“It must be remembered that the power of homoeopathic medicine is augmented (potentiated) by friction and succussion at each successive division and comminution. This development of powers, unknown before my time, is so great that in later years…” he recommended “two succussions after each dilution, instead of ten.” (Org., p. 222.)
“The smallest possible quantity of medicine in potentized development is sufficient.” (M.M.P.)
“Quite small doses of medicine are all the less likely to fail to exercise their peculiar action, in as much as their very smallness cannot excite the organism to revolutionary evacuations (what is morbid is altered by the small dose), whereas a large dose, by the antagonism it excites in the system, will often be rapidly expelled and bodily ejected and washed away by vomiting, purging, diuresis, perspiration, &c” (M.M.P., vol. i, p. 415.) Must do provings with potentized drugs
Org.p. 127: “…The most recent experiments have taught that crude medicinal substances, if taken by an experimenter (a prover) for ascertaining their peculiar effects, will not disclose the same wealth of latent powers as when they are taken in a highly attenuated state, potentized by means of trituration and succussion. Through this simple process the powers hidden and dormant, as it were, in the crude drug are developed and called into activity in an incredible degree. In this way the medicinal powers of substances hitherto considered as inert are most effectually developed…” Insoluble substances become soluble after three triturations.
“Chemistry is not acquainted with the fact that all substances after having been triturated up to the millionth degree (up to the 3rd cent. potency) can be dissolved in either alcohol or water.” (Chr. Dis., p. 192.) Effect of potentization marvellous
“The alteration which is effected in the properties of natural substances, especially medicinal substances, either by triturating or shaking them in conjunction with a non-medicinal powder or liquid, is almost marvellous. This discovery is due to homoeopathy.” (Chr. Dis., p. 187.) Insolubles become soluble,
He instances “Sepia” (cuttle-fish juice) “soluble only in water, when triturated, it becomes soluble in alcohol.. ” “Petroleum, insoluble in water and alcohol, by means of trituration is soluble in both…” “Lycopodium (spores of club- moss) floats on alcohol and water, unaffected by either, Trituration makes it soluble in either, and develops such powerful medicinal action in the drug that its use requires great care.” (Chr. Dis., p. 187.)
Potencies no longer subject to chemical laws
“The medicinal chemical substances which have been thus (homoeopathically) prepared, and their medicinal virtues fully, infinitely developed’ are no longer subject to chemical laws.” (Chr. Dis., P. 188.)
“Besides this alteration of their medicinal properties, the homoeopathic mode of preparing medicines produces an alteration in their chemical properties. Whereas in their crude form, they are insoluble either in water or alcohol, they become entirely soluble both in water and alcohol by means of this homoeopathic transformation. This discovery is invaluable to the healing art.” (Chr. Dis., p. 187.)
Or to chemical neutralization
“A remedy which has been elevated to the highest potency and by this means, has become almost spiritualized, is no longer subject to the laws of neutralization.” (Chr. Dis., p. 189.) (He gives instances to prove this.)
Globules retain medicinal powers for years
“Globules, moistened with the 30th potentiated dilution and then dried, retain their full strength undiminished for at least eighteen or twenty years (as far as my experience reaches), even if the vial had been opened a thousand times, provided it had been well protected from heat and sunlight.” (Org., p. 224.) Facts speak
(Hahnemann fully realized the years of doubt and poor work that would precede his triumph.)
“My doctrines in regard to the magnitude and repetition of the doses will be doubted for years, even by the greater number of homoeopathic physicians. Their excuse will be that it is quite difficult to believe that minute homoeopathic doses have at all the power to act upon the disease, but that it is incredible that such small doses should be able to influence an inveterate chronic disease even for two or three, much less for forty or fifty days; years, that after so long a space of time, important results should be obtained from these imperceptible doses…”I do not comprehend it, but facts speak for themselves. The truth of my proposition is demonstrated by experience, in which I have more faith than in my intelligence. Who will undertake to weigh the powers which Nature conceals in her depths? who will doubt of their existence?” (Chr. Dis., pp. 155-156.) Experience the only arbiter
“It would be foolish to refuse to learn to write, because we cannot understand how thought can be embodied in written words…” (Chr. Dis., p. 156.)
“Who ever thought that the medicinal virtues of drugs could be developed in an infinite series of degrees by means of triturating and shaking the raw materials?” (Chr. Dis., p. 156.)
“Dose the physician risk anything by imitating a method which I have adopted from long experience and observation?” (Chr. Dis., p. 156.)
Laws of cure must be obeyed
“Unless the physician imitates my method, he cannot expect to solve the highest problems of medical science, that of curing those important chronic diseases, which have remained uncured until I discovered their true character, and proper treatment.” (Chr. Dis., p. 156.)
“If physicians do not carefully practise what I teach, let them not boast of being my followers, and above all, let them not expect to be successful in their treatment.” (Ibid.)
“This doctrine appeals not only chiefly, but solely to the verdict of experience-repeat the experiments,’ it cries aloud, `repeat them carefully and accurately, and you will find the doctrine confirmed at every step;’- and it does what no medical doctrine, no system of physic, no so-called therapeutics ever did or could do, it insists upon being judged by the results.” (M.M.P., vol. ii, p.2.)
In conclusion I would like to acknowledge the valuable help that Dr. Tyler has given me in the compilation of this paper.
Weir received his medical education first at Glasgow University MB ChB 1907, and then on a sabbatical year in Chicago under the tutelage of Dr James Tyler Kent of Hering Medical College during 1908-9. Weir reputedly first learned of homeopathy through his contact with Dr Robert Gibson Miller.
John Weir wrote- Some of the Outstanding Homeopathic Remedies for Acute Conditions with Margaret Tyler, Homeopathy and its Importance in Treatment of Chronic Disease, The Trend of Modern Medicine, The Science and Art of Homeopathy, Brit Homeo Jnl, The Present Day Attitude of the Medical Profession Towards Homeopathy, Brit Homeo Jnl XVI, 1926, p.212ff, Homeopathy: a System of Therapeutics, The Hahnemann Convalescent Home, Bournemouth, Brit Homeo Jnl 20, 1931, 200-201, Homeopathy an Explanation of its Principles, British Homeopathy During the Last 100 Years, Brit Homeo Jnl 23, 1932: etc