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December 2006. The Pure Science and Art of Homeopathy: A Study of Proving Methodology (Vol. 11, #2), Cover Stories
The Pure Science and Art of Homeopathy: A Study of Proving Methodology - Editorial
This edition of the California Homeopath is dedicated to the study of homeopathic provings. Where would homeopathy be without provings? Would it exist as a medical art at all? Provings are a central tenet of homeopathic philosophy and practice, the “scientific” methodology of homeopathy and the most significant expression of the genius of Hahnemann the scientist and physician.
However, as the following articles reveal, there is much debate as to the accuracy and effectiveness of provings, both old and new, and the challenges of doing provings is known to many homeopaths who’ve attempted to do them. Certain crucial questions are being asked by the writers of the articles, all experienced proving coordinators. How accurate were the provings of Hahnemann? How scientific were the original provings and has that changed today? How important is it that we follow double-blind and placebo protocol in doing provings today? Do we need to do new provings and use new remedies? Are there other ways of finding out about the therapeutic potential of substances other than in provings? If so, is that still homeopathy? Is homeopathy defined by proving symptomatology or is empirical and/or clinically based observations enough to validate a remedy? What about the Doctrine of Signatures? Is it pertinent to homeopathy?
Frans Vermeulen, well-known homeopathic writer, scholar and practitioner writes an extensive article analyzing Hahnemann’s provings and his proving group, and in so doing questioning the accuracy of some of the proving data. He also makes a passionate argument for the inclusion of the Doctrine of Signatures of substances, to help us substantiate the image of remedies. Peter Fraser and Alistair Gray, authors of many provings in the UK. and Australia explore the process of doing modern provings and relay their extensive experience in the challenge of analyzing data from provings. I discuss the responsibility for proving coordinators to collate and publish proving material and the debate about proving methodology and what can be included in a proving experience. I also include the introduction and extracts of a book on the proving of tobacco which discusses ideas of DNA consciousness, and the quandry of primary and secondary action when related to provings. Then a number of experienced homeopaths are asked a series of questions about provings and their experience. Jeremy Sherr, author of more than 20 provings and one of the main influences in modern homeopathy on proving protocol and new homeopathic remedies answers these questions, as does Todd Rowe, Director of the American Medical College of Homeopathy (formerly the Desert Instute) in Phoenix, Arizona. Susan Sonz, Director the New York Academy of Homeopathy also anwers these questions.
Where would a discussion on provings be without mention of Constantine Hering, one of the fathers of homeopathy and author of more provings than even Hahnemann. Co-editor Premananda Childs writes a history of Hering’s life and contribution to homeopathy. One of the goals of the journal is to link the old with the new, to be a bridge between the the past, present and future and to facillitate a discussion of the disparate views that make up the profession of homeopathy.
In order to help students and practitioners know about new provings, a list of many proving books is listed and also a number of modern provings and where you can go to find out more about other provings. A crucial part of a homeopath’s education is the reading of proving material. It’s easier just to go to Boericke or Phatak, but what about the actual proving material itself, the foundation of our materia medica.
We hope you enjoy the 2nd edition of the “new” California Homeopath. We appreciate your comments and imput and if you have ideas of subjects that you would like covered in upcoming editions, please do let us know.
Best wishes,
Richard Pitt, San Francisco, CA.
Premananda Childs, Ojai CA
Richard Pitt | Homeopath and Educator
Richard has been practicing and teaching homeopathy in San Francisco since 1995. He orginally trained in England and has been practicing homeopathy since 1984. He is former Director of the Pacific Academy of Homeopathy in San Francisco and also teaches at many other schools in the United States and Canada. He is a founding board member and past president of the Council for Homeopathic Certification, which has established professional certification for the homeopathic profession in North America. He is in private practice in San Francisco.