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Nagendra babu organon

© Sri Sairam Homoeopathy Medical College & Research Center, 2021. All Rights Reserved COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF ORGANON An Attempt to Understand The Organon of Medicine as a Scientific Treatise by Dr. G. Nagendra Babu, MD Asst. Professor, Sri Sai Ram Homoeopathic Medical College & Research
Centre B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd. An ISO 9001 : 2000 Certified Company USA—EUROPE—INDIA COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF ORGANON First Edition: 2009 1st Impression: 2009 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without any prior written permission of the publisher. © with the author Published by Kuldeep Jain for B. JAIN PUBLISHERS (P) LTD. An ISO 9001 : 2000 Certified Company 1921/10, Chuna Mandi, Paharganj, New Delhi 110 055 (INDIA) Tel.: 91-11-2358 0800, 2358
1100, 2358 1300, 2358 3100 Fax: 91-11-2358 0471 • Email: [email protected] Website: www.bjainbooks.com Printed in India by J.J. Offset Printers ISBN: 978-81-319-0767-2 Dedicated affectionately to my Parents Sri. G. Syamachar and Smt. G. Savithri FOREWORD ‘Organon of Medicine’ is called the ‘Bible of
Homeopathy’. With all its fundamentals which have to be followed strictly to apply it practically, Hahnemann, the Medical Genius wanted the aspiring homeopaths to study Organon with a scientific, unprejudiced, artistic and inductive bent of mind. As per Hahnemannian view medical practice is an artistic expression of
each individual practitioner. Here each artist’s logical interpretation plays a major role in his success of each individual case that is what true individualization is. Several attempts have been made by number of authors in understanding ‘Organon of Medicine’ and everyone has succeeded in enjoying the fruits of their
labour. Hail Hahnemann! I have great pleasure to introduce this book ‘Comprehensive Study of Organon’ to the homeopathic world including the academicians and practitioners as well. The author has made a beautiful effort in presenting the historical background and evolution of ‘Law of Similia’ which is really useful in
propagating homeopathy that is based on ‘Law of Similia’ as old as the medical system itself. I have gone through the whole book and I am happy that the conceptual expression is clear and its presentation is lucid. I find this book useful and informative to all groups of homeopaths in gathering the information on the
principle subject ‘Organon of Medicine’. He has taken tremendous efforts and pains to prepare the reader with the introductory chapters which are really essential to understand the true essence of ‘Organon of Medicine’. Author has tried to include the guidelines of different pioneers of homeopathy in the relevant
chapters itself, reflecting the artistic views of each pioneer probably in order to generate interest even in the minds of ordinary students. An interesting case of an idiosyncratic treated by Dr. Preu has been given under idiosyncrasy chapter itself. The chapter on ‘History of Medicine’ will be an added asset. ‘Fundamental
Principles of Homeopathy’, Comparative Statements of Editions of Organon, explanation to contemporary controversial topics like the ‘Importance of Diagnosis’, ‘Vaccination and Pathology in Homeopathy’, ‘Life Histories of Pioneers’ etc., have been included. The ‘Attempt to explain the Introduction to 6th Edition of
Organon by Hahnemann’ and chapter on ‘Posology’ in a simple, laudable language makes the book special. I am sure the academic as well as professional world will accept this work with pleasure and I look forward to further editions of this book updated from time to time. I gladly recommend this book to the profession,
while leaving it to the reader to judge the book on its merit. Prof. Dr. Mahendra Singh Chairman Educational Committee, Central Council of Homoeopathy, Govt. of India; National President, The Homeopathic Medical Association of India; Ex-Superintendent, Principal & H.O.D. of Organon of Medicine and Chronic
Diseases, Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College & Hospital; Director, Institute of History of Homeopathy; Secretary, General Indian Homeopathic Teacher’s Association PREFACE This venture of writing a book on ‘Organon of Medicine’ is not to add another write up to rich homeopathic literature but an attempt to mould
myself and make everything around me better. The seemingly small book ‘Organon of Medicine’ written by the master is a treasure house of therapeutics. Every word in the aphorism conveys to the reader a story behind it. Before proceeding to start understanding the aphorisms, a fresh reader has to acquaint himself
with the philosophical, therapeutic practices that existed during Pre Hahnemannian and Hahnemannian era. This is because all our minds have been conditioned, prejudiced by the theories of dominant medical school. Introduction to ‘History of Medicine’ is mandatory to every homeopath, which helps to understand the
persona of Hahnemann and in accepting the ‘Law of Similia’ as the ancient law of cure. In my experience of teaching to undergraduates I realized that to generate interest in Organon to students, is really a skillful job. Either the student takes the subject lightly from exam point of view or tries to avoid the existing literature
based on Organon, as the language is too hard. Hence, I have taken atmost care to keep the language of this book lucid and interesting. Many interesting incidences and case studies of pioneers have been added to make reading pleasurable. Throughout the book I have tried to follow the aphorisms as the basis for
better understanding of the subject. Hence, Explanation to ‘The Chronic Diseases’ in detail have been given during the explanation to § 80 as per Hahnemann’s recommendation. Chapters from philosophy have been discussed in the relevant places of explanation to aphorisms. A comprehensive article on ‘Posology’, ‘An
attempt to explain the introduction to 6th edition’ will be much useful to the beginners. Utmost care has been taken to cover each and every practical aspect of Organon like ‘Vaccination and Homeopathy, Pathology and Homeopathy, Diagnosis and Homeopathy’. Comments on controversial topics like ‘Bacteriology and
Homoeopathy’ will be interesting to the reader. Organon is the mother of all homeopathic subjects; it feeds, educates, moulds the mind of would be homeopath to perfect his therapeutic abilities with the help of available subjects. It is unimaginable to understand homeopathy without Organon of Medicine. My students
made me realize that the better way of learning is by teaching. In this process of my learning by teaching I realized that the learner of Organon has to refer many books available to perfect himself in this subject. Hence, reading the philosophy books written by pioneers is mandatory to mould one’s logical, analytic
prescriptive abilities. This being my first book has taken over 6 years to complete and I do not claim any perfection. This book is just a compilation of inspiring works of many masters who have inspired me for this subject. I am deeply indebted to them. I dedicate my work to almighty and equally respectable parents Sri. G.
Syamachar and Smt. G. Savithri, who are the driving force behind every venture of mine. I whole heartedly thank Dr. Geeta Rani Arora, Dr. Surbhi Mangal of B. Jain Publishers for taking utmost care in bringing out this book in its original form. I surely would like to remember teachers Dr. Rastrogi, Dr. Subhas Singh, Dr.
Arun Bhasme, Dr. Kumar Dhawale, Dr. P.V. Venkatraman of Chennai, Dr. Noah Nathan, my able and capable student, Dr. Ashlesha Narkhede for their encouragement and timely support. I respectably remember the chairman Mr. Leo Muthu, Management, principal; each and every Staff Members and Students of Sri Sai
Ram Homeopathic Medical College & Hospital, everyone of them were a source of encouragement to me. I shall be happy to receive valuable suggestions, encouragement and constructive criticism from lovable students, teachers of Organon and medical practitioners to improve this work in the future. Dr. G. Nagendra
Babu PUBLISHER’S NOTE Yet another book on Organon was the question raised when this project came for consideration. We reviewed it and saw the exclusive features of this work which was an indepth study of the classical works on Homeopathic Philosophy. Dr. Nagendra has not only given an explanation to the
aphorisms but at the same place he has discussed views of various stalwarts on the topic which helps clears many doubts which would otherwise remain unsolved. Another important feature of this work is notes on various terminologies used in Hahnemann’s time. We hope that this work will aid in understanding the
subject Organon to a better level if used as a supplement to the basic books of Organon. Kuldeep Jain C.E.O., B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd. CONTENTS Dedication Foreword Preface Publisher’s Note PART-I 1. INTRODUCTION • Organon of Medicine & homeopathy: What is it? • History of medicine • Biography of
Hahnemann & discovery of homeopathy • Some important literary works of Hahnemann • State of medicine during Hahnemann’s time & Hahnemann’s working principles 2. ORGANON, THE BOOK • Introduction to Organon of Medicine • Editions of Organon of Medicine • Difference between Fifth and Sixth Editions of
Organon • Ground plan or anatomy of Sixth Edition 3. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES & LOGIC • The fundamental/cardinal principles of homeopathy • Logic and homeopathy • Inductive logic and homeopathy PART-II 1. KNOWLEDGE OF PHYSICIAN • The physician’s mission • Palliation • Suppression • Difference
between suppression and palliation • Difference between cure and recovery • • • • The highest ideal of cure & the easily comprehensible principles Hering’s law of cure Knowledge or Pre-requisite qualifications of the physician The deflected current 2. KNOWLEDGE OF DISEASE • Knowledge of disease in general •
Acute and chronic diseases • The exciting cause • The fundamental cause • Constitution • Temperament • Diathesis • Unprejudiced observer • Prima causa morbi • Symptomatology • Causa occasionalis • Totality of symptoms • Indisposition • Removal of symptoms is the removal of disease • Zufalle & Erscheinungen •
Vital force • Materia peccans • Dynamic action/dynamic influence/dynamicpower • Moral remedy • Simple substance 3. KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINE • Knowledge of drugs • Drug, medicine, remedy and food • The curative power of medicine 4. DIFFERENT THERAUPEUTIC METHODS • Different modes of treatment •
Difference between Homeopathy and Allopathy 5. NATURE’S LAW & HOMEOPATHIC LAW • Therapeutic law of nature • Difference between nature’s law and homeopathic law • Modus operandi of homeopathic cure • Medicinal diseases are powerful than miasmatic diseases 6. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TWO
DISEASES MEET • What happens when two dissimilar diseases meet • What happens when two similar diseases meet • Happy-go-lucky operations • Antipathy versus homeopathy • Isopathy • Brousseau’s physiological system 7. ACTION OF MEDICINES • Different actions of drugs • Conditions where palliative mode is
permissible • The scope and limitations of homeopathy • Explanations to §68 and §69 • Summary of theoretical part • Quick references PART-III 1. CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES • Practical part of Organon • Three points necessary for cure • Classification of diseases • Hahnemann’s clinical classificationof diseases •
Genus epidemicus 2. THEORY OF CHRONIC DISEASES & MIASMS • Theory of chronic diseases • Concept & classification of miasms • Psora • H.A. Roberts views on Psora • Kent’s views on Psora • Anti-psoric treatment • Syphilis • Kentian views on Syphilis • H.A. Roberts views on Syphilis • Treatment of Syphilis •
Sycosis • Kent’s views on Sycosis • • • • • • • Treatment of Sycosis Tubercular miasm Mixed miasmatic disease Congenital corporeal constitutions Comparative study of miasms and micro-organisms Comparative study of miasmatic states General points to remember 3. CASE TAKING • Case taking–Investigationof
disease • The objective of case taking • Hahnemann’s directions for proper case taking • Case taking in epidemic diseases • Investigation of Psora • Record keeping • Case sheet format 4. ANALYSIS & EVALUATION • Analysis of the case • Evaluation of symptoms • Hahnemann’s evaluation of symptoms • Kent’s
evaluation of symptoms • Grading of symptoms according to Kent • Boenninghausen’sevaluation • Garth Boericke’s method of evaluation 5. DRUG PROVING • Drug proving • Idiosyncrasy • Surrogates • Method of investigating the action of drugs • Construction of True Materia Medica PART-IV 1. APPLICATION OF
MEDICINES • Judicious employment of medicines • Specific remedy • Modus operandi of homeopathic cure • Mongrel sect • • • • Indisposition The value of symptoms Clinical understanding of different types of aggravations Management of cases with partially suitable remedies 2. DIFFICULT DISEASES • One-sided
diseases • Local maladies & external application • Enquiry of chronic diseases • Mental diseases and their treatment • Importance of mental symptoms • Intermittent diseases 3. REPETITION OF DOSES AND REMEDY REACTION • Repetition of doses • Second prescription • Signs of improvement • Favourite remedies •
Kent’s Twelve observations • Diet and regimen 4. KNOWLEDGE OF PHARMACY • Genuine medicine • Preparation of medicines • Dynamisation of drugs • Difference between dilution and dynamisation • 50 millesimal potency • Monopharmacy versus polypharmacy • Strength of the dose and its repetition • Posology •
