than the Aurum

who will do a job between times and can probably be

made to do a certain amount of work, but the Calc.

carb. Cannot. They are despondent and melancholy.

There they sit and you know the description in the

books of a Calcarea “Sitting solidly and bending pins”,

well, this is really rather what they look like when they

are depressed. They will do one stupid, finicky little

thing. For example, the last acute Calcarea I saw undid

and shut up her bag the entire time she was there, and

this nearly drove me mad! Now the great difference

between the two of them is that you can rouse the Calc.

carb. You can rouse them, you can even make them do

a job for a day or two, or live a more of less normal life

for a day or two, although unless you have given them

the Calc., they will sink back into the same stage

afterwards. You must give them a very high potency of

Calc., if you are going to get them out of this

depression. However, with Aurum, except possibly to

make the patient go out, it is very, very difficult to rouse

them, and to make them even to want to try and help

themselves. But the Calcarea can rather be dominated

by somebody’s personality. The Calcarea patient

broods over all sorts of stupid little things. The Aurum

patient is much more likely to brood over some sin they

have committed, some awful thing that they were

responsible for, whereas the Calc. patient broods over

all sorts of little things, and not because of a sense of

unworthiness like the other.

The other great difference is that you feel the

Aurum has plenty of guts and you do not feel the Calc.

patient, especially when they are depressed, has any

guts at all. You feel they have no stuffing and that it is

very difficult to press them into doing anything sensible.

Nor do I think that Calc. patients ever commit suicide.

I do not think they have it in them at all. They are

terrified, and this great terror runs through all the Calcs.,

of going insane. That is their great terror, and when

they are depressed this is the thing that haunts them, that

they are going insane and that people will notice it, and

they hate going out because people will see their

confusion and will see that they are not themselves and

will talk about it, and this they cannot bear. But

altogether they are very, very depressed. The most

depressed patient I have ever seen has been a Calc. they

are, on the whole, a much less violent personality than

Aurum. You do not get the Calc., when they are

miserable and depressed, going off the deep end, but

you do get the Aurum going of the deep end if you

contradict them. They always have the fear, even the

Calc. child, that something is going to happen to them,

or going to happen to one of their friends, or to someone

living in the road, or to somebody they know. Also they

do drip silent tears like all the Calcs. If you look at

them you will find the tears are streaming down,

although they are not obviously sobbing. And they get

this awful restlessness and fearfulness that something

terrible is going to happen.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 37

They can be extremely peevish, when they are

depressed, the Calc., and usually you cannot think why.

It is without cause. They very often have the typical

sweating. The last patient I saw with a Calc.

depression, and she was bad, sweated very profusely in

a very cold room. She told me this and she said, “You

know, it is an extraordinary thing, I am not going to

sweat in your warm room, but if I sit in the hall which is

now chilly where you told me to wait last week”

(because I had said I would see her at once when she

came), “I would be sweating at once.” They have quite

severe vertigo and always their vertigo is worse if they

turn their heads suddenly. They say that everything

turns with them when they turn their head and they have

this difficulty in that they cannot express themselves.

They cannot tell you what they have just done, or what

they have just read, and can appear excessively stupid,

and sometimes are, but as I say, they are a depression

that you will meet quite constantly. They have, of

course, the generals of the Calc., which you have heard

so often and which fit in, but remember they can be

rather thin, the adult Calcs. They are not children.

They are adults and they can look a little unlike Calcs.

They can be so thin and worn looking that you do not

think of them as the pale fat-faced Calc. They are

scraggy. This patient who was so terrified of anyone

noticing that she was a bit queer, was very thin and

scraggy. It was sometime in taking her history before I

realized that she was a perfect Calc., and that she would

do well on it. And she has done very well on it, so that

it has been most satisfactory.

Now the next one that I want to just mention is the

depression of Chelidonium. It is the depression of the

liver disturbance and you know how depressed a really

livery patient can get. They are despondent, they are

very helpless, they tend to weep, they are more hopeless

than melancholy. They get an awful feeling of

anticipation and that they cannot cope with life and are

full of dreads that anything may happen. They are

terrified of what it might be and get very miserable.

And if they have had any worry everything sort of sticks

to that. They make it the sort of centre of their

depression, and brood over it. Even sometimes when it

is long past and there is nothing to worry about now,

they go back and brood over this matter which was a

very great worry to them. They cannot bear being

disturbed and are very irritable if anyone comes in and

they do not want to talk. They are not the kind that

wants someone to come in and cheer them up at all.

They want to be left alone. And they are extremely

difficult to talk to. You try to help and you do not get a

word out of them, even from them as a patient who has

come for help. It is very difficult to get a fair history

out of them or find what they are grumbling about. The

only bit of luck is if they tell you they have a certain

amount of pain over their liver or gall bladder region

which is extremely painful to touch. This is the

Chelidonium pain which may give you the remedy and

you find that the whole thing fits. But again and again I

have found that they are the true livery depression.

The next remedy I want to mention is Arsenicum.

Like all Arsenicums they are never placid about

anything. When they are depressed they are more

restless than you can possibly imagine, and when they

are depressed the condition is a very acute condition. It

is a violent depression. And yet they blame themselves

and they loathe their feeling of depression, and they are

very restless and irritable and annoyed with the

depression and with everyone and everything else.

They occasionally get suicidal from a sudden impulse.

Otherwise I do not call them suicidal, but there is

always just this chance that the depression may become

too much and that they may throw themselves out of a

window. They have a great fear of death at times, so

that they are not really likely to want to commit suicide

and the fear of death in Arsenic is a thing that is very

constantly present. And they are in despair and they

weep because they think that nobody can help them, and

that they must be going to die. They are in a very bad

stage, moving and restless and they are not the sort that

you just sit down and talk to calmly, because they are

too agitated. They are apt to be driven from one place

to another and they turn and toss, and if it is night-time

they turn and toss in bed all night although often their

depression is worse between twelve and one. I always

remember a doctor coming to one of the courses and he

was madly keen on Homœopathy. About three weeks

after he was home he rang me up and he said, “You

know, I have a man in my room at the moment and his

wife is sitting with him, or I would not dare to leave him

and three times he has dashed to the window to throw

himself out. He will not sit still for a single second. I

have never seen anyone so violently depressed in my

life. What shall I give him?” And I said, “Well, the

only thing that I can think of is Arsenicum. I think if

you give him a 10M of Arsenicum---but for goodness’

sake give the first three doses ten minutes apart----I

think you will find it will help.” That was nine years

ago. He went back next day to find the patient perfectly

all right. He had never had another fit of depression. It

was the acute Arsenic, and it did just absolutely fit it,

which was very satisfactory.

Another one is the depression of Cina patient. You

have your broken down patient who has suffered either

from a prolonged illness, or a prolonged worry or had

exposure to very bad conditions for some time. The

patient may have had a severe loss of body fluids like a

severe haemorrhage or they may have had a very

prolonged spell of nursing, and these patients can

become acutely depressed. And in the depression they

become very markedly hyper-aesthetic. They cannot

stand noise. They cannot bear to have any more worry

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 38

put on to them, they cannot even bear to be told about a

patient. I remember very well a case of a nurse who had

worked far too long and was worn out. She could not

even bear to be told how the patient was, she was so

worn out and so depressed. The depression here is

really due to their physical exhaustion. They get a

dread of having to do mental work, of having to exert

themselves and really want to do nothing. And it is

really very much better if they do not have to do

anything for a bit. They are in a misery because they

feel they cannot tackle anything at all, whether physical

or mental. And because of that it increases their

depression. They have a horrible habit of thinking that

they are either tormented or frustrated or hindered by

everybody else. They think that everybody is out to

stop them doing things, to stop them getting better and

they are in a very difficult and gloomy state. Now if

you can make these patients really give up for a few

days and have plenty of sleep, about the third day they

are different people. They are ready to go back. I

always remember this nurse who came off a patient just

like that. Nothing was right. Everybody was out to stop

her, to torment her, to keep her from ever doing

anything worthwhile in life again, and she was

absolutely dead tired. Now I managed to make her

sister take her in where she could sleep for forty-eight

hours and, you know, on the third day she came to see

me and she was a different person. She said, “You

know, I am now quite well. I have slept for forty-eight

hours and I am perfectly well. I am quite willing to go

back to the patient if you want me to.” I did not send

her straight back to the patient for I thought we should

have a return of this but made her go away for

fortnight’s holiday, but on the other hand sleep is

wonderful for the Cina patient. Whatever their

complaint, they pick up on it. The other thing about

them is not only do they feel frustrated but they feel

they are very ill-used. So they fly into what I call

exhausted temper, a sort of shallow temper, nothing to it

and they are really too tired to show their temper,

although you feel that they are really awfully irritable at

the moment. Cina is a wonderful medicine for them,

the very tired, worn-out patient who gets inordinately

depressed.

Now, I am just going to mention Ferrum, because

again it is rather like Pulsatilla. It has got the futile

despondency of the Pulsatilla which similarly has not

got real substance behind the depression. They are tired

and they are depressed and they are very upset by any

opposition, even advice. They weep and they are so

tired that they have to sit down. They are very bad at

standing. As a rule, the Ferrum at rest is always pale.

They may have a slight flush, especially when they have

got a temperature, but at rest and especially when they

are depressed they are very pale, whereas the Pulsatilla

at rest always has a colour. And that is one of the great

distinguishing features between them. If they get

excited they can flush up and always into a very bright

flush and if they are irritable with their violent

irritability they get also a bright flush. But if there is

any opposition at all, then they are apt to be extremely

irritable, because they are an irritable remedy. I call

Ferrum an irritable patient. I always remember a whole

family where there were several children and where the

mother was so sensitive to noise that not one of the

children would have thought of eating an apple in the

same room because if they had they would have been

turned out. Their mother could not bear small sounds.

Nobody could sit crackling a newspaper, even turning

over the pages of a book irritated her so much, and that,

I think, is very typical of the Ferrum patient. They

cannot stand little small noises that irritate them. They

do not mind humps going on outside and terrific noise

from the street. Even when they are very ill with

Pneumonia, you come in and try and read your paper in

the room where the Ferrum is and you will very soon be

turned out because they cannot bear it. I have always

found that characteristic. They are extremely sensitive

to cold. That is another distinguishing feature from

Pulsatilla. Ferrum is a very cold patient. Tired and

cold.

The next one I want to mention is Graphites.

Again one does not tend to think of Graphites as a

depression medicine, but it can be. They can be very

depressed. They are more perhaps very sad, than very

depressed, if you can see a difference. They sit down

and are just sad. They sit and think of how soon they

are going to die and of how soon this illness is going to

kill them rather than being melancholy and gloomy.

They then worry about whether they will go to heaven if

they do die, that is the kind of people they are. And if

they are depressed, Graphites patients have the very

marked characteristic that they cannot make up their

minds. Graphites is always bad at making up its mind,

but you get a depressed Graphites and you really will

know what it is like. I always remember having a

depressed Graphites, and her two sons came to see me

first to tell me how very, very depressed she was. Her

father was a great author and he had died and she had

been left all her father’s books, and the sons said, “We

are having a frightful time at the moment because we

are supposed to be arranging our grandfather’s books

which are most interesting, but our mother will not

make up her mind where she wants them. We spend all

day having certain ones taken out and put back again!!”

And that is awfully like a Graphites. They postpone

deciding about things and they get slow and miserable

and depressed and think they ought to do it. Their

relations are trying to press them to do something and

they do not know what to do. Now this patient was the

best skin patient I ever saw. She came in one day with a

rash on the side of her face. She was very strict

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 39

Catholic and she wanted to go to Italy for Easter and

how could she go with a face like this. It was the most

awful rash. She had been up and down Harley Street

and then she was sent to see me. And this rash was

oozing yellow stuff and it was tending to crack. It was

the most awful rash you have ever seen and she said, “I

do not know whether I can go to Italy. If I go, of course

I shall go with something to cover me all the time”, and

I said, “Well, I will try and clear it up before you go.” I

gave her a 10M of Graphites straight away and twelve

powders of Graphites 10M. I think I gave the first six

every two hours and the second six every four hours. I

heard then from the specialist that she had gone out to

Italy for Easter. The next thing I had was a telegram to

say, “Marvellous”, with just her name at the bottom. I

got four telegrams during Easter just to say “More and

more marvelous”. I still have them now, for I was so

tickled and they are now in her notes! She was

completely cleared up, and has never had it since. I

only saw her again last week because again the sons,

who are very fond of her, made her come and see me.

She thought she had better come because her sons had

said so. They thought at any moment they would have

the books that they had finally got arranged so

beautifully in specially made shelves all out again! But

she was a very, very good case and I always hope that

you will have a Graphites case like that because it gives

you such a feeling that there is not a skin in the world

which you cannot clear. If you can clear that, you feel

you can clear any!

Graphites patients are better in the evening. They

cheer up as a rule then if they are depressed and

sometimes you can get work out of them in the evening,

and they usually sleep very well. They wake up in the

morning absolutely as bad as ever, but you can

gradually push them along. They are better for warmth

and they are much better for food, and the Graphites

patient likes his food and improves after it. Strangely

enough, especially when they are depressed they are

chilly and they have at the same time a certain amount

of air hunger. The only thing they complain of at night

when they sleep like a log, is that they are

uncomfortably hot in bed. They are very easily

overheated by exertion. They are interesting

depressions because you can so quickly clear them up.

Their depression is made very much worse by music.

They are awfully sensitive to music. I also remember a

little girl of twelve who was brought to me in Out-

patients and nobody knew less about her than her

mother, I thought. The little girl stood whilst the mother

said, “Oh no, she is very disobliging and will not do

anything and is very depressed.” The mother really did

not tell me anything at all about her health. Finally, I

said to the child, “Do you always have these crusted

eyelashes?” and the mother said, “Didn’t you wash your

face properly this morning?” Thank goodness, she had

not washed her face properly that morning or I

shouldn’t have seen them, and I thought for this

indecisive and miserable little girl, I will give her some

Graphites. So I gave her a 10M of Graphites on very,

very little, except the crusted eyelashes, which by the

way is so commonly found, especially in children.

Well, the next month a very elegant policeman arrived

with this little girl. And the policeman said, “I do not

think my wife really told you enough about her, but

what I want to tell you is that she is an absolutely

different child. She has been a great trial to us for some

years because if we were going for a picnic with my

other two children, this one would never join. She

never wanted to go, she never was sure whether she

wanted to do anything. We never could make her make

up her mind or decide, but now you know she is

absolutely different. She has been out twice with us and

is so different. She is so much brighter and I have

brought her up because I just wanted to thank you for

making such a difference to her.” She was nice case.

She was one where, as I say, you get your remedy by

just looking at the patient. Very useful.

Now, I want to just mention Lilium tigrinum. It is a

depression remedy and it is rather characteristic in that

whatever their mental state they are always aggravated

in the evening and at night. And their depression can be

a sort of religious melancholia. It is not like Aurum at

all. They never sort of sit and stare with a melancholy

expression or anything like that. The Lilium tigrinum

blames anyone who is around and they feel a great sense

of responsibility and they must be the ones that give

advice. They have always given advice to the family

who rely on them, and they must give advice again, and

if they do not feel well enough to do this then they get

very depressed. They often have some physical

disturbance which again is worse at night.

They have a characteristic in that if they sat in a

room like this they would be pushing back their coats.

They are always pushing back their clothes because they

are too hot. And any attempt to console them,

incidentally, makes then extremely annoyed, almost

violent. I can remember one patient that I looked after

for ages who had Lilium tig. eventually when I called

Dr. Borland in to see her which did a marvelous lot of

good, but, she used otherwise to throw things at her

poor sister who was a school mistress in Gibraltar. The

sister got away from her most of the time, but when she

got home she had the most horrible time, but she felt

obliged to come home occasionally, for otherwise the

mother had this woman all alone. And it was a short

break! The patient used to throw anything within reach

at her poor sister. Lilium tigrinum have a sense of their

own importance always. They have got a sense that

they are responsible for things. During their depression

they show this aggravation for heat which is always

there and they like a lot of fresh air. Occasionally you

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think they may be going to be a Pulsatilla, but they are

not because they are much more definite characters and

they are much more bad tempered. I think Lilium tig. Is

one of the most difficult patients you can find. Also,

nearly always with their depression or with any other

complaint they have a dragging down feeling in their

pelvic organs which is extremely common. They

sometimes feel that everything is going to fall out of the

pelvis. That is really one of the chief physical things

you find in them, but even that responds very well and

they do very well on Lilium tig. It is a great remedy. I

am never sure that we use it enough.

Now, I am just going to run through the depressions

of the Natrums. In all the Natrums there is a certain

mental instability. All the Natrums are either up or

down. They are never necessarily on an even keel.

They laugh easily and the next minute, you know, they

are right down in the depths again. They have no sense

of humour. I think all the Natrums really have an entire

lack of a sense of humour. Or if they have, it is a sort of

twisted sense of humour, and they can make very

caustic and unpleasant remarks at times. They get a

very intense reaction to anything sad, and they are in the

very depths of despair after hearing about it. They all

have the characteristic that if anything has upset them

they dig it up and brood over it and never forget it, even

if it is from years previously. When they are depressed

all the insults that have ever been hurled at them are all

remembered and brought up. If they have nothing

definite, I have known Natrum mur. Absolutely hunt

round for causes that can account for their depression

and another very marked symptom is that not one of the

Natrums likes to have their depression ignored. They

may tell you they do not want company and they do not

want attention, but it is not true. They make themselves

the centre of interest. They do not necessarily want

people to come round and sit and talk to them but I

think I have told you before of the man I had in

HAHNEMANN ward under me. He would complain

bitterly every day about his morning coffee. Either they

had dropped a little into the saucer, or they had not

given him enough sugar, or they had forgotten the sugar

altogether. Anyhow, something was wrong and one of

the nurses said, “You know, I can hardly bear to take

him his morning coffee.” I said, “Leave it off until I

next come. I will be responsible. Do not take him

coffee the next two mornings.” So the next two

mornings she left out his coffee. Well, when I arrived I

cannot tell you what a to-do there was about his not

having had his coffee. So I said, “But I thought you did

not like it. I thought it was always wrong and I thought

that you would really prefer not to have it.” “Prefer not

to have it? Of course, I’d like to have it. I don’t like at

all to be left out. I have never approved of that and

want it.” The result was that the poor nurse whom I had

meant to help slightly had to then give him a bit of extra

attention every morning when she took round the coffee

and that is just exactly like the Nat. mur. They demand

a bit of extra attention because they feel they have been

neglected.

You cannot neglect the Nat.mur. patient because,

however bad tempered they are, they do not like it and

do not thank you. They see their relations, for example,

and their relations take the trouble to come and visit

them and sit and talk to them all the afternoon. Then

they go off thinking, “Well, thank goodness, Ivy is

getting better”, but when you next see Ivy she

complains bitterly because the relations did not really

ferret out what was wrong! Very typical of the Nat.

mur. And they can be very angry about this. They want

it dug out.

The Nat. mur. who suddenly loses somebody whom

they are very fond of really retires into a sort of shell.

They do not want sympathy. They do not like it if it is

offered to them. The only thing is that if you leave it

out altogether and do not ring up and enquire how they

are and do not write to them or do something about

them, then they get this feeling of resentment that you

have not done something. They begin to resent it very

much indeed and they feel very hard used. For instance

having refused to go out with friends who might have

offered to take them out to cheer them up, having

refused a dozen times, they are then frightfully resentful

that the friends do not go on ringing up and asking them

out. Whereas with the Pulsatilla they will weep all over

you and like sympathy and pick up with it. They are so

absolutely the exact opposite and you know you can get

almost tired of their tears but they are easier to get on

with! The Nat. mur. and the Nat. carb. are both more

sensitive to music, although none of the Natrums are

musical---not really musical. They may like pop music

and one is sometimes quite surprised at what the

Natrum patient will have on. The Nat. arsen. is of all of

them the most apprehensive. They all have their nerves

rather on edge, and it is an interesting experience that I

think you meet Natrum patients rather particularly after

shock, that is why I always say it is the greatest of the

shock medicines, whereas you meet Sepia patients after

years of over-work. It is just another of the little

differences between the two which is a useful point.

The Sepia patient is absolutely down and miserable and

you think you cannot lift them up. Send them out to a

dance and they will come back fine. Send them out

even for a walk and the Sepia patient will be lifted,

though they do rather wallow in their troubles. I have

quoted this to you before, but it is so true that all the

Sodiums are nice to know but not so nice to live with.

As a matter of fact, I know some wonderful Sodiums,

some of the very nicest people, but that is to just a slight

degree a fact.

========================================

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 41

3. Adolescent depression

PRIESTMAN, K.G. (BHJ. LXVII, 4/1978)

I am going to start with an obvious statement.

From the time there have been families, there have been

adolescents or “teenagers”, but it is only during the past

25-30 years that they have been so much seen, heard,

and talked about. Indeed I heard a young adult make a

statement over the radio the other morning, that in the

1960s, when he would have been one of their number,

“teenagers took over the world”. Whether the statement

is true or merely a typical teenage exaggeration I leave

you to judge, but what we all know to be true is that

adolescents go through a period of very great change,

physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Physically, while the skeleton, muscles, and

internal organs, especially the reproductive organs, are

in a phase of rapid growth, neural tissue stops growing

and some lympthatic tissue atrophies.

Mentally, they are in a phase of greatly expanding

knowledge, during which they appear to question

everything they have taken for granted previously, but

become fascinated by scientific, political, philosophical,

artistic and social issues involving them in endless

discussion.

Emotionally there are swings of mood, with rapid,

often inexplicable changes from ecstasy to despair with

all stages in between, and they fall in and out of love

with bewildering frequency.

I spent my life in general practice, having made a

special study of homœopathic remedies about 99 per

cent of the time. I have not made any special study of

psychology and thinking back over my practice, the

adolescents I met, apart from a very small number, seem

to have been healthy, their ups and downs never

reaching extremes, and to have resolved their crises

without any symptoms which could have been deemed

pathological. Of the small number who did not do so, I

can recall only three, the first a boy of 16, whom I never

met, but whose mother I was called in to treat for shock

after he had shot himself. He was one of the middle

boys in a family of six. There was no apparent motive,

and it was never firmly established whether it was

suicide, or an accident. The second was a case of

school phobia in a girl of 14 when the school leaving

age was 15 and pressure was being put on her by both

parents and teachers regarding examinations and

choosing a career. School became a place she just could

not face, but she was not particularly depressed about it-

indeed she rather enjoyed staying at home and having a

tutor all to herself. The third was a lass who really was

depressed; an only child, in difficult circumstances and

there were good reasons for her depression.

I still believe the majority of adolescents come

through their turbulent years find their identity and

settle down. Unfortunately, in recent years, the media

appear to believe that only bad is news, so that an

exaggerated image of teenage violence, destructiveness,

rebellion and depression is formed in the minds of the

general public. On the other hand we cannot escape the

fact that there is a real increase in all these aspects of

teenage life to an extent that is disturbing. I believe that

uncertainty of employment for school leavers and

university graduates, the increasing number of broken

homes and one-parent families and changing moral

standards, all contribute to this.

You will now understand why it is not possible for

me to discuss teenage depression from personal

experience, but I have tried to do my homework and

back my statements by quotations from a book called

The Growth of Personality by the psychologist

Gordon Lowe.

Now we come to homœopathic remedies which

may be helpful for adolescent depression and I have

chosen ten which seem to me to cover the symptoms

most adequately. Please remember that the lists of

symptoms I shall give, are in most instances statements

of sensations and emotions experienced by the provers.

To make the lists more interesting, try to relate them to

teenagers whom you may know.

According to my source of information,

psychologists had found it difficult to diagnose

adolescent illnesses, as behavior which would be quite

unacceptable in an adult was tolerated in teenagers and

there was no standard to go by. Then a man called

Erikson introduced his concept of identity, and

suggested that during adolescence, Identity, in both its

healthy and pathological aspects, becomes predominant.

To quote Gordon Lowe: “The teenager searching

for signposts towards a new identity, looking for some

way to make sense of his experiences, and trying to

reconcile his inner promptings and impulses with what

his environment will allow, cannot easily find solutions

by simple introspection. His inner feelings are too

unfamiliar, turbulent, transient and ambivalent for him

to make sense of them, so he tends to search “out there”

in the world, externalizing his problems and acting out

his conflicts. When perplexed by the question “Who am

I really?” he tends to formulate it in terms of “Who can

I be like?” or “What do others think I am like?” He

goes on to say:

“There is a sense in which the adolescent’s

psychological turbulence generally centres around his

parents, for until adulthood his mother and father

normally continue the most significant figures in his

life. At the beginning of adolescence he tends to idolize

his parents, a phase which quickly comes to an end

simply because no parent can be as perfect as the

adolescent would have him be. The teenager never does

things by halves and he revolts against his parents with

a vigour that often catapults him out of the family.”

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The normal outcome of this revolt is that the

adolescent begins to develop independence and a life of

his own, and in the majority of cases this happens

without any reaction which can be termed pathological.

In some, however, the adolescents are not mildly but

bitterly resentful of or disappointed in their parents.

Resentment is usually directed against the father, or

father substitute, such as authority figures, or ideals

representing law and order. The resentment may be

many-sided; it may focus on the demands of society

which he is afraid he may not be able to satisfy, and

may show itself in vociferous protestations that “it’s not

fair”, or demands for instant world reform. If the

anxiety becomes chronic he cannot forgive himself for

being unable to change the world to suit his needs and

may become aggressive, destructive and come into

conflict with the law.

If on the other hand disappointment with their

parents is predominant, then depression is likely to be

the result---a sense of loss, which may be mild and

transient as they accommodate themselves to the

change, but for some, it is more than they can bear, and

becomes generalized into the sad conviction that the

world is not good enough and never will be, and may

lead to suicidal attempts.

The relationship with his peers is also very

important to the adolescent. He must be “with it”. In

early teens the relationships are mainly with their own

sex, with mixed groups in the middle teens and more

selective in the late teens, when life-long friendships

may be made and marriage partners chosen. Social and

moral behavior will generally follow that of the group.

If for any reason he becomes a “loner” or “odd man

out”, this may also lead to severe depression.

Can homœopathic remedies help in these

situations? I have explained that I cannot speak from

personal experience, but the symptom pictures of some

of our remedies do cover the conditions that I have

attempted to describe. I am sure some of you will be

able to add to and confirm what I say from your own

practices and I trust will do so for the benefit of us all.

IGNATIA

Full of contradictions and surprises

Cheerful and weepy alternately

Artistic temperament

People who are oversensitive, excitable and nervous

Hysterical sobbing and sighing, or broods in silence,

utterly absorbed in grief

Unnatural contradictions

Unreasonable, irrational, worse for correction or

punishment

A tendency to be in a state of hurry and excitement

Erotic, with often misplaced affections

Those who “fall in love” with a partner considered

totally unsuitable by his or her family and friends.

Dreads people and things approaching

Prefers to be alone

Feels she has done something wrong or that something

dreadful is about to happen

In the past it has been considered as a remedy for

hysteria, but I would like to quote from Clarke who

says,

“In order to obtain a proper understanding of the

power and place of Ignatia, it is necessary to get rid of

two prevalent erroneous ideas. The first is that Ignatia

is a remedy for hysteria and nothing else, the second

that it is the only remedy ever required in cases of

hysteria”. It is not suitable for those in whom anger,

eagerness or violence predominate, but for those who

are subject to rapid alternations of cheerfulness and

disposition to weep.

Generals: The suddenness of the symptoms

The irrationality of the symptoms

The disposition to sigh

PULSATILLA

Mild, gentle, weepy, particularly when spoken to or

when giving symptoms.

They crave fuss and attention----cf. Ignatia

In spite of the mildness and gentleness they are

extraordinarily irritable, and at times sulky

Moods change quickly

Depressed with a desire to commit suicide or attacks of

anxiety with fear of death

Disturbed and restless in the evening, with fear of

ghosts

They have pleasure in nothing and get irritable; want

first one thing and/then another. cf. Chamomilla.

Full of notions and whims, imaginative and excitable

They may have a fear of the opposite sex

There is a tendency to jealousy and covetousness

Generals: Worst heat and becoming heated

Better slow moving in the open air

Inability to take rich and fatty foods,

especially pork

In general a marked lack of thirst

They blush easily

First menses often late

SILICA

Often said to be the chronic of Pulsatilla

A strong dislike of disputes and arguments

Sense of embarrassment and dread

Dread of appearing in public

Dread of failure, though actually does (it) well

Anything for a quiet life

Irritable, retiring, wants to shirk everything

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Weepy

This reaction in children may be found where the

parents constantly argue and quarrel

Generals: All wounds and grazes tend to fester

Chilly, especially the head

Sweating with cold, clammy hands and

feet

AURUM

The remedy of the deepest despair

Imagines himself unfitted for the world, wants to get out

of it because he is worthless.

Meditates on suicide, and will carry it out.

Thinks he has lost the affection of his family and his

friends, and that he is unworthy of them.

Becomes sulky, morose, discontented with himself and

his circumstances.

Feels hateful and hopeless.

Cannot stand contradiction, it rouses him to great anger.

Alternate states of peevishness and cheerfulness

Very subject to homesickness

Worst for emotion, the depression may start after grief,

fright, anger, or disappointed love.

There is a tendency for the symptoms to start in the

evening and last all night.

Memory becomes very poor.

May be helpful for the chronic effects of alcohol.

SEPIA

Propensity to suicide from despair about his miserable

condition

Resigned despair

Aversion to occupation, to his family, or great

indifference to the family

Does not care what happens, no desire to work,

inattentive, absent minded, indolent.

Absence of all joy, no desire for the delightful things of

life

Causeless weeping

Discontented with everything

Passionate, irritable, never seems to be happy unless

annoying someone

Generals: Often a sallow skin with yellow saddle

across the nose, or a fine pale skin

Gnawing hunger better for eating

Better for violent exercise with profuse

sweating

A great sense of heaviness and

dragging down in the lower abdomen

Milky discharges

ANACARDIUM

Thinks he is double, fixed ideas, a feeling that his mind

and body are separated.

Feels that a stranger is walking at his side, or that he is

being pursued.

Feels that he has a devil whispering blasphemy in one

ear, telling him offensive things, prompting him to

murder, while there is an angel whispering in the other

ear, prompting good deeds.

Contradiction between reason and will

Irresistable desire to curse and swear

Disposition to take everything amiss and fly into rages

Laughs at serious things and is serious when there is

something to laugh at.

Can be both cruel and cowardly.

Full of fear, that every trifle might lead to misfortune

Generals: Worse when hungry, better for eating

Sensations of pressure “like a plug”

NUX VOMICA

Feels everything too strongly

Violent temper, cannot be contradicted or opposed,

breaks into abuse.

Stamps about, and may tear things.

Driven by impulses to commit acts that verge on

insanity and the destruction of others, with sudden

impulses to kill.

Suicidal thoughts, but lacks the courage to carry it out.

Oversensitive to external impressions, noise, light,

touch, smells and draughts

KENT describes them as never satisfied---never

content.

Generals: Excessively chilly

Often people who work very hard

mentally, but take little exercise

Possibly a history of excessive coffee

or wine drinking.

Desires to be alone

General relief from lying down

HEPAR SULPH.

Flies into rages over trifles

Feels he could kill himself or other people

Sudden impulses to kill or destroy, to set things on fire

Dissatisfaction with himself and others

Sensitive to people, with strong unreasonable likes and

dislikes of individuals

Oversensitive and irritable

Generals: Acutely sensitive to draughts and cold

Pains often described as pricking or

splinter-like

Offensive discharges---may smell of old

cheese

Very liable to septic infections

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PSORINUM

Full of anxiety and fear of failure, that he will never

pass his exams

No joy in anything, wants to die

No desire to work

Emotional upsets often cause trembling

Weepy, then sudden liveliness

Quarrelsome

Generals: Extremely chilly, yet many symptoms,

particularly of the skin, worse for heat

skin rough, looks dirty, with eruptions

Offensive discharges

Worse open air

Constantly hungry, often has to eat

during the night

Head very sensitive to draught,

particularly at night

SULPHUR

KENT describes the Sulphur patient as lean, lank,

untidy, don’t care and selfish. Becomes a false

philosopher and is then disappointed because the world

does not think him the greatest man on earth.

Too unhappy to live

Too lazy to rouse himself

Dirty, just does not see the necessity of putting on clean

clothes

Generals: Tendency to skin eruptions and offensive

discharges

Oversensitive to smells

Worse for heat in all its forms

Constantly thirsty

Sometimes a compulsion to touch things

Tendency for body orifices to be red and raw

You will have realized by now that I have only

touched the fringe of the problem either psychologically

or homœopathically, and there are many young people

calling out for help, either literally----I believe the

Samaritans are getting increasing calls for help from

younger and younger people each year---or by their

behavior.

In trying to help them we must not forget that man

is more than mind and body---he is also spirit. Man

must have a goal----increasing technology is taking

away the need to work. Increasing science has taken

away faith. I can understand many young people

wondering whether there is any point in living. I will

just end with a statement from St. Augustine who said:

“God, you have created us for yourself and our

hearts are restless until we find our rest in you”.

========================================

4. THE CHRONIC MIASMS IN PRESCRIBING

ELIZABETH & J. PATERSON

(BHJ. VOL. LXVII, 4 OCT. 1978)

TO HAHNEMANN is due the credit of first having

recognized the existence of Psora, Sycosis, and Syphilis

as chronic Miasms. In his volume entitled Chronic

Diseases he deals with the relation of Miasms to

disease.

Throughout the literature since that time, various

interpretations have been given to the word “Miasm,”

such as emanation, poison, infection, microbe, invisible

potentiality, diathesis, taint, soil, deranged Vital Force,

and dynamic unbalance.

HAHNEMANN recognized a Miasm as a

disorderly state of the whole living organism, to which

he ascribes the disease conditions which supervene.

These conditions, being confined within certain

limits, can be classified under the three headings of

Psora, Sycosis, and Syphilis, each of which has its own

stamp or individuality.

In HAHNEMANN’s description of symptoms, the

psoric so far outnumber the sycotic and the syphilitic

that one is left with the impression that the latter are of

comparatively minor importance. This, indeed, was

HAHNEMANN’s view, as he ascribed seven-eighths of

chronic disease to Psora and the remaining eighth to

Sycosis and Syphilis combined.

However, on examination of the symptoms given

by HAHNEMANN under the heading of Psora we

should be inclined to include some of them rather under

Sycosis and Syphilis.

Concerning the symptoms of the chronic basic

Miasms, most writers are somewhat vague, except

perhaps J.H. ALLEN, who gives considerable detail in

his two volumes, The Chronic Miasms. Whereas

HAHNEMANN ascribes the majority of symptoms to

Psora, ALLEN ascribes the majority to Sycosis, and

while one may not entirely agree with ALLEN’s views,

he certainly provides much helpful information and

food for thought.

KENT, also, throughout his writings, gives many

scattered symptoms which, when added to those of

other writers, help us to form a picture of the chronic

Miasms.

After describing the Miasms, HAHNEMANN goes

on to detail what he calls the antipsoric remedies, under

which heading he includes practically the whole of his

Materia Medica Pura. Nitric acid is not only

included in this list, but is mentioned as the remedy to

be used with Thuja in the treatment of Sycosis. Of

other antisycotic remedies HAHNEMANN has nothing

to say.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 45

Similarly, in Syphilis he mentions Mercury as the

remedy of choice, but gives no information of other

remedies for this type of case.

Since HAHNEMANN’s time, subsequent writers of

works on homœopathic Materia Medica continue to

label certain remedies as antipsoric, antisycotic and

antisyphilitic, without giving any clear idea of what is

meant by these terms.

HAHNEMANN recognized as antipsoric those

remedies which are most similar to, and therefore act

best in, Psora, and we must presume that later writers

also indicate these properties when using the term.

Antisycotic and antisyphilitic remedies are, by analogy,

most suited to sycotic and syphilitic states respectively.

“Polychrest” is another term which is used, and by

which is indicated a remedy which has in its Provings

outstanding symptoms of more than one Miasm.

Let us now try to outline a picture of each of these

chronic Miasms, in order that by comparing them with

the drug pictures given in our Materia Medica we may

demonstrate how the characteristics of the Miasm

reappear in the simillimum.

PSORA

First of all, let us consider pure psora

(HAHNEMANN, as already noted, includes symptoms

which we should include under other Miasms). Gould’s

Medical Dictionary defines Psora as Scabies or the

Itch, and while we are not here going to enter into

discussion regarding the origin of Psora from Scabies,

there still remains the outstanding characteristic of

Psora, namely “itching”.

Skin – The skin is itchy, hot and burning, either

with or without eruptions. Itching is relieved by

scratching, which is followed by burning and smarting.

This is worse in the evening, especially in heat of bed.

There is a dry, rough appearance to the skin which

makes it look dirty, but which is nevertheless made

worse by washing. Papular eruptions may be present,

more rarely vesicular or pustular, and scales and crusts

are thin and fine, never thick or heavy.

The face may be pale, but the lips, like other

mucous membranes, are very red. Hot flushes are

particularly common.

Special sense organs are not typically affected in

Psora; congestive conditions may lead to epistaxis and

noises in the ears. Itching and heat, with dryness and

redness, may occur on the eyelids and in the auditory

meatus. In the mouth bitter, sweet and sour tastes are

recorded, but a burnt taste is the only characteristic one.

Hair is dry, lusterless and brittle, with seldom any

sweating of the head. Frequently there is much itching

of the scalp. There is, however little desire for heat

about the head, the patient preferring to have the head

uncovered.

Often there is constant chilliness in these cases, but

little or no sweating, which, if it occurs at all, relieves

the patient.

Mentally, these patients are active, but are self-

centred, hypochondriac, changeable and moody.

Commonly they are morose, lazy and apathetic. They

are sensitive to outside impressions, such as noises and

odours, and faint easily with excitement. With the

moodiness and depression they may be subject to

Hysteria, fits of passion, tremble and weep, or they

maybe the chronic complainers who feel they will never

get well.

Vertigo is common and occurs at all times and in

all circumstances, accompanied or not by Nausea.

Vertigo and Nausea in boat, train, or carriage is

characteristic.

Headaches are usually complained of immediately

on waking in the morning; they increase towards noon,

when they reach their height, then decrease towards

evening. They are of severe congestive type, usually

frontal or temporal. Frequently they are periodic and

occur once per week or once per month, with bilious

attacks, nausea and vomiting.

The pain is generally relieved by hot applications,

quiet, rest, and sleep.

Appetite may be absent or ravenous, and occur at

unusual times, frequently between meals or at night.

Appetite may be small while thirst is great. In the

old Scot’s saying, they are “worse to water than corn”.

Craving for sweets is a typical psoric symptom, and

the patient whether young or old can never get enough

of them.

Rich much seasoned, and fried foods are greatly

desired, and frequently lead to bilious attacks or

Diarrhoea.

Bloating and drowsiness after meals is typical of

Psora – the drowsiness being overwhelming. Diarrhoea

may also follow fright or grief, and is accompanied by

colicky pains which are better from hot drinks or hot

applications. Constipation is frequent, the desire for

stool being absent, and the motion hard dry balls as if

burnt.

Itching, creeping, and crawling in the rectum may

be present, with or without worms. Dysmenorrhoea

may occur, but is not characteristic of Psora; clots are

usually small and leucorrhoea bland.

Respiratory tract affections are of congestive

type, e.g. Bronchitis and Pneumonia, the latter being

usually lobar in type. Cough is dry, teasing, spasmodic,

with little expectoration, and is usually worse in the

morning.

Extremities – The hands and feet are often cold,

and there is much tingling and numbness in the limbs,

which easily become weary, especially with standing;

the patient can walk well but cannot stand well.

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In spite of the coldness of the hands and feet, they

may become extremely hot, dry, and burning, especially

in the palms and soles. This is most marked at night,

and may force the patient to put the feet from under the

covers to cool them off.

Chilblains are common, and burn and itch. There is

often a very disagreeable odour from the feet.

Limb pains, like the Headache, are better from heat,

rest, and quiet; and worse from motion.

Such, then, is the general picture of Psora, with

which let us compare the picture of

SYCOSIS

Sycoma has been defined as a warty excrescence

and Sycosis as the fig-wart disease.

While we now understand much more than that in

this condition, the signature of the disease is still the

warty growths. The skin is oily, greasy, and sallow, or

of a peculiar waxy greenish hue. In extreme cases a

general puffiness or doughiness may be found.

Blemishes on the skin are frequent, and may appear

as little red polka dots or sycotic moles, spider spots,

naevi, or brown patches.

Red moles are frequent on neck, chest, and trunk.

In Sycosis, vesicular eruptions are characteristic,

and may become pustular, as in herpes, impetigo, and

vaccinia. Itching is usually absent in these cases.

Warts of all kinds and in all situations are typically

Sycotic. They may be pigmented, disseminated,

unilateral or in groups.

Tinea barbae and tinea circumscripta, the latter

leading to bald spots on the scalp, are due to this Miasm

only. Nails are usually thick and ridged. Perspiration

is frequently profuse, both day and night, on scalp,

trunk, and genitals. The odour may be musty or fishy.

The perspiration does not relieve the patient. These

patients are usually chilly and sensitive to cold and

damp, but despite this fact, children frequently kick off

all the covers at night.

The mental states of Sycosis are related chiefly to

meninges, hence convulsions and epileptiform seizures

are common.

The patient is nervous, excitable, irritable,

emotional, and easily startled by noises.

There is constantly a state of hypertension and

overanxiousness; fear of what may happen, also fear of

being alone. Memory gradually fails, and there is

confusion and forgetfulness.

These conditions are always worse before change

of weather, or approach of thunderstorm, and are

noticeably present with the pains. Headaches are

frontal, occipital or on vertex, and are worse from

barometric changes and moisture of atmosphere.

Heat does not always relieve the pain; motion

frequently does.

Special Senses – Eyes: Ophthalmia with profuse

purulent greenish discharge may occur; also corneal

ulcer and iritis. Ears: Otitis media of a chronic type

with purulent discharge is often of sycotic origin. Nose:

The nose shares in the general catarrhal state of the

Miasm, acute or chronic catarrh being practically

constant. Acute coryza with sneezing and copious

watery excoriating discharge is followed by, or replaced

by, stuffy catarrh after the least exposure to cold.

Digestive – Appetite is usually capricious, and

frequently entirely absent in the morning.

