The Aconite fear and restlessness, the weeping and sadness of Ignatia, Pulsatillas mild melancholy, are classifications in psychology easily read by the homoeopathic physician; they are as clearly defined as the rage-sex-wonder types of modern psychology. The healing action of the remedy is often shown first by a change for the better in the mental attitude. We had a black cook who used to say,, “The pain in my head isnt any better yet; but since you gave me that medicine, I ain;t sick to heart no more”.
A woman we know went to one of our great men. Dr. Fincke, for treatment. She told him at her second call that she did not take the other powders after the first one he gave her because she knew they were Sac. lac. anyway; she was aware of the use of the single dose at times. “Ach,” he exclaimed, “you should have taken those powders! They are a part of the cure. I put something of myself into them”.
Homoeopathy by its almost intangible, infinitesimal remedy, meets the need of mind and body. It is not crude or earthy; it represents the spirit of the cure, which means balance, health. Its principle applied by the indicated remedy reaches the hidden springs of being, helps to make the will stronger, the temper calm, and raises faith into action. Homoeopathy goes deeper and higher than any other method of drug treatment.
It considers the psychic and mental symptoms as arising from the same source as the physical illness,all, as Hahnemann says, from “a misdirection or hindrance of the vital force”. The underlying principle of homoeopathy reaches even beyond the sub-conscious to the super- conscious. Only there can the problems which baffle human beings be solved, the problems for which they seek the aid of the physician or the psychologist happy if these two are one in the practitioner of Hahnemanns philosophy the true homoeopathic physician.
This teaching should begin in the home with the children. They should be taught not to be worried or apprehensive of sickness, but to expect health; they should be taught to bear discomfort and pain with a brave uncomplaining spirit; instructed how to describe feelings and symptoms correctly so that the doctor can diagnose the case and select his remedy; and then leave it to him. They can also be taught the advantageous uses of the Arnica and Calendula preparations for their hurts and bruises.
The ignorance of the general public in regard to homoeopathy is surprising. We ought to be able to answer intelligently and simply when asked “What is it?” The idea is usually limited to the small dosage; but that is not the whole of homoeopathy, that little dose must be the one which will act upon the vital force and start the healing action.
The work of the American Foundation for Homoeopathy is meeting the need for such instruction and enlightenment; and these Leagues, such as yours, and others, will help to spread the understanding of this great system of cure, known as homoeopathy.
BROOKLYN, N.Y.
In reply to the query, “Is homoeopathy sufficient in all cases?” we would briefly say that in our experience homoeopathy strictly practised is capable of giving the fullest peace, comfort, and rest to the incurable patient, whether it be a case of cancer, of tuberculosis, or what not. Secondly, that in all curable diseases, Hahnemannian homoeopathy cures most speedily and effectively.
The method of applying the law of similars is always the same, whether the case be curable or incurable. Many a doctor prescribes carefully and hopefully for a patient suffering from a disease generally considered curable, but when treating a patient who has a disease called incurable, the same doctor will become demoralized, will prescribe carelessly, believing “there is no use trying”.
The question at issue here is not one of dose, of quantity, but a question of law and principle versus haphazard carelessness. On the one side are men who try to relieve and to cure all cases of sickness; on the other, we find men who palliate their cases, giving a present temporary relief with a permanent aggravation later.- EDMUND J. LEE, M.D., and WALTER M. JAMES, M.D., 1889.
