(Hahnemann sent him his portrait.)
Dr. St. Bauer: Zwickau, 10th April, ’32.
A really general recognition and appreciation of the homoeopathic method of treatment would be one of the greatest kindnesses to the human race. But this cannot come from the physicians, because they form parties, and are so hedged in the prejudice and self-interest that no sincere judgment can be expected from them; the only class of men who see to me to be suitable to pronounce a public verdict which might be generally accepted, are the naturalists; they possess the faculties necessary to recognize the truth of the laws upon which this method of treatment rests, and they have more ability than the medical profession for proving the results. Some naturalists to whom I related this idea are of my opinion.
Dr. Anton Schmit: Vienna, 22.8.32.
I cannot tell you how much it annoys me that most of the homoeopaths are such weak fellows. There is many a valiant man among the laity, who is far they do not recognize the vast importance of homoeopathy or of the man who introduced it to the world under the most inauspicious conditions, and carried it to its present state of perfection. How often have I said to myself, and to others, ” Christ and Hahnemann are the two greatest men in history, and will remain so.” If only your successors will not make your child into a milch-cow and abuse, it, as His successors did.
The count Salm of Blansco,. near Brunn, proprietor of an iron foundry, and a keen follower of homoeopathy, sent on the 27th of july, 1833, a couple of drachms of pure creosote for homoeopathic use and provings and emphasized the high curative value of it.
SUPPLEMENT `107
OPINION ON GYMNASTICS.
Very esteemed Hofrath,
Will you, dear Sir, kindly forgive me, if I, a complete stranger, take the liberty of addressing myself to you on a matter which although it does not come directly under the medical sphere of activity, yet could be greatly raised and assisted by your authority and opinions. I have been for some years, co- director of the local gymnasium, and wish, with my colleagues, among whom are Mr. Richter, a magistrate, and Mr. Beck, the Court painter, that out school youths should not only become interested in gymnastics, but that their interest might grow more keen. A new stimulus in a matter of such importance to young people, seems to me necessary from time to time, as there are many who have not definitely spoken in its favour, and may therefore be assumed to be indifferent to its development.
I need hardly assure you, esteemed Hofrath, that our town honours your great merits, and lays great stress on your opinions. Many parents, therefore would without a doubt hand over their children to our institution and generally put more value upon physical exercise if it became known that you recommended it, and consider it necessary and useful. As I know well that you like physical exercises, I venture to write to you with the humble request that you will let me have your opinion on gymnastics, even if ever so briefly worded, provided that you agree to its publication through the medium of the “Anhaltische Volksfreund.” If you cannot find a moment for that, you would help us considerably if you would slow us to mention you as an authority when recommending physical exercises.
I hesitate to trespass any longer on your valuable time, and will only just mention how grateful I should be if you would fulfil my request. Hoping for a favourable reply.
I remain, With deep esteem, KARL FRITSCHE, Collaborator of the local High School.
Dessau, 19th August, 1832.
Hahnemann’s reply (from a draft in his own handwriting).
Having been asked in a friendly way to openly express my opinion about gymnastics, I declare herewith that physical exercise under the supervision of a capable teacher, not only gives dexterity and vigor to the body, but also contributes largely to strengthen the moral character, and assist the activity of the mind in the study of science.
DR. SAM HAHNEMANN, Hofrath.
Cothen, 20th August, 1832.
RECOMMENDATION FOR A COCOA-SUBSTANCE.
Very esteemed Hofrath, One the suggestion of several of you admirers, I take the liberty to forward to you a small sample of a preparation which you have the credit of first introducing to the public.
Perhaps you remember the little incident, when some fifteen years ago you gave to my late father-in-law. Mr. Frank of Schleussig, the first instructions for the preparation of this wholesome cocoa-substance.
Although this pleasant beverage has become more widely know since those days, it has not yet received, by any means, the recognition it deserves.
For the last five years, during which his factory had been under my management, I have employed the greatest care and diligence in the manufacture of this substance, and by using steam I have succeeded in supplying a very much finer and purer product With this sample,, which I take the liberty of sending to your, I believe I can prove that mine is the best of all similar preparations.