Indigestion after food is a frequent complaint, and

fruit in particular seems to upset some of these patients.

With infants, even the mother’s milk may upset, and

one finds a new-born infant screaming and squirming,

with the legs drawn up on the abdomen. This continues

for hours unless relieved. Milk foods in general

disagree with these infants, consequently feeding is very

difficult. The stomach pains are crampy, colicky,

paroxysmal, and are relieved by pressure, lying on the

abdomen, motion, or rocking.

Vomiting may occur, and both the child and the

vomitus smell sour.

The child does not want to be left alone, but wants

to be carried or rocked.

Diarrhoea is one of the outstanding features of

Sycosis, and may follow trivial causes such as any

indiscretion in diet or a wetting.

The stool is forcibly ejected with much pain and

noise; smells sour, and is acid and corrosive. The

colour and consistency are not characteristic, and may

be watery, white, green or yellow.

The type of colic is extremely severe, spasmodic,

paroxysmal, and is relieved by hard pressure, such as

bending over the back of a chair, and is accompanied by

much restlessness.

J.H. ALLEN says Appendicitis is largely dependent

on the sycotic Miasm.

Stitching pains, especially in rectum and vagina,

may occur. Pruritus ani and vulvae when present are

very severe.

Umbilicus and rectum may be the site of

ulceration with a thin watery discharge.

When haemorrhoids are present they are

characterized by intense pruritus. The Urine, like the

stool, is so acrid that great care is necessary to prevent

excoriation about the perineum.

Pain on passing urine may be so extreme as to

cause children to scream.

Kidney involvement may be found in markedly

sycotic cases, leading to dropsies, etc.

Sycosis characteristically affects the whole pelvic

cavity leading to any or all of the following conditions:

metritis, para- and endo-metritis, salpingitis, ovaritis,

etc.

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This leads to extreme dysmenorrhoea with the

type of pain already detailed under colic.

The flow may occur only with the pains, and is

usually offensive, acrid, and excoriating. Typically, it

contains large dark, stringy clots. Leucorrhoea is also

acrid, thin, scanty, and of a typical fishy odour.

One of the chief differences between Psora and

Sycosis is here exemplified. Psora seldom produces

pathological states, being more functional in its effects,

while Sycosis is rapid in action and produces

pathological results more rapidly even than Syphilis.

The extremities exemplify the tendency of the

Miasm to affect fibrous tissue. Shooting and tearing

pains occur in the muscles and joints of the extremities,

accompanied by stiffness and soreness, especially

lameness. Small joints are frequently selected, such as

the finger joints, the forefinger being a common seat of

election.

The soles of the feet are painful and tender, and the

patient may complain of the sensation of walking on

cobbles. These pains are worse from rest as the affected

parts stiffen up, so that while the pains are relieved by

motion they are very much aggravated on beginning to

move. These pains, like most other sycotic conditions,

are worse from cold, barometric changes, especially

damp, and better in dry fair weather and from motion.

They may be worse at night or in the morning. The

general restlessness of the Miasm is seen particularly in

the feet, and may even be exaggerated to choreiform

movements.

Chronic joint inflammation is never grossly

deforming, as it attacks the fibrous tissues in and around

the joints. In pursuance of this tendency to affect

fibrous tissue, nerve sheaths and muscle tendons may be

affected.

In acute articular Rheumatism the joints are

swollen, blue and sensitive, and the inflammation may

move from joint to joint.

The respiratory tract is much involved in the

general catarrhal state of mucous membranes, which

show a typical patchy bluish congestion. The whole

tract is frequently involved, nasal catarrh being followed

by Bronchitis, accompanied by a hard, dry, racking

cough. Bronchopneumonia is a frequent and typical

complaint.

Asthma is purely sycotic manifestation, especially

the humid type which is hereditary. There is prolonged

teasing cough with little expectoration, which may be

clear mucus or ropy. Time aggravation of Asthma and

cough is frequently 2 to 3 a.m.

Endo and peri-cardium may be involved and lead

to sudden death, with no pain and few symptoms. Pain

may be present in the scapular and praecordial regions.

There is one other tissue which is capable of

attacking all these tissues susceptible to attack under

Sycosis, and that disease is Influenza, which is one of

the outstanding sycotic affections.

In Sycosis, in contrast to the tubercular diathesis,

there is an increase in the amount of chalk deposited

which leads to nodules round joints and in muscle

sheaths.

With the general outline of Sycosis let us compare

the manifestation of the Syphilitic Miasm. The

dictionary defines Syphilis as a chronic infectious

venereal disease which may be hereditary, but

describes also Syphilis insontium as non-venereal

Syphilis.

KENT, in his Lesser Writings, says of Syphilis: “It

is not in my department to give you its history or its

diagnostic relations, but only to consider it as a Miasm”

(Syphilis as a Miasm, L.W.).

In its Miasmatic manifestations let us now consider.

SYPHILIS

The face is ashy grey, wizened and wrinkled,

giving in children the typical “old man” appearance.

The head is large and bossy (soft) with an oily

scalp, which may have thick, moist, heavy yellow crusts

on it.

In the eyes we find many characters of the Miasm,

keratitis being the typical affection, which usually

occurs between the ages of 7 and 21 years.

Iritis also is of frequent occurrence, as at least 50

percent of the cases of this condition have behind them

the Syphilitic Miasm. An infant aged 6 to 9 months

may show signs of iritis. Syphilitic iritis is usually

bilateral. The pain is like other syphilitic pains, worse

at night, especially between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Ulceration of the cornea may occur with marked

photophobia, but is not so common as in the tuberculous

diathesis.

Ptosis and ciliary neuralgias are frequent

manifestations. The bones of the nose are often

destroyed, which results in the typical sunken bridge in

children. Eyebrows and eyelashes may fall out. In

adults, the sense of smell may be lost. Nasal catarrh is

frequent; acute coryza with fluent, acrid discharge or

chronic catarrh with discharge which is dark, thick, and

leads to the formation of clinkers. This discharge is not

always offensive. In the mouth we find deep fissures at

the angles or in the middle of the lips. Moist ulceration

and mucous patches are common on tongue, gums,

palate and tonsils, giving the characteristic snail-track

appearance.

Dentition is troublesome; Diarrhoea and

convulsions being frequent accompaniments.

Hutchinson’s peg teeth are known to all. A metallic

taste in the mouth always suggests Syphilis.

Enlargement of the cervical glands, most often those in

the posterior triangle and behind the ear, is seldom

absent in this Miasm.

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The skin lesions in Syphilis are polymorphic,

copper or raw-ham coloured, symmetrical, and devoid

of pain or itching. Scales and crusts, when present, tend

to be thick and heavy, as in rupia. Pearly papules and

leukoplakia carry the stamp of the Miasm. Onychia,

paronychia, and dactylitis also tell their own tale.

The view of Norman Walker expressed in his

volume An Introduction to Dermatology that

condylomata about the anus and genitals are of

syphilitic origin, seems to support the opinion expressed

by J.H. ALLEN, who says both Sycosis and Syphilis

must be present before these cauliflower-like

excrescences appear, for, as already noted, all warts are

of sycotic origin.

The syphilitic Miasm leads to a dull, heavy

mentality in which the sufferer is sullen and obstinate.

He is depressed but tells nobody of his troubles, as he is

mistrustful. Depression may be so intense as to lead to

suicide. Anxiety at night is so marked that the syphilitic

dreads the night.

Headaches are basilar, dull, constant, and may

persist for days. These may be due to effusion. The

pain becomes worse towards evening; increases till

midnight, and eases off towards morning. Lying down

and heat both aggravate, while cold usually alleviates

the pain. The pain may be so severe that a child knocks

its head against the sides of the cot or with its hands.

The digestive and alimentary systems are not

characteristically affected, but marasmic children may

develop sudden attacks of severe vomiting and purging

which may be fatal in twenty-four hours unless checked.

Extremities, both upper and lower, are typical sites

of bone pains, which may or may not be accompanied

by thickening and deformity. Ulceration of the long-

bones frequently follows, ulcer in the upper third of the

tibia being diagnostic. The bone pains are like the head

pains – worse at night, and ameliorated by cold.

Laryngeal affections are the chief of the

manifestations of the Miasm in the respiratory system,

and may be functional or destructive.

Tubercle

This brief survey of the Miasm of Syphilis brings to

mind the Miasm of tubercle which is in many ways

very similar. This fact is acknowledged by all schools

of medicine, sometimes the difficulty of distinguishing

their products being extreme.

J.H. ALLEN in his book on Psora and Pseudo-

psora ascribes to a mixture of Psora and Syphilis the

Miasm Scrofula, and OSLER has said that scrofula is

tubercle.

Is it surprising then that the Miasm of tubercle

contains symptoms of more than one Miasm and that it

is of deadly significance, always predisposing to

extremes? This is seen particularly in the acute

exanthemata, where the attack is always severe, and

tends to be followed by secondary complications.

It is not included by HAHNEMANN in his triad of

chronic basic Miasms, but its presence is so widespread

that it may not be out of place to include it here as one

of the basic constitutional derangements.

Here, however, one may add also that no claim is

made that these Miasms dealt with complete the list of

chronic Miasms, but it is hoped that sufficient evidence

has been put forward to show that their presence is no

mean factor in the diseases and disorders with which we

have daily to deal.

Let us now proceed to outline the Miasm of

tubercle. The patient is either too fat or too thin, too

dull or too active, and always too tired. Muscle and fat

predominate, tissues are lax, and bones soft and rickety.

There is deficiency in chalk and silicates, and nails are

brittle, frequently with white spots or excessive curves,

concave or with clubbing of the finger ends.

These patients are constantly chilly, susceptible to

the least cold, yet upset by extreme heat. Feet and

hands are cold and clammy. The face is typically pale

with a clear, watery, bluish tint; bright eyes with long

lashes, and high cheek bones which may show the

typical malar flush.

The lips are frequently bright red, but may be

congested and blue. Perspiration is free about the face,

head, and upper part of the body. The odour may be

offensive, especially that of the feet. Catarrhal

affections of the nose frequently occur, either acute or

chronic, the latter with thick yellow discharge, which

may smell of old cheese.

Eye conditions are frequently found; the most

characteristic of which is phlyctenular ulcer with intense

photophobia.

Ear affections are common after the slightest

exposure to cold, and the child wakens screaming

during the night. The discharge, here as elsewhere, may

smell like old cheese.

Cracks behind the ears frequently occur.

Lymphatic tissue is typically affected all over the body

– tonsils and adenoids, cervical glands, mesenteric

glands, all become enlarged. Skin lesions are

multiform and generally free from itch. Ringworm,

Purpura, Erythema nodosum, and Eczema may all

occur.

Bony tissues are markedly affected, the spine and

long bones, especially near joints, being the seats of

election. Tubercular headaches are very severe,

frequently periodic, or are brought on by an excitement

or strain. Heat, rest and quiet ameliorate the pains, as

does eating. They are usually frontal or temporal.

The mental symptoms are pronounced in children

who are often willful, stubborn, positive, and tempery

and may also be destructiove. They may be weepy and

full of fears and dreads; fear of animals being marked.

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Night terrors also are of common occurrence. Children

do not want to be carried, as in Sycosis; they prefer not

to be touched.

Older patients may be hopeful in outlook, even with

marked constitutional disturbance. Hysteria may occur,

and is generally a danger signal. Epilepsy may develop

at, or about, puberty.

In the digestive system we often find ravenous

appetite, especially for indigestible things, such as

chalk, pencils, and craving for meat is common. Salt is

much desired and much needed. Sudden attacks of

vomiting and Diarrhoea may follow any chill, error in

diet, and teething. Stools may be clay-coloured, and

contain blood and mucus. Intestinal parasites are of

common occurrence. Bladder and kidney involvement

frequently leads to enuresis. Diabetes frequently, has a

tubercular basis. In the genital system the menses are

exhausting, frequent, profuse, and may be accompanied

by Nausea, fainting or hysterical symptoms.

Leucorrhoea is usually thick, musty, purulent and

lumpy. In the limbs, owing to the laxity of the tissues,

sprains and strains are common, also, the patient may

stumble over a straw.

That brings to an end this short survey of the

Chronic Miasms; we have now to find out if the

symptoms detailed reappear in the corresponding

antimiasmatic remedies.

Sulphur

We have all read that Sulphur is the greatest

antipsoric remedy. What evidences of Psora do we find

in Sulphur?

In the first place, the general appearance of the

patient is with red orifices and dry dirty skin, itching

and burning of the skin, with or without eruptions.

Burning palms and soles, congestive states shown in

Vertigo, flushing, and headaches – all these

undoubtedly characterize both the Miasm and the

remedy.

Secondly what of the mentals? – morose, lazy,

selfish, idle, to name only a few of the symptoms which

may be found. Also, appetite absent, ravenous, craving

for sweets, thirst; digestive disturbances p.c. and

constipation – hard, dry, burnt-looking stool, or

morning Diarrhoea.

These features, then, are the chief antipsoric ones in

Sulphur, which does not limit Sulphur to Psora, for, as

we know, Sulphur is one of the Polychrests. Do these

symptoms occur in other antipsorics? Let us examine

some of them to find out.

Alumina

Shows dry, itching skin, intolerable in bed.

Mucous membranes are dry giving a fish-bone sensation

in throat and marked constipation. Disturbed portal

circulation with cravings for dry food and rice, which

seems strange when we note dryness of the remedy

itself.

Lycopodium

The skin and mucus membranes may be dry,

especially the palm of the hands. Mentally, the patient

is hypersensitive to noise and smell; is irritable, cross,

brooding and sedentary. Headache is relieved by

uncovering the head and is worse from noise. Appetite

may be capricious or excessive. Bilious attacks,

flatulence, bloating after food, with constipation and

hard, dry, stools, are frequently found.

These are examples of antipsorics, many more of

which may be recalled by the symptoms of the Miasm.

While all have common characteristics, each antipsoric

remedy has not all the typical symptoms in the same

degree. For example, Sepia has marked flushings and

faintings, while Petroleum shows outstanding nausea in

boat or train. As every manifestation of Psora is seldom

prominent in one patient at the same time, one must

choose a remedy which has not only the main

characteristics of Psora but also a symptom of first rank

importance which corresponds to the outstanding phase

of the Miasm at the time.

What about the Sycotic Miasm? Do the sycotic

symptoms reappear in the remedies?

Thuja

was the chief antisycotic remedy of

HAHNEMANN.

Let us see if it bears the stamp of the Miasm.

The face is waxy, yellowish, and cachectic. Under

skin affections we find all the typical warts and

blemishes, with herptic eruptions. The special senses –

eyes, ears, and nose all show the catarrhal tendency.

Asthmatic conditions and catarrh of the chest. Gushing

Diarrhoea. Genito-urinary affections: Pain on

micturition and severe left ovarian pain. Extremities:

Soles of feet painful, knees and sciatic nerve also.

Similarly let us note some points in the Provings of

Natrum sulphuricum

Natrum sulphuricum shows the typical all-prevalent

catarrh. Warty growths on the skin, profuse

perspiratiuon, chilliness < damp < cold.

Catarrh in eyes, ears, nose, and typically in the

chest with humid Asthma.

Genito-urinary tract: Colic with menses,

excoriation. Urine: urging and pain.

Extremities: Limb pains, marked in the soles of

the feet; relief from movement and worse from damp.

Let us now compare some antisyphilitic remedies

with the corresponding Miasm.

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Mercurius

Was the great antisyphilitic of HAHNEMANN.

The face is pale, earthy, with fissures at the

corners of the lips. The mouth, throat and Pharynx are

congested and ulcerated, accompanied by profuse,

metallic tasting saliva.

Eye affections of all degrees are very common.

Ears: Otitis.

Nose: Acute, fluent, acrid, coryza with sneezing.

Chronic acrid coryza; dirty-nosed children.

Glands: Especially those in neck and throat,

enlarge.

Skin may have any type of eruption.

Extremities: Bone pains always worse at night.

Chilly patient, profuse sweating, no relief.

Genitalia: Profuse leucorrhoea.

Syphilinum

Skin eruptions are dull red or copper coloured,

scales, ulcers or rupia.

Ulcers in mouth and throat with copious saliva.

Eye affections are severe, from conjunctivitis to

ulcer.

Ptosis and diplopia occur.

Nose affections, in addition to catarrh, show

destruction of bone, septum and bridge.

Rectum and anus show fissures, piles and

condylomata.

Genitalia: Profuse leucorrhoea.

Extremities: Bone pains worse at night, and better

from cold applied.

What of the Tubercular remedies? As a typical

example let us examine:

Calc. Carb.

Fleshy, flabby patient, pale or plethorioc, tired,

upset by least cold, sweating profusely.

Mentally irritable and obstinate.

Headache periodic, due to exposure to cold or

strain. Relief from heat, rest, quiet or eating.

Skin of head, face and scalp frequently shows

moist Eczema.

Eye conditions of all kinds, especially ulcer and

keratitis.

Ears and nose show catarrh.

Lymphatic tissue involvement.

Digestive disturbances, cravings, worms.

Extremities: Lax tissues, soft bones, cold damp

feet which may become very warm.

Genitalia: Profuse protracted menses. Copious,

thick leucorrhoea.

Having drawn pictures of the chronic Miasms and

of a few of the corresponding remedies, we have now to

show that a knowledge of the Miasms is of the greatest

practical value in the choosing of a remedy.

HAHNEMANN says that “Without a knowledge of

the Chronic basic Miasms, along with the

homœopathic remedies, the cure of chronic disease is

impossible.” He continues: “The beginning of treatment

is promising, the continuation less favourable, the

outcome hopeless.”

Why is this? Not because there are too few

remedies, not because the present symptoms are not

covered, but because there is some basic disorder or

Miasm behind the symptoms shown.

These symptom complexes are not separate

diseases, but only manifestations of the same disease.

KENT says that “all recurrent troubles are simply a

small portion of a Chronic Miasm, and must have a

constitutional remedy sooner or later”, “You can”, he

says, “it is true, relieve violent pain at the first visit, but

then you must look deeper and prevent your patient

having more trouble, otherwise you have not cured, only

palliated” (Materia Medica, 593).

In the Organon we are told that the physician must

know: (1) what disturbs the health; (2) what maintains

the disturbance; (3) what removes the disturbance. If

the symptoms presented by the patient obviously belong

to one of the miasmatic groupings, then the list of

“possible” remedies in which the simillimum may be

found must necessarily belong to the same Miasm.

The Miasm may be so latent as to show no

symptoms, but the disease history of the patient will be

found dependent on some miasmatic basis which would

suggest a remedy. In such cases the person is sickly,

and has an undefined sense of feeling badly. The

totality of the symptoms points to the Simillimum, but

the Miasm points to the totality.

Psora is the oldest and most universal of all the

chronic Miasms, without which the existence of the

other Chronic Miasms is not possible.

HAHNEMANN says that Psora is so universal that

those who have not been infected are rare.

A later writer, J.H. ALLEN, says that fully 80%, of

the cases we treat today are Sycotic in some degree. He

even goes further, and puts 94% of rheumatism to the

charge of Sycosis. In his view, chronic disease is ten

times more difficult to cure at the present time than it

was twenty years ago, and the difficulty increases every

year.

Suppressive measures of treatment of the outward

manifestations of Psora, Sycosis, and Syphilis, as well

as the influence of heredity through many generations,

not only enhance the pure Miasm, but give us mixed

Miasms. It is in the rare case in which the single Miasm

lies behind the totality of the symptoms, that one has a

brilliant cure from the single dose of the single remedy

in chronic disease.

The first remedy in the treatment of the case should

cover the active Miasm, as it usually holds the others in

abeyance. The totality of the symptoms is usually

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 51

grouped around the active Miasm; drug pictures being

really pictures of this Miasm.

Acute Miasms, like Influenza or the Exanthemata,

stir up latent Chronic Miasms which require appropriate

antimiasmatic treatment before health is restored, even

when the Simillimum has been given for the acute

condition. While the latest symptoms are those of the

active Miasm, and should be given preference, a single

persisting symptom may be the only positive sign of the

Miasm. Without Psora, Sycosis and Syphilis are not

possible. Psora was the prevailing Miasm in the time of

HAHNEMANN, but the Miasm has gone deeper, and

Sycosis is the most prevalent Miasm today – hence the

almost universal complaint “catarrh”.

What will the prevailing Miasm be in the next

century? If Miasms are increasingly prevalent, so is the

practice of Homœopathy, and with pure and universal

homœopathic treatment Miasms would be gradually

wiped out. May one hope for this care another century

has gone? It is an ideal to keep before us; if preventive

medicine is to be our aim, surely it is not altogether

unattainable.

There are many homœopaths who do not believe

that Miasms play such an important part in chronic

disease, or that it is necessary to consider them in

prescribing. The totality of the symptoms and the

Simillimum are all that one requires to ensure cure, they

say. Undoubtedly this is true, but there are

unfortunately many cases where the Simillimum is far

from easy, if not impossible, to find.

Are we justified in turning aside from any means

which might lead us to the finding of the Simillimum?

There can be but one answer to that question,

namely that if HAHNEMANN found a knowledge of

the Chronic Miasms necessary in his treatment of

chronic disease, can we, his followers, presume that we

do not require this aid?

========================================

5. The problem of life and potentization in

Homœopathy

TWENTYMAN, L.R.

(BHJ. LXVIII, 4/1979)

The characterization of Homœopathy has to be

undertaken from many different sides if we are to have

any hope of grasping its true nature. Attempts to define

it inevitably lead to confusion rather than clarity, as

indeed do such attempts in all realms concerned with

life. An example is the confusion we get into if we

follow the traditional way of defining Homœopathy in

terms merely of the so-called Similia principle. This is

intended to convey that we should treat a patient

presenting with a certain complex of symptoms with

that substance which produces a similar symptom

complex when given as poison or in a proving to the

healthy. This principle is opposed to what is usually

referred to as Allopathy but by HAHNEMANN as

enantiopathy, the treatment of a symptom complex by

its opposite, the substance which produces the opposite

symptoms. To make clear the idea in as simple an

instance as possible, we can contrast the treatment of

constipation. The homœopathic treatment would be to

use a substance such as Opium which produces

constipation in the healthy. A choice must be made

between the available constipating agents as to which

most nearly matches the patient’s own style of

constipation and his other symptoms. The enantiopathic

treatment is to give a diarrhea-producing substance, a

laxative, and Opium itself would be used

enantiopathically for the relief of diarrhea. The

question of dosage then arises. In enantiopathic

treatment, repeated dosage of quite measurable size is,

of course, called for, whereas in homœopathic treatment

it is a matter of experience that so-called potencies are

most effective, often in only occasional doses. So far

the traditional statement, which was good enough in

Hahnemann’s day but scarcely holds today.

A great deal of modern pharmaco-therapeutics is

based in fact on the similia principle. Ideas such as

metabolic antagonists and competitive inhibition imply

the use of molecules similar in structure to those

involved in the diseased metabolic pathways. In order

to clarify matters we have to look at this point into the

great differences in outlook which arise from the scale

of observation. In these cases, the scale is that of

molecular structure, in Homœopathy, of the human

being. Quite different concepts of disease are associated

with these two scales of observation and the distinctive

therapies are in reality poles apart, though both based on

the similia principle. In the one case disease is

understood as a dynamic disturbance arising in a human

person and manifesting in the experience of symptoms.

A mere structure, a mechanism, cannot experience

symptoms.

At this point we have now come up against the

central difficulties facing anyone trained in modern

scientific medicine when they seek to approach the

problems presented by Homœopathy. Hahnemann’s

thought, together with that of probably most of his

contemporaries, was essentially vitalistic. He spoke of

dynamic, not material, causes of disease and of the

dynamis or vital force maintaining the organism in

healthy function or, when itself becoming dynamically

deranged, manifesting in morbid functions and

symptoms. He spoke of the morbific influences as

dynamic or spiritual or quasi-spiritual. He also spoke of

the problematic potencies, based on serial dilution and

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succussion, as having dynamic or quasi-spritual effects

or influences.

Scientific thinking has lost all connexion with such

ideas which were, to be honest, too vague to be accepted

into the developing scientific disciplines. And so the

problem of the nature of homœopathic potencies, for

long an outstanding obstacle to a wider acceptance of

the subject, comes together with problems such as the

nature of life. Our present natural science cannot really

get beyond the study of the corpse of the living.

Over many years a number of attempts have been

made to demonstrate the action of potencies under

laboratory conditions, eliminating, it is hoped, the

placebo effect inseparable from clinical trials. The mere

fact of being “in a trial” influences the reaction of

patients and volunteers to both placebo and drug. The

late Dr. W.E. BOYD conducted a number of studies,

including experiments involving the mercuric chloride

inhibition of diastase hydrolysis of soluble starch the

mercuric chloride being tested in rising potencies.

Many experiments have been carried out using the

growth of seedlings watered with potencies of different

substances. Some of these trials, such as those of

Pelikan, have been subject to sophisticated statistical

control. Many other experimental models have been

used by different workers. What remains is that

orthodox scientists continue and are likely to continue to

show no interest in such experiments until they can

form intellectual conceptual frameworks which render

the reality of potency effects understandable and until

the relevance of such phenomena to their own work is

evident. There is plenty of experimental evidence that

potencies beyond the range of dilution which would

include a single molecule of the original active

substance can still produce demonstrable results. But

further work in this field must be carried out with the

aim of clarifying the many doubtful points.

There have also been attempts to produce

theoretical models which could render comprehensible

the nature of potencies. The late Dr. BARNARD of the

NPL at Teddington sought to show how the structure of

water, its stereoisomeric structure, would be modified

by the solute and this modification could be transferred

serially in successive dilutions and succussions.

Currently Dr. RESCH, working with Professor

VIKTOR GUTMAN at Vienna University, is

developing a concept of the structure of water and other

media which makes it possible that a memory trace of a

solute can remain impregnated on the surface of sub-

microscopic holes which belong to its structure.

Both these attempts are still within traditional

concepts of space, stemming fundamentally from

Euclid.

An attempt of a quite different kind was initiated by

the late George ADAMS. He drew attention to the

importance of Projective Geometry, also called

Synthetic Geometry. This geometry arising out of the

studies on perspective initiated by renaissance artists at

the dawn of the modern age, was brought to a certain

perfection by the mathematicians of the nineteenth

century. Its relevance to the real world of nature has

however gone almost totally neglected. Adams,

working on suggestions given by Rudolf Steiner, began

to discover the revolutionary possibilities in this

geometry, particularly in relation to living forms and

metamorphosis. Shortly before his death he contributed

a paper in which he suggested the relevance of this

geometry also to the problem of homœopathic

potencies.

ADAMS emphasized two main characteristics of

this geometry which the great Cambridge

mathematician Arthur Cayley had epitomized in the

saying “Projective Geometry is all Geometry”. What

were the two aspects particularly signaled by ADAMS?

The first lies in the attention no longer being “focused

on rigid forms such as the square or the circle, but on

mobile types of form, changing into one another in the

diverse aspects of perspective, or other kinds of

geometrical transformation. In Euclid, for instance, we

take our start from the rigid form of the circle, sharply

distinguished from the ellipse, parabola and hyperbola,

as are these from one another. in Projective Geometry it

is the ‘conic section’ in general of which the pure idea

arises in the mind and of which various constructions

are envisaged. As in real life the circular opening of a

lampshade will appear in many forms of ellipse while

moving about the room, or as the opening of a bicycle

lamp projects on to the road in sundry hyperbolic forms,

so in pure thought we follow the transformation from

one form of conic section to another. Strictly speaking,

the ‘conic section’ of Projective Geometry is neither

circle, ellipse, parabola, nor hyperbola, it is a purely

ideal form, out of which all of these arise, much as in

Goethe’s botany the ‘archetypal leaf’ is not identical

with any particular variety or metamorphosis of leaf

(foliage leaf varying in shape from node to node, petal,

carpel, and so on) but underlies them all. The new

geometry begets a quality of spatial thinking akin to the

metamorphoses of living form.”1

The second aspect or insight “is perhaps even more

important. Projective Geometry recognizes as the

deepest law of spatial structure an underlying polarity

which to begin with may be called, in simple and

imaginative language, a polarity of expansion and

contraction, the terms being meant in a qualitative and

very mobile sense … Think of a sphere----not the

internal volume but the pure form of the surface. One

sphere can only differ from another as to size; apart

from that, the form is the same. Now the expansion and

contraction of a sphere leads to two ultimate limits.

Contracted to the uttermost, the sphere turns into a

point; expanded, into a plane. The latter transformation,

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though calling for more careful reflection, is no less

necessary than the former. A large spherical surface is

less intensely curved than a small one; in other words it

is flatter. So long as it can still grow flatter, a sphere

has not yet expanded to the utmost limit, which can only

be the absolute flatness of a plane.

“The above simple experiment in thought---the

ultimate contraction and expansion of a sphere----leads

in the right direction. Point and plane prove to be the

basic entities of three-dimensional space—that is, the

space of our Universe and of our human imagination.

Speaking qualitatively, the point is the quintessence of

contraction, the plane of expansion. Here comes the

fundamental difference as against both the old geometry

of Euclid and the naïve and rather earthly spatial notions

which culminate in a one-sidedly atomistic outlook. For

in the light of the new geometry, three-dimensional

space can equally well be formed from the plane inward

as from the point outward. The one approach is no

more basic than the other. In the old-fashioned

explanation, we start from the point as the entity of no

dimension. Moving the point, say from left to right, we

obtain the straight line as the first dimension; moving

the line forward and backward, we get the two

dimensions of the plane; finally, moving the plane

upward and downward, the full three dimensions. To

modern geometry this way of thinking is still valid, but

it is only half the truth----one of two polar-opposite

aspects, the interweaving harmony of which is the real

essence of spatial structure. In the other and

complementary aspect we should start from the plane

and work inward. To mention only the first step: just as

the movement of a point into a second point evokes the

straight line that joins the two, so does the movement of

a plane into a second plane give rise to the straight line

in which the two planes interpenetrate. We can

continue moving in the same line and obtain a whole

sheaf of planes, like the leaves of an open book or a

door swinging on its hinges. We thus obtain a ‘line of

planes’, as in the former instance a ‘line of points’. In

the space-creating polarity of point and plane, the

straight line plays an intermediate role, equally balanced

in either direction. Just as two points of space always

determine the unique straight line which joins them, so

do two planes; we only need to recognize that parallel

planes too have a straight line in common, namely the

infinitely distant line of either. At last we see that all

the intuitively given relationships of points, lines, and

planes have this dual or polar aspect. Whatever is true

of planes in relation to lines and points, is equally

true of points in relation to lines and planes. Three

points, for example, not in line determine a single plane

(principle of tripod), but so do three planes, not in line

(e.g. the ceiling and two adjoining walls of a room)

determine a single point. The planes must again be

extended to the infinite and thought of as a whole to see

that this is true without exception.

“All spatial forms are ultimately made of points,

lines and planes. Even a plastic surface or a curve in

space consists of an infinite and continuous sequence,

not only of points, but of tangent lines and of tangent or

osculating planes. The mutual balance of these

aspects—pointwise and planar, with the linewise aspect

intermediating----gives us a deeper insight into the

essence of plasticity than the old-fashioned, one-sidedly

pointwise treatment.

“The outcome is that whatever geometrical form or

law we may conceive, there will always be a sister form,

a sister law equally valid, in which the roles of point and

plane are interchanged. Or else the form we thought ----

as for example a tetrahedron with its equal number of

points and planes----proves to be its own sister form,

arising ideally out of itself by the polar interchange of

point and plane. The principle just enunciated, as it

were a master-key among the truths of Projective

Geometry, is known as the Principle of Duality. It

would perhaps have been better had it been described as

a Principle of Polarity from the outset, for in its cosmic

aspect it is also one of the essential keys to the manifold

polarities of Nature. The recognition of it leads to a

form of scientific thinking calculated to transcend one-

sided atomism and materialistic bias.”1

This is how ADAMS himself characterized the

essential features of Projective or Synthetic Geometry.

He went on to show how natural science uses the same

one-sidedness of thinking in its discovery and study of

the forces as well as forms of Nature. The forces so far

studied and with the help of mathematical thinking

mastered in modern technology are pointwise forces,

forces radiating from centres. He then puts forward a

proposition for consideration. The forces of Nature,

manifesting in the world of space and time, are not only

centric; there are peripheral forces also. Even as the

pure form of space is in the light of modern geometry

balanced between point and plane, so are the forces that

prevail in nature; they are not only pointwise or centric,

but also peripheral or planar. Moreover, as in the

domain of centric forces the central point of the material

planet on which we live, in other words the centre of

gravity of the earth, is for us a centre of primary

importance, so in the realm of the peripheral or planar

forces, what we experience as the infinitely distant

plane---in simple language the vast periphery of the blue

sky---is a most important source of the peripheral

forces.

Once this perspective has been grasped it is

possible to find particularly in the realms of living

forms, of growth and metamorphosis, how these more

mobile thought forms illumine the problems of biology.

They can indeed enliven our too rigid scientific

thinking. Can they help to throw light on the

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homœopathic process of potentizing medicinal

substances? This process of rhythmic expansion or

dilution and succussion was felt by HAHNEMANN to

release the spirit-like essence of the substance. Adams

pursued the thought further. “If crude matter alone were

concerned---if stress were laid on the domain of centric

forces, expressed in material quantity and weight---it

would be natural to expect that an effect, comparatively

feeble in a dilute solution, would be enhanced with

increasing concentration. We reduce the volume; in

other words draw in towards the centre. But if the

substance is the bearer of ethereal virtues” (to use a

traditional term) “of which the origin is peripheral,

experience will show—and it is equally natural to

expect, once we get used to the idea---that the effect

will be enhanced, not by concentration but by

expansion.”1

In this way, we can begin to take steps towards

understanding how dilution can play its part in the

enhancement of some effects. It compels us to

recognize how the one-sided thought forms of

Euclidean geometry acting through the centuries and

allied during recent centuries with an instinctive

materialism, have blinded us to the observation of any

but pointwise materialistic forces.

In the process of homœopathic potentization this

dilution is carried out in successive rhythmic steps. It

would seem that in this way due recognition is given to

the polarity playing between the pointwise and

weighable stuff of the crude material on the one hand

and the planar, more qualitative and imponderable side

of its being on the other. This polarity must be

expressed in rhythms and we can envisage the gradual

descent of purely ideal, or spiritual forms through

rhythmic condensation to rigid, physical structures,

processes which can indeed be observed in embryology.

In potentization the reverse process is undertaken and

the spiritual ideal form again released from its prison

house in earthly matter.

We have still to consider the nature of succussion,

the shaking of the fluid in which potentization is being

carried on, between each successive step of dilution. In

considering this problem we are again obstructed mostly

by rigid habits of thought. There seems no doubt in the

minds of those who have experience in these fields that

succussion does play an important part in the

potentizing process and what experimental evidence

exists seems to support this view. But how are we to

begin to grasp the importance of this vigorous shaking?

In the first place we must rid our minds of the

prejudice of the lifeless inertia of water as mere body.

In nature and in organic life, water is everywhere in

circulation. On the grand scale, it manifests in

evaporation to the sky, and in condensation to dew, rain,

snow and hail, in which it falls again to earth, to flow

perhaps down river to the sea or else to rise again,

directly or largely through vegetable life. On smaller

scales there are innumerable minor circulations

including all those within our own organisms. Water

tends everywhere to drop formation, whether on the

level of the whole planet with its spheric hydrosphere,

or in rain drops and so on. The tendency to form

surfaces is always evident and when water is in

movement innumerable surface come into existence

throughout its body, interweaving in varied forms.

Theodor SCHWENK2 has shown the importance of

these filmy surfaces which come and go continuously in

all moving liquid. Into the weaving of these moving

films or veils and vortices there manifest forms

reminiscent of animal and vegetable forms which thus

themselves can be understood as frozen or petrified

moments in the coming and going of these fluid forms.

Only when water becomes still does it begin to manifest

the static lattice structure of ice; in motion it becomes

through and through an interweaving play of surfaces,

subject to the planar rather than pointwise influences we

have discussed in geometrical terms.

SCHWENK also shows how these surfaces are

sensitive in the extreme to such influences. From the

ripples thrown upon the surface of a still lake by the

slightest breath to the gigantic ocean-travelling waves

arising in great storms thousands of miles away, we can

see how every influence is imparted to the surfaces.

And if up till the present it is chiefly only wave motions

which have been observed arising in response to

physical forces such as wind or mechanical movements,

this is only because we have scarcely begun to look for

any others. If substances are the hearers not only of

three-dimensional planar, ethereal, spiritual, or, to use

Hahnemann’s term, well-nigh spiritual, essences, then it

is beginning to be comprehensible that through the twin

processes of dilution, or expansion, and succussion we

can encourage this inner quality of the substance to be

imparted to the fluid. The dilution or expansion

intensifies the ethereal aspect, whilst the surface-

evoking succussion, or shaking, sensitizes the fluid to

these influences.

We have here touched upon the great challenge

which the problems of life and in this instance the

nature of homœopathic potencies face us with. There is

the habitual scientific reaction to any such problem. It

is to try and reduce the problem to terms already

accepted and to explain the unsolved riddle in terms of

established dogma.

During the last few centuries human consciousness

has contracted to an unprecedented degree. It has

become very bright but very narrow. Attention is

riveted on that which is measurable and weighable and

all else is relegated to the fairy realm of “only in the

mind”. Our fundamental experience of measuring arises

out of our limbs. We pace it out, so many feet or yards,

and a horse is measured as so many hands. Weight is

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experienced first as the weight of our body under the

earth’s gravity, we weigh something in our hand. We

walk from footprint to footprint and we learn our

Euclidean geometry basically in this way. It is tactile in

origin and the more we enquire into modern scientific

theories and conceptions the more we find them

developed from concepts based on touch sensation.

Modern projective geometry arose from the artist’s

study of perspective and the sense of sight. Physiology

still tries to explain the sense of sight in terms drawn

from the sense of touch. The challenge is to develop

our thinking, to free it from the earthbound sense of

touch and to enliven our thinking, trained for so long on

the study of the dead mineral world. This dead thinking

must be brought into motion. We must become

inwardly active, and not passive observers in the fashion

of our times. This is the rub, for our inertia is very

great.

In ancient times, before thinking had become

entirely abstract and lifeless, it still responded more

immediately to the spiritual forces present in nature

which the Greeks still perceived as the goddess Natura.

But this immediacy of perception did not depend on

individual effort or freedom. Man was in a way moved

by these forces, swayed by them.

Now we have entered into the experience of the

death forces and our current thinking is an expression of

these forces. If we are again to become able to study

life and bring life again to the ageing, dying planet, we

must enliven our own thinking so that it can observe the

growth and metamorphosis of living forms. Then we

may succeed to transform our death-promoting

technology into a life-restoring and renewing activity.

In medicine, our current scientific medicine and

therapeutics, daily more technological in character, can

only promote rigidity, sclerosis and death. Can we

begin to see how in the small beginning so far achieved

by homœopathic medicine, a step towards a life-

promoting and real healing has been taken. To develop

this we must re-educate ourselves, but we must not turn

our back on the path we have come in modern science.

Through the achievement of Projective Geometry it has

been made possible to reopen our perception of the

subtler spiritual forces of the cosmos whilst keeping the

clear light of waking consciousness. In this way we can

attempt to understand the problem presented by

Homœopathy and its potencies without relapsing into

mystical dreaminess or phrase-mongering, but rather out

of the strengthened consciousness and confidence that

such inner activity can bring.

References

1. ADAMS, G. Potentization and the peripheral

Forces of nature. Br. Hom. J., 1961; 50, 226.

2. SCHWENK, T. Sensitive Chaos. Tr. O. Whicher

and J. Wrigley. London: Rudolf Steiner Press,

1965.

=================================

6. Three ‘anecdotes’

Food for thought

SOMPER, Dennis (BHJ. 83, 1/1994)

These Richard Hughes Memorial Lectures have

been given since the 1950s. it is not probable I am

going to say anything strikingly original but the point is,

I think, worth making that for some years I thought of

Richard Hughes as a rather dogmatic low potency

prescriber; and I was quite wrong. When we read the

chapter in Posology we find him saying, ‘My own

experience of such dilution as the 6th and the 12th and

with some remedies of the 30th is such as to make me

join with unquestioning acclamation in their praise. I

have no practical knowledge of the 200th but if I had no

other fact before me than their constant use by so

scientific and successful a physician as Carol Dunham I

should be content to acknowledge their legitimacy.’

This is not the statement of a bigot but of a reasonable,

fair-minded individual.

We homœopaths are so thin on the ground, I am

always mildly surprised both at the wide diversity of

views we hold about therapy and at the vehemence with

which these views are sometimes expressed:

High potency prescribing----low potency prescribing,

single medicine---mixture of medicines,

single dose—multiple dose.

I actually had somebody recently who came in and

put 8 bottles of medicine on my desk saying he had

been told to take some tablets, 4 from each bottle every

day. And some while ago another who said ‘I’ve been

told to have a 10M of this medicine once a day for a

month.’

My own inclination is towards a single dose of a

single medicine---not out of any high principles but

simply because it renders the evaluation of the case

somewhat less difficult at follow-up. Unfortunately

this is not always possible, so that it may help, by

perpetrating a gentle deception, to offer them a course

of powders of ‘Sac. lac.’ (SL), some medicated, some

not so. This, I suggest, may introduce a certain

precision into prescribing. Asking the chemist to put a

particular potency of a particular medicine in a

particular position and at follow-up, enabling the patient

to pinpoint precisely where a change in their state of

health occurred.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 56

Rx Thuja 30

1. 10. 20.

SL ad 30.

Sig. 1 mane a.c. mitte 30.

----------------------------------------------------------------

This means: Thuja 30 in powders No.1, 10 and 20.

Unmedicated powders 2-9, 11-19, 21-30.

Box 1. Same prescription.

Then we have Kent and Boenninghausen: Kent

suggesting we prescribe on mentals and generals in high

potency, and Boenninghausen prescribing on

particulars: modalities, localities, sensations and

concomitants. Boenninghausen’s chapter on modalities

is said to be one of the most important in homœopathic

literature. It is an irony that a patient will often tell you

of an aggravation rather than of an amelioration.

As to concomitants (or accompanying symptoms),

once we appreciate that a concomitant may well be a

mental or a general then we realize that the difference

between these 2 approaches is not as great as it is

sometimes made out to be.

