On July 2nd , we mark the anniversary smrti dr. Samuela Hahnemanna (Meissen 1755. – Pariz 1843.): istaknutog liječnika, kemičara, rigoroznog znanstvenika, poliglote, mislioca i humaniste – poznatijeg kao the founder of homeopathy. Dr. Hahnemann was the first in modern history to scientifically formulate homeopathy as a medical method and art of healing, although the principles on which homeopathy is based go back several thousand years.
Hahnemann’s enduring legacy today not only lives strongly throughout the world through the work of numerous homeopathic doctors and practitioners, but remains the subject of active and systematic scientific study koje okuplja brojne transdisciplinary scientists: od fizičara i kemičara, preko biologa, farmakologa, liječnika do matematičara i agronoma i ostalih, across all continents. A key focus of these research activities is the study of the effects of ultra-low doses or very high dilutions on biological systems, as well as the medical and therapeutic relevance of such preparations.
Hahnemann's final years in Paris significantly shaped the global acceptance and development of homeopathy. His Parisian period, from 1835 until his death in 1843, was a time of remarkable personal and professional fulfillment.
U Pariz se preselio u visokoj dobi od 80 godina, tjelesno vitalan i britkog uma te privučen intelektualno dinamičnim ozračjem i otvorenošću prema inovativnim medicinskim idejama. Nakon što je dobio dozvolu za rad u Francuskoj, uspostavio je uspješnu homeopatsku praksu koja je privukla pacijente iz cijele Europe.
Nedugo prije preseljenja u Pariz, 1835. g. , oženio se Parižankom Mélanie d’Hervilly-Gohier, koja je postala njegova predana partnerica i asistentica, te mu je pomagala u vođenju prepiske s pacijentima i asistirala pri konzultacijama.
His reputation grew quickly, and his home on Rue de Milan became središte okupljanja pacijenata An kolega i suradnika, uključujući i poznate osobe poput slavnog violinista Niccolò Paganini, who sought Hahnemann’s help in 1837, along with prominent intellectuals of the era.
Hahnemann’s practice in Paris was marked by devoted case-taking, detailed patient observations, and meticulous record-keeping. During this period, he further developed and refined his methods, placing even more emphasis on individualized treatment and minimal dosing.
His publication Organon of Medicine, particularly the sixth edition extensively revised in Paris, reflects the depth of his clinical insights and innovative approaches, including the use of the “LM” (50-millesimal) scale of potencies, which remains a foundation of modern homeopathic practice.
Hahnemannov revolucionarni pristup je od samih početaka njegovog rada u Saksoniji (Saska), Njemačka naglašavao individualizirano liječenje, minimalne doze i rigorozno kliničko promatranje – načela koja i danas definiraju homeopatiju. Njegova opsežna praksa i slučajevi pacijenata iz razdoblja u Parizu značajno su unaprijedili znanstveni razvoj, vjerodostojnost i globalni doseg homeopatije.
Today, Dr. Hahnemann’s spirit pulses vibrantly through esteemed global institutions dedicated to advancing homeopathy through rigorous research and education. Among them is the European Committee for Homeopathy (ECH), representing physicians across Europe and promoting high standards of homeopathic education, practice, and research. The Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI), based in the UK, leads efforts in scientific validation, conducting innovative research projects and hosting international conferences to explore the efficacy and scientific basis of homeopathic preparations.
Recent data from the publication Scientific Framework of Homeopathy offer insight into modern research and practice. Between 1950 and 2013, among 188 peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, 44% showed positive outcomes, 47% were inconclusive, 5% negative, and 4% uninterpretable. These findings suggest that a significant proportion of rigorously conducted studies support the efficacy of homeopathic treatments, strengthening their credibility and encouraging further research. Similar patterns are seen in conventional medicine, where a comparable percentage of studies yield inconclusive or negative results, highlighting the complexity of clinical research in all healthcare fields.
The American Institute of Homeopathy (AIH), founded just one year after Hahnemann’s death in 1844., is the oldest homeopathic medical society in the United States. It preserves Hahnemann’s principles by promoting high standards of homeopathic education, clinical excellence, and ethical practice, actively working to integrate homeopathy into the broader healthcare system.
