HINDERANCES TO HOMOEOPATHIC

• PRESCRIPTION
A. H. GRIMMBR. M.D., Chicago

This subject has been brought before you. many times. but it fs of such
vital importance to the success of homoeopathie procedures that cO}lStant
repetition can not be too much.
When the homoeopathic doctor has given much time and labor to taking
the case history, which is the first great essential in every good prescription,
and then devoted more time and labor to repertory study and research through
the materia medica. he cannot afford to have such a prescription spoiled or
interfered with by some foolish external action of the patient. which may
nullify the expected results of all the physician's painstaking efforts and leave
both physician and patient diappointed and discouraged.
With these facts in mind. it behooves the physician to instruct his patient
emphatically that he must refrain from taking all other drugs such as pain
killers. cathartics. camphor or menthol in any form. and. most important of
all. he must refrain from food prepared and rooked in aluminium waco and
its alloys.
These injunctions are as important as are the Instructions for a proper
'diet and the correct amount of drinking water. proper ventilation and hygienic
living. both mentally and physically.
The control of the mind and emotions are far more important than the
average physician realizes. Many a fine prescription has had its curative
action stopped by a sudden. violent emotional upset: shock. grief. anger and
fright are often responsible .for the short acting relief of a good prescription
that for a while was doing very satisfying work toward cure.
We have been told hy many doctors who consider themselves first class
homoeopaths that they have seen very few. if any. of the reactions supposed
to follow the administration of the bomoeopathlc remedy.
In most of their cases. if the selected remedy acted for them. it was only
in a beneficial way. They have never seen the return of old symptoms or the
sharp aggravation followed by a long period of well-being on the patient's
part.
These same men have voiced disappointment with many cases from
which they expected brilliant results from the prescription that was made.
They had taken the case carefully and fully. repertorised it. as well as referred
to the materia medica for a confirmation of the selected remedy.
Their final conclusion was that the 'lime and labor spent in making a
homoeopathic prescription for the uacertam results obtained did not re­
imhurse them for such timc and effort Many of us have had too many such
experiences because we failed to take note of all the factors and elements in
1"1
-'.':'­
...

8 THE HAHNBMANNIAN GLEANINGS [January y

the case.end, either through ignorance or laziness. neglected to instruct our

patients properly so the remedy might act smoothly and uninterruptedly.
The most pernicious of these interruptables is the aluminium .cWo that
enters the human system by way of aluminium cooking utensils and by water
polluted with aluminium chloride which is used to soften hard water. This
toxin acts much like one of the .miasms as it must be eradicated from the
system before a cure of the patient is possible. The most certain, rapid anti­
dale for it is Cadmium oxide in potency, and of course the source of intake
of the toxin must be discontinued. After the poison is removed by the Cad­
mium oxide, the remaining symptoms and conditions of the patient may be
successfully attacked by the remedy that is indicated by the totality of remain­
ing symptoms.
Other interfering agents that are very prevalent today are the numerous
coal tar drugs such as aspirin, anacln, and numerous others of a similar nature
which do not require a physician's preseriptlon,
The four best general antidotes to the coal tar drugs are Arnica. Carbo
veg., Lachesis. and Mag. phas. to be given according to the symptoms present
in each individual case.
One more important source of interference with the homoeopathic
remedy is the widespread use of sera and vaccines as protective agents against
acute diseases. The reaction to these products of disease is often long lasting
in its effect and leaves the victims of this practice sick and suffering.
Thuia is one of our best., if not the very best and most effective, antidotes
against these agents and it helps to restore the patient to a state of approxi­
mate order where other complementary remedies given according 10- their
indications can finish the case in a complete cure.
From the preceding observations it is clear that the homoeopathic physi­
cian must be a teacher if he would be a successful healer. His responsibilities
arc great and his work tedious and unending, as the study of remedies in
itself is stupendous. Without the qualities of tireless energy and a devoted
faith in his work for the good of his fellows. he cannot succeed-in the realm
of cure. If and when he does obtain the stature of a master prescriber. he
will numbly give thanks to a merciful Providence for the rare privilege of '
serving in the cause of true healing.

