Holt  (p.)
'M
KOKEOPATIIY:
REASONS FOR EX/LMINING AND; ADMITTING IT
Principle in Medical Science.
By DANIEL HOLT, M. D.
" A ccrtis et exploratis petendum esse presidium."
     NEW HAVEN



PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY J. H. BENHAM.





       1845.
 
 
VIEWS
HOMEOPATHY
REASONS FOR EXAMINING AND ADMITTING IT
Principle in Medical Science,
By DANIEL HCLT, M. D.
; A certis et exploratis petendum esse praesidium.'
/#SR$>
      NEW HAVEN:




PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY J. H. BENHAM.





         1845. 
 
PREFACE.
   It is not designed in this essay to give even the general outlines,
 either of the principles or practice of the Homoeopathic system of
 medicine ; but to state some of the points of distinction between
 this and the ordinary practice—and to make some comparisons be-
 tween them.   This has been undertaken with a view to see whether
 the Homoeopathic doctrine in medicine is founded in truth, and there-
 fore entitled to the standing which it claims as a science, or funda-
 mental law of nature;  or whether it is really quackery, as it has
 sometimes been accused.  In doing this, the aim of the author has
 been to give it an impartial, though critical  examination, and to sat-
 isfy himself, has spared no pains either  in the practical application
 of the medicine on this principle, or in the examination of what
 has been written  upon the subject.

  For the impartial aid of the most distinguished men in this coun-
try, of both schools, the author is under the highest obligations ; and
 reviewing, as he  has, the principles of  medical  science generally,
 he trusts  the conclusions to which he has  arrived,  are founded on
 a substantial basis.

  The main argument  is designed to give  the  essential points of
the  doctrine,  and to  meet the principal  objections which are urged
against it; I have designed  this part for the common reader  espe- 
                               1
cially.  In the Appendix, a few cases are stated from my own early
application of the medicine, followed by some observations which
are strictly of a medical  character, designed  more especially for
the psofession ;  still I have endeavored to avoid technical terms, so
as to render it intelligible to the common reader.

