On the fallacies of homœopathy and the imperfect statistical inquiries on which the results of that practice are estimated / by C.H.F. Routh.

  • Routh, C. H. F. (Charles Henry Felix), 1822-1909.
Date:
[1852?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the fallacies of homœopathy and the imperfect statistical inquiries on which the results of that practice are estimated / by C.H.F. Routh. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    given by the moutb, only in those cases where the dose is con¬ siderably increased. The reverse, however, is the plan adopted by Homoeopaths; and, besides, we should bear in mind, that occa¬ sionally a totally opposite effect may result, as I have said. High game may nourish, taken as food; inoculation of putrid food will probably kill; because the former is digested. 4thly. The preventive effect of inoculation or vaccination is confined only to small-pox. Measles may be produced in like manner; but then the disease is not rendered milder. Erysi¬ pelas, ringworm, scald head, charbon, itch, and many other diseases, may be produced by inoculation; the disease is neither prevented, arrested, nor rendered milder, if present. It is not fair, therefore, to generalise or deduce a universal conclusion from exceptional facts. Lastly. The alleged infinitesimal quantities of substances in mineral waters, and which even Allopaths admit to possess medicinal qualities, is no argument in favour of Homoeopathy. This statement is, unfortunately, incorrect, and, indeed, is after all one of the strongest which could be adduced against Homoeo¬ pathy. Infinitesimal doses are precisely those which are not appreciahle, or detectihle even hy the most minute chemical tests. The ingredients in mineral water are so easily detected, that the waters may, and have been frequently artificially prepared. Moreover, the waters are not taken in small quantities. The word “infinitesimal” cannot thus fairly be applied, especially if we do not confine our attention to one ingredient only, but to all. The proportion of solid matter contained in mineral waters may vary from 1 grain to several hundred in 16 ounces. Taking again, as an example of a particular ingredient, carbonate of iron, the quantity varies from 5-lOOths to 44-lOOths; but even here we have a quantity fully and completely appreciable by the senses. In like manner the regime lately recommended as the pre¬ ventive of goitre cannot be fairly adduced as favourable to the infinitesimal doctrine. The French Commission have shown that the cause of goitre is the undue proportion of magnesian salts in the food taken or water drunk. If iodine, however, be taken at the same time, it acts as a preservative. The pro¬ portion of iodide of potassium recommended to be taken in the salt in daily use is given as 1 to 5 per cent. The quantity.