Routes for administration of remedies 5. THERAPEUTIC MEASURES OTHER THAN DRUGS • Other Physio-therapeutic measures • Pathology and homeopathy • Individualization • Anamnesis & diagnosis • Diagnosis and homeopathy • Prophylaxis in homeopathy • Difficult and incurable diseases and palliation •
Susceptibility • Homeopathy: Science or Art? PART-V 1. LIFE HISTORIES & CONTRIBUTIONS • James Tyler Kent • Carol Von Boenninghausen • Constantine Hering • Richard Hughes • Lippe-Weissenfeld • Cyrus Maxwell Boger • Carroll Dunham • Herbert Alfred Roberts • Margaret Lucy Tyler • Phyllis Speight • Stuart
M. Close • Elizabeth Wright Hubbard • Eugene Beauharnais Nash • Henry Clay Allen • John Henry Clarke • Ernest Albert Farrington • Timothy Field Allen • William Boericke • John Martin Honigberger • B.K. Bose • Babu Rajendra Lal Dutt • Diwan Harish Chand • Diwan Jai Chand • Keshav Laxman Daftari • L.D. Dhawale
• Pratap Chandra Majumdar • M.L. Sarkar • K.G. Saxena 2. HISTORY OF HOMEOPATHY IN INDIA • History and development of homeopathy in India 3. EXPLANATION OF INTRODUCTION TO SIXTH EDITION OF ORGANON OF MEDICINE • An attempt to explain the “Introduction to Sixth Edition” by Hahnemann
Bibliography Part - I Chapter – 1 INTRODUCTION ORGANON OF MEDICINE & HOMEOPATHY: WHAT IS IT? Homeopathy; Not a theory of disease, but theory of cure - Stuart Close. Organon of Medicine is a book on medicine written by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder and father of Homeopathy. It was written in the
later years of 18th century, considered a revolutionary book on medical philosophy. This book contains the guiding principles of homeopathy. Practicing homeopathy in its unique method as preached by its founder Samuel Hahneman is possible only by understanding the Organon of medicine. Practicing homeopathy
without the knowledge of Organon of medicine is like going into the sea without knowing swimming. Hence, study of Organon of medicine is mandatory for any aspiring homeopath. Homeopathy is a unique therapeutic system discovered by a German physician by the name Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann.
Etymologically the word Homeopathy can be divided into 2 parts: “Homeos” means “Similar” and “Pathos” means “Suffering”. Thus, homeopathy means to cure a patient with those drugs that produce similar symptoms to the sufferings of the patient”. For a beginner, layman, it sounds strange but truth is always difficult to
digest! At the end Truth always triumphs. HOMEOPATHY = HOMEOS [SIMILAR] + PATHOS [SUFFERING] Homeopathy can be defined as a rational therapeutic system with the aim of curing the sufferings of a person by administration of drugs 4 which have been experimentally proved on healthy human beings to
posses the power of producing similar sufferings. It is based on the law “Similia Similibus Curentur” that means “let likes be cured by likes”. Stuart Close, the author of the book “The Genius of Homeopathy”, defines “Homeopathy or Homeotherapy as, the department of science in general medicine which has for its
principle objects the observation and the study of the action of remedial agents in health, disease, treatment and cure of the disease by medication, according to a fixed law or a general principle”. Homeopathy considers patient as sick person in the first instance. “Treat the patient not the disease” says Master
Hahnemann. This leaves the beginner in a confused state as all of us are conditioned by the dominant medical school. But study of “Organon of medicine” in its whole extent aids in understanding this explanation. To a homeopathic doctor, the signs and symptoms reveal not only the name of the disease but also the
medicine suitable to the patient. The homeopathic doctor tries to find out the uniqueness in the sufferings of that particular individual in comparison with the other individuals. Based on the symptoms of the patient he can even detect the earliest manifestations of a disease process before it can damage the anatomy of the
patient. It is believed that homeopathic treatment removes the infection by stimulating the natural defense mechanism of the body. Hence it does not interfere with the immunity. This system tries to cure the patient with least possible dose of medicine, sufficient enough to produce a curative reaction in the organism. In
homeopathy, “The quality of the medicine is important than the quantity”. It does not employ medicines in crude or physiological doses. This medical system tries to stimulate the patient’s life energy to cure by itself. Hence chances of getting dangerous side effects in homeopathic treatment are almost none. While treating
the patients, homeopathy considers man as a whole, i.e. his body and the life force. So, Homeopathy as a profession is best to those physicians who try to understand their patients as suffering individuals and not just physical bodies with some pathological tissue changes. Because of this reason homeopathy perfectly
fits under the heading of “Holistic system”. The term “holistic” was first used by former South African president Jan Christiaan Smuts in 1926. This word is derived from a Greek word “holos”, which means understanding the reality in terms of its complete form. Homeopaths follow the constitutional approach (condition of a
person’s body and mind in health and strength) in treating the patients. Experienced homeopaths believe that if carefully planned and treated from the time of conception and during pregnancy, homeopathic treatment protects the child from pernicious hereditary disorders. Founder of this system Dr. Hahnemann and his
followers like Dr. Boenninghausen, Dr. J.T. Kent, Dr. Hering, Dr. Allen, Dr. Clarke and Dr. Boericke etc with their tremendous painstaking efforts have brought homeopathy to an individual, independent status. The process of case taking, preparation and proving of drugs and repertorisation process etc today placed
homeopathy as a unique well developed therapeutic method. Homeopathy does not have any conflict with other medicinal methods. But it strongly and openly opposes the practice of suppressing most troublesome symptoms without doing anything for cure. Hence, Stuart Close, a famous homeopath and author of the
book “Genius of Homeopathy” says “Homeopathy works in perfect harmony with all necessary rational, non-medical and mechanical therapeutic agents. Surgery, obstetrics, hygiene, dietics, Sanitary science, chemistry and Psycho-therapy all find in homeopathy their congenial and most powerful ally”. Homeopathy
supports and advocates the surgical procedures and supportive therapy where there is no time for the medicines to act and threat to the patient’s life exists. Example: In cases of acute poisoning, pathologically advanced diseases, where any mechanical obstruction is present in any part of the body etc. In such cases a
well trained homoeopath will recommend life saving measures. (Refer § 67, footnote of 6th edition, Organon of Medicine). Hahnemann also believed and recommended the use of therapeutic measures other than drugs like dietics, physical exercises, meditation, mesmerism, baths (Refer § 286-291 of 6th edition of
Organon of Medicine). Homeopathy was not invented by Hahnemann. He discovered the system based on the universally known therapeutic law of nature “Similia Similibus Curantur” means “likes cures likes”. Physicians of ancient times were well aware of this nature’s law of cure. The father of western medicine
Hippocrates, physicians like Nicander, Xenocrates, Varro, Quintus, Serenus, Paracelsus, Forestus, Ledelius, Reinmann, Eisher, Murray, Georgi, F.Hoffmann, G.E.Stahl, Stoerck, Detharding, Lobelius, Van mons and physicians of Roman schools, Basil Valentine, Benedictine Monk of Erfurt, and even the Hindu Ayurvedic
sages etc mentioned about the possibilities of curing diseases by the law of Similia in their writings. They could not employ this law universally because of its therapeutic, practical limitations. Hahnemann successfully moulded this curative nature’s law and applied it in curing diseases by changing the law from “similia
similibus Curantur” to “Similia Similibus Curentur” i.e. “like cures likes” has been changed to “let likes be cured by likes”. What is this law of Similia? How to employ this law in curing the diseases? Answers to these questions can be learned by carefully studying the book “Organon of Medicine” written by the master of
homeopathy. Only the student with open and unprejudiced mind can own the treasure hidden in this book. The reader must remember that the criticism made by Hahnemann in this book against allopathic system was relevant to his period. Allopathic system was very cruel and irrational in those days. Reading the book
“Lesser Writings”, the collective works of Hahnemann would give us an idea about the cruel methods practiced by allopaths of Hahnemann’s era. Today, no doubt allopathic system has rectified most of its cruel methods to a great extent. Dr. Dudgeon, translator of the 5th edition of Organon of medicine from German to
English reminds us “his (Hahnemann’s) denunciations of the practice of old school, though quite deserved when he wrote, are not applicable to the present condition of allopathic medicine”. (Refer preface to 5th edition). Homeopathy is gaining popularity all over the world; the growing number of patients switching to this
system is a proof for that. Hence it is our duty to uphold the responsibility of protecting its laws and cure the sick as per the principles laid down by Hahnemann. No doubt homeopathy offers a challenging and lucrative career and honor to the aspiring student in the coming future. “This is homeopathy in a nutshell. It is a
shell which some find hard to crack, but when cracked it is found to be packed full of sweet and wholesome meat with no worms in it”-Stuart close. So, prepare to get trained in the practice of homeopathy. HISTORY OF MEDICINE “The more you can look back, the further you can go forward.” —Winston Churchill “Those
who fail to read history are destined to suffer the repetition of its mistakes”. —Old saying Homeopathy was founded in the year 1796 A.D, hence it is very young in the field of medicine. But the “Law of Similia” on which the homeopathy firmly stands is as old as the medical history itself. A bird’s eye view of the “History of
Medicine” will reveal this truth. For a Philosophical and analytical subject like “Organon and Homeopathic Philosophy”, it is highly recommended to have the knowledge about the basic medical historical ideas. History teaches about the mistakes we have committed in the past. It also teaches how to design our future in a
better way without repeating the same mistakes. Being a student of medicine it is essential to know how and when the human economy was attacked by diseases and how the physicians of the past treated them. Demonic/Spiritual Concept History does not supply the exact date of evolution of man on this earth and
appearance of diseases. But history could point out the Stone Age man as the primitive man. To this primitive man the nature surrounding him was a puzzle. He was unable to reason why day and night happens? Why different seasons occur in cyclic manner? Why there are earthquakes? Why the volcano suddenly
erupts? How the eclipse occurs? The disastrous famine, floods shocked his innocent mind. He thought whatever happened around him was nothing but the result of an evil power or the anger of god upon them. Even the disease that attacked few people in his group was because of the same cause. Where reason failed
to answer his queries, imagination gave him the answer. Human being is always in search of answers to his queries regarding the surrounding nature. To quench his thirst for truth, man adopted four principle approaches: philosophy, science, religion and art in the later years. In the early periods of human history, religion
gave answers to man. Naturally, disease and death were the oldest problems of the humankind. The cause of the disease was unknown to early man and hence he found the evil power as the cause. Treatments of the diseases depended entirely upon the notions and beliefs of the community. So in the period of super-
natural conception of disease, “Magic” came as the medicine, and the priest as the healer. That is why in olden days we see a priest working as a medical man also. Even today we can find people believe in this spiritual concept of disease. Example: Chicken-pox is believed to be the result of the anger of goddess
Shakthi or Amman. This superstition which prevailed everywhere, gave authoritative position to the priest as fathers of the medical philosophy. The same condition was observed in both the Eastern and the Western parts of the world. Concept of Constitutions As “Curse of God” is the cause of disease and the “Magic” as
the medicine, the priest became the first doctor in the history. The knowledge of priests on human structure and functioning was limited. Moreover, dissecting the bodies and studying anatomy in those days was not allowed. Dissecting bodies was a social taboo and was considered a sin. Any sort of experimentation was
against the religious and superstitious believes. So imaginative, speculative theories were formed by the priests, which further supported their superstitious believes. They developed “The Theory of Humours” and believed that the diseases were because of either excess or deficiency of one of the humours (fluids) present
in the body i.e. blood, bile, phlegm, and yellow bile. This was purely based on their imagination and experience. So the drugs they used to cure diseases were also based on superficial resemblance of the nature of diseases and the physiological appearance of the drugs. They called this as “Doctrine of signature”.
