Introduction
Hahnemann Arrives
No thesis that includes homeopathy would be complete without addressing aspects of the life of its founder. This history is included in order to give the reader a reflective view of the events that contributed to the founding of homeopathy.
Early Support In Sam Hahnemann's Life.
He was born Samuel Christian Frederich Hahnemann, on April 10, 1755, at Meissen, Germany. His father decided early to give his son "lessons in Thinking," drawing heavily on his own readings of Rousseau. At five years old his father started to give thinking lessons to his young son, with the admonition to "prove all things" and to "hold fast to that which is good." Because of his fathers early teachings in thinking, Hahnemann was advanced in his education at the age of twelve. Advanced enough for an appointment by his schoolmaster, to tutor his younger schoolmates in the Greek language.
Dad's Support.
Hahnemann's father wanted that his son obtain an education, however, he
had conflict over needing his son around the house to help with the many chores. It must have been with great disparity that he frequently took him out
of school for assistance at home. However, it was to late as Samuel had
already obtained a burning desire for an education (Haehl 1971). Later in his life, he thanks his father for his early guidance during his childhood.
My father died four years ago, without being deeply versed in science. He
was a painter for the porcelain factory of the town, the author of the brief treatise on water- colour painting. He had found for himself the soundest conceptions of that which was good and can be called worthy of man. These ideas he implanted in me, "to act and live without pretence and show," was
his most noteworthy precept, which impressed me more by his example than by his words. He was frequently present, though unobserved, where
something good was about to be accomplished. Should I not follow Him? (Haehl 1971 10)
Rousseau's Influence.
Hahnemann often mentions that his father had read to him from Jean Jacques Rousseau, and from these frequent readings his father imparted much of the philosophy of Rousseau. He may have even read the following passage of Rousseau's writings to his son.
Integrity of the heart, when fortified by reason, produces an accurate mind. A good man almost always thinks accurately; and with a little experience, one who has been accustomed from infancy not to confuse himself when he reflects, nor to yield himself to present pleasure, until he has weighed the consequences and balanced the advantages, has nearly all the requirements for forming the judgement. It seems, indeed, that good sense depends more
on the sentiments of the heart than on the clearness of the mind . . .
(Boyd 1962, 31)
Schoolmaster's Support.
Recognizing Hahnemann's talent was not being employed fully, Hahnemann's schoolmaster, approached Hahnemann senior. He suggested that the
younger Hahnemann be allowed to finish his schooling uninterrupted, while personally offering to pay for the son's school expenses. The father relented and allowed Samuel to return to school. Later, at the age of twenty years, Samuel would receive $20. , and his father's blessings. This included permission to leave home, and journey to Leipzig, Germany to attend college.
In Leipzig, he would busy himself attending lectures during the day, and translating English texts into German at night. To earn additional money, he tutored German and French to a fellow student (Haehl 1971).
Dr. Von Quaring.
During Hahnemann's stay in Leipzig he made the acquaintance, and later friendship, of Dr. Von Quaring. The doctor was known for his successful practice in medicine, and for the celebrity status of his patients, patients such as the Emperor Joseph. Dr. Quaring treated Hahnemann as his own son, and not only allowed him to visit patients with him, but actually acquired for Hahnemann, the position of physician and Librarian to the Governor of Siedenburgen, Germany.
The Governor.
Hahnemann worked for the Governor for two years, cataloging his vast collection of books and coins. He would spend his nights reading and
studying the collection of books, which became his work during the day. At twenty-four he was ready to continue his studies at the University of Erlangen, Germany. On his resume he was able to state that he had tutored himself in Latin, English, Hebrew, Italian, Syraic, Arabic, Spanish, and some Chaldaic. He had also improved on his familiar Greek and German (Haehl 1970).
Hahnemann Works On Translating.
In 1784, Hahnemann translated DeMachy's work, The Art of Manufacturing Chemical Products. Hahnemann not only translated but improved upon the writing and made many suggestions for change. He became quite sought
after for his editing expertise. This work increased his knowledge and lead to more of a complete understanding and referencing of material.
