Generally conducted by homeopathy practitioners and advocates, rather than scientists,
the emphasis of provings has always focused on determining accurate symptom profiles.
These are then applied homeopathically in clinical practice – according to the law
of similars. But significant questions arise as to their quality, and the inconsistencies
in approach and method remains at issue for 19th, 20th and 21st century provings. For the vast majority of these experiments the fundamental hypothesis
has been, ‘what symptoms and conditions might this substance be useful for’? But what
about re-provings? Comparative evaluation of the data extracted from old and modern
provings can reveal significant similarities. This paper explores a model of comparing
subjective symptoms from provings which if robust enough challenges the idea that
homeopathic responses are placebo. For example, a significant overlap of symptoms
from a proving of Culex was noted compared to a previous one. Conducted in 2004 with sound design and method,
the data is compared to a proving of Culex conducted in the 1800’s, more than 100 years apart. Repeated improved provings with
better design, ethics approval and method have subsequently been conducted on substances
from Chamomilla, Tuberculinum, Blatta orientalis to Kangaroos Milk. This paper explores four different points.
1. The findings of these trials are examined and analyzed discussing the implications
for homeopathy as a whole. How is it possible that a homeopathic preparation, often
dismissed as placebo, creates a statistically significant mirror of symptoms, especially
conducted after such a passage of time? Further, how can placebo create clear affinities
with clusters of symptoms in specific locations?
2. In addition, it explores the inherent difficulties in comparing symptoms between
trials. How can accurate comparisons be made when a symptom is not a simple objective
number per se, but rather a description of an experience by a healthy person involved
in the trial? It can involve objective and subject perspectives, involve different
parts of the body and above all is descriptive. This paper suggests a method and design
around these challenges as we move forward.
3. It examines the challenges confronting scientists faced with poor proving prototols
from the body of homeopathic literature and proposes a new model of conducting provings
to directly address the contention that homeopathy a placebo response.
4. Further, it outlines the direction for further studies to be conducted to ensure
reliable data. In terms of design – there are a number of variables at play, the quality
of the trial, ethics, inclusion and exclusion criteria, randomisation, control, information
on the relative health of provers and the method of extraction of reliable symptoms
to ensure that provings meet the expectations of clinicians, academics and scientists.