Hahnemann in the later years, criticized this as the faulty method of applying medicines. History provides evidence to the various system of medicines that prevailed over various parts of the world. All such systems were based on the religious and mythological theories of their regions. Some important ones are
considered below in order to understanding the philosophical views of ancient physicians. Ancient Medical Systems of The World Egyptian system of medicine (2900 B.C.) Based on the historical evidences available, Egyptian medical system is considered as a well organized and oldest system by the western medical
historians. The medical men of this system were considered as sacred public servants. Free medical treatment was given to all citizens. The kingdom supported the medical men economically and socially by fulfilling their needs. “Imhotep” was a very influential and well respected personality in Egyptian medicine. He had
a multifaceted personality. Imhotep had a strong belief that the triangular and pyramidal shape is auspicious. “Horus” is the Egyptian god of health. The story goes like this that god Horus lost his eye during the fight with demon “Set”, but the eye was restored by a miracle. After the healing process was over a scar
remained on the injured eye of Horus. This scar resembled the English alphabet “R”. This is considered as the origin for the symbol “Rx” in medical prescriptions written by doctors all over the world. Today the meaning of the sign “Rx” is “to give or to receive”. “Thoth” the “ibis” headed god of wisdom is said to be the
author of the Egyptian medical treatise. The lion headed deity “Sekmet” is the head of child birth. Egyptians strongly believed in the “life after death”. In order to live after death they wished to preserve their physical bodies. They developed the technique of mummifying the dead bodies. Hence the custom of building the
pyramids developed to preserve their dead bodies. “Hammurabi” (1848-105 B.C.) of the kingdom of Babylon developed a code of medical ethics, which is considered as the oldest document on medical ethics. The credit of identifying mosquitoes and the rats as the vectors of diseases like malaria and plague respectively
goes to Egyptians. Chinese medical system (2700 B.C.) The Chinese medicine is still alive in its form. Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, massage, moxubation treatments are some of the famous forms of Chinese medicine. It is considered as old as Egyptian system. Chinese medical system is well respected and followed by
the native Chinese even today. The emperor “Shen Nong” (3000 B.C.) is the father of the Chinese medicine. “Chang Chung” king (195 A.D.) and “Huatu” (115-205 A.D.) are notable medical personalities of this system. The Chinese medicine revolves around the “Yin and Yang” theory. According to this theory, health is a
balanced stage between natural “Yin” and “yang” forces. “Yin” is a negative force and “Yang” is a positive force. The life force called “Qi” (pronounced as “chi”) will be circulating in the healthy body in a harmonious and uninterrupted manner in some imaginary channels in our body. These channels are called “meridians”.
Any disturbance to the flow or balance of these “Yin and Yang” forces will result in to the blockage of the meridians. This obstructs the circulation of the life force called “Qi”, thus leading to various diseases. To remove the obstruction and to correct the flow of “Qi” in the meridians the “Acupuncture” procedure has been
recommended by the Chinese physicians. By inserting medicinal needles in to these channels the physician tries to correct this imbalance. Even today the Chinese physicians are successfully employing the acupuncture procedure in the place of anesthesia. It is said that many major surgeries have been conducted with
the help of acupuncture without employing anesthesia to the patient. But the existing science cannot explain how this method works. Indian system of medicine (1500 B.C.) “Ayurvedic system” is considered as the most ancient (Sanatana) method of treatment by the Indians. The proof of written documents collected
dated back to 700 B.C. The “Rig-Veda” is believed to be founded in 1500 B.C. “Ayurveda” is respected as the fifth Veda (Panchama Veda) by the Indians. The meaning of the word “Ayur” means “life” and “Veda” means “science”. Indian mythology explains that God “Dhanvantri” invented this system with the blessings of
the almighty. He then taught this sacred practice to divine twins “Ashwini brothers”, his ardent followers. Ashwini brothers passed on the skill of practice to the sacred sages of India, and this became the popular Indian medical system “Ayurveda”. The Ayurvedic philosophy revolves around the theory of three humours
(tridoshas)–vaata, pitta and kapha. The imbalance of these three humors results in to disease. Ayurvedic physicians employ 2 methods to treat diseases. Depending upon the nature of the disease the Ayurvedic physician employs the appropriate method. 1. Vipareeta Chikitsa: “Vipareeta” means “opposite”, “chikitsa”
means “treatment”. In this method to treat one set of symptoms, a medicine is employed which produces exactly opposite set of symptoms. Example: to treat a case of diarrhea, a medicine is given which is capable of producing constipation. The treatment can be considered like that of the “Antipathic” method. This
method is just opposite to homeopathy. 2. Thadrthakri Chikitsa: “Thadrthakri” means “same meaning” “chikitsa” means “treatment”. In this method to treat one set of symptoms, a medicine is employed which produces exactly same set of symptoms. Example: to treat a case of diarrhea, a medicine is given which is
capable of producing diarrhoea. This might be considered close to homeopathic treatment. The Ayurveda has upper hand in Surgery. “Hindus” may be called as the pioneers of plastic surgery. The great physician surgeon “Sushruta” is considered as the father of Ayurvedic surgery. His treatise “Sushruta samhita”
contains the medicinal and surgical techniques of this system. Sushruta identified mosquitoes as the cause of malaria and explained that the plague spreads from the dead rats. Agnivera, Charaka,Athreya, Vaghbhatta, are some of the important physicians of those days. Females were given equal importance in the
ancient Indian medical world. Lopamudra, Arundhathi etc are important female personalities who contributed to the Ayurvedic literature abundantly. The Sanskrit text “Saaktheya” contained the inoculation technique for small- pox. History says that the technique of inoculating the cowpox to protect a person from small
pox had originated first in India and Tibet. Saint “Patanjali” introduced the “Asthanga yoga” into Ayurvedic system. Today “Yoga” is regaining its fame all over the world as the best method of preventing diseases. Greek system of medicine (1200 B.C.) Important Greek physician worth mentioning is “Aesculapius”.
