Like many who firmly believe in the value of their discoveries and deductions, Hahnemann was disappointed and embittered that his published findings in the Organon brought about no revolution in medical practice; what was so clear to him should be obvious to all when it was brought to their attention. Since his converts were few he sought other means to bring the new science to the attention of practicing physicians.
He then determined to become a lecturer at Leipsic University, that he might inculcate his ideas in the budding physicians. Even here his way was made difficult by antagonism and carelessness, and his own antagonistic attitude did not draw many students toward him. There were a few who came out of curiosity but stayed because their minds were stimulated by contact with Hahnemanns clear, logical thinking numbers, Hahnemann;s students came and learned the rational art of healing.
About this time the enemity of the chemists came to a head, for Hahnemann taught that all physicians should prepare their own medicines. In 1821 Hahnemann was forbidden to prepare or dispense any medicines whatsoever within the boundaries of Saxony, whereupon he removed to Kothen where he remained for a number of years. Here he came under the patronage of personages of rank, who became his patients, and here he began to taste the fruits of his strenuous years of study and teaching.
He was not free from attacks on his methods, not did he cease to flourish his vigorous pen; but his financial stress was lessened. His students continued to seek him out, and although he had bitter difference of opinion with a number of them, yet not all his teaching fell on stony ground; and there were those who were converted heart and soul to the new principles.
Hahnemanns attitude toward his patients was autocratic in the extreme, and he advised his students that “more often than not they should send away patients, or leave them at once if they do not show confidence or respect for you and your art. You must never allow them to dismiss you.. you must dismiss them first.” Hahnemanns habit of demanding his fee on delivery of the medicine or at stated regular intervals from even the poorest of his patients caused much stir in professional circles; and his alternative custom of caring for patients for a stated fee at regular intervals regardless of the number of times he was employed was hailed as a scandalous innovation. However, his attention to these insured him of a comfortable livelihood in his later years.
With characteristic method, Hahnemann, regulated his charity work to twelve patients a year, and these were accorded the same courtesy and skill as his wealthiest patients. It is said that he contributed generously to the homoeopathic care of the poor under other hands than his own.
After Hahnemanns second marriage, he was encouraged to settle in Paris, and after some years of successful practice here he finished his work on July 2, 1843. Seldom does a life span cover greater struggle and hardship for an ideal so largely unselfish. Clear thinking, hard work and rugged honesty were the pattern on Hahnemann;s life. Had his virtues and abilities been tempered with more tact and graciousness, how much more he might have done for the system of medicine he founded! The tendency to go out of his way to attack the methods of others was the great flaw in an otherwise majestic character. His bequest of his discoveries and deductions to later generations carried with it the hereditary taint of acrimonious attack. Would that this heritage might he eliminated, and the unmixed blessings of Hahnemanns work be perpetuated!.
DERBY, CONN.
