Homeopathy : the journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy
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Review Historical Article
The science of high dilutions in historical context.
This paper begins from a discussion of the terms currently applied to the preparations used in homeopathic practice and relates them to the names given to them by Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy. The latter were directly related to the notion of matter Hahnemann held, this is discussed as it evolved from the earliest sources to the sixth and final edition of the Organon of Medicine, through all the editions of this work as well as many other hitherto rarely explored sources. This review shows that Hahnemann moved conceptually within the field of concepts of late 18th- early 19th century science. This is only natural, and, a legitimate object for studies of the history of science and medicine.
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Comparative Study Historical Article
200 years Organon of Medicine - A comparative review of its six editions (1810-1842).
In 2010 the 200th anniversary of the Organon is celebrated by the homeopathic community. Samuel Hahnemann's Organon of Rational Therapeutics, published in 1810, however, marks neither the beginning of homeopathy nor the endpoint of its development. ⋯ On the other hand, the five revised editions of the Organon that followed in the next three decades contain major changes of theory and conceptions. Hahnemann's basic idea, running through all the stages of the foundation, elaboration, and defence of his doctrine, may be detected by a comparative review of his works from a historical and philosophical perspective.
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Like other forms of medicine, including Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), homeopathy elicits expectations in patients. The physician-patient relationship, personal and comprehensive treatment and lack of adverse effects are elements in creating positive expectations. Other elements may be associated with negative expectations. ⋯ Directions for future research on non-specific therapeutic effects of homeopathy to improve clinical practice and clinical research are discussed.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Placebo effect sizes in homeopathic compared to conventional drugs - a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
It has been hypothesised that randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of classical (individualised) homeopathy often fail because placebo effects are substantially higher than in conventional medicine. ⋯ Placebo effects in RCTs on classical homeopathy did not appear to be larger than placebo effects in conventional medicine.