Aesculapius or Asclepius is a remarkable medical personality of Greek medical system and later became the Roman God of Medicine. The Romans adopted the cult of Asclepius, but changed his name to Latin; they called him Aesculapius. Homer called Aesculapius “Blameless Physician”. According to the legends he
was the son of God Apollo and Cronis. His mother was beloved and impregnated by Apollo. However, she fell in love with another man and wanted to marry him. To save Apollo from complete humiliation, his sister Artemis killed Cronis by burning her to stake. Before her execution Apollo removed his unborn son from his
mother’s womb and named him Asclepius or Aesculapius. Apollo gave him the powers to treat people and Aesculapius later became a great physician. Chiron taught Asclepius the art of healing. One of Asclepius’s healing talents was treatment through touch. His healing power was so strong that he started to raise
people from the dead. Aesculapius believed that the health and diseases are due to the changing patterns of tension and relaxation. His theory is called “Methodism”. Asclepius had five daughters, Aceso, Iaso, Panacea, Aglaea and Hygiea. The world Panacea means “cure all” or “remedy all”; where as from the word
“Hygiea” came the word “hygiene”. Asclepius was located in Epidaurus which is situated in the northeastern Peloponnese. Asclepius carried a staff with a snake wrapped around it. This staff symbolizes the physician’s journey to high destiny, the serpents believed to have wisdom to detect the medicinal plants. This to
this day is used as the symbol of the modern medical profession. Unhappy about losing the privilege of immortality God Zeus killed Aesculapius with a thunder bolt. Realising the good Asclepius had brought to men, the great Zeus converted him into a god, placing him among the stars, transforming Aesculapius into the
constellation Ophiuchus (the serpent-bearer). The cult of Aesculapius became very popular during 300 B.C. The cult centres by name Asclepieion were used by priests to cure the sick. It is also said that Hippocrates was a descendant of Aesculapius. The father of Medicine, Hippocrates (460 B.C.–370 B.C.) belongs to
Greek system of medicine. Asclepius Hippocratic era Ancient Greek civilization was at its peak during the 400 B.C. During this period of time, sick people went to the temple dedicated to Aesculapius, the Greek god of healing. At this time, a man named Hippocrates began teaching that every disease had only natural
causes. He was born and trained at the dream temple of Island of Coas and was a pupil of Herodicus. Hippocrates was the first person to state that diseases can be treated with medicines. Hippocrates rejected the superstition and “magic” of primitive medicine and laid the foundations of medicine as a branch of science
and not a religion. Hippocrates made an attempt to classify diseases as deviations from normal healthy states. He did not encourage the fanciful theories to explain diseases. Hence, Hippocrates is considered as “The Father of Medicine” by the western group. In order to administer medicines he recommended both
dissimilar and similar laws. He advised to use “law of Similia” in curable diseases and “law of dissimilia” in incurable and palliative diseases. Hippocrates enjoyed a great honor and respect by the then medical persons. Even today doctors all over the world take their professional “Hippocratic oath” which is believed to be
advocated by Hippocrates. The Hippocratic Oath is an oath traditionally taken by physicians, in which certain ethical guidelines to physicians are laid out. It is disputed to be written by either Hippocrates or by some scholars under the name of Hippocrates. Hippocrates- 460 B.C. Hippocrates also believed in theory of
humors. He believed that the imbalance in the blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile is the cause for diseases. His works and therapeutic recommendations were purely based on his own observations. He advocated diet, remedial management and regimen as curative process. By his works it can be understood that
he believed in integral approach. His followers have written many books on medical subjects under his name. “On Sacred diseases” a book written by him is considered as his original writing on epilepsy. The entire collections of Hippocrates are compiled into a book called “Corpu Hippocraticum”. It is a collection of about
sixty treatises, written between 430 B.C. and 200 A.D. They are actually a group of texts written by several people holding different view-points probably grouped under the name of Hippocrates. A famous, time-honoured medical rule ascribed to Hippocrates is Primum non nocere (First do no harm); another one is Ars
longa, vita brevis (art is long and life short). The “Hippocratic face” is so called because it was first described by Hippocrates. The Hippocratic face is the change produced in the countenance by death, or long sickness, excessive evacuations, excessive hunger. The nose is pinched, the eyes are sunken, the temples
hollow, the ears cold and retracted the skin of the forehead tense and dry, the complexion livid, the lips dry, relaxed and cold. Hippocrate was probably the first to document clubbing as a sign of disease of heart and lungs, and the phenomenon is therefore occasionally called Hippocratic fingers. The Hippocratic bench or
Scamnum was a device invented by Hippocrates (460 B.C.–380 B.C.) which used tension to aid in setting bones. Hippocrates recommended that physicians should record their findings and their medicinal methods, so that these records may be passed down and employed by other physicians (Pythagoreans). The Greek
physicians Herophilos, Pedanius and Paulus, Aegineta were pioneers in the study of anatomy. “Dioscorides” (54-68 A.D.), is also one of the pioneers worth mentioning in Greek medical system. Dioscorides wrote an extensive treatise on the practice of pharmacology. Roman medical system (100 B.C.) Roman medical
system is considered as the extension of the Greek medical system. The important medical personalities of this system are “Celsus” and “Claudius Galen”. Aulus Cornelius Celsus (25 – 50 B.C.): Aulus Cornelius Celsus was considered by most of the historians as a Roman physician. Very little is known about this
personality. He was a critic of early Christianity. He was actively involved in the political matters of his times. He probably lived in Gallia Narbonensis. His work, the De Medicina has explanatory note on diet, pharmacy and surgery and related fields. Celsus ‘De Medicina’ is one of the best sources on Alexandrian medical
knowledge. In the introduction to “De Medicina” there is an early discussion of the pros and cons of both animal experimentation and human experimentation. In the later years of history Hahnemann emerged as the physician to prove medicines on the healthy humans successfully. A. C. Celsus Celsus is considered to be
explained the cardinal signs of inflammation: calor (warmth), dolor (pain), tumor (swelling) and rubor (redness and hyperemia). He described 1st century Roman surgical procedures like removal of cataract, treatment for bladder stones and the setting of fractures. He described the preparation of numerous ancient
medicinal remedies including the preparation of opioids. Celsus advocated that the cure must be “cito, tuto, et jucunde” i.e. cure must take place speedily, safe and in an agreeable manner. This is very similar to what Hahnemann explained in the 2nd aphorism of Organon of medicine. Celsus dreamt of “cito, tuto et
jucunde” i.e. the cure in speedy, safe, and agreeable manner. Hahnemann in the later years tried hard to achieve this highest ideal of cure. Galenian Era (130-200 A.D.) : Claudius Galen (130-200 A.D.) was born near about the Asia Minor. His teachings dominated the medical world for about 1200 years. He championed
the law of dissimilia. He is considered as the “Father of Antipathy”. Though he was influenced by Hippocratic teachings, he believed in the law “Contraria Contraris Curentur”, that means “opposite cures opposite” the law of antipathy. Galen used Hippocrates’ theory of the four humors, and his writings became the
foundation of medicine in Europe and the Middle East for centuries. His teachings were respected and followed by the authorities like commandments without any question. Anyone who questioned his authority was treated as a rebel and severe punishment was given to him. Galen explained that the predisposing,
exciting and environmental factors were the cause for most of the diseases. He also believed in humoral theory. Galen explained the life force with the word “pneuma”. According to him the life force pneuma enters the body through the upper respiratory tract, when the infant takes his first breath of air. Galen wrote about
9 books on anatomy, 19 on physiology, 6 on pathology, 16 on different types of pulse and 30 on pharmacy. Claudius Galen Arabian medical system (800 A.D.) Because of Galenian dominance not much progress was noticed in the western medical world between 500-1500 A.D. Any attempt to question Galenian
superiority was punished severely. During this period the Arabians translated the Greek and Romanian medical literature in to Arabic and preserved it. Arabians had medical schools at Cairo, Damascus and Baghdad. Their diagnosis was based upon 6 canons: 1. Nature of the person 2. Nature of the excreta 3. Nature of
pain 4. Site of swelling 5. Type of swelling 6. Effluvia of the body Avicenna, Rhazes, Hali-Abbas, Avenzoar, Useibia, Albucasis are considered as the leading physicians of this system. The words like drugs, alcohol, syrup, sugar etc have originated from Arabic words. Arabians were good chemists and pharmacologists.
They had good authority on materia medica and preparation of various drugs. “Jabu’ or “Geber” (702-765 A.D.) the father of Alchemy discovered nitric acid, distillation process, filtration, sublimation and water bath. Because of some religious belief they restrained themselves from dissecting bodies. Hence anatomy and
surgery were neglected and chemistry and pharmacology were encouraged in the Arabian countries. Church authority As the Greek and Roman civilization started fading, the religious belief took upper stand in the society during this period, and gradually ruling power came in the hands of church authority. Progress in the
medical wisdom almost came to a standstill. Any scientific research was considered as an anti- religious act and anti-biblical. The church authority almost retarded the growth of medical progress. Followers of Hippocrates and Galen blindly followed their teachings without the spirit of scientific enquiry. Extreme punishment
was given to those who rebelled against the church. Michael Servetus (1509-1553 A.D.), a Spaniard was burnt alive, because he discovered pulmonary circulation which was against the traditional believes. The father of modern anatomy Vesalium (1515-1604 A.D.) was severely punished, because he dissected the
human dead bodies to remove the myths of that time. William Harvey (1578-1657 A.D.) was criticized and troubled by many because of his discovery of systemic circulation, which again was against the belief of that day. But the investigations of such pioneers proved the importance of scientific enquiry. Efforts of such
great personalities paved the way for the science based on evidence and investigations. People started realizing that the scientific enquiry is the only way to understand the nature and its rules. The “Renaissance period” came as “an age of reasoning” and helped to improve knowledge of man based on scientific
investigations. The church authority gradually lost its power and hold on scientific investigations. Paracelsus is another physician who was born in 1493 in Switzerland. He was an alchemist, physician, astrologer, and general occultist. He is praised as the precursor of chemical pharmacology and therapeutics and the
most original medical thinker of the sixteenth century. Originally known as “Born Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim, he took the name Paracelsus later in life, meaning “beside or similar to Celsus”, an early Roman physician. Renaissance period: 16th and 17th century medicine, birth of scientific
enquiry Renaissance period starts from the date of the discovery of America by Columbus. Such discoveries proved that the scientific enquiry is needed in order to improve the knowledge and to understand more about the nature. The importance of scientific enquiry was noticed by the people in Europe by 16th century.
Galileo Galli explained that the characteristics of every substance in this world can be studied under two headings. The first is the study of primary or quantitative study Example: dimension, consistency, height and weight etc. The second is the study of secondary or qualitative study. Example: colour, odor taste etc. So
the study of a substance completes only with the study of both qualitative as well as quantitative characteristics. But as time advanced, scientists concentrated purely on easily understandable quantitative study only. They neglected the study of quality, because the quality of a substance is difficult to measure. Even
biologists started believing that matter (body) is the only truth; they ignored the fact of existence of the life force inside the material body. Biology being the science of life cannot define exactly the nature of life itself. Material sciences like anatomy and physiology started studying the quantitative vital statistics of the body.