  From repeated solicitations from many medical brethren of both
schools, and from others, the views which I entertain upon a subject
now of general interest to the community, are given to the public.
  New Haven, August, 1845.                          D. H. 
VIEWS OF HOMEOPATHY,
   It is sometimes the case that there are circumstances in
the life of an individual, which render it not only expedient,
but even a duty which he owes to his friends and the public,
to give an exposition of the views which he entertains upon
a particular subject, especially so, when that subject  is one
which is  intimately connected with  the welfare of society.
This rule may hold good, whether it is applied to a subject
which is strictly scientific or not.
   It is no new idea, that subjects which are comparatively
new, and are not properly brought before the  public mind
for a critical examination of the principles upon which they
are based, are looked upon with suspicion, especially so,
when they seem  to conflict with  long established opinions.
That it should be so to a reasonable extent, no one will deny;
otherwise we  should be  liable  to  fall into errors, and em-
brace doctrines which are untenable and false ;  especially is
this the case upon subjects of a medical character ; and the
reason why, in medical science, there are some points which
are strongly contested, and which  it  is certainly difficult  to
settle, is because  of the nature of the subject.   The neces-
sary uncertainty which  exists, and must always exist to a
greater or less extent, when we  arise as it were above the
circle of the exact sciences, which are governed by mere phy-
sical laws, and have to do with  laws which are endowed
with life, where there are contingencies in the present state of
our knowledge, and probably always will be, over which we
have not  complete control; and hence arises the distinction
between the certain or exact, and uncertain sciences, the for-
mer embracing the mathematical  and strictly physical sci-
ences,  ending where life begins,  and  the latter, commen-
cing with organization, and running through all the depart-
ments of organic and animal life.  All the principles in the
three  professions, and  in political  and moral philosophy
of course belong  to  the  latter.   And  hence  we see the
reason why. upon certain subjects,  there is such  a gene-
ral agreement, and while upon others  such a  diversity of
opinion; one  belongs to the former, and the other to the 
6
latter.   From this fact we should be cautious in adopting
hastily new doctrines ;  but we should endeavor to avoid the
other extreme.  And as the uncertain sciences arc progres-
sive, or in other words, our knowledge of their laws, and the
various changes which are induced by external circumstan-
ces, are becoming more advanced, we are in danger of being
too much settled in old opinions, on the  one hand, or too
anxious to adopt new ones on the other.  And we  can all
safely adopt  as  our motto, in the  investigation of truth,
" every  new doctrine, whether in physics, in politics, or in
morals, should be rigidly scrutinized,  that we may not em-
brace error on the one hand, or reject truth on the other.'
  The subject which I  have been led to investigate,  and
which lead to these observations, it need not be said is looked
upon in a very different light, both in  and out of the medical
profession.   Within the  profession, at this time, it is  looked
upon as something out  of the way, as not strictly orthodox.
Some even have entertained the idea that it is all quackery;
and there are indeed nearly as many opinions as there are
men, though professional opinion is becoming much more fa-
vorable toward an investigation of the subject. Investigating
the subject as I have, and entertaining the views which I do,
I am perhaps bound to give  them to my professional  friends
and the public.  I have often of  late been met with inqui-
ries like the following, both by my professional brethren
and others, " What is Homoeopathy ? "—" I understand Dr.
■------  has become a  Homoeopath!"—"In what respects
have you changed your medical views ? "—" What are the
fundamental  distinctions between Homoeopathy and Allo-
pathy ?" so called.—" Is'nt Homoeopathy Quackery? " &c, &c.
  These I hold to be important inquiries, and  such as de-
mand an answer.  The truth is, that the medical profession
generally, have not rigidly  examined the principles upon
which the distinction between the two  schools  is founded.
Most of them honestly acknowledge this to be the fact; they
have supposed it to be like many other humbugs of the day,
unworthy of  investigation ;  that it will soon be  over, &c.
Others are unfortunately more determined in their opposi-
tion, owing, perhaps,  to circumstances in which they are
placed; or the difficulty in bringing their minds to entertain
an idea contrary in any degree to pre-conceived opinions;
or they have  committed themselves against  it, and are un-
willing to retract their assertions.  Indeed, there is in our
profession, as well as out of it, in the minds of a certain class
of men, and it is probably mainly owing to their mental con-
stitution, a disposition to  cling to their old notions with a
deadly grasp ; to settle in their own  minds never to change 
7
their opinions; which, in their views, is virtually to acknow-
ledge they have been wrong: this  holds on other subjects,
and I have found it rather to increase with age ;  and have
sometimes thought, that on scientific subjects, it is almost as
hard to see new truth, and thereby displace pre-conceived
opinions, as it  is for old transgressors to cease -from sinning.
It is unfortunate for such men, and for the world at large,
that  they are engaged in a profession, or a department of
science, which is progressive, which is eminently  true of
medicine ;  (though, unfortunately, it is admitted that in some
of its departments, the progress has been scarcely visible for
some time);  still medicine is a progressive science, as is
chemistry and geology.  This class of men do better in those
sciences where there are more settled and  fixed  principles,
as in mathematics, and other exact sciences.  In practical
life, and in morals, they are correct in their views upon im-
mutable principles, upon laws which are unchangable; upon
institutions in society which are permanent; and  upon pre-
cepts which are of perpetual obligation;—but upon  those
subjects where a change  in  circumstances produces a cor-
responding change in  institutions, they are  in  fault.   Such
men have in general an ultra veneration for the past,—they
cling too much to the dogmas that were in vogue whan they
finished their studies.  They are  apt, especially as they be-
come advanced in life, to look with suspicion upon all new
things, imagine that the whole world is running a race with
itself, and that every body is driving Jehu's  chariot.  On the
other hand, we should  avoid the extreme;  we should, per-
haps, as often check the excessive  ardor of youth, as avoid
the cautious philosophy of age.  There are, especially in
medicine, many dangerous shoals and quicksands,  and many
a wreck may still be  seen ; theories proving " but the but-
terflies  of  the  day,"  not. sustained  by facts ;  and  again,
" more  false facts than false theories."  We should shun
them both.  There is  on many subjects at least,  "a golden
mean "  in the investigation of truth, one which avoids Scylla
on the one hand, and Charybdis on the other.
  An investigation of the subject under consideration, I hold
will do  no  injury, unless a man is incapable  of distinguishing
between truth and error.  I hold, considering the wake that
Homoeopathy is making in the world, that its principles should
be investigated.  It claims to be true, founded in scientific
principles, and applicable to the relief of mankind suffering
from disease ; and further, that in certain respects it is a su-
perior system.   On the other hand, it is denied, and by some
even denounced without an investigation.   Now I hold that
if it  is  true, the medical profession are bound to examine it 
8
and apply it in practice.  If it is all quackery, and those in
and out of the profession Mho are  engaged in it, are all
" knaves or  fools," then  are  not the profession  under the
strongest moral obligation to investigate  and remove the
great evil, or use their influence in doing it?   The fact that
it is a difficult system to investigate or  apply in practice, is
not a sufficient argument, if it is more successful, so long as
we have powers which are capable of applying it.  If it re-
quires years of study, and in the  present imperfect state, will
not allow us time, labor, and expense of investigation, it
seems to me that those who know nothing of it, either in
practice or principle, can have nothing to say.  If all are to
wait to see whether any doctrine is true, the progress of truth
will be indeed slow.
   What then are the fundamental principles upon which the
Homoeopathic practice is  founded I  It is not that there are
two separate and  distinct schools, as some  might suppose.
Most of the preparatory studies, and what are  absolutely
necessary, are the same in both.  Anatomy, or the study of
the system, is the same of course.  Physiology, or the natu-
ral and healthy performance of the functions of the different
organs, is the same.  Pathology, or the unnatural  or dis-
eased  actions of the vital organs, is essentially the same.
Therapeutics, or the application of remedies to this diseased
condi ion, is different.   Here the two schools separate.
They hold alike  also, on many other points, especially those
which lead to a fundamental distinction between science and
real quackery, viz. : that there are certain substances which
are naturally beneficial, or necessary to the system in health,
which we call nutriment,  while there is  another class of ar-
ticles which are uniformly injurious in health, and poisonous
when given so as materially' to effect the system; these are
called medicines, and by a change of the system in a dis-
eased  state, these substances, before injurious, now become
remedial agents, in other words, tend to restore health, either
by removing the diseased action, or otherwise :  so  that all
scientific physicians agree that  all remedies  are such, not
from their intrinsic virtues, but from the change in  the sys-
tem, from health to disease, they being properly applied be-
come beneficial;  though  they are all evils in themselves,
and always so  in health, still in disease become remedies.
Quackery, on the other hand, claims that their favorite reme-
dies, are remedies or beneficial as well in health as in dis-
ease,  good  at all times,  friendly to the system, &c,  and
hence it cries out against every thing  which is a poison.
Ignorance supposes that what is a poison under any circum-
stances is so under all.  That it is the duty of the physician 
!J
to cure the patient in  the most speedy, safe and effectual
manner, and when medicine is  misapplied, it may do posi-
tive injury in proportion to the quantity administered; here the
two schools agree, quackery dissents, claiming that what is re-
ally medicine cannot do injury.  On many fundamental points
then, Homoeopathy and Allopathy agree.  They disagree on
the application of remedial agents to the system in a diseased
condition. The term Homoeopathy is derived from two Greek
words, which  signify similar  disease,  or like suffering, ex-
pressed in Latin by similia similibus curantur; in other words,
diseases are cured by medicines which would, if given to a
person in health, and in large quantities, produce a condition
or train of symptoms similar to those  which are manifested
in the  disease.   And the term Allopathy is derived from
words which  signify other  diseases, or  opposite suffering;
contraria contrariis curantur, or diseases are cured by reme-
dies which produce other, or even opposite effects.   It should
be strictly other effects, if it is directly opposite, it is Antipa-
thy.   In Allopathy (or the  regular practice) it is very true
that medicines do not all operate on other principles; and I
had  long been of opinion, that what are called deobstruents
or alteratives, from the nature of their effect, and from the
manner of their application,  were given on the Homoeopathic
principle, though without a fixed  and definite rule for their
application.   So  that  on this  point, the two schools come
very near together.
   The Allopathic cures disease  by applying general means,
at best indirectly, and consequently large doses of medicine,
and  so as to produce often sensible effect from the medicine,
aside from the disease.   The Homoeopathic is the direct, or
specific application of medicine to the diseased point, with,
in general, no other sensible effect than a cessation of the
symptoms of disease.  The  former cures indirectly, the latter
directly.  In Allopathic practice, all medicines are divided in
classes according to their general effect; tonics, such as give
strength; debilitants, such  as  reduce strength and relieve
fever; diaphoretics, such as cause sweating; cathartics, such
as restore or increase the  natural action of the intestines ;
narcotics, such as relieve  pain, &c; and when any of the
functions of the system are so disturbed, they are restored by
giving one or more of these  articles.  If there is debility, ton-
ics arc given, &c.   Many different medicines are combined
often. Homoeopathy holds that different medicines have each
different properties, and there are no two  which are exactly
alike in every particular ; that to give them on their princi-
ple, it is entirely unnecessary, as a general rule, to produce
these decided effects to remove disease, but if the appropri-
