Classical Homoeopathy

Homoeopathy as commonly practiced was first established by Samuel Hahnemann in the late
1820s. These were watershed years for our healing art as they represent the beginning of the
most productive years of Hahnemann's career. The year 1828 brought the publication the 1st
edition of The Chronic Diseases, their Peculiar Nature and their Homoeopathic Cure. This
masterpiece was quickly followed by the publication of the 4th Organon (1829) which further
elucidated homoeopathic philosophy, case taking and methodology.
In the 1st Chronic Diseases, and its companion volume, the 4th Organon Hahnemann taught the
administration of a single unit dose of one or two poppy seed size pellets placed dry on the
tongue. The single dose was then followed by a period of observation of the client to assess the
remedy's action. Vide aphorism 242 of the 4th Organon.
The Single Unit Dose
"As long, therefore, as the progressive improvement continues from the medicine administered,
so long we can take for granted that the duration of the action of the helpful medicine, in this
case at least, continues, and hence all repetition of any dose of medicine is forbidden."
The same point is also stressed in Aphorism 245.
"Even one dose of the same medicine which has up to now proved beneficial, if repeated before
the improvement has begun to stand still in every direction, will, like an untimely interference,
only aggravate the state....."
The Wait and Watch Method
These aphorisms introduced the "wait and watch philosophy" which is a manifestation of the
principles of minimal intervention and the minimal dose. If the client is improving after the
administration of the first dose of a remedy all repetitions of the dose are completely counter
indicated. It is only when there is a clear relapse of the symptoms that a second dose of a remedy
may be contemplated. This injunction was introduced to prevent disruption of the natural healing
process by the premature repetition of the homoeopathic remedy.
Hahnemann observed that premature repetition of the homoeopathic pellets often caused a
relapse of the disorder as well as accessory symptoms of the remedy. This mixture of natural and
remedial symptoms confuses the picture and slows down the curative process. This is why
classical homoeopaths are very conservative about the repetition of the remedy before there is a
definite relapse of the symptoms. This demands great patience as even during slow progressive
improvement the client must experience a relapse of symptoms before a remedy can be repeated.
New Experiments

Over the following fifteen years Homoeopathy went through a dramatic transformation as
Hahnemann sought to improve his new system. The Master Homoeopath introduced several
innovations which brought Homoeopathy closer to perfection. The 5th Organon was published
by Samuel Hahnemann in 1833. This was followed by the publication of the 3rd, 4th and 5th
editions of The Chronic Diseases in years 1835, 1837 and 1839 respectively. In these twin
manuscripts he shares the outcome of his new experiments. The 6th and final edition of the
Organon was finished in 1843 but was not published until 1920.
Hahnemann was not completely satisfied with the posology and case management procedures he
published in the 4th Organon, especially in complex diseases and chronic miasms. The old
master felt there must be a more flexible delivery system for homoeopathic dynamizations. In
aphorisms 285, 286, 287 and 288 of the 5th edition he introduces the method of using a freshly
succussed aqueous solution in teaspoon doses. He gives one of the principal reasons for this in
aphorism 286.
For the same reason the effect of a homoeopathic dose of medicine increases the greater the
quantity of fluid in which it is dissolved when administered to the patient although the actual
amount of medicine it contains remains the same. For in this case, when the medicine is taken, it
comes in contact with a much larger surface of sensitive nerves responsive to the medicinal
action. Although theorists may imagine there should be a weakening of the action of the dose of
medicine by its dilution with a large quantity of liquid, experience asserts exactly the opposite, at
all events when the medicines are employed homoeopathically."
At the same time, Hahnemann elucidated one more critical aspect of the new posology in the
note to aphorism 287. This is the importance of succussing the remedy solution immediately
before administration in the same manner as one succusses the homoeopathic dynamizations
when preparing the stock potencies. In the note to this aphorism Hahnemann points out that
anywhere from 1, 2, 3, to 10 or more succussions are used to progressively increase the potency
of the aqueous remedy solution. For this purpose the homoeopath uses a 4 to 8 oz bottle filled
with a solution made from 1 globule of the homoeopathic dynamization.