But the qualitative characters like mind, manner of thought, behaviour, love and affection, life force etc remained unanswered. This time is the celebrated period for the scientific growth, but can be considered as the period which divided the philosophy from the science. Lord Francis Bacon (1571-1626 A.D.) of England,
father of objective and realistic methodologies in modern philosophy and Robert Boyle (1626 A.D.) a chemist, stressed on the need of holistic system of medicine considering both body and mind of a person while treating the sick. It is a strange fact that both these men were non medical persons. Medical men of 17th
century were interested only in the study of matter (body) and not in the existence of life force. Physicians of the 17th century were divided into 2 schools based on their thoughts: 1. Iatro (medical) Physical School: Also called as Iatro Mechanical school. They considered body as a mere machine. According to them, body
functions just like that of a machine both, in health and diseases. So logically the laws of mechanics can be implemented in treating the sick. Great physicians like Sanctorious (1561-1636 A.D.), Borelli (1608-1679 A.D.), Bagilvi (1668-1706 A.D.), were supporters of this school. 2. Iatro Chemical School: This school
believed that the functions that are taking place in the body are nothing but the result of a series of chemical reactions. Body is just like a test tube. Hence the laws of chemistry can be applied to study the diseased persons. Von Helmont (1577-1644 A.D.), Francis Sylvina (1614-1672 A.D.) were the followers of this
school. Human being was considered either as a machine or the chemical laboratory by these schools. Both the schools of 17th century have neglected that the man also possess the mind and life force which controls all his functions. In the later half of the 17th century Thomas Sydenham (1605-1689 A.D.), who was
famously known as “English Hippocrates”, tried to find specific remedies to certain disorders of health. Theoretically he recommended the Hippocratic views, but in his practice he had to follow the Galenian principles like use of purgatives again, as he had fondness of using compound mixtures as medicines. His views
were taken over by the dominant dogmatists [rationalists]. He tried to follow holistic methods recommended by Hippocrates, but he failed to implement them practically. Though theoretically he recommended the single medicines, he used Galenian methods in practice as he was fond of compound mixtures. So the 17th
century witnessed the scientific evolution in all other material sciences but could not provide any scientific advancement in the field of medicine. In fact medicine remained in chaotic condition because of plethora of theories. Treatments of those days were very cruel and dangerous to the patient. During the 17th century
the gap between the science and philosophy widened. Difference between Science and Philosophy 18th century medicine By the beginning of 18th century the control of church authority over medicine had completely faded away. The entire Europe was full of theories and hypothesis regarding the nature and

development of diseases. Physicians were divided into various groups of thoughts. Each and every group came out with their theories to explain the nature and cause of disease. Cruel treatments like blood lettings, venesections, gum arabic solutions, mustard plasters, shot gun prescriptions (careless, one-sided single
symptom prescriptions), set on, issues (creating an ulcer surgically and keeping the blood and pus to go out, as it was believed that the bad blood in the body is the cause for the diseases), leeches applications and various other cruel methods were freely used by the then physicians. On the other hand the subjects like
anatomy, physiology developed very nicely under the experiments of physicians like Vesalius, Varolli Rolando, Gidividus, Batallis Eustachius, Fallopius, Corti, Malphigious, Scarpa, Steno, Riffini, Fontana, Morgagni, Valsalva, Giacomini, Pacini, Pacchionious and Golgi etc. But the medical men remained under confusion
as no universally applicable theory was present to cure the diseases. Morgagni’s (1682-1771 A.D.) experiments in anatomy and physiology have proved that the diseases are only due to pathological changes in the tissues and organs. But he had forgotten to answer that why this pathological change took place in the
previously healthy tissues? In the later years, Hahnemann made a criticizing note on different schools of medical thought of 18th century. “It will be well to take a glance at the various schools of philosophy in order to be able to understand his point of view and identify the fundamental ideas and concepts out of which
Hahnemann developed his system”-says Stuart Close. “On the present want of foreign medicine” (1808 A.D), “On the values of speculative system of medicine” etc are some of the essays written by Hahnemann. The most important schools of thought explained by Hahnemann in these essays are Mechanists,
Materialists, Vitalists and Naturalists. 1. Mechanists believed that all the metabolic processes in the human bodies are happening under the laws of mechanics. 2. Materialists believed that the matter (body) is the only reality and life force is a myth. They believed only in tangibility. If a substance is not tangible, it is not
real. 3. Vitalists had a view that the life force is the only reality. Everything else is its manifestation. 4. Naturalists insisted that nature is the only reality. So follow the nature blindly. By the end of 18th century there existed 3 major groups of physicians: 1. Dogmatists (dogma = blind belief): They called themselves
‘Rationalists’. They believed that we cannot cure the diseases unless we know its cause. But they could not find the real cause of disease and believed that the pathological change is the cause of the diseases. Even today we see such group blindly following the teachings of their seniors without any investigation into the
facts. 2. Empherists: They believed in experience based on experimentations. But their experimentations were blind. They insist more on mathematical quantitative calculations than the qualitative observations by the intellect. 3. Methodists: They were also known as routinists. They strongly believed that the same
methods, as used in the science like zoology, and botany to group animals and plants, can be employed to group the diseases of man. They have forgotten that mere grouping of diseases cannot cure them. This group tried to create a text book for diseases. Famous nosologists like Vogel (1772 A.D.), David M.C. Bride
(1722 A.D.), Wilium Cullen (1785 A.D.), and P.Pinel (1798 A.D.), Thomas Young (1813 A.D.) etc are the supporters of this group. In such a confused state of later years of 18th century, came a man with a passion for truth and spirit of scientific enquiry. This man was Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann. He was
neither a pure vitalist nor a pure materialist. He blended these both as an “Integralist” and successfully adopted holistic system in medical practice. Hahnemann believed in studying the man as a combination of both life force and body. Era of cellular pathology & Era of bacteriology: The 19th and 20th century medicine
With the invention of preliminary microscope by Antony von leewen hoek (1683 A.D.), the interest of medical persons shifted to microscopic cellular level. Virchow (1821-1902 A.D.) the father of pathology said “the structural changes in the cell are the real cause of the disease.” The materialistic concept reached to the
cellular level at this age. Robert Koch (1843-1910 A.D.) the father of bacteriology with his studies on the culture of Anthrax bacillus (1876 A.D.), experiments of Hansen on Lepra bacillus, Neisser on Gonococcus, Ogston on Staphylococcus, Loeffler on Diphtheria, and experiments of Pasteur etc attracted the attention of
world towards the theory of infection and contagion. Bacteria and viruses were considered to be the only cause of the diseases. Fleming (1929 A.D.) accidentally discovered the penicillin by paving way to the antibiotic era in the medical history. The medical fraternity almost celebrated their triumph on diseases. But the
development of drug resistance in bacteria presented severe difficulties. Ultramicroscopic organisms like viruses were newly identified as causative agents of diseases that do not respond to antibiotics. Today the medical world is realizing that the bacteriology cannot supply the answer to all diseases. “Kill the germ and
cure disease” is not the universally applicable law of cure. Bacteriology takes the credit of improving the sanitary hygienic status of the general public. It also helped in eradication of some infectious diseases. “Biological concept of disease” – Medicinal theory of the future Reduction in the incidence of infectious diseases
is counteracted by the increase in the rate of functional disorders, and tumor formations today. Increased knowledge on physiology, endocrinology, neuro-physiology and neuro-psychiatry teaches us that the human mind and body are interrelated. This knowledge gave way to new “Biological concept of disease.” This
view is very similar to Hahnemann’s concept. Man reacts to his environment at each and every step of his life, either consciously or unconsciously. Importance of collective efforts by all systems of medicine to combat the disease was realized by the dominant medical school. Disease is the total response of man to the
adverse physical or psychological environmental factors. The hereditary factors and the atmospheric changes can influence him in this process. From the above statements the student of medicine can understand how the medical fraternity is trying to find out the solution to the diseases. It is our duty to investigate
disease as a problem of the whole organism and not just that of the physical body alone. As master Hahnemann said rightly “there is no real gain in it if we repeat the old error in new terms.” BIOGRAPHY OF HAHNEMANN & DISCOVERY OF HOMEOPATHY “He only is the Master to whom the first great revelation of
truth was made and by whom it was first developed and proclaimed” -Stuart Close th In the 18 century when the medical field was in a chaotic condition, Germany presented to the world Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, the man with the mission to cure. The study of the system of homeopathy remains
incomplete without the study of the life history of Hahnemann, because his life history itself is the origin and development of homeopathy. Hahnemann belonged to the group of fighters who achieved great heights in their respective fields inspite of most unfavorable and discouraging circumstances. C. F. S. Hahnemann
Birth, Early Life and Education History witnessed the date of birth of Hahnemann as 11th April 1755 A.D., but Hahnemann in his autobiography stated it to be as 10th April 1755 A.D. He was born in the Saxony town of Missen, a charming little town on the banks of River Elbe, in south-west Germany. He was the third
child of Christian Gottfried Hahnemann (father) and Johanna Christiana (mother). Gottfried Hahnemann taught Samuel Hahnemann the moral of his life, “prove all things, and hold fast that which is good”. He was sent to a town school on 20th July 1767 A.D. In his 16th year he was shifted to Prince’s school of the town.
Here he became a favorite to all his school teachers. Magister Muller, the rector of the school treated Hahnemann very affectionately like his own son. He trained Hahnemann in so many languages. Because of the poor status of the family, Hahnemann’s father could not provide good education to his only male child. As
the financial status of the family was not good, he admitted young Hahnemann in a nearby porcelain factory as a laborer. But with the support of the pupils and staff of the Prince’s school Hahnemann re-entered the school and started studying again. It was a custom at Prince’s school to deliver an oration during the
school leaving ceremony. On this occasion (1775 A.D.) Hahnemann presented a Latin oration called “The wonderful construction of human hand.” In the Tear 1775 A.D, with only 20 thalers (about £ 3 sterling) in his pocket twenty years old Hahnemann entered Leipzig University to complete his medical studies. Here he
managed his finances by teaching various languages to his fellow students. He was a master of about dozen languages like Greek, Latin, English, Italian, Hebrew, Spanish, Arabic, German etc. To study the medical advancements he went to Vienna and joined the hospital “Brothers of mercy.” Here he became the
favorite pupil of Dr. Von Quarin and learnt many therapeutic hints from him. At the age of 24 years, Hahnemann received his Masters Degree (1779 A.D) from Erlangen University. The subject of his thesis was “A consideration of etiology and therapeutics of spasmodic affections”. During this period he translated about
1200 pages (4 books) from English to German. Medical Practice and Marriage In the year 1781 A.D. Hahnemann started his first ever medical practice in the town of Hettstad, a copper mining town in the country of Mansfield. There was not much scope for practice in Hettastad; he moved to a new house at Dessau, a
place 50 k.m. from Hettastad. As he was not happy with the existing system of medicine, because most of its methods were either cruel or unreasonable. He turned his interest to chemistry and translated original medical works to Germany. Within a short period of time he became famous for his original writings and
translated works. Most of his works were published in a magazine called “Krebs’s medical observation”. Works like “On Arsenic poisoning”, “Ascertaining the purity of wine and of drugs” are worth mentioning. His knowledge in chemistry was praised by many chemists but his views on medicinal science were severely
criticized. Berzelius, an eminent chemist criticized Hahnemann “this man would have been a great chemist, had he not turned a great quack”. This clearly explains the mastery of Hahnemann in chemistry. On 17th November1782 A.D. Hahnemann married “Johanna Leopaldine Henrietta Kuchler”. She was the step
daughter of a chemist and pharmacist, Hessler. Hahnemann was 27 years old and his wife was 9 years younger to him. Hahnemann was appointed as a medical officer of health in Gommern city. In the year 1784, the couple had their eldest child Henrietta. Mr. & Mrs. Hahnemann had eleven children, during the years
1783-1806 A.D. Hahnemann was not satisfied with the cruel and uncertain methods of the existing system of medicine. He is reported to have written to Hufeland and his friends “I have been putting drugs of which I know little in to the bodies of which I know less; so I can but renounce the practice of medicine that I may
no longer incur the risk of doing injury”. He almost stopped his medical practice and adopted the translation work to support his family. Between 1785- 1792 A.D he translated around 4700 printed pages. In the year 1789 A.D he moved to Leipzig and released his first volume of “Friend of health”. His interest in chemistry
brought him close to many alchemists of his times. Discovery of Homeopathy In the year 1790 A.D., the most important event of Hahnemann’s life occurred that paved the way to the new method of treatment called Homeopathy. Hahnemann was busy in translating Dr. William Cullen’s “A Treatise on Materia Medica”
from English to German. Dr. Cullen was a professor of medicine at London University. In his book Dr. Cullen allotted around 20 pages for the curative effects of the Peruvian bark (Cinchona bark) for the intermittent fever. In a small foot note to this chapter he explained that the curative property of the Peruvian bark
(Cinchona) is because of its bitterness. Hahnemann was not happy with Cullen’s explanation and wanted to experiment on it. He took 4 drams of cinchona bark extract twice a day and was attacked by malarial fever. At this moment Hahnemann was not aware that he was setting a new trend of human drug proving for
the first time in medical history. He was also not aware that he is going to become the father of human functional pathology (Homeopathic Materia Medica). Inquisitive mind of Hahnemann wanted to repeat this experiment again before coming to the final conclusion. He conducted similar experiments on his friends and
other volunteers. As he expected, all of them had the same malaria like fever. In the year of 1792 A.D., because of the poverty and to fulfill the needs of the growing members of family, Hahnemann accepted the offer of the reigning Duke of Saxe Goths, as the in charge of an asylum at Georgenthal. Here he cured a
Hovarean minister Klokenburg who was termed as insane and incurable my most physicians, by mild and harmless way of treatment. Hence history witnessed Hahnemann as one of the first person to advocate moral treatment for insane and not corporeal punishments. Hahnemann’s fate did not allow him to remain in
one place he moved from Georgenthal to Walschleben, Pyrmont, and to Brunswick. Finally in the year of 1795 A.D he migrated to Konigslutter and remained there till 1799 A.D. Hahnemann experimented with other medicinal substances which are most specific to certain diseases. Surprisingly, all these medicines were
capable of producing the same diseased state in the healthy humans for which they were used as specific medicines. With such exhaustive and unique chain of experiments Hahnemann came to the conclusion that medicines cure diseases because they can produce similar symptoms in the healthy individuals. Thus, the
basic law of homeopathy was born in the mind of this medical genius. In the year 1796 A.D., after a series of experiments, Hahnemann published the first essay on Homeopathy “An essay on a new principle for ascertaining the curative powers of drugs and some examinations of previous principles”. This essay was
published in the Hufeland’s journal. Hufeland was one of the close friends of Hahnemann, but in the later years he criticized Hahnemann severely. Dr. Richard Haehl called 1796 A.D. as the year of birth of Homeopathy. R.E.Dudgeon comments on the discovery of homeopathy by Hahnemann“Cinchona bark; which was
to him what the falling apple was to Newton and the swinging lamp in the baptistery at Pisa, to Galileo”. Between the years 1790-1805 A.D., Hahnemann published around 5500 printed pages of work. In 1805 A.D. “Medicine of experience”, in 1810 A.D. the first edition of “Organon of medicine” was published.
