Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to ask what role robustness plays in current medicine and in how far medical practices influence human robustness and thus the ability to be adapted and survive under changing conditions. Design/methodology/approach-In order to do this Bateson's concepts of learning and network pathologies are applied to the medical topic of immune reaction. Findings-Current medical research does not take sufficiently into account that natural stimuli and therapeutic interventions might lead to a large-scale of changes. This is mainly due to the lack of related epistemological tools. Practical implications-This lack leads to a restricted validity of many medical findings. There is even some evidence that the current therapeutic approach might lead to a decline of human robustness. Originality/value-This paper shows how systemic concepts can contribute to a deeper understanding of the therapeutic processes.

PurposeA personal introduction to the Gregory Bateson memorial issue.Design/methodology/approachOutlines Bateson's work and the content of the memorial.FindingsConnects Bateson's legacy with the work of current authors and the general problems the world faces today.Originality/valueDescribes the necessity to use ecological principles as presented by Bateson.

Summary Most randomised trials on homeopathy are based either on a wrong epistemology, or on a misunderstanding of the homeopathic method, or on both. The result is logically irrelevant as seen with the efficacy paradox. In order to design trials appropriate to assess the effect of a homeopathic therapy, a more detailed understanding of the healing process is necessary. This article analyses some frequent mistakes of homeopathic trials.

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