Most of us, I suspect, use mother tinctures of such

medicines as Sabal serrulata or Crataegus oxyacantha

in 5 drop doses tds, but Robert Cooper advocated unit

doses of a mother tincture and he recommended

allowing the dose to act until all trace of its action had

disappeared, and Charles Wheeler suggested we dilute a

medicine in time as well as in space. John Clarke, in his

chapter on Ornithogalum in the Dictionary, describes

a case of Carcinoma of the stomach, opened up,

pronounced inoperable and closed up. Robert Cooper

offered 4 unit doses of Ornithogalum mother tincture

over a period of 2 months. Three years later the patient

was alive and well.

Examples of decimal potencies abound in the

literature, but perhaps the most impressive is the paper

by Dr. Ian Burns in the 1972 British Homoeopathic

Journal where he described arriving at the Manchester

Clinic to take over from his predecessor who had

practiced there for 54 years, a low potency prescriber,

using mother tinctures and decimals and a 1x in

preference to a 3x. Dr Burns, who had been trained by

Henderson Patrick and others as a high potency

prescriber, was so impressed by his results that he

subsequently married the 2 approaches in his own

prescribing.

We all use 6c and 12c, I suspect, and a 12c is not,

of course, a negligible potency. With a 30c we think of

Hahnemann and it is of course the lowest in Kent’s

‘series of degrees’ which he advocated for treating

chronic cases: in a range from 30, 200, 1M, 10M, 50M

and CM, repeating each potency once before going up

the scale. The 200c, we have mentioned, was used by

Carol Dunham, but Boenninghausen was perhaps the

arch exponent. He considered a 200c the potency of

choice both in acute and chronic conditions. With a 1M

and 10M we are thinking of Kent again and many of us

will remember seeing Margery Blackie move amongst

us with her emergency case of 10Ms. Not many of us, I

suspect, would have the confidence in the precision of

our prescribing to do that.

Then we have A.H. Grimmer, who in the

Homoeopathic Recorder 1929, wrote a paper

describing cases of Cancer that he had treated with

various Cadmium salts in unit doses of a 10M, 50M and

CM. Out of 225 cases 175 were still alive 4 years later.

My own feeling is that there is an optimum

potency. If only one knew what it was. I saw a patient

a while ago who asked ‘What do you think I need?’

When I said ‘Bacillinum in a 200’. She took out a

pendulum, swung it and said ‘I agree.’ I found that

reassuring.

With Doll and Bradford Hill’s paper in the 1950s

the evaluation of therapy suffered a sea change and the

clinical trial, with its various modifications and

refinements, is today the method of choice for assessing

treatment. Its proponents have a term ‘anecdotal’, that

they ascribe to any discussion of an individual case.

This term has a pejorative flavor; not, I feel, wholly

justified. Both approaches use a baseline: with the

clinical trial the performance of a sample of comparable

individuals untreated; with the individual case, what the

police would call ‘form’, ‘past form’, i.e. past medical

history. Clinical trials, I suggest, may well produce

misleading conclusions and an individual case may well

prove to be instructive. This was certainly the view of

an American cardiologist, Paul Dudley White, who in

the 1960s described cases he had followed up for 10 or

more years. It helps to consider each individual case as

an experiment. We know what we expect to happen.

We do not know what is going to happen and we do not

know what we are going to be told. This is just as true

whether one is a conventional medical practitioner or a

homœopath. And it is just as true whether one is a

surgeon or a physician. It is the pathologist at post

mortem who speaks with the final authority.

It also helps to be somewhat skeptical and critical:

certainly for the doctor to be so, but even better for the

patient. I saw someone the other day who said, ‘I have

no faith in this sort of medicine but I have no

alternative.’ When she came back she said, ‘You know

I really am rather better, I am very surprised to say.’ I

found that rather encouraging.

You may say that is enough generalization. So I

thought I would discuss 3 cases, not because the

prescribing is so brilliant, but because I found them

interesting and hope you will do so, too.

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Case 1

Acute Tonsillitis---an actual anecdote

This was a little girl I was called to see some 40

years ago, when newly qualified, and who I thought had

an acute tonsillitis with a streptococcal throat. I never

took a swab then or later, but said to the mother, ‘Let’s

just give her fluids and sponge her down if she gets too

warm. I’ll come back tomorrow.’ When I went back

the next day she was apyrexial, bright as a button and

rushing around. That taught me a lesson I have not

forgotten. Had I offered penicillin I would have thought

‘what a splendid drug’; and had I, some 20 years on, as

a homœopath, offered Belladonna or some such

medicine I would have thought ‘what a shrewd

prescription’; and I would have been quite wrong. This

skepticism about my therapeutic attempts has stayed

with me ever since; and it has really only been

underlined by subsequent reading of such authors as

Karl Popper and others. The problem of ‘causality’ is

always with us.

Case 2

Motor Neurone Disease

Mr.R.M., a welder aged 40 whom I first saw on 21

September 1977 and who said, ‘I have been getting

progressively weaker since last Christmas and more so

of late, especially the last few weeks.’

The following are extracts from various letters

referring to the case:

26 May 1977, consultant neurologist:

‘…Thank you very much for your letter of April

28th 1977, with which I am in complete agreement. I

looked long and carefully all over his body for

fasciculation, but found none. Had it been present, I

should have made a diagnosis of motor neurone disease

without any hesitation, although at the age of 40 he is

somewhat on the young side. Without fasciculation the

diagnosis can only be tentative, but at least at present I

can think of no other … All that I can suggest to you by

way of treatment is a placebo; perhaps an antidepressant

such as amitriptyline would be the best …. With much

regret at being so unable to help this patient….’

28 July 1977, consultant rheumatologist:

‘I carried out electromyelograms on several of this

patient’s arm and leg muscles as requested. There was

evidence of extensive denervation in arms and legs and,

I think, some fasciculation potentials. This is consistent

with an anterior horn cell lesion and I would agree with

your clinical diagnosis of motor neurone disease.’

6 September 1977, second consultant neurologist:

‘I note that this man’s symptoms have deteriorated

and he can now only walk 50 yards with a stick and his

knees give way. He has fairly frequent falls and he feels

that his ankles have become weak as well …. Arms are

affected .. fingers have become swollen. … Today

there was fasciculation in triceps and both thigh

muscles. He had wasting in the shoulder girdle and all

groups in the upper and lower limbs … Reflexes were

all sluggish; … right plantar was flexor; left equivocal

probably flexor… I think there is little doubt that this is

motor neurone disease and have told him the diagnosis,

describing it as a disorder of the nerves supplying the

muscles and telling him that it is progressive.’

On presentation (21.9.77)

Complaining of ‘aching legs since Xmas 1976 and

losing strength in hands and knees’.

Condition deteriorating rapidly over past 4 weeks.

Cold sensitive; likes fresh air and better for it;

Likes sugar and salt;

Passes wind up and down;

Painless paralysis of extremities.

Past medical history

More sore throats than average.

Aged 6 scarlet fever (mildly) progressed to rheumatic

fever fairly severely.

Aged 13 chicken pox (badly).

Aged 15 and 17 bronchopneumonia.

Hayfever since childhood.

Family history

Chest trouble on both sides.

Father pleurisy in army and twice after.

Mother chest troubles when young and headaches.

Maternal aunt died at 18 chest troubles (?pulmonary

TB).

Maternal aunt died at 55 cancer of bones.

Paternal aunt died late 30s leukaemia

Paternal aunt lung abscess.

Paternal cousin lung abscess.

Paternal grandmother died 35 bronchitis.

Niece asthma badly from early age.

Drug selection and follow-up

21.9.77. Polybowel Bach 200, 1-3 first day, SL 4-30.

Comment

Polybowel Bach contains Morgan, Gaertner, Dys.co,

Proteus, Mutabile. He was deteriorating rapidly. I did

not know what to do and I did not want to confuse the

case.

14.10.77 Mr. R.M.: ‘I’m no worse’. Had been getting

so hitherto.

Tub. Bov. 200, 202 and 204 on days 1-3.

Comment

Family history of chest trouble.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 58

Maternal aunt died 18 suspected pulmonary TB, niece

had asthma badly.

I prescribed too quickly; I should have waited for

reaction to unfold.

18.11.77. Follow-up. No worse.

Kali phos. 200c, unit dose, SL days 2-30.

Comment

Thinking of the weakness, a stupid prescription.

23.12.77. Wife: ‘He’s getting worse’; having

difficulties signing his name.

Tub.Koch 200, 202 and 204 on days 1-3,

SL on days 4-30.

Comment

Related to Tub. bov.

20.1.78. Wife: ‘He’s distinctly weaker without the

powders; he was terribly weak after

Christmas’.

Polio nosode 30, 32 and 34 on days 1, 10

and 20 respectively. SL on days in between

and up today 30.

Comment

Poliomyelitis has some sort of relationship to motor

neurone disease.? Effect on anterior horn cells

17.2.78. Wife: ‘He’s stronger than he was.

He really fell away without the powder.’

Polio nosode as before.

17.3.78. Wife: ‘He’s definitely weaker; frightened of

falling.’

Tub. bov. 1M, unit dose, SL days 2-30.

7.4.78 wife: He’s a little stronger than on powder

no.1.’ SL days 1-30.

26.5.78. R.M.: Arms are really strong ‘I can lift them

right up’ (a definite improvement). But

hands are weak, ‘I can’t pick up a biscuit’.

Legs slightly stronger.

SL 1-30.

22.6.78. Wife: ‘He’s getting stronger but not strong to

walk with crutches.

He can’t stand on his own.’

SL 1-30.

20.7.78. Patient came and shook hands; can go

downstairs on his bottom and upstairs on

hands and knees.’

SL 1-30.

18.8.78. Wife: ‘Slightly stronger in arms, legs weak,

with pain behind knees.

Hands just as weak.’

Tub. bov. 1M, plussed to 3 on days 1-3.

(Box 2) SL on days 4-30.

30 + 2 + 4 = 30 32 34

30 diluted in 99 drops of alcohol and succussed

20 times = 31.

31 treated in the same way = 32, or 30 + 2.

HAHNEMANN suggested in the 6th edition of his

Organon that plussing would enable the medicine to be

repeated more frequently and hasten the cure.

DISHINGTON was the best-known exponent of this

approach.

Box 2. Plussing.

15.9.78. Wife: Arms strong to wrists.

Hands flop about, can’t lift hand to mouth,

legs are not so strong, hurt when he crawls.

‘Feels as if knees will give way’.

Lathyrus 200 tds 1st day, 4x on days 2-30.

11.10.78. Wife: ‘Arms getting stronger since last visit’

(strongest since August 1977 first visit);

Can move fingers of right hand, starting to

do so with left hand;

Getting ‘jumping’ in arms;

No change in legs.

Lanthyrus 1M, 1 tds first day, SL on days 2-

30.

17.11.78. Mr. R.M. came in much the same, no change

past 3 months.

Carcinosin 30, 200 and 1M on days 1-3, SL

on days 4-30.

Comment

Paternal aunt leukaemia,

Maternal aunt died age 55----bony secondaries ?

primary.

12.1.79. Patient: Can do more with hand, he can

switch light off, can hold telephone to ear.

Lycopodium 12, 30 and 200 on days 1-3, SL

on days 4-30.

Comments

Cold sensitive, desires sweets, wind up and down,

painless paralysis extremities.

16.3.79. Mr. R.M.: Can pick up a cup, does not need

a straw, can dial a telephone and can pull zip

up on trousers (not since May 1977).

SL 1-30.

20.4.79. R.M. walked in on crutches. One foot cold

and one foot hot, legs warm; used to be cold.

SL 1-30.

22.6.79. R.M. walks with crutches, slight foot drop.

Lycopodium 12, 30 and 200 on days 1-3,

SL 4-30.

13.7.79. Patient has tried to walk without sticks, used

to fold up (not this time).

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SL 1-30.

7.9.79. R.M. walks round house without crutches

(could not before). Can move toes about,

hands not much, feet not tender.

SL 1-30.

5.10.79. Patient came in and sat on chair unaided

(could not before).

SL 1-30.

16.11.79. Patient came. No great change past month:

has had ‘jumping’ in left deltoid past month.

Lycopodium 30, 200 1M on days 1-3, SL

4-30.

4.1.80. R.M. came in. can walk further, muscles

jump occasionally.

No prescription.

8.2.80. Driving car again, riding bicycle, walks

further without stick to balance.

No prescription.

20.5.80. Letter from second consultant neurologist:

‘…this patient is still maintaining his improvement

which started in February 1979 after quite a stormy

course from 1977, during which time he was unable to

get out of the house and could not turn over in bed …. I

saw one episode of fasciculation left deltoid only.

Reflexes were sluggish, plantars flexor today … It is

difficult to compare power with his assessment in 1977

but there is no doubt that he is stronger than when I first

saw him in September 1977. He has a moderate

weakness of the hands and very mild weakness of the

legs… Thus he appears to have arrested motor neurone

disease …. Arrested motor neurone disease is a great

rarity but is described in the neurological literature and I

shall be delighted if this turns out to be the first case that

I have seen.’

23.1.81. I wrote enquiring after Mr. R.M.’s progress.

His reply was ‘My legs are regaining

strength, though slowly.’

Lycopodium 200, 1M and 10M on days 1-3,

SL on days 4-30.

18.11.82. Mr.R.M.: ‘I am still weak in the knees, I

can’t run, I can walk and cycle, I can lift

heavy things, I’ve decorated the house’. On

examination knee jerks and ankle jerks

depressed but equal and present Plantars

equivocal.

Lycopodium 10M, 1 qds first day, SL on

days 2-30.

Feb. 83. Walking slightly better.

Lycopodium 10M, + 1, + 2, SL on days

4-30.

5.10.83. Letter: no change.

Morgan co. 12, 30, 200 and 1M on days 1-4,

SL on days 5-30.

Comment

Morgan Gaertner (a bowel nosode) is related to

Lycopodium but Morgan co. comprises

Morgan Gaertner and Morgan Pure.

22.12.83. Letter: ‘I feel fit, legs burn from knees to

ankle (old symptoms).

Lycopodium 30 tds 1st day, SL on days 2-30.

Comment

Not higher for fear of aggravation because of

Morgan Co. in October. Actually I should have waited.

2.3.84. Letter: ‘Feeling much better, more

energetic.’

No prescription.

29.6.84. Letter: ‘I’m feeling very well, the best I’ve

been since I started recovery.’ No

prescription.

21.12.84. Letter: Much the same.

Lycopodium 10M, unit dose, SL on days

2-30.

7.4.89. Mr.R.M. phoned to complain of aching

joints, sore throat.

Morgan Gaertner 30, 1 qds on first day, SL

on days 2-30.

Comment

Scarlet fever and rheumatic fever as a boy.

8.5.89. Letter: ‘Joints don’t ache now, except for

fingers. I have a lot more energy.’

26.1.93. I dropped R.M. a note. He replied: ‘We live

a normal life, except my knees are weak. I

can walk 2-3 miles at a time but I can’t walk

fast or run. I haven’t got complete

movement of toes, I can flex them about

50%.’

Case 3

Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

An American woman, J.L., 42, of an independent

frame of mind. A company secretary of a medium-sized

engineering firm. On 26 July 1978 she had been found

on routine examination to have raised white cell count

of 34,000, platelet count of 500,000. Subsequently

under continuous care of a haematologist in the USA.

1.8.78. Pathologist’s report: ‘Bone marrow …

Diagnosis: Right iliac crest bone marrow aspirate

containing a myeloproliferative disorder consistent with

chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Comment

This diagnosis is reinforced by the decreased

peripheral leukocyte alkaline phosphatase level. Further

confirmation may be achieved by a chromosome culture

for Philadelphia chromosome. ….’

29.8.78. White blood cell count 40,400.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 60

21.9.78. Chromosome analysis: ‘The karyotype

preparations show a modal number of 46

chromosomes with an abnormally small

homologue in the 23-G pair. This

abnormality is consistent morphologically

with a Philadelphia chromosome.

Interpretation:

‘Chromosomal female with abnormality in 23-G

consistent with so-called Philadelphia

chromosome.’

On presentation

18.9.78. Port wine stain on face;

Weeps with sympathy (consolation);

>>physical exertion;

> doing something mentally and physically;

Cramping menstrual pain > pressure on abdomen;

migraine left occiput forward to left temple;

>lying in dark; < before period; leukaemia.

This picture suggests Sepia which is a sycotic

medicine, but does not cover leukaemia

Sycotic Co. 200, 1 tds first day, SL on days 2-30.

Comment

Sycotic Co. has a relationship to Sepia and is of

wider application.

Past Medical History

1972 vaginal discharge, had cold conization and D and

C. Conclusion Papp. 3 benign.

1975 Measles badly, ‘as if flu’, with tremendous

headache.

Family history

Men in family die in 50s with lung disorders.

Maternal aunt died in 50 rheumatic fever.

Maternal cousin died cancer of stomach. Maternal

grandfather had diabetes.

Follow-up

As J.L. lived in the USA she visited the UK at

approximately 3-month intervals but kept in touch on

the telephone.

18.11.78. Nat. sulph. 30, 32, 32 on days 1, 10 and 20

respectively, SL on other days up today 30.

Comment

Nat.sulph. is related to Sycotic Co. and leukaemia.

15.1.79. White blood cell count 74,100. No

prescription.

19.1.79. Nat. sulph. 30, 32 and 32 on days 1, 10

and 20, SL on other days up to day 40.

18.2.79. Phone call. White blood cell count

74,000. ‘I’m feeling better’. ‘It’s the first

time there’s been no increase.’

1.3.79. WBC 105,000.

5.3.79. American haematologist offered the

patient chemotherapy and/or bone marrow

transplant.

Nat.sulph, 200, 202 and 204 on days 1, 10

and 20, SL on other days, up today 40.

12.4.79. WBC 95,000.

Carcinosin 30, unit dose. Sepia 12, 30,

200 on days 8-10, SL on other days up to

day 30.

Comment

Donald Foubister often offered Carcinosin 30 a

week before the apparently indicated medicine and

Hering often offered Sulphur 30 in the same way.

26.4.79. I sent powders of X-ray 30 on days 1, 10,

20, SL on other days up to day 30.

Comment

Seems to be appropriate to leukaemic state

(Barthel) but not an inspired prescription, I think.

30.4.79. WBC 133,000. Haematologist prescribed

busulphan, 4 mg daily for 2 weeks and

allopurinol, 1 daily for 2 weeks (17-31

May 1979).

23.5.79. WBC 115,000.

7.6.79. WBC 18,300.

3.7.79. WBC 11,600.

Morbillinum 200 tds 1st day, SL on days 2-

30.

25.9.79. WBC 5,000.

Thuja 30 on days 1, 10 and 20, SL on

other days up to day30.

Comment

A sycotic medicine related to Leukaemia.

Haemotologist said: ‘I would never have believed you

could to this.’

12.10.79. WBC 6,400.

18.10.79. Thuja 30 on days 10 and 20, SL on other

days up today 30.

22.11.79. WBC 6,700.

7.12.79 WBC 5,700

17.12.79. Bone marrow analysis: ‘Diagnosis: Bone

biopsy----Myeloid hyperplasia.

Hypocellular marrow, no significant

increase in immature cells’.

18.12.79. Thuja 200c, unit dose, SL on days 2-30.

17.1.80. WBC 8,200.

12.2.80 Haematologist prescribed busulphan

2mg/day for a week.

10.3.80. Thuja 200c, unit dose, SL on days 2-30.

April April WBC 7,100.

12.5.80. WBC 6,400.

14.7.80. J.L. told the haematologist she was not

taking busulphan regularly.

Haematologist replied, ‘I am surprised you

are not taking busulphan. You are doing

better than I imagined you would. You

must be in “pseudo remission”. Your type

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 61

of Leukaemia is not curable. I strongly

advice you to have a bone marrow

transplant and to take busulphan on

alternate 2 weeks for the rest of your life.’

17.7.80. Thuja 200c, unit dose and SL on days 2-

30.

18.8.80. WBC 10,300.

15.9.80. WBC 7,600.

3.10.80. WBC 10,200.

16.2.81. WBC 9,200. Extracts from bone marrow

report were: ‘Peripheral smear----

increased numbers of early myelocytic

cells. Cellularity—increased with

increased early forms of myelocytic cells.

Comment: Increased numbers of early

granulocytic cells compatible with CML.’

On the phone the doctor said to J.L: ‘Much

the same as last year.’

27.3.80. WBC 11,600

Thuja 30, 200, 1M on days 1-3

respectively, SL on days 4-30.

18.6.81. WBC 10,400

20.9.81. WBC 13,900.

Thuja as before.

19.10.81. WBC 11,700.

29.10.81. Thuja 1M plussed to 4 on days 1-4

respectively, SL on days 5-30.

17.12.81. WBC 16,100.

15.2.82 WBC 12,700.

7.6.82. WBC 13,200

Thuja 200, 1M, 10M on days 1-3, SL on

days 4-30.

13.7.82. WBC 17,100.

26.8.82. WBC 14,800.

Thuja as before.

7.10.82. Thuja 1M, 10M and 50M on days 1-3, SL

on days 4-30.

1.11.82. WBC 15,900.

9.12.82. WBC 17,900.

8.2.83. WBC 14,400.

Thuja as before.

2.3.83. WBC 10,900 (lowest for 18 months).

10.4.83. WBC 14,400.

3.5.83. WBC 16,000.

Thuja as before.

2.8.83. WBC 9,800 (best for 2 years).

2.2.84. WBC 8,700.

16.4.84 Thuja as before.

24.9.84. WBC 9,700.

18.4.85. WBC 8,300.

13.5.86 WBC 7,700. Haematologist: ‘If you’d had

a bone marrow transplant I’d be bragging

about it.’

18.9.86. WBC 8,700 (Fig. 1)

22.9.86. Hot flushes.

Sepia 12, 30, 200 and 1M on days 1-4, SL

on days 5-30.

2.10.87. Stress at office, tight chest, no relation to

exertion.

Proteus 6 on days 1-20.

Comment

Proteus related to Sepia and appropriate for period

of stress and strain.

5.10.87. WBC 8,700.

25.4.88. Pustular rash on face, hot flushes. Sepia 9,

12 and 30 on days 1-3, SL on days 4-30.

25.9.89. Haematologist: ‘You’re doing so well, we

should write you up!’.

3 May 1991. Patient retired from work.

14.10.91. WBC 4,600. Mother died.

Nat.mur. 10M, 4 doses in a day, SL on

days 2-30.

14.1.92. Thuja 12, 30, 200 on days 1-3, SL on days

4-30.

10.2.92. Bone marrow report: ‘Diagnosis: Bone

marrow biopsy, aspirate and cytology: 1.

Essentially normal peripheral blood and

bone marrow. Only 4 abnormal cells in

15. Could only diagnose leukaemia now

from Philadelphia chromosome.’

In each of these 3 individuals there would seem to

have been a significant change for the better in their

states of health.

With the little girl with acute tonsillitis there would

seem to have been a spontaneous resolution of her

condition. Were the other 2 cases examples of

spontaneous resolution, remission or pseudo remission,

or were the homœopathic medicines prescribed a factor

in their improvement? I leave you to judge.

========================================

7. How I treat seasonal allergies

SHORE, Joanathan (BHJ. 83, 2/1994)

Nature of the condition

Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated inflammatory

disease involving the nasal mucous membranes.

Symptoms usually begin in childhood or early adult life

but can occur at any age. The symptoms may manifest

seasonally when pollens come in direct contact with the

respiratory mucosa, or perennially when the offending

agent is more ubiquitous (Table 1). The meeting

between antigen and IgE takes place on the surface of

submucosal mast cells with the subsequent release of

histamine and other mediators which give rise to the

specific symptomatology. The syndrome may be

restricted to the nasal mucosa but more usually involves

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 62

the conjunctivae and the upper and lower respiratory

tract in varying degrees of intensity.

Role of homœopathic treatment

Although hay fever is an illness of insignificant

mortality it may be debilitating in the highest degree.

Generally speaking, homœopathic treatment offers the

possibility of significant relief without the side effects

attendant on the use of more standard antihistamine

regimes, especially in patients who are either very

sensitive to the latter or for whom such therapies have

failed to provide adequate control of the

symptomatology. In addition there is always the

possibility inherent in the correct prescription of

removing the tendency towards the illness, thereby not

only relieving the suffering but leaving the patient more

healthy in a general way.

Prescribing strategies

One of the most important questions to be asked

before deciding on a prescription in any condition is

whether this is the deepest level that can be reached at

this time. Thus it is my preference to give a medicine

based on the whole case rather than on a part whenever

possible. That is to say, the symptoms of the part, the

presenting or main complaint, should supply additional

information which confirms the pattern of the whole

rather than supplants or substitutes for it. In any case,

where the underlying constitutional medicine can be

clearly perceived, even if the allergic symptoms are not

well covered by that medicine, it is more likely to be

curative than a medicine chosen on the allergic

symptoms alone. This presupposes that the

constitutional medicine is clear, and that the pattern of

the local symptomatology does not reflect a clear and

complete drug picture. If both the constitutional and the

specific symptomatology present clear images they will

in the great majority of cases be complementary

medicines and the prognosis is excellent either way.

In many cases, however, the allergic

symptomatology is so forceful that it overwhelms and

obscures the underlying constitutional image and

demands attention in its own right and on its own terms.

In such instances it is useful to focus on what I have

called ‘the main symptom technique.’ That is, to define

the single symptom which is the most irritating to the

patient by posing the question: ‘If I could remove just

one symptom, which one would you choose?’ In many

instances this helps to clarity the centre of gravity of the

symptoms picture and serves as a reliable point of

departure for the differential diagnosis.

The schema which follows is based on this

approach.1

NoseSNEEZING

SABADILLA

One of the first medicines to be thought of when

sneezing is the central feature.

Paroxysms of sneezing which may be quite violent,

with copious watery coryza, lachrymation and itching,

red rimmed eyes. These discharges may be

accompanied by a severe frontal headache. The

sneezing originates from a tingling or tickling in the

nose. Lachrymation may be a prominent feature and

strangely enough is aggravated by yawning: Eye;

LACHRYMATION; yawning, when.

The whole syndrome is aggravated by being

outdoors, both from a sensitivity to the open air Nose;

SNEEZING; air; open: Alumn., Kali-bi., Sabad., Tarax.,

and to the odour of flowers. Note that the irritation

may spread down into the lungs, giving rise to

wheezing.

The throat symptoms are noteworthy. Left-sided

sore throat ameliorated by warm drinks. In general

these people are chilly and worse for cold and cold

drinks, better for warmth and warm food and drinks.

They may have a distinct desire for onions, radishes and

honey. The complementary relationship to Sepia is very

significant. Many cases in which the acute syndrome is

dealt with by Sabadilla will need Sepia for the

underlying predisposition or even to complete the

treatment of the acute phase.

Nux vomica

Nux is the remedy for sneezing and coryza in the

morning. This sneezing may come in attacks which last

quite a while. The sneezing is accompanied by a

profuse coryza which persists even after the paroxysms

of sneezing cease but dries up on going out into the

open air and is replaced by a sense of obstruction. The

obstruction may come of its own accord at night, Nux

being the main homœopathic medicine for this

condition. Thus we have a situation of alternating

discharge and obstruction.2

Nux is general is chilly, irritable and worse in the

morning. Interestingly it also has a close

complementary relationship to Sepia although the latter

does not often follow Nux vomica in hay fever with the

same frequency with which it follows Sabadilla.

Aralia racemosa

Phatak3 gives an accurate summary: ‘Hay Fever,

with frequent sneezing. Sneezing worse least draughts,

with copious, watery excoriating nasal discharge.’

Additional pointers are a dry, teasing cough which

comes on after one or two hours of sleep or between 11

p.m. and midnight and the associated asthmatic

symptoms.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 63

Euphrasia

Although not a common indication, I have included

it here as the picture runs very close to Nux vomica in a

number of features. Although the big keynote is acrid

lachrymation with bland coryza (Allium cepa is the

opposite) Euphrasia is much more interesting than that.

Sneezing with profuse lachrymation and watery

discharge from the nose especially in the morning after

rising. They get up in the morning and sneeze and

cough up mucus, and the nose runs and the eyes run.

Nose; CORYZA; discharge; with; morning; cough and

expectoration, with: EUPHR. It is the coryza the

lachrymation, and the cough which are the most

prominent features here as opposed to the sneezing in

Nux vomica. Both may have strong photophobia. This

coryza, like that of Nux vomica, is better for the open air

and dries up at night. There is a strange feature of

Euphrasia which is amelioration from lying. Both the

cough and the difficult respiration are better for lying

down. Here again it comes close to Nux vomica in both

the amelioration of difficult respiration while lying and

in extension of the problem to the chest.

Dulcamara

Deserves mention as crossing annual coryza with

constant sneezing brings up Allium cepa, Arsenicum and

Dulcamara, although in my experience Dulcamara is

most often associated with an obstructive picture. This

is supported by the passage from Boericke: Dry coryza.

Complete stoppage of nose. STUFFS UP WHEN

THERE IS A COLD RAIN.

EXCORIATING DISCHARGE

Here the division falls into two broad

subcategories, sneezing and obstruction, which overlap

but still lend themselves to a clear differentiation. The

main homœopathic medicines to be considered are those

with the greatest emphasis on burning and excoriating

discharge: All-c., Ars., Ars-i., Arum-t., Brom., Iod., Kali-

bi., Kali-i., Puls. It will soon become clear that the

ambient temperature and circulation of air play a major

role in the patterns of response and might be used to

delineate an alternative schema of categorization.

SNEEZING

Allium cepa

A very important medicine for simple hay fever.

Frequent violent sneezing with acrid coryza. The

coryza is fluent and excoriates the upper lip even to the

extent of causing it to swell. All-c tends to be left-sided

with the Coryza and moves from left to right.4 It is

much worse in a warm room and better for the open

air.5 The eyes itch and burn, with much lachrymation.

The discharge from the eyes is bland as opposed to

that from the nose (Euphr. is the opposite). The whole

episode may be associated with a frontal headache

which is ameliorated when the coryza flows freely.

The effects extend down to the chest (Coryza

extending to chest: All-c., Carb-v., Euphr., Nux-v.) but

especially disturb the larynx with an incessant hacking,

tickling cough with pain as if the larynx is split and torn.

The cough is worse for breathing cold air, but still

retains the general characteristic of amelioration in open

air and aggravation in warm room.

Be aware that it is easy to stop the Coryza without

retarding the descent of the symptomatology into the

chest. If this happens Phosphorus as the

complementary medicine will often complete the cure.

If you find the distinct aggravation from a warm

room with amelioration in the open air, Puls. is the only

real differentiation. It may be confused with Nux

because of the sneezing in the morning after rising, the

excoriating discharge in a warm room and the

sensitivity to odours but Nux is really chilly and

obstructs in the open air, whereas Allium has a definite

amelioration from the open air.

Arum triphyllum

Has many similarities to Allium cepa but comes to

the fore when the acridity of the secretions and the

subsequent irritation of the parts is the predominant

feature. The major distinction between the two lies in

the relative insensitivity of Arum to the ambient

temperature. The common features are the left-sided

excoriating discharge with sneezing which is worse in

the evening and night. Both these medicines are

strongly left-sided. Arum has much less effect on the

eyes but is much stronger for the tingling, itching which

extends throughout the nose, pharynx, and mouth,

compelling the patient to bore into the nose and pick at

the lips. To quote from Kent The tingling that is felt in the lips

and the tongue and from the throat to the end of the nose and wherever

sentient nerves come to the surface is astonishing. The prickling and

tingling is painful. It is a sensation that cannot be let alone.

The discharge itself is even more excoriating than

Allium, the acridity extending to the saliva as well,

affecting the lips which become cracked and painful.

The irritation extends down to the larynx producing a

marked hoarseness.

Bromium

Forms a bridge between the fluent and the

obstructed group. Frequent sneezing with copious,

watery, excoriating coryza; much worse in hot weather

and from becoming overheated. The coryza is acrid and

accompanied by much burning and itching in the nose,

which may reach a state of painful rawness. The nares

and upper lip become very irritated. Despite the

burning and rawness you may find a peculiar symptom

which is a sensation of coldness in the nose, as if from

inhaling cold air. There is also a distinctive headache

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associated with the Coryza. FARRINGTON describes

it thus: ‘A heavy pressure in the forehead which seems

to be pushing the brain down and out at the root of the

nose.’ Later the nose may be obstructed, sometimes

going from right to left, with dripping discharge. This

obstruction may present as a chronic, long continued

problem. Nose; CORYZA; obstinate, with soreness

beneath nose and on margin of nose: BROM., Iod.6

Bromium has an important action upon the larynx,

with much irritation, tickling and hoarseness. Although

not in the Hay Asthma rubric it does produce quite a bit

of asthma and I have used it in seasonal allergic asthma.

The differentiation here is from Allium cepa when

sneezing is prominent. Bromium tends to right-

sidedness, moving from right to left, and as a participant

in the halogen group is worse from hot weather and

becoming overheated. Allium cepa on the other hand is

not really warm-blooded and is made worse by the heat

of the room and ameliorated from the open air.

Bromium has none of the emphasis on lachrymation

which is an integral part of Allium cepa.

EXCORIATING DISCHARGE WITH

OBSTRUCTION

In these patients the discomfort arises not only from

the acridity of the discharge but from a definite

sensation of stiffiness and obstruction. Thus there is

much pain in both the nose and the frontal and maxillary

sinuses.

Kalium iodatum

Here we find marked involvement of all the

mucous membranes of the head and neck; acute coryza;

great redness of mucous membrane of eyes, nose, throat

and palate, with profuse lachrymation, swelling of upper

lids, violent paroxysms of sneezing, and running of

water from nose. There is intensity to the symptoms.

These patients suffer quite a bit and look very

uncomfortable. The discharge is excoriating and may

range over the full spectrum from copious watery to

thick, viscid, and infected. Despite the copious

discharge there is a feeling of fullness and stuffness in

the head and especially at the root of the nose. The nose

may be painful. Burning, pulsating pains at the root and

in the sinuses, worse for heat. The obstruction itself is

much worse in warm air.7 The inside of the nose seems

inflamed, very sensitive even to inhaling air. Kalium

iodatum is definitely to be thought of when the problem

extends to the sinuses,8 especially if infection has

supervened.

Arsenicum album

This is superficially very similar to Kalium

iodatum. Excoriating watery discharge with nasal

obstruction especially involving the root or the right

side of the nose. Violent sneezing. They hold in

common marked general restlessness, burning pains,

sensitivity to inhaled air, and extension of the irritation

to the sinuses and chest.

Arsenicum, however, is extremely chilly, whereas

Kalium is warm and likes to be moving outside in the

cool air.

The burning pains of Arsenicum are always better

for heat and warm applications. The coryza is

ameliorated in warm room, which causes it to dry up

leaving the nose obstructed. (Nux vomica becomes

obstructed in the open air.)

The sense of obstruction with dripping coryza is

very strong in Arsenicum.9.

The sneezing may arise from a single spot in the

nose as from the tickling of a feather.

Arsenicum iodatum

Similar to the album but the discharges are more

severely burning. The iodatum component may modify

the characteristic chilliness of Arsenicum album and is

to be thought of when the presenting symptomatology is

characteristic of Arsenicum album but the patient is

warm-blooded and worse for heat in general. The

mucous membranes are very angry looking, red,

swollen, often associated with chronic nasal catarrh.

The discharge can be thick and yellow. Drenching night

sweats are a feature of Arsenicum iodatum.

OBSTRUCTION WITH LITTLE DISCHARGE

Sticta

This is really the archetypal remedy of dry

obstruction. Although it has all the sneezing which

accompanies hay fever it is the nature of the obstruction

which distinguishes Sticta from all others. Obstruction

at the root of the nose with constant desire to blow the

nose although nothing comes out and no relief is

obtained. (Kali-bi., Lach., Psor., Teucr.) The

discharge dries so quickly it never leaves the nose but

forms crusts. There is a sense of pressure and fullness

at the root of the nose accompanied by a pressure

headache located in the forehead above the nose. The

obstruction is worse at night while lying and may wake

the patient. The dryness, irritation and crusts in the nose

give rise to a desire to pick at or bore into the nose.

Sticta has some strange mental symptoms

especially a feeling as if floating in air, as if one of the

limbs is floating, or when they walk, as if the feet were

not really touching the ground.

Psorinum

This runs close to Sticta in the idea of obstruction

and dryness at the root of the nose. Although it may

have copious, watery, bland discharge, the most

characteristic presentation is obstruction. This may

arise either from dryness, compelling the patient to bore

in the nose and blow with no effect, or from a thick,

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glue-like discharge which forms offensive crusts.10 This

stuffing up of the nose is generally aggravated in the

cold, open air, and both the patient and the nose are

ameliorated by warmth, by being inside and lying

down.11

The obstruction may be associated with difficult

respiration which is ameliorated by lying flat on the

back with the arms outstretched.

The mucosa may be very sensitive, even the inhaled

air causes pain. Profuse post nasal catarrh is a frequent

concomitant.

Do not forget the general symptoms of Psorinum;

very chilly (wears a hat even to bed at night),

offensiveness of discharges and a sense of inner

debility.

Kali bichromicum12

Rather than the prominent dryness of Sticta there is

a large quantity of extremely thick, viscid mucus which

can go so far as to have the consistency of bubble gum.

It is especially to be thought of when the attending

irritation and inflammation has extended to the sinuses,

either maxillary or frontal. Be careful when prescribing

Kali bichromicum in cases which present with fluent

coryza. It has been my experience that in cases where

the symptoms repertorize to Kali-bi there is a good

possibility of stopping the discharge with the

subsequent development of a very severe headache.

NOSE; discharge; thick; clear, headache if it ceases:

Kali-bi.

Sinapis nigra

The peculiar characteristics here are obstruction and

dryness with burning pains. The mucosa feels dry and

hot, the nose is obstructed, especially at the root or just

one side. This is predominantly the left, but may be

either side and alternate. If there is a discharge it tends

to be scanty and excoriating.13 The Coryza is worse for

lying and ameliorated when sitting up, which is

particularly interesting as the cough is better for lying.

It is worthwhile to note that in Guiding symptoms the

passages carrying the diagnosis of Hay Fever indicate a

quite severe respiratory component and fluent coryza.

Itching/burning sensations

NOSE

Arundo

The main thrust of Arundo is itching and burning,

especially in the nose. This burning, itching sensation

involves the nose, palate, mouth, conjunctivae and skin,

but is mainly indicated when the most intolerable

sensations centre on the nose itself. Bluish discharge

from the nose is a peculiar keynote as is excessive

salivation during Coryza.

MOUTH

Wyethia

The centre of gravity of this substance is its effect

on the soft palate.

KENT writes:

When in the autumn our hay fever patients report to us

with violent symptolms of coryza, great depression of

spirits, symptoms worse in the afternoon, easy sweat and

languor, extreme dryness of the mucous membranes of

nose, mouth and throat, with burning acrid copious flow

of mucus, constant swallowing, itching of the soft palate,

and compelled to scratch it with the tongue. Wyethia will

cure for the season, and it has cured permanently in some

cases.

The emphasis here should be placed upon the

itching of the posterior nares and the palate. There is a

sensation as if something is in the back part of the nose

but it cannot be drawn down. The throat has a similar

sensation as if it needs to be cleared, but hawking and

clucking affords no relief. The uvula feels elongated

and the throat is dry, despite increased salivation. The

mental state may be helpful as well. There is an apathy,

a disinclination to work or concentrate and an actual

inability to do so.

Ranunculus bulbosus

This is an interesting little remedy. GIBSON gives

us a clear image:

The remedy may be indicated in hay fever, accompanied

by smarting and burning in the eyes, with soreness of the

lids. The nose is stuffed up, especially in the evening,

and there is a relentless tingling and crawling sensation

inside the nose or in the nasopharyns, which causes

constant but ineffectual hawking in the endeavour to

obtain relief. Severe pain in the chest is a prominent

symptom. This is of the nature of a myalgia of the

pectoral or intercostal muscles, or an intercostal neuralgia

with sharp stitching pains in the thorax and between the

shoulder-blades. Characteristically there is also a marked

soreness to touch as if the tissues had been pounded or

bruised. Movement aggravates the pain, as do also

pressure of clothes or hands.

With respect to the local symptoms there is

definitely a tendency towards obstruction with thick,

viscid mucus rather than a free Coryza with much

sneezing. This obstruction, which is worse in the

evening (as are all Ranunculus bulbosus complaints),

and in a warm room (which is particular to the nose),

gives rise to a sense of pressure at the root of the nose.

The true guiding symptoms are, however, the

characteristic allergic itching and burning of the mucous

membranes of both the eyes and the upper respiratory

tract. The inner nose has a painful sensitivity to

inspired air and a tingling, itching sensation which

particularly affects the posterior nares. This sensation

extends to the soft palate and may take on a burning

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quality. The eyes are also overcome with this itching

and burning which is ameliorated by rubbing.

Ranunculus people are very chilly, much

aggravated by atmospheric changes (especially from

warm to cold) and rainy, stormy weather. Irritable,

quarrelsome (like Nux vomica), with a discouraged

loathing of life. Ranunculus deserves wider

recognition and I will digress a little here and append

some additional remarks from our books:

TABLE 2 Modalities

Open air agg.

Sneezing

sabadilla

Obstruction

Nux vomica, Psorinum

Open air amel.

Coryza

Allium cepa, Euphrasia

Cold air agg.

Cough

Allium cepa

Obstruction

Dulcamara, Psorinum

Cold air amel.

Obstruction

Kali iodatum

Warm air agg.

Obstruction

Bromium, Kali iodatum, Pulsatilla, Ranunculus

Coryza

Allium cepa

Cold bathing amel.

Coryza

Apis, Pulsatilla

Worse in general for cold

Arsenicum album, Dulcamara, Nux vomica,

Psorinum, Sabadilla, Ranunculus

Better in general from

cold

Allium cepa, Bromium, Kali iodatum, Pulsatilla

KENT notes:

This buttercup gives off an acrid ethereal vapour

very poisonous to such as are sensitive to it, and has been

many times mistaken for Rhus poisoning. This common

field buttercup is not used as often as it is indicated, and

it must be that it is not as well known as many other

remedies. It is a rheumatic remedy of great usefulness

when the chest muscles are involved. Pain in the spinal

nerves, pleura and costal muscles always with extreme

soreness. It is as sensitive to motion as Bryonia and to

the cold, damp weather as Dulcamara.

