Editorial- Practice of Homoeopathy


In the controversies which arose a few maintained that Hahnemann was right and that the doctrine of the vital force is an essential part of the homoeopathic system. Fewer still were able to see that it is the absolute, the bed-rock foundation of homoeopathy. Hahnemann himself apparently did not realize it until he had practically completed his therapeutic edifice.


PRACTICE OF HOMOEOPATHY.

The great exponent of Homoeopathic Philosophy, Dr. Stuart Close, M. D., made the following observation in course of his famous address delivered before the Boston District Medical Society, on the 24th of September, 1925. His remarks hold good today in regard to the practice of homoeopathy in this country.

“The great biological truth underlying Hahnemanns doctrine of Life Force has been apprehended by only a few of his followers, and by most of them only in part. Those who were somewhat versed in physics were able to grasp the “force” aspect of the subject and see its importance.

In the controversies which arose a few maintained that Hahnemann was right and that the doctrine of the vital force is an essential part of the homoeopathic system. Fewer still were able to see that it is the absolute, the bed-rock foundation of homoeopathy. Hahnemann himself apparently did not realize it until he had practically completed his therapeutic edifice.

Up to 1829 it was Hahnemann, the physicist and chemist working. Then he saw the human organism as a living, thinking, feeling unit and became a vitalist. Life-and-mind became for him the primary factor, never afterward to be overlooked.

“The rank and file of the school, of course, took a part in the discussions which arose, but the blighting influence on the morale of the materialistic majority who opposed the doctrine was reflected in their practice, which continually receded from technical standards and consequently became less and less efficient therapeutically. Without a compass and with incomplete sailing directions for their little vessels, they were compelled to hug the shore. When contrary winds and storms arose, their only recourse was to come about and make a dash for the nearest allopathic port”.

“One of the greatest obstacles to the progress of homoeopathy has been the lack of scientific training in many of those who entered its ranks. Coming from all grades and departments of society, often without systematic mental training, or knowledge of the strictly logical methods of theoretical and applied science, they were ill fitted or totally unfitted to assume the activities and responsibilities of homoeopathic physicians.

Many were under the impression that homoeopathy is simple and easy to practice. This delusion arose from seeing its practice so largely in the hands of laymen in early days.

Practically it is simple–for laymen. But for one to take it up as a profession in order to extend its application to the utmost limits, it is difficult. It requires the full powers of a trained intellect in any one who has the scientific bent of mind, and who is otherwise specially qualified by nature for the work of the physician.

“Those who did not possess these qualifications were unable to appreciate, among other things, the power of precedent and authority in science. They could not understand, for example, why Hahnemann should be so rigorous in his requirements of those who sought to become his disciples, nor why he criticized so severely those who failed or refused to comply with them. To these he seemed arrogant and dictatorial, whereas he was merely insisting upon compliance with necessary technical requirements.

“Does anyone regard the chemist as arrogant and dictatorial because he insists upon strict observance of laboratory rules? Does any one imagine that he could violate the rules, ignore the principles and jumble the technic of his art and become a successful chemist? Yet that is what the majority of the so- called homoeopathic physicians have done from Hahnemanns day down to the present. It is any wonder that the practice of homoeopathy degenerated”.

N C Bose
DR. N. C. Bose, M.D.C.H
Calcutta
Chief Editor, Homeopathic Herald