DISCUSSION
Dr. J. W. W.; Madam Chairman. Hahnemann tells us in the Organon
that it usually lakes five years 1() overcome a drug suppression. I want to
report one case that fits in with what Or. Grimmer says in reference to
aluminium poisoning.
This was a man whose wife was employed in a newspaper office and
had very little time for cooking. She prepared her food early in the morning
and left the food in the aluminium kitchen vessels until they came home in the­
evening.
 1979] HnmBRANCBS TO HOMOEOPAnITC PRBSCRIPTlON 9

This man came down with a very acute abdomen. I had fully concluded
that he was an operative case; it was an intestinal obstruction. I finally suc­
ceeded ln. getting the remedy after considerable difficulty, and he recovered.
But, mark you, he was not cured; he recovered. His wife. in the meantime.
died I had told him. about aluminium. which was eliminated from the
household. But after his wife's death he had to go to his sister's home to
live.
One day I was sent for, and he had a repetition of what seemed to be
,
an acute abdomen. no temperature but certainly like a very serious obstruc­
! tion. I said. "Are you going back to the use of aluminium?"
He said. "Yes. My sister uses it. and what am. I going to do? I can't
go into her kitchen and dictate to her as to what kind of utensils she is to
use."
It was quite a while before I could overcome this attack. He went back
finally and told his sister. The aluminium was discontinued This man is
somewhere about eighty and he hasn'e had an attack for some five or eight
years.
I think "this is a clear cut demonstration of an allergic condition due to
aluminium. .
I had dozens. not one or two isolated cases but actually dozens,_of cases
come into me, very few of my own patients, but strangers who had seen the
results among my cases, with tremendously swollen arms, a reaction to the
vaccine. the smallpox vaccine. In not one instance did Thuja fail to give
prompt and complete relief.
What did I do in that epidemic? I realized I couldn't fight City Hall. So
immediately I gave every patient that I could contact two tablets of VlUjO­
linum under the tongue. Some of my children were forcibly revaccinated.
In only one instance was there a reaction and Tluiia took care of that. I
believe Voriotinum should be given a couple of weeks before vaccination, if
possible. I do that routinely now where the children are forced by New York
State law to have a vaccination before they can enter a public school. I
immunize my children against that dose hy a dose.of Varioiinum, two or
three weeks prior to vaccination. Then, when the school doctor insists on the
vaccination. they get a certificate of natural immunity because it does not
take.
Just one instance regarding vaccination. We don't believe- in prescribing
empirically and yet sometimes we have to, or Sometimes we are fortunate
enough to get a result when we do.
I had a little girl brought to me late in December. She was about eight
years old and had a terrific cough. The symptoms of the cough would sug­
gest Drosera, and had been present ever since the thirtieth of November.
after she was vaccinated. Should I give the remedy for the cough or the
vaccination? I chose the latter. I gave a high potency of Thu!a and the
(Continued on page 47)
2
 1979J SPORTS 1NruRIE.'S 47

three globules every _quarter of an hour until the pain eases. H this remedy
is not enough. the specific remedy is Acetic acidum 200. once or twice a day
for several days. An English doctor reports that this remedy cured an incipient
cataract caused by the sting of a jellyfish;
Seasickness can affect swimmers if the sea is 100 rough. There are two
kinds to consider: the kind that starts with cold sweat and a constant desire
to swallow his saliva will be healed with Tabacum 30. three globules every
hour. The other kind.: strong nausea, vertigo. tendency to faint. sudden loss
of orientation. will respond to Cocculus 200. every half hour. or three doses
before the race.