                            2 
10
 ate remedy in a £ivcn case is selected, it, as it were, meets
 at the point where diseased action commences, and the pro-
 minent symptoms are relieved, and the natural Junctions re-
 stored.  Homoepathy gives in general but one or two reme-
 dies at a time, not in combination.  The most difficult point
 in the Homoepathic practice, is to select the most appropri-
 ate remedies in  a given case.  This is done somewhat as
 follows: the disease is critically investigated, all the symp-
 toms are critically examined, giving most importance to the
 most prominent,  or  what are pathognomonic, and forming
 as it were, a complete picture of the disease.   Then from
 the list  of medicines, is selected one  which is known to
 produce in a  healthy peason, symptoms similar to what
 are found in the patient, so that, the nearer the image of the
 effects of the medicine correspond to the symptoms, the more
 Homoepathic is it to the case, and the more sure of a speedy
 and permanent effect.  This then is the rule for the applica-
 tion of medicine on the Homoeopathic principle,  a rule held
 by Hahnemann, the  author of the system, to be a fixed prin-
 ciple  in nature, as much  as gravitation; certain  it is, that it
 is of very general application, and often accidentally acted
 upon  in the regular practice, and the medicine operates like
 a charm, as the phrase is ; but it is certain that the observa-
 tion of this law was first insisted upon by Hahnemann. But
 physicians have often mistaken this principle  of the Homoeo-
 pathic school; and hence they will say that a medicine causes
 the same disease which it cures : that bark,  which cures in-
 termittent fever, must, if given freely, produce it:  or, if Bella-
 donna is Homoeopathic to Scarlatina, it will produce Scarla-
 tina, &c. ;  far from  the truth.  When Hahnemann quaked
 and shook from taking bark, he never supposed he had marsh
 intermittent, but a train of symptoms similar to what are
 manifested  in some forms of that  disease; in other cases,
 arsenic  produces  symptoms  more analogous, and  hence in
 such cases will cure more speedily than bark.   I have seen a
 patient under the influence of several grains of Belladonna,
 taken by accident; there was a high degree of excitement
 and general fever, attended with hot skin, surface red and
 hot, throat red, hot, and dry ; in many respects similar  to cer-
tain conditions of scarlet fever; but no one would  claim it to
be the identical disease.   Now, Belladonna is very effectual
in that  disease or any other, where similar symptoms are
manifested.   So that, although Homoepathy is a system of
specifics in  one sense, it is not so much specific to particular
di«eases, as to particular conditions; for it is the fact, that in
most diseases, several remedies will be required; in the early
stage  one may be  most appropriate, in  the second another, 
11
in the third another, &c, especially in acute diseases.  In
the early stage, for example, Aconite may be most Homoeo-
pathic, in another, Nuxvomica, Antimony, or Mercury,
   Medicine operates in small doses when given on the Ho-
moeopathic principle.  This is not the fundamental principle,
however, but a necessary consequence.   So that it is not
small doses which makes Homoeopathy, but Homoeopathy
which makes  small doses ; if given on this principle  they
are necessarily small.  The Homoeopathic school give  frac-
tions of a grain or drop,  and still there is effect produced, in
some cases to a very great extent, owing both to the applica-
tion and the preparation  of the medicine which increases its
activity.  In investigating the subject we were repeatedly
assured of the speedy effect of the medicine even  by physi-
cians of the old school, who assured us they had given it on
this principle.  The  Homoeopathic medicines are in general
the more active  articles used in the regular practice, but
prepared in a different manner, either in the form of powder
or fluids, called dilutions.   The dilutions are prepared  by
mixing one  drop  of a saturated tincture with ninety-nine of
alcohol, this is the first dilution; one drop of this with ninety-
nine forms  the second, and so on, up to the thirtieth.  The
powders are prepared by triturating the medicine in the
same proportions in the sugar of milk.  In short, the quanti-
ty of medicine is very small, so far as material is concerned;
there is no  mistake upon this point.  But  still when we
take everything in nature into view, there are many things
which  appear to our senses as impossible as the operation
of a fractional part of a drop, as we shall endeavor to show.
  In regard to the preparation and minute division of Ho-
moeopathic medicine, much ridicule has been attached,  espe-
cially by those who are ignorant of the principles, and near-
ly so of the capability of matter for minute division.  If they
would  take the trouble to look into some of the philosophi-
cal works, they would find something to confirm the Homoeo-
pathic  views; at least  small doses would not appear as in-
credible. Whether Hahnemann, or any of his followers  have
been ultra on the subject  of infinitesmal doses, I have nothing
to say ; it is a matter which never can be settled by a priori
reasoning, but by simple  experiment.
  We  have some  facts, mostly derived from Allopathic
works, which show that  the active agents  are  perceptible
even to our natural  senses, and to chemical tests in very
small quantities.  Such  being the  fact, we may conceive
that they may effect the delicate nervous fibres when in a
diseased state.   1 part of solution of mur. soda, to 1,000,000
parts of water, is detected immediately by a weak solution 
12
of nitrate of silver.  Iodine, 1 to 450,000 parts water, produ-
ces a purple color on the addition of starch.  1 part dissolved
in 600,000 parts water gives a sensible taste.*  Kopp states
that -4-fcr part of a grain of arsenic, dissolved in 400,000 parts
of water, was  detected by hydro  sulphurous  gas.   And
Brandt obtained from a solution of JjrVv part of arsemate of
ammonia in 500,000 parts of water, a yellow precipitate, by
nit. silver.   I now hold in my hand  a preparation  of  the
iodide of mercury, a crimson-red powder, which I carefully
rubbed down with pure white sugar; it gives a distinct hue,
and can readily be distinguished from the pure white pow-
der by the naked eye, in the proportion of 1 part  to 20,000 ;
1 to 10,000 gives a decided peach blow color. Now this is a
fair experiment in a coarse way, which only shows that matter
may be more minutely divided than we, at first view,  would
be led to conclude.
  Microscopic observations have of late years led to many
remarkable  discoveries, not only in regard to the divisibility
of matter, but also relating to infinitesmal animalculi, or  or-
ganized beings.  One drop of water is said to contain 40,000
of these, and " Ehrenberg's late  discoveries show that a cubic
inch of conglomerate of infusoria contains 41,000 millions of
these well organized anamalculi," once living animal, f
  The particles of light, which have for a long time  been
held by philosophers to be material, are  so  small as  to  es-
cape the most delicate tests;  so of heat  and electricity.
There are well known examples of the perfumes of various
substances such as that of musk ; even  gloves which have
merely handled it,  giving off for years, particles sufficient to
effect the olfactory nerves ; and still we  are led  to believe
that the odor of a body is a part of the body itself, in infi-
nitismal doses.
  But it may be said the difficulty is not  in believing  in the
existence of small doses, but that they should cure disease.
This will, it is  true, appear more rational, if we can have
any explanation.  But we must first  have the facts.  Ho-
moeopathic physicians make it a rule to give a dose sufficient
to produce effect, as do the old  school; but if it sometimes
happens to fail there may be another  reason for it, the ap-
propriate remedy is not selected.  This would be a natural
consequence.  My evidence that medicine given on the Ho-
moeopathic  principle produce effect, is based both upon my
own observation,  and confirmed by the  testimony of those
who cannot be impeached.  In order  to  try the effects of
medicine, having investigated the principles to guide  me in
* U. S. Dispensatory.
t See Silliman's Journal. 
13
the application, in the course of several months I applied it
in many cases of disease as they arose, slight  and severe,
acute and chronic, and in some cases the effect was decided,
in all very palpable.  Now it is said by some that it is ima-
gination which cures, it is a fine thing  for the fancy, or it is
confidence or faith, or something else ; or, at any rate, if nei-
ther of these, it is certainly the effect of nature.  Now if, in
these cases, some of which I shall relate, any of these could
have produced the  effect, the reader must judge.   1st.  To
most of them I was an  entire stranger, having been but a
short time  resident  in this city.   2d. Not one of the cases
have any idea of Homoeopathy, and I studied to give  the
medicine in such a form as that their  suspicions should not
be excited.  3d. Some of them were children.   Nor do they
know to this day but they had ordinary  practice, knowing
me to be of that school.  Many of these cases were  such as
we should  expect to see sudden effect, in others gradual, de-
pending on the nature of the disease.   It is certainly singu-
lar, for example, in  severe tooth ach of some weeks continu-
ance, even allowing that they will  get well of themselves, or
that " seeing a doctor" will cure, or imagination, that a par-
ticular  remedy in like cases should produce a  marked and
decided effect, and one which had been described by writers,
and all these effects be related by the patient voluntarily,
without any  previous  knowledge  of what they would  do;
and why, if the  effects  are  accidental, should they happen
exactly at the time when the  Homoeopathic  remedy was
given, for,  luckily for truth, but not for the patient, the  first
remedy in some cases had  no effect whatever, although
they were  as anxious to  be relieved, as from the second,
when the effect was soon apparent.  Cases are  not wanting
to substantiate the facts; but we have abundant testimony,
and the testimony of those who have practiced upon the sys-
tem for many years, to the general efficacy of  the mode of
treatment.   A general impression  prevails that it may do in
slight diseases, in chronic cases, where  nature will cure, but
that it  is  nonsense to talk  about it in acute diseases;  but
this is not the fact.  That it may do better in some forms of
disease than others  is very probable, but  that it will effect
robust individual in severe  disease, is now beyond dispute.
If we refer to the treatment of particular diseases, and com-
pare the practice of the two systems, our medical brethren
are driven to take the ground, that such diseases, for exam-
ple, as scarlet and typhus fever, do much better with little or
no treatment; in fact, if facts are adduced, and  comparisons
between the two systems, we shall see the result.  Scarlet
fever is a disease which  has been exceedingly troublesome 
11
to the profession, and I have taken much pains to obtain in-
formation on the subject.  Probably in epidemics, something
like one in every ten prove fatal, on the average; much less
in the Homoeopathic  treatment.  The most successful Allo-
pathic treatment of scarlatina which 1  have seen reported,
is by Dr. Gilbert, in the Boston Medical and Surgical Jour-
nal ; he treated between four and five hundred cases and lost
but seven.  His treatment was by bleeding in severe cases,
followed by a slight impression from belladonna, a few drops
of a solution of two grains to an ounce of water.  This the
profession will judge as  nearly Homoeopathic treatment,
only aconite to be substituted for bleeding.  I  have been at
the trouble  of obtaining statistics, w here in every case the
result has been decidedly in favor of Homoeopathic treat-
ment.  In these statistics I have been careful to see that they
have been endorsed by the proper authorities,  who are only
interested for successful  treatment.  In cholera, it will not
be doubted but medicine is necessary ;  I have arranged from
hospital reports  and  other documents, so as  to show the
comparative results.  The ordinary treatment and fatality
is much as in other reports where  cholera was very malig-
nant.   At the time it was epidemic in this country, Homoeo-
pathy had made but little progress, but where it was  prac-
ticed, the success would compare, I believe, with these au-
thenticated reports.

             Cholera in France, by Dr. Babit.
   Treated Allopathically.            Homozopathically.
No. of cases,       495,027  No. of cases,           2,239
      cured,       254,788        cured,           2,069
      died,        240,239        died,             170
  49 per cent. died.            7 1-2 per cent. died.

                       In Vienna.
      A llopathically.               Homozopathically.
No. of cases,          4,500   No.  of cases,            581
      cured,          3,140         cured,            532
      died,           1,360         died,               49
  Making deaths 31 per cent.     Making deaths 8 per cent.

                      At Bordeau.
      Allopath ically.               Homceopathically.
No. of cases,           104   No. of cases,              31
      cured,            32         cured,             25
      died,              72        died,               6
  Deaths 67 per cent.          Deaths 17 per cent. 
I. J
                       In Russia.
         Cured by Homoeopathy 86 cases in 109.
               by Allopathy    60    "    199.

