This is the first book to pull together all of Hahnemann's other writings. It contains a number of valuable essays including his first major essay that defined homeopathy "essay on new curative principles for ascertaining the curative power of drugs " and many more. Experience for yourself Hahnemann's genius and genuine philanthropy in "Similia similibus curantur".
This book traces the genesis, principles and practice of homeopathy, and discusses the reasons for its enduring popularity. Two hundred years ago, medicine had little to offer except blood letting and the administration of violent purgatives – practices which shortened the course of illness by hastening the death of the patient. Largely in reaction to what he correctly saw as the brutality and ineffectiveness of the medicine of his day, the eighteenth century German physician Samuel Hahnemann developed a system of therapeutics that he termed homeopathy. Ironically, while modern medicine has changed beyond recognition, homeopathy, with its roots in alchemy and metaphysics, continues to be practiced precisely as it was in Hahnemann’s day. Readers of this book will enjoy the story of homeopathy and its almost magical attraction, whilst learning much from the authors' rational and scientific discussion of the biological, chemical and psychological questions that this treatment raises.
The definitive biography of Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), the founder of homeopathy, a system of healing which revolutionised medicine and now in the 21st century is receiving more support than at any time in the last century. It is a story of one man's fight against the cruelty, inhumanity and quackery of the medical practice of his day, and his pioneering efforts in the face of persecution, prejudice and bigotry to introduce a safe, compassionate and effective alternative therapy. Set against a backdrop of the tumultuous political and social events of Samuel Hahnemann's time, it vividly traces the development of homeopathy and his family's struggle for survival in the face of war, poverty, pestilence and persecution.
Writing with wit and with fairness to all sides, Whorton offers a fascinating look at alternative health systems, highlighting their history, theories, successes and failures. His book is an engaging and authoritative history that highlights the course of alternative medicine in the U.S., providing valuable background to the wide range of therapies available today.