In India, the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), a government-sponsored institution, systematically advances homeopathy through clinical research, epidemiological studies, and public health programs. Their work has significantly enhanced the credibility and effectiveness of homeopathy as a reliable healthcare method.
The Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis (LMHI), founded in 1925, operates as an international federation dedicated to promoting homeopathy worldwide. LMHI actively advocates for international standards in homeopathic education and practice, facilitating exchange between practitioners, researchers, and policymakers – thus directly fulfilling Hahnemann’s vision of global unity and scientific integrity.
The widespread acceptance of homeopathy today, supported by millions of patients worldwide, attests to the profound impact of Hahnemann’s legacy. In Latin America, homeopathy enjoys strong institutional and cultural support, especially in Brazil and Mexico. In Brazil, it is officially recognized as a medical specialty and integrated into the public health system (SUS). In Mexico, many medical schools offer homeopathy programs, and the National School of Homeopathic Medicine in Mexico City remains a major center for education and research. In Spain, homeopathy is growing in popularity, practiced by many licensed physicians. Though the legal landscape varies, Spain has several respected homeopathic associations and educational institutions contributing to the ongoing professionalization of the field.
Throughout history, notable figures such as Charlesa Darwina, Mahatme Gandhija, Marka Twaina i suvremenih slavnih poput Queen Elizabeth II, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Cher, and Orlando Bloom have openly supported and benefited from homeopathic care.
Društvo ima tu staru naviku – izrugivati se onome što ne razumije, a još češće onome što mu prijeti promijeniti ustaljeni poredak. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann nije bio samo liječnik, već i mislilac ispred svog vremena – i zbog toga je bio osporavan, ismijavan, pa i sustavno ignoriran. No, povijest ima osobitu moć: ono što se nekoć smatralo heretičkim, danas sve više prepoznajemo kao proročko. U tišini između doza – u onoj praznini gdje moderna medicina još uvijek traži dušu – Hahnemannov glas i dalje tiho odjekuje.. Možda ne zato što se vraćamo prošlosti, nego zato što budućnost još uvijek pokušava dostići istine koje je on već davno izrekao.
Homeopathy is neither foolish nor new – it is true. It is a system awaiting its time.
Dr. Hahnemann is buried in the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, where his grave remains a site of honor for homeopaths and admirers from around the world. The monument, crafted in classical style with inscriptions paying tribute to his contribution to medicine and humanity, stands as a lasting memorial to his influence and visionary legacy.
Aude sapere – Dare to know.
References/Bibliography
1. Winston, J. (1999). The Faces of Homœopathy: An Illustrated History of the First 200 Years. Great Auk Publishing.
2. Bradford, T. L. (1895). The Life and Letters of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Boericke & Tafel. https://www.homeoint.org/books2/bradford/index.htm
3. Dayan, L. (2005). The Physician of the Future: Samuel Hahnemann in Paris, 1835–1843. Homœopathic Links, 18(02), 108–112. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2005-870087
4. Hpathy. (2011). Paganini as Hahnemann’s Patient. https://hpathy.com/homeopathy-papers/paganini-as-hahnemanns-patient/
5. Homeopathy Research Institute. (2017). Scientific Framework of Homeopathy: Evidence-Based Homeopathy. https://www.hri-research.org
6. European Committee for Homeopathy. (n.d.). Experimental Studies & RCT Overview. https://homeopathyeurope.org/experimental-studies/
7. BMJ Rapid Response. (2012). Conventional medicine: analysis of 1,016 systematic reviews. https://www.bmj.com/content/345/bmj.e6184/rr/642461
8. Organización Panamericana de la Salud. (2018). La medicina tradicional y complementaria en las Américas: análisis de situación. https://iris.paho.org
9. Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. (2006). Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PNPIC). https://bvsms.saude.gov.br
10. Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía (ENMH-IPN), México. https://www.enmh.ipn.mx
11. Spanish Society of Homeopathic Doctors. https://www.homeopatiasuma.com
12. Père Lachaise Cemetery. (n.d.). Dr. Samuel Hahnemann’s Tomb. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6435016/samuel-hahnemann