Hahnemann was well known as a translator, but the publication of the “Organon” changed the life of Hahnemann. In this book he clearly explained about the Homeopathic system of medicine and the bad effects of the suppressive methods like Allopathy. Hahnemann’s Life After The Publication of “Organon of Medicine”
Between the years 1811-1820 A.D., Hahnemann stayed in Leipzig and started delivering lectures on homeopathy. These lectures were compiled into a book called “Lesser writings”. Hahnemann had to face so much criticism from the medical world for his discovery. Many journals like “Anti Organon”, “Anti Homeopathic
Archive” were published only to criticize homeopathy. Hahnemann and his followers were ridiculed as quacks, and were threatened that their medical registration would be cancelled. But Hahnemann stood firm as he strongly believed in his father’s teaching “prove all, hold fast that which is good.” The first volume of
“Materia Medica Pura” (1811 A.D.) and the subsequent 8 volumes were published within 1821 A.D. In the year 1821 A.D. Duke Ferdinand of Anhalt - Koethen allowed Hahnemann to practice homeopathy at Koethen. Here Hahnemann proved the efficacy of homeopathy in so many incurable diseases and dedicated his
time for the benefit of homeopathy. The 3rd (1824 A.D.), 4th (1829 A.D.) editions of “Organon” and the monumental work “Chronic diseases” (1828 A.D.) were published during his stay at the same place. The first ever homeopathic journal “The archive for the homeopathic science of healing” was published in the year
1822, by Stapf with the help of Gross and Muller. The life partner of master, the woman who stood beside him during the period of hardship, his wife Johanna passed away on 31st of March 1830 A.D. She spent about 40 years of married life with Hahnemann. The later years of his life Hahnemann dedicated fully to
homeopathy, he was looked after by his daughters. On 8th October 1834 A.D., a French lady “Marie Melanie De Hervilly” consulted Hahnemann for her skin ailment. Her charm attracted this medical genius. Melanie d’Hervilly Gohier was an artist and the adopted daughter of a French Minister of Justice. Her natural
father was a painter from Savoy, who was “blind and destitute” and her mother “severely afflicted with the gout”. She went to Koethen in October 1834 A.D. (according to Bradford & Haehl) ostensibly to meet Hahnemann to arrange treatment for her mother. The couple soon fell in love and were married on 28 Jan. 1835
in Koethen. She was 45 years junior to him. This second marriage brought bright fortune to Hahnemann’s life. Melanie was apparently not very happy in Koethen and wanted them both to move to Paris. Soon after, the couple took their leave from Germany and moved to Paris. Hahnemann rewrote his Will on 2 June; and
left Koethen (and Germany) on 7 June 1835 A.D. forever. In the year 1836 A.D. he was granted permission to practice homeopathy in Paris. “Truth always triumphs”. In Paris Hahnemann got recognition, success, honor, money, comfort and peace. It is believed that Melanie practiced homeopathy along with her husband
in Paris, hence regarded as the first lady homeopathic practitioner. As Hahnemann and Melanie moved to Paris in 1835 A.D. her own practice of homeopathy would have commenced in 1836 A.D. at the earliest. She also practiced in Paris after her husband’s death in July 1843 A.D. Despite his great age, Hahnemann
clearly had a very enjoyable time in Paris, being as fluent in French as he was in Italian, English and Spanish. He maintained a very busy practice and hardly had time to do more than eat, sleep and see patients (see Handley, 1997 A.D.). It is clearly evident in the letter he has written to Boenninghausen, he writes “I am
at work on the sixth edition of Organon to which I devote several hours on Sundays and Thursdays, all the other time being required for treatment of patients who come to my rooms”. Hahnemann published the second edition of his Chronic Diseases, while he was in Paris, in which he detailed the use of medicines in
liquid doses, which he later incorporated into his 6th edition of Organon, containing details of the LM potencies (see Schmidt, 1994 A.D). Final Days of His Life T.L. Bradford praised Hahnemann as “the scholar whom scholars honored, and respected, physician whom physicians feared, philologist with whom philologists
dreaded to dispute; chemist who taught chemists, philosopher whom neither adversity nor honor had power to change.” Hahnemann breathed his last at the early hours, 5 A.M. on the 2nd July of 1843 A.D. The cause of his death was stated as Bronchial catarrh. His death ceremony was hurriedly conducted in the
presence of few persons. A group of homeopaths have suspected Madam Melanie’s such behavior as she kept the body without burying for few days. He was buried in the Cimetiere du Montmartre to the north of Paris in what is now popularly called the ‘artist’s quarter’. Later in the year 1896 A.D, his coffin was moved to
‘Cimitière du père Lachaise’ in Paris with honor. Hahnemann’s statue was erected at this place with following inscriptions. “Standing between the inorganic And the organic world Uniting them for the benefit of the sick; Earning towards eternity Samuel Hahnemann, Benefactor of the mankind.” Then president of America
Mc. Kinley and the minister of finance Griggs paid homage to Hahnemann in the year June 21st 1900 A.D. They contributed 4000 U.S. dollars for the erection of the statue as their honor towards Hahnemann. SOME IMPORTANT LITERARY WORKS OF HAHNEMANN 1775: The oration; wonderful construction of human
hand 1777: Translation of Nugent’s experiment on hydrophobia from English. Translation of Stedman’s physiological experiments and observations with copper from English Translation of falconeri experiment with mineral water and warm bath, from English Translation of ball’s newer art of healing from English. 1779:
Desertatio inaugur medica: Conurpectus adefectum sparmodicorum aetiologicus et therapeutics 1779: A consideration of etiology and therapeutics of spasmodic affections 1782: Essay published in Krebs medical observation 1784: Directions for curing old sores and forensic detection 1785: Translation of demathchy’s
art of distilling liquor from French 1786: On arsenic poisoning; its treatment and forensic detection 1787: Translation of demathchy’s art of manufacture of vinegar from French Translation of signs of purity and adulteration of drugs by B. Vanden Prejudice against heating with coal and ways of improving this fuel etc
Preservation of mineral alkaline salt by means of potash and kitchen salt 1788: On the wine test for iron and lead The influence of certain gases in the fermentation of wine. Concerning bile and gallstone A remedy for checking putrefaction 1789: Instructions for surgeons on venereal diseases Discovery of a new
constituent in plumbago Observation on the astringent properties of plant Unsuccessful experimentation with new discoveries Concerning with sulphate of Baryta 1789: The Friend of health 1789: Treatise on syphilis 1790: Translation of W. Cullen’s Materia Medica from English to German. 1140 pages Translation of
Ryan’s enquiries in to the nature and cure of phthisis from English to German Translation of fabroni’s the art of making wine in accordance with sennible principles from Italian Arthyoung’s annals of agriculture 1790: Complete directions for preparation of Mercurious Solublus Minor essays on chemical researches
Directions on preparation of mercury solubilies A method of checking salivation and the destructive method of mercury 1791 Manro’s materia medica Grigg’s precautionary measures for female sex On pure air and different kinds of air from French. Rigby’s chemical observations on sugar Insolubility of some metals and
their oxides in caustic ammonia 1792 Contribution to wine test Preparation of glabure’s salt, according to the methods of Ballen 1793 Wine test continued Preparation of Cassel yellow 1794 Hahnemann’s new wine test and new liquor 1795 On crusta lacteal Friend of health 1796: Description of Klokenburg during his
insanity Handbook for mothers 1796: An essay on a new principle for ascertaining the curative powers of drugs and some examinations of previous principles 1793Apotheker-lexicon (drug index and hand book of apothecaries) 1799: 1797: Antidotes to some heroic vegetable substances Are the obstacles to the
attainment of the simplicity and certainty in practical medicine insurmountable? Pulverization of Ignatia beans A case of rapidly cured calico dynia Some kind of continued and remittent fevers Some periodical and hebdomadal diseases Translation of taplin’s enquiry 1798: Continued and remittent fevers and hebdomadal
diseases Translation of new Edinburgh dispensatory 1797: Dietetic conversation 1800 Translation of treasdures medica minimum Translations of homes practical observations on cure of strictures of urethra by caustics 1801: Cure and prevention of Scarlet fever View of professional liberty at the beginning of the 19th
century 1803: On the effects of coffee On a proposed remedy for Hydrophobia 1805: Fragmenta de viribus medica mentorum positivis, sive in sano corpore humano observatis On the power of small dose of medicine Observation on three current method of treatment Aesculapius in balance Medicine of experience 1806:
Things that spoil air Socrates and physon: on the worth of outward show “What are medicines and what are poisons?” On substitute for cinchona Objection to the proposed substitute of cinchona Scarlet fever, milliary purple fever Medicine of experience Albrecht von haller’s materia medica 1807: Homeopathic
employment of medicine in ordinary practice 1808: The prevention of epidemics in general, especially in towns Protection against infection in epidemic diseases On the present want of foreign medicine On substitute for foreign drugs On the value of speculative system of medicine Plans for eradicating Malignant fever On
making the body hardly On the choice of family physician On the great necessity of a registration of medicine; extract from a letter to a physician of high standard (Published in Hufeland’s journal) On the value of speculative system of medicine especially contrasted with the ordinary practice which is joined to it 1809:
Signs of the times in the ordinary system of medicine 1810Organon medicine, 6 editions 1921: 1st edition: 1810 2nd edition: 1819 3rd edition: 1824 4th edition: 1829 5th edition: 1833 6th edition:1921 1811Materia Medica Pura (Reine Arznemittelehre), 6 volumes 1821: 1st edition:1811 2nd edition: 1816 3rd edition: 1817
4th edition :1818 5th edition : 1819 6th edition : 1821 1812: Dissertation on the Helleborism of the ancients 1813: Spirit of the new medical doctrine 1814: Method of treatment for new prevailing nerve and hospital fever 1816: On veneral diseases and its ordinary improper treatment On the treatment of burns 1819: On
uncharitableness on towards suicides 1820: On the preparation of medicines by homeopathic physicians themselves 1821: Medical advice in purpura milliaries 1828The chronic diseases, their peculiar nature and their homeopathic cure. 1838: 1829: Lesser writings 1830Four articles on cholera 1831: STATE OF
MEDICINE DURING HANEMANN’S TIME & HAHNEMANN’S WORKING PRINCIPLES Medicine during Hahnemann’s time was in a chaotic condition. One medical theory was contradictory to the other. Every medical theory was a product of one’s own imagination and speculation. Every physician was busy in finding out
the primary cause of disease, but nobody was successful. Most of the therapeutic methods employed were very Cruel and absurd. Material causes were considered as the basic cause of the diseases. Ex: the Brousseau’s “physiological system” advocated the practice of leeches application, and venesections because it
insists on removing the bad blood from the body which was considered by them as the cause of disease. Stuart Close in his book “Genius of Homeopathy” says that six million leeches were used and more than two thousand pounds of blood was spilled in the hospital of Paris in one year. Dr. Bouvard, the physician to
Louis XII conducted on his King, 47 bleedings, 240 emetics and purgatives and 212 clysters during a period of one year. It was believed that in the year 1799 A.D., death of the American president George Washington was because of repeated blood lettings only. Seton, issues, gum arabic solutions, mustard plasters,
cuppings, shotgun prescriptions, are the other examples of the cruel medical practices. Hahnemann was not satisfied with the medical practice of his times. Since the medical system was only in the developing stage, the knowledge about the medicines and the human organism was very limited. He is reported to have
written to one of his friends “I have been putting drugs of which I know little into the bodies of which I know less; so I can but renounce the practice of medicine that I may no longer incur the risk of doing injury.” This period was indeed the most challenging period in the life of Hahnemann. On one side he was a qualified
physician with M.D. in medicine, on the other, the existing medical system was not appealing but also cruel in its approach. Hence, with no option left, he stopped practicing medicine and took up the task of translating medical books. Thus while translating the Cullen’s Materia Medica, Hahnemann accidentally paved way