FARRINGTON allows us a view from a different

angle:

We may think of Ranunculus bulbosus in

inflammation of the serous membranes, particularly of

the pleura or peritoneum, when there are acute, stabbing

pains, accompanied by an effusion of serum into the

serous sac. Accompanying this effusion we find great

anxiety, dyspnoea and distress, caused partly by the

accumulation of fluid, and partly by the anxiety, from the

pains themselves. Now these are symptoms not

commonly known among physicians, yet you will find

that here Ranunculus will serve you as well as Apis,

Bryonia or Sulphur, or even better than these, if the pains

are of the character just described.

Lastly do not forget Ranunculus for herpetic

eruptions and shingles with bluish vesicles (Lachesis).

EARS

Silicea

This being one of the major polychrests, the

indications will most probably be found on the totality

of symptoms or even on the level of the psychological

essence, but one may be led to consider its use in

instances of seasonal allergy by the coincidence of

violent and continued paroxysms of sneezing with

itching, not only of the nose and palate, but of the

Eustachian tubes as well.

Agaricus muscarius

Itching of the ears, Eustachian tubes, nose and

palate.

Marked redness of the nose and of inner angles of

the eye.

EYES

Pulsatilla

Although Pulsatilla carries all the usual Hay Fever

symptoms, especially nasal obstruction in a warm room

and free coryza in the open air, the main use is when the

centre of gravity is found in the eyes. Burning, itching

of the eyes, worse in the evenings and in a warm

room, better from the open air and cold bathing.

The conjunctivae are irritated and the lids itch and burn,

compelling the patient to rub.

This must be differentiated from Sulphur which has

similar itching and burning (a sensation as if sand were

in the eyes). However, in Sulphur the itching begins in

the morning and continues all day. Although worse in a

warm room, the amelioration from fresh air is not nearly

as marked as in Pulsatilla and of course there is

aggravation rather than amelioration from bathing.

Ambrosia

Ragweed is a common allergen, yet there is little

homœopathic information available in the books. The

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most interesting observations are in Boericke who lays

emphasis not on the nose, although there is much

sneezing and watery coryza, but on the eyes: ‘A remedy

for hay fever. LACHRYMATION and

INTOLERABLE ITCHING EYELIDS.’

Additional features are a tendency to nosebleed and

the sensation that the discharge from the nose feels cold.

VITHOULKAS14 states:

This remedy should be thought of in cases where

Dulcamara, Sabadilla, Wyethia, Aralia, Arundo or

Arsenicum iodatum were prescribed and failed,

especially in cases of hay fever that start with upper

respiratory catarrh and progress to asthma.

SWELLING

When swelling is the most prominent symptom in

the allergic picture the target organ is almost always the

eyes.

Apis

Although not indicated for classical hay fever, Apis

must be borne in mind when the eyes are affected in

such a fashion that the lids are swollen, red, filled with

fluid to the extent that they can hardly open. The

conjunctivae may be red and puffy as well, with

stinging pains in the eye. Much worse for heat and

better for cold applications.

Rhus toxicodendron

Is also to be considered in such cases, especially

when the modalities are opposite to those of Apis.

General weakness

Gelsemium

The most valuable guiding symptoms to Gelsemium

are the overwhelming fatigue, dullness and heaviness,

especially of the upper lids, but this feeling of lethargy

extends to the whole organism. They just want to lie

there and go to sleep. These sensations do not have to

be as pronounced as this but dullness and lethargy

should definitely be present as a significant factor.

This is a warm-weather medicine, complaints come

on in the heat, although the patients themselves are not

warm-blooded and can have chills which travel up and

down the spine.

The allergy symptoms are marked by violent

paroxysms of sneezing, arising from a tingling sensation

in the nose (Arsenicum). These paroxysms are

especially marked in the morning and accompanied by

acrid, excoriating, watery coryza with burning pains

both in the nose and posterior nares. Later obstruction

supervenes, with a sense of fullness at the root of the

nose. The obstruction may alternate sides.

Frequently this syndrome is associated with a

headache which covers the full spectrum from a sense

of dullness and congestion which impairs the faculty of

thought or concentration, to an extremely severe, almost

intolerable pain. It appears, along with Belladonna, in

Kent’s Repertory in bold type in the rubric Maddening

pains.

Carbo vegetabilis

Sneezing from crawling and tickling in the nose (or

even from irritation in the larynx) aggravated especially

by cooling down after being heated. This sneezing may

continue all day either accompanied by, or in the

absence of, coryza. Ineffectual efforts to sneeze.

Epistaxis.

The irritation extends down to the larynx with

hoarseness and rawness and further into the chest with

asthmatic breathing.

In general there is a sluggish, dull, and stagnant

metabolism with a strong desire for moving air (must be

fanned) and much intestinal gas manifesting as a

marked degree of abdominal distension with frequent

eructations which provide significant amelioration.

Case histories

S.M., Female, age 37 years

29.4.88 complains of severe headache(2), itching

nose(2), heartburn(2).

Has suffered from headaches from age 12.

Back of neck (2), vertex (2) and right side

of head (2). Pressing pain.

Worse for light and motion.

Itching nose (2); itches inside nostrils.

Better for rain, ice cubes (2). Worse in hot

weather (1).

Fearful in new situations (2). Short

tempered (2).

Allergic to aspirin (2).

Chilly (1) but wears socks to bed, later feet

get hot and uncovers them (2).

Desires cheese (2), milk (2), ice cream (2),

eggs (1), salt (1).

Rx Calc. carb. 1M.

23.5.88 Not much difference. Headaches are

improved (1).

Itching nose (3) and inner canthus of eyes

(2). Some sneezing (1). Itching and

sneezing come in paroxysms (2).

Has gained a few pounds. Nose is worse

than before (2).

Rx Arundo 30 as needed.

23.9.88 Arundo worked well. Acts instantly when

takes it.

In general feeling much better. Has not

been to the allergist since April.

Headaches better as well.

M.C., female, age 65 years.

11.4.85 Complains of shortness of breath,

wheezing. Had a bad ’cold’ last year

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which was treated with antibiotics and this

year suffered a similar episode again

requiring antibiotic treatment. Has not

recovered properly. Rx Calcarea

carbonica 200c about 2 months ago. This

made a difference, more energy, back to

work but still very symptomatic. Using

antihistamines daily as needed. Gets quite

breathless.

Mucus from throat---can’t bring it up(2).

Aggravated in morning when wakes.

Coughs and blows nose (1), eyes tear (2),

lasts about 15 min.

Perspires on forehead when eats (1).

Photophobia (1).

Prefers the cold weather (1).

Stiffness of hands and shoulders in the

morning. History rheumatoid arthritis

treated with cortisone.

Rx Euphrasia 200c.

12.6.85 Very much better.

No joint pains. Muscular stiffness

completely gone. No sneezing, coughing

or wheezing.

Perspires on forehead (2) when hot and

stuffy. Desires fresh air (2). Generally

agg. From the heat(1).

O.S., female, age 35 years

19.8.85 Hay fever (2). Sneezing, itching back of

throat (2) and nose. Eyes itch as well.

Tonsil problem past 6 weeks. Little ulcers

on tonsils. Itch (2) worse towards the end

of the day.

Began on left, now mostly on right side.

Bitter taste in mouth (1).

Averse really hot weather (1).

Desires fruit (1), fish(1), sweets(1), sour

(1).

Rx Wyethia 30c.

17.9.85 Has taken 4 doses. Definite action but

seems to be getting worse again.

Itching eyes, roof of mouth (2) and back of

throat. Scrapes tongue over roof of mouth

to relieve itching. Sinus headache, around

eyes and forehead (1). Puffiness below

eyes (2).

Rx Wyethia 200c.

29.10.85 Strong reaction to Wyethia. Felt very

‘spaced out’ and was unable to

concerntrate on work the whole afternoon.

Just didn’t feel like working.

Throat cleared up in a week.

Itching much improved.

Comment: Proving symptom from Anschutz: Entire

incapacity for mental work; could not

follow a line of thought twenty seconds;

forehead cold to touch, with heavy feeling

over the eyes as though the skin and flesh

of forehead would come down over the

eyes; intense drowsiness all day.

N.S., male, age 9 years

4.3.92 Allergies(2). Eyes swell(2) and itch(2).

Eyelids droop (2).

Paroxysmal sneezing (2).

Very irritable (2), easily upset, weeps and

runs away out of the house.

Bored (2), does not know what to do with

himself (2).

(He is very restless during the interview.

Hard for him to sit still in the chair.)

Does naughty things; gets mad and wants

to smash (2) things but always asks his

mother whether he can do it.

Desires sweets(2), cold milk.

Averse fish (1), fat (1).

Very touchy about being made fun of (2).

Easily embarrassed (2). Feels he is ugly

(2).

Rx Rhus toxicodendron 1M.

24.3.93 Eyes itched the first few days, now has no

allergy symptoms at all. Calmer, not so

bored. Generally having a good time.

L.H., female, age 29 years.

Hay fever (2) and allergies(2). Began at

age 21 years. Strong family history (2).

Symptoms are present all year but much

worse at certain seasons.

Past 10 days is unable to function (2)

Wakes exhausted (2), absent minded (1),

cannot concentrate (2) or keep her

thoughts in line (1). Like looking at life

through a thick veil (2). Regular

allopathic medications removed the

paroxysms of sneezing (2) but left her with

a severe frontal headache (2) which was

removed with acupuncture and herbs.

Now has general exhaustion and mental

dullness.

Itching eyes (2)

As a child the family moved a lot. Her

father was a physician who became a drug

addict. Parents divorced when she was 17

years old. She is a free lance journalist.

Interested in everything (2). Hard for her

to keep up with all her interests.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 69

Overactive brain (2). Thinks too much

and this can disturb her sleep (2). Hard to

fall asleep from thoughts.

She is a high achiever (2) ambitious. ‘I’m

going to be the best writer in America.’

Responsible and disciplined in her work,

but the house tends to be messy.

Pushes herself to work harder and harder

(2). Self-critical (1)

Physically active. Exercises 1 hour a day

5 days a week.

Loves food (2) and eats large amounts

with no weight problem. Desires sweets

(2).

In general she is warm blooded (2),

especially with the allergies. Head gets

hot (2) with coldness of the extremities.

Thirst for large quantities (1) of cold water

(1).

Rx Sulphur 1M.

21.4.93 symptoms are much less. Now able to

function (2). Feels stronger (1), has more

stamina (1). The headaches returned a

little after the Sulphur. Sleep is good.

Wakes refreshed. Emotional state is good.

More relaxed and less self critical.

Comments: In this case the allergy symptoms were

unreliable due to previous treatments

which appeared to have suppressed the

symptoms to a deeper level. Thus the

prescription was based on the case in

general.

References and notes

1. All rubrics are extracted from the Complete

Repertory v. 2.0 compiled by Roger van

Zandfoort, the Netherlands 1992.

2. Nose: SNEEZING; morning: bed, in: Agar., AM-

C., Aspar., Caust., NUX-V., Puls., Sep.

Nose: CORYZA; discharge, with; morning; rising,

after: Calc-sil., Caust., NUX-V.

Nose: SNEEZING; paroxysmal; prolonged

paroxysms: Nux-v.

Nose: CORYZA; air; open; amel.

Nose: CORYZA; discharge, without; air, in open:

Calc-p.,Naja, NUX-V.

Nose: CORYZA; discharge, without; night: Alum.,

Am-c., Calc., Caust., Dig., Euphr., Lach., Mag-c.,

Mag-m., Nat-c., Nicc., Nit-ac., NUX-V.,Sep.

Nose: CORYZA; discharge, without; night; fluent

during the day: Caust., Dig., Euphr., Merc., Nat-c.,

Nicc., NUX-V.

3. All Materia Medica references extracted from

reference works compiled by Kent Homœopathic

Associates USA 1993.

4. Nose: CORYZA; left; to right: Agar.,All-c., Aspar.

Nose: CORYZA; left: Agar, All-c., Alum.,

[ARUM-T[R], BAD, BERB., CIST., COP., JUG-

C., MANG., THLASPI, THUJA, ZINC.

NOSE: DISCHARGE; excoriating; left nostril,

from: ALL-C.

Nose; DISCHARGE; excoriating; bland discharge

from eyes, with: All-c.

5. Kent as usual describes it beautifully: ‘Allium cepa

is used principally for “colds”. There are various

phases of these “colds” in the nose, in the throat, in

the larynx, in the bronchial tubes. The patient and

all the phases of his “cold”, his coryza, his

laryngitis, his cough, all his complaints are

aggravated by warmth, are worse in a warm room

… the patient himself is better in cold air and is

sensitive to heat. Most of the symptoms, both

general and particular, are worse in the evening.’

6. Nose; CORYZA; chronic, long-continued,

Bromium is listed as the only 3. From Hering’s

Guiding Symptoms we have: Fluent coryza, in

which right nostril is more affected and more

stopped. Long-continued, obstinate coryza, with

soreness beneath nose and on margin of nose.

Severe coryza, right nostril stopped up and sore

throughout; later left.

7. Nose; DISCHARGE; copious; stuffing of head,

with: Acon., Agar., Arum-t., Calc., Hep., KALI-I.,

Nit-ac., Nux-v., Phos.,Sapo., Spig.

Nose: OBSTRUCTION; warm; room: ANT-C.,

Arg-n., Ars-i, Calc-p, Carb-v., Cycl., Hydr., IOD.,

Kali-c., KALI-I., Nux-v., Op., Phos., Pic-ac., Plat.,

Prot., PULS, Ran-b., Sabad,m Sulph., Thuj.

8. Nose: CORYZA; extending to frontal sinuses: Ars.,

Calc-p., Cimx, Kali-i, Pitu-ant, Sil., Stict.

9. Nose: OBSTRUCTION; coryza, with: ARS. Arum-

t., Bell, Bov., Brom., Cham., Chin., Graph., Kali-i.,

NUX-V., Rhod.

10. NOSE; DISCHARGE; dries quickly, forming

scabs: Cench., Psor., Stict.

11. NOSE;OBSTRUCTION; warm; room; amel: Psor.,

NOSE; OBSTRUCTION; air; open, in: Psor., Rhus-

12. Nose; BLOW the; constant inclination to; relief, but

no: Kali-bi,., Lach., Psor., Stict., Teucr.

Nose; DISCHARGE; crusts, scabs, inside; detach,

hard to, and leave raw and sore: Ars., Bov., KALI-

BI., Nit-ac., Phos., Phyt., Psor., Puls., Stict., Thuj.

Nose; DISCHARGE; dries quickly, forming scabs:

Cench., Psor., Stict.

Nose; DISCHARGE; glue, like: Hep., Kali-bi.,

Merc-c., Psor., Sel., Stict., Sulph.

Nose; FULLNESS, sense of; root, in: Aesc, Bell.,

Cann-i., Cund, Gels., Ham., Kali-bi., Lac-c., Nat-p.,

Par., Phos., Sang., STICT.

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13. Nose; OBSTRUCTION; sensation of; watery

discharge, with: am-m., ARS., arum-t., Bov.,

Brom., Calc., Cham., chin., Cupr., graph., Kali-i.,

Mag-m., Merc-c., nit-ac., sec., sin-n.

14. Vithoulkas G. Materia Medica Viva p.261.

California: Health and Habitat 1992.

========================================

8. International Research Group on Very Low Dose

and High Dilution Effects

VIITH GIRI Meeting 20-21 November 1993

(BHJ. 83, 2/1994)

The outside world does not teach the organism

what it is supposed to know: the organism itself

must make sense of the outside world; there is no

instruction for use.

Translated from Israel Rosenfeld’s L’invention de

la mémoire, ed. Eschel 1989.

Opening Address by the President of GIRI

The 15 founding members of GIRI wanted to create a

traditional scientific society. This was first made

possible in Monaco 6 years ago by the sponsorship of

Princess ANTOINETTE DE MONACO and Dr. Halm.

There are now 84 members in the GIRI group from 18

different countries.

The annual meeting consists of invited lectures and

presentation of scientific papers. The aim of the Society

is to stimulate research in the particular field of very

low dose and high dilution effects, including

Homœopathy. We want to give encouragement to

isolated researchers interested in this difficult matter.

This kind of research into a new field particularly

requires the co-operation of many scientists---physicists,

biologists, mathematicians, physicians, philosophers

and pharmacologists, among others. Working alone can

be unproductive, lonely, and even counteractive. At the

first three GIRI meetings, most papers dealt with the

action of very low, material doses. Year by year, the

number of presentations on high dilution effects has

increased and the dose has decreased!

Now that high dilution research accounts for the

majority of our work, we must ask ourselves the

following questions:

----- How can high dilutions act efficiently when they

theoretically contain no molecules?

------Why do some in-vitro or in-vivo experiments using

high dilutions not show constant results?

Are these two questions in fact linked? Over the

last two years, the fractal structure hypothesis has been

suggested in a chaotic system. A whole new paradigm

has also been proposed and built around these

unanswered questions.

Perhaps during today’s meeting we will start to find

some answers. This year, the GIRI meeting takes place

when we are at a turning point, with our research taking

shape thanks to a new theory of physics which explains

the effect of high dilutions. This is supported by new

statistics which enable us to comprehend the

inconstancy of our experimental findings. The theory

and the new statistics inevitably lead us to a new

paradigm, distinct from the mechanistic one---a

paradigm of information. We must now take into

account the receiver and its ability to deal with the

information of our high dilutions.

MADELEINE BASTIDE

Unité de Recherches en Immunologie

Université de Montpellier I

Radiation hormesis

T.D. LUCKEY

A critical review of recent literature on radiation

hormesis considers Cancer mortality in humans

following whole-body exposures to ionizing radiation.

The results presented are amply confirmed in about

2000 reports on bacteria, plants, protozoa, invertebrates

and experiments with mammals as well as earlier

reports on humans.

Other physiological functions show radiation

hormesis: growth and development, hearing and visual

acuity, learning and memory, fecundity, immune

competence, and average life span. Hormesis in these

functions supports the benefits noted for cancer

mortality. These biopositive effects can be reversed by

irradiation with high doses. Lung tumours were

induced in animals with radon levels a million times

higher than ambient (background) levels.

Studies of chronic exposure to ambient levels of

ionizing radiation show an inverse relationship between

dose rate and cancer mortality. These are exemplified

by a study in which lung cancer mortality rates were

compared with radon in homes.

Chronic exposure to low-dose irradiation is

exemplified by nuclear workers. Total cancer death rate

in 230,000 male nuclear workers was less than that of

the general population. Comparisons made within the

same plants showed total cancer mortality rates to be

lower, p < 0.001. Leukaemia, the classic radiation-

induced cancer, was also less, p< 0.01, in exposed

workers.

The biopositive effects found in nuclear workers

are usually attributed to a ‘healthy worker effect’. Since

both exposed and control workers passed comparable

entrance examinations, had the same medical care and

worked in the same plants, the above data negate that

concept. The decreased cancer mortality rates in

exposed nuclear workers confirm the biopositive effect

of low-dose irradiation.

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 71

Acute exposure to ionizing radiation is exemplified

by the ageing Japanese survivors of atomic explosions.

The total cancer mortality and leukaemia mortality rates

of lightly exposed survivors is consistently less than that

of the control population. These data are not

statistically significant because the sample size is too

small. If the sample size were increased by a factor of

10, the date would show statistically significant

(p<0.01) decreased total cancer mortality and leukaemia

mortality rates in the lightly exposed population.

The evidence provides a new and scientifically

valid concept. Cancer mortality rates are lowered by

exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation. This

invalidates the zero thesis that all radiation is harmful.

The use of linear, no-threshold models should cease.

New concepts raise new questions.

What is an optimum level of radon, alpha, beta,

gamma and X-rays for babies, children, teens, young

adults, pregnant females, old people and sick people?

How can the best clinical use be made of low-dose

irradiation? Is ionizing radiation essential for optimal

physiologic functions? For life? Should whole

populations be supplemented? How? Should control be

with health physics professionals, the medical

profession, public health officials, or politicians?

Another category of questions include the

following. What is the relationship of radiation hormesis

to other medical treatments? In what ways are hormesis

and Homœopathy similar? How do they differ?

The answers begin with a simple experiment on the

natural immunity of only 50 mice reared in subradiation

conditions and with controls in ambient and

suprambient conditions.

Mechanistic approach to the effect of high dilutions

of Cadmium to protect from cytotoxic Cadmium

doses in renal tubular cell cultures.

A. DELBANCUT, M. A. BARROUILLET, R.

MAURY-BRACHET, A. BOUDOU, P. DORFMAN, J.

CAMBAR.

Cadmium (an important pollutant) and Cisplatin (a

commonly used antitumoral agent) both have strong

toxic effects on renal tubules. Many agents have been

proposed to reduce this renal toxicity, such as chelating

agents or sulphydryl compounds. High dilutions of

toxic heavy metals have already been proved to reduce

the lethal effect of these metals in mice or to increase

metal elimination in rats.

In a study designed to approach the mechanism of

the protective effect of very high dilutions of cadmium

and Cisplatin in cultured tubular cell line LLCPK1, with

their protective effect evaluated by assessing cell

viability using the neutral red test, the protective effect

of high dilutions is dependent on dose and duration of

the pretreatment. A 5-day pre-treatment with 10-40M of

Cadmium induced a very significant decrease in cell

mortality (p <0.05 to p <0.001). Similar results were

observed with a 5 day pretreatment with 10-40 M of

Cisplatin in a Cisplatin poisoning. We did not observe a

protective effect on cisplatin intoxicated cells following

5-day pretreatment with 10-40 M of Cadmium. On the

other hand, we observed a significant increase in

toxicity.

In order to understand the cellular mechanisms of

the protective effect of these high dilutions, we

quantified the intracellular Cadmium uptake in 5-day

pretreated cells with 10-30 M Cadmium and in control

cells when both cells were exposed to toxic cadmium

concentrations (0.25 mg/1 to 2.5 mg/1). We observed a

significant decrease in the Cadmium uptake ratio for

pretreated cells only in the case of the lower toxic

Cadmium concentration.

A radio-immunologic assay was used to estimate

the possible role of very high metal dilutions in the

induction of metallothionein (MT) synthesis. We

quantified the MT patterns in experimental and control

cells exposed to cytotoxic concentrations of Cadmium.

Cells were pretreated for 5 days with 10-30 M Cadmium.

We observed that experimental cells presented increased

MT synthesis.

A dramatic direct cellular effect was noted with

very high dilutions used alone in 5-day pretreatment. In

this case, the MT synthesis decreased and the

intracellular Cadmium pattern changed.

The study has shown that very high dilutions of

heavy metals have protective effect in cells exposed to

cytotoxic concentrations of the same metals after a 5-

day pretreatment. Indeed, for Cadmium, the

detoxification mechanism seems to be due initially to

important membrane damage and subsequently to an

important MT synthesis increase.

Moreover, this study opens the way to further

investigation in order for us to clearly understand the

mechanism of the protective effect of very high

dilutions against nephrotoxic agents so that we may

reduce their side effects in clinical use.

Mild step-down arsenite treatment causes increased

levels of heat-shock proteins and enhances

development of tolerance

F.A.C. WIEGANT, J.H. OVELGÖNNE, J.E.M.

SOUREN, R. VAN WIJK

In Homœopathy, the condition of patients is said to

improve when low doses of a homœopathic medicine

are taken, provided that extensive similarity exists

between the pathological symptoms of the patient and

the symptoms induced by high concentrations of the

medicine. In its most simple form, the regulatory

principle should be activated when a similar compound

is used for both cause and cure (intoxication and

treatment) of the pathological condition. Because of the

pathological condition and a presumed inherent higher

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 72

sensitivity of the organism, a lower concentration of the

active compound would suffice for treatment.

Our research on this regulatory concept has been

based on the following questions:

------Do biological systems in pathological conditions

show enhanced sensitivity?

------Does low-dose treatment improve the regulatory

ability of biological systems in pathological

conditions?

A pathological condition is induced in cell cultures

by application of arsenite (100-300μM). Confluent

cultures of H35 hepatoma cells were used. Using a

fractionated treatment protocol, it was shown that a

period of sensitization is followed by development of

tolerance. In the period of enhanced sensitivity, lower

concentrations of arsenite are required to induce 50%

cell death. Low concentrations of arsenite (0.3-3 μM),

which alone do not affect survival, showed enhanced

toxicity when applied immediately after treatment with

a high dose of arsenite. The increased cellular

sensitivity is lost when cells are incubated in an

arsenite-free medium for 3-4 hours, which is followed

by enhanced tolerance to arsenite.

Our data also indicate that the condition of

pretreatment determines both the extent to which the

early sensitivity increases and the subsequent

development of tolerance. A relatively high arsenite

concentration leads to more sensitized cells, which are

transformed into more tolerant cells in comparison with

the effect of a lower arsenite concentration.

According to previous definitions, ‘tolerance’ is

described as a stress-induced increase in cellular

resistance towards a lethal (arsenite) stress-treatment,

whereas ‘sensitization’ is defined as an increase in

cellular susceptibility for a (arsenite) stress treatment.

To assess improvement of regulatory ability by

low-dose treatment, a specific set of stress proteins was

induced by arsenite treatment which were identified as

HSP 28, 60, 68, 70, 84 and 100.

Using step-down conditions, we investigated

whether low-dose arsenite treatment (0.3-3μM) could

enhance the synthesis of the major HSPs as well as the

levels of HSPmRNA. It was observed that under

conditions of enhanced sensitivity, an extra increase of

HSPmRNA and of HSP synthesis occurred when low

concentrations of arsenite were applied to arsenite pre-

treated cells. No effect of these low concentrations

were observed in non-pretreated cells.

Enhanced development of tolerance was also

observed under mild step-down conditions which

correlated with increased levels of HSP68 and

HSP84mRNA.

It appears that cells in pathological conditions are

able to improve their recovery from stress damage on

exposure to a low dose of the stressor.

Biological effects of low-dose radiation from a TV set

on embryos and chicks

Study of a protective material

B.J. BOUDARD, B.J. YOUBICIER-SIMO, J.D.

BAYLE, M. BASTIDE

The study was performed to evaluate the effects of

radiation from a TV set on fertilized eggs and chicks for

47 days after hatching. The following parameters were

assessed: plasma corticosterone level, body weight and

specific humoral immune response after injection of an

antigen. A protective material was tested according to

these parameters.

TV treatment was given for 18 days at the

embryonic phase and for 47 days after hatching. Eggs

and chicks were placed at a distance of 0.5m from the

front of the TV set. X-rays and magnetic field intensity

were measured. The protective material was TECNO

AO antenna. It consists of a micro receptor-emittor

which restores an ultra low intensity signal produced by

the polarized liquid it contains.

The liquid has been engrammed electro-

magnetically at very high frequencies. The chicks were

immunized using porcine thyro-globulin (Tg) injected

subcutaneously. Plasma corticosterone and specific

anti-Tg antibodies were determined. Anti-Tg IgG titres

were defined as the reciprocal of the plasma dilution

giving an absorbance equal to 1.

The results showed that radiation from the TV set

had a powerful effect on the Corticosterone levels

induced by antigenic stress. Antibody levels showed

the same variations. The group protected before

hatching and irradiated after hatching presented the

same hormonal and immunological changes as the

irradiated group. A slight increase in antibody levels

appeared only on day 47 when the chickens were adults.

Interestingly, the antenna protected competitively

against the effect of the TV set radiations on the

hormonal and immunological disorders and the body

weight of the chicks. Moreover, the improvement

shown when using the protection material is correlated

in the three parameters tested. Further experiments are

necessary for a better understanding.

Preventive effects of a monoclonal anti-idiotypic

antibody compared to a hermetic model on rat

Sarcomas

S.FAIDERBE, J.L. CHAGNAUD, M. BASTIDE,

P.DORFMANN, M. GEFFARD

A chemically induced malignant Tumour model

was obtained by subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of a

single dose of benzo(a) pyrene [B(a) P] diluted in

sesame oil. The results suggested possible relationships

between carcinogen ligand/receptor interactions and

PtdIns turnover.

To examine the possible vaccine effects of AIB1

Ab, this was administered to rats prior to carcinogen

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 73

administration (tumour induction), another group was

given B(a) P and the control group an equivalent

volume of solvent. Eight days later, all SD female rats

were given an s.c. injection of 2 mg of B (a) P diluted in

sesame oil. Anti-PtdIns auto Ab levels observed in

AIB1 Ab-treated rats sera were around 70% weaker

than those observed in rats treated with 1μg of B(a) P

prior to the tumour-induction dose.

The results showed

------the capacity of a monoclonal anti-idiotypic Ab,

internal image of a ligand involved in tumoral

processes, to slow down tumour onset and growth,

and to increase animal survival. We noted that

whatever the period of AIB1 Ab treatment

(preventive or curative), statistical tests showed

significant mean survival mnAIB1 Ab-treated

groups and controls;4

------that in 25% of AIB1 Ab-treated animals, tumour

growth was not observed;

------that the preventive effects of 1 μg of B(a) P

injected prior to tumour induction are less than

those of the monoclonal anti-idiotypic Ab, internal

image of B(a)P.

Perennial challenge of anomalies at the frontiers of

science

B. RUBIK

Anomalies are of critical importance to science.

The history of science is full of some very notable

rejections of novel discoveries that challenged the status

quo. Always unacceptable at first, anomalies promote

continuous scientific innovation.

Observation of anomalies involves the history,

philosophy, and sociology of science. Some anomalies

are recognized in their time by the scientific mainstream

and become the subject of legitimate research activity.

Others are ignored because they are apparently too

challenging. Many of the latter come from the ‘frontier

sciences’, i.e., whole areas of scientific inquiry that lie

outside conventional science. These areas are ignored

or even considered irrelevant by the mainstream, in

some cases because they are often residues of older

systems of knowledge that have been denounced as

pseudo-science, an example being parapsychology.

Despite its fragmentation and failure to explain

many phenomena, science maintains a façade of unity

and of being nearly complete. Frontier scientists

apparently have a higher tolerance for ambiguity and

cognitive dissonance, which in psychological testing

highly correlates with creativity.

Questions come from at least four frontier areas of

inquiry, including 1) epigenetics, 2) acupuncture, 3)

bioelectromagnetics and 4) Homœopathy and

infinitesimal doses. The results of their investigations,

which are ignored or regarded as isolated anomalies by

the mainstream, may be taken together as evidence for

the need of a larger paradigm to accommodate them.

As these accumulate, biology may enter a crisis, but that

is hardly visible to most as yet.

Moreover, these biological anomalies collectively

point to the need for a holistic view to complement the

reductionist paradigm of life. Whereas conventional

science maintains that biological information is stored

and transferred via biomolecular structures such as

DNA, the findings from these four frontier areas

suggest that other informational signals not stored in

chemical structures may elicit biological effects by

altering the subtle signals involved in biological

regulation of the whole organism.

Major changes in science have never been brought

about by isolated experimental findings, but by

collective evidence. Conceptual work to develop new

theories to reconcile anomalous discoveries is also

critical to their recognition by the scientific community.

Thus, it is crucial for scientists working in various

unconventional areas to come together and explore how

their anomalous discoveries fit together to form the

rudiments of an emerging theory or paradigm.

Certain specific functional responses of human

neutrophil exhibit different dose-dependence on

formyl peptides

P.BELLAVITE, S. CHIRUMBOLO, C.

SOANTONASTASO, P. GUZZO, A. SIGNORNI

Analysis of dose-dependence curves provides

biology and pharmacology with information on the

mechanisms by which cells and organisms respond to

specific agonists/antagonists. This analysis may also

provide an insight into where the concentration of the

signal molecules may vary in a wide range. A series of

studies were done to evaluate the sensitivity of human

neutrophils to the peptide formyl methyonyl-leucyl-

phenylalanine (f MLP, a component of bacterial and

mitochondrial proteins), taking into consideration

several distinct functional responses of these leukocytes.

The results showed that low doses of these peptides

(from 10-10 to 5:10-9M) are sufficient to elicit an

increase in intracellular calcium and cAMP, actin

polymerization, membrane fMLP receptors and the

expression (but not activation) of integrintype adhesion

molecules. These modifications, triggered by low doses

of fMLP, are associated with cell priming, i.e. an

enhanced response to a second challenge with the same

or different agonist. On the other hand, cell activities

like lysozyme release, respiratory burst (measured as

superoxide production) and firm adhesion to serum-

coated surfaces (reflecting activation of membrane

integrins) exhibit dose response curves which are

shifted to the right by about two orders of magnitude

(10-8 to 10-6 M).

High doses of fMLP also cause inhibition of further

peptide binding and homologous desensitization of the

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 74

cells. Using neutrophils primed in vitro by E. coli

lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) or by tumour necrosis

factor, we found that in these conditions the cells

spontaneously adhere to the culture wells and that this

adhesion is markedly inhibited by low doses (10-9 to 5 :

10-9 M) of fMLP, while it is enhanced by higher doses

(10-7 to 10-6). Biphasic dose-response curves of cell

adhesion have been also observed ex vivo using

neutrophils primed and harvested from an experimental

skin inflammatory exudates. So far, no functional

responses of neutrophils could be observed using fMLP

doses below 10-10M and also several attempts with

fMLP high dilutions (10-š11 to 10-20) made by serial 10x

dilution/succussion procedures have been unsuccessful.

The conclusions to be drawn are that from a

methodological standpoint, when exploring cell

sensitivity to low agonist doses, it is important to

consider that threshold doses may be markedly different

according to the various functions examined. In our

experience, the measurement of actin polymerization

through right angle light scattering was the most simple

and sensitive method for evaluating threshold responses

of neutrophils to low doses of peptides. Moreover, we

have developed a reproducible cellular model for

investigating the mechanisms of reverse effects: an

agent which is widely employed as a neutrophil agonist

and stimulates a number of cell activities including cell

adhension, paradosically inhibits the same cell function

when used a low doses on primed and inflammatory

cells. Data from our own and other laboratories suggest

that the mechanism of the observed inhibitory effect on

adhesion by low doses of fMLP involves an increase in

cAMP, while the activation of functions requiring high

fMLP doses is associated with phospholipid hydrolysis

and cumulation of diacylglycerol.

From a physiological standpoint, these studies

demonstrate that the triggering of various neutrophil

functions is sequential and co-ordinated in a way by

which early activation of specific transduction systems,

priming and chemotaxis require the occupancy of a

minimum number of receptors, while the killing

armamentarium (release of granule constituents, of

oxygen free radicals) and the potentially harmful cell

adhesion and spreading are triggered only when a

massive engagement of membrane receptors is

achieved.

Experimental pharmacology

Action of Chamomilla in homœopathic dilutions on the

CNS

A.CRISTEA, S. TEODORESCU, L. PARASCHIV

The effects of Chamomilla as a homœopathic

medicine on the central nervous system were studied in

mice and rats using the blind screening methodology

known in conventional pharmacology. Low---3cH and

5cH---and high dilutions----15cH and 30cH---prepared

by the Hahnemannian technique were tested.

Comparison was made to untreated control and placebo

groups (treated either with the corresponding

undynamized Chamomilla dilution or with the solvent).

Both the biological actions in healthy animals and

therapeutic effects in animals subjected to certain

experimental morbid conditions were studied. The

effects on both ‘normal’ and ‘sensitive’ types were

simultaneously investigated. The difference appeared in

the actometric tests leading to dividing the animal

collectives, according to Gauss’ bell-shaped distribution

curve, into animals with medium spontaneous motor

activity (‘normals’) and in animals with hypo- or

hypermotility (‘sensitives’). The results were, in all

cases, more significant in the ‘sensitive’ type, with only

statistically significant results in the Student t-test

included.

The results indicate that in ‘sensitive’ healthy

animal organisms with hypomotility, low dilutions of

Chamomilla had a stimulating effect on the central

nervous system. The results also showed high dilutions

to have some effects in the opposite sense, namely

inhibition of the central nervous system (calming,

anticonvulsant, analgesic) in ‘sensitive’ healthy animal

organisms (with hypermotility, hyperexcitability and

hyper-sensitivity) or in animal organisms with

experimentally induced morbid syndromes

(convulsions, pain). These pharmacotherapeutic effects

experimentally prove the validity of the homœopathic

principle similia similibus curentur. The results also

confirm the concept of organisms ‘sensitive’ related to

certain homœopathic medicines that is implied and used

in homœopathic treatment. Designed only to screen for

efficacy, the present studies cannot state the essential

mechanism of Chamomilla stimulation of the central

nervous system. The stimulatory action on the central

nervous system is usually related to the polinic derivates

located in the aerial part of the plant and known for the

convulsant effects.

Effect of potentiated interferon alpha on tumour cell

growth

M. BARTHEL

The study was carried out in the Department of Applied

Microbiology, University of Lublin, Poland, by Martina

Kandefer, Esbieta Malarczyk and Michael Barthel.

Like other cytokines interferons are physiologically

produced in very low concentrations in the body and

have a multiple effect on practically all cells, e.g.

growth regulation, immune functions or resistance to

tumour development. The antiproliferative effect on

normal and tumour cells is various and is achieved by

inhibiting the formation of growth factor-inducible

genes.

The aim of the in-vitro study was to investigate the

effect of very high dilutions of human interferon alpha

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 75

88 produced from Escherichia coli (IFN) on the growth

of the human lung carcinoma cell line A 549. The

antiviral and antiproliferating activity of the IFN was

evaluated by counting the number of cells and the

protein content.

Interferon can stimulate and inhibit the antiviral

resistance of cells, as was shown in our experiments

with dilutions of up to 1 : 1080.

The results also show the importance of vigorous

shaking for the activity of very high dilutions in

comparison with merely using a pipette without

shaking, in which case no activity was observed with

higher dilutions than 1:104.

Effect of Arnica Montana and Symphytum officinalis

on bone healing in guinea pigs

M.OBERBAUM, E. YAKOVLEV, D. KAUFMAN, S.

SHOSHAN

The present preliminary study was designed to test

our working hypothesis according to which the

administration of both Arnica and Symphytum to guinea

pigs, following experimentally induced bone fractures,

would both accelerate and improve healing.

The ulnae of 35 guinea pigs were fractured under

general anaesthesia. The fracture site was then covered

by the retracted muscles.

The incision was sutured and the wound sprayed

with Nobecutane. The intact radius served as an

immobilization splint.

The results showed that by X-ray criteria none of

the untreated controls or saline-treated fractures were

completely mineralized. Histological examination

revealed there was still conspicuous presence of

cartilage and also some fibrous tissue at the fracture site.

In the animals which received either of the two dilutions

of Arnica and Symphytum , and irrespective of the mode

of administration, both X-rays and histology showed

completely mineralized new bone through the entire

fracture site in 33% of the fractures. The experiments

were repeated 3 times, with the same result.

Effect of in-ovo administration of high dilutions of

bursin in bursectomized chicks

B.J.YOUBICIER-SIMO, F.BOUDARD,

M.GUELLATI, J.D. BAYLE, M. BASTIDE

Early embryonic surgical removal of the Fabricius

bursa (normal site of B lymphocyte differentiation in

birds) alters basal and stress-induced adrenocortical

activity in newly hatched chicks. Chicks bursectomized

as early embryos can produce different classes of

immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG and IgA) but are unable to

generate specific antibodies in response to antigenic

stimulation. The aim was to study the effect of high

dilutions of bursin, a tripeptide synthesized by the

bursal epithelium, in restoring hormonal and specific

humoral immune responses in bursectomized chicks.

Controls and treated chicks received 3 injections of

porcine thyroglobulin (Tg) as antigen on days 21, 30

and 39 after hatching.

18 of 240 bursectomized chickens survived.

Plasma corticosterone levels progressively increased on

days 29 and 38 (8 days after the 1st and 2nd injections of

Tg) and then returned to basal values. No variation of

corticosterone concentrations could be detected after

repeated immunizations of bursectomized chickens

treated with saline, whereas chicks injected with bursin

as embryos responded to Tg injections. Anti-Tg

antibody levels were very low on day 20 in all groups,

before the first immunization. Low IgG anti Tg values

were found in bursectomized chickens exhibited very

high IgG anti Tg titres. In ovo administration of bursin

to bursectomized embryos re-established immune

reactivity in adult birds no matter what amounts of

tripeptide bursin were injected. The specificity of IgG

antibodies was assessed by incubation of the sera with

various antigens such as OVA, BSA, MYO, ACT and

Tg. Then the residual activity anti-Tg was tested again

by indirect ELISA using Tg as the antigen. No

inhibition was observed in any tested serum except after

Tg incubation. Take together, these results indicate that

the high dilutions of bursin were able to restore

adrenocortical and specific humoral immune responses

in bursectomized chickens.

Arsenicum album and neurotoxic poisoning in dogs

and cats

R. BLOSTIN

Veterinary surgeons have to give emergency

treatment to dogs and cats with acute poisoning by

neurotoxic agents, without knowing the toxic agent and

the doses absorbed. For more than 6 years, we have

been systematically and solely using Arsenicum album

(AA) with remarkable success. AA is only prescribed

when 3 symptoms appear together:

------muscular hyperexcitability,

------aggravation through visual, auditory and tactile

stimuli,

------anguish.

The treatment scheme must be strictly adhered to:

------Whatever the degree of poisoning, respect the

modalities of aggravation and therefore isolate the

patient, eliminating the maximum number of

stimuli.

------give AA in the 15cH, per os, in repeated doses,

half-hourly at first, then less frequently following

improvement. A bibliographical study of the toxic

agents responsible for neurointoxication in dogs

and cats shows that the 3 above symptoms are

present in poisoning with arsenic, strychnine,

organophosphorus compounds and carbamates, but

not with methaldehyde which is confirmed by the

clinical results. The results are much more

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 76

satisfactory than those obtained from the classic

conventional treatment. In 6 years, only 4 out of 50

animals died; 80% returned home within 12 hours

and 100% within 24 hours. No side effects were

noted.

We tried to adapt this treatment scheme to a mouse

model (Swiss mice), using parathion intoxication before

AA treatment. The results confirm the aggravation by

stimuli in spite of gentle handling for gavage.

Unfortunately, this proved fatal as the mice died right at

the beginning of the treatment.

Fundamental questions: Why is AA in the 15cH

acting efficiently irrespective of the individual and the

toxic agent? Why is it necessary to repeat the doses

before improvement sets in? how and where is AA

acting? Is it by diuretic effect or synaptic effect? What

is the connection between a prescription based on the

Law of Similars used by homœopaths and the

pharmacological reality of the receptors?

