The Phases of Hahnemann's Medical Practice

Abstract

Using data from his casebooks, this study explores the medical practice of Hahnemann with a focus on his changing use of medicines and potency. This study also identifies several phases in his use of medicines that connect with his ongoing programme of new provings. This study also reveals that only when he had chanced upon the antipsoric medicines, he did stop changing his medicines. Similarly, data taken from the casebooks reveal changes in his use of potency and the development of his unique method of preparing medicines as he experimented with higher and higher potencies as his career progressed.

Keywords

Hahnemann - potency - history - provings - medicines

Publication History

Article published online:
31 December 2021

• References

• 1 Hahnemann S, Dudgeon RE. Eds. The Lesser Writings of Samuel Hahnemann . London: Henry Turner & Co; 1851: 386
• 2 Related articles by Peter Morrell: The Hahnemann Casebooks - an Introduction, Similia, Vol.29.2, December 2017, pp.6–9; The Hahnemann Casebooks part 2: Continuity and Change, Similia, 30.1, June 2018, pp.9–18; The Hahnemann Casebooks part 3: Some Short Cases, Similia, 30.2, Dec 2018, pp.14–19; Hahnemann—the Theory and the Practice, UK: Homeopathy in Practice, Spring 2019, pp.22–27; Hahnemann's First Polychrests, Similia, 31.1, June 2019, pp.36–38; Hahnemann's Preferred Drugs, Similia, 31.2, Dec 2019, pp.5–10; Are Hahnemann's Methods and Ideas Reflected in his Casebooks?, International Conference of the INHH, History of Homeopathy Reloaded, Stuttgart, 9th and 10th December 2019; Interpreting Hahnemann's Changing Use of Drugs, AJHM, 113.1, Spring 2020, pp.13–17; Three Aspects of Hahnemann's Consultation, The American Homeopath 26, Spring 2020, pp.8–16;
• 3 Hahnemann S. Fragmenta De Viribus Medicamentorum Positivis Sive. In Corpore Sano Humano Observatis . Leipzig: Barth; 1805. , two volumes
• 4 Samuel Hahnemann, Reine Arzneimittellehre, Dresden: Arnold, 6 volumes, 1811–21
• 5 Hahnemann S. Die chronischen Krankheiten . Dresden & Leipzig: Arnold; 1828
• 6 See his Instruction for Surgeons respecting Venereal Diseases (1789), Lesser Writings, pp. 1–155
• 7 The psora theory had first been floated by Drs Autenrieth and Wenzel. Autenrieth's work was published in 1808 (Dudgeon, Lectures on the Theory and Practice of Homeopathy, London: Henry Turner, 1853, pp.259–60) and Dr K Wenzel's book was published in 1825 (ibid., p.262). Autenrieth's “views correspond remarkably with those of Hahnemann,” (ibid., p.262) whose “observations were published in 1808, but Hahnemann alleges he was not acquainted with them before the publication of the first edition of his Chronic Diseases.” (ibid., p.260)
• 8 Morrell P. Hahnemann's Use of Potency, Similia 33.1, June 2020, pp.30–35; P Morrell, Are Hahnemann's Methods and Ideas Reflected in his Casebooks? International Conference of the INHH, History of Homeopathy Reloaded, Stuttgart, 9th and 10th December 2019
• 9 Hahnemann S. Organon der Heilkunst . Dresden: Arnold; 1819
• 10 “The “vitalistic” traits in Hahnemann's disease terms such as “life force”, “life principle”, “dynamic principle” are not specific to homeopathy, but generally enjoyed great popularity.” (M Mortsche, Edition und Kommentar des Krankenjournals D22 ( 1821 ) von Samuel Hahnemann, unpublished MD thesis, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, p.97