From this remedy bottle Hahnemann was witnessed stirring 1, or increasing more, teaspoons of
the solution into a 4oz. of water in a glass. From this glass he would then give 1, 2, or 3
teaspoons of the aqueous solution as a dose. In Hahnemann's new posology the potency, size of
the dose, number of succussions given to the remedy bottle, and the number of teaspoons
administered are all adjusted to suit the constitutional sensitivity of the client. The renewed
posology system offers more power and more flexibility than the static dry pellets. These
methods of adjusting the dose are one of the greatest gifts of the 5th Organon and the 1837
edition of The Chronic Diseases.
The Middle Path
Another important aspect of the 5th Organon is Hahnemann's review of dose and repetition. In
the 4th edition he outlined the single unit dose and the philosophy of the "wait and watch"
method. In the aphorisms 245, 246 and 247 of the 5th Organon Hahnemann introduces what he
calls the middle path concerning the methods of administrating homoeopathic remedies. He

begins his discourse on posology by clarifying the proper view of the single unit dose and when
it is appropriate in treatment. He begins his new review in aphorism 245.
Every perceptibly progressive and strikingly increasing amelioration in a transient (acute) or
persistent (chronic) disease, is a condition which, as long as it lasts, completely precludes every
repetition of the administration of any medicine whatsoever, because all the good the medicine
taken continues to effect is now hastening toward its completion. Every new dose of any
medicine whatsoever, even of the one last administered, that has hitherto shown itself to be
salutary, would in this case disturb the work of amelioration."
Anytime there is a "strikingly increasing amelioration" on a dose of a homoeopathic remedy
there is no need for the repetition of the remedy. If the remedy is repeated when it is not needed
it will only slow the cure or disrupt the case. Unfortunately, many chronic patients only slowly
improve over a period of weeks to months on a single dose of the appropriate remedy and
potency. What can we do to speed the cure? Hahnemann sheds light on this subject in aphorism
246. Vide Organon.
One the other hand, the slowly progressive amelioration consequent on a very minute dose,
whose selection has been accurately homoeopathic, when it meets with no hindrance to the
duration of its action, sometimes accomplishes all the good the remedy in question is capable of
performing by its nature in a given case, in a period of forty, fifty or a hundred days.
This is however, rarely the case, and besides, it must be a matter of great importance to the
physician as well as the patient that were it possible, this period be diminished to one-half,
one quarter, and even still less, which many often repeated observations have shown under
three conditions.
Firstly, the correct homoeopathic remedy must be chosen by the totality of the symptoms.
Secondly, the remedy is to be given in the minimal dose so as not to overexcite the vital force
[refer aphorisms on the medicinal solutions]. Thirdly, the remedy may be repeated at suitable
intervals to speed the cure, if necessary, without producing aggravations."
The new posology maxim states that anytime the first dose produces a striking amelioration no
more medicine is needed for the time being. If, one the other hand, the first dose only produces
a slow amelioration the remedy may be repeated at suitable intervals to speed the cure.
This new methodology can only be carried out if the remedy is prepared in a medicinal
solution and given in a "split-dose". If the homoeopath is still using the dry pellet dose then
they must follow the rules as given in the 4th Organon. This means the homoeopath can only
repeat a remedy when there is a definite relapses of the symptoms even if the person is only
slowly improving.
With the medicinal solution, however, the remedy may be repeated at suitable intervals as
long as the patient is improving without any aggravations. This is how the cure can be
reduced to 1/2, 1/4 or less the time it takes with the ordinary dry dose method. These are some of

the directions contained in the 5th Organon on the advanced methods of using the centesimal
potencies.
It is often said that Hahnemann's introduction of the medicinal solution was only for the LM
potencies and that he used his centesimal potencies dry. This is not the case. For a least during
the last years of his life Hahnemann used both his centesimal and LM potencies exclusively in
the medicinal solution with the addition of a dilution glass. In 1843, just prior to the Master's
death, Hahnemann sent Boenninghausen two cases in which he used the C and LM potencies in
exactly the same fashion. This proves two important points; first that the new methods of using
the aqueous solutions is for all homoeopathic remedies. The second point is that Hahnemann
considered the two potency systems to be complementary and used them both to increase the
range of the homoeopathic pharmacy. Now he had 6c to 1M centesimal and 0/1 to 0/30 LM
potencies at his disposal.