In order to continue our research and to find a

suitable animal model, we must consider the sensitivity

of each species and adapt the methodology accordingly.

Regarding the mouse and its aggravation by handling, a

future experiment should include pretreatment with AA.

Climbing activity of frogs

Recalculation and further discussion

PC. ENDLER, W. PONGRATZ, H. HILLGERS, K.

MALTI, M. GEHRER, R. BRANDMAIER

In a previous communication it was claimed that

homœopathically prepared highly diluted Thyroxine

(aqueous 30th dilution, 30x) is able to accelerate

development from the two legged tadpole to the air-

borne juvenile in highland frogs, under the condition

that the dilutions of Thyroxine 30x (Water 30x for

control) are sealed in glass vials placed in the aquaria

and remain in the aquaria during metamorphosis. In the

previous communication, we presented a preliminary

statistical evaluation of the pooled data, which showed

high statistical significance levels. Critical discussion

has meanwhile led to a recalculation of the data; for

every one of 5 successive observations, the cumulative

frequencies of climbing attempts in the two groups were

evaluated by chi-square tests at the 3 measuring points

in time and by survival analysis comprising the 3

respective points in time. Furthermore, in order to test

reliability, single repetitions of the observation were

compared with the Wilcoxon test. This differentiated

approach was used with regard to the data from all 5

researchers in common as well as from each individual

researcher. Again, the difference is statistically highly

significant, proving an accelerating effect of Thyroxine

30x under the conditions of the experiment described.

This is true for evaluation with the chi-square test and

with survival analysis. Furthermore, reliability could be

demonstrated with the Wilcoxon test. Interestingly, the

difference was more marked in repetitions 2, 3, 4 and 5

than in repetition 1 of the experiment. This may point

towards experimental stress as a decisive factor for the

effect of Thyroxine 30x in this experiment.

It is well known that Thyroxine in natural

physiological concentration or in moderate externally

applied molecular doses, e.g. in 10-10 dilution, exerts a

stimulating effect on amphibian development and on

activity. However, molecularly dosed thyroxine is also

able to provoke inhibition and standstill of development

when given in an ‘unphysiologically’ high concentration

(e.g. 10-4). Starting from the fact that molecularly dosed

Thyroxine can obviously exert two contradictory

effects, it was shown in further experiments previously

dealt with that, depending on the experimental set-up,

the 30x dilution of Thyroxine is also able to cause

inhibition of amphibian development and activity. In

order to have a clear terminology, the termini ‘ortho-

taxic’ and ‘anti-taxic’ are suggested (P. Fisher) to

describe effects in the sense of, or opposite to, the effect

of the compound in natural physiological concentration.

These two possibilities of the substance are also

consistent with observations on humans that have

become fundamental for the knowledge on

homœopathic medicines.

Ortho-taxic effects: An effect of a high dilution

similar to that of the treatment or poisoning with the

crude substance is the basis of drug proving with high

dilutions.

Anti-taxic effects: In detoxification experiments,

organisms are first intoxicated with a high dose of a

toxin followed by the addition of a low-dose or highly

diluted, agitated solution of the same toxin in order to

investigate an aspect of the Law of Similars. In our

study, the animals were, of course, not intoxicated with

thyroxine; however, when Thyroxine 30x was applied

under certain clearly defined experimental conditions,

the speed of naturally thyroxine-steered metamorphosis

and the activity of the animals decreased. Furthermore,

it is reported in the homœopathic literature that agitated

high dilutions of iodine-containing substances such as

thyroxine and thyroid substance can be useful in the

treatment of hyperactivity if applied in an adequate way.

In conclusion, we think that both the ortho- and the

anti-taxic effects of Thyroxine 30x adequately illustrate

the biological laws underlying these effects which have

been observed in Homœopathy for about 200 years.

Effects of Ocimum basilicum 5x in workers

chronically exposed to chlorine

M.CHIRILA, T. LAZAR, S. BADULICI

Our hypothesis was that Ocimum basilicum might

play a part in the prevention of occupational diseases in

workers exposed to various agents. Its effects on the

clearance activity of oxygen-free radicals were

investigated in 31 workers chronically exposed to

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 77

chlorine for an average period of 10 years. These were

compared to 9 non-exposed workers. Poly-

morphonuclear cells (PMN) from 10-ml blood samples

were separated and isolated. After several trials, the

dilution chosen for study was Ocimum basilicum 5x. Its

direct action on PMN and its effects in comparison with

various stimulants such as zymosan (Zo), phyto-

hemaglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A) were

followed up in order to assess its mechanism of action.

In the control group, Ocimum basilicum D5 had no

statistically significant action, neither directly on the

PMN cells nor on those stimulated by Zo, PHA and Con

A. In the exposed workers its action was statistically

significant (p<0.001) both directly on the PMN cells

and in lowering the chemiluminescence after PMN

stimulation by Zo and PHA, but not on those stimulated

by Con A. The effects of Ocimum basilicum 5x after

stimulation by Zo might suggest a mechanism of

bioreceptor Fc action. However the reduction of

chemiluminescence after PMN stimulation by PHA

might indicate an action on the D-galactose-N-

acetylamine (D-galactose Nac) receptor, specific for

PHA binding. These data lead to two hypotheses on the

possible mechanism of action of the plant studied:

-----Ocimum basilicum could include sugars with a role

of receptor for Zo and PHA;

-----Ocimum basilicum could show an affinity for the

same membranal receptors of Zo and PHA,

competing with them at the moment of binding.

Further trials are necessary to ascertain which of

these hypotheses is right.

The lack of activity after Con A stimulation

suggests that Ocimum basilicum does not act on the –D-

mannose and –D-glucose receptors specific for Con A.

Our data demonstrate the plant action of clearing

the oxygen-free radicals, which could account for the

anti-inflammatory effect of Ocimum basilicum that was

already observed by Hippocrates. The anti-

inflammatory and antitoxic activity of Ocimum

basilicum demonstrated in this paper recommends it as

a widely available means for the prevention of

occupational diseases in workers chronically exposed to

chemical noxious agents.

Zinc: immunoglobulin relationship in patients with

cirrhosis of the liver before and after treatment with

Zincum metallicum 5cH

S. BADULICI, Z. CHIRULESCU, P. CHIRILA, A.

ROSCA

Zinc, an important enzymatic cofactor, is involved

in many metabolic processes. Its deficiency might be

due to either malabsorption or excessive use.

The authors of the present paper intend to study

zinc and immunoglobulin levels in various diseases, i.e.

chronic progressive Hepatitis, Cirrhosis of the liver

(LC), Dermatitis and bronchial Asthma.

In this preliminary investigation serum zinc values

of 10 patients with LC were tested by atomic absorption

spectrophotometry and immunoglobulin levels were

determined using the Mancini type simple radial

immune-diffusion technique. All patients showed a zinc

deficiency, concomitant with significantly increased

IgG and IgM levels.

Homœopathic treatment with Zincum metallicum

resulted in a substantial improvement in the clinical

condition and in zinc levels rising up to 100 μg%. After

approximately 3 months of this therapy, IgG levels

decreased, thus supporting the conclusion that Zincum

metallicum is effective in the treatment of liver

cirrhosis.

AIDS and integral medicine

A controlled time-serial design

M. BRANDS, R. BALLIEUX, R. WAGENAAR, G.

GODEART, H. VORST, B. GARSSEN, C. MULDER

With a network of researchers from different

disciplines, such as psycho-physio-immunology,

psychology, bio-psycho-social medicine, movement

sciences, the following protocol has been designed, and

will be carried out this year and in 1994.

This research is the first part, or pilot-study, of a

study to asses efficacy of Homœopathy, detoxification

and imagination therapy in AIDS patients.

The common denominator of the three therapies is

that they are supposed to stimulate the immune system.

Homœopathy does so by releasing an energy stimulus

which is highly specific for the person and his reaction

to the disease; detoxification purifies by dynamized

solutions and symbiotic therapy the intestine, liver and

kidneys, while imagination therapy relieves stress by

bringing fears and pain into consciousness.

The pilot study is designed for four groups of 10

patients meeting the CDC-IV AIDS criteria. As AIDS

has 25 indicators, this means a very heterogeneous

group. The heterogeneity is the main reason for using a

time-serial design, to use every patient as his own

control. Two periods have been established: a baseline

period, lasting from 3 to 5 weeks (random assignment)

and a treatment period lasting for 6 weeks.

Immunological and biochemical values are determined

and questionnaires filled in.

The questionnaires measure both psychological and

physiological items, and are composed of several sub-

questionnaires:

1. General Health Questionnaire, the Profile of Mood

Scale, the Rotterdam Complaints List, Stressful

Life Events List. Two of these are registered

weekly, the others at the start and the end of the

study. They are validated for measuring

psychological dimensions as fear, anxiety,

depression, etc.

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2. The Kent questionnaire has been based on ‘Kent’s

questionnaire’ used in Homœopathy since 1900.

All questions are formulated to make them

quantifiable.

3. The detoxification questionnaire measures the

symptoms relating to eliminations and digestion.

Treatment is given by experienced homœopaths,

imagination therapists and naturopaths. Several

sessions of each therapy make up a treatment period. 3

groups receive one single treatment, 1 receives all 3

treatments. Visual analogue scales are used in the

questionnaires. Statistical evaluation corrects for ‘serial

dependency’, i.e. for a natural course (linear

improvement), and testing of the results is done by

Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test. In both the

baseline and the treatment period questionnaires are

scored at least 3 times.

The objective of the pilot study is to assess

feasibility of the design, and to measure the correlation

between the ( validated) psychological scales and the

homœopathic and detoxification scales. In a subsequent

larger study the time-serial design will be extended to 7

periods of 6 weeks each: 4 baseline-periods and 3

treatment periods in between.

Electromagnetic bio-information and water

CYRIL W.SMITH

The phenomena of bio-information and water are

considered in relation to electromagnetic phenomena

involved in treating electromagnetically hypersensitive

patients, and the therapeutic use of water imprinted with

an alternating magnetic field. The basic bio-information

phenomena of Homœopathy requiring explanation in

terms of the physics of water are:

-----Similia similibus curentur, like cures like,

-----Potentization: Serial dilution with succussion.

-----Commonly prescribed homœopathic medicines are

on a logarithmic progression of potency.

-----A wide range of molecular structures are readily

potentized by dilution and succussion or trituration.

These range from single atoms to macromolecules

of biological origin. Mother tinctures can be

serially diluted with water, alcohol and many other

liquids so that after succussion (solids after

trituration) they give clinically effective potencies

far beyond the 120th dilution which corresponds to

Avogadro’s (or Loschmidt’s) Number, the point

beyond which according to the laws of chemistry

there should be none of the original material from

the mother tincture remaining. Yet, the observed

clinical efficacy of such potencies and the laws of

physics remain at all dilutions. Samuel Hahemann

was well aware of the clinical effects of potencies

of ‘electricitas’ and ‘magnetis’.

------A sealed glass ampoule containing a homœopathic

preparation can produce measurable effects if

placed in direct contact with the skin or connected

to the skin by a metallic conductor. These effects

will propagate with amplification through n-p-n

bipolar transistors and n channel FET devices, but

not through the p-n-p and p channel ones.

Frequency information can be written into water by

magnetic fields or by succussion (mechanical shock

waves) and it can be read out subjectively. Under

suitable conditions it may be detectable with a low-

noise, narrow-band high-gain amplifier or a signal

analyser. It is suggested that the frequency information

is carried on the magnetic field or succussion ‘formats’

the water. The dimensions of the container used in

potentization are also significant. Threshold conditions

have been found for magnetic imprinting or

potentization. Patients’ body frequencies can be

imprinted into a glass tube of water if held in a hand and

preferably succussed. This has been used for surrogate

diagnosis and subsequent therapy.

Imprinted frequencies have been measured for

homœopathic potencies. These must relate to the bio-

information imparted by the mother tincture and

retained during potentization so that it can be ‘read’ by

the patient’s body and the clinically valuable bio-

information extracted.

A close similarity exists between the potentization

of homœopathic preparations and the production of

neutralizing dilutions of allergens by serial dilution as

used for the treatment of allergy by provocation

neutralization therapy. This reflects the fundamental

duality between coherent frequencies and the chemical

bond.

It is possible to measure frequencies associated

with living cells from below 1Hz to above 100MHz.

these are characterized by jumps in frequency of a few

percent every few minutes. The whole cycle of

frequency jumps is repeated after about an hour. If the

oscillator is left on at a stimulatory frequency between

measurements, the frequency jumping speeds up to

several times a minute. If the oscillator is left at a

depressive frequency, all frequency jumping ceases.

Since water is a liquid, imprinted bio-information

cannot be envisaged as existing in the spatial domain. It

must exist as time-domain coherence, possibly in the re-

arrangement of hydrogen bonding 1011 times per

second del Guidice et al. have used quantum field

theory to investigate radiation interactions which can

give a coherence that persists long enough for chemical

bonding attractions to become effective when domains

of coherence of the order of 100 μ in size could be set

up and the coherence exist permanently in the ground

energy state, unless broken up by external fields.

Properties of water in relation to homœopathic

preparations

V. ANTONCHENKO; A.N. DELINICK, V. ILYIN

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Water has special physical properties that allow it

to carry information through specific conformations or

clusters via a proton transfer soliton mechanism. This is

also specified by the ‘impurity’ or homœopathic

substance dissolved in the water since there is a specific

hydratic shell (cluster) structure for each particle of a

dissolved substance.

We have prepared the following statements

concerning relationships between the characteristic

processes occurring in water systems and in

homœopathic preparations.

------Water structures in hydration shells and similar

microclusters in water are metastable structures and

their stability may be defined by the protons’

motion along spiral water molecular chains in these

structures.

------The conditions necessary for the stability of the

metastable structures have to do with charge

transfer processes. Hence the metastable structures

have ‘radiant’ characteristics. In the first

potentization we have the formation of an intensive

flux of charged particles taking place which lends

the structures a certain stability. From this moment

on the water acquires new characteristics w2hich

are ‘radiant’ and these are specified by a specific

dissolved substance, though later on the presence of

this dissolved substance is not mandatory. Each of

the homœopathic preparations have their own

frequency spectrum of radiation and there are

similarities between these homœopathic

frequencies and water structures existing in the

human organism, i.e. the human leukocyte antigen

system.

------The homœopathic preparations are not only

prepared in liquid form but also in globule or tablet

form of sac. lac. In the latter case their surface is a

highly dispersed system covered with a

microscopic water layer in which all the same

‘radiation’ processes occur as in the liquid

homœopathic preparations.

Substances dissolved in water form hydration

shells. For certain substances these shells have specific

internal structures. Just as Mendeleyev’s Periodic Law

dictates a specific set of electron orbits to each element,

so there exist substances which dictate specific internal

structure of hydration shells. Like human fingerprints,

such a structure is distinct for each substance. The

internal structure consists of closed chains of water

molecules. Protons can move along these chains

allowing for the earth’s electromagnetic field. But only

internal structures possessing ‘radiant’ characteristics

are responsible for the homœopathic effect. The

cellular water (aqua citi) in fact consists of such

electrically active clusters.

Potency measurement of homœopathic preparations

A.N. DELINICK, P. BOURKAS, C.

KARAGIANOPOULOS

We are endeavouring to qualify or standardize

homœopathic preparations by basing them on

measurement of the trical properties of different

potencies and have developed an electrical device for

this purpose. We have potentized different

homœopathic preparations using the Hahnemanian

method on the centesimal scale (serial dilution of 1:100)

and measured the conductivity behavior of the solution.

The method of measurement is based mainly on the

changes in flow density of each homœopathic

preparation in different potencies (as this increases in

constant time and is constant in all measurements).

The change in density flow from potency to

potency can be attributed to two phenomena:

------Triboelectricity phenomena during potentization

and

------Change of electrolytic properties as we go from

one potency to the other.

The Chamomilla experiment

A.N. DELINICK

The aim of the study was to try and discern a

difference between double distilled water, potentized

Chamomilla (1cH, 6cH, 12cH and 30cH) and non-

potentized Chamomilla by means of differential

scanning calorimetry, which measures changes in

enthalpy or integral heats of dilution.

The experiment showed a difference between the

potentized and non-potentized Chamomilla and double

distilled water, as well as differences between potencies

and that everything holds, even past Avogadro’s

number.

When impart 1 drop of Chamomilla is transferred

to double distilled water and succussed equilibrium

phase transition occurs. This is comparable to freezing

or spontaneous magnetization and is the result of

competition between the intermolecular reaction forces,

which tend to order the system and the random thermal

motion of the molecules which tend to disorder the

system. We are inducing triboelectricity, increasing

pressure, forming hydratic shells around the ‘impurity’,

in this case Chamomilla, promoting proton wave

transfer in the form of a soliton wave. In other words,

forming these hydratic shells or clusters or metastable

structures may be said to make the dilution anisotropic

which means that the observable properties of the

substance are characterized by a preferred direction.

This is also exhibited in magnetization.

Physico-mathematical interpretation of the

pharmacological effect of high dilutions

H. BERLIOCCHI, R.R. CONTE

In order to interpret hormesis curves, we have

introduced a new statistic: the contonian statistic. The

©Quarterly Homœopathic Digest, Vol.XXX,1 - 2/2013. Private circulation only. 80

underlying mathematical theory of this statistic is the

theory of Ethers. This theory is not probabilistic but is

based on indecidability. The physical frame which we

are in is related to the quantum theory of fields, in

which the central problem lies in the construction of a

field. This is solved by using the Ethers theory.

The model used for the physico-mathematical

interpretation of the pharmacological effect of high

dilutions is as follows: the second quantification is

considered for a free material particle (which is the

basis of the quantum theory of fields, the current theory

of the physics of matter-light interactions) in the time

space; the field is calculated with the usual methods of

physicists (renormalization) throughout the integral of

Feynman.

The most recent ethers theory now allows as to

fully justify physicists’ calculations in this frame. It

also enables us to consider other frames as the

calculations are mathematically validated.

This approach provides a complete mathematical

frame for the analysis of this remnant wave and for the

examination of possible irradiation effects that it can

produce on the surrounding remaining matter (for

example the substrate of a homœopathic drug).

It is of course only a model at this stage, but the

possibility of achieving the experimental approach does

exist throughout the contonian statistic, and therefore

the conceptual frame in which the remnant wave is

represented in a form of contons is founded.

Examples of the method will be presented for

different types of contonian appearance outside

hormesis and also for the absorption of infrared in

various products (NO3Na, hydrazine and acetic acid) at

different decimal dilution levels in water (1 to 30).

Physico-chemical approach to homœopathic drugs

Y. LASNE

The therapeutic effects of homœopathic drugs raise

the following question: ‘The medicines are prepared

from so many successive dilutions that they are

theoretically devoid of any molecule of the substance

used. How then do they work?’ This prompted me to

look for a method potentially allowing us to

differentiate between a homœopathic solution and the

solvent used for its preparation.

In 1983, using two different methods, Nuclear

Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and infrared spectrometry,

I investigated sets of dilutions prepared according to the

Hahnemannian protocol. The two methods proved the

following about signals arising from homœopathic

solutions.

-----They were different from those arising from the

water used for their preparation.

-----There was a difference between highly diluted

Natrum sulphuricum and Kalium iodatum.

-----There is a difference between the different dilutions

inside one set corresponding to a given substance (5

to 30cH for instance).

Indeed, the two parameters measured in NMR

investigations (T1 and T2 of water’s proton) which

reflect of the structure and molecular dynamics of the

tested solution, showed great variations between

successive dilutions of one set within one substance.

Whatever the substance was, the variations of these

parameters in relation to the dilution gave rise to a

chaotic pattern which was highly reproducible and

specific to the diluted substance. These chaotic patterns

presented a fractal aspect.

If the patterns were specific to the diluted

substance, the experiments on the preparation of the

homœopathic solutions showed that their occurrence

was conditioned by the ‘dynamization’ process as in the

Hahnemannian protocol. Indeed, the measures obtained

in cases where this preparative step was omitted, were

not different from those obtained with water.

The influence of different physical treatments on

homœopathic solutions was also investigated.

Ultrasonic treatment, photonic irradiation, heating but

not freezing resulted in the disappearance of the specific

patterns of T2 and T1 variations.

It appeared that the observed phenomena could not

be imputed directly to the molecules of the diluted

substances but rather to the specific organization of the

hydrogen and oxygen atoms of water, which could be

specific of the diluted substances and could be modified

at each step of dilution-dynamization.

The results of chemical investigations using

peroxidasic enzymatic systems agree with the

hypothesis of such organizations. Indeed, the patterns

of T2 variations disappeared following this enzymatic

treatment which attacks hydroxylated conformations.

In humans, peroxidases are widely distributed in

the cells (especially in the membranes) and the

extracellular fluids constitute interfaces with the

environment. It is possible that these enzymes play an

intermediary role between the stimuli from the

environment and the organism. Since their activity

consists in proton transfer, it is possible to propose the

following model for the action of the homœopathic

drugs. In vivo, homœopathic solutions (or impregnated

granules) coming in contact with the peroxidases release

trains of protons with a frequency and an amplitude

specific to the solution (i.e. specific to the diluted

substance and to its degree of dilution/dynamization).

The medicine, which had been coded at the time of its

preparation, is then decoded and translated into another

form by peroxidase activity at the time of its

administration. The resulting new code constitutes a

message which will produce an effect only if it is

understandable by the regulation centres of the treated

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organism, that is only if it matches with the state

receptors.

Validation of a contonian process on a biological

model

Antifungal substance high dilution effects on Candida

albicans

S. JOUVERT, R.R. CONTE, H. BERLIOCCHI, M.

BASTIDE

This experiment has been proposed according to a

new physico-mathematical model called ‘contonian

statistics’ applied to the study of a hermetic effect using

high dilutions of toxic. The hormetic effect is obtained

with pretreatment of a pathogenic yeast, Candida

albicans, with high dilutions of an antifungal substance,

5-fluoro-cytosin (5-FC). The hermetic effect is

observed by using fungistatic concentrations of the

same toxicity on the pretreated yeasts. The aim of the

study was to verify the contonian behavior of a hermetic

effect on Candida albicans. The physico-mathematical

model implies a linearity of the lagrangians (the integral

of the different values) of the optical densities obtained

with the yeast cultures cultivated in the presence of

distilled water (used to prepare the dilutions), and water

succussed at every Hahnemannian dilution used and

Hahnemannian dilutions of 5-FC. The hormetic effect

of the high dilutions of the toxic will be demonstrated

by the increasing range of the slope of the lagrangians

of water, the succussed water and the 5-FC which has

the greatest slope.

The results demonstrate the utility of contonian

statistics to assess the activity of Hahnemannian

dilutions with in-vitro models. Using these new

statistics, we have demonstrated that the pathogenic

yeast Candida albicans is able to recognize high

dilutions of an antifungal substance like 5-fluoro-

cytosin in order to present a higher resistance to that

substance: this phenomenon indicates an information

process in hormesis. This can explain the resistance

increase to antibiotics information carried in a water

cycle without receiving obligatory exchanges of genetic

material given by resistant strains.

Study of dynamizations and homœopathic mother

tinctures using Kirlian spectrography

N. STELLING

Experiments were conducted with the aim of

explaining the concept of dynamization, its various

forms and quality control, and to estimate the dynamic

quality of mother tinctures. It seems that the Kirlian

spectrography method is simple and reliable to be put

forward as a routine method of quality control both for

the manufacturing laboratory and for the practitioner

issuing the prescription. It demonstrates the energies

transmitted by the human body which acts like an

‘electric mass’ or by an earthed object on photographic

film which is itself on an apparatus creating an

electromagnetic field. This field will be changed by the

vibrating power of the body or object. An increase in

frequency increases the density of the image. With all

the parameters set on the apparatus, the image is only

modified by the products own radiation. A weak

radiation corresponds to a low vibrating energy, a low

frequency, and conversely, a high radiation corresponds

to a high vibrating energy and high frequency.

The concept of information

A. LAGACHE

Until now, classical science has always used the

same fruitful pattern: the mechanistic paradigm where

reality is considered as a substantial piece of matter,

with mass and resistance, whatever the place or the

time. Each piece of matter has an exclusive location in

space, and all measurements and descriptions of it are

dependent on that location. In relationships between

objects interactions are external and negative (friction

forces); the identity of substance excludes laws of

change; exchanges are symmetrical, with zero-sum at

the end; systems are closed and balanced. There is no

overview of evolution, which is seen as just a series of

accidents.

Something new has, however, happened in the

process. The refinement of observational capacities has

provided new objects. The new information phenomena

we describe below have become new objects of science.

They have escaped from the explanatory power of the

mechanistic paradigm. One might say that the new

objects are too complex, and are only beyond the scope

of our usual approach because of their quantitative

complexity. But this would lead to a dead end.

So we will introduce a new paradigm: the paradigm

of information. This implies a shift from matter toward

information.

Let us assume that matter is not the mass that we

know in its macroscopic state, but is instead a structure

of relationships. The concrete reality could be

frequencies, waves, or any other observable

phenomenon. Each substance is a specific weaving of

relations, a specific organization of linked events. Each

living being is a structure of this kind, even more

complex and evolving.

We define information as the interaction between

two evolving structures of relations. Information is not

a ‘thing’ and to search for the actual ‘matter of

information’ would be redundant.

Information is the result of the encounter between

the two structures. The self-organization of one

structure is changed by having dealt with the

organization of the other one. To a certain extent we

can say that the meeting has been memorized, in that

one structure has involved and registered not only the

contact with the other one but also the change that has

taken place in its own structure.

The paradigm of information is wholly applicable

to living structures. They build themselves by

interacting with the world, and by dealing with

information from their surroundings. Organisms can be

described as informed-informing structures.

When a piece of information has been transmitted

to the relevant receiver, the new state of the receiver

includes its previous state, the information encountered

and its own assimilation of it. Consequently, it would

be absurd to treat information as an isolated object that

has an existence of its own. A specific piece of

information exists for a specific receiver, one that is

able to read this information. This is why we can say

that ‘information is in the receiver.’ The specific

relationship between information and receiver is what

we call ‘the signifier’.

The principle of dilution in Homœopathy is an

example of this. Water has been shown to be a good

receiver for many substances. This confirms what we

already know, that water is almost certainly an essential

medium of life.

The numerous experiments with hormesis give us

another example. Given a very low dose of a toxic

substance, cells change and learn how to deal with this

substance. From then on, they are to a certain extent

protected from the toxic substance by the fact that they

have already met it as information.

These facts about information lead to an

unexpected conclusion: if the integrity of the receiver is

not respected, information cannot be transmitted. This

makes the experimental conditions more demanding.

The ethical requirement becomes a scientific

requirement. With the mechanistic paradigm, ethical

requirements have always been external, as an

additional but optional charge. In the paradigm of

information ethics becomes a necessary condition for

science to respect.

The general process can thus be described: matter

can be a matrix of information. When matter is diluted

or weakened to a certain degree, the process has moved

into the field of information. Matter must be mediatized

to become an information. This produces a semantic

object that is dependent on the relevant receiver.

We can situate ourselves in a general panorama of

the diverse representations of reality. We can represent

reality as successive levels of information, with each

level of information giving us a specific paradigm of

organization, with its own complexity and rhythm of

interaction. It would not be logical to end the process of

extending the levels. Above thought, the next level is

something more refined, such as harmony and music.

Our task now is to find some continuity that

respects each entity in its integrity, giving each its

rightful place. We are not confined within rigid

boundaries, nor compelled to obey restrictive rules. If

that were the case, then science would be reduced to

being just a mirror of the world, nothing more than a

passive reflection of inflexible facts, an abstract

‘imitation of life’ cut off from the real world. The true

activity of science is, on the contrary, a continuation of

the evolution of nature. From this viewpoint, scientific

activity becomes a chance for human developement and

fulfillment, giving us our rightful place in the very

stream of nature.

Homœopathic treatment of URI

R. SCHÜPPEL

In a recently-published overview from Kleijnen et

al., clinical studies of upper respiratory infections,

amongst others, were evaluated. Treatments attaining a

minimum score of 50 points (out of a total 100) are

listed. Details of the homœopathic prescriptions are

listed.

Highly potentized medicines can greatly influence

the migration and phagocytosis of macrophages and

granulocytes. The stimulation of lymphocytes has also

been observed. These drugs may also alter the humoral

immune system. In fact, no specific antibodytitre may

be detected after the prophylactic administration of

diluted influenza-vaccine, but a change in the pattern of

the immunoglobulins has been observed. Whether

highly potentized medicines may also have a direct

antivirus effect, as was recently demonstrated in vitro,

has yet to be confirmed.

There is evidence of some success in the treatment

of upper respiratory infections by Homœopathy. Some

clinical data point to immunomodulation as a working

mechanism, but future research work shall have to be

carried out in order to clarify numerous unanswered

questions.

Cancer predictability and remission

P. QUERINJEAN

Chaodynamic theoretical considerations and

availability of immunoenzymatic predictive tests allow

to draw some models explaining the predictability and

the so-called ‘spontaneous’ remission of cancers.

The starting reflexion was a triangular synthetic

model summarizing three key operations: the

sensitization of B and/or T lymphocytes to tumour cells,

the action of the sensitized lymphocytes on tumour

cells, and finally the carcinogenesis process.

Chaodynamic data processing has shown the possibility

of describing ‘spontaneous’ remissions.

On further analysis we may consider living

organisms as polysystemic organizations and cancers as

disequilibriums in information transfer at several levels.

These models pave the ways to design the diagnostic

tools which will allow predictive and prevention tests

and attitudes requested by a systemic approach of health

stability.

The models also offer the potential for obtaining

panels of solutions both at the individual and the

collective levels. On one hand, many recommendations

for a better, less stressed individual life style will reduce

well-known risks. On the other, on a global scale,

prevention and predictability will influence socio-

economic decisions of politicians and health economists

looking for urgent modifications of health care systems.

Neural networks methodology will help to connect all

these logical considerations with the molecular and

cellular levels which are currently studied by classical

biologists and clinicians and have been proven

unsatisfactory.

Several predictive biological tests are available.

They follow simple or sophisticated parameters at

periodic intervals. For Cancer predictability, Dr.

Geffard’s team in Bordeaux has identified auto-

antibodies directed against phosphatidyl inositol-like

substances. Their early detection in the sera of patients

affected by different cancer types, month before usual

tumour markers, let us hope for an universal signal

following the very early steps of the neoplastic

transformation.

These observations may be explained by the

theoretical model now under development and based

upon oscillatory evolution of significant biological

parameters as described previously.

If predictive tests may help in a monitoring

situation after a first Cancer has been detected and,

eventually, cured by any therapeutic approach available,

their potential must be evaluated on healthy subjects

before any pathological sign could be detected by

classical diagnostic techniques.

The correct evaluation of such tests requires a

totally different attitude from the citizens, the doctors,

the health professionals as well as the people in charge

of health care systems to support such studies requiring

a multisystemic approach.

Scientists need to build up a multidisciplinary

network where general practitioners and voluntary

citizens will participate in the evaluation. Such a call to

doctors has been launched through a medical weekly in

Belgium. The network is open to any scientist and

doctor ready to share the feasibility of preventive and

predictive medicine.

Change-to-open label (COLA) design

A modification of the conventional parallel group

design

H. WALACH

Research in alternative medicine is sometimes

hampered by the restraint imposed on the researcher by

conventional methodology. A new design is introduced

which overcomes some of the ethical and organizational

problems of the traditional double-blind or controlled

parallel-group design, while preserving its scientific

rigour: the ‘change-to-open-label (COLA) design’.

Patients are randomized into experimental groups. A

minimum time for staying under double blind

experimental conditions is fixed prospectively,

depending on the treatment. After this initial period, if

the experimental treatment has proved unsatisfactory,

patients and/or physicians may request a switch from

the experimental (blind) treatment into any open

treatment of choice (experimental or not). The main

outcome measure is the time a patient stays in a

treatment under double-blind or controlled conditions.

This can be evaluated statistically through survival

analysis. A presupposition is that the outcome of a

therapeutic measure is adequately reflected by the

patients’ satisfaction.

Long-term efficacy of combined classical

Homœopathy, fasting and whole-food diet in atopic

dermatitis

A retrospective questionnaire study

H. WALACH, I. REISENEGER, E. LINSENMANN

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition.

The pathogenesis is only partly understood. Classical

Homœopathy is purported to be an effective form of

treatment. We evaluated the long-term efficacy of a

combined treatment of AD, conducted under inpatient

conditions for 4-6 weeks. The treatment comprises

classical Homœopathy, fasting, and a whole-food diet,

together with radical termination of any conventional

treatment, including ointments. A questionnaire was

sent to all 1098 AD patients who had undergone this

treatment regime in the hospital from April 1988 to

February 1992. 703 patients responded (65.6%), 689

gave valid data: 511 adults, 178 parents of children.

87.6% of the patients have been treated once. Mean

treatment duration was 6.7 weeks. 12% of the AD

patients reported aggravation of their illness, 9% find no

difference, nearly 80% appear to be better, more than a

third of the patients a lot better. This is reflected by a

relatively low-level rating for present AD symptoms,

and a higher level of general satisfaction with oneself,

partner and job. We asked about different therapies

used before and after the treatment. There had been a

dramatic, highly significant reduction in the use of

ointments, steroids, antihistamines and bath

supplements, and an increase in the use of dietary

measures, Homœopathy, relaxation techniques and

psychotherapy (non corrected p. 0.001 for all tests).

The general treatment-effect was independent of other

variables like age, sex, time since treatment, duration of

treatment, number of treatments in the clinic. It should

be borne in mind, though, that we relied solely on

subjective data from patients and could, for

organizational reasons, not include objective data.

However, the data seem to suggest that this type of

treatment can be effective for AD, even in the long-

term, and warrants closer scrutiny of this type of

treatment, possibly by controlled trials.

========================================

9. The perennial challenge of anomalies at the

frontiers of Science

BEVERLY RUBIK

(BHJ. 83, 3/1994)

Abstract

The history of Science is full of rejections of novel

discoveries that challenged the dominant paradigm. The

reasons for rejection on the part of the scientific

community are discussed. Nonetheless, scientific

anomalies are crucial to promoting continuous scientific

innovation and breakthroughs. The most challenging

anomalies are recognized only after a reasoned

explanation has been offered and accepted. Many of

these anomalies come from the ‘frontier sciences’, areas

of scientific inquiry that are not yet mainstream. The

extraordinary obstacles that frontier scientists face are

elaborated. In the light of this, strategies are offered

toward progress, particularly for research in

Homœopathy and low dose bio-effects.

Several frontier areas of research in biology and

medicine relate to the subtler features of life that seem

to defy explanation by conventional molecular

mechanism. Frontier scientists working in the areas of

consciousness studies, epigenetic inheritance, certain

topics in bio-electromagnetics, and Homœopathy and

other low dose bio-effects offer science the gift of new

questions that go beyond the dominant paradigm of

mechanical reductionism. Often regarded as isolated

anomalies by the mainstream, the results of their

investigations taken collectively show need for a larger

paradigm to accommodate them. Biology appears to

entering a crisis. Whereas conventional science

maintains that biological information is stored and

transferred via bio-molecular structures such as DNA,

the novel frontier findings suggest that other

informational signals not attributable to discrete

chemical structures may elicit biological effects. These

signals may be interacting with a more subtle bio-

regulatory system that is a property of the whole

organism, such as its endogenous electromagnetic field.

Introduction

Scholars have documented the resistance to novel

scientific discovery by various groups, such as

economic and religious groups. However, there has

been less attention given to the resistance of the

scientific community itself to challenging scientific

discoveries.

Nonetheless, we find it in the history,

philosophy, and sociology of science and especially in

the writings of scientists who have personally suffered

obstacles due to this resistance. The scientific

community believes that it deals with novel

controversial discoveries in a rational manner, yet this is

rarely the case.

The history of science, medicine and technology is

full of rejections of novel discoveries that seemed

anomalous in their time. Contemporary scientists

laughed when Benjamin FRANKLIN proposed that

lightning was a form of electricity. SEMMELWEISS, a

Viennese physician who documented that washing one’s

hands before obstetrical assistance would prevent

childbed fever, was scorned and rejected by his

contemporaries. William CROOKES, the noted British

scientist and member of the Royal Society who

discovered the element Thallium, was bitterly attacked

by his scientific colleagues for his research in

parapsychology. Lord KELVIN said that X-rays were a

hoax. HELMHOLTZM who was not a physicist, but a

physician who formulated the theory of energy

conservation and who was opposed by the physicists of

his time, noted how the ‘greatest benefactors of

mankind usually do not obtain a full reward during their

lifetime’.2 LISTER warned medical students against

blindness to new ideas in science, such as he had

encountered against his own theory of antisepsis. Long

after their time, many of these scientists whose ideas

were rejected were regarded as formative thinkers who

made significant contributions or even launched new

scientific paradigms.

The scientific paradigm

In 1962 Thomas KUHN published a seminal work,

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions,3 which

addresses the manner in which science advances.

Kuhn’s main thesis is that science is not a slowly

growing body of knowledge approaching a true

description of the world. Instead, science is

characterized by periods of quiet research activity

leading to a crisis, which may last for years to decades.

During this transition period, scientific problems appear

that cannot be resolved within the given paradigm.

Scientific anomalies, experimental results that cannot be

reconciled with current theory, may occur. Such

anomalies are critical to progress in science. In fact,

each new major advance in science starts with an

anomaly that is unacceptable at first.4 Therefore,

anomalies are valuable because they inspire new ways

Paper for Proceedings of the 1993 GIRI Symposium,

Montpellier, France.

*Director, Center for Frontier Sciences at Temple

University, Philadelphia, USA.

of thinking. Conventional scientists attempt to explain

the anomalies within the framework of the dominant

paradigm, while a smaller, usually younger group of

scientists develop an alternative paradigm. The crisis is

resolved by a dramatic change of perspective, a

paradigm shift. A struggle typically ensues that may

result in the overthrow of the old paradigm. After the

triumph of the new paradigm, the old paradigm

eventually disappears in a time frame necessary to

provide stability and confidence in the new paradigm.

What was an anomaly earlier now becomes the expected

result. Textbooks are rewritten in such a way that they

even disguise the very existence of the revolution that

generated them. Eventually, new research uncovers

problems with the new paradigm. Then the process

repeats itself.

KUHN noted how unconsciously ingrained the

dominant paradigm is. He wrote: ‘Scientists often work

from textbook models acquired through education and

through subsequent exposure to the literature without

knowing or needing to know they are accepting a

community paradigm.’5 They work to fit their data into

the ruling paradigm. The usual peer review process in

science provides an adequate forum for evaluating new

ideas and discoveries, but this is only true if those ideas

and discoveries do not challenge the paradigm. As was

mentioned previously, those considered

incomprehensible or too challenging to current scientific

understanding are typically rejected. Michael

POLANYI, in defending this conservative nature of

science, wrote: ‘There must be at all times a

predominantly accepted scientific view of the nature of

things, in the light of which research is jointly

conducted by members of the scientific community.

Any evidence which contradicts this view has to be

disregarded, even if it cannot be accounted for, in the

hope that it will eventually turn out to be false and

irrelevant.’6 Although the neglect of other possible

conceptual categories is not malicious in intent, it can

become malicious in effect because the dominant

paradigm discourages, and is intolerant of, competitors.

That is, scientists prefer their work to appear as an

integral, growing body of knowledge under the auspices

of a single paradigm. Perhaps this is because scientists

are encouraged to demonstrate what they know rather

than to raise truly novel questions that challenge what

they think they know.

KUHN recognized an ‘essential tension’ within

science because it must preserve its accumulated

knowledge by acting cautiously and conservatively and

on the other hand remain an open system ready to take

in novel, potentially revolutionary data and concepts.7

This balance is maintained in a number of ways. In the

first place, science places the burden of proof on those

who claim to discover scientific anomalies or otherwise

make revolutionary scientific claims. Secondly, the

proof must be commensurate with the claim; that is,

extraordinary claims require stronger than usual proof.

(This relates to the principle of parsimony in science in

which the simplest adequate theory is the most

acceptable.)

It is interesting to note that KUHN believes that

science generally progresses in a positive direction,8 but

that some paradigm shifts have reversed concepts such

that aspects of an even older paradigm may return in the

form of new input, reshaping old models.9 It is a

common conviction that the world is progressing in one

direction scientifically and socially, but as KUHN

points out, very often the clock is turned back with new

scientific developments. For example, relativity and

quantum theory, two of the most significant scientific

paradigm shifts in the 20th century, both turned back the

clock in certain ways. The gravitational aspects of

EINSTEIN’s general relativity reflect back to Newton’s

predecessors, and quantum mechanics has reversed

some of the methodological prohibitions that had

occurred in the earlier chemical revolution. Needless to

say, the reshaping of older views into a new paradigm

would have significance for Homœopathy and low dose

bio-effects. Many scientists today have the attitude that

these phenomena from an era predating modern

molecular biology have been overthrown, or that at best

they represent a placebo effect. These scientists are

victims of historicism who refuse to accept anything

from an earlier time as bearing any modicum of truth.

Scientific anomalies

According to science sociologist Marcello

TRUZZI, an anomaly is something that

----- actually occurs (that is, something both perceived

and validated);

------not explained by some accepted scientific theory;

------is perceived to be something which is in need of

explanation;

------contradicts what we might expect from applying

our accepted scientific models.

… I would suggest that the anomaly’s lack of fit

with accepted theory is the necessary element common

to any real anomaly. It is a fact in search of an

explanation.10

In the field of anomalistic observations, or

anomalistics,11 that is, enquiry into anomalies and their

role in science, there are different types of scientific

anomalies, at least in retrospect. There are those that

are recognized in their time by the scientific mainstream

and become the subject of legitimate research activity,

and those that go ignored by the mainstream because

they are apparently too threatening. Many of the latter

come from the ‘frontier sciences’, that is, whole areas of

scientific enquiry that have not yet been incorporated

into conventional science. These areas are ignored or

even considered irrelevant by the mainstream, in some

cases, because they are often residues of older systems

of knowledge that have been denounced as

pseudoscience, as, for example, parapsychology and

astrology.