to the universal law of cure. In the year 1796 A.D., the dawn of homeopathic system, Hahnemann was careful of not repeating the same mistakes done by his predecessors. Hence, he wrote “there is no gain if you repeat the same mistake again and again”. Hahnemann constructed his new method of treatment called
Homeopathy on the basis of observed facts and scientific logic. He aimed at achieving a rapid, gentle and permanent restoration of health by his system of medicine, which the physicians of the previous years only dreamt of. His aim was to develop the “Rational medical system”. Any scientific medicine can be called the
“Rational medicine” that can fulfill at least the following three requirements. 1. It must be based on observable facts: The law of Similia on which homeopathy is based was accepted as the curative law by the ancient physicians. Hahnemann proved nearly 99 drugs on his body. All explanations and writings of Hahnemann
in homeopathy are based on his observations and experiences. 2. It must be logically explainable: Hahnemann in the later years, had written the book Organon of medicine, purely to educate the contemporary physicians on how to practice homeopathy. Homeopathy as a science is easily explainable and training a
homeopath is also an easy task. 3. It must be demonstrably true: The number of homeopathic cures that are taking place are the true examples of this fact. The truth that law of Similia is the nature’s curative law was known to even the ancients and contemporaries of Hahnemann. During the course of study we can
understand that homeopathy fulfills the above requirements. Hahnemann developed homeopathy into a perfect holistic and integralistic system of medicine. He practically implemented the study of both mind and body in treating the sick. By introducing the dynamization or potentisation theory he made homeopathy as the
most gentle and harmless system of therapeutics in the world. Hahnemann constructed homeopathy as an independent therapeutic system. He tried to explain the phenomenon of “health” and “disease” with the help of “dynamic concept” (refer § 11 footnote) that alone can explain the existence of “life force”. From this
conception arose “the dynamic theory of diseases.” Hahnemann strongly believed that “disease is primarily a dynamical (functional)disturbance of the vital force. This is Hahnemann’s greatest discovery and absolute bed-rock of his system”says Stuart Close. Many pioneers before the times of Hahnemann expressed the
need of human drug proving, necessarily superior to animal drug proving. Hahnemann developed homeopathy on the pillars of experimental human drug proving, probably the first person in the medical history to do so. Hence, he believed in the influence of psychological, social factors in the development of the disease,
he remained the first person to cure mental diseases without corporeal punishments. With the unique approach of clinical classification of diseases, unprejudiced case taking and finally single simple yet similar prescription he developed homeopathy into an idealistic system of curing. Chapter – 2 ORGANON, THE BOOK
INTRODUCTION TO ORGANON OF MEDICINE “Organon represented the finger post at the cross roads of healing art. This way was Allopathy, the wide and the ancient high way of school of medicine. That way Homeopathy, the narrow, new little used pathway leading to fresh country”. –Richard Haehl After disclosing
homeopathy with the first essay on homeopathy “An essay on a new principle for ascertaining the curative powers of drugs” (1796 A.D.), Hahnemann extensively experimented with his new system of medicine. By the year 1810 A.D., Hahnemann got convinced that his experiments with drugs and their curative effects on
patients gave fruitful results. So to guide and properly communicate the nuances of homeopathic practice to his fellow physicians, he wrote a scientific treatise. Hahnemann had written his first edition of Organon for the entire medical fraternity of his time. The intention of this book was to prove that the only curative
method in the world is the “law of similia”. Organon teaches the artistic techniques of employing the law of similia to the physician who is already trained in the scientific medicine. In order to achieve his mission, the physician must acquire the knowledge of the accessory medical sciences along with the knowledge of
Organon. Predecessors/Precursors of Organon of Medicine The following books that were written by Hahnemann are considered as the precursors of Organon. These books are called so because they exhibited Hahnemann’s views on the different therapeutic treatments and homeopathic concept well before the
publication of Organon. Those precursors are: 1. An essay on a new principle for ascertaining the curative powers of drugs-1796 A.D. 2. Aesculapius in balance-1805 A.D. 3. Medicine of experience-1805 A.D. 4. On the value of speculative system of medicine-1808 A.D. 5. Observation on the three current methods of
treatments-1809 A.D. The above writings reveal the idea of Hahnemann about the existing systems of medicine. The aim of Hahnemann for writing Organon was to present to the medical profession the doctrines, merits and the practical instructions of how to practice homeopathy in a successful manner. This book is
considered as a revolt against the “Materialism” of the 18th century. Meaning and Origin of the Word “Organon” The word “Organon” has been derived from a Greek word “Organum”. Prior to Hahnemann this word was used by the great Greek philosopher “Aristotle” (384-322 B.C.). The works of Aristotle were compiled in
to a book titled as “Organum”. Later the English philosopher and statesman “Lord Francis Bacon” (1561-1626 A.D.) used this title for his book on logic called “Novum Organum”, the meaning of which is “New instrument of knowledge”. This book is the second volume of his book “Instauratio Magna”, a book on inductive
logic. Hahnemann was very much influenced by these two personalities, so he used the title “Organon of medicine” for his Magnum opus on medical philosophy. The meaning of this word “Organon” is 1. A simple literary work. 2. A method of scientific investigation. 3. Instrument of knowledge, system of logic, instrument
of thought. 4. According to Richard Hughes “An instrument for effecting in best manner a certain end”. Style of Writing, Aphorisms The book “Organon of Medicine” is written in aphoristic style which was in vogue during Hahnemann’s period and not in essay form. “An aphorism is a shortly, cleverly phrased saying, the aim
of which is to convey a general truth”. Aphorism is generally denoted by the symbol “§”. Writing books in aphoristic style was prevalent in olden days. Hippocrates used this style in his writings. Aphorisms can be compared to “shlokas” in Sanskrit, “doha” in Hindi and “rubaiyan” in Persian. Most of the aphorisms in
Organon are supplemented by “footnotes.” A footnote is not an explanation of an aphorism, but the further elaborated extension of the same matter. They contain the names of the persons, books, journals and authorities etc, which Hahnemann used in support of his arguments. Dr. Bradford called Organon “The bible of
homeopathy”, because it contained the rules and regulations necessary for the true homeopathic practice. A homeopathic physician must follow (fidelity) the fundamental principles enumerated in the Organon of medicine like a true Christian follows the testimonies of Bible. EDITIONS OF ORGANON OF MEDICINE
Organon of medicine has run through 6 editions. This shows the continuous efforts Hahnemann had taken to perfect his system of medicine, without changing the fundamental laws on which homeopathy stands. Inspite of opposition from the medical men of his times Hahnemann continued to work on this book. He
carefully went through it, paragraph by paragraph, making changes and giving additions without changing the original ground plan. In each edition Hahnemann made an attempt to add those experiences and the practical knowledge, which he acquired in his practice of homeopathy. Hence, every edition helped to perfect
the system of homeopathy. Dr. Richard Hughes of England remarks, “homeopathy, like the candle stick of the Hebrew- tabernacle, has been shaped by hammering, not by casting”. Five editions were published during the author’s lifetime, and the manuscript of the sixth edition was made ready by the master by 1842
A.D. i.e. before his death. But it was published only in December 1921 A.D, 78 years after his death. Hence the 6th edition is called the “posthumous” (after death) edition. Let us see the changes made by the master from the 1st edition to the 6th edition. First Edition (Published in 1810 A.D., it contained : 259 aphorisms)
It was published during Hahnemann’s stay at Torgau in 1810 A.D. It was published by the famous publisher Arnold of Dresden. A grateful patient of Hahnemann financed the publication. In just nine years all the copies were sold out. The title of the book was “Organon der rationallen hellikunde”, meaning “Instrument of
knowledge of rational medical science according to the law of homeopathy”. This edition contained 259 aphorisms only. The introduction chapter was very small in comparison with other editions. The 1st edition had no table of contents. On the title page a poem of the famous German poet “Gellert” appeared. The original
poem was written in German language, the english translation of it as follows: “The truth we mortals need Us bless to make and keep, The all wise slightly covered over, But did not bury deep.” The same stanza was used in the book “Medicine of Experience” in the year 1805 A.D. 1st edition’s introductory chapter
contained some unintentional homeopathic cures mentioned in the contemporary medical books. It also contained the views of different authors on homeopathic cures and their possibilities in daily practice. C.E.Wheeler translated the original German edition into english in the year 1913 A.D. Second Edition (Published in
1819 A.D., it contained 318 aphorisms) This edition was written as an “Augmented (enlarged) edition”. It was published from Leipzig. The title of the book was “Organon der helikunst” which means “Instrument of knowledge of the healing art”. The title of Organon was changed from “helikunde” (medical science) to
“helikunst” (healing art) from 2nd edition of Organon. This also has raged severe criticism and opposition by many. But in the later years it became evident that Hahnemann considered treating patient as an art rather than a theoretical science. Second edition was published in 1819 A.D. This book contained 318
aphorisms. The book had a portrait of Hahnemann painted by “Junge and Stolzel”. The portrait showed Hahnemann sitting with a pen in his hand. After releasing the 1st edition Hahnemann had to face much criticism from the medical world. As an answer to that criticism this edition contained a lengthy introduction
chapter. This introduction chapter elaborated the ill effects of allopathic medication, and other bad and irrational methods adopted by the allopathic physicians. On the title page Hahnemann replaced the Gellert’s poem with two words “Aude Sapere”. Aude sapere These Latin words appeared on the title page of the 2nd
edition of Organon of medicine, the meaning of which is “Dare to be wise” or “Bold and sensible”. After observing the poisonous remarks made by the allopathic physicians on his system, Hahnemann realized that the truth is not the current coin of the world. Even in history Socrates was made to drink the hemlock
poison, Servetus was punished and Christ was crucified only because they preached the truth. Hence, Hahnemann continued to work to improve what he found to be true. He encouraged his fellow physicians to “dare to be wise”. After the publication of the 1st edition, allopathy strongly criticized, ridiculed and abused
Hahnemann. Three monthly journals were started only to denounce homeopathy. Professor Becker of Berlin wrote a separate book against homeopathy. Most of the Hahnemann’s followers were terminated from their medical practices and prosecuted by the law. Hufeland the owner of the Hufeland’s journal thought “if
homeopathy succeeds the scientific medicine would die”. He called homeopathy “the grave of science”. He wrote an essay called “Die homeopathy”. A monthly journal “Anti-Organon” was published in 1810 A.D. Dr. Simon started another journal by name “Anti Homeopathic archive”. Dr. Hornburg a follower of
Hahnemann was jailed and his chest of medicines was confiscated and subsequently buried with public celebration in a burial ground. Hahnemann was aware of the dangers of being a wise man. His father’s moral teachings gave Hahnemann the courage to face the adverse conditions. Hence Hahnemann used the word
“Aude sapere”. He got these words from the old church of St. Afra, near the Prince’s school of Missen. The quotations of the roman poet Horace’s book “Odes” was used by Hahnemann for the first time on the title page of “Medicine of experience”. These words pleased Hahnemann so much that he retained these words
up to the 6th edition of Organon. Significance of “Aude sapere” in today’s world Even today homeopaths are criticized as “placebo doctors”. The media and the majority of the dominant medical fraternity are denouncing the system. Only dare to be wise attitude can allow the true homeopaths to practice their discipline.