At the suggestion of several influential patients who have been treated by homoeopathy, I venture to humbly request, that after trying it, should you find it worthy, you would send me a small recommendation of this preparation, which I shall publish in the news papers. You would thus prevent the frequently rather unpleasant consequences resulting from the consumption of so many preparations in which cocoa is mixed with flour, fat and other ingredients.
Assuring you in advance of my heartiest thanks and deepest gratitude, and hoping that you will kindly grant my request,
I remain, With profound esteem, Your obedient servant, C. WEIGEL.
Schleussing, 10th October, 1833.
Hahnemann replied:
I find that the cocoa-substance from the factory of Mr. C. WEigel, of Schleussing, near leipsic, is prepared with every care, all its ingredients beings well blended, and it has a very pure taste-it therefore deserves the best recommendation.
DR. S. HAHNEMANN, Hofrath.
Cothen November 4th, 1833.
REQUEST FOR A PRESCRIPTION FOR AN “ELIXIR” AS A PREVENTIVE AGAINST CHOLERA INFECTION.
Hannover, August 4th, 1831.
Very esteemed Sir, I must first and foremost apologise for taking the liberty of troubling you with this letter. I have for many years used, and always to great advantage. your excellent translation of the first liquors of France, by one Demachy and Dubuisson, and also of Demachy’s Vinegar manufactures, (1785, see supplement 16-R. H.) when preparing my liquors, and beverages which come under the class of lemonades.
As at the present moment the sad disease, which the medical faculty call cholera is browsing in the largest section of Germany, and unfortunately if may be feared that this terrible disease will not spare North Germany, I have felt the desire to procure from some renowned physician of Germany, instructions for a prescription for the preparation of an Elixir as a protective and preventative against infection from this disease.
For many important reasons I am firmly convinced that no one is as capable as you are of suggesting such a compound, therefore I humbly beg of you Sir, to favour me very soon with a written prescription, and if you should grant my request, to kindly allow me to sell the prepared Elixir under the name of “Hahnemann’s Elixir against infection from cholera.” In expectation on a kind and favourable reply, I have the honour to remain with profound esteem, Your obedient servant, PAUL BERNHARD, Confectioner.
Hahnemann remarked on the letter: “Not to be answered.”
SUPPLEMENT 108
REJECTION OF INADMISSIBLE ALLOPATHIC ATTACKS ON HOMOEOPATHY. One the 15th October, 1830, the Faculty of Jurisprudence, at the Leipsic University, considered it necessary from a professional point of view, to set forth the following reprimand of an allopathic accusation:
To the physician (and even more so to the patient) must be left the free choice of the system of medicine, as by rejecting this, all scientific point of view, that the designation ” system ” cannot be denied to it.
In the “Kampfe case’ the judgment even went as far as:
In conclusion the medical officer of health concerned, has adopted an attitude against Dr. Hahnemann and the homoeopathic physicians, generally considered unseemly in educated medical men, without considering that in a formal judicial opinion all personal attacks of the opponents must be absolutely eliminated. They are not likely to mislead the medical judges from the strictly neutral path of duty.
SUPPLEMENT 109
THE PERSECUTION OF HORNBURG.
REQUEST FOR A TESTIMONIAL FROM HAHNEMANN
Through the inimical attitude of the local medical officer of health, Hofrath Dr. Clarus, one of your most devoted admirers and disciples, the Medorrhinum Baccal Hornburg, has become involved in a criminal investigation for unauthorized practice (?) I have been generally assured that you hold him in high esteem; that you have even declared that he was one of your best pupils. This is sufficient reason for me to try and protect this man from his enemies, and those of homoeopathy. So that I may do this will the more success I urgently entreat you herewith to express your weighty judgment of Hornburg, in the form of a testimonial, and to send the same as early as possible-for there is “periculum in more”-to me.
Richard Haehl was also an editor and publisher of the homeopathic journal Allgemcine, and other homeopathic publications.
Haehl was responsible for saving many of the valuable artifacts of Samuel Hahnemann and retrieving the 6th edition of the Organon and publishing it in 1921.
Richard Haehl was the author of - Life and Work of Samuel Hahnemann