The history of science shows that the most

challenging anomalies, those that seriously challenge

the dominant paradigm, are ignored by the scientific

mainstream until they are explained, and only then are

they recognized in retrospect. The term retrorecognition

has been given to this type of recognition which is given

only after there is a compelling explanation for the

anomaly.12 Such anomalies make the scientific

community uncomfortable, as it likes to think of science

as an integral body of knowledge that is nearly

complete. These unexplained facts are either ignored,

reduced in importance, or merely accepted as ‘givens.’

Several factors are behind this attitude, such as the sheer

intellectual difficulty of recognizing anomalies, the

tendency to ignore a problem that cannot be easily

solved, and the conservatism of science. But there is

something more. The recognition of what were once

anomalies under an older paradigm only after they are

reconciled with a new paradigm clearly shows that the

scientific community is unable to live with ambiguity

and cognitive dissonance (psychological inconsistency).

However, frontier scientists whose work challenges the

paradigm appear to be of a different psychological

makeup, with a higher tolerance for ambiguity and

cognitive dissonance. It is interesting to note that such

tolerance correlates highly with creativity scores in

psychological testing.13 Furthermore, frontier scientists

may be working from dimensions other than rationality

and logic, for KUHN has written, ‘The man who

embraces a [new] paradigm at an early stage must often

do it in defiance of the evidence. ,,, A decision of that

kind can only be made on faith.’14

The role of skepticism

Indeed, it is rare to find scientists who are true

skeptics, that is, without prejudice, open, and tolerant of

uncertainty. It is unfortunate that the term ‘sceptic’ is

being used by many who are disbelievers or debunkers

whose aim is to remove the anomaly, rather than true

nonbelievers.10 This appears to be particularly the case

for organized so-called skeptics groups such as the

Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the

Paranormal (CSICOP), which sponsors unusual

critiques and other activities to discredit anomalous

scientific claims, undermining the usual processes of

replication attempts and peer review. In some cases this

has involved members outside of the scientific

community such as professional magicians in a process

analogous to inquisitors for a dogmatic church.15

Unfortunately, this has the effect of creating fear among

those who would have an interest in trying to replicate

the anomaly, thereby blocking real scientific inquiry.

Where there are anomalies and frontier areas of

science that seriously challenge the paradigm, the

scientific community is often polarized into two

categories: believers and disbelievers. Although the

scientific community may consist largely of

disbelievers, sometimes the frontier scientists or

proponents of an anomaly act as ‘true believers.’ In

some cases there are societies of ‘true believers’ centred

around maverick scientific claims that do not welcome

open dialogue. In my opinion, they are no better than

some of the mainstream scientists they criticize.

Sometimes the discoverer of a challenging fact

overstates his claims, jumping to conclusions about the

importance of his discovery without adequate data. On

the other hand, the ‘essential tension’ of the scientific

process renders it very difficult to find the right balance

in reporting anomalous claims. If the discoverer

understates his claim, it may go ignored; if he stresses

its revolutionary character, it may gather more attention

and resources for further study. From my own work

aiming to facilitate new research and greater open-

mindedness in frontier areas of science, if find that it is

difficult to stand firm on the fine line that separates the

believers from the disbelievers. In my opinion this is

the best viewpoint to encourage an attitude of non-belief

that stimulates new questions and further

experimentation. Apparently this viewpoint is not well

understood or liked by most, as I am often accused of

being ‘the enemy’ of one group or the other. However,

openness and a healthy level of skepticism are crucial in

order to avoid pathological science.

The power of new questions and approaches in

science

Scientists must approach nature by asking questions

of her, and it is impossible to pose a question without

some expectation or anticipation. Clearly, from the

analysis of Kuhn and numerous other scientific

historians and sociologists, science is not context-

independent. Scientific objectivity does not reside in

theory-free perception. It lies in the flexibility to reject

a cherished theory when an anticipated observation

cannot be confirmed and a contrary event or fact is

perceived instead. Scientists may say that they see the

data with their own eyes, but in fact, they see it through

their brains. They cannot bypass this central focus and

filter full of biases, products of both evolution and

society. It is very difficult to ‘see’ scientifically beyond

the context of theory or expectations.

As an example, consider the following. Before

Darwinism, the paradigm that preceded evolutionary

theory was natural theology, in which each creature was

considered to be perfectly adapted to its environment

and designed for full functionality. While natural

theology dominated, no one noticed that some

organisms were less well adapted to their environment.

Natural theology would not permit such questions.

Ducks with webbed feet that could not swim, birds with

wings that could not fly, and bats with eyes that could

not see, went unnoticed. DARWIN asked new

questions and noticed that some animals were less well

adapted for their environment. He explained these

anomalies on the basis of natural selection, an ongoing

evolutionary process. The point here is to show the

power of asking new questions that take us outside the

present scientific theory or paradigm. These offer the

possibility of a breakthrough to a new way of seeing

nature. As physicist Werner HEISENBERG noted,

‘What we observe is not nature itself, but nature

exposed to our method of questioning.’

Another historical example of this goes back to

microscopy of the 17th and 18th centuries. The great

microscopist VAN LEEUWENHOEK and his

contemporaries claimed they saw minute forms of

complete babies inside sperm under the microscope.

Their observations were shaped by the 2000-year old

idea that women contributed nothing to conception but

the womb as an incubator. In this case, too,

preconceived ideas determined what was scientifically

observed.

In another historical example involving

microscopy, different methodological approaches of

observation based on different philosophies led to a

scientific debate. In the 1940s the bacteriologist

Adrianus PIJPER maintained that bacterial flagella are

not true motor organs, but are essentially insignificant,

being merely cell wall by-products of bacterial

motility.16 From his observations of live bacteria under

the dark-field microscope, he claimed that he saw small

changes in the body forms of the bacteria, a slight

undulating motion, which he proposed as a theory of

bacterial motility. As it turned out, his view was

unpopular because he was far outnumbered by those

who fixed and stained dead bacteria for light

microscopy or electron microscopy, which was newly

introduced at that time. The majority of scientists then

claimed that flagella were indeed the organelles of

motility and showed evidence via microphotography of

sites of flagellar attachment to the cell body. Pijper

rejected these physical approaches, emphasizing that

studies on the living state itself were critical to

understanding cellular motility, and that the approaches

using dead cells might yield arte-facts. This lead to an

ongoing debte, as both schools refused to ‘see’ any

evidence beyond their own viewpoints. In the end,

PIJPER lost the debate. His refusal to acknowledge the

‘superiority’ of the electron microscope was held

against him by the scientific majority.

Beyond the specifics of this historical debate, the

latter case is important for us to consider because it

reveals the perennial struggle between the naturalist and

the mechanist in biology tightly linked to physico-

chemical reductionism as new powerful, expensive,

prestigious, technological tools came into being. These

new physical methods require an often insensitive

manipulation of organisms that distorts or even kills

them in order to study them. The naturalists’ approach

came to be regarded as old-fashioned and even

reminiscent of vitalism by the new biologists, who were

led by several physicists-turned-biologists in the 1940s

and 1950s. These were the people who ushered in a

new scientific era, the revolution that became the

dominant paradigm of molecular biology and

biotechnology in recent decades.

Resistance of scientists to new discoveries

Studies on the psychology of science suggest that

scientists have a resistance to acknowledging data that

contradict their own hypothesis.6 In one study on

falsifiability, a simple experiment was set up to compare

the performance of a group of scientists and a group of

clergymen. A false hypothesis was given to all the

participants. The means was provided for them to test

the hypothesis, which they did not know was false. The

results showed that most of the scientists refused to

declare the hypothesis false, clinging to it longer despite

the lack of evidence. The clergymen, however, more

frequently recognized that the hypothesis was false.

This and other studies show that scientists are at least as

dogmatic, authoritarian, and irrational as non-scientists

in resisting unexpected findings.

The historical examples cited earlier illustrate only

a few reasons why resistance to novel discoveries in the

scientific community occurs. Analysis of many other

examples shows numerous ways in which scientists

resist discoveries that are old paradigm breaking and

new paradigm making. One of these mentioned earlier

is the loathing of ambiguity. Most scientists prefer to

elaborate what they think they know than rather focus

on what they do not know; perhaps this is simply human

nature. Along with that is fear of novelty. New

discoveries require restructuring older ideas and ways of

doing science. Change, whether it is personal, social, or

intellectual, is difficult and may even cause a life-time

of work to become unimportant and obsolete. Related

to this is the fact that older scientists have a tendency to

resist the novel work of the younger. Innovative

‘outsiders’ may also be rejected by the ‘insiders,’

especially if the new discovery comes from outside the

field, as in the case of cold fusion.17 There is also a

faithfulness to old models, reflecting a belief in

scientific concepts or simply conservatism. When

Thomas YOUNG proposed a wave theory of light, the

scientific community remained faithful to the older

corpuscular theory for some time. This tendency

sometimes reveals a dogmatism or scientism. Paul

FEYERABEND accuses contemporary science of being

a ‘church’ in which scientists play a role that is in many

respects similar to the role bishops and cardinals played

not too long ago.18 Another mode of resistance, also

illustrated by the example cited earlier of van

LEEUWENHOEK and his colleagues, is blindness due

to preconceptions. It is extraordinarily difficult to ‘see’

what may lie beyond one’s paradigm, which delimits all

questions posed of nature and ways of perceiving her.

Anomalies without ‘causes’ or an adequate explanatory

model are rejected because they do not fit neatly into the

body of science. If an anomalous claim pertains to an

area reminiscent of mysticism, religion, older paradigms

that have been overthrown, or pseudo-science, this may

be grounds for rejection by those who feel threatened by

these associations. Occasionally conflicting personal

religious ideas may be another reason for rejection.

That was the case for both GALILEO and

COPERNICUS, and it also appears to be a factor in the

debate between creationists and evolutionists. Scientists

evaluating an anomalous finding sometimes take into

account the relative professional standing of the

discoverer as well as the number of prestigious

followers of the new claim, and these are primarily

political concerns. Concerned about their reputation,

scientists are reluctant to take the lead in helping to

advance a new claim. In relation to this, publications

about the new scientific claim in other than the most

prestigious peer-reviewed journals are taken less

seriously and may be grounds for rejection or simply

neglect. Finally, and perhaps most important to

contemporary science, it is true that where substantial

funding is involved, patronage to those ideas endorsed

and funded to the exclusion of others is overwhelming.

Today, because of large economic interests in

science, biomedicine, and technology, and the

increasing overlap between academia and industry, the

resistance to new discoveries or ideas that challenge the

dominant paradigm goes well beyond ideological

concerns. Challenging ideas can be seen as threatening

to big business interests, including the interests of

industries waging war against cancer or AIDS. Anyone,

who is a proponent of ideas that threaten large-scale

economic interests can expect even harsher backlash

from the scientific community, which in mainstream

biology and medicine, is now closely linked to

pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. Surely that is

one of the most significant reasons for rejection of

novelty in biology and medicine today. Moreover, the

many different fields of biology with their varied

orientations to life that existed before big business

science are presently extinct, at least in the US.

It is simply taboo to offer a serious challenge to the

dominant paradigm, and those who propose such

maverick ideas or findings suffer extraordinary

obstacles. Similar to the acceptance of novel

discoveries, the obstacles are especially severe for those

whose work threatens big economic interests that are

now coupled to mainstream science.

Obstacles faced by scientists who challenge the

paradigm

There are a number of serious, even extraordinary

obstacles that scientists presently face as proponents of

paradigm-challenging discoveries or where their

reputation becomes associated with research on

unconventional topics. These obstacles are not

characteristic of a particular culture; they appear

worldwide. These are

------difficulty in obtaining funding, as there are simply

no usual sources

------difficulty in publishing, and there is no real peer

review

------loss of camaraderie (colleagues fear a loss of

reputation by association with a scientist who is

deemed an outcast)

------loss of reputation in the scientific community

regardless of one’s stature

------obstacles to promotion, retention, and tenure

------possible critical backlash from the scientific

community

------possible loss of employment and future

employment opportunities.

The pursuit of research in frontier science areas

such as Homœopathy and extremely high dilution bio-

effects, novel medical therapies or diagnostics, new

energy technologies, and consciousness studies –

research in any area that challenges the dominant

paradigm – presents extraordinary hardships for

scientists. Merely expressing an interest in these can

affect one’s reputation as a serious member of the

scientific community. Whether one is a post-doctoral

researcher, a junior professor, a member of a

distinguished national academy of science, or a Nobel

laureate, essentially the same obstacles remain. For

those who have seemingly overcome these hurdles,

publication of challenging scientific results may bring

about unforeseen backlash in the form of discrediting

the discoverer or the claim without really disproving it,

prohibiting it from being tested by others. Moreover,

this may prevent consideration similar challenging

claims in the scientific literature, textbooks, and

education. The proponent of the anomalous claim is

thus isolated from further debate and interaction with

rest of the scientific community.

Many people associate such repressiveness with

earlier times, but there are living examples today. One

illustrious example – a case where big economic

interests in biotechnology and medical testing are

threatened is that of Peter DUESBERG, professor of

molecular biology at the University of California at

Berkeley. His work identifying the first oncogene to

cause Cancer and also decoding the first retrovirus

genes earned him an outstanding international

reputation as a molecular biologist and virologist.

However, because of his recent criticism of the

oncogene theory of cancer and especially his criticism

of HIV as the cause of AIDS, he has essentially been

silenced by the scientific community. No one will

debate his arguments either in writing or in person.

DUESBERG is unable to publish in prestigious peer-

reviewed journals, not even the Proceedings of the US

National Academy of Science, despite his stature as a

member of the National Academy, because they rewrote

the rules especially to prevent him from publishing. He

lost his annual $300,000 Special Investigator Grant

from the US National Institutes of Health, which was

expressly for the purpose of asking novel questions, and

as a result, his students and technicians have had to

leave. DUESBERG has been excommunicated from the

scientific community. Needless to say, the review panel

who refused to renew this grant included scientists who

earn their living from the theories that DUESBERG is

undermining, and many others in the mainstream also

earn their living from these theories.

Strategies toward progress in the frontier sciences

With all those obstacles and resistances, how can

we help to facilitate rational, objective criticism and fair

review of anomalous claims? What strategies can we

implement to bring progress to a frontier science area

such as Homœopathy and low dose bio-effects?

------We must recognize that there is no single critical

experiment that can prove an anomaly. This is

ridiculous from the scientific viewpoint, as the

history and philosophy of science has shown that

there is no such thing as a critical experiment.

------More empirical studies need to be undertaken by

more researchers, and we need to work together at

least to provide peer review of each others’ work, if

not outright collaboration. All too often, the work

of pioneering frontier scientists represents isolated,

individual efforts. By contrast, most quality

science involves collaborative efforts. It is

important to build on one another’s work. Just as

cooperative or collective phenomena in nature have

unusual stability, there is also a strength in

collective scientific efforts that is harder to dismiss.

------An interdisciplinary approach to anomalies is

absolutely necessary because we do not know

ultimately where an anomaly will fit. In the case of

Homœopathy or high dilution bio-effects,

interdisciplinary group collaboration with

experiments performed in tandem on the same high

dilution would be worthwhile, because for the first

time it would reveal physical, chemical, and

biological information about a single preparation.

This could develop into an international task force,

a global cooperation, to address the problem.

------We must produce well-designed experiments that

are well communicated in the scientific literature,

which will presumably continue to demonstrate the

effect in a wide variety of biological systems.

------We must show replication of phenomena,

especially by skeptics.

------We must also discover and document where no

such anomalous effects are observed, so that the

boundary conditions of the effect are clear.

------Conceptual work toward achieving a theoretical

explanation for the effect is crucial for its

recognition.

------We must keep communication flowing between

those working in the field who don’t agree on the

details. A diversity of opinions is extremely

important because it drives the formation of new

questions. Good science requires good and

effective criticism. Furthermore, failures in

communication from splinter groups in frontier

areas of science only weaken the case, as their

presence makes a statement to the scientific

community that there is weakness or irrational

behavior associated with the anomaly.

------One of our best strategies would be to serve as

mentors and inspire younger scientists to conduct

research in novel areas of science. For one, it is

most likely that presently established scientists will

have to retire before a paradigm shift is completed,

and most of them will not change their view-point.

As physicist Max Planck sadly noted, ‘… A new

scientific theory does not triumph by convincing its

opponents and making them see the light, but rather

because its opponents eventually die, and a new

generation grows up that is familiar with it.’19 Niels

Bohr put it somewhat differently: ‘Science

advances—funeral by funeral.’

------retired scientists, who have less to lose in terms of

their reputation or funding, are occasionally more

open to new ideas or discoveries. Moreover, they

may still wield political power in the scientific

community. Therefore, communications with or

other involvement of retired colleagues may be a

viable strategy.

------Another strategy that may be used to advance

scientific recognition of a challenging anomaly is

to identify and align with social, political, or

economic interests that would very much like this

particular piece of scientific unorthodoxy to be true,

or at least to be highly interested in resolving the

issue. When Robert O. Becker, medical researcher

in bio-electromagnetics, had the unorthodox idea in

the 1970s that electromagnetic fields from power

lines might be a health risk, he found no

sympathetic ears in the scientific community or the

electric power industry. However, he

communicated the issue clearly in his popular

writings and launched a public campaign in which

the people demanded unbiased research to test his

ideas. Within less than two decades, substantial US

government funds became available for this

purpose.

------Another approach related to this strategy is to

develop a successful application of the anomaly

that will bypass the scientific community

altogether. Once the application is adopted,

scientists will be naturally drawn to the

fundamental discovery underlying it.

------Finally, we should attempt to foster true

skepticism---neither denial nor disbelief, but a

balanced state of openness. The best way to do this

is by personal example, by maintaining a level of

healthy skepticism ourselves, with an emphasis on

further questions. This is crucial to keeping science

an open system of inquiry.

Role of Homœopathy and low dose bio-effects in the

future of science

The observations of low dose biological effects

challenge the dominant paradigm of mechanical

reductionism, of viewing life as a collection of

biomolecules responding to molecular stimuli. The

enhanced potency of very low doses as in Homœopathy

appears to challenge molecular theory, one of the pillars

of modern chemistry. On the other hand, it may

demonstrate that something else is occurring at these

very low doses that does not involve molecules.

Biological effects of low doses have been

demonstrated in a growing number of studies world-

wide, and we are now in the midst of a paradigm

struggle. As KUHN predicts, an intellectual and

emotional battle is occurring: there have been nasty

editorials, tenure battles, debates and arguments,

splinter groups, the rejection of papers, frequent denial

on the part of the scientific community, and many

questions that have been raised for further research.

From a historical perspective, the accretion of anomalies

or numbers of anomalous observations in themselves

are not enough to product a paradigm shift. Further

effort is required. Conceptual work toward new

theories and a paradigm that would reconcile them is

critical to their recognition by the scientific community.

No one other than the proponents of the anomalies will

accomplish this. It remains for us, the frontier

scientists, to design the theories, elaborate the new

paradigm, and show how they explain our anomalies.

One of the best examples of a conceptual revolution

is found in a 19th-century science fiction classic: E.A.

ABBORT’s Flatland.20 The inhabitants of Flatland live

on a two-dimensional surface and have no concept of

our third dimension. When a sphere visits Flatland, he

is perceived as an anomaly: a circle that first grows

bigger and then smaller. The sphere then lifts the leader

of Flatland into the third dimension where he can see his

whole world. This novel perspective not only clears up

the anomaly, but offers a new perspective for

everything. We need a similar major conceptual

breakthrough for Homœopathy and low dose bio-

effects. When it occurs, it may reframe our ideas of

matter, energy, life, and information in a radically new

perspective.

Presently the greatest challenge to those working on

Homœopathy or low dose bio-effects is to develop a

proper theoretical context` for their observations. We

need a theory of very high dilutions in the context of the

organism. This would enable us to form testable

questions that move the research from an accumulation

of anomalous observations to a sequence of facts that fit

together like pieces of a puzzle. It is becoming more

apparent that molecular theory offers nothing but

conceptual limitations for this field of inquiry, and that

an alternative that goes beyond it must be sought.

Moreover, I anticipate that a breakthrough toward a

radically new view of chemistry is in the making, and it

is long overdue. Quantum chemist H. PRIMAS, wrote:

The richness of chemical phenomena renders it

impossible to discuss them exhaustively from a single

point of view. The molecular view is just one of these

views and has no privileged status. …. While the

molecular theory fell on fertile ground, the further

development of a theory of chemical substances was

deprived of intellectual incentive. Even today, chemical

thermodynamics and chemical kinetics are still in a

rudimentary state of development achieved at the turn of

the century. …. The molecular idea flourished and

degenerated into a dogma, requiring unqualified faith.21

He also wrote, ‘Our vision of the world will be

severely limited if we restrict ourselves to the molecular

view. Molecular theories describe some aspects of

matter, but it is not wise to think that they give us a

description of reality “as it is”. If questions of a

different kind can be asked, nature will then respond in

a new language.’

As to the future of science, research on

Homœopathy and other low dose bio-effects offers the

gift of new questions to the greater scientific

community---not only for Homœopathy and solution

chemistry, but for the entire theory of condensed matter

with ramifications for biology, chemistry, and physics.

Chipping away at the molecular dogma and raising

uncertainty about what scientists thought was bedrock

truth should be seen as healthy for science. As physicist

Louis DE BROGLIE warned us, ‘The advances of

science have always been frustrated by the tyrannical

influences of certain preconceived notions that were

turned into unassailable dogmas, and for that reason

scientists must periodically re-examine their basic

principles.’ Research on Homœopathy and low dose

bio-effects may lead to a revision or a refinement of

molecular theory, or it may show that something other

than molecular theory is involved at these low doses.

There is theoretical work in physics toward a new

theory of matter that may hold promise for application

to Homœopathy and low dose bio-effects. DEL

GIUDICE22 and PREPARATA23 propose a novel theory

of condensed matter based on Quantum

Electrodynamics in which collective or cooperative

phenomena are critical to its structure and properties.

They show that conventional molecular theory works

well for gases, but falls short in explaining the

phenomena of liquids and solids. A system of

molecules kept together by purely static forces becomes

dynamically unstable beyond a certain density

threshold. Therefore the system enters a lower energy

configuration where molecules oscillate in tune with a

self-produced coherent electromagnetic field. The

energy gain is proportional to the particle density, and

then matter is forced to condense. The theory predicts

the appearance of coherence domains in solids and

liquids such as water. Because the living cell and its

structural subcomponents have dimensions of the same

order of size of the calculated coherence domains in

liquid water, it is expected that electrodynamic

coherence may be relevant to the living state, in terms

of enhanced stability and novel energy and information

transactions. Such novel energy and information

transactions, if they exist, may be relevant to

Homœopathy.

The results of many low dose experiments suggest

new features of matter such as information that may be

conveyed by more subtle properties of matter than

molecules. It comes as no surprise that living systems,

which are well known to involve many levels of order

and different types of informational exchange, appear to

be sensitive to what may be ‘informational’ properties

of very high dilutions of bioactive substances.

Experiments from another frontier area of biology

suggest that there may be subtle non/chemical bio-

informational transfer in cellular systems.24-25 Still other

experiments suggest that the zero point energy of the

quantum vacuum may be involved in subtle

informational transfer in biology.26 Perhaps an

appropriate explanation for low dose bio-effects awaits

us in a bio-physics that is yet to be invented.

Whereas conventional science maintains that

biological information is stored and transferred via

biomolecular structures such as DNA, there is some

indication that more subtle informational signals may

elicit biological effects. In bio-electromagnetics there

are many observations that extremely low-level non-

ionizing electromagnetic fields whose energy content is

below the physical thermal noise limit can produce

biological effects, sometimes robust. There is no agreed

molecular mechanism for these effects. It has been

postulated by some that they may act on the organism in

such a way that they affect the organism’s endogenous

electromagnetic field, which may be bio-regulatory.

That is, they act at the level of the whole organism to

provide bio-information or disrupt it rather than at the

level of energy or power intensity directed to molecular

receptors. Furthermore, it is possible that several other

phenomena that elicit biological effects, such as very

high dilutions, Homœopathy, healer treatments,

Acupuncture, and other types of ‘energy medicine’, may

mediate their effects by means of coherent excitations,

forms of electromagnetic bio-information that might

interact primarily with the organism’s endogenous

fields. Endogenous electromagnetic fields, which are

properties of the entire organism rather than of specific

biomolecules, may be involved in self-regulation of the

whole organism, and sensitive to a variety of subtle

informational signals from the environment. These

speculations not only challenge the concept of

molecular mechanisms is the fundamental principle

underlying the living state. However, much work needs

to be done to develop these speculations into testable

hypotheses and theories.

There are a number of other attacks on the

mechanistic view of life which those working on

Homœopathy or low dose bio-effects should be aware

of. Richard STROHMAN, a leading molecular

biologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of

California, has recently presented some serious

challenges to the genetic paradigm. He argues that the

information for cellular activity is not in the individual

genes, but is holistically located.27 In his view,

biological research is presently lacking this integral

programme. The creativity of the organism, which is

perhaps life’s most salient feature, involves the interplay

of the integral design and function of the organism with

its environment. STROHMAN raises the argument for

an epigenetic rather than a genetic view of life, whereby

environmental interactions produce hereditable changes.

This means that interaction between the organism and

its environment is non-linear, with the temporal

sequence of events determining the complexity that

unfolds even in the simplest organism. Of course, it is

much easier to ask questions within the mechanistic

reductionist framework by studying the fragments of a

dead organism. It is much more difficult to study the

interaction of genetic and environmental factors in a

living organism and develop a science of life at this

level. However, most biologists fail to see the

limitations of their paradigm and the importance of

aiming for this larger context.

There is a popular anecdote based on a Sufi story

of a drunk who lost his keys somewhere in a dark street

and was groping for them only under the street lamp.

Asked where he lost them, he replied that he didn’t

know, but he was looking there because the light was

good. Similarly, the dominant paradigm of mechanical

reductionism has prevailed because the biology

community has asked only the questions where the

‘light is good,’ and the results are clear-cut and

reproducible. Biologists explore, for the most part,

those dynamic possibilities for life only where

organisms ‘obey’ the paradigm.

They have missed the enormous creative potential

of life in its subtle interactions and interrelationships.

Furthermore, the genetic approach has not permitted

‘other’ questions to be addressed, which, in fact,

challenge the conventional approach and the dominant

paradigm. Moreover, there is terrible confusion in

contemporary biology between the ontology of life, its

epistemology, and the methodology. That is, the

methodology used (mechanical reductionism) has

frequently been equated with life itself or the model of

how it functions. This is particularly true in the US

where higher education in science does not typically

include course work in the history or philosophy of

science.

The whole organism may be a biological

fundamental that cannot be reduced to its parts; the

whole may be self-governing by virtue of its long-range

electromagnetic fields that are the summation of many

electrically charged component species and their

interactions. This is reminiscent of the words of Claude

BERNARD, ‘The vital force directs phenomena that it

does not produce; the physical agents produce

phenomena that they do not direct.’28 In 1839, when

BERNARD wrote this statement, the ‘vital force’ was

taken to mean a metaphysical concept beyond the scope

of science. However, the ‘vital force’ may indeed be a

property of the whole organism, a time-varying

electromagnetic field summation of all the electrically

charged molecular events occurring within it. Subtle

biological effects may be mediated through this subtle

informational network at the level of the whole.

Conclusions

The dominant paradigm of mechanical

reductionism that shaped science for the past few

centuries but was overthrown by developments in

modern physics earlier this century, still governs

modern biology and medicine. Mechanical

reductionism, which was developed for the inanimate

physical world, determines the scope of questions that

can be posed for living organisms, and conventional

biology is the collection of theory and results based on

those questions. However, frontier scientists are

exploring other features of life by asking new questions

that go beyond the dominant paradigm. Their questions

come from various frontier areas of science and

medicine such as epigenetic heredity, bio-

electromagnetics, Homœopathy, and low dose bio-

effects. The results of their investigations, which may

be regarded as individual anomalies by the mainstream,

may be taken together as evidence for the need of a

bigger paradigm to accommodate them. Biology, it

appears, may be entering a crisis.

Not only do these ‘anomalies’ challenge our

present view of life, but collectively they point to the

necessity for a holistic view of life to complement the

reductionist view. Whereas conventional science

maintains that biological information is stored and

transferred via bio-molecular structures such as DNA,

the anomalies show that other informational signals not

stored in chemical structures may elicit biological

effects by possibly altering the subtle informational

signals involved in biological regulation of the whole

organism.

Major changes in science have never been brought

about by isolated experimental findings, but by

collective evidence. Thus, it is crucial for scientists

who dare to venture into tributaries of the mainstream or

into uncharted terrain to come together to enter into

dialogue and share their data, to find that what may

seem as isolated anomalies fit together to form the

rudiments of an emerging paradigm. It is important to

look at the problems of our science and the gaps in our

knowledge. We must continually ask new questions

and never be satisfied with the old ones, nor with the

answers that have come to pass. Scientists must

continually be motivated by the ‘mother’ of all

questions: what facets of nature remain undiscovered

because what we consider to be theoretical certainties

prevent the posing of new challenging questions?

References and notes

1. Barber B. Resistance by scientists to scientific

discovery. Science 1961: 134: 596-602.

2. Murray RH. Science and Scientists in the

Nineteeth Century. London: Sheldon Press 1825.

3. Kuhn TS. The Structure of Scientific

Revolutions. 2nd edition. Chicago: University of

Chicago Press 1970.

4. In this regard, it is interesting to note that in

Chinese, the character for ‘crisis’ also means

‘opportunity’

5. Kuhn, loc. Cit. p. 46

6. Truzzi M. Reflections on the reception of

unconventional claims in science. Frontier

Perspectives I 1990; Fall/Winter 1990: 13-25.

7. Kuhn TS. The Essential Tension. Chicago:

University of Chicago Press 1977.

8. Kuhn. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. P.

205.

9. Ibid. p.109.

10. Truzzi M. Zetetic ruminations on skepticism and

anomalies in science. Zetetic Scholar 1990; 12 7-

20.

11. Wescott RW. Introducing anomalistics: a new field

of interdisciplinary study. Kronos 1980: 5: 36-50.

12. Lightman A. gingerich O. When do anomalies

begin? Science 1991: 255: 690-95.

13. Barron F. The disposition toward originality. In:

C.W. Taylor and F. Barron (eds) Scientific

Creativity: Its Recognition and Development

139-52. New York: Wiley 1963.

14. Kuhn. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.

P. 158.

15. Maddox J, Randi J. Stewart WW. ‘High dilution’

experiments a delusion. Nature: 334: 287-90.

16. Strick J (unpublished paper). Adrianus Pijper and

the debate over bacterial flagella: morphology and

electron microscopy in bacteriology, 1946-1956.

Presented I April 1994 at Joint Atlantic Seminar for

the History of Biology at MIT.

17. The Princeton Plasma Fusion physicists said of cold

fusion, when it was first announced. ‘What would

you do if you were working to develop a propeller

airplane that did not yet fly and somebody else

from outside the field suddenly invented a rocket

ship?’ (Mallove E. 1993; personal communication.

18. Feyerabend P. Comments by Paul Feyerabend.

Zetetic Scholar 1980: 6: 52-54.

19. Kuhn. the Structure of Scientific Revolutions. P.

151.

20. Abbott EA. Flatland. New York: Harper and Row

1963.

21. Primas H. Chemistry and complementarity.

Chimia 1982: 36: 293-300.

22. Del Giudice E. Preparata G. Superradiance:

Towards an understanding of the ground states of

QED in condensed matter. In: T.D. Clark et al.

(eds) Macroscopic Quantum Phenomena p.167.

Singapore: World Scientific 1991.

23. Preparata G. coherence in QCD and QED. In: T.

Bressani et al. (eds) Problems and Ideas of

Modern Physics p. 3 Singapore: World Scientific

1992.

24. Kaznacheev VP. Shurin SP et al. distant

intercellular interactions in a system of two tissue

cultures. Psychoenergetic Syst. 1976: 1: 14-42.

25. Kirkin AF. Non-chemical distant interactions

between cells in culture. Biofizika 1981; 26. 839-

43.

26. Reid BL. On the nature of growth and new growth

based on experiments designed to reveal a structure

and function for laboratory space. Medical

Hypotheses 1989; 29: 105-27.

27. Strohman R. ancient genomes, wise bodies,

unhealthy people: limits of a genetic paradigm in

biology and medicine. Perspectives in Biology

and Medicine 1993: 37: 112-45.

28. Bernard, C. Des Liquides de l’organisme. Tome

III. Paris: Bailliere 1839.

========================================

10. ANGINA PECTORIS

VANNIER, Leon (JAIH. May, 1947)

ACONITUM 6. & 30, IGNATIA 30, & 200,

KALMIA 6 , LACHESIS 30 & 200, LILIUM TIGR.

30, Naja 30 , Spigelia 30, Tabacum 30.

The remedies for the Angina Pectoris

syndrome vary according to the dominant

symptoms of the patient: constriction, painful

radiation in the arm or a condition of anguish and

anxiety.

A-FEELING OF CONSTRICTION

CACTUS- The great characteristic of CACTUS is

the sensation of “constriction” which may be observed

not only in the region of the chest, but also in the region

of the ‘upper and lower limbs”. So CACTUS may be a

remedy not only for Angina Pectoris, but also for

Arthritis. The sensation of constriction is always

accompanied by numbness: “ numbness with radiation

in the left arm.”

An objective symptom: “ oedema of the left hand.”

Whenever you find cardiac troubles which are

accompanied by oedema of the left hand with a feeling

of constriction and radiation in the left arm, you should

immediately think of CACTUS.

The pulse is “rapid.” “tense” and “hard.” At the

time of an attack the patient has “cold sweats,” a “great

tendency to faint,” sometimes he may even lose

consciousness. The attack may terminate by an

“epistaxis,” a real haemorrhage of “black blood” in

“small clots.” The CACTUS patient is always “ worse

lying on the left side,” and also much “worse by

movement”; he cannot walk , for as soon as he does he

suffers from this sensation that he calls a “bar,” the

feeling of constriction in his chest which suffocates him

and necessitates immediate rest.

Accessory symptoms: “pulsation in the region of

the epigastrium,” painful radiation with “throbbing in

the right ear.”

LILIUM TIGRINUM has the same symptoms as

CACTUS the feeling of “constriction”, oppression, and

of a bar in the chest; but in CACTUS the radiation points

to the left, in LILIUM “it goes to the right side instead.”

to the upper right arm. The pulse is “irregular” and

“rapid”, especially when the patient makes the least

movement. The CACTUS patient cannot stand lying on

the left side, and while the LILIUM one is better lying

on the left side, and “worse lying on the right side.” He

is ameliorated in the fresh air and “when he rubs the

precordial region.” By this simple maneuver the painful

sensation disappears. The patient has “hot flashes” and

“faints” after the attacks, as well as during the daytime

when he makes any movement. Woman, especially

present the pains of LILUM TIGRINUN: the menses are

“in advance,” not abundant, “more marked in the day

time.” The patient suffers from heart symptoms

especially, “during the menstrual periods.”

A PARTICULAR SYMPTOM: a sensation of

“pelvic weight” as if all the organs would come out; the

feeling is so disagreeable that she wears a tight bandage.

Thus believing it lessens this troublesome sensation,

especially at the time of the menses.

LACHESIS is very much like LILIUM. The patient

has functional troubles which are very similar

developing at the change of life. However it is not

necessary that the patient be at the age of the menopause

for LACHESIS to be indicated. The sensation of

constriction is not localized in the chest. It is around the

“neck,” “waist” and “abdomen.” She cannot bear a tight

corset, as she has the feeling of a cord pulled tightly

around the abdomen, pressing especially on the liver.

She has the feeling of a real pinching sensation around

the heart as well as around the liver on the right side.

The attacks of angina pectoris of LACHESIS occurs

especially “during sleep”. It is on awaking that the

patient feels quite ill: sensation of oppression, of

“suffocation, “to such a degree that she must “get out of

bed quickly,” “open the window” to get fresh air to

breathe; she believes that she will die and experiences

terrible anxiety. Between the attacks, the patient

complains of a very peculiar sensation; she has the

feeling that the heart is not steady, an instability that she

explains by an amusing expression: “My heart feels as if

it were suspended by a thread.” The LACHESIS patient

presents not only a cardiac, but also a circulatory

instability which is shown by “waves of heat,”

“throbbing of the arteries of the neck, “ the sensation of

a “liquid alternately hot, burning and cold,” like ice in

the arteries or the veins, “ faintness” and a tendency to

syncope. While the pulse is very rapid and tense in

CACTUS, irregular and rapid in LILIUM TIGRINUM, it

is always “small “ and “feeble” in LACHESIS. If the

person is always aggravated by sleep- it is on awaking,

in fact, that he feels worse – he is always ‘ ameliorated

by a discharge “ of some kind , a spasmodic coryza, an

epistaxis, monthly periods , or haemorrhoidal losses.

B.- ANGUISH – TERRIBLE ANXIETY

ACONITUM- In Aconite it s “anguish” which

dominates the picture. One cannot say that the patient

suffers from heart, he experiences “stitches” and a

vague sensation of pain always diffused. The pains of

Aconite are not limited and they cannot be determined

by the patient placing his finger on the painful part.

They are accompanied by “anguish,” “restlessness,” and

“fear of death” to such a degree that the subject hangs

on desperately to his infirmity and those about him feel

his suffering.

Three cases may be presented: a true Angina

pectoris when you will prescribe ACONITUM 3. The

older homoeopaths were wise when they generally gave

it in trituration, having discovered that the remedy had a

much better action given in this way. Or perhaps you

are called to see a cardiac patient after a fright, then give

Aconitum 30. Again you may see a case which is purely

psychic: give to this patient Aconitum 200., especially if

you observe that he has “ agoraphobia” ( a nervous

dread of open spaces), or “claustrophobia” ( a morbid

dread of confined places ) – characteristic of the

remedy. Psychic disturbances always dominate cardiac

phenomena in Aconite and one should remember that

angina phenomena are generally developed after a fright

or an emotion.

AURUM- In AURUM you will observe a different

anxiety. The patient has fear of death, but it is especially

“fear of continued suffering,” for he really suffers from

his heart. While the ACONITE patient is especially full

of anguish and anxiety, AURUM suffers. He has

“visible beating of the heart” reflected in the arteries

and especially in the temporal arteries. He cannot rest

“lying down” for he suffers more “at night” and it is at

night especially the attacks of precordial pain appear.

He is always “better sitting up (3) bent forward,” like

KALI CARB., but while the later corresponds to an

oppression of respiratory origin, AURUM corresponds

always to a suffocation of cardiac origin. The patient

has very violent palpitations which occur in a special

way: the patient has the feeling that the heart “stops

beating,” then suddenly he experiences “violent

beating” in the chest. The beating is so violent that he

experiences a “sensation of faintness” as if he were

dying. These attacks occur at night, they are

accompanied by a “fear of death” and it is just for

escaping this fear of death that the patient has an idea

that takes possession of him: “the desire to commit

suicide.”

It may be added that every time you find the

indication for AURUM in a patient, you will only be

able to prevent a recurrence of the attacks by

prescribing Luesinum.

NAJA- NAJA has the same “ tendency of suicide “

as AURUM, but NAJA has also “very acute pain

localized in a limited region, in the “aortic region”; the

patient experiences at the same time the sensation of

imminent death “with cold sweats.” These troubles

appear especially “during sleep” – like LACHESIS. The

NAJA patient has a special characteristic: he “always

thinks of death.” He not only dreams of death like

LACHESIS who assists at his own burial or with those

persons who are near and dear, but during the day this

idea pursues him. Two other symptoms “aortic cough,”

the patient cannot speak or make any effort without

coughing, (dilatation of the aorta); “the tendency to

haemorrhages.” The monthly period of NAJA patients

are “abundant,” prolonged, the blood is “black.”

Besides, you will observe a slight affection of the liver

which is shown by a “subicteric colour” of the skin or

conjunctivae. Lastly, NAJA has “oedema of the

extremities,” upper or lower.

These are the principal remedies that may be

indicated and come to our mind when anguish

dominates the person. If anguish exists only in

ACONITE with a diffuse pain, in AURUM it is

accompanied by functional cardiac troubles particularly

with a sensation of bounding in the chest and violent

beating of the heart, in NAJA, there is intense pain

which is located especially in the region of the aorta,

and further, the patient often has a dilatation of the

aorta.

C-PAINFUL RADIATION

KALMIA LATIFOLIA – The anginal attacks which

occur under the form of oppression and constriction of

the chest, are accompanied by “numbness in the left

arm” in the KALMIA patient, and other painful

radiations may be present, in the back for example.

They take the form of “neuralgic pains,” extremely

rapid, nearly “fulgurant” (lightning- like) “following

the nervous tracts” from the vertebral column to their

termination. The patient experiences “considerable

oppression,” a pulse which is “very slow,” “feeble,”

“irregular,” sometimes scarcely perceptible, however

what dominates the picture is the feeling of “numbness

in the left arm” and “palpitation” always more marked

“lying on the left side” and “bending forward.” You

will often find evidences of a myocarditis or a valvular

affection.

SPIGELIA- The heart is often “irregular,” the

beating is “perceptible” not only to view since one can

see the heart beating through the night clothes, but

perceptible to hearing by the patient himself; when lying

down, he “hears his heart beating,” he “cannot lie on

his left side,” he must rest on his right side. He

perceives “synchronous beating “with the cardiac

movements in his “fingers,” “ears,” “abdomen,”

“epigastrium”; at the same time he complains of

extremely sharp pain “like the thrust of a dagger” in the

precardial region. The dominant characteristic of

SPIGELIA is “palpitation” which is “visible” and

“audible,” since it is heard and left by the patient

himself.

The patient selects a special position for relief : he

is always obliged (4) to “lie out flat” while the AURUM

patient sits up bent forward, placing his elbows on his

knees and holding his head with both hands, like KALI

CARB. Patient. The SPIGELIA patient prefers being

extended “lying on his right side” with “his head high”

always with two or three pillows. Note that the patient

often has a “left suborbital neuralgia,” while KALMIA

cases have a right suborbital neuralgia.