We have to remember that homeopathy is a theory of cure, not a theory of disease. The dynamic homeopathic medicines are intended to cure the patients and not prepared to test their efficacy in the laboratories. The many number of patients getting benefited by this system are the standing examples of its superiority
over other system. But the above state is slowly changing as the physicians of dominant school started realizing the efficacy of homeopathy in the field of therapeutics. Third Edition (Published in 1824 A.D., it contained 320 aphorims) This edition was published when Hahnemann was in Koethen. The title was
unchanged, but it was published as an “improved edition”. It was printed with the beautiful photograph of Hahnemann sitting with a pen in his hand. Fourth Edition (Published in 1829 A.D., it contained 292 aphorims) This book was published in 1829 as an improved edition during Hahnemann’s stay at Koethen. The title
remained the same. But many changes were made in the aphorisms, few of them were omitted. It contained 292 aphorisms. Hahnemann wrote the book “The Chronic Diseases” first volume in the year of 1828 A.D. This “Theory of Chronic Diseases” was introduced for the first time into 4th Edition of Organon. In this
theory Hahnemann identified the “Psoric Miasm” as the cause of most diseases. The chapter “Introduction to Organon” was introduced in this edition. This book was translated into English by Charles .H. Devrient in the year 1833 A.D. This is considered as the first ever English translation of organon. Fifth Edition
(Published in 1833 A.D., it contained 294 aphorisms) This was the last edition published during the lifetime of Hahnemann. This edition was published in the year 1833 A.D. and contained 294 aphorisms. ‘The theory of vital force’ and ‘The theory of drug dynamisation’ were published for the first time in this edition. This
edition was introduced as the textbook for the majority of the medical colleges all over the world. Vth edition was translated into English by R.E. Dudgeon in the year 1849 A.D. and again in 1893 A.D. The same edition was also translated by C.Wesslhoef into english. R.E. Dudgeon’s version is considered as the perfect
one by majority. Sixth Edition (Hahnemann kept it ready by 1842 but it got published only in 1921 A.D., it contained 291 aphorisms) In his eighty-sixth years, while in active practice in Paris, Dr. Hahnemann completed this book carefully, going over paragraph by paragraph, making changes, omissions, annotations and
additions. He completed the manuscript in February 1842 A.D. In a letter to Mr.Schuab, his publisher friend Hahnemann wrote “I have now, after eighteen months of work, finished the 6th edition of my Organon, the most nearly perfect of all”. It was found as an inter-leaved copy of the 5th edition. Unfortunately he could
not publish his last work, during his life time. This edition came to light 78 years after his death. Hence it is called “The Posthumous Edition.” Lot of controversy prevailed over the originality and the reliability of the th 6 edition, because for about 78 years the original manuscript remained in the “Estate of Boenninghausen”.
6th edition remained in this place without any attention. One group of homeopaths suspected that some changes had been made by Madam Melanie in the 6th edition. All attempts to publish this work, and negotiations with publishers failed. In the year 1856, Dr. Boenninghausen made his first attempt to publish this
edition, but it failed. The second attempt was made by Suss Hahnemann, a grandson of Samuel Hahnemann in the year of 1865, but in vain. The third attempt was seem to be made by Dr. Constantine Hering, the fourth attempt by Dr.Carroll Dunham, fifth attempt by Dr. Dayes of London, but all of them became futile.
Madam Melanie even rejected Dr. Hering’s offer of undertaking and publishing the English version of 6th edition. Finally Dr. Haehl purchased it from the heir of Boenninghausen. This book was first found in German language by Richard Haehl in 1920 A.D. Later, it was translated into English by Dr. William Boericke and
published in the year 1921 A.D. The title of this book remained the same. It contained 291 aphorisms. “The 50 millesimal scale”, “The theory of repetition of doses” were introduced. Because of this “Repetition of Doses” this edition had to face lot of controversy by a group of homeopaths. The term “Vital Force” had been
replaced by “Vital Principle” at few places. This change was made because in 19th century the term “force” was frequently used by the physical and chemical sciences to denote “power”, either physical or vital. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIFTH AND SIXTH EDITIONS OF ORGANON GROUND PLAN OR ANATOMY OF
SIXTH EDITION Dr.Bradford remarked Organon of Medicine as the “Bible of Homeopathy”. It is highly respected as the greatest work on “law of similia” all over the world. Hahnemann advises his followers to study Organon with the spirit of enquiry and not to follow it like a gospel. Organon is an authoritative, scientific
thesis of Hahnemann on the “law of similia” and its practical application in the field of therapeutics. Before proceeding to the study of aphorisms it is better to have an idea about the structure, anatomy or “the ground plan of Organon”. A ground plan to a book is like a blueprint, to a building. The perfect we are in the
designing of the blueprint the better will be the building construction. In the same manner the knowledge of the ground plan of a book helps us in better reading and understanding the contents of the book. Consideration of ground plan is very helpful in mastering this great work on medicine “Organon of medicine”. The
ground plan is nothing but the method of arrangement of the data in the book. The sections of the 6th edition of Organon can be broadly divided into 2 parts: 1. Introduction 2. Organon proper 1. Introduction A lengthy introductory part was added from 2nd edition onwards. The first edition of Organon did not contain this
lengthy introduction. This is because after the publication of first edition of Organon, Hahnemann was criticized and homeopathy was questioned and ridiculed. Hence in this introductory part Hahnemann tried to prove that homeopathy is the only curative and allopathy is mere palliative. This continued till the last (6th)
edition of Organon. In this section Hahnemann comments about the following: i The different therapeutic systems of his time, and their effects in general. ii The review of the allopathic therapeutics and an analysis of its ill effects and uselessness. Allopathy a crude method of treatment. Allopathy has been projected as the
palliative treatment. iii Accidental homeopathic cures (stray cures) observed by different physicians in the history. The incidences of applying the law of similia unknowingly in the past. iv Hahnemann’s views about diseases. He explains that diseases are not mechanical but are the dynamic derangement of vital principle.
Beautiful explanations of the specific dynamic infection of the diseases have been explained with examples. v The dynamicity of vital principles and drugs. vi The similia is the only law of cure, as identified by the ancient physicians. The most definite is the law of similia according to Stahl (1738 A.D) and other physicians.
vii The minute or the minimum dose is the one which restores health without weakening, injuring or harming the personality. viii The true physician is the one who treats the patient without any harm and restores health in a relatively short period. ix The ideal cure is possible only by the application of the remedy based on
“the law of similia” and not by tonics and stimulant medications. 2. Organon Proper Organon proper is the detailed description of Hahnemann’s views on homeopathy and its practical application. The 6th edition contain 291 aphorisms. The Organon proper can be divided into: i. Theoretical part or also called as Doctrinal
part (§1 to 70) ii. Practical part (§71 to 291) i. Doctrinal part / Theoretical part (§1 to 70) This part introduces the reader to the views of Hahnemann on different subjects like health, disease, palliation, suppression and cure. It also explains how it is different from the understanding of the other schools of medicine. This
theoretical part prepares and educates the reader for the study of practical part. This part explains the basic fundamental principles of homeopathy. The topics covered are: a. The physician’s mission (§ 1, 2) b. The knowledge, the physician must acquire in order to cure the sick (§ 3, 4) c. The knowledge of diseases,
introduction to acute, chronic diseases and miasms. The role of vital force in health, disease and cure (§ 5 to 18) d. The knowledge of drugs, the basic differences between the drug, remedy and medicine (§ 19 to 21) e. The knowledge of different therapeutic methods to choose and administer the remedy, severe criticism
of allopathy and antipathy and why homeopathy is the best? (§ 28 to 69) f. Summary, conclusion of the above statements (§ 70) ii. Practical part (§71 to 291) Once the reader understands the basic view of homeopathy towards health, disease and cure and the physician acquires the knowledge, he can now proceed
further to train himself in the following practical aspects of homeopathy. a. The 3 points necessary for cure (§ 71) b. What is to be cured in diseases? The classification and types of acute and chronic diseases (§ 72-82) c. The method of “case taking” (§ 83-104) d. The method of ascertaining the pathogenetic (disease
producing) powers of the drugs, i.e. human drug proving. (§ 105 to 145) e. What is the most suitable method of employing medicines to cure diseases? (§146-285). The homeopathic pharmacy and drug dynamization, repetition of dose, diet and regimen f. Therapeutic agents other than drugs (§ 285-291) g. Magnetism
and Electricity (§286-287) h. Mesmerism (§288-289) i. Massage (§ 290) j. Bath (§ 291) Thus, the book Organon of Medicine is well constructed with the guidelines to the aspiring homeopaths. Each section clearly educates the reader about the concerned subject. With the publication of each edition, Hahnemann tried to
perfect the practicality of homeopathy. He updated each edition without deviating from the fundamental principles of homeopathy and without disturbing its ground plan Chapter – 3 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES & LOGIC THE FUNDAMENTAL / CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF HOMEOPATHY “They who see but one, in all