The Limitations of the Dry Dose
Hahnemann suggested that each edition of The Organon and The Chronic Diseases should be
studied together as companion volumes. In the 1837 commentary of The Chronic
Diseases Hahnemann begins by assessing his experience of the dosing procedures that he used
during the late 1820's and shares the outcome of his latest research in homoeopathy.
"Since I last addressed the public concerning our healing art I have had among other things also
the opportunity to gain experience as to the best possible mode of administering the dose of the
medicines to the patients, and I herewith communicate what I have found best in this respect. A
small pellet of one of the highest dynamizations of a medicine laid dry upon the tongue, or the
moderate smelling of an open vial where one or more such pellets are contained proves itself the
smallest and weakest dose with the shortest period of duration in its effects."
Due to the great diversity of constitutions and sensitivity, a homoeopath needs a flexible delivery
system which allows for the adjustment of the remedy in each individual case. This is something
that the medicinal solution supplies. Vide The Chronic Diseases.
"Nevertheless the incredible variety among patients as to their sensitivity, their age, their
spiritual and bodily development, their vital powers, and especially in the nature of their disease
necessitates a great variety in their treatment, and also in the administration to them of the
doses of medicine."
Also of great importance is the following revelation which explains why the untimely repetition
of an unmodified dose causes complications and explains the reason homoeopaths disagree so
much about the repetition of doses.
"Before proceeding, it is important to observe, that our vital principle cannot bear well that the
same unchanged dose of medicine be given even twice in succession, much less more
frequently to a patient. For by this the good effect of the former dose of medicine is either
neutralized in part, or new symptoms proper to the medicine, symptoms which have never before
been present in the disease appear, impeding the cure. Thus even a well selected homoeopathic

medicine produces ill effects and attains its purpose imperfectly or not at all. Thence come the
many contradictions of homoeopathic physicians with respect to the repetition of doses."
The observation that the vital force is disturbed by the repetition of an unadjusted dose is the
conclusion of around 35 years of experimentation and should not be taken lightly. In the 6th
Organon Hahnemann adds that even with the perfect remedy it is unwise "to let the patient have
a second or third dose taken dry.". The production of these complications is the main reason why
repeating remedies before the relapse of symptoms is counter indicated in the classical
Homoeopathy of the 4th Organon. The use of the medicinal solution however, overcomes this
problem because it can be adjusted with succussions so that the patient never receives the exact
same potency twice. Vide The Chronic Diseases.
"But in taking one and the same medicine repeatedly (which is indispensable to secure the cure
of a serious chronic disease) if the dose is in every case is varied and modified only a little in
its degree of dynamization, then the vital force of the patient will calmly, and as it were
willingly, receive the same medicine even at the briefest intervals, very many times in succession
with the best results, every time increasing the well being of the patient. This slight change in the
degree of dynamization is even effected, if the bottle which contains the solutions of one or
more pellets is merely well shaken five or six times."
The Discovery of a New Potency System
Hahnemann was not completely satisfied with the medicinal solutions of centesimal potencies.
especially in complex disorders and chronic miasms. He found in those with hypersensitivity,
low vitality, complex chronic miasms and organic pathology that the high potencies produced
unproductive aggravations while the lower potencies could not cure. How could he make a
potency which could fill this lacuna in homoeopathic treatment? Surely the answer to the
question did not lie in raising the centesimal potency to still higher levels so he decided to
increase the dilution rate instead.
After many experiments Hahnemann settled on the 1/50,000 dilution ratio called the LM
potency. His new potencies use a serial dilution system which begins with the LM 0/1 potency
and progresses through 0/2, 0/3, 0/4, 0/5, 0/6, onward to 0/30. This gradually increasing scale of
30 potencies is the perfect balance to the rapidly ascending centesimal scale. Now the new
posology included the adjustments of medicinal solutions of two complementary yet opposite
potency systems. This expanded the range of homoeopathic treatment.
Modern Times
Human beings have always been subject to the stresses of birth, life and death. Such conditions
are universal in their proportions. Nevertheless, our modern times present the homoeopath with
tremendous challenges. We live in a world of environmental degradation and endangered
species, nuclear radiation, chemical and toxic waste, universal immunization and drug use, rapid
urbanization, psychological complexities and spiritual crisis. This is accompanied by the rapid
mutation of acute and chronic miasms into new drug resistant strains and the appearance of new
miasmic diseases that lead to auto immune diseases and immuno-deficiency disorders.