Some examples of Hahnemann's editing expertise are attested to when Demachy writes, "I know little of the work of carbonification of turf." Hahnemann, while editing DeMachy's work, added six different examples of this "turf" in his notes to the author. Where Demachy spoke of a rare Italian book, Hahnemann not only cited the book, but related further details from it. Demachy wrote of a French writer, without giving his name. Hahnemann not only added the name of the Frenchman but, the work that Demachy was
trying to relate too (Haehl 1971).
Paradigm du Jour
The Doctrine Of Phlogiston.
Prior to the discussion of Doctor Hahnemanns' departing traditional medicine, and the development of homeopathy, it is appropriate for the reader to understand the existing doctrines that influenced the medicine he worked with, and some of the treatments that were currently in use during the 1700s.
Until Lavoisier's discoveries, (late 1770s), the teachings of John Joachim Becher (1635-1683) and those of G.E. Stahl (1660-1734), were the accepted paradigms. Lavoisier's teachings were slowly replacing alchemy and Phlogiston. The doctrine of Phlogiston was known as the "Inflammable Principle." According to this principle nothing in the world was capable of burning without this principle being at work.
An example of paradigm and paradigm change considers that in the 1990s, a chemist might ask the question, "Of what known elements is this or that substance composed of "? Whereas, in the 1700s the question may have sounded more like, "What unknown something lies hidden in a substance?"
Societies struggle to understand the paradigm of Phlogisticated air was taking place when Samuel Hahnemann and Lavoisier were doing research in chemistry, in 1744. Lavoisier showed that water does not change to earth, as the current paradigm taught, but that it was composed of Hydrogen and Oxygen. That same year he explained that the increase in weight that takes place when metals are oxyadised, [sic] occurs because of incorporation of air (Ameke 1875).
Lavoisiers' Exact Measurements.
In the years 1774, 1780 and in 1783, Lavoisier published his experiments, with an exactness that was previously unknown. He proved that the increase of weight that takes place when Phosphorous and Sulphur are burnt, is equal to the loss of the weight of the air in which the burning takes place. He
concluded, that the ingredient of air, which was transferred to the burnt substance, was the constituent common to all acids, therefore he called it "Oxygen" (known as Sauerstoff, in German). This changed forever, the paradigm of the 1700s (Haehl 1970, 407).
Lavoisier loses his head to Robespiere. In the year 1794, to raise much
needed research money, Lavoisier accepted the government post of Farmer-General. During this employment he was challenged to account for some
deed. It was because of Robespiere's displeasure with the results of
Lavoisier's work, that he was guillotined on May 8, 1794. Fortunately, Lavoisier's work became accepted, and by the year 1799 his ideas were the new paradigm and were commonly in use, as some continue to be today (Ameke 1875).
Hahnemann's Study Of Chemistry.
After graduation from the University of Erlangen, Hahnemann moved to Dessau, Germany (1781) and turned his attention to the study of chemistry.
He would later receive an appointment to practice medicine in the town of Gommern, Germany.
Hahnemann's chemical tests. Hahnemann was not only busy doing translations and making others' works more refined, but was experimenting and developing his own tests for muriatic acid and sulfuric acid. He called attention to the use of too much magnesia in the brine of salt works, and introduced a method of separation. Hahnemann created careful experiments on the subject of crystallization, the solubility of salts at different temperatures, and the possibility of separating them by means of crystallization. He also investigated many useful ideas for the detection of impurities in chemicals.
All of this work prepared him for his later insights and the founding of homeopathy.
Professor Henke, writing in the Homeopathic Journal, Archiv F��edic. Erfahr��n, wrote, "Hahnemann's new test for the presence of Arsenic in the body . . . The classical work of Dr. Hahnemann, on Arsenic, by means of which the best modes of analyzing Arsenic were introduced into medical jurisprudence" (Haehl 1971, 622).