TABACUM- The abuse of tobacco is conducive to

the development of angina pectoris, so it is not

surprising that the remedy is found indicated in its

treatment. The painful radiation can be left in the arm:

KALMIA; in the back SPIGELIA. If it is produced in the

chest, it is then a symptom of TABACUM. The pains

are accompanied by “faintness” and “nausea,” a

syncopal condition with “cold extremities.” The patient

is always better in the open air. He is “pale” covered

with “cold sweat,” with a feeling of faintness, and as

soon as one unfastens his clothes and exposes him to the

open air he is relieved. He cannot lie on his left side,

but, “better lying on his right side.” Remember the great

modality that dominates all his symptoms is

“amelioration in the fresh air.” TABACUM has always a

“nauseous condition” which recalls that of

COCCULUS. Pains, nauseous condition and the

syncopal state are always immediately relieved in the

open air.

FALSE ANGINA PECTORIS

There are, lastly, attacks which are not true against

pectoris and never terminate in death, these are false

angina pectoris attacks. The two principal remedies are :

IGNATIA AND ACTEA RACEMOSA

The IGANATIA patient always experiences a

feeling of “thoracic constriction” with “constriction of

the throat.” The patient cannot wear a tight collar, and

his throat seems contracted. The pharyngeal constriction

appears after a “great emotion,” as grief, sorrow. The

patient has “intense suffocation” but has no abnormality

on the side of the heart, and his life is not in danger,

though he shows very alarming and dramatic symptoms.

Do not forget the “paradoxical appearance” of the

symptoms of IGNATIA. A patient has suddenly a

sensation of smothering or suffocation and says that he

cannot walk, and five minutes later, if one proposes an

amusement or some entertainment, he recovers

immediately.

GELSEMIUM- This remedy suits persons

extremely emotional who, from the least pleasure or

slightest trouble, have a real functional cardiac

condition. It seems to them that the heart will “stop

beating,” the patient has a feeling “that he will faint,”

he is “obliged to get up and move about,” as soon as his

condition becomes normal, the sensation passes away as

well as the pain. “Palpitation after bad news” with

extreme feebleness of the limbs and “trembling”. The

pulse is “slow when quiet” and “increases in rate after

movement.” The patient is always obliged to move

about to lessen his cardiac troubles.

ACTEA RACEMOSA is especially indicated for

women who are approaching the menopause. The heart

does not show any modification; the pulse shows

nothing abnormal, it is not even accelerated. The patient

always complains of a “pain under the left breast” with

radiation of the pain to the left arm and “in the back” of

the left side. These pains are due especially to a

neuritis of the brachial plexus and are accompanied by

pains “in the muscles of neck,” with “stiffness” and

“spasmodic contractures.”

A PARTICULAR SYMPTOM: the “three first

dorsal vertebrae” are sensitive to touch and pressure is

“painful” and may even provoke “vomiting.”

The Actea racemosa troubles are always more

marked “during the menses,” and the “more abundant

the menstruation the more violent are the pains” (the

opposite of LACHESIS). Lachesis patients are relieved

of pain as soon as the menstruation appears, and the

more profuse the flow the more relieved they become.

Dr. VANNIER in a recent book “Les Remedes

Homœopathiques des Etats Aigus” states the following:

Tobacco has a very injurious action on the heart.

Experiments have been made by homoeopaths, notably

by GELSOWSKY, in 1908. He made intravenous

injections with tobacco smoke in rabbits which caused

aortic lesions with dilatation of the aorta, and thick foci

appeared on the walls of the aorta which formed distinct

aortic plaques. He also made similar experiments by

having certain animals inhale tobacco smoke. Not only

did he obtain the same results in the aorta, but a constant

state of anorexia and considerable emaciation and

changes in the nervous ganglionic centres of the heart.

These experiments were confirmed a year later by

BOVERI, who administered infusions of tobacco to

rabbits.

To sum up, experimentally, tobacco causes cardiac

vascular lesions: clinically: palpitation, vertigo, and

syncopal states related to cardiac changes. You will see

from these observations the possibility of the

therapeutic indication of TABACUM for aortitis and

Angina pectoris. However TAB. Is rarely indicated very

often aortitis follow tobacco chewing.

========================================

11. LAC CANINUM

A.H.GRIMMER

(HG. Vol. XV, 5/1948)

This remedy was used by the ancients;

DIOSCORIDES, RHASIS, PLINY; and SEXTUS

recommended for the removal of the dead foetus.

SAMMONICUS and SEXTUS praise it in Photophobia

and Otitis. PLINY claims that it cures ulceration of the

internal Os. “It was considered an antidote to deadly

poisons”. (Hering). REISIG of New York revived its

use in the successful treatment of Diphtheria.

BAYARD and SWAN gave much time and energy

in preparing and proving it in the potencies, and these

provings confirmed many of the claims of the ancients.

All the milks are valuable and deep acting, remedies

each with a unique pathogenesis.

Lac caninum, however, stands out distinctive in

peculiar characteristic symptoms. It affects deeply the

mental and emotional spheres of life and produces

many (strange) illusions and hallucinations and

perversions of the imagination, especially about snakes,

such as awaking at night with a sensation as if she was

lying on a large snakes. Awoke at daylight feeling that

she was loathsome, horrible mass of disease. Cannot

bear to have anyone get out of her body in some way,

she will soon become crazy. Unable to think of

anything but her own condition. Nerves so out of order

that she cannot bear one finger to touch the other.

Weakness with nervous states.

Is impressed that all she says is a lie, that all her

symptoms are unreal, and the result of a diseased

imagination; it seems very difficult to speak the truth,

constantly distrust things; suspicious, when reading

anything she rapidly changes the meaning, omitting or

adding things. Difficult concentration of mind, difficult

to read understandingly anything requiring mental effort

to follow it, confused and full of imaginings. Very

restless, wants to leave things as soon as they are

commenced.

Changeable, erratic, weak, fearful and confused.

When speaking, wants to substitute the name of the

object seen for that which is thought. Cannot remember

what she reads but can remember other things. In

writing uses too many words or not the right ones.

Absentminded. Cannot be left alone for an instant (in

diphtheria).

Full of fears; of disease, of consumption, of heart

disease, of going crazy, of falling downstairs. Fits of

weeping, depressed, thinks she is looked down upon by

everyone, and feels insulted.

Anxious, easily excited, easily startled, cross and

irritable while the headache lasted.

Attacks of rage, cursing and swearing at the

slightest provocation.

Numerous illusions concerning the body and its

functions. Imagines that he wears someone else’s nose.

Feels very short while walking. When walking, seems to

be walking on air, when lying down does not seem to

touch the bed. Floating sensation.

Dizzy sensation with slight nausea, constant noise

in the head very confusing, worse at night, and much

worse at menses. Sick headache beginning at the nape,

the pain settling gradually in right or left forehead.

Occipital pains worse left extending upward on moving

the head; headaches over eyes when sewing, frontal and

occipital, worse turning the eyes. Sharp lancinating

pains coming suddenly, recurring, lies down at once

because of an indefinite dread of its return. Pains often

shift from side to side. This is very characteristic of the

nature of the remedy. Complaints, pains and

inflammatory conditions, shift from side to side.

A rheumatism or neuritis may attack one side of the

body and suddenly leave to go to the opposite side, and

then repeat the process and go back to the original side.

Sometimes a diphtheria or a tonsillitis will manifest in

the same peculiar way.

Many of the head pains are intense and even

unbearable; they are aggravated by noise or talking, and

relieved by keeping quiet and often by cold

applications.

This relief from cold often may be found in the

inflamed joints and nerves elsewhere. In the body

sufferings.

Excessive dandruff, pimples on scalp discharging

serum and forming scabs, scalp extremely painful when

touched or when combing the hair. Constant itching

with soreness of scalp. Sharp darting intense pains in

and around the eyes with disturbance of vision, these

conditions are worse from reading or using the eyes.

Tendency of the retina to retain the impression of

objects especially of colours. Dimness of vision, when

reading the page seems covered with various spots of

red, yellow, green. Illusions of sight. Small objects like

a rat or a bird appear transiently either on the floor or in

the air.

Sharp severe pain in ear (right) while walking in the

wind. Covering with the hand gave entire relief. Sore

aching pains in middle ear at night while lying on ear,

relieved when pressure was removed. Ringing and

buzzing in ears, noises in ears, feels as if the ears were

full.

Clarke says: More than any other remedy, this has

relieved the deafness from hereditary syphilis. Green

odourless ear discharge. Tendency of the septum of

nose to ulcerate, the ulcers and scabs very sensitive to

touch. Fluent coryza, thin, excoriating to nostrils. Or

fluent catarrhal discharge from both nostrils with stuffed

feeling in nose and throat. This is one remedy where

the diphtheritic membrane may extend to the nose.

Membrane grey and sometimes silvery in colour.

Profuse nightly nasal discharge, like gonorrhea staining

pillow greenish yellow, offensive odour from nose

especially in diphtheria. One nostril stopped up, the

other free. Cannot bear the smell of flowers. They send

a chill over her. All drinks return by the nose, nothing

can be swallowed (in diphtheria).

The face is red and burns like fire, especially the

right cheek, on coming in from the cold. Knife like pain

from under left zygoma up to vertex. There may be

marked pallor of the face, lips dry and peeling, jaw

cracks while eating. Teeth sensitive to cold water, teeth

loose from defective nutrition and exposure.

Tongue coated brown or dirty, deeply coated.

Taste, putrid, of lead in the afternoon, coated on back

and centers with edges bright red. At 9 p.m. the tongue

looks patched. Glands of neck, throat and face swollen.

Mouth and throat covered with aphthous yellowish

white ulcerations easily bleeding. Roof of mouth very

sore with blisters that break and leave skin, any

seasoned food causes great pain; mouth may be very dry

or saliva may be increased filling the mouth constantly

with mucus. Talking very difficult with a tendency to

talk through nose.

The throat is one of the main centers wherein this

medicine acts profoundly. Patients with follicular

tonsillitis and diphtheria may require this remedy to

recover from very serious illness.

Ulcers form readily in the throat, often in patches

which may spread over the buccal cavity and upward

into the nose or the diphtheritic process may go

downward into the larynx.

The sore throats are accompanied by chills and high

fever with pain in head, neck, back and limbs, also with

great restlessness and prostration.

The diphtheric patch may appear on one side and

soon leave it to appear on the opposite side and then

recur on the side first affected with swelling of the

glands of throat and neck alternating sides with sore

throat. Quinsy alternating sides, thick tough pieces of

diphtheric membrane coming away and new membrane

constantly reforming . The diphtheritic deposits look as

if varnished; exudations migratory, now here, now

there. Pain in throat at times extending down to larynx

and chest. Sore throat with each menstrual period.

Great sense of constriction in throat with dry tickling

cough.

Appetite may be increased but in acute rheumatism

and diphtheria, it is lost or wanting.

Desires highly seasoned foods, which is unusual.

Uses pepper, mustard and salt freely. Averse to

sweets. Craves milk and drinks much of it. Considerable

thirst for water.

Pain, nausea and weakness frequently referred to

the stomach with sense of weight there.

The abdomen has much pain with sensitiveness to

the weight of the clothing. Intermittent pains. Pains over

one or both ovarian regions, bursting sensation while

walking. Frequent desire to stool all through the

provings. When having a soft passage, great tenseness.

Rectum seems unable to expel the soft tools because

they adhere to the parts like clay. Constipation with

urgent desire for stool, but passes only wind, or one or

two small pieces like sheep dung. Diarrhoea, watery,

profuse and coming with great force, with colic, and

pain. Severe constipation before and after menses,

bowels very loose, no diarrhea during the flow.

Urination causes intense pain in urethra soon

passing off. Sensation after urinating as if the bladder

was still full. Frequent desire to urinate which if not

promptly attended to causes pain in the bladder. A

numb, dull sensation, if not relieved by urination. It

spreads over abdomen and left side to the ends of the

fingers. Constant desire to urinate passing large amounts

frequently. At night she dreams of urinating and wakes

to find an immediate necessity. Specific for nocturnal

enuresis according to Clarke.

In the male sexual desire is marked. Right

spermatic cord is sore to touch. This remedy is a

powerful antisyphilitic, as it has cured chancre on the

prepuce, penis greatly swollen, chancre like a

cauliflower excrescence, red, smooth and glistering.

Small sore at entrance of urethra; glands around urethra

an open ulcer exhaling a most foetid smell, and with

most excruciating pain with a red glistening appearance.

Gonorrhoea pains in all around the urethra. When the

gonorrhea is relieved catarrh sets in. From these

symptoms it is clear that Lac caninum is also related to

sycosis.

In the female, this remedy produces and cures many

sufferings. At the menses, the nervous symptoms as

well as most of the physical conditions are aggravated.

Cross and irritable the first day of period; on the

second day severe paroxysmal pains in the uterine

region causing nausea, pain in ovarian regions causing

nausea; pain in ovarian regions, more left side extending

down thighs, these pains relieved bending backwards;

pain and aching in right lumbar region when leaning

forward as in sewing even for a short time, entirely

relieved when bending back. Membranous

dysmenorrhea with the characteristic nervous and

mental symptoms. Leucorrhoea all day but none at

night. Severe pain in right ovarian region completely

relieved by a flow of bright red blood. Pains like labour

pains accompanied by great restlessness of legs and

arms and severe aching in the lumbar region. Great

aching in lumbar region after premature labour,

sensation as if everything were coming out of the vulva

relieved by sitting; acid leucorrhoea excoriation

severely.

Great swelling of labia and terrible pain while

urinating from gonorrhea. Intense painful soreness of

vulva extending to rectum, could not walk, stand, or sit,

relieved by lying on back and separating the knees as far

apart as possible. Raw bad smelling sores between the

labia and thighs in folds of the skin worse when

walking, would rather keep still at the time; these sores

are covered with a disgusting white exudation; sexual

organs extremely excited, very much worse from the

slightest touch.

Breasts very sore and painful with sharp darting

pain in right ovarian region. Many lumps and growths in

the breasts have been cured, even after a breast was

removed and the lump returned in the remaining breast.

The fullness and soreness of the breast is worse at the

period. Breasts heavy as lead, must support them. Loss

of milk while nursing has been restored. Galactorrhoea,

many cases; dries up milk.

The respiratory organs are the seat of many

symptoms and troubles; there are coughs, and

hoarseness and aphonia, marked soreness on touching

the larynx. Cough with pain and oppression of the chest.

Sensation as if the breath would leave her when lying

down and trying to sleep. Has to jump up and stir

around for an hour or so every night.

Terrible dyspnœa immediately after sleep (Lach.),

first on left side of chest , the dyspnea compelled her to

be lifted upright with violent exertion to get breath.

There was a sharp pain in region of heart with each of

these attacks; after the medicines had but one attack of

dyspnœa, and all the pain was referred to right side of

chest. (Acute rheumatism). Lungs feel as though fast to

the chest, worse while walking. Feeling of oppression

and tightness behind the sternum with desire to draw a

deep breath. Sharp pain in right breast at four p.m.

Palpitation of heart, irregular action causing

shortness of breath.

In the back and limbs are innumerable complaints

inflammatory and nervous. Many cases of rheumatism

with the shifting pains especially from side to side, often

relieved by cold applications and made worse from hot

ones. Paralysis and weakness following acute attacks of

disease especially after diphtheria.

The sleep and dream symptoms are marked and full

of suffering. Crying out during sleep, unable to find any

comfortable position in bed; there is no way that she can

put her hands that they do not bother her. Falls asleep

at last upon her face. Dreams of snakes, of urinating

and on awaking must hurry to prevent an accident;

profuse perspiration during sleep. Great desire to sleep

and symptoms are worse after sleep especially in

diphtheria.

In diphtheria, Lach. and Diphtherinum need be

compared, but the mass of highly nervous symptoms

and the unusual and unique modalities of Lac caninum

should enable the prescriber to make the correct

selection in any given case of sickness.

DISCUSSION

DR.RUST : I want to thank Dr. Grimmer for

bringingout something I didn’t know before merely

because I hadn’t studied it carefully as he had. I knew

the alternation of sides but I didn’t before know the

alternation of the diseased condition. I was glad to get

that.

DR.MORGAN: I was thinking , as I was listening

to the paper - and it is a very splendid paper - I was

thinking, though, that if one time a picture he would be.

It reminded me of the coloured pastor who met one of

his parishioners and reproed him for some misdeed and

told him he would go plumb to hell in the burning fire

and he would be there eternally.

Moses looked at the pastor and said, “I don’t

believe in any such thing as that.”

He said, “Well , why don’t you?”

“Well,” he said, “there ain’t no constitution that

could stand it.”

That is the reason – there isn’t any constitution that

could stand all those things.

I have used Lac caninum in alternating throat

trouble with success.

DR. GRIMMER : Just a few words in answer to Dr.

Morgan. As he knows and we all know, of course, no

one person has all these provings. This is the sum total

of the symptoms gathered by the provers, but when you

meet even a part of the symptoms in a patient, Lac

caninum may be called to your attention and many

prove valuable in many cases. It isn’t generally given in

cases of gonorrhea or syphilis. But it is, as we see by the

study and by the confirmations of Dr. Clarke and others,

highly valuable In both these conditions, and we

shouldn’t forget it.

-The Homoeopathic Recorder, June 1947.

The annual death rate of heart diseases in England

and Wales is 95000, of which 40 per cent are due to

rheumatic fever.

Further statistics of Davidson and Duthrie prove

that at least 300,000 new cases of rheumatic fibrositis ,

i.e rheumatism of the muscles, nerves or tendons.

Impressed by such figures, showing the gravity of

the problem, which rheumatic diseases present, Dr,

Davidson quite rightly calls rheumatism “Public Health

Enemy No.1.”

It was for these reasons that the governments of

nearly all civilized countries have set up special

committees to investigate the causes and nature of

rheumatism in order to find the best way of dealing with

the problem.

========================================

12. SOME REMARKS ON LAPIS ALBUS

DEWEY W.A. (HG. Vol. XIV, 10/1947)

This remedy, the Silico-Fluoride of Calcium, was

introduced by Dr. GRAUVOGL, about 1874. It came

about in this way. GRAUVOGL was anxious to find

some substance which would defy chemical

examination, and yet be an effective Homoeopathic

remedy, so that he could, as he expressed it, “hammer

Liebig’s nose into truths of Homoeopathy.”

Being at Gastein, in the valley of the Asche which

takes its source from the base of the Tauerne mountains,

he noticed that many of the inhabitants of the valley

were afflicted with Goitre. He attributed this to the

water they drink, which he found to be impregnated

with a species of gneiss. He also found that his own

thyroid gland began to swell after drinking of the water.

He therefore triturated of this gneiss, and began to use

it with success in certain affections, and also to make

provings of it, using the sixth potency.

LIEBIG, however, died in the meantime, and the

nose-hammering process being unnecessary,

GRAUVOGL made known the name of the remedy,

hitherto secret, and sent some of it to Dr.Carl

BOGANUS, in Russia, and to others, that they might

experiment with it.

The provings of Lapis albus were but fragmentary,

the most constant symptoms being a persistent burning,

stinging pain in the breast, cardiac region of the stomach

and uterus. These pains at times were very intense. It

exerted, moreover, a marked effect on the thyroid gland,

enlarging it.

The early reports of the cases of goitre cured with

this remedy in potencies ranging from the first to the

200th are quite numerous. Another affection in which it

has been used successfully in Cancer, although open

cases of cancer are said not to have been benefited by it.

The persistent pain in the mammary region coupled with

glandular hardening, would suggest its use In the

beginning of Cancer of the breast.

The sphere of action of the drug may, therefore, be

said to be: Goitre, certain carcinomatous affections and

scrofulous glandular affections. It has, I believe, been

successfully used in Lupus and Cataract.

My experience with this remedy, and I have been

somewhat interested in it, dates from about 1876. At

that time a member of my own family had an

enlargement of one of the cervical glands. It was nearly

as large as a hen’s egg, and had soft, doughy feel. Under

Lapis albus 6, prescribed, I believe, by

Dr.G.E.E.SPARHAWK, now of Burlington, Vt., the

swelling speedily and completely disappeared. A

peculiar and unusual symptom noticed by this patient

while taking the medicine was a marked increase in the

appetite; it became ravenous.

Since that time I have used the remedy in many

cases of scrofulous enlargement of the cervical glands,

and find that it is almost specific where the glands have

a certain amount of elasticity and pliability about them ,

rather than a stony hardness, such as might call for

Calcarea fluorica, Cistus or Carbo animals.

One case in particular which I recall was a young

lady, about 20 years of age, a natural blonde, skin fair,

bluish white, showing prominent veins, who had a

glandular enlargement in the right supra-clavicular

region, nearly the size of a goose egg, and one

somewhat smaller a little further back in the interval

between the sterno-cleido-mastoid and trapezius

muscles. These had a certain amount of hardness, but

they were movable. Others of the cervical chain were

enlarged, the right side being the only one affected. As

the young lady was engaged to be married, these

unsightly lumps were very distressing. Lapis albus 6, a

powder four times a day, in a week caused marked

diminution of the size of the glands, and in three weeks

they were not noticeable, and eventually entirely

disappeared. The patient also had a ravenous appetite

while taking the remedy, an unusual thing for her. Her

anaemic colur and complexion were also greatly

improved.

The most remarkable effect of the use of the

remedy I have had was in a case of goitre in a lady of

about thirty-five, blond, who had for over a year noticed

a gradual increase in the size of the thyroid gland, until

it was as large as a good-sized fist, when she came to

me. Both halves of the gland seemed to be equally

involved. It did not appear to be of the encapsuled

variety. This patient had received previous

homoeopathic treatment, having had Spongia, Iodine,

Thuja, as well as some other remedies. Lapis albus 6

was prescribed, a dose every three hours. The swelling

began to disappear at once, and continued to diminish in

size until it completely disappeared, and at the present

time over five years have passed with no return of the

trouble. In this case the appetite was not specially

affected, though it remained good throughout the

treatment.

In another case of enlargement of the cervical

glands on the left side, in a school teacher, Lapis albus 6

was given. There were no symptoms leading to any

other remedy, the patient was apparently perfectly

healthy, the gland, which was the size of a hen’s egg,

promptly began to lessen in size, and doubtless would

have disappeared entirely had the patient continued

treatment. For some unaccountable reason she ceased

coming in the midst of rapid improvement.

Lapis albus, in cases like the foregoing, should, I

believe, be given in repeated doses. And herein I

concur with a point brought out the other day by Dr.

Royal, that in certain chronic cases it is needful to

repeat the dose oftener than in acute cases. It may be a

deep-acting remedy, like its near relatives, Silicea and

Calcarea fluorica, but I have never had any experience

with it in potencies higher that the sixth,

Nor in single doses permitted to act for a long time.

GRAUVOGL observed that in cases where malarial

conditions have existed, relapses of these were apt to

occur, a further evidence of its deep action.

It has also proved useful in my hands in the

common chronic glandular swelling in scrofulous

children. I have succeeded with it after the Calcarea

preparations had failed.

GRAUVOGL reported the case of a Carcinoma of

the cheek in a woman, aged 50, cured by Lapis. Her

countenance became healthy and her complexion

assumed a ruddiness and freshness unusual with her. He

also reported the cure of five cases of uterine cancer

with the remedy.

It would seem indicated in anaemic and chlorotic

conditions. I have noticed that these conditions have

improved its use when prescribed for its action on the

glands. Indeed, I look upon an anaemic condition as an

additional indication for its use.

In enlargement of the mesenteric glands Lapis

albus may be indicated. Dr.SOENENS in the

Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung, reports a case

of diarrhea with enlarged mesenteric glands cured with

Lapis albus 3. He considers it a specific in affections f

these glands. It certainly acts very rapidly in causing as

well as in curing glandular enlargements.

It has also been recommended as an important

constitutional remedy in dysmenorrhoea. Dr.

WHITING, of Danvers, MASS., uses it in subjects of

lymphatic temperament with indurated glands and pain

preceding the flow. It seems to mitigate the pain and

swelling of the mammae which are sometimes an

accompaniment of dysmenorrhea.

It is also mentioned as a remedy for Cataract, but to

what extent it has been used with success I am unable to

state.

DISCUSSION

C.H. EVANS, M.D., Chicago, Ill: The cure of

mammary pains is not borne out by my experience. I

have used it in the same potency as mentioned, in two

cases of gastric Cancer, where the diagnosis was

supported by a post-mortem after a long course of Lapis

albus. In another case, one of mammary cancer I used

it for some time, but could see no effect from it;

diagnosis in this case was supported by microscopic

examination after the removal of the breast.

Notwithstanding this may prove of value early in the

case.

MILLIE J. CHAPMAN, M.D., Pittsburg, Pa.: Six

years ago a patient came to me with a growth in one

breast; she had had it removed in the East, but it had

returned, and she dreaded another operation. I gave her

Lapis albus once a day for five weeks, when the growth

had disappeared. She returned to the East and consulted

the surgeon who had removed the growth the first time;

he examined her, and became very angry because it was

no longer there. He had called it a recurrent Cancer. I

used the remedy in the 30x with no other treatment.

T.F.ALLEN, M.D., New York, N.Y.: I remember a

case of a lady who had one breast amputated for a

tumour; it returned on the other breast, and that, also,

was removed. She then came to me, as there had

developed in the left axilla a small nodule the size of a

horse chestnut. In the scar on the right breast there was a

small indurated mass, not having the feeling of a

lymphatic gland, but a part of the scar, and here there

was a burning pain. My experience with these cases,

after they have undergone operations, has been

unsatisfactory. In this case, however, the glandular

swelling spoken has nearly gone and the recent scar has

lost its angry appearance and is decidedly improved.

These cases are apt, after involvement of the

lymphatics, to become speedily hopeless. My

experience has been limited, but I think that in this

remedy we have an agent to stop the progress through

the lymphatics. The patient referred to had one dose a

day of the 6th centesimal potency.

W.H.HANCHETT. M.D., Omaha, Neb.: I have a

case of goitre which, under this remedy, has greatly

reduced in size. I hope it may progress to a complete

cure. I consider this as a valuable addition to our

armamentarium in the treatment of this class of

diseases.

T.G. COMSTOCK, M.D., St.Louis, Mo.:

Seventeen years ago, after reading Grauvogl’s report

upon this remedy, I sent to Boericke & Tafel and

procured some Lapis albus, and administered it to the

wife of our Minister to Brazil, for Carcinoma of the

breast. I also used it in other cases, but to all without

any good result. I gave the 6x trituration.

W.A. DEWEY, M.D., NEW YORK, Essayist: It is

only recorded and found useful in incipient cases of

Carcinoma, like the cases of Dr. CHAPMAN and Dr.

ALLEN. It is of no use where the case has progressed to

the point of ulceration. GRAUVOGL never found it of

value in open wounds.

-Journal of the Amerian Institute of Homoepathy,

March 1947.

========================================

13. Materia Medica of Incarceration in America

WEINSTEIN, Corey (AJHM. 104, 1/2011)

Introduction: I’ve been privileged to sit with patients

for the last forty years getting to know them deeply as is

required by homœopathic practice. People are amazing

and interesting, and Homœopathy leads me to them in

their uniqueness and individuality. During this same

time I’ve traveled many a lonely road going from prison

to prison as a human rights advocate and correctional

medical consultant. This Materia Medica study brings

those two worlds of my professional life together. I

continue to practice homœopathic medicine as a general

practitioner, but have ended my professional prison

work.

Let’s start this discussion by looking at the strong

mental and social characteristics of a few remedies used

occasionally in daily practice. We will see how they

relate to our topic as we proceed.

Ammonium carbonicum [(NH4)2CO3]CO2

While a stable white powder when dry, Ammonium

carbonicum’s ammonia vapor and carbon dioxide are

liberated when put in solution. In standard pharmacy

there is the famous use of Ammonia carbonicum as

smelling salts to revive the faint and, of course, in

Homœopathy it is famous for its weakness, exhaustion,

dyspnea and poor endurance. Ammonia (NH4) itself is

the key molecule in the nitrogen cycle, whether in our

body’s metabolism or when atmospheric ammonia

combines with rain to become dilute nitric acid falling

to the earth – sustenance for green plants. The soil’s

nitrogen is transformed into amino acids which build

plant proteins and provide needed nourishment to

animals. Nitrogen is returned to the atmosphere through

the decay of organic matter and excretions of animals –

all part of the grand nitrogen cycle on which almost all

life depends.

Let’s look at the aspects of Ammonia carbonicum

central to this inquiry. Here is a remedy suitable for

persons who are resentful and hold a grudge against

society and the very meaning of life, persons of a

hateful and vindictive nature who easily take offense.

They believe they are unlucky and befalls them. They

become angry from any contradiction, with malice and

cursing, spewing censorious abuse. Former

unpleasantness lingers in the mind and they dwell on

what others have “done to them.” They can appear

surely, contrary, and often sarcastic – loners with hidden

emotions; also as unkempt ne’er-do-wells who are

averse to work.

Not surprisingly, underneath all their bravado we

can find persons lacking self-confidence and full of self

contempt. Keep these characteristics in mind along

with Ammonia carbonicum’s important use in hepatitis

and post-injury states as we explore its cousin Nitricum

acidum.

Nitricum acidum HNO3

Nitricum acidum is an inorganic acid produced by

the oxidation of ammonia and has many industrial uses.

It is very toxic and corrosive upon any contact.

Nitrogen itself is a colorless, odorless, unreactive gas

that comprises seventy-eight percent of the earth’s

atmosphere, yet when combined with other atoms, the

resulting molecules are very reactive and important,

being constituents of explosives, poisons, fertilizers and

foods. When in nitrate (NO3), inert nitrogen becomes a

useful and essential part of the metabolic life-cycle of

plants and animals.

Touchy persons, both emotionally and as a

generality, nitricum acidum is irritable and discontent.

They can be nasty characters who can be involved in

long-standing quarrels and be unmoved by apologies.

They tend to be pessimistic, selfish, and expect others to

be the same. A constant feeling of threat makes them

suspicious and uneasy. They see danger everywhere,

which makes relationships difficult. Such qualities can

be both evoked by and adaptively well-suited to an

environment in which constant threats and danger must

be fended off, where unforgiving malice and violence

rule the day, where one’s very survival is at stake.

When in an inimical situation, suspicion and vigilance

against lurking danger, preparedness to defend oneself

and lash out, if need be, might mean continued

existence. Then, unforgiving, cold anger is adaptive.

Consider how well Nitricum acidum might fit the

jailhouse lawyer whose unforgiving resentment

provokes him to bring case after case to Court to prove

he is right, to retaliate against the wrongs he has

suffered; or how suited Nitricum acidum might be to the

prison gang member who is as caring for his comrades

as he is cruel to his enemies.

Consider also those living in a society with adverse

health conditions and substandard medical care. These

conditions can easily create or aggravate Nitricum

acidum’s well-known anxiety about health. How much

more distressing the anxiety about every symptom and

the consequences of every treatment might be when the

patient knows that the medical provider is indifferent at

best, if not negligent?

Mass Incarceration in the United States

In fact there is a society capable of creating or

amplifying these mental and emotional characteristics of

Ammonium carbonicum and Nitricum acidum. It is a

hermetically sealed world where more than 2.5 million

Americans live. It is our prison system. During the last

forty years the United States has been engaged in a

policy of mass incarceration, becoming the leading

jailer in the world. Our incarceration rate dwarfs all

other nations by far: US 726/100,000, Italy 40/100,000,

UK 150/100,000. For example, since 1970 California

has increased the prison population from 19,000 women

and men to 170,000, a nine hundred percent increase,

with women being the fastest growing group. By

comparison to the European Union, U.S. sentences are

very long and rehabilitative opportunities scarce. The

prisons are basically warehouses of human flesh in

which women and men are forced to be idle. One in

one hundred adults are behind bars in the U.S. and one

in thirty-one under jurisdiction of the detention system

in some way (locked up, parole, probation).

Educational, vocational and drug rehabilitation

programs are inadequate and decent work is rare.

Available jobs involve for the most part pushing

brooms, washing dishes or doing laundry. Social life is

divided by color and, for the men, racial gangs rule the

community, feeding off the need for solidarity and

protection and for an underground economy for

everything from food to sex and drugs.

Former prisoner and Chair of Sociology at San

Francisco State University, the late Dr. John Irwin did a

study an ordinary medium security facility in California

(CSP-Solano). He found that prisoners routinely

suffered:

 Loss of agency – The term agency implies the

ability to act and assert power over one’s own

destiny; being “dumbed down” by the numbing

routines and extensive and arbitrary rules.

 Damage to sexual orientation – Being forced into

celibacy and the exaggeration of male traits like

toughness and homophobia.

 Anger, frustration and sense of injustice – The

injustices of society and of the prison’s own rules

and appeals procedures.

 Degradation – Enduring humiliating confrontations

with staff, hostility of the authorities at every level,

strip searches, etc.

 Economic Exploitation – Being just “raw meat” for

the prison industry and being a target of assault and

theft from other prisoners.

 Prisonization – Having someone else run their lives

and adopting outsider mores and the ethics of the

criminal subculture.

From this study I selected Repertory rubrics

expressive of the symptoms Dr. Irwin validated:

 Ailments from mortification; from reproach; from

reprimands. These fit the hostile daily fairre of

verbal abuse by staff and others encountered in the

criminal prosecution and detention system.

 Aversion to certain persons summarizes the

intensity of feelings learned through racial strife,

homophobia and anger at the captors.

 Delusion attacked/assaulted, robbed, pursued by

enemies – brings to the study the ever-present

threats that form the experience of prisoners.

 Confidence, want of self – speaks to the loss of

agency, as does…

 Indecisive/irresolute.

 Hardhearted; detached – occur as a result of the

stresses of overcrowding, learned prejudices and

full entry into the criminal subculture.

 Violent – a requirement behind bars.

 Injustice and Indignation – describe the psychic

reaction to ill treatment that is endured.

The repertory analysis of these symptoms leads to

interesting remedies, including the first two, Ammonium

carbonicum and Nitricum acidum. Let me point out that

there are three conditions that are very common among

prisoners: drug and alcohol overuse, physical injury and

chronic hepatitis. As many as one-third of those with

chronic hepatitis C are behind bars on any given day.

Ammonium carbonicum is known to help with hepatitis

and injury, while Nitricum acidum is useful for injury

and chronic hepatitis, making them stand out further.

Another chronic hepatitis and alcoholism remedy of

note is Carcinosinum, and I’ll just mention it briefly.

Carcinosinum and Anacardium

The aspect of Carcinosinum that is expressed in

prison is the background of having suffered physical,

psychic and material abuse in childhood. It is, after all,

largely the poor who inhabit prisons, including many

who have suffered physical and sexual abuse. It is

suitable for the person who is vulnerable and tries to

hide it, who can’t stand criticism or pain. Everything is

taken in bad part and perfection is sought; so grief and

sorrow come frequently. The sensitivity can result in

verbal or destructive physical outbursts with rudeness

and inconsiderate behavior. But this is not the picture

of the heartless criminal with a personality disorder

emblematic of Anacardium. While Carcinosinum can

be angry and disobedient, it remains sensitive, even

sentimental and sympathetic to others. But this picture

can be molded by experience in the hard prison world

into the more familiar Anacardium state. Here we have

the prison ‘tough’ with his fastidiously-pressed prison

blues, a sharp crease to his new denims. This is a truly

hateful, a hard-hearted man who is very easily offended,

taking everything in bad part. The anger erupts from

slight causes – a look an accidental bump, an unrelated

snicker or whisper as he walks by. There is a sense of

separation from society, from family, from law and

morality. He lives in a world believed to be better than

the ordinary social reality, a world that he rules through

intimidation and manipulation. The prison provides a

milieu in which his malice can come out and even be

rewarded within gang structures or the guard-controlled

underworld of goods? And mayhem. In prison, with its

hardships and traumas, the Anacardium’s moribund

inner feelings can be aroused by performing cruel acts,

with malice as a pathway to re-emerging feelings and

even happiness.

Falco peregrines

The Peregrine Falcon is a strong, fast flyer and

preferred hunting bird. The remedy is from the wing

and blood of a captive bird and prepared through

trituration and then succussed. Causations include

ailments from scorn, humiliation and domination.

These psychic characteristics are seen commonly on the

prison yard. This remedy reminds me of many men I

have met, audacious and courageous with no sense of

danger. In their own world they are quite confident and,

if a leader, dictatorial and full of hatred, with revenge in

their minds. They express a coolness in the face of

opposition and adhere to a strict code of conduct, being

very sensitive to injustice and possessing a disgust of

the deceit of others. These are the angry lions that rule

the gangs and prison yards. They are separated from

their families and have thrown their lot fully in with the

criminal culture. It is their world and they rule.

Lac caninum

Another interesting remedy from the animal

kingdom that is useful for injury and alcoholism and fits

the picture of prison life is Lac caninum. Expressed in a

variety of ways by various authors, Lac caninum has the

interesting characteristics of having tormenting

imaginations and wandering thoughts. They can’t

collect their thoughts. When alone, it’s as if they are

floating out the window – a kind of disconnectedness, as

if the feet don’t even touch the ground. This

disconnection may be self-protective to cope with a

situation that is quite intolerable. Combine that state

with Lac caninum’s aggression and fears and we have a

common condition of prisoners. Especially those in

high security confinement. Under the reduced social

and environmental stimulation of twenty-three-and-a-

half-hour-a-day lockdown people become “buggy.”

They see insects on the walls and specters in their cells.

Hyper-reactivity to noise and touch characterizes this

disordered state. Anger and malice are common among

prisoners and Lac caninum has cursing and rage at the

slightest provocation, being very concerned about who

is the top dog. As in the pack structures of dogs, Lac

caninum gives up in the face of someone more

ferocious and tries to please and be liked, and easily

feels left out and rejected, as though given a raw deal.

Their malice arises in part from seeing someone as

responsible for their condition, with the ensuing hatred

and desire for revenge. Of course, the other side of this

state is depression, a friendless state of self-doubt and

self-contempt with little confidence in one’s self,

believing that he is looked down upon, that he is a

disgusting mass of disease. More than two-and-a-half

percent of U.S. prisoners live in segregated housing

facilities of total lockdown called control units or

supermax units. They are confined to their cells twenty-

three-and-a-half hours a day. They even eat in their

cells. There are no congregate activities of any kind,

even religious services or school and no work or

rehabilitative programs. Many exist under this regimen

for years on end, and many “nut up,” as they say, in just

the ways described for Lac caninum. Prisoners are

looked down upon in our society and terrible

mistreatment of them is accepted as normal. Also, in

prison there is a hierarchy with certain crimes more

loathsome than others; child molesters are at the bottom

and effeminate men and homosexuals subjects for

abuse.

Let’s finish this study with two recent additions to

our Materia Medica.

Granite

This rock comes from Ireland, near Galway in the

west of the island, and is particularly high in low level

radioactivity. The symptoms of interest are the peculiar

introversion mixed with an egoistic self-importance or

arrogance and anger toward others. Granite feels others

are trivial or petty and is quarrelsome and easily

angered, provoking arguments and fights, and

experiences the delusion of attacks and insults, that

everyone is an enemy.

These characteristics are actually a strategy of some

prisoners who seek to find a way to just do their time

and keep everyone else away, feeling that others have

only petty concerns and stupid needs. They want it their

own way and will fight to keep others out of their

sphere. Also, Granite is particularly known for its

amelioration from alcohol, and alcoholism is a very

common condition of the incarcerated.

Germanium

Germanium was discovered in 1889, twenty years

after MENDELEEV created the first systematic

arrangement of the elements in the Periodic Table.

Germanium filled a gap in the table almost exactly and

helped establish the Table as one of the most important

scientific discoveries of all time. The first transistors

and diodes were made with germanium, not silicon, as

silicon couldn’t be made pure enough in those early

years. Germanium is still used in fiber optics and

infrared optics, and it is used in bath salts in Japan.

Germanium makes a good civil servant and a good

prisoner who carries out his tasks but avoids any

responsibility. Germanium is even described as a

prisoner of controlled movement and measured speech.

He is the consummate denier, blaming others and side

stepping accusations. With all the avoidance he finally

is empty and powerless to do anything, very much like

the institutionalized prisoner (Delusion: he is a prisoner)

with a poor opinion of himself, trudging back and forth

to the chow hall or his degrading work assignment.

Emotions are suppressed and anger can explode out but

is quickly gone with no sense of responsibility. He has

no real interest in what he is doing, just a member of the

herd cruising along, speaking superficially in clichés.

But he is actually quite afraid of authorities, afraid he

will be found to be doing something wrong. He feels

like a stranger in society, not connected.

ADDENDUM: In preparing this paper I had occasion to

review a 1925 American Institute of Homeopathy

Directory of Physicians. In that year more than 8,500

physicians were listed with about 3,000 being members

of the AIH. There were seven U.S. journals, including

four national publications: the Journal of American

Institute of Homeopathy, The Hahnemannian Monthly,

The Homeopathic Recorder, Journal of Opthalmology,

Otology and Laryngology, and three regional journals;

Central Journal of Homeopathy (OH, MI, Southern),

The Clinique (WI, OK, MI, KS, IN, IL), and the Pacific

Coast Journal of Homeopathy (CA, OR, WA, SoCA).

Resources

1. A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica (1900),

J.H. CLARKE, Health Science Press, 1977

2. Birds: Homeopathic Remedies from the Avian

Realm, Jonathon Shore, MD, et al, Homeopathy

West, 2004

3. Concordant Materia Medica, Frans Vermeulen,

Merlyn Publishers, 1994

4. Homeopathy and the Elements, Jan Scholten,

Stichting Alonnissas, 1996

5. Lectures on Homeopathic Materia Medica (1904),

J.T. Kent, Jain Publishing, 1st Indian Edition

6. Materia Medica Viva, George Vithoulkas,

Homeopathic Book Publishers, 1995, 1997

7. Nature’s Materia Medica 3rd Edition, Robin

Murphy, ND, Lotus Health Institute, 2006

8. Pocket Manual of Homœopathic Materia Medica,

William Boericke, Boericke and Tafel, 1927

9. Prisma: The Arcana of Materia Medica

Illuminated, Frans Vermeulen, Emyes Press, 2002

10. The Soul of Remedies, Rajan Sankaran,

Homeopathic Medical Publishers, 1997

11. Synthesis: Repertorium Homeopathicum

Syntheticum 8.1, Frederik Schroyens, Homeopathic

Book Publishers, 2001

12. The Warehouse Prison, John Irwin, Roxbury

Publishing Company, 2005

13. Articles by Edward De Beukelaer (Germanium

Metallicum) and Carole Franske (The Electronic

Wave)

========================================

14. Stramonium

CREPIN, Denis (CGH. 28/1991)

This is a long, grand study of Stramonium; study

under the Miasms.