  In a teritory in  Hungary, from  the report of the health
commissioner, it appears that out of a population of 16,289,
there were treated Homoeopathically 154, cured 148, died 6.
  But Homoeopathy has  been successful in other diseases,
as hospital  reports will show.  Dr. Becker, of Hamburg,
says, " upon comparing the statistics of several Homoeopa-
thic  hospitals, it  appears, from official statements, that the
mortality in them is not quite five in a hundred, whereas, I
observe from the statistics of Allopathic  hospitals, that the
mortality there is eleven in a hundred."
  In Russia a trial took place with Homoeopathic treatment
in the fail and winter of 1829, for five months ; of 72 cases of
inflammation of the lungs, 70 were cured ; 38 cases of inflam-
matory fever, 35 were discharged cured, 2 convalescent, and
one  remained ; 23  cases  of  bronchitis,  21 were discharged
cured, one removed, and one curable remained.  This shows
not a very unfavorable result in acute inflammatory diseases.
But it may be said this  is too far from home, and for ought
we know, Homoeopathy is dead there before this.  We have,
it is true, few hospital reports in this country, from the fact
that  the system has not been adopted to any considerable ex-
tent.  In the Half Orphan Asylum, in the city of New York,
which had been under the care of one of the first physicians
in the city, there prevailed an obstinate opthalmia and cuta-
neous disease, which was resisting the ordinary mode  of
treatment, so much so, that first the eye  cases were selected
and given to Dr. C. Wright, Homoeopathic, for treatment.  In
1842, out of 162 children were 53 cases requiring treatment,
20 in the aggravated form;  they were  soon cured:  and a
large number of cutaneous diseases were given to him, and
in these he  was also successful, (see his report), so much so,
that  the directors gave him a very flattering encomium  in
their report; and finally, although they  are not a majority
friendly to Homoeopathy, still Dr. Wright was put in charge
of the institution, which he still retains, merely on account
of his successful treatment.
  The following Table from Dr. Wright's report classes the
diseases treated in the Asylum, Homoeopathically, from Au-
gust 11th, 1842, to December 12th, 1813, the date of the re-
port.   It will be observed out of 421 cases there were but
two deaths; both of these, says the report, were chronic cases.
The  two most prevalent diseases, it  is  true, are not fre-
quently fatal, but some of the acute febrile are.  At least it
is rather favorable for no treatment! 
16
				~D	
111 LEASES.	01	•6 0) u 3 o	0-	a ! hi	
Ophthalmia...... Cutaneous diseases,	108 112	10? 137	1 4	i	
Pulmonary Catarrh, .... Influenza,.....	2\ 4(5	24 46			
Hooping Cough,..... Diarrhae,......	34 29	34 29			
Dysentery,...... Inflammation of the Lungs, do. do. Bowels,	11 4 1	11 4 1			
do. do. Brain, chronic, .	1				i
Pleurisy, ...... Croup....... Jaundice,......	2 3 6	2 3 6			
Concussion of the Brain, .	1	1			
Remittent fever, .....	4	4			
Convulsions, .....	1			i	
Merasmus, ......	3	3			
Scarlet fever, .....	1	1			
Total,	421	413	5	i	2
  It will not do, on  either side, in investigating  a subject
like this, which requires the most critical observation, to
depend  at  all on flying reports, or newspaper statements,
or even popular opinion ; for I have  little  confidence in
either, in settling a critical  scientific  point.  Enlightened
public opinion generally eventually settles down upon the
truth ; but it generally follows rigid and critical private in-
vestigation.
  It is believed by many that the Homoeopathic school fail
in severe cases.  It is true they do not profess to be infallible ;
but the proper question is, are they on the whole successful ?
do they cure as many per cent., on the  large scale, taking the
same  disease ?  Now it is very strange that a hundred, fifty,
or even  twenty,  honorable,  pious, scientific, and talented
members of our profession, who have, for years, had an ex-
tensive practice, and stood eminent in the profession, many
of them professors in our colleges,  after examining and test-
ing the Homoeopathic principle,  should adopt it and give
their undivided testimony, that after  several years practice
they are satisfiad that they can cure diseases, as Celeus says,
certe,  cito et jucunde, more certainly, quickly and pleasantly.
Are they likely to be deceived, if  their minds have become 
17
 unbalanced, or they have become visionary, or as a writer
 says, " believe in such things as  dreams  are  made of,"  we
 should think they would fail in discriminating and judging
 oitener than they do, that they would not cure at all.  And
 why is it that in families who have had no other practice for
 years, get along  at  all ?  Now, it has sometimes been said,
 that physicians adopt the Homoeopathic practice from inter-
 ested  motives; but  interest  certainly would lead the other
 way, and it may be, (though  I  have so much charity for  my
 medical brethren as not to believe this to be a general rule,)
 that this is the reason why they do not investigate.   It cer-
 tainly is true, that the great  mass of the medical profession
 do not investigate any too much.   If diseases are cured more
 speedily, it  is more  for the interest of  the patient than  the
 physician ; and the duty of the medical  profession  is to fight
 continually against their  pecuniary and  selfish interest, by
 the prevention and speedy cure of disease, rather than allow
 it to make  progress.   It is sometimes said that Homoeopathy
 may check a disease at its onset, which  otherwise would  be-
 come severe.  Now I hold that the great secret of successful
 practice in any system, is so directing our early efforts that
 they shall be effectual  in preventing disastrous consequences
 or secondary effects.  He is a more skillful physician who never
 allows his patient to become very sick, than he who can cure
 him when so ; though the latter faculty is necessary, and will
 of course be possessed.  We would not  consider a pilot as
 successful  who was continually upon shoals  and rocks,  al-
 though he  should frequently  extricate  himself, without be-
 coming completely wrecked, as we should one who has fore-
 sight enough to avoid these dangers.
  It unquestionably  is true, that the Homoeopathic success
depends, to some extent perhaps, upon preventing the patient
becoming very sick in one sense.  This is effected first  by the
medicine being applied directly, instead of indirectly,  to the
point, instead of comparatively at random—in its producing
a direct or specific effect, instead of one which is ind rect or
general.  In directing that medicinal agent which wall meet
the cause, or the primary link in the chain of morbid sympa-
thies, instead  of those which are lower  in the  series, our
whole system  is a most delicate and complicated machine; a
vital one it is true,  and  for  that  very reason more closely
linked together, and the several parts more dependent on the
normal action of its fellow organs for the performance of their
functions.  Now, so  long as  the balance is maintained be-
tween the vital forces, there is  a regular performance  of  all
the functions of the body and mind, and consequently health.
  As a delicately constructed  machine,  where the several
                          3 
18
parts depend one upon another for the performance of their
office, the first wheel or link  in the chain being disturbed or
displaced, all those depending upon it will also be disturbed
in their action.  Now in order to  restore the regular action
of the  several parts, if applied at random, will necessarily
require much effort; whereas a small amount of power di-
rected  to the point where the difficulty commences, or the first
link in the broken series, is sufficient to restore it, and those
parts  necessarily depending upon it will naturally resume
their action.  A single point, as it were, restored to the right
place,  may resume the actions of a complicated machine, but
if applied at random would of  course be ineffectual, or if
applied when its action was undisturbed, would produce  no
perceptible effect.  The Homoeopathic method, as it were, di-
rectly  repairs the injury  at  the point commenced, while the
Allopathic often necessarily applies to the general consecu-
tive disturbance of the whole machinery.
  We  do not bring analogies as proof, but as illustrations,
which are sometimes necessary.   Now the vital machine is
even more dependant, one part upon another, than any arti-
ficial one with vital sympathies ;  one part with another, with
life, as a moving power, yet  continually liable to become de-
ranged by a variety of causes.  We could adduce more proof,
were it necessary, of the general success and extent of the
Homoeopathic practice, and of the scientific investigations
which have been already made ;  but it would require a vol-
ume,  nor is it necessary to our purpose.   If there  is  any
doubt  of there  being any facts or any testimony upon the
subject, the only way to settle that point in the mind of every
individual, is to investigate the subject.  If it requires a great
amount of testimony, carry out the investigation ; if Homoe-
opathy can  be refuted, the  sooner it is done the better; if
there  is some chaff and wheat mixed together, the closer it
is sifted  the better.  It is generally the chaff which is  first
seen and which flies in the  eyes  of those who look on at a
distance ; the wheat, like truth, lies at  the  bottom.   What
though there should happen to be here and there a vaguery, or
something that should not happen to be intelligible ; real gold
in the mine is seldom free from all impurities ; it can seldom
be coined without raising a little dust; but truth, like pure
 coin, always grows brighter by "hard rubs;" it never can be
 annihilated. We cannot judge correctly upon any  subject
 without having critically examined that subject; and the rea-
 son  why there is so much prejudice against new discoveries
 in practical science, is because we will not look at the subject
 —human nature has ever been so ; Gallileo said of Kepler,
 the Philosopher of Padua, who denounced him as a visionist 
19
and quack, " I have invited him repeatedly to look through my
glasses, but he pertinaciously refuses  to do it."   Who was
the Philosopher, Kepler or Gallileo ?—we should give  that
weight  to  the observations of others which is  justly due,
either in physics or in morals; to reject every thing but our
own individual observation, would be in effect to discard all
human testimony, and the whole world would be reduced to
one great drama of the most grovelling empyricism.  There
are several reasons why Homoeopath}'- should  be opposed,
notwithstanding its general truth—this has always been the
case in new discoveries in science, especially where  pop-
ular opinion has to be changed, and more so, in proportion as
the subject is one of a practical nature, which conflicts with
established customs and interests in society—and hence it is
true, (and perhaps it is  best for the world it should be so,)
that all practical improvements have been received by de-
grees by the  public mind.  In regard  to  the opposition  to
Homoeopathy, it has been the same before.  About 200 years
ago, Dr. Harvey discovered the circulation of the blood. He
was denounced by the old Physiologists, and suffered severely
on that account; and it is said that no physician more than
40 years of age at the time of the discovery, ever adopted
his views ; and if Providence had not given place to new gen-
erations, we should probably now have had physicians who
would hold to the old notions—the next generation is the one
to  give  truth universal  credence.   " Gallileo  was  twice
brought  before the magistrate for  maintaining that the sun
was the  centre and the  earth revolved around it—a proposi-
tion false in philosophy, heretical in religion, and contrary to
the testimony of Scripture."  The same intolerant spirit was
manifested toward Sir Isaac  Newton  for his philosophical
discoveries.   "Aristotle and  Des Cartes shared  the same
misfortunes ; the former had his books burned, but afterward
his doctrines were received with veneration."  " Pythagoras
was driven from Athens on account of his novel  opinions;
and for the same reasons Anaxagoras was confined in pris-
on."  " Demicritus was treated as a fool by the  Abderites
for endeavoring to find out the cause of madness by dissec-
tion ; and Socrates, for having demonstrated the unity of a
God, was forced to drink the juice of the hemlock."
   Mr. Locke, in speaking of the common reception of new
truth,  says, " Who, by the most cogent  arguments will  be
prevailed  upon to disrobe himself of his  old opinions and
pretensions to knowledge and learning,  which, with hard
study  he hath all his life time been laboring for, and turn
himself out stark naked in quest of fresh notions? All the
arguments that can be used will be as little able to prevail 
20
as the wind did with the traveler to part  with his cloak,
which he held only the faster ;" and Prof. Playfair remarks,
" in  every  society'there are some who think themselves in-
terested to maintain things  as they found them.  The intro-
duction of methods entirely new must often change the rela-
tive place of men  engaged  in scientific pursuits, and must
oblige many, after descending from the station they formerly
occupied, to take a lower position in the scale of intellectual
improvement.  The enmity of such men, if they be not ac-
tuated by a spirit of real candor and love  of truth, is likely
to be directed against methods by which their vanity is mor-
tified or their importance lessened."
  An example of prejudice  against new doctrines in medi-
cine is given us in the treatment of inoculation for  the mod-
ification of small pox, which was prevailing  in Boston in
1721.  The Royal Society had recommended it.  Dr. Boyls-
ton being impressed with its probable value, was induced to
try it, which he did on his own son and two  colored persons
in his family, with success.  " In  this measure he was  op-
posed by the physicians and  clergy, some  of whom  de-
nounced him from the pulpit, and the inhabitants became  en-
raged.  He was obliged to undergo several examinations to
answer for his practice, before the authorities of Boston, and
although he repeatedly  invited the other physicians  to  ex-
amine his cases, and witness his  treatment, and judge  for
themselves,  he received only threats  and insults  in  reply.
In thus encountering obloquy and reproach, however,  Dr.
Boylston but experienced the fortune  of most of those who
have attempted to innovate on long established usages, or to
take the  lead  in the career  of public  improvement."  (See
Cooper's Surg. Dictionary.)   We see, in  this case, a striking
example of an improvement the most  rigorously opposed at
first as a delusive innovation, and the next  generation uni-
versally adopting it as one of the greatest blessings to man-
kind.  The  history  of medicine furnishes many striking  ex-
amples of a similar character.
  Human nature has not entirely changed in our day.   No
doubt the  old philosophers were  sincere—they  honestly
feared the inculcation of false doctrine and false philosophy,
but they did not discriminate between what was  false and
what was true.  May it not be so now.  In our honest zeal to
exclude all quackery, we should examine critically that  we
do not oppose the progress of truth, for there is a law supe-
rior to all human enactments, and a progress in truth which
we have no power to check; and, in the language of  Ancel-
lon,  " Nobody has a right to disturb, to  paralyze, or  to im-
pede the intellectual progress of  mankind;  the feeble arm 
21
of man cannot long counteract the laws of nature, or over-
turn the order of the universe."
  There are many difficulties in the mind, especially of the
medical profession.  In  the  first  place, they cannot, even
though they admit its truth, rid their minds of the irregular-
ity ; that it has its peculiarities like quackery, and it has been
generally supposed that many of the practitioners are igno-
rant or uneducated men.   We will  examine this point.  It
certainly  did not  originate and  progress like quackery, if
there are certain pathognomonic symptoms which are peculiar
to quackery—such as pompous pretensions and insinuations;
secrecy either in medicine or in treatment; ignorance either
in the physicians or the patients—certain it is, that Homoeo-
pathy fails, as a system, to be  included.   If there are individ-
ual practitioners who may happen to be injudicious or even
quackish,  it ought  not  to be charged to  the system, unless it
is a general rule.   The same is true in  regard to Allopathy.
Homoeopathy does  not make a great and sudden bluster, as
is the case with quackery, but has ever progressed in a grad-
ual manner,  by the still and simple power of truth; by con-
vincing by facts rather than by theories; by truth rather
than by imagination.  It  did not come up in ignorance, or
by accident, but within the  pale  of the profession, in  the
most scientific nation on earth; and  although the discovery
of the fundamental law  may be said  in one sense to be
accidental, it is no argument against  it, if it can  be re-
duced to scientific  principles.  How  was it with the discov-
ery of  Galvanism ?  But indeed Hahnemann does  not claim
the discovery of  the principle, but shows conclusively, in his
writings, that it had been acted upon in medicine? both by the
ancients and moderns; but  he reduced it  to a  principle,
whereas it had previously been acted upon empyrically.  In
order to give some idea of the origin and character of the
Homoeopathic doctrine, it may not be uninteresting to sketch
briefly a few  incidents in the life of the author.
  Samuel Hahnemann, the author of the Homoeopathic sys-
tem of medicine, was  born on the  10th of April, 1755, at
Meissen, in Saxony.  He early gave evidence of an active
mind, and energy of character ; so much so  that his  father,
who was in moderate circumstances, determined to educate
him with the greatest care.  After pursuing his  classical
course, he, in the year 1775, at the age of 20, entered the uni-
versity  at  Leipsic.  His  limited resources  obliged him to
make unremitting  exertions, and he did much toward his
own support, by translations from the English, into his own,
the German language.  During the period of his medicinal
pupilage,  he so far gained the confidence  of his teachers 
o>>
that he was entrusted with the care of Hospitals, Libraries,
&c, which were  greatly for his  advantage.  In the year
1779 he received the degree of Doctor in Medicine, and im-
mediately entered upon the practice of the profession,  first
settling  in Mansfield, but  afterward removed  to  Leipsic.
His industry and research  during  the first ten years of his
practice was untiring; endowed with a naturally vigorous
constitution, and an active mind,  together  with an ardent
attachment to science, he was well calculated by nature, and
now by  circumstances with the advantages which Leipsic
afforded,  to make rapid progress, not only  in his own  pro-
fessional  studies, but in all the collateral sciences and in the
languages.  He now devoted much of his time  to Mineral-
ogy and Chemistry, which were then, more than half a centu-
ry ago, little understood, compared with their present state;
in Chemistry in particular he made some valuable discov-
eries.   He was engaged extensively in translating the med-
ical works of other languages into his own, and it was while
translating Cullen's  Materia Medica, that he was first led  to
investigate the principle which is peculiar to him, and which
has given name to his system.  This was in 1790, more than
half a century since.  He  continued his researches and ex-
periments by testing upon  himself and his friends the effects
of medicines for several years, till he should have well set-
tled, in his own mind, at the same time comparing his prin-
ciples with all that had been written, either by the ancients
or the modern medicinal writers.  He had ample opportuni-
ties, from an extensive practice, to bring every thing  to the
test of experiment;  indeed, his system was  emphatically an
experimental one, founded, as his  friends have all claimed,
upon  the inductive  philosophy.   In the  year 1796, he  first
promulgated his Homoeopathic views, in an essay published
in Hufeland's Journal.  In 1805 he published a  treaties on
the virtues of medicines, and in  1810 his " Organon."  Dr.
Hahnemann  commenced  as  a public teacher  in  1811,  at
Leipsic, and from that time was had in high estimation  as a
man of distinguished  scientific  attainments.  He was  now
about 40 years of age, and the amount of intellectual labor
which he performed after that period, may be partially  esti-
mated from the number of his works—for the number of his
original works was  61, some of which were voluminous, e.
g. his Materia Medica Pura in 6  volumes,  and his Chronic
Diseases in 4 vols. 8 vo.  Many of his works, it is true, were
Monographs, or essays upon one subject, mostly medical;
but several, however, upon Chemistry, Philosophv, and in-
tellectual and moral subjects.   He also translated into his
own  language, (the German,) about 20 volumes, from the 
23
English,  Latin, French and Italian  languages—add to all
this a most extensive medical practice, and it will be readily
admitted that he must have possessed indefatigable industry.
His practice  became  immense, and  he  was visited by the
wealthy and  the nobles of every nation of Europe.  He ac-
cumulated, by his practice, an immense  fortune.   In his old
age, after having  relinquished visiting patients at their
homes, his annual income from those who came to consult
him. is said to have  been $40,000.   Hahnemann was un-
questionably  endowed with the elements of character which
constitute a  great  man, but still he had his peculiarities.
He was born to make a sensation in the world; and it often
is the case, that those men who are  destined by Providence
to step forward upon  some new field of enterprize, whether
in science, in politics, or in morals, are  endowed with pecu-
liarities which render them rather obnoxious  to the mass of
mankind.  Hahnemann as a writer, would be considered pe-
culiar, and his mode of reasoning  in the investigation of
truth, is to many minds at first rather repulsive ; and although
there is a degree of self-confidence, amounting even to dog-
matism,  still due allowance being made for all the circum-
stances, every unprejudiced mind will render to him the hon-
or of a mighty intellect, and a man intent upon the advance-
ment of  medical science, and the relief of disease and suf-
fering.
   A distinguished American physician,  after visiting him at
his residence in Paris, a few years since,  says, " Hahnemann,
now near his 90th year, recalls, in his venerable appearance,
the  ideal of a Seneca or Plato, an  Aristotle or Socrates."
His capacious head, of the finest  Saxon mould, presented
a full broad face, expressive of a noble benevolence and high
intelligence,  while the illuminated eye and speaking lip in-
dicated ceaseless energy and  unyielding determination, that
have enabled him,  amid the most disheartening embarrass-
ments, to achieve the reward of his highest aspirations—the
triumph of a truth, to which he thus impressively alluded:—
' I present to you a truth long sought for, the revelation of
 an eternal principle  in nature.  I appeal to existing facts
 alone to convince you; and when a conscientious course of
 study shall crown  your researches with success, as I have
 done, bless Providence for the immense benefaction he has
 allowed  to  descend upon  the  earth through my humble
 agency, for I have been but a feeble instrument of that Om-
 nipotence, before which we  all bow  in humility.'"   The
 death of Hahnemann occurred in April, 1843,  in the  88th
 year of  his age.   A writer, speaking of him in his last sick-
 ness, after stating his mental calmness and his clear and un- 
21
 clouded intellect, impaired neither by age nor sickness,  says,
 in reply to the remark of his afflicted wife, in effect, "  That
 Providence ought to  spare him, who had. in his laborous ca-
 reer, suffered so much already, and who had relieved the suf-
 ferings of so  many of his feilow beings," he  replied, " Me,
 wherefore me ? every one in  this world works according to
 the gifts and  capabilities  which he receives  from Heaven,
 and may receive more or less preference before the judgment
 seat of man, but none before  that of Providence.  Provi-
 dence is indebted to me for nothing, but to Him I am indebt-
 ed for much, yea, for every thing."
   Hahnemann, it is true, became rather obnoxious to a por-
 tion of his professional brethren;  whether there  was just
 ground for this, or on which side more of the fault belongs,
 is not for us to say.   If he was ultra, it is no more than has
 been with  others ; if he was enthusiastic, it  has generally
 been the case with those who have made great  discoveries ; if
 he  gave all his energies during a long life to one idea, the
 world may  be more  benefitted than himself, for,  as a gen-
 eral rule, the  individual who pushes one subject  in science,
 benefits the world more than himself; and Bishop Home has
 well remarked, that  " Truth  is a guest that often brings
 those who entertain it into difficulty."
   The progress of Homoeopathy has for the last  few years
 been extensive.  Those in this country, and even every where,
 who are in the practice, are regular physician^,  who have
 been for years  in the  practice of the old  school,  or have
 previously received the degree of M. D.  Indeed the Homoeo-
 pathic school are perhaps more strict than the other.  It may
 be  true that  there are a few in this  country  who  are  not
 medically educated; but. they are held as quacks, and have
 no fellowship with the Homoeopathic fraternity.  In the city
 of New  York,  where  Homoeopathy  has  been  longer  in
 progress  than in this  State, and has gained a  reputable
 standing in society, and has brought into  the ranks many of
 the  ablest medical men in the  country, where it has ceased
 to be looked upon as a humbug,—unless by those who have
 set their faces against it, and are determined " not to believe
 any  truth till they examine it, nor to examine any thing  till
 they believe it,"—but one of about forty practitioners but is
 a regular physician, and generally members of the medical
 societies.  So in other places.  Still there are prejudices and
 difficulties to the mind of candid men.  They cannot believe.
 Well, no man  can believe without some kind  of evidence :
the kind of evidence necessary to convince the  mind of any
truth will depend  upon the nature of the subject.  There
are certain truths which can never be proved by mathemat- 
25
ical demonstration, the nature of the subject forbids it;  the
only evidence which we can have to convince the mind upon
such subjects, is moral probability.  This is the kind of evi-
dence which often applies in theology, in law, and sometimes
in  medicines ; on  other subjects actual demonstration is
necessary;  facts, and facts too that cannot be contradicted ;
and still when we see such facts, if they are contrary to  our
preconceived opinions, it is no newr thing to reject them, es-
pecially if we  do not find it explained in some of the schools.
  New  discoveries have always been looked upon with
distrust, especially by the older class of philosophers.  " I
have searched Aristotle through,"  said the Abbe to Scheiner,
" and find nothing of the kind mentioned ; be assured that
all the spots on the sun are a deception of  your senses or your
glasses."  An  argument not unlike this is sometimes consid-
ered conclusive at the present time.  The amount of evidence
necessary to convince the mind of truth, depends much upon
the individual;  upon the mental constitution, so  to  speak.
There  are some individuals in  every community  who  are
convinced by  a small amount of evidence, and sometimes
will admit that  which is  not  evidence in reality, and  are
hence  led  to  embrace truth  early when presented  to  the
mind;  if they  admit testimony which should be " ruled out,"
as the lawyers say, they will be very liable to form  erroneous
conclusions, will believe what is not true, they are credulous ;
on the other hand it requires a great amount of testimony to
convince another, but if the testimony is sufficient, he will
believe ; such  individuals are naturally sceptical.  Now it is
not true that a sceptical man is  alwaj'S the last to believe
new truths, nor vice versa; he  may have the evidence by
being thrown into circumstances  favorable, and be convinced
early, but will require a large amount to convince him, while
the credulous  may still  disbelieve this  same  truth, from
having  met little or no evidence of it.  So  that, the  early
belief of truth, is of itself no evidence of credulity.  Some
are convinced soon of Homoeopathy, from witnessing its
effects, some too soon, while many of those who have been
in the practice of it for many years, are of the sceptical class;
and the testimony both of themselves and others, shows that
they were a long time in being convinced.  It is  generally
held to be a mark of a strong mind to be sceptical;  and hence
a man who  denies the  doctrine of experimental religion, is
sometimes considered mighty in intellect, while the credulous
are considered weak minded.  The truth is, that an inability
to judge and rightly discriminate in the admission of evidence,
shows a mind  at fault, whether it admits much or little; that
mind has the best balance, which is best capable of judging
                           4 
26
 what is evidence and what is not, what is truth and what is
 error.   I hold that it is as much evidence of faulty judgment,
 of a want of discrimination to disbelieve what is true as  to
 believe what is erroneous.  It  is very important  in the  in-
 vestigation of new and difficult subjects to admit that,  and
 that only, which really is evidence ; and upon this subject we
 should take the same ground as upon any other, giving prom-
 inence  first, to real facts which we  have seen, and sec-
 ondly to the testimony of other men.  It is sometimes said
 upon this subject that we must take nothing upon trust; now
 the testimony of others is  sometimes more conclusive than
 our  own.  I may witness the eflect  of a certain medicine
 a  thousand times, which being uniform would be sufficient
 to convince me, but still there might be a defect in my senses.
 Now if I had seen the same thing but one hundred times, and
 ten others, who were capable and honest, had done the same,
 and  their testimony all tended to confirm my own, the evi-
 dence would be more  conclusive. In this way, and in this only,
 are  we to depend on the testimony of others.   The  conclu-
 sions to which I have arrived in the  investigation of this
 subject, I contend  is  substantiated by proof, and  that upon
 the above principle.  No mere human reasoning will convince
 a man that medicine  will operate on the Homoeopathic prin-
 ciple, in the Homoeopathic dose, in any case,—nor will  we
 ever know the eflect of any medicine upon the system, but
 from experience in the first place ; in this way all our real
 knowledge is derived.  But there is a difficulty in  the minds
 of medical men, and  which is greater  than in the minds of
 the public who care  little  for explanations, if they can only
 feel better when they are sick.  It is so different from  the
 long established principles and practice, that if you begin In-
 stating, that medicine operates  thus and so, they will  reply-
 that it is a very fine theory, but there are no facts  to sustain
 it.  If you begin with the facts, and no matter how they
 accumulate, they reply, they cannot believe them ; medicine
 cannot operate in this manner.   The Homoeopathic school
 care little for theory; and there is a point on all subjects
 where our explanations must cease, facts are the main thing ;
they are the basis of  all true science ; and an explanation of
these facts so far as can be done, is the only true theory ; all
 other is mere hypothesis which amounts to nothing.
  But it will be claimed, I presume, that no one i.-i desirous
of retarding the progress of true science, or of  creating any
barrier to real improvements in medicine ; but admitting the
truth of the doctrines of the Homoeopathic school, when fully
 carried  out, it is said will at least lead to a form of medical
radicalism, for it would conflict with long established  truths 
27
 and principles, do away virtually with what we know to be
 absolutely necessary,  and if carried out would prove most
 disastrous.  This objection, if founded in reality, instead  of
 imagination, would be an insuperable  one,  and as it  is,
 requires an argument; and in order to carry out our views,
 we shall be obliged to  bring comparisons and anologies. We
 shall then, maintaining the general doctrines of Homoeopathy
 to be true in principle and  applicable in practice, claim that
 when properly understood and applied, it is exempt from the
 charge-   We are no radicals, either in medicine, in politics, or
 in morals.  We hold that it is utterly impossible in the nature
 of things, for  one  new  truth, or discovery in science,  to
 displace a fundamental law ;  the, laws of nature, which are
 fixed and unchangable, are not altered by new discoveries;
 if our discoveries change  our views of those  laws,  as did
 those of Gallileo, it  only proves  that our previous notions
 were incorrect, and ought to be  changed ; if  it annihilates
 our view's of truth, it is certain that our views were not well
 founded,  although the truth might remain; we do not hold,
 in a progressive science, our knowledge to be anything more
 than probable truth; a  substance in chemistry which we hold
 as simple to day, may to-morrow be discovered to be compound;
 and  hence the  philosopher  should be ever ready  to change
 his opinions in this sense.  So in medical science ; we hold
 a  medicine has such  an  effect in the present state of our
 knowledge,  that at some future  time it may be discovered
 that it has other effects ;  these effects are not  absolute and
 immutable ; so in regard to disease.
  We therefore, in adopting new views, and giving up old
 ones, act on the principle of the manufacturer, who invents
 a new machine which is more perfect, and produces a certain
 article, in a more simple and complete manner.   Now he
does not la3r aside the old machine because it was all wrong,
nor because it had not answered the purpose  for which  it
had been used; it had done so, less perfectly, it is true; now
he adopts the new one because it is an improvement; and it
 is on this principle that improvements in the different depart-
 ments of medicine and surgery are adopted.  We give med-
icine on the Homoeopathic principle, because it on the whole
 is an improvement, not claiming but that the old system has
 done good, or we could do  no  good  with it now.   We hold
that the physician is  bound to use the best means  in his
power; and further, that he is bound under an obligation su-
perior to all human laws, to know all that can reasonably
be demanded ; to fail of either we hold to be quackery.  If I
 am cast upon an island where the inhabitants are suffering
from a severe disease, one half of the cases proving fatal, 
28
and even with their rude  remedies I can save three-fourths
by better application of them, I am bound to do it.  Now if
a  vessel arrives with more efficient remedies, so that I can
by them save nine-tenths,  I am bound to discontinue the for-
mer practice and adopt the new; and I am a quack, to all in-
tents and purposes,  if I  refuse.  We have no moral right
to continue in an  old custom because our  fathers did.   In-
terest prompts to a change in adopting improvements in the
arts, but in medicine  as in  law; interest is the  other way,
and  therefore moral principle should impel us to do it.
   Homoeopathy  lends no  sanction  to any form  of radical-
ism.  There may  be such a thing  in medicine  as well as
in politics and religion.   There are  two kinds  of radical-
ism.   1st.  That which  advocates the  doing away with
those laws,  usages, institutions, or  precepts  which are  not
only absolutely  necessary  now, but which  will  ever con-
tinue to be. They are of perpetual value, and of perpetual
obligation.  This form is seen  more in  social life, and in
morals.  2d. That which aims at those institutions and
customs which are necessary for the time being, but which
become useless by a change of circumstances.  To discard
these,  before they become useless, or before a  better system
can  be substituted, is the more  ordinary radicalism of the
day.  Any doctrine in medicine which  tends  to this  point,
Homoeopathy  does not  sanction, until  it changes the cir-
cumstances so as  to render the system better,—if, for ex-
ample, it dispenses with harsh drastic medicine, and substi-
tutes in its place that which is gentle in its operation, it does
it  by affecting the object to be accomplished, the cure of
disease, without the necessity of these  ; just as  we supersede
the necessity of amputating a limb, by a cure of the disease
by medicine.  Now there are  cases  where amputation is
necessary,  and probably always will be;  it would  be radi-
calism  to denounce that operation as unnecessary ; in other
cases, where once  thought necessary, wre are  able  to cure
without; and amputation is abolished in this case as a matter
of course, and it would  be  quackery  to  continue it. The
same may be said of blood  letting, drastic cathartics, emetics,
blisters, &c.  These  are all  considered evils in themselves,
but necessary in the circumstances of the case,  in Allopathic
practice, to prevent most disastrous consequences.   Now if
the application of  medicine on the Homoeopathic principle
will  substitute some more gentle, and  yet efficient means of
relief in its place, it is not radicalism, but the height of science
to do so.  That this has been the case,  the history of medical
science fully shows.  Many severe operations, and disgusting
medicine, of former ages, are now displaced by more scientific, 
29
appropriate, and agreeable means of relief; and it is not too
much to expect still further progress.  So that we hold that
many things  supposed to be necessary in medicine,  and in-
deed absolutely necessary in ordinary practice, become obso-
lete, as it were, by the more direct and enlightened system of
Homoeopathy.
  There  is an analogy in social and civil life,  and in the
progress of society as regards morals; and the same remarks
are applicable.  There are certain institutions necessary in
certain periods of the world, and applicable to certain states
of society, which, when society  becomes improved,  become
unnecessary.   In one period, war for example, is absolutely
necessary, and government could not be maintained without
a standing army—both reason and  experience prove this ;
and if war is necessary, all its  accompaniments are neces-
sary, as armories and arms,armies and navies; now it would
be radicalism to denounce any of these, till mankind  have
learned to settle differences, according to the principles of
reason and justice ; and when so far as this  is done, the im-
plements of war are  superseded, by a system of more en-
lightened justice and  humanity.  The same  is true on other
subjects ; moral  improvement supersedes the necessity of
punishment—but  we must  have  the  improvement  first.
There will be no necessity to legislate to abolish systems, if
we can bring means to bear, which will effectually prevent
the community from coming within their reach; they are then
abolished of  course.   We hold the same rule in medicine to
be philosophical and correct.  So long as it  is necessary to
use the  surgeon's knife, it should be done scientifically ; so
long as it is necessary to destroy human life by war, it should
be done scientifically  ; so  long as it is necessary  to take the
life  of the  murderer, it should be done scientifically; to
such an  extent  as we are obliged to use the shops of the
apothecary, the more scientific the better; but as they are all
rather a  " bad business at the best," the progress of science,
and of moral truth, will sooner or later affect them all in the
same way; they will become  less essential.  Now  on this
principle, and on this only, does Homoeopathy, when rightly
construed, interfere with any of our established principles or
practice.  Good medicine interferes with surgery, and medi-
cine dealers, (but more especially would it affect the herd  of
nostrum  mongers and quacks  of every  kind,) just as good
morals affect the lawyers, and officers of justice—it deprives
them of a great amount of their business.
   As there are changes in the social, civil, and moral condi-
tion of mankind from one time to another, the same is true
as  respects  their physical state.  It  is well known by all 
30
 medical men, and some others, that diseases vary at differ-
 ent periods, not only as affected by epidemic influences and
 local causes, but as regards  the susceptibility of the system
 to diseased action.  It is well established, that the  savage
 tribes, and those nations who are not cultivated, are affected
 differently by diseases;  their  diseases  are more  strictly
 physical, and affecting more especially the different tissues
 of the body.  As society progresses, and the intellect is more
 developed, and applied in the ordinary  callings of lite, we
 have more of the mental or nervous temperament;  diseases
 in such society assume more of the nervous type—this is es-
 pecially the case in  refined and cultivated states of society,
 and is becoming more and more so—hence so great a variety
 of those derangements of the vital forces,  assuming differ-
 ent forms of nervous affection which wc find among literary
 men, and which are  in general so little affected by  ordinary
 medical treatment.  There  is frequently  little or no distur-
 bance of many of the functions except the nervous,  and they
 cannot  bear drastic treatment—and hence physicians  are
 very glad to get  them off to " the Springs," or on a tour to
 Europe, for the benefit of their health, or they are some-
 times " treated well enough by Homoeopathy."  Now this
 practice has been eminently successful in diseases of this
 character, because better adapted to their cases ; and hence,
 unlike other forms of quackery, which generally is adopted
 by the ignorant, it has been styled " The refined and polite
 system  of quackery of the present day"—that it  is  the
 quackery of " the drawing room" that gulls the " upper  ten
 thousand" &c.  It is sometimes imagined that the Homoeo-
 pathic diet and regimen do all toward a cure.  Now there is
 less difference than is supposed betwreen the two schools on
 this point—indeed, in acute diseases, they must be the same,
 where the desire for food is suspended; here it certainly can-
 not be the diet.  In chronic  cases, while taking medicine, it
 is  true, certain medicinal substances, as  tea, coffee,  condi-
ments, &c. are prohibited, and a  general nourishing diet is
directed ;—there is no starvation system,  but every circum-
stance is taken into consideration, and diet is directed accor-
dingly, as every  enlightened and scientific physician should
do.  It is  sometimes said that the  Homoeopathic school, if
they happen to have a severe case, give full doses of medi-
cine, calomel as  a cathartic; and there is considerable hue
and cry in and out of the profession in regard to this  subject.
A  cathartic is supposed to be necessary, a white powder is
given, and the difficulty is relieved.   Calomel is white pow-
der, and is cathartic, so they give calomel.
  And so of other medicines—to what extent this  is done 
31
each one must answer for  himself—but  suppose even it
should be.  Suppose it should happen that for some reason,
either from  want of skill, or a mistake  in the case, or from
mechanical or local obstruction, or otherwise, a  cathartic
should be given,  and be considered as a necessary misfor-
tune ; or suppose that  in spite of the operation of all medi-
cine, the disease  should progress till disorganization should
take place, and the knife should become necessary, to sepa-
rate the dead member  to save the body, on the same princi-
ple that we  separate  an individual who has become dead
to the community from crime, to save society, where is the
harm?   If the Homoeopathic physician does not do it, the
surgeon  must; and some of the Homoeopathic school are
operative surgeons. Nor is  there  any  inconsistency in all
this, when philosophically considered.  We  are sometimes
alarmed at what  we do not understand; the ignorant have
been often terrified at  an eclipse, but the philosopher never.
The Homoeopathic school consider it  a misfortune to be
obliged to give a  general or mechanical remedy, just as the
physician considers it a misfortune to use the knife, rather
than  cure the disease with medicine.  A distinguished physi-
cian in one of our cities, who has practised the Homoeopath-
ic system six years, after an extensive Allopathic practice of
ten or twelve years, said to me  on  this  point, " I, six years
ago, sold out my old stock of  medicine, being convinced that
I could treat disease more successfully on the Homoeopathic
principle.  I,  however, retained my  vial of calomel,  sup-
posing I should be obliged to use a dose occasionally, at least
for a time ; but," said he, " I have been in practice six years,
treated  all  diseases as before, such as Lung Fever, Scarlet
Fever, Dysentery, Croup, &c. &c. and there the vial stands;
I  have not been necessitated to use  a dose,  nor  do I know
how soon I shall—I have succeeded without, when I cannot
I shall use it."  This is the principle ; is  it consistent, or is it
not ?  There is also some alarm for fear that the " little doses
will not be small enough"—that they will give even as much
as the fraction of a drop ;  then  they are no Homoeopaths.
Now that there is some difference  of opinion in regard to
doses, in the Homoeopathic school, is  not denied—so is the
fact  in  the  Allopathic, full as much difference, and there
probably always  will  be a difference to some  extent;  but
this is a matter which can be settled only by experience ; no
arbitrary rules can be laid down, and it had better be settled
by those who are best competent to judge—the physicians
of each school, and the opposite  school, and the public mind,
need be very  little  disturbed  on that point.  An objection
has been urged by our  Allopathic brethren that Homoepathy 
32
 is a distinct  school, which looks quackish; now this is to a
 certain extent  the case, both  in Europe and America—but
 where  is the fault?   Did  Hahnemann  separate from  his
 brethren, or they from him ?  How is it in this country ?  In
 Philadelphia the medical society have passed resolutions de-
 claring Homoeopathy quackery.   So in some of the counties
 in New York.   Can they blame that school for forming  so-
 cieties for the improvement of medical science ?  In many
 places no one can be known as a Homoeopathic physician,
 by any thing except the form of his medicine ; and hence it
 is perhaps the practical difference more than any thing else,
 which may render it  necessary  to a certain extent, to keep
 up a distinction.  It  is  found, that divisions  in  society  are
 founded either on differences in fundamental principles or in
 practice ; there would, we must readily conceive, be a diffi-
 culty in a practical union, as there is an essential difference
 in the practical  application of the medicine to the disease.
 Still, on most of the  great fundamental principles of medi-
 cal science, there may be  an  agreement; and we would
 adopt  the maxim, " in  essentials, unity ;  in non-essentials,
 liberty ; in all things, charity."  It has been said that when
 a physician adopts the Homoeopathic principle, he begins  to
 denounce  his brethren, and this is quackery.  The Homoe-
 path, if he acts from principle, is  satisfied that the practice
 is superior ;  still, it is  denounced  as quackery, and not wor-
 thy of investigation, which may sometimes excite the blood
 a little, it  is true, in those who have critically examined the
 subject; but still we hold that charity is  a  very necessary
 virtue—denunciation  amounts  to nothing; men  must  be
 convinced of the truth upon  any subject, by enlightening the
understanding, and although we believe in using strong ar-
guments against any thing which we do not hold to be the
best, in  the circumstances of the case, still it should be done
in candor.  These, then,  are a few of the many reasons
which we might adduce, to show why we admit the truth  of
the essential points, in the Homoeopathic principle in medi-
cine ; a conclusion to which we have not hastily arrived ;  to
which we have come by no  " royal road;" by no remarka-
ble  cases, nor by any excitement of the imagination, but
from a careful, laborious, and critical examination of medi-
cal science generally, both in practice and in principle, and
looking impartially upon the  subject in every aspect  in
which it can be presented, and seriously answering the ques-
tion,  what is truth ? we do not  adopt it as a perfect system,
as one which will entirely relieve  the  profession from ma-
king  further  and continual researches as to the  causes and
nature of diseases, and the effect of means for their preven- 
33
tion  and cure—but as  a principle, which,  when correctly
understood and rightly  appreciated, will do something, yea,
much, toward farther  elevating the physical evils to  which
the human race are liable. 
 
APPENDIX,
  We shall add, more especially to confirm the observations
which have been made, some cases, which were among
our first in the application of the Homoeopathic practice  in
the cure of disease ; they are  designed, as are the remarks
which follow, more especially for the medical profession, but
may not be without interest to the general reader.   The few
selected  are  of no particular interest, only going to  show
that the early application of medicine on this principle  is not
without success.  Still further observation  and experience
are necessary, to prescribe with accuracy.
  I trust what  has  already  been said, will  be sufficient  to
convince any one who is not familiar with the Homceopath-
ic literature, even of our own country, that the medicine  is
not inoperative.  A  recent interview with a physician  of
several years' experience, in a region where the science has
made great progress, more than confirms all we shall say.
In the country, and in acute diseases, we have a better op-
portunity  to  compare the  two  systems.  In Epidemics  of
malignant Erysipelas, Typhus Fever, and  Scarlet Fever,
which had recently occured, the  success was much in  favor
of the Homoeopathic practice.   Indeed, it  is decidedly  in
diseases of a  violent character, that its success is pre-emi-
nent.
  Case 1—.A child, aged 18 months, had cutaneous  eruption
of eight or ten days' standing, covering the face, neck, and
upper portion  of the  chest.   The case answered  to  those
caused or  cured by  sulphur.   Gave flos sulphur three  times
a day;  at the end of two days' it entirely disappeared; had
I  given a cathartic I should have  said it cured it by correct-
ing the alimentary canal or by revulsive action ;  took  prob-
ably in all 1-2 gr. finely triturated with sugar.  Is it  a stretch
of the imagination to say it produced  its  specific stimuli
upon the nerves or capillaries of the skin ?
  Case 2.—E. A., aged 2 years.  Measles.   Attacked on Fri-
day—on Tuesday A. M. following, eruption appeared—saw
it on Wednesday, A. M., high fever, cough  severe,  eruption
on  the  upper extremities, &c.—Thursday, fever less,  erup-
tion had covered  the surface and began to abate.—Friday, 
36
    she was up, and Saturday her skin was clear, cough less—
    took belladonna and bryonia. Measles will get well with no
    treatment.   In  this case, had I given other medicine, should
    have said it did well.  It progressed much more speedily,
    though more severe at first, than her sister, who had no med-
    ical advice, and left her free  from cough, <k,c.
      Case 3.—Mr. A.  was attacked with ordinary symptoms of
    fever—at night had chills followed with fever—through  the
    night severe pain in the head, back, extremities, cVc.  At 4 P.
    M. saw him, skin hot and dry, face red, thirst and restlessness,
    pulse 100, hard and full, soreness at  the stomach severe—
    gave  aconite, 1st  dilution  every hour.  Next day, 8 A.
    M., rested some latter part of the night, and perspired free-
    ly—relieved from pain except  in  the head—soreness much
    relieved—pulse the same, continue medicine—4 P. JVl. had
    a slight rise of fever at noon, but  feels  better on the whole
    —free from pain, skin moist, pulse soft, bad taste  in the
    mouth, tongue  coated, feels weak, dec. :  continue  aconite
    every four hours with nux vomica—9 A. M., rested well, free
    from pain, sweats, mouth clear, pulse soft, bowels move free-
    ly ;  feels  nearly well, except  debility ; walks out and gained
    rapidly.
      Case 4.—Mrs. R. was taken in church, about 7 P. M. with
»   severe neuralgia, arising from decayed teeth; she had an at-
    tack a week previous  less severe, which lasted three days.
    —the pain was excruciating; saw her at ten, gave her bel-
    ladonna every hour ; after three or four  doses it was entirely
    relieved, and the relief was permanent; the pain extended
    to the ear and covered a considerable portion of one side  of
    the head.
     Case 5.—Miss R., aged 11 years.  Eneuresis  of  several
    years' standing, affected as often as three out of four nights,
    otherwise well ; gave pulsatilla night and morning; she was
    relieved the  first day; the medicine was continued  one or
    two weeks, but as there was no return  it was discontinued.
    Was it accidental, or did the  infinitesmal dose hit the infini-
    tesmal nervous febril which was in fault?
     Case 6.—An aged lady had been affected with  cough for
    two or three weeks.   It had been severe at first, rather dry,
    and had impaired her general health.   There was an entire
    loss of appetite, debility, severe cough, especially at night.
    The first prescription rather changed  the  nature  of  the
    cough with some relief; it was  continued two or three days,
    but still the symptoms were distressing, cough spasmodic,
    especially at night, nausea, pale, dejected countenance,
    coldness of the surface, and a train of symptoms which in-
    dicated arsenic as a remedy.  She took at noon a dose of 
37
the  third attenuation,  to  be  repeated every  six  hours.
That night she was free from cough, rested well, and next
day was entirely relieved; felt  nearly well except some de-
bility ; the cure was effectual and permanent; she took  the
medicine for a few days only.  [Note.—In this case there was
a very speedy effect, but such as is  often seen, the primary
difficulty being removed, all the consecutive  symptoms dis-
appear, and the healthy vital action is resumed ; it is on this
principle that this article is a powerful tonic; but the con-
dition  must be appropriate or we shall fail of obtaining its
effects.]
  Case 7.—S. H., aged 9 years, had been feeble at times for
years, and I  had  treated her for about four months with
apparent benefit  for a time, but with no permanent cure.
She was also  seen several times  by other respectable phy-
sicians, but who gave her little encouragement of a perma-
nent cure : she was of a decidedly scrofulous  diathesis, and
had a complicated, though variable, train of symptoms.  I
concluded to try Horn, in the case.  When I commenced, the
prominent symptoms were as follows : Severe seated pain
in the head, and irregular pains in the back, and extremities
severe at times, especially at night;  she had little rest, grip-
ing pains in the bowels, which were  distended and irregular,
averaging ten to  twelve movements per day; variable in
appearance, nausea, variable appetite ; pulse about one hun-
dred, and a variety of secondary symptoms too numerous to
mention; she was not able to sit up  all day.   This had been
her condition, say four to five months.  She was put upon
arsenic for two or three weeks, also nux vomica, in Homoeo-
pathic doses;  used nothing else.  In  two or three weeks most
of her prominent symptoms were  relieved, and in five or six
weeks she was completely well, and left off medicine.  She
has continued well.
  Case 8.—Mrs. G.  Was called to  visit on Thursday, May
10th, at 10 o'clock, A. M.  She had been taken the afternoon
previous  with severe pain in the lower portion of the abdo-
men, which had continued with increasing severity.  She had
the evening previous to my seeing her, taken a dose of Lee's
pills, which had about three o'clock produced several thor-
ough cathartic operations.  Flannels wet in a decoction of
herbs had been kept applied to the parts affected, &c.; after
the cathartic  operation there was a  slight abatement of the
pains, and she slept nearly two hours ;  all the sleep she  ob-
tained through the night.  I found her at 10 with increasing
local pain (cystitis) extending over the lower  portion of the
abdomen, with great tenderness on  pressure,  pain from any
movement, general  restlessness and fever,  tongue  white, 
3^
 pulse 125, though not full or strong.   I direct* d the fomen-
 tations to be  continued, with  simple warm water,  cool
 drinks, and  pulsatilla (Horn, dose.)   At 2  P. M.  was  sent
 for ; there was no relief, all the symptoms were aggravated;
 pulse  about the  same, but rather fluttering; spasms  and
 vomiting from the severe irritation ; soreness increased  and
 suffering almost intolerable ; gave cantharides 5 drops, first
 dilution in one-third tumbler of water, gave a teaspoonful at
 2:  in about  ten minutes she vomited; in half an hour re-
 peated the  dose; at 3  I noticed she began  to cease her
 groans, and at  half past 3 she was comparatively easy and
 disposed to sleep;  I left her, directing  to give a teaspoonfull
 of the mixture  every hour ; 8 P. M. found her quiet, in a free
 perspiration ; had no severe pain since I left,  could move
 with  less suffering,  vomiting checked, pulse  100, soreness
 about the same.  Friday, \&th, 8  A. M., she  had a tolerable
 night, pain  slight, soreness less but extending up  the right
 side toward the liver, (probably in  the ureter,) pulse  90,
 mouth dry and bitter, continue cantharides  every 4 hours ;
 considering the state of the stomach and bowels, gave  nux
 vomica every four hours alternatively.  6 P. M., about the
 same, with rather an increase of  fever, pulse about 95, face
 flushed, &c.  though but little pain;  continued  medicine.
 Saturday, \lth.—Slept very well, bowels moved freely twice,
 griping after taking the nux vomica ; soreness much less,
 mostly in the side or ureter; tongue looks better, skin cool,
 pulse 80 ; can  help  herself much better; urine more nat-
 ural, and less pain in voiding it; continue cantharides every
 four hours.  Improved rapidly.
  Case 9.—Mr. P. aged  17 years.  On the 5th of June I was
 requested by Dr. S. of this city, to see a patient that he con-
 sidered in a critical situation; visit at 7 P. M.  Was taken
 Sunday, 1st inst.,in the P. M. at church, with a chill  follow-
 ed with faintness, &c.;  had not felt well a day or two pre-
 vious ; on Monday and Tuesday he became  worse with do-
 mestic remedies; on Tuesday  evening Dr. S. was called to
 visit him, found him with high  fever, cough,  pain  in  the
 chest, &c.   He was treated Horn.; two days  after I saw
 and examined the patient, he said lie  felt better than in the
morning  ; Dr. S. thought him better in some respects—I ex-
 amined him and concurred with Dr.  S. that it was decided
pneumonitis; his pulse  was 112, rather full and hard,  res-
piration very laborious  and 48 per minute,  pain in  the  re-
 gion of the heart and through the right lung, tongue coated
 and tip red,  bowels free,  countenance dejected, face pale,
though flushed at intervals.  On examining the chest on the
left side,  the respiratory sound was preternaturally distinct, 
39
and also on the upper portion of the right;  but the whole
of the lower portion of the right lobe was completely en-
gorged ; not the least respiratory murmur was audible, and
it  was  dull  on percussion;  cough  severe, expectoration
mixed with  blood  and  considerable in quantity.  Friday,
6th.—Rested  very well  and sweat freely; skin was  now
moist, pulse 85  and more soft, respiration 32, bowels  have
not moved, tongue  begins  to clean,  fever much  less, res-
piration much better ; continued medicine.  In the engorged
portion of the right lung there could be heard a slight crep-
itus, indicating a return of the air through it;  less dullness
on percussion.  Saturday, 7th.—Slept well, skin cool, cough
and expectoration  less,  still tinged with blood, pulse 60, full
and  regular, respiration  21, more easy, little pain ; exam-
ined chest—the engorged portion of the  lung  continues rath-
er more crepitus.   Sunday, 8th.—Slept well, free from pain ;
slight soreness in the lower portion of the right lung, little
cough,  expectoration mucous, slightly streaked  with blood,
skin cool, bowels had not moved for two daj-s, pulse 55, reg-
ular and strong (ind. torpor or congestion,)  respiration 21,
free and easy, right lung slightly crepitus. Monday.-Still bet-
ter, slept well, free from pain, one natural movement, pulse
60, rises to 75 on erect posture, respiration 20, natural; coughs
but five or six  times  in 24 hours, raises a little phlegm,
slightly tinged with blood,  chest more  natural, air passes
through the lungs, tongue clean,  countenance better, able
to walk across the room and sit up some, appetite moderate,
little loss of flesh.
  This case was treated Homoeopathically, strictly, unless 3
drachms C. oil be considered an exception;  aconite, bryonia,
phosphorus, &c. were the main remedies.
  This case, one of decided Pneumonia, is one of interest, and
shows conclusively that there is another advance of medical
science.  The immediate cessation of inflammatory action
and the change of symptoms while there was pulmonary
engorgement, led me to fear fatal congestion, especially as
the expectoration nearly ceased instead of becoming puru-
lent and copious as in the latter favorable cases of Pneumonia
on the ordinary treatment.  I consider the termination of this
case analogous to that of inflammation by  resolution or the
healing of  an incised wound by the first intention, instead of
suppuration and granulation, and the  attending  phenomena
all corresponding.
  It is held by our Allopathic brethren, that the  small doses
cannot  produce the effect which is attributed to them;  now
one difficulty in the mind is, they immediately go comparing
them with ten grains of calomel, or 30 drops laudanum, which 
40
is, they say, not sufficient in many cases.  Now each school
is right in the explanation of the operation of medicine on
their  own system, but they  differ in applying the means of
relief to opposite ends of the difficulty, as we shall soon show.
  It is well known there are different views in regard to the
proximate cause  of disease  or diseased action.   The  two
main divisions for the last many years, are the fluidists  and
solidists ;  each  contending that the seat of disease is prima-
rily in the fluids or solids.  Now these two schools have been
like two pugillists, about  equally  matched, one  for a time
seeming to gain the advantage, and then his antagonist, ex-
cited as  it were  by defeat, has aroused his  energies  and
again becomes in the ascendant; fluidism  was formerly in
vogue, then  was nearly displaced by the solidists : but for
the last few  years is rising again, and is now "above par,"
as will be seen  from nearly all who dare venture an opinion.
Now the  truth is, that one is as near right as  the other ; in
some cases the fluids are diseased before the solids,  and in
others the solids before the fluids, and in many cases neither
are diseased at all.  The fact is, whether the fluids or the
solids, or both, as is often  the case, are diseased, it is secon-
dary ; an effect in most cases, and probably in all, of some
previous  morbid action—some change in the vital forces, or
nervous influence.
  Now we have a class of vitalists, it is true.   I am the same
now I have ever been, a vitalist; and the vitalists and the Ho-
moeopathic school are one and the same to begin with ;  and
there is  much  less difference between Prof. Paine, of New
York, and Prof. Bartlett, of Baltimore, and Hahnemann, than
they really suppose.  They separate on account of the latter,
considering disease to exist in a dynamic form, and may have
long  and seriously operated before there  is  any percepti-
ble change, or any pathological condition ;  while the former
gentlemen do not  admit  much diseased action till there is
something which they can put their scalpel upon, or separate
from the blood as a foreign substance ; and hence they finally,
in  practice,  become incorporated with one or other of the
above schools.  But it certainly is true, that'in a great  vari-
ety of diseases, especially in the Neurotica, that the disease
originates in some change in the vital forces or nervous fluid,
whether  it is electric or not; in many diseases, even death
occurs, and the most minute examination will detect no struc-
tural change,  even with glasses; and should the system be
divided into infinitesmal particles, it is doubtful whether any
could be  seen.  What is it that produces pain, especially that
which is purely nervous; that destroys life even, in many
cases of sudden joy or grief; that produces a  great number 
41
of the spasmodic diseases ?  unquestionably a small change
or a want of action in a nerve often is the moving difficulty,
in many  general and local diseases.   The phenomena of
fever and of inflammation are such, as to lead us to believe
that diseased action begins in the nervous system.  In most
cases, as in fever, the early phenomena are decidedly those
of abnormal, nervous action, or if produced by an external
cause, it is here manifested ;  hence the premonitory stage of
languor and lassitude, followed by a chill, indicating  a  de-
pressed or deranged vitality, followed by spasm of the extreme
vessels of Cullen, and of course dryness and heat of surface,
(fever.)  Now  pain from congestion;  soon the  secretions
become disturbed, connected with the nutritive functions, and
the individual is now sick;  the more the disease progresses
the more  prominent  are the symptoms, till disorganization
may take  place,  especially if the disease locate.  Now  the
phenomena of local inflammation is similar on a small scale.
The late writers on this subject and microscopic observations,
tend to confirm the Homoeopathic doctrine, and remove some
of the ridicule which is attached to small doses.   In inflam-
mation the, first observation by the microscope, shows that in
the capillary vessels, the fluids begin to move slowly; (what
makes them ?) soon there is congestion, then the red blood is
stopped, large vessels are obstructed, redness, pain, heat, and
swelling follow in their order. Now for the cure ;  Allopathy
begins where the diseased action ends ;  there is congestion,
general or local; bleeding is  used, then blisters, &c.; or give
alterative  medicine,  in either case it will be indirect, and
large quantities will be required, and the cure gradual.   It
is now held that the loss of blood does not cure, but change
the condition ;  does not diminish the  fibrin any more than
the other  portions, but is necessary to cure by alteratives,
antiphlogistics, or specific stimuli.   Now Homoeopathy  ap-
plies  a remedy  not to the same end, as it were, but  the
opposite; commencing at the point where the  congestion
begins, and for ought we know, the first dose restores the tone
of a nerve which was at fault, that may  be a small point;
now  there is power to remove diseased action as  well as to
allow it to progress ; the medicine is often repeated, and the
congested  vessels resume their action, and resolution  takes
place. Now if the inflammation is removed as soon or sooner
than  by the other treatment, it  operates in some manner.
That this  is the way we do not pretend to say, but the facts
are substantiated.  Now we do know that if a specific stim-
ulant is applied, the effect will be great.   Now  the remedy
which is given must be one which will be specific to the point,
and to the condition, or there will  be no effect.  Ah ! but how
                          6 
42
are you to find the remedy ?  Homoeopathy has a rule which
will apply often, perhaps a universal  law, when rightly
applied, based on " simillia similibus curantur." •' the latin of
which," says a late writer, " has made considerable impres-
sion on the public mind."  True, but by the way I am  not
sure that it  is exactly the latin which has " made  the  im-
pression !"  But it may be asked, what  evidence,  allowing
certain facts do follow the Homoeopathic medicine, that  the
medicine produces the effect? we answer, the same  evidence
that we have in any case of cause  and (fleet; it  must be
established  by cases sufficient to make the rule.   In a case
of local pain  we give  a dose of morphine: how  does  the
morphine  relieve the pain ?  if the pain is of the character
to be relieved by morphine, and just the proper quantity,  say
one-eighth or one-fourth  grain is given, it will relieve  the
pain and no other effect will be produced; the individual
will not know from  his feelings that he has taken any medi-
cine, but from a cessation of pain.   If the dose is too large,
or more than just sufficient to meet the symptoms,  he will
have some effects as from narcosis.   Now in this case, while
only the pain is met, is there any evidence  that the  effect
of the  morphine  is  expended on any portion of the nervous
system except where there is functional lesion, till that lesion
is restored ?  I judge not, for had there been no pain or lesion,
the same dose would have produced  sensible effect.   Now in
diseased states, especially in lesions of nervous  function,
probably the vital forces only are altered from health ; and
hence  the reason why we  see  sudden effects and speedy
cures, especially in certain diseases called nervous, rheumatic,
&c, and hence quacks and quack medicines often cure acci-
dentally ;  but in diseases where there is a change in  the other
tissues, all medicines will operate less speedily.
   In case No. 5, it  is not to be presumed there was change
of structure, perhaps  a point of nervous fibre was in  an
abnormal condition, and when brought up to a certain degree
of action, it failed  to perform its office: now  two doses of
Pulsatilla might have had more power to restore that  func-
tion than ten doses of rhubarb.   We  shall find if we examine
critically  the medical  literature of the day, a "dreadful
squinting" toward Homoeopathy : it is unconscious however
for  the most part, but true, both in principle and  practice;
and the multitude  of isolated facts, both recent and long
known, prove it.  Not long since in a journal,  one-eighth of
a drop of creosote cured nausea; another thought it  could
not be, for it would  produce vomiting !  Ipecac  cures it
in  some cases, antimony in some, tobacco in some, &c, in
small doses; and we shall find that there are many examples 
43
ol the kind.  The writers on materia medica are becoming
less  general  and more specific, both as to the action of the
medicine and its application to particular diseased conditions ;
compare Cullen with Pereira.
  There are many arguments in the writings of the old school
which were written to demolish  Homoeopathy, which have
done it essential service.  Dr. Alexander Walker, an English
Allopathic  writer, has given one.  He holds that in every
disease  there are two sets of symptoms, morbid and cura-
tive :  the former are produced by the cause of the disease
directly, and should be treated by opposite means,  and in
large doses;  the second are the  efforts of nature,  endeav-
oring to recover itself:  these are to be treated by  similar
means,  and in small doses.  After all, what he means  by
morbid  symptoms, is substantially what Homoeopathy means
by removing  the cause.  Dr. Elisha Bartlett has given Ho-
moeopathy  a  chapter in his " philosophy of medical science,"
alongside of Cullenism,  and Brownism, and Rushism, and
Gallupism, and Broussaisism, and concludes that it is about
as reasonable, and will last about as long as these.  He how-
ever would believe all the Homoeopathic doctrine, says  " the
infinitesmal doses would be no objection at all, if Hahnemann
had not assumed everything."  Now Dr. B. has read Hahn-
emann closely, and has given a better account of his doctrine
than  most  men who have written against it;  but what the
Homoeopathic school have  proved from experiment, during
half a century, he  from reading in his closet,  assumes that
they assume, that is, do just as he does.
  The works above mentioned are worth reading, as argu-
ments for Homoeopathy, as is almost every thing which hap-
pens to  have  any thing to do  with therapeutics; and if we
take the trouble to examine, we shall find much to convince
us of the truth of the Homoeopathic principle.  In those cases
in which specific remedies or  alteratives are used, we  shall
find if they wrere given less at random,  they would be given
with more effect, and their effect would not  depend so much
on the dose.  Mercury, for example, if given in high fever,
in small doses, so long as the pure entonic action exists, we
have  little  expectation of obtaining the  specific  effect of
the medicine, even if given for weeks, nor does it reduce the
fever; but  if done,  by other means, to a certain point, es-
pecially if at the  same  time there are peculiar symptoms,
such as sometimes are produced by mercury, we shall see de-
cided effects from it, it then becomes Homoeopathic.  In these
cases there is much relief as soon as the effect is produced,
but it is as speedy  sometimes from antimony, in its proper
cases, from ammonia or from arsenic, which every physician 
41
may see not in the same conditions, but in their appropriate
states.  As has long been held in most cases, that the speci-
fic  effects of mercury may  be obtained short of ultimate
salivation; hence  the  doctrine and practice of Abcrnethy
and others.  It will be found in practice, if we  critically ex-
amine, that many cases,  which we long remember, of the
extraordinary effects of medicine, this principle is acted up-
on.   For the  last 10 or 12 years, a preparation of iodide of
mercury, combined  with hyod- potass, has been used by the
profession.  A Homoeopathic preparation,—we gave it  10
years ago, in a case of bronchial affection, which had resisted
every thing—the effect was  soon perceptible, and  the cure
from  that time rapid.   In another case, where there was
great emaciation, expectoration to the amount of a pint per
day, the cure was speedy.  In these cases it was supposed
to be  powerful enough, so long as the  effect was so decided-
ly apparent.  In one of the county societies, in  this State, a
few years since, the subject  of curing  certain diseases by
Tinct. Balladonna, in one drop doses, was discussed ; sever-
al cases were substantiated by distinguished physicians, es-
pecially one which we shall  never forget, where the cure
was speedy after resisting other modes ;—if organized Ho-
moeopathy had made no progress, the  profession might have
made more progress in such investigations; but like two
combatants, they have no idea of coming into position to
shake hands.  The Deobstruent and Narcotic practice, which
is so general in Connecticut, is essentially on the Homoeopa-
thic principle; and although it has not been applied on their
rule, and consequently has been more at random, and some-
what ultra,  it has  modified  the general practice.   Now it
will be found that in many of these cases, (especially those
most successful,) the medicine will produce  similar effects,
when given in poisonous quantities, to those cured by small;
if exactness was observed, smaller doses would succeed.—
Most  medicines, probably, first produee a general effect, es-
pecially those, the action of which is especially manifested
upon  the nervous system; if carried beyond this, or articles
of another kind are used,  their action will be on some spe-
cial organ or tisue—this is well known.  Aloes,  if given suf-
ficiently, will act on the lower  portion of the alimentary
canal;—antimony,  on the mucous membrane of the stom-
ach  and lungs,—cantharides, on other parts of  the same
membrane; if injected into the blood vessels the specific effect
is the same.   Some of the narcotics effect especially the
head, as belladonna and opium, others, some portions of the
s. chord and ganglionic system,  as strychnos nux vomica.
Is it impossible that there  may be remedies which effect es- 
45
 pecially the capillary system?  These things are taken in-
 to consideration by the Homoeopathic school,—especially is
 this held to be necessary where disease locates in  a par-
 ticular  tissue.   That  such medicine as  acts  specifically
 upon such tissues is more effectual, is very  evident.  In re-
 gard to a small dose producing effect, and articles becoming
 medicinal by minute division, is not after all, so incredible,
 when philosophically considered, and based upon facts. We
 all know that mercury, in its crude or metallic state, is not
 medicinal; so of lead.   These act only mechanical!v; now,
 it mercury is rubbed down, as in mass. hydg. what is its ef-
 fect i and were it divided still farther, it would be still more
 powerful, and it is now held to be a mere division instead of
 an oxyde.  (See U. S. Dispensatory.) Now much ridicule has
 been attached  to  the notions of Hahnemann, in regard to
 dissolving and using silex.,  "which is neither soluble nor
 medicinal" as is said ; now,  if mercury becomes  medicinal
 by division or even oxydation, why may not  silex.? and we
 have in a late number of the " American Journal of Science
 and Arts," a learned article,  showing the  solubility of silex,
 by a heating process, very similar to that recommended by
 Hahnemann some thirty years ago.  It is not at all improb-
 able  that a great  part of  the medicine when given in a
 coarse  form, passes  through only the larger vessels, even
 when taken into the secretions, and acts therefore, only indi-
 rectly, just as cathartics act on the alimentary canal,  curing
 distant diseases  by a  revulsive action,—if so, more minute
 division by  bringing the particles more directly in contact
 with diseased parts, may do more in small doses, by  acting
 directly.   Some late microscopic observations have rendered
 this more probable than we have heretofore imagined.
   It  is well known and admitted on all hands, that in a great
 proportion of the diseases to which the physician is called,
 he endeavors to make the treatment  as  direct as possible.
 The treatment may be narcotic, tonic, alerative, &c.  There
are some remedies which it would be difficult to say exactly
where they belong;  take for  example  iodide potass—the
fashionable  remedy of the day, one which is extolled very
highly, and still is  found much fault with,  and for what is it
used ?  One gives it in the  early stage of typhus, another
 later; one as a tonic, another as an antiphlogistic, or alter-
 ative, or expectorant, &c.  Indeed, it is applicable to a great
variety of diseases, and if given in particular conditions is a
most efficient remedy.  It is given too empyrically.  How
do tonics operate ?  by doing much more than to so change the
action of the parts concerned in digestion, assimilation, and
nutrition, as actually to make  red blood out of real  nutri- 
10
ment ?   This doctrine  has long been held as probable by
Eberle and others ; hence iodine, arsenic, nitrate silver, am-
monia, nux vomica,  &c. &c, are called tonics.   They are
in one sense; if given in appropriate  cases, there is much
increase of vigor and strength, in the functions  of the sys-
tem,  if  at the same time we give more nutriment, or the
same is  better assimilated, and still all these articles are
considered "  very debilitating, and great caution  is necessa-
ry in their use."  All very true ;  they  will all be so if not
properly given, or if given  in excessive quantities—and  if
watched through all their phases, w-ill often produce symp-
tons or conditions in large doses, similar to those which they
relieve in small.
  The profession to adduce arguments for or against real Ho-
moeopathy, need to be critical to meet the point at issue, in-
stead of aiming their artillery at nonessential mysticism, or
dust which should be floating around it, or because some vis-
ionist or enthusiast has happened to fall in with it.  We are
too apt, on a  superficial view of things, to see  resemblances
where none really exist; like  distant objects,  which to the
eye resemble each other, but on close inspection we observe
an  essential  difference.   Our professional brethren have in
this way been led often  honestly,  no doubt, to associate Ho-
moeopathy with  many of the  systems of imposture which
have  from time to time  prevailed.   It sounds like Hydropa-
thy ; seems like some of the isms present or past,  as Thom-
sonism,  Magnetism,  Perkinsism ; or it looks like the Faith
Doctors, or Rain-water  Doctors,  or Cancer Doctors ; or if a
little more respectable,  it is one of the exclusive systems of
the day.  A classification with the above has had a tenden-
cy to prejudice the community, to a certain extent, against
the principles and practice of Homoeopathy.  If there is no
difference between them when seen at  a distance, let us
take  a  near  view, examine on both sides all the resem-
blances  and the differences, with an impartial  and unpreju-
diced mind.
  The truth  is, that it  has no more resemblance to these
systems, than the Christian religion has to the Gnosticism of
the ancient  heathen  philosophy ; and the man who, in this
day, brings the comparisons, shows that it is done to produce
a ridiculous effect, to prejudice the ignorant, but as is oftener
the case, shows that he has no critical  knowledge  of the
subject.   The discoveries and investigations of Hahnemann
and his  followers, though not expected to be received  into
immediate favor universally, are destined to make a lasting
impression, and like every new and valuable truth, come by
degrees  to be adopted.   There are coincident circumstances 
47
of proof of the Homoeopathic system.  Samuel Thompson's
system, although claiming to be an improvement, was not
so in reality.   In his main dogmas he hit upon those which
had long been exploded, as his chemical and physiological
view, &c. ; hence his system compared with medical science,
generally is a retrograde one,  and  from which all the de-
partments of medical science  are receding.   Others make
a sidewray step.  While Hahnemann stepped  forward about
half a century of his cotemporaries, and the  recent investi-
gation in the different  collateral medical sciences, are all
tending to confirm this.   The discoveries in physiology,  vital
chemistry,  pathology, the  specific  modus  operandi of all
medicinal agents, exactness in their application to disease,
the simple or  specific application of medicine, and conse-
quently diminution of quantity, and the very  general appli-
cation of medicine on the similar principle.  So that medical
science in  its various departments  is more and more  con-
verging to the general principles of the Homoeopathic school.
This  point no one can fail to see, who has  any faculty at
critical exposition of medical  principles, and can look  at
facts  as they  really  exist, and divest his mind of early pre-
judices and dogmas, alike fatal to the progress  of true science
and the advancement of the welfare of mankind.
   There are many medical men who are fully convinced of
the facts and the truth of the principles of the Homoeopathic
school, who are still in the Allopathic ranks,  whom circum-
stances, or interest, or perhaps  in  some cases, a want  of
moral courage, deters from adopting  it; nevertheless the
numbers who are joining their ranks is continually increasing,
and  must  continue so,  as the principles  become  better
understood.
   There is some analogy in the Homoeopathic principle  in
changing  some of our  previous views of truth to that of
the clerical profession,  from the discoveries  in astronomy
and geology; in both cases there is no change of any physical
law, no compromise with the truth, but unfortunately, perhaps
for the obstinacy of men, (and very good men,) necessarily
modifying some of our  old notions, which, however  sacred
they may be held, are founded neither in philosophy nor  in
truth.   The human mind has ever been so, and probably ever
will  be;  ignorance, selfishness, prejudice, and scepticism
have, and will continue to retard the advancement of science
and erect barriers to the progress of truth.   But the  friends
of enlightened Homoeopathy have nothing to fear ; a judicious
and  enlightened course of conduct in  the  investigation  of
science and  its application to disease and  suffering,  will
eventually achieve a victory ;  prejudice and opposition, like 
48
that against every new principle in practical  science, is
already abating, and ere  long many who  are foremost in
opposition, will  become its friends, the progress  of medical
science will  be  still onward, and relief from disease and
suffering effected in  a more pleasant, safe, and  effectual
manner.
                   ERRATA.

Page 5, 2d line from bottom, omit and.
  "   8, 6th line from bottom, for their, read its.
  "  12, 2d line from top, add Strychnine.
  "  12, 4th line from bottom, fox produce, read produces.
  "  13, 12th line from top, for tooth-ache, read teeth-ache.
  "  17, 5th line from top, omit in.
  "  18, 10th line from top, for point, read pivot.
  "  21, 2d line from bottom, for medicinal, read medical.
  "  22, 21st line from bottom, for medicinal, read medical. 
 
Tf