Homeopathy - Introduction

 

A History

In 1807, a German-born physician named Samuel Hahnemann discovered a treatment system he later called "Homeopathy". Hahnemann discovered, developed, and systematized the fundamental Law of Similars: similia similibus curantur, or, "let likes be cured by likes". In turn, "any substance capable of inducing specific signs or symptoms in a healthy person will be able, at low dosages, to alleviate these same signs and symptoms in a sick person suffering from them." This postulate, present in the work of Paracelsus, the father of chemical medicine, was also foreseen in ancient Greece by Hippocrates.

Homeopathy was introduced in North America in 1825 and quickly gained enormous popularity in Canada and the United States. By 1844, homeopaths had organized the American Institute of Homeopathy, America's first national medical society. It was not until two years later that the American Medical Society was formed. By the late nineteenth century, one out of every six physicians was a homeopath. The resurgence of interest in Homeopathic medicine expresses a desire from general public for alternative health care.

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