Hahnemann is also credited with the introduction of dilute acids into chemical use, and the determination of their specific gravities, these tests closely approach the methods of modern day labs.
In 1795, in the Journal der Pharmacie, Hahnemann explained what he called
his Wine Test. This test was used to decide the presence of lead in wine, used as a sweetener by the wine-makers. Today, due to paradigm changes, scientists know that lead can be responsible for cramps, colic, brain disfunction and death (Haehl 1971).
During Hahnemann's life, (1755-1843) the traditional medicine, was based on assumption that "humours" caused illness. The paradigm of that time stated that "every means available should accomplish humour removal." The following list illustrates methods that were commonly used for humour [sic] removal.
The Cautery.
This procedure consisted of a white hot iron rod, or some chemical agent that would burn. Doctors employed it to dig deep into the body, and then they inserted dried peas into the incision. They finally sealed this with an
application of compressive bandages, and continued to add a fresh supply of dried peas daily.
The Seton.
In this procedure the doctor pinched up, the flesh of the patient, and made an incision. A skein of cotton or silk was inserted, then on later checking of the wound, part of the skein was drawn out. The saturated part was cut off, to
await more saturation and another doctors visit. Setons were usually applied
to the back of the head to draw out foul humours. Additionally, they applied
the Seton to the region of the heart to "clean and polish it up." The doctors used the Seton on other parts of the body as they felt it was needed.
Bleeding and Blistering.
These procedures were commonplace. In addition, doctors would apply Arsenic, to coat the wounds that resulted. As a result, many thousands of patients would die of Arsenic poisoning. Bloodletting was among the favorites of treatments and has been revived today, for current use in removing dead tissue and gangrenous areas (Haehl 1971).
Hahnemann Steps Away From Orthodox Medicine
The above practices set the stage for Hahnemann to search for alternatives in medicine, that eliminated the above practices, and replaced them with homeopathic medicine, which gave a scientific approach to the of medicine of the era. During Hahnemanns' stay in Gommern, he became dissatisfied with
the medicine that he was practicing, because of all its side-effects and poisonings. In fact, he began to question the very fundamentals of medicine
as it was known. The outcome was that he suspended his practice of medicine and continued to make a living by translating medical texts. In his spare time
he verified, and tested, his theories about medicine using healthy human beings. Eventually he named his new theory homeopathy, creating a new medical paradigm of the day.
Dissatisfaction With Orthodox Medicine.
Homeopathy was developed in the late 1700s, by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, M.D. of Germany. He received his M.D. at Erlangen, Germany, but because of his dissatisfaction and searching, he would unknowingly build upon previously mentioned, century old paradigms of medicine. Medicine needed an investigator, like Hahnemann, to put the pieces together, form a discipline,
and therefore foster paradigm change.
He Discovers The Theory.
Hahnemann, was translating Cullen's Materia Medica, a compilation of many medicines, and the results of Cullen's testing them. He found himself disagreeing with the author's premise as he relates . . . .
I made the first pure experiment with Chinchona Bark upon myself, and
thereby discovered its power of exciting the familiar symptoms of intermittent fever. With this first trial, it broke upon me the dawn, that has since brightened into the most brilliant day of medical art, that it is only by their power to make the healthy human beings ill, that the medicines can cure morbid states; and even so, only such morbid states whose symptoms the selected drug itself
can produce in the healthy. (Haehl, 1971 328)
Subsequently, Hahnemann moved to the town of Dresden, Germany and published numerous books on chemistry, and created many new forms of chemical testing, as mentioned earlier (Haehl 1971).
Prominent Homeopathic Supporters
Hahnemann was a hard worker and was 89 when he died. As shown in Appendices A., he wrote 116 large works and approximately 120 pamphlets. According to Hahnemann himself, "He was always filling gaps in his education."
If like attracts like, as homeopathy believes, than what do the following
notables have in common in the ways that they filled their own gaps of education?