TETANUS
Tetanus is today a very unusual complication of wounds. From the
beginning Arnica 10M if the tetanus manifests. the specific is Stramonium
10M or 200 (opisthotonos). then Tetanotoxin 10M. three doses every twenty­
four hours.
-The Layman Speaks, September 1977

HINDERANCFS TO HOMOEOPATIllC PRESCRIPTION

,
(Continued from page 9)
cough immediately disappeared. although Thuja is not often given for cough.
I confess I do not know whether there is special indication for cough in that
remedy.
-The Homoeopattuc Record~r, January 1953

FACIAL ECZEMA
(Continued from pace 28)
desmin could be advantageous to Homoeopathy.
Biliary obstruction causes retention of the bile pigments and phylloery­
..'. thrin. a substance produced as a breakdown product of chlorophyll in the
digestive tract of ruminants. Phylloerythrin, which is normally excreted in
- the bile, is the pigment causing reddening and photosensitivity of the skin.
intense itching, swelling and scab formation. This substance could also be
proved with profit. A number of substances well known to homoeoparhic
practitioners also cause photosensitization in animals. viz. Hypericum. Fago­
pyrum. Trifolium, Medicago, Brassica, Agave. erc., to mention a few.
-The British Homaeapathic Journal, July 1976
 SHORT TERM OBSERVATION ON THE EFFECT OF
CHINA IN RELATION TO THE RECTAL
TEMPERATURE OF ALBINO RATS
s. K. DYlARAKANATII AND M. MOSES STANLEY·

INlltODUcnON
It is well known that the hypothalamus controls the body temperature
by activating heat production or beat Joss (Myers. 1976). Several investiga­
tions on the effect of the injection of various allopathic drugs into the hypo­
thalamus causing a high fever or hypothermia have been worked out (Atkins.
1960; Myers and Waller. 1916). But the record of the precise body tempera­
ture after drugging using homoeopathic drugs has been paid little attention
except a few related works (Ratnayya, 1977). Therefore a preliminary work
on the effect of China on the rectal temperature of male albino rats has been
:"-1 done.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The male albino rats of wistar breed got from Madurai Medical College
were maintained in the laboratory and used for all the experiments. The
weight of the rats varied from 70·90 g.
For measuring the rectal temperature of the rats a clinical thermometer
was introduced lnto the rectum 2cm deep and ·the rectal temperature was
recorded 2 min. later. Holding the rat in the hand comfortably gave better
results of the rectaL temperature than any other method.
The bomoeopathlc drug China 1000 (25 globules) and 200 (40 globules)
were dissolved separately in 2-~ rnl distilled water by powdering in an embryo
cup. The water bottles were removed in the previous night and the drug was
administered orally through a small pipette on the next day morning. Control
rats were fed with water alone.
China 1000 (5 drops) dissolved in 0.5 ml saline was injected intramus­
cularly into the bind legs of the rats. The control rats were injected with
0.5 ml saline only. The rectal temperature was noted for a period of 6 hrs.
after drugging. Totally 45 rats have been used in this study.
RESULTS
Rats administered orally with China 1000 (25 globules) showed two
types of responses. A few rats showed a decrease (hypothermia) of rectal
temperature by 3.5°F within 60 min. after administration of the drug (Fig. 1)'
and thereafter it gradually increased to normal level. -Majority of the rats
showed a slight increase in rectal temperature within 15 min. after drugging
and a decline of 2.l°F after 60 min. (Fig. 2).
• Dept. of Zoology; American coueae, Maduraj·2. India
 : ",...

38 THE HAHNBMANNIAN GUL\NINGS [January

'0'
.,--- 0--0 control
_ . drugged

--- ......0---------0_
•"-
100
--.

96

95
\

.-­
r: •

". I
1
a '20 240 360
TIME IN MINUTES
Fig. I. EJfcct of China 1000 (25 globules) showing the average value of three male
rats. The vertical arrow indicates the time of the drug intake.

