If you’ve ever come across the terms “theoretic medicine” or “speculative medicine” while reading the Organon of Medicine or any other homeopathic literature, and you’re unsure about their true meaning, worry not – we’ve got you covered.
Master Hahnemann uses these terms in the footnote to the first aphorism. Let’s take a closer look:
“His mission, however, is not to construct what are commonly referred to as systems. This involves weaving empty speculations and hypotheses about the internal essential nature of vital processes and the manner in which diseases originate within the invisible interior of organisms. Many physicians have ambitiously wasted their talents and time on this pursuit. It is not an attempt to provide countless explanations regarding the phenomena in diseases and their proximate cause, which must always remain concealed. Such explanations are often wrapped in unintelligible words and an inflated abstract mode of expression, meant to sound very learned and astonish the ignorant, while sick humanity sighs in vain for aid. We’ve had enough of these learned reveries, known as theoretic medicine, for which special professorships are instituted. It is high time now for all who call themselves physicians to cease deceiving suffering mankind with mere talk and, instead, to begin to act – to truly help and cure.”
Here, he critiques certain physicians who deviate from the core mission of a physician. Instead of focusing on the primary objective of providing effective treatment to patients, these practitioners delve into various theories and hypotheses about the causes and progression of diseases. They formulate complex theories without practical applications or direct benefits to patients. Moreover, their use of intricate language and complexity theory tends to confuse patients rather than enlighten them.
Hahnemann not only admonishes these physicians for their speculative hypotheses but also highlights the inconsistency within their own ideas. He points out that they continuously modify their hypotheses through new experiments, casting doubt on the reliability of their theories. Consequently, he strongly advocates for a treatment approach based on a single principle.
His advice to homeopathic physicians is clear – focus solely on the patient and strive to provide effective cures. According to Hahnemann, this should be the primary mission of physicians. For a deeper understanding of the physician’s mission in homeopathy, readers are encouraged to explore our dedicated article on the topic.
If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask in the comments.
