Similia Similibus Curentur: Theory, History, and Status of the Constitutive Principle of Homeopathy

Abstract

A clear definition of its subject and correct application of its tenets are the basis of any science. Conversely, the want of a unanimous understanding of its constituting principles by the homeopathic community is undermining its scientific practice, research and discussion. To facilitate these, first and foremost the Principle of Similars, similia similibus curentur, has to be clarified and assessed in terms of its theoretical meaning, historical development, and epistemological status. Hahnemann's conceptions, explanations, and appraisals were not static but evolved and hardened over the years, especially from 1796 to 1810. While initially he related similia similibus to an imitation of similar cures by nature and proposed it as an opposition to contraria contrariis, he later generalised it to the treatment of any disease. Whilst originally he considered it to be a hermeneutical principle, or a hint towards a curative remedy, Hahnemann later dogmatised it as the only truth. Considering advances in epistemology and theory of medicine, however, the Principle of Similars may not be assessed as a final truth or natural law to be empirically verified or falsified for good, but rather as a practical maxim, guiding the artist of healing in his/her curing of diseases rationally and individually.

Homeopathic solutions induce production of winged forms in aphid

“…Homeopathic products, in turn, are alternative substances that can be used to control insects, promoting tolerance in plants and increasing secondary metabolites, which can repel or even kill certain agricultural pests (Boff et al, 2016;Schmidt, 2021), being an important resource for ecological pest management (Betti et al, 2009;Toledo et al, 2016).…”

Principles in Practice

“…5 And a philosophical argument is advanced in a Commentary article by Schmidt noting that the practice of homeopathy can be viewed as being constituted on the principles of rationality, similarity and healing. 6 A human clinical case report by Carvalho & Ribeiro and a veterinary clinical case series by Barros et al illustrate the imaginative use of homeopathic medicines-the former using a homeopathic formulation of Cannabis sativa to treat a patient with fibromyalgia 7 and the latter using Sulphur ointment as adjunctive treatment for myiasis in sheep. 8 The finding that the latter's therapeutic efficacy is based on inhibiting the development of the living causative agent, the parasitic blowfly larva, is itself an intriguing concept in terms of the overarching principle of homeopathy as a stimulatory agent for healing in nature.…”

“…5 And a philosophical argument is advanced in a Commentary article by Schmidt noting that the practice of homeopathy can be viewed as being constituted on the principles of rationality, similarity and healing. 6…”