The symptoms representing the individual Miasms,

Psora, Sycosis, Syphilis, in terms of the symptoms

represented in the KENT, KNERR,

BOENNINGHAUSEN, BOERICKE repertories and in

the Materia and lectures, writings of HAHNEMANN,

HERING, JAHR, SCHMIDT, STAUFFER,

GALLAVARDIN, ALLEN, MASI.

Extracts from the article are given hereunder:

SYCOSIS

- Delusions, voices hears (K 34)

- Egotism, self-esteem (Stauffer).

- Delusions divine being (K 34)

- Delusions, has power over all diseases (Knerr).

- Delusions, seeing angels (Kent), sees devils (K 23).

- After spasm, she fell into a trance, says she is under

influence of spirits, and has had conversation with

spirits, communicative from God; delivers

emphatic sermons, prophecies (Hering)

- Prophesying (K 69)

- Delusions, that he is in communication with God

(K 26)

- Delusions, he is God, then he is devil (Knerr)

- Delusions, under a powerful influence (Knerr)

- Haughty (K 51) – Insanity haughty

(Boenninghausen).

- Delusions, enlarged (K 24).

- Delusions, enlarged tall, is very (K 25)

- Delusions, large himself seems too (K 28).

- Imagines that he is very large and tall, but

surrounding objects small (Hering)

- Delusions, things appear small (K 32)

- Delusions, things grows smaller (Jahr).

- Delusions, double of being (K 24)

- Delusions, enlarged parts ofbody (K 25).

- Delusions, large parts of body seem too (K 28).

- Delusions, he is incorporeal (Stauffer).

- Speech, prattling (K 82) – Speech affected

(Boenninghausen).

- Talking, pleasure in his own (K 86).

- Talk of others agg. (K 86).

- Contemptuous (Boenninghausen).

- Delusions, others are dogs, barks at them to be

understood (Knerr).

- Boaster (Gallavardin).

- Ailments from mortification (K 68).

- Ailments from reproaches (Knerr).

- Lewdness (K 62). Lewd talk (K 62). Lewd songs

(K 62)

- Obscene, amative (Boericke).

- Lasciviousness, lustful (K 61).

- Naked, wants to be (K 68), indescently dresses

(Boenninghausen)

- Indifference to exposure of her person (K 55)

- Sexual erethism, with indecent speech and action,

hands constantly kept on genitals (Boericke).

- Shameless (K 79).

- Insanity erotic (Kent).

- Moral feeling, want of (Boenninghausen).

- Erotomania (Boericke) – Nymphomania (K 68).

- Thoughts sexual (Jahr).

- Delusions, he is possessed of a devil (Gallavardin).

- Delusions, she is beautiful and wants to be

(Schmidt).

- Libertinism (Gallavardin).

- Delusions, he is honest (Knerr).

- Delusions, she is pure (Schmidt).

- Bashful (K 9)

- Singing (K 80)

- Whistling (K 95) – Loquacity, talks incessantly

(Boericke).

- Speech loud (K 82).

- Talks with persons absent (Allen).

- Talks in a foreign tongue (K 81)

- Conversing in different languages (Hering).

- Talking in Jewish jargon (Hering).

- Verses, makes (K 91)

- Voice barking, croaking, higher, hoarseness,

inflexible, lost, rough, shrieking, squeaking,

toneless, weak, whining, whispering (K 758 à K

762).

- Speech babbling (Knerr).

- Speech confused (K 81).

- Speech extravagant (K 81) – Speech nonsense (K

82).

- Speech incoherent (K 81) – Speech foolish (K 81).

- Speech wandering (K 82) – Speech Unintelligible

(K 82)

- Talks to himself (K 87).

- Uses wrong words in talking (Hering).

- Mistakes, call things by wrong names (K 66).

- Mistakes in speaking (K 66).

- Misplacing words (K 66).

- Reverse words (K 67).

- Spelling in (K 66). Words, using wrong (Knerr).

- Says plums, when he means pears (K 67).

- Mistakes writing: transposing letters (K 67).

- Delusions, being broken in fragments, scattered

about (Boerckie).

- Delusions, thinks is naked (K 30)

- Delusions, limbs are separated of the body

(Boericke).

- Delusions, feet are separated of the body

(Hahnemann).

- Delusions, hands are separated of the body

(Hahnemann).

- Delusions, legs cut off are (K 28).

- Delusions three legs has (Stauffer).

- Thinks disease will break out of head (Kent).

- Stiff tongue (K 420).

- Delusions, body alive on one side, buried on the

other (K 22).

- Delusions, body is divided (Jahr).

- Delusions, cut through, as if he were, in two

(Gallavardin).

- Delusions, divided in two parts (K 24).

- Delusions, he cannot walk (Stauffer).

- Mental symptoms from injury (Boenninghausen).

- Mood alternating (Boenninghausen).

- Mood changeable (K 68).

- Inconstancy (Allen).

- Alternating between exalted states and settled

melancholy (Hering)

- Weeping alternating with cheerfulness (Knerr),

laughter (K 93), and singing (Allen).

- Very changeable disposition, alternance

anticipations of death and rage; laughable gestures

and melancholy deportment, affected haughtiness

and inconsolableness (Hering).

- Morose followed by laughing (Knerr).

- Ill humor into veherence followed immediately by a

disposition to laugh, even aloud (Hering).

Sentiment of culpability

- Megalomania (Boenninghausen).

- Anxiety of conscience, as if guilty of a crime

(Knerr).

- Delusions, that he has neglected his duty (Masi)

- Remorse (K 71), pangs of conscience (Hering).

- Reproaches himself (Boenninghausen).

- Delusions she not fitted for her position (Knerr).

- Imagine qu’il prend son livre pour aller à l’école

mais passé par une fausse porte (Jahr).

- Anguish (Boenninghausen).

- Sighing (K 80) + during perspiration (K 80).

- Sighing, throat with grasping at (Knerr).

- A peculiar sensation of anxiety, anguish, despair

(Hering).

- Anxiety about future (K 7), about salvation (K 8).

- Discouraged (K 37).

- Had a constant vision of an executioner standing

before him, in spite of which he was lively,

talkative, laughed, and joked about his

hallucination, yet it seemed to him a reality

(Hering).

- Downcast and full of anguish, believes herself

unworthy, of eternal bliss, because she is cruable to

perform her duties (Hering).

- Doubtful of soul’s welfare (K 37).

- Despair of religious salvation (K 36).

- Delusions being doomed, loss to salvation

(Boericke).

- Excentricity religious (Gallavardin).

- Delusions religious (Atauffer).

- Religious affections (Kent).

- Melancholia religious (Jahr).

- Singing latin pater noster (Knerr).

- Wants to read all day the bible (Schmidt).

- They confess themselves loud (Gallavardin).

- Praying (K 69) – Kneeling (K 61).

- Begging (K 9).

- Vertigo when kneeling (K 100).

- Propensity to pray, beseech, entrea (Boericke).

- Melancholic despondent, depressed, apprehensive,

gloomy “blues” (Boericke)

- Inconsolable (K 54).

- Hide desire to (K 51).

- Insanity with desire to escape (Gallavardin).

- Exhilaration (K 41).

- Exuberance (Jahr).

- Cheerful with dancing, laughing, singing (Jahr).

- Foolish behavior (K 48) – Howling

(Boenninghausen).

- Grimaces (K 51).

- Gossiping (K 50).

- Laughing with speechlessness (Knerr), at trifles

(Gallavardin), violent (Kent), with ill-humor

(Knerr), in imbecility (Gallavardin).

- Cheerful alternating with frenzy, groaning, ill-

humor, violence, sadness, weeping (K 61-62).

- Singing alternating with weeping (K 80) and

laughing (Allen).

- Weeping aloud, sobbing (Knerr).

- Weeping violent (K 94)

- Whimpering (Hahnemann).

Must have light and company (Boericke)

- Mélancolie avec désir de société et de clarté du

soleil parce que l’obscurité et la solitude aggravent

l’état (Gallavardin).

- Mélancolie avec désir de société, de lumière, de la

claret du soleil, puisque l’obscurité et la solitude

aggravent l’état (Jahr).

- Melancholia agg, after fall equinox; in darkness,

when alone and in morning; wants light (sunshine)

and company (Hering).

- Insanity with desire for light and company (Knerr).

Solitude

- Sadness when alone (K 76).

- Fear of being alone (K 43).

- Company desire for, alone while agg. (K 12).

- Inconsolable, alone and darkness agg. (K 54).

- Diarrhea when alone (K 611).

- Company aversion, yet fear of being alone

(Boenninghausen).

- Forsaken feeling (K 49) + sensation of isolation (K

49).

- Delusions she is always alone (K 20) + in a

wilderness (K 20).

- Imagines he is alone and is frightened (Hering).

- Solitude, aversion to (Boericke).

Darkness

- Longing for sunshine, light and society (K 63).

- Company, desire for at night (K 12).

- Fear night (K 43).

- Night terrors (Boericke).

- Praying night (K 69) – Piety nocturnal (K 59).

- Fear of tunnels (Schmidt). Fear in narrow places

(K 46).

- Sadness in darkness (K 76).

- Sadness evening (K 76) + in bed (K 76).

- Brooding (Knerr).

- Tristesse le soir au lit avec pensées de mort et

pleurs abondants (Jahr).

- Complaints that it is dark and calls for light

(Boericke).

- Lamenting night (Allen).

- Weeps all night, laughs all day (K 93).

- Darkness agg. (K 17). Diarrhea darkness agg. (K

612).

- Sleeplessness in a dark room (K 1253).

- Après l’équinoxe d’automne, l’état est pire (Jahr).

- Vertigo tendency to fall in the dark (K 99).

- Vertigo, dark room on entering (K 43)

- Faintness in dark places (K 1359).

- Pain head, vaults and cellars (K 150)

- Black aversion to everything that is ( K 9)

- Fear of dark ( K 43)

- Fear of everything black (Schmidt).

- Vision, black objects (K 272)

- Vision, black spots (K 272)

- Vision, Gray objects seem (K 273)

- Delusions, sees black objects and people (K 21)

- Has visions night (Knerr)

- Delusions, horrible in the dark (K 34)

- Delusions, images, phantoms, sees black(K 27)

- Delusions, images, phantoms, sees in the dark

(K 28)

- Delusions, visions on closing the eyes (K 34)

Water

- Fear of water (K 48).

- Anxiety from noise of rushing water (K 7).

- Excitement from hearing water poured out (K 41).

- Fear from noise of rushing water (K 46).

- Sensitive to noise of water splashing (K 79).

- Rage, sight of water (K 71).

- Rage, while drinking (K 71).

- Convulsions at a sight of water (K 1356).

- Hurry in drinking (Knerr).

- Swallowing difficult liquids (K 468).

- Aversion water (K 482).

- Hydrophobia (K 52) + screams or howls in a high

voice (Knerr).

- Mental symptoms after drinking (K 37).

Threat

- Sits motionless like statue (K 84) – (Stupéfaction).

- Sits quite stiff (K 81).

- Sits erect (Boenninghausen).

- Sits wrapped in deep, sad thoughts and notices

nothing as if (Knerr).

- Absorbed, buried in thoughts (K 1).

- As if in a dream (K 37).

- Abstraction of mind (K 1).

- Torpor (K 89).

- Thoughts vanishing (Knerr).

- Dullness, unable to think long (K 38).

- Starting from fright (K 83) – Startles easily

(Boericke).

- Hallucinations causes fear and fright (Hering).

- Fear from touch (Boericke).

- Face: expression of terror (Boericke).

- Delusions of bugs and cockroaches (Knerr).

- Delusions of beetles, worms etc… (K 21).

- Delusions rats, mice, insects (K 21).

- Hallucinations causes fear and fright (Hering).

- Delusions snake in and around her (Knerr).

- Delusions snake under and about her at night

(Hering).

- Exclaims about cats, dogs and rabbits approaching

her from above, side, and middle of room (Hering).

- Delusions, sees limaces (Stauffer).

- Delusions, creeping things, full of (Knerr).

- Frightful figures, rats, mice; sees animal moving,

cats, dogs etc… (Hering).

- Fear of animals (K 43).

- Delusions, vision horrible (K 34).

- Delusions horrible besides him (Jahr).

- Fear of dogs (K 44).

- Delusions, dogs swarm about him (K 24).

- Delusions, dogs attack him (K 24).

- Delusions, dogs biting his chest (K 24).

- Delusions, bitten will be (Boenninghausen).

- Fear of being devored by animals (K 44).

- Delusions of animals jump out of the ground (K

21).

- Delusions that he was killed and being eaten

(Hering).

- Hallucinations which terrify patient, sees ghosts,

hears voices back of his ears; sees strangers

(Hering).

- Saw people coming out of all corners (Hering).

- Delusions, sees images, phantoms, rising out of the

earth (K 28).

- Delusions, sees specters, ghosts, spirits (K 32).

- Cannot shrieking, but wants to scream (Knerr).

- Fear of strangers (K 47).

- Looked at, cannot bear to be (K 63).

- Delusions, injury is about to receive (K 28).

- Delusions, is being injured (K 28).

- Fear injured of being (K 45).

- Delusions, that he is persecuted (K 30).

- Escape, attempts to (K 39).

- Escape, attempts to with shrieking (Knerr).

- Cowardice (Boenninghausen).

- Delusions, scream obliging to (Jahr).

- Fear, approaching him of others (K 43).

- Escape, attempts to, is restrained with difficulty

(Knerr).

- Delusions, thought, he was pursued by enemies, by

ghosts (K 31).

- Hurry in movements (K 52).

- Hurry in movements while walking (K 52).

- Hide, desire to (K 51).

- Fear with desire to escape (Jahr).

- Delusions, sees images, phantoms black, in the

dark, frightful side at his (K 27-28).

- Sees more horrifying images at his side than in

front of him and they all occasion terror (Hering).

- Delusions, house is surrounded (K 27).

- Delusions, room is on fire (K 26).

- Fear, fire, things will catch (Kent).

- Delusions, murdered, that he was killed, roasted

and eaten (K 29).

- Fear of being murdered (K 46) – Fire, visions of (K

25).

Destructive SYPHILITIC

- Delusions of animal creeping in her (K 21).

- Anger from contradiction (K 2).

- Contradiction is intolerant of (K 16).

- Shrieking (K 80) – Shrieking sudden (Allen).

- Cursing (K 17) – Abusive (K 1).

- Anger (K 2) – Anger violent (Jahr).

- Rage after insults (K 71).

- Rage from hallucination (Knerr).

- Makes gestures violent (K 50).

- Stamps the feet (K 50) – Biting (K 9).

- Desire to bite (Knerr) – Bites people (Gallavardin).

- Idiocy, bite desire to (Schmidt).

- Desire to bite during delirium (Knerr).

- Delirium wild, violent, raging (K 19-20).

- Rage violent (K 71) – Rage, fury (K 70).

- Rage with biting (K 71) – Wildness (K 95).

- Rudeness (K 75) – Violent.

- Violent, deeds, rage, leading to (K 91).

- Spits on face of people (K 82).

- Thoughts persistent, homicide (K 87).

- Kill, desire to (K 60) – Misanthropy

(Boenninghausen).

- Rage, tries to kill people (K 71).

- Rage, touch renewed by (K 71).

- Offended easily (K 69).

- Quarrelsome (K 70).

- Quarrelsome causeless (Jahr).

- Anger at trifles (Boenninghausen).

- Barking (K 9) – Mischievous (K 66).

- Delirium, answers abruptly (Boericke).

- Irritability (K 58) – Malicious (K 63).

- Irritability when spoken to (K 59).

- Insolent (K 57).

- Indiscretion (K 55).

- Speech violent (Kent).

- Beside oneself being (Boenninghausen).

- Destructiveness (K 36).

- Tears things (K 87).

- Break things, desire to (K 10).

- Threatening (K 88) – Cruelty (Boericke).

- Anger with face red (Gallavardin).

- Eyes protusion (K 263) – Strabismus (K 266).

- Anger alternating with laughing (Jahr).

- Anger alternating with cheerfulness (K 2).

- Rage alternating with convulsions (K 71).

- Mouth dribbling of viscid saliva (Boericke).

- Chewing motion of the jaw (K 356).

- Vomiting fluid green (K 538).

- Hot cheek (Hering).

- Blood rushing to face (Hering).

- White circle around mouth (Hering).

- Slander, disposition to (K 81).

- Striking (K 84).

- Striking, boy clawing his father’s face (Knerr).

- Striking, about him at imaginary objects (K 84).

- Throws things away (Knerr).

- Destructiveness of clothes (K 36).

- Suicidal disposition (K 85).

- Suicidal disposition with knife (K 85).

- Suicidal disposition with razor (Knerr).

- Suicidal disposition by throwing himself from a

height (K 85).

- Disposition to suicide, wanted a razor to cut his

throat (Hering).

- Multilating his body (Boericke).

- Weary of life (K 92).

- Desire death (Boenninghausen).

- Loathing of life (K 62).

- Mania, tears himself to pieces with nails

(Gallavardin).

- Tears himself (K 87).

- Mania, with deeds of violence (Jahr).

- Mania, with rage (Allen).

- Indifference to suffering (K 55).

- Indifference complain, does not (K 54).

- Semi-consciousness (Knerr).

- Rage, unable to stand (Knerr).

******

- Eruption, rash (K 1317) – Eruption, rash, red (K

1318).

- Thoughts of death (K 17).

- Presentiment of death (K 17).

- Delusions, that himself was dead (K 23).

- Fear of death (K 44).

- Looked at, cannot bear to be (K 63).

- Evades look of the other persons (Knerr).

- Hide, desire to (K 51).

- Vertigo, crossing water (K 106).

- Unconsciousness, vertigo during (K 91).

- Unconsciousness, twitching of limbs, with (Knerr).

- Unconsciousness, motionless like a statue (K 90).

- Unconsciousness, with eyes fixed (K 90).

- Answers, aversion to (K 3).

- Answers, refuses to (K 3).

- Talk, indisposed and sits, does not move (Knerr).

- Fear of brilliants objects (K 43).

- Impulse, rash (Gallavardin).

- Kleptomania (K 61).

- Rage alternating with presentiment of death

(Knerr).

- Impertinence (Schmidt).

- Impertinence in his acts (Gallavardin).

- Eruption suppressed (K 1319).

- Rage while drinking (K 71).

- Stupefaction, transpiration during (K 84).

- Stupefaction, chill during (K 84).

- Unconsciousness, starts up a wild manner, but

could not keep the eyes open (Knerr).

- Delusions, he cannot see (Jahr).

- Somnambulism (K 81).

- Insecurity with desire to travel (Gallavardin).

- Delusions, sees dead persons (Boenninghausen).

- Delusions, sees people (K 30).

- Delusions, sees a number of strangers and tries to

seize them (Knerr).

- Presence of strangers agg. (K 84).

- Anxiety in presence of strangers (K 8) – Anxiety in

a crowd (K 6).

- Suspicious (K 86).

- Jealousy (K 60).

- Circonspect (Boenninghausen).

- Crank (Gallavardin) – Extravagance (K 4).

- Talks with persons absent (Allen).

- Delusions, converses with absent people (K 30).

- Executioner, vision of a (K 25).

- Fire, visions of (K 25)

- Visions, balls of fire (K 271).

- Delusions, hears voices of dead people (K 34).

- Cough, look into fire (K 791).

- Delusions, he hears music (K 29).

- Vanishing of senses (K 78).

- Delusions, doomed of being (Boericke).

- Spoken , aversion to (K 82).

- Dullness (K 37) – Prostration of mind

(Boenninghausen).

- Idiocy (Boenninghausen) – Imbecility (K 93).

- Answers incorrectly (Knerr).

- Answers disconnected (Knerr).

- Anxiety when speaking (K 8).

- Anxiety from conversation (K 6).

- Naïve (Gallavardin) – Naïve but very intelligent

(Gallavardin).

- Kneeling and praying (K 61) – Praying (K 69).

- Remorse (K 71) – Ectasy (K 39).

- Kisses every one (K 61) – Squanders (Gallavardin).

- Heedless (Gallavardin).

- Gestures involuntary, motions of the hand spinning

and weaving (K 50).

- Hurry in movements (K 52).

- Thirst extreme (K 529).

- Thirst during respiration (K 529).

- Mouth dryness (K 403).

- Head staggers with tendency to fall forward and to

the left (Boericke).

- Vertigo when kneeling (K 100).

- Convulsions at sight of water (K 1356).

- Thirst with dread of liquids (K 529).

- Refuses to take the medicine (Knerr).

- Fear of mirrors in a room (K 46).

- Thirst for large quantities (K 529).

- Thirst violent (Hering).

- Thirst for large quantities, drinking with avidity

(Hering) and vomiting (Hering).

- Cannot swallow on account of spasm (Boericke).

- Swallowing liquids difficult (K 468).

- Swallowing liquids impeded (K 468).

- Swallowing liquids impossible (K 468).

- Vomiting water (K 540).

- Urging sudden, hasten to urinate must or urine will

escape (K 655).

- Urging ineffectual (K 654).

- Paralysis bladder (K 650).

- Urination retarded, must continue to press, if he

stop to breathe, the urine ceases to flow until he

strains again (K 661).

- Pain occiput, looking at bright objects (K 163).

- Diarrhea from light bright (K 613).

- Searching on floor (K 69).

- Fills pockets with anything (Allen).

- Occupation amel. (K 69).

- Food tastes like straw (Boericke).

- Sleepy, but cannot sleep (Boericke).

The Passage

- Sleeplessness in a dark room (K 1253).

- Diarrhea, darkness agg. (K 612).

- Pain head, vaults, cellars etc… (K 150).

- Pain head, darkness amel. (K 139).

- Faintness in dark places (K 1359).

- Vision dim, distant objects (K 276).

- Vision sparks (K 283).

- Vision obliquity (K 283).

- Looseness, sense of, in joints (K 1033).

- Motion extremities, loss of control (K 1033).

- Twitching foot (K 1219) – Twitching (K 1215).

- Hemiplegia, twitching of one side, the other is

paralysed (K 1176).

- Motions upper limbs beating with one, grouping

with the other (K 1034).

- Jerking upper limbs (K 1069).

- Jerking hand (K 1030).

- Jerking foot (K 1131).

- Separated , sensation, upper limbs (K 1189).

- Separated, sensation, lower limbs (K 1189).

- Separated, legs, as if severed from his body (K

1189).

- Unsteadiness lower limbs (K 1222).

- Incoordination (K 1017).

- Motions extremities convulsive (K 1023).

- Motions extremities involuntary (K 1033).

- Motions extremities irregular (K 1033).

- Motions, upper limbs agitated, lower limbs quiet (K

1034).

- Motions fingers constant (K 1034).

- Delusions, that he is falling (K 25).

- Delusions, things will fall (K 25).

- Delusions, that hat is a pair of trousers which he

tries to put on (K 26).

- Fear of falling (K 45).

- Fear everything is falling on her (Knerr).

- Jesting, ridiculous or foolish (K 50).

- Gestures makes (K 50).

- Gestures makes, hands grasping or reaching at

something quickly (K 50).

- Shrieking in mania, unless she hold on to

something (K 80).

- Gestures strange of arms (Gallavardin).

- Gestures clapping of the hands (K 50).

- Gestures, grasping hands at genitals, during

spasms(K 50).

- Gestures, grasping hands quickly (K 50).

- Gestures, motions involuntary of the hands (K 50).

- Gestures, motions involuntary of the hands to the

head (K 50).

- Gestures, motions involuntary of the hands

throwing about (K 50).

- Gestures, motions involuntary of the hands

throwing over head (K 50).

- Gestures, motions involuntary of the hands waving

in the air (K 50).

- Gestures, motions involuntary of the hands, as if

winding a ball (K 50).

- Gestures, extravagant (Allen).

- Gestures ridiculous or foolish (K 50).

- Gestures violent (K 50).

- Gestures wringing the hands (K 50).

- Gestures usual vocation, of his (K 50).

- Jumping (K 60).

- Motions extremities, agility, great (K 1033).

- Catches at imaginary appearance (Allen)

- Childish behavior (K 11) – Affectation (K 1).

- Delusions, bed drawn under from her (K 21).

- Delusions, bed, creases is full of (Hering).

- Delusions, bed, someone is with him (K 21).

- Delirium, effort to escape from bed, or hide

(Boericke).

- Restlessness, tossing about in bed (K 73).

- Restlessness, wants to go from one bed to another

(K 73).

- Rage, tossing about in bed, making unintelligible

signs (Knerr).

- Confusion, makes him jumps out of bed (Jahr).

- Delusions, bed swimming (Hahnemann).

- Jumping out of bed (K 60).

- Delirium, springs up suddenly from bed and

escapes (Knerr).

- Delusions lying crosswise (K 29).

- Gestures, picks at bed clothes (K 50).

- Raise the head frequently from the pillow (K 229).

- Delusions, his body is scattered about bed, tossed

about to get the pieces together (Boericke).

- Faintness (K 1358).

- Faintness in dark places (K 1359).

Renaissances

- Catalepsy (Boericke).

- Delusions, hears voices distant (K 34).

- Delusions, visits a churchyard (K 22).

- Shrieking on waking (K 80).

- Mania, hands, claps (Knerr) – Kicks (K 60).

- Insanity, stamps the feet (Gallavardin).

- Vision dazzling sunlight (K 275).

- Astonished (Allen).

- After awaking, he recognize nothing about him

(Hering).

- Does not recognize his relatives (K 71).

- Delusions, everything is new (K 30).

- Does not recognize the one to speaking (Knerr).

- Delusions, he sees strangers (K 33).

- Delusions, friends appear as strangers (K 33).

- Delusions, he had never see his friends after waking

(Knerr).

- Mistakes in localities (K 66).

- Memory weakness in names (Allen).

- Memory, weakness for proper names (K 65).

- Memory, weakness for persons (K 65).

- Delusions, everything is strange (K 33).

- Delusions, familiar things seem strange (K 33).

- Frightened easily, wakens terrified, knows no one,

screams cling to those near (K 49).

- Clinging to persons (K 12).

- Catches at people (Jahr).

- Indifference to pleasure (K 55).

- Indifference to agreeable things (K 54).

- Delusions, identity errors of personal (K 27).

- Confusion identity, as to his duality sense of

(Boenninghausen).

- Speech, lost or paralysis (aphasia) (Boericke).

- Speech difficult, from spasm in tongue (K 419).

- Clinging, held wants to be (Boenninghausen).

- Clinging, held on being (Boenninghausen).

- Speech slow, difficult enunciation, inarticulate,

stammering (Boericke).

- Delusions, wife is faithless (K 35).

- Delusions, wife has lovers concealed behind stove

(Knerr).

- Delusions, dancing in a churchyard (K 22).

- Forgetful (K 48).

========================================

THE SADNESS OF SUPERFICIALITIES AND OF

THE UNFULFILLED GREAT INTEGRITY

It is sometimes deeply depressing to be a rebel,

knowing that we can never share most people’s

way of life, nor can they share ours.

Schooling stuffs the brains of our children with

trivia.

The more the trivia, the more their anxieties.

They indoctrinate the children to believe that the

consequences are grave

when they fail to distinguish “good” from “evil”,

and agreement from disagreement.

What gross nonsense!

To escape the rubbish of all this so-called

knowledge,

in the winter people run to the great feasts of lamb,

pork and ox,

and they climb high in the mountains to view the

first signs of spring.

We are so different! Having no desire for the

trivialities,

nor for their compensations, we are like infants not

yet knowing how to laugh!

Ever wandering, and having no home to which we

may return.

While most people are obsessed with

superficialities, we feel empty.

While most people feel they know so much, we

feel simple-minded.

While most people believe they live happily in the

best of all possible worlds,

we are despaired to witness this world!

It is so painful to know that we will always be

outsiders,

endlessly moving like the ocean, aimlessly

blowing like the wind.

While we fear what others fear, we don’t treasure

what others treasure.

Our treasure is the Great Integrity.

However, until it is shared, it will not be the

Universal Integrity,

for we are part of them, and they are part of us.

TAO TE CHING

- LAO TZU

=======================================

PART III

(While Part II features articles from other journals, Part III contains the editor’s own contribution and other original

articles.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MATERIA NON-MEDICA

1. Peasants set the fashion in Bolivia’s ethnic

revolution

The dress of the marginalized has now become

synonymous with authority

CARROLL, Rory

(The Hindu, Chennai. July 30, 2007)

For centuries the traditional dress of South

America’s indigenous people has been mocked as the

garb of losers. The Indians lost power to the

conquistadors, they lost land and wealth to waves of

European settlers, and eventually they lost pride.

The bright tunics and unusual hats were belittled by

the paler-skinned elites as the uniform of marginalized

peasants in the highlands and shanty-dwellers in the

cities.

But in a dramatic turnaround the style has now

become synonymous with authority. Evo Morales, the

president of Bolivia and a figurehead for the indigenous

movement, has led the way by turning traditional dress

into a statement that the natives are back in the game.

The outfit he wore on the eve of his January 2006

inauguration – a multi-coloured tunic and an alpaca-

wool sweater with a four-pointed hat, and a garland of

coca leaves – is to be officially declared a national

treasure.

“It was one of the most important moments. Those

clothes were symbols. Right there was contained our

history and patrimony,” said Juan Ramon Quintana,

Minister to the Presidency, when he unveiled the plan to

immortalize the clothes. Just a few years ago the outfit,

which Morales wore at an indigenous ceremony in the

sanctuary of Tiawanacu, would have been seen only in

remote villages or in displays for tourists.

That it should now be elevated to a totem of

national pride reflects the ascendancy of Mr. Morales, a

former coca-grower and radical left-winger, over the

economic and political establishment that used to run

the country.

Indigenous people are still economically

marginalized and often the victims of racism, but in the

past decade they have emerged as a formidable political

force. To protest against crushing poverty and neglect,

they have blocked motor-ways, clashed with police, and

even swung elections.

Bolivia led the way. Mr. Morales swept to power

in 2005 by mobilizing indigenous voters, previously

neglected by the European-influenced elite. As his

clout has grown, so has the visibility of traditional

(Mahatma Gandhi was taken to heart by the people

because he wore a one piece cloth which was the

maximum an ordinary peasant of India could afford. –

K. S. SRINIVASAN).

========================================

2. When the Postman knocked … (The Hindu,

Chennai dated 1 April 2013)

K.V.S. Krishna, a former planter mentioned that

environmentalists are not likely to know several salient

facts about plantation crops. Indian forests absorb two

tonnes of Carbon di-oxide per hectare, per year.

Plantation crops “like, tea, rubber, coffee and coconuts”

absorb more than 30 tonnes of carbon di-oxide per

hectare per year.

Tea plants release 69.5 percent of Carbon di-oxide

as oxygen into atmosphere, improving the atmosphere

much more than forests do one Kg of biomass absorbs

1.45 Kg of Carbon di-oxide.

========================================

3. Warrior for a river. Veera Bhadra MISHRA:

1938-2013. The Hindu, March 16, 2013.

Professor Veera Bhadra MISHRA, 74 years noted

environmentalist and mahant of the famous

Sankatmochan temple died at Banaras Hindu University

(BHU) Hospital. He was admitted for lung infection for

about 12 days.

Professor Mishra, who inherited the position of

Mahant at 14 years after his father’s death, a non-profit,

non-political Organisation working for the cause of

Ganga in Varanasi since 1982.

He was a former professor of hydraulic

engineering, retired as the head of the civil engineering

department at his alma mater, the Institute of

Technology, BHU. Though a religious person, he

joined his training with his spirituality, juggling the

political, environmental and the holy into a practical

crusade to free the river pollutions.

As an expert member of the National Ganga River

Basin Authority (NGRBA), he worked towards

arresting the Ganga’s fast deteriorating condition. His

multifaced and innovative measures won him

recognition from the United Nations Environment

Programme which put him on its Global 500 Roll of

Honour in 1992 – Time magazine declared him as

“Hero of the Planet” (1999) for bringing the plight of

the Ganga to the World’s attention and inspiring other

river activists.

He rightly won the epithet “Ganga Putra” (Son of

the Ganga). He said, “I am part of Ganga and Ganga is

part of me”

He believed the river was more for the mind than

body. He displayed a multi talented character,

wrestling, upholder of sanskritic values and education

and conservator of classical music. He also personified

the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, even in times of communal

distress, especially during the 2006 Sankat Mochan

attack.

It is difficult to think of him beyond his intimacy

with the river. His dream was to cleanse the Ganga and

at the same time inspire the political world and the

society to work towards it. Though he considered the

Ganga’s devotees a vanishing species, he remained

hopeful to the end that one day, there would not be a

drop of sewage in the river.

========================================

4. “Surprise over World Food Prize for GMO

scientists”. (The Hindu, 1 July 2013, Chennai)

“It’s a prize from Monsanto to Monsanto” says one

NGO: A selection committee chaired by M.S.

Swaminathan awarding the World Food Prize for 2013

to three scientists including multinational agricultural

biotechnology corporation Monsanto’s chief technology

officr, despite prevalent controversies and concerns over

the technology of genetically modified organisms, has

added fuel to the worldwide GMO debate.

…. The World Food Prize Foundation said the

work of the three scientists in biotechnological research

(involving insertion of foreign genes into plants) had led

to the development of a host of high yielding and pest-

resistant GM crops…..”

The three scientists who have received the prize

belong to the corporation!

… It may be recalled that the cotton crops in the

Vidarba region of Maharashtra was responsible for the

suicides of hundreds of farmers.

[The ‘engineering’ of naturally evolved plants and

further crops held with the ‘engineering corporation’

(not with the farmers) is fascism = KSS]

“… This mockery of the World Food Prize being

given to corporate sponsored biotech scientists shows a

concerted effort to ensure that farmer-controlled

sustainable alternatives remain invisible and

unsupported,” said Kavita Kuruganti, national convener

of Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture.

“This is like mortgaging farming to MNCs.”

In India, a Supreme Court-appointed Technical

Expert Committee has recommended a 10-year

moratorium on open field trials of transgenic food crops

until regulatory mechanisms and safety standards are

put in place. …..” [The Multinational Corporations are

powerful enough to influence every authority in the

governments. = KSS]

========================================

WE ARE THE WORLD

Those who have most power and wealth

treat the planet as a thing to be possessed,

to be used and abused according to their own dictates,

But the planet is a living organism,

a Great Spiritual Integrity.

To violate this Integrity

is certain to cull forth disaster

since each and every one of us

is an inherent part

of this very organism.

All attempts to control the world

can only lead to its decimation

and to our own demise

since we are an inseparable part

of what we are senselessly trying to coerce.

Any attempt to possess the world

can only lead to its loss

and to our own dissolution

since we are an intrinsic part

of what we are foolishly trying to possess.

The world’s pulse is our pulse.

The world’s rhythms are our rhythms.

To treat our planet with care, moderation and love

is to be in synchrony with ourselves

and to live in the great Integrity.

- TAO TE CHING

LAO TZU

====================================

BOOKSHELF

1. Materia Medica Revisa Homoeopathiae –

Alumina. Von Jürgen Nickolas, Hrsg. Klaus-

Henning GYPSER, Wunnibald Gypser Verlag. 2011.

ISBN 9738-3-940940-179. (German).

This book (Monograph) is in the series of revised

Materia Medica carefully compiled from reliable

sources.

Alumina, an antipsoric medicine in Hahnemann’s

“Chronic Diseases”, is an infrequently used medicine,

perhaps because the symptoms guiding to this remedy

are not well-known.

First proving was published in Hartlaub & Trinks,

Pure Materia Medica, 1829. The authors have given in

detail the source ofthe medicine.

HAHNEMANN also has said that he sourced from

Oxide of Aluminium. According to HERING,

HAHNEMANN’s source was more reliable (See

Chronic Disease and Guiding Symptoms).

HAHNEMANN obtained his raw substance from the

region of Naples (Rome), whose purity was assured.

Boenninghausen’s Aluminium metallicum, and

Tabes Dorsalis and Aluminium metallicum in his

Lesser Writings translated by TAFEL was one of the

earliest homœopathic books that I came to read in 1962

and I have not to this day overcome – nearly 50 years –

the awesomeness at the power of the small globule. It

enthused one to read BÖNNINGHAUSEN. Later in

1984 I obtained Gypser’s ‘Bönninghausens kleine

medizinische Schriften’ and read them through (except

those in French).

In the ‘Nachwort’ (Afterword) is mentioned “….

Depersonalisation, sowie ….. eine … Traurigkeit …’

und nicht von einer Krankheit genesen zu können …”.

This was the expression in a patient of mine to whom I

gave a dose Alumina and he was rapidly free of his

suffering. This brief case was published in the ZKH …

Because a ‘repertorisation’ may not bring out

Alumina, this remedy is under-prescribed. If the

practitioner gains more Materia Medica knowledge,

instead of working with a computer Repertory he/she

would do well several of our valuable remedies.

As in previous Monographs this too is very good in

regard to paper, printing, binding etc. A must in every

homœopaths bookshelf.

Dr. K.S. SRINIVASAN.

========================================

2. Materia Medica Revisa Homoeopathiae, Ambra

grisea, von Dieter MITSCHER, Hrsg von Klaus-

Henning GYPSER, Gypser Verlag, Glees. 2013.

ISBN – 978-3-940940-28-5.

This Monograph by Dr. MITSCHER has made a

detailed study of Ambra grisea. The remedy is known

since 500 years and has been used in Arabic Medicine

since the middle ages.

Until the remedy was proved by HAHNEMANN,

Ambra was used as ‘Nervine’ medicine for paralysed

limbs, poor memory, Epilepsy, hysterical attacks,

impotence, etc.

HAHNEMANN introduced the remedy in 1827.

Only the name of Count GERSDORF is given in the

Provers’ name. However, several ‘female’ symptoms

have been given. The Guiding Symptoms also gives

several female symptoms with thick single bar.

It has been pointed out that in 1985 there was a

Proving in Austria which confirmed many symptoms in

HAHNEMANN Proving.

Ambra is a rarely used medicine although its

characteristics are clear. There are several symptoms

relating to pains of the extremities. Similarly heart

symptoms: violent palpitations; Extra systoles.

It will be much rewarding to read the Materia

medica closely.

This Monograph must find place in every

practitioner bookshelf.

K.S. SRINIVASAN.

========================================

3. Materia Medica Revisa Homœopathiae

(MMRH) Ammonium carbonicum von Dominik

MÜLLER, Hrsg. Klaus-Henning GYPSER,

Gypser Verlag, Glees 2013, ISBN 978-3-940940-

29-2.

This Monograph in the series of MMRH carefully

compiled by Dominik MÜLLER has 1550 symptoms.

The author refers to a Proving published in the

International Hahnemannian Association

Proceedings in 1884 by Laila A. RENDELL, with over

200 symptoms. The proving was on herself, in Fincke’s

potencies.

A comparison of these symptoms showed the

similarity in regard to several symptoms published by

Hartlaub & Trinks and also Hahnemann’s. A careful

comparison suggested that there has been some

plagiarism in the Rendell published “proving”

symptoms.

A list of symptoms, from Hahnemann (Chronic

Diseases) and Rendell have been published at the end

of the book to show exact similarly some Verbatim.

After much consideration, the ‘proving’ of Rendell was

excluded from this Monograph.

Interesting Case Reports have been cited and

discussed.

Much effort has gone in the preparation of this

‘revised’ Materia Medica to make it most reliable.

Excellent work and must be in the hand of every

practitioner.

K.S. SRINIVASAN.

========================================

4. Materia Medica Revisa Homœopathiae

(MMRH) Anacardium – von Dominik MÜLLER

Hrsg. Klaus Henning GYPSER. Gypser Verlag.

2012. ISBN 978-3-940940-23-0.

Anacardium orientale – Marking Nut. Wellknown

for indecisiveness, poor memory. We have used it, in

many cases routinely, in school going (even in some

uriversity students) children during examination times

and have seen very good results.

Margaret TYLER’s Drug Picture has nice ‘aide

memoir’ ‘songs’ (recall Song of symptoms of

Patersimilias). There is one such on Anacardium. We

memorized this and the few others (Gelsemium,

Kreosote, Natrum muriaticum, Apis, etc.) and it has

been of great help in day-to-day practice.

We had, 30-35 years (or more) ago, an elderly

homœopath who regularly advertised and sold “Anac

Memory Pills” particularly during School and College

Examination times. Many students have told me that

they were of great help. These pills were also of great

help to those who were confronted with ‘choice’ of

answers – i.e. a question is given 4 answers and you

have to tick one out of these four; sine students took

time to decide and Anacardium certainly helped these

students to do well.

In his ‘Nachwort’ (Afterword), which everyone of

the Homœopathy Scholars give at the end of every

Monograph which gives briefly the details of their

endeavors; it would give us the extent to which the

authors have gone to ensure a genuine Pure Materia

Medica, a reliable source – Dr. Dominik MÜLLER

points out the fact that different plants belonging to one

family, produce different, individual qualities, for

example - though Rhus toxicodendron belongs

botanically to Anacardiacae family, they are far

different. Ignorance of the manifold botanical

variations of remedies within the same botanical family

is the ground for the banality and innovations; like the

teachings to go ‘deep’ or find out the ‘centre’, etc.

The purpose of a ‘revised’ Materia Medica is to

ensure a reliable source for study and reference. This

purpose is maintained in this compilation,very carefully

done.

It is my personal hope that someone, if not Dr.

GYPSER himself would at the end of this ‘revision’

bring out a Guiding Symptoms which would correct

the errors in the existing volumes.

This Monograph, as all those earlier are, is well

produced and is a must with every homœopath.

K.S. SRINIVASAN.

========================================

THE GREAT INTEGRITY IS A PARADOX

The Great Integrity is a paradox.

It is inherent in the universe,

yet its form is so illusive.

It is the Vital Essence of every entity,

yet nothing announces its essential character.

The Great Integrity was apparent

before time, space and matter appeared to

separate.

How can we re-mind and re-infuse ourselves

with this very touchstone of all essentialities

and connections?

By re-fusing time, space and matter

with the spiritualization of our materiality,

and with the materialization of our spirituality.

Then, when our dualities and numeralities

become blurred and forgotten,

the Great Integrity will re-emerge in forms

of such incredible depths and dimensions of

enlightenment,

precisely because our temporary fragmentary

consciousness

created a multi-millennial amnesia.

- TAO TE CHING

LAO TZU

=================================