The Duke of Glouster; Edward the VIII; Elizabeth Palmer Peabody; Elizabeth Stuart Phelps; Emanuel Swedenborgian; George the VI; Harriet Beecher
Stowe; Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; Horace Greeley; Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe; John D. Rockefeller Sr.; Julia Ward Howe; Louisa May Alcott;
Mahatma Gandi; Mark Twain and Mary Baker Eddy (Haehl 1970, 28). Nathaniel Hawthorn; President McKinley; Princess Mary Adelaide; Queen Adelaide; Queen Elizabeth of England, and The Royal Family; Theodore Parker; Thomas Starr King; Thomas Wentworth Higginson; Thomas Bailey Aldrich; Wendell Philips; William Cullen Bryant; William Seward; William Lloyd Garrison;
William James; Yehudi Menuhin; Dizzie Gillespie; Mother Teresa and Tina Turner. (Ullman 1988, 2)
The answer is, they are, or were, all proponents and users of homeopathic medicine.
Current Day Testimonials
In more recent periods the following people attest to their encounters with homeopathy.
Dizzy Gillespie.
There have been two revelations in my life-- the first was bebop and the
second, homeopathy (Gillespie in Ullman 1988, 2).
Tina Turner.
Life in the fast lane wore me down, changes in my diet and homeopathy
saved me. Thanks to my Homoepathic physician, For bringing me back to health and always being available for me (Turner in Ullman 1988, 3).
Yehudi Menuhin.
Homeopathy is the safest and more reliable approach to ailments and has withstood the assaults of established medical practice for over one hundred years (Menuhin in Ullman 1988, 3)
William Tyler. Chairperson of Materials and Science Engineering Dept. at Sanford University, California. . .
It is clear that we are going out of the age of chemical and mechanical
medicine into the age of energetic and Homeopathic medicine. (Tyler in
Ullman 1988, 3)
Charles Menninger M.D. According to Dr. Menninger, Founder of the
Menninger Clinic.
Homeopathy is wholly capable of satisfying the therapeutic demands of this age better than any other system of medicine. (Menninger in Ullman 1982, 12)
President of A.M.A.
Malcolm Todd, a former President of the A.M.A., while speaking, as President,
at an A.M.A. conference in San Diego, California, endorsed alternative medicine. Later, in Houston, Texas, when speaking to an extremely traditional medical audience he said,
Orthodox medicine needs to take an aggressive role in the integration of holistic approaches into mainstream medicine, as they promise an exciting rejuvenation of Western medicine. That this interaction might include biofeedback and the psychology of consciousness to paranormal
phenomena, physic healing etc. . .(Todd in Ferguson, 1980)
Sir William Osler Supports Homeopathy.
From the Journal Of the American Medical Association (J.A.M.A., 258, July 3, 1987), Sir William Osler is quoted from his farewell address to the American medical profession, Osler said:
It is not as if our Homeopathic brothers are asleep; far from it, they are awake . . . The original grievous mistake was ours . . .to quarrel with our brothers about Infintismals was a most unwise and stupid thing to do. (Osler in Ullman
1987, 3)
Atomic Body
What have these people been supporting? Ferguson and Gerber give further insight into homeopathy. Marilyn Ferguson explaining that the body is very sensitive and works on a very minute atomic level.
he following:
Belatedly, half a century after we should have taken the hint from physics, Western medicine is beginning to recognize that the body is a process a bioelectric whirlpool, sensitive to positive ions, cosmic rays, trace minerals in our diet, free electricity from power generators. (Ferguson 1980, 256)
Dr. Richard Gerber, seconds the thoughts of Ferguson, when he contributes:
The discoveries of pathways that bind the brain and the immune system rescues the behavioral approach to disease (homeopathy) from the shadowy practices of the witch doctors and places it squarely within the rational
tradition of western medicine. We are witnessing the birth of a new integrative science, psychoneurimmunology, which begins with the premise that neither the brain nor the immune system can be excluded from any scheme that proposes to account for the onset and course of human disease. (Gerber
1988, 480
© 1997 David Cleveland
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