0--0 control
_ _ drugged

alL 102
w'
oo
...::>-c
a:
OJ
n,
::=:
w 100
...

o 60 180 300­
TIMe: IN MINUTES
Fig. 2. Effect of Cbinu 1000 (25 globules) sbowin" the average value of three male rats.
The vertical arrow indicates I.be ume of the drug intake.
 1919] SHORT TERM OBSBRVATION ON TIm EPPECT OF CHINA BTC. 39

ii The rats after Intramuscular injection with 5 drops of China 1000

(Fig. 3) exhibited a peak depression in rectal temperature after 165 min. and
later increased to the normal level. Oral intake of China 200 (40 globules)
in rats also produced a progressive hypothermia (Fig. 4) up to 90 min. after
drugging and thereafter it increased.

0--0 control
e-e drugged

102
ota. __ 0----0

~ :-~o-----A>---. . •

t \• /
98
T
o 120 240 360
Minutes
Fig. 3. Effect of inlmmuscular injection of S drops of China (1000) showing-the avenge
value of inree male rats. The vertical arrow indlcetes the time of the injection of the
drog.

DISCUSSION
The action of China is characterised by three stages. chill. heal and sweat
like the common marsh-intermitteuts. The cinchona-fever is usually exhibited
by rush of blood to the head with redness and heat of the cheeks and cold­
ness of the rest of the body. Even during the chill and before hot stage has
developed 'itself a striking swelling of the subcutaneous veins can be noticed
(Teste, 1975). One group of rats showed hypothermia and the other a slight
increase in the rectal temperature and then hypothermia after drugging.
Similar trend has been noted in human beings also as Teste (1975) points
out: "The type of the cinchona-fever varies as does likewise the hour when
the chiU commences. In some individuals the chill may even be wanting and
the paroxysm set in with dry heat".
Myers et aI (1973) "found that intravenous injection of 2.0 ml 6f a
 r
. .,.

. THB.HAHN:BMANNIAN GLBANrHGS [January

0--0 eentret
._. drugged

99
0 __ 0 -0 .2 0 • _

•
,
.',

95
I
o 60 120 reo 240
TIME IN MIN.

fig. 4. Effect of China 200 (40 globules) showing the average value of three male rats.
The vertical arrow indicates the time of the drug intake,

suspension of killed Escherichia coli cell bodies produced a biphasic fever

in the Rhesus monkey, Macaca mil/alta and intercerebral injection of the
same pyrogen at 1/4000 of the intra-venous dose produced- a quite similar
blphasic fever. Similarly Villablanca and Myers (1965) found that micro­
injection of Salmonella typhosa into the hypothalamus evoked a (ever in
concentration as little as 1/8000 of that required to produce a similar fever
when the pyrogen was given intravenously. This Clearly shows that larger
amount of pyrogen is required to produce fever in the intravenous route than
that injected into the hypothalamus directly.
Simple oral administration or intravenous injection of China produces a
clear temperature depression probably reaching and involving the hypo­
thalamus by circumventing the blood brain barrier whereas pyrogen (alto­
pathic) cited above depends on the concentration and routes of injection.
Myers (1969) suggested that there should be an eventual development
of some pharmacological means of temporarily circumventing the blood
brain barrier. Thermoactive compounds which can be orally administered
can then exert a direct action on appropriate diencephalic sites. In the light
of this suggestion many bomoeopathic drugs would throw more light to
understand the mechanism of thermoregulation as oral administration alone
produces a clear effect on the body temperature.
1979J SHORT TERM OBsS1WA.1l0N ON THE EFFECT OF CHINA 'ETc. 41

SUMMARY

China 200 and 1000 administered orally to male albino rats clearly
depresses the rectal temperture within 15-30 min. after administmtion possibly
reaching and involving the. hypothalamus.