Today's homoeopath sees mixtures of inherited predispositions, inherited and acquired miasms,
multiple immunizations (iatrogenic miasms), along with chemical exposures, drug suppression
and psychological and physical traumas. This makes it all that much more important that the
entire legacy of Samuel Hahnemann is put into practice in the field. Many cases that were
incurable with the method of the 4th Organon were cured by the methods of the 5th and 6th
Organon. Hahnemann's claim that the new posology could speed the cure to 1/2 or 1/4 the time
of the method of the 4th Organon must be put to the test by experienced classical homoeopaths.
Much of this new material has been misrepresented because it has been misunderstood. The
posology methods of the 5th and 6th Organon are placed on top of the strong foundation of the
4th Organon. The "wait and watch method" is the basis on which the careful repetition of
remedies to speed the cure is placed. Many people think that the LM potencies can be given in
some mechanical manner daily or every other day as if they are some low potency. This is a
great mistake as the repetition of the LM potency when it is not needed will either slow down the
cure or cause aggravations. LM potencies will aggravate cases the same as the centesimals if
they are given when they are not needed to speed the cure.
The first dose of any homoeopathic remedy should be a single unit test dose (C or LM) which is
left to act for a reasonable period of time. When there is a striking response to the first dose there
is nothing else to do for the moment. If there is only a slight or slow improvement the remedy
may be repeated to speed the cure if the four cardinal rules are followed. These are that the
remedy is perfectly homoeopathic, that the remedy is given in medicinal solution, that this
solution is succussed before each dose to change the potency slightly and that the remedy is
repeated at suitable intervals to speed the cure without causing aggravations.
The Size of the Dose
There is a commonly held belief in modern homoeopathy that the size of the dose makes no
difference in the action of a homoeopathic remedy. Therefore, it follows that the administration
of 1 or 1000 drops, globules or teaspoons are all "the same". Some of these ideas originate with
James Kent in his Lectures on Homoeopathic Philosophy where he combines the Swedenborgian
view of energy as a simple substance with the homoeopathic potency. As the simple substance
represents the fourth state of matter it could have qualities but no quantity. Therefore the size of
dose makes no difference. This is one area where our two great teachers disagree.
Hahnemann taught that potentization releases dynamic forces similar to electromagnetism which
carry the inner medicinal energies of a substance. He discovered that each pellet contained a
certain "quantum" of pure remedial energy at specific potency levels. As both the amplitude and
frequency affect the wave form of a signal, the size of the dose,and the potency affects the
remedial powers. The Old Doctor's views of energy dynamics are more similar to modern
physics than the Swedenborgian paradigm. He taught that the more perfect the simillimum, and
the higher the potency, the more the size of the dose dose must be controlled. Vide aphorism
275.
"For this reason, a medicine, even though it may be homoeopathically suited to the case of
disease, does harm in every dose that is too large, and in strong doses it does more harm the

greater its homoeopathicity and the higher the potency selected, and it does much more
injury than any equally large dose of a medicine that is unhomoeopathic and in no respect
adapted to the morbid state (allopathic)".
The Founder taught that the phenomenon of the aggravation was related to the size of the dose as
well as the the potency. These two factors become far more critical in individuals with sensitive
constitutions, weakened vitality, chronic miasms and organic pathology. Hahnemann wrote of
his own experience in relationship to the size of the dose in The Chronic Diseases.
"I have myself experienced this accident, which is very obstructive to cure and cannot be
avoided too carefully. Still ignorant of the strength of its medicinal power, I gave Sepia in too
large a dose. This trouble was still more manifest when I gave Lycopodium and Silica potentized
to the one-billionth degree, giving four to six pellets, though only as large as poppy seeds.
Discite moniti!"
Hahnemannian posology is based on the size of the dose, the potency factor and the nature of the
delivery system. All of the breakthroughs of the 5th and 6th Organon are founded on the
medicinal solution, olfaction, and the methods of adjusting the dose. In my own 12 years study I
have put Hahnemann's theory to the test in the field and found his postulate to be true. Kent
faithfully applied the methodology of the 4th Organon and never put the posology of the 5th
Organon into practice. He did not see the 6th edition nor know about the LM potency. It seems
he was not privy to Hahnemann's final insights in homoeopathic methodology. Even our grand
teacher of Constitutional Homoeopathy still had something to learn from The Elder
Homoeopath.
Case Histories
The following examples demonstrate the Hahnemannian methods of posology and highlight the
methods of adjusting the dose.
1. A very hypersensitive lady who was taking one 6c pill dry was experiencing strong
aggravations every time she took the dose after which she would improve a little and then
relapse. She thought she was too sensitive for Homoeopathy and may have given up. On making
a medicinal solution, and taking one teaspoon, the remedy no longer aggravated, and she was
able to repeat the remedy at suitable intervals until she was cured. This is an example of how
changing from the dry dose to the liquid dose, and succussing before each teaspoon dose
transmuted an aggravation and made the remedy repeatable in a sensitive who had trouble taking
even one dose dry. This is an example of changing from a dry dose to a liquid dose which shows
there is a difference in the way you give the dose and its amount.
2. A homoeopath who took Carbo Veg. 200c in a dry dose did not react. The remedy seemed to
fit her case. She then was told to try it again but in a medicinal solution. The dose was one
teaspoon. A few doses of the 200c succussed 5 times before each dose to slightly change the
potency cure rapidly. This is another example of a solution curing where a dry dose failed. If
dosage makes no difference wet or dry as Kent said why did this work?

3. A woman who took one dose of Cimicifuga LM 0/1 in a 4oz. solution for migraine headaches
experienced a similar aggravation. After increasing the amount of water in the solution by
making an 8oz solution there was no aggravation and she was able to repeat the remedy every
three days for a month and her migraines never came back. She never experienced aggravation
again. This is an example of adjusting the dose by using more water in the original solution. This
made the remedy act more gently on her constitution and made it repeatable without aggravation.
4. A person suffering from sleep apnea was given Arsenicum Album LM 0/1 in a 6oz solution,
succussed 3 times before ingestion, 1 teaspoon was taken and stirred into 6oz of water, 1
teaspoon was given as a dose. After taking the remedy there was an aggravation of some of the
concomitant symptoms for three days, then a slight improvement for a short while, and a relapse.
The remedy was given again, but 1 teaspoon was taken out of the first dilution glass, and placed
in a second glass from which the client was given 1 teaspoon. The succussions were the same.
This caused a radical improvement and removed the sleep apnea. There was no aggravation on
the dose made in this manner. This is an example of diluting the remedy through two glasses of
water and getting a striking response when the remedy out of the first glass caused an
aggravation and then only a made a small improvement. Doesn't this show a difference in the
size of the dose? According to modern Homoeopathy this would not make any change in the
effect of the remedy.
5. A patient was given a remedy in a medicinal solution which was succussed 5 times before
ingestion. He responded well to the first dose, but when he was told to take a second dose, he
forgot to succuss the bottle and the remedy did not act. After the situation was discussed he was
reminded to succuss the remedy before taking it again and it worked just as well as the first time.
This is an example of taking the same unsuccussed, unmodified remedy twice in succession and
having no affect at all. When the remedy was "potentized anew" as Hahnemann suggested in
paragraph 248 it acted very deeply. This demonstrates the important of succussion and changing
the potency of each dose. This is a related subject but does not really deal with changing the
amount of the dose.
Hahnemann mentioned in Organon that there are special conditions when the size of a dose must
be increased to overcome a disease. The first example he gives is when there are the primary
eruptions of the chronic miasms are on the skin. Here are some example of this method.
6. In a case of scabies (one of psora's primary eruptions) the normal one teaspoon dose did not
act deep enough to remove the mites. In aphorism 248 Hahnemann mentions giving "one or
increasing more teaspoons" of the remedy when needed. By gradually increasing the amount of
the dose from 1 teaspoon to 2 then 3 teaspoons the parasites were quickly removed. (I have done
similar cases to this many times.)
7. A case of ringworm (a primary eruption on the skin related to the TB miasm) was only
responding slowly to repeated doses of Bacillinum LM1 given in teaspoon doses. The
succussions were raised but it did not help. The dose was repeated more often but there was no
change. The size of the dose was increased to 3 teaspoons and the ringworm immediately
responded and began to disappear. This larger dose acted where a smaller dose did not. The
succussions were kept the same.

Another example Hahnemann gave of cases that often need an increase of the size of the dose is
when the general health of a person has improved but a stubborn local complaint remains. I have
often seen cases where there is a general improvement but a lesional or pathological complaint
lingers on. In cases like this it is best to start with the smallest possible doses to get a reaction
and slowly augment them until there is an effect on the local complaint.
8. I gave Calcarea Carb LM1 to a gentleman who had an incredible number of symptoms
including impotency which brought him great despair. He responded mentally and vitally to the
first doses but the local complaint lingered until the size of the dose was gradually augmented
over a period of time by increasing the number of teaspoons taken as a dose. The impotency
vanished and he has remained cured to this very day.
Another reason for increasing the size of the dose is when a case no longer seems to be moving
forward.
9. A person was suffering from a swollen prostate with concomitant melancholia and impotence,
and obstruction of the flow of urine, a pressure-like sensation in the perineum. He was first given
1 teaspoon of Conium which caused a fair response. He increased the 1 teaspoon to 2 on his own
and got an similar aggravation (too large of a dose). He was advised to stop the dose for a few
days and to start again with 1 teaspoon. This worked very well as LM1 and LM2 were used and
the worst symptoms disappeared. Then it seemed as if the movement of the remedy forward had
reached a plateau so the size of the dose was slowly increased from 1 teaspoon to 2 then to 3, and
the case once again started moving rapidly forward and is much, much better. If the size of the
dose makes no difference, how did this all happen?
These are examples of cases where the methods of adjusting the dose made a difference between
success and failure. If I did not adjust the size of the dose in these cases the correct remedy might
have been called into question. These methods are all connected to the innovations that Samuel
Hahnemann introduced in the 5th (1833) and 6th Organon (finished 1842) and the 1837 edition
of the Chronic Diseases. This methods demand more artistry on the part of the homoeopath but
with more knowledge comes more responsibility.
How to Make a Medicinal Solution
The preparation of the remedy solution for the centesimal and LM potencies can be summarized
in 3 easy steps.
1. Take an 8 oz bottle and drop in one, rarely two, # 10 pills of the chosen remedy. The minimal
amount of water mentioned by Hahnemann is 7 tablespoons which is 3 1/2 oz. I usually use 4 to
6 oz solutions. That leaves at least 2 oz. as a small air gap which makes for good succussions.
The larger bottles (6 oz., 12 oz. etc.) are only necessary when one is treating a hypersensitive as
the larger amount of water makes the dose act more gently. Add a sufficient amount of brandy or
pure alcohol for a preservative. Up to 1/4 or 1/3 of the solution should be brandy to assure lack
of spoilage.

2. The bottle is to be succussed just prior to ingestion in order to activate the remedy and slightly
raise the potency. The number of succussions greatly affects the action of the remedy on the vital
force. For those who are hypersensitive 1, 2 or 3 succussions is usually enough. Those of an
average sensitivity more normally use 4, 5, 6 or 7 succussions. Those who have rather low
sensitivity will need 8, 9 or 10 succussions. It is best to start with a lower number of succussions
and increase the amount if and when necessary. This is one of the primary methods of adjusting
the dose.
3. From this bottle 1, 2, or 3 teaspoons (depending on sensitivity) are stirred into a 4oz glass of
water. From this dilution glass 1, 2 or 3 teaspoons are giving to the adults. Infants are given 1/4
teaspoon or less depending on age and the average child 1/2 teaspoon, The size of the dose can
be gradually increased if more reaction is needed. A constitution of a lower sensitivity might
need 2 or 3 teaspoons before they will react sufficiently to the remedy. This is another way to
adjust the dose. An extreme hypersensitive may need the remedy diluted through 1, 2, or 3 such
dilution glasses. In this case a teaspoon or less is taken from the first glass and stirred into a
second or third glass.
Give the client one test dose and wait and watch for a reasonable amount of time to see how they
react to the remedy. This time period depends on the nature of the disease you intend to treat.
Acute and chronic disease each have their own peculiar cycles. If there is a striking response and
a dramatic improvement let the single dose act without interference. If there is only a slow or
moderate improvement the dose may be repeated at proper intervals to speed the cure. Slow
down the repetition of the remedies as the client improves. If the remedy produces any
aggravation it is best to wait and watch for the expected amelioration. This is the middle path.
Why not put Hahnemann's postulates to the test for yourself! The study of the 5th and 6th
Organon will make this all possible.