AOJNOWLEDGBMBNTS

We express our deep sense of gratitude to the Research and Develop­

ment-Committee of the American College, Madura! for their generous financial
assistance to continue this study. to Dr. R. P. Riesz, the Convener. R & P
Commluee and our Principal. Dr. M. A. Thangaraj lor their encouragement.
to homoeopathic doctors, T. S. Rajamany and T. Ratnavelu lor their Interest,
to Prof. A. Winfred for laboratory facilities and La Messrs. M. A. Maz.eed
Khan. L. Shunmugam. M. Muthuramalingam and S. Simeon for their valuable
technical assistance.

REFERENCES
Atkio$, E.; 'Pathogenesis of Fever', Physfot. Rey. 40, pp. 580-646 (1%0).
Bcericke, W.: Pocket Manual of llamaeapathic MareriD Medica, p. 1042, Jain Publ.,
New Delhi (1976).
Myers, R. D.: 'Chemical Control of Body Temperature by the Hypothalamus. A
model and some mysteries", Proc. Austr. P1lysiol. Pllyrmacol, Soc. 7. pp- 15-31
(1976).
Myers. R. D., & Waller, M. B.: Serotonin ln Health and Dis~e, ed. Essman, W. B.,
New York. (J976). .
Myers, R. D., Rudy, T. A & Yaksh, T_ L.: 'Evocation of a. Biphasic Response in the
Rhesus Monkey by Intracerebral Injection of Bacterial Endctcxins', Neuropharma­
cal, u. pp. 119S-1198 (1973).
Ramayya, N.: 'Immune Type In Relation to a Unified Theory of 'Constitutional
Heat' and Proposition of A New Thermometer For Measuring Body Tempera­
ture', l1omoeopalliy, 26, pp- 123-136 (1977).
Teste, A.: Homoeapaehic Materia Medica, p. 634, Jain Publ. Co. New Delhi (!97S).
vruaucaea, J. & Myers, R. D.: 'Fever Produced hy Mieroinjection of Typhoid Vaccine
Into Hypothalamus of Cats, Am. J. Physiol, 208, pp. 703·707_

HOMOEOPATIDSTS AND HOMOEOPATHY

(Continued from page 6)
similar for Homoeopatby, if we put all OUI' sincerity and will into the effort?
Surely such a type of qualification in Homoeopatby should carry due weight
and do away with mueh of the miserable misrepresentation of this finest of
therapeutic sciences!
-The Honweopathic Recorder, April 1953

•
 : .r.

I,
I
I SCIENTIFIC BASES OF HOMOEOPATHY:
THE CONCEPT OF VITAL FORCE AS MOLECULAR
MECHANISMS BASIC TO PROFOUND
HOMOEOSTATIC STATE
DR. R. R. SHARMA. M..SC,. PlLD., (London). M.A.M.S.• Chaadigarfr"
i ABSTRAcr: Present-day orthoscienlific theories have no prov~ion for drug­
ecuons at homoeopathic duuucns and have rendered untenable the concept of vital
force so basi... (0 homoeopathic philosophy. This has created an unprecedented con­
Ccplua! vacuum in Homoeopathy. A new approach to scientific theories is presented
in the proposed series of papers lo explain hcmoecpathic laws/principles whicn arc
herein recognized as established 'racu' in view of the overwhelmingly strong cbserva­
tional evidence in their support. This paper tries to rationalize the concept of vital
force ns molecular mechanisms prior and basic to the profound general bcmoeostaue
slate whose continuance characterizes health and perturbation a disease. The eNS
emerges as the 'master-regulator' of hcmceostanc slate and of the precise generation
of disease-specific 'self remedies which arc elicited by 'non-self hornoeopathic druSS.
Subsequent papers would elaborate di[crcnt aspects of this central theme.

INTRODUCTION

Over the past more than a century innumerable cures by Homoeopathy

have been reported by a large number of homoeopaths all over the world
even of those declared incurable under 'scientific' Allopathy. This author'
himself has. over the past more than a decade, successfully used and found
acting the homoeopatblc drugs at incredibly high dilutions never before em­
ployed in the orthoscientific practice (see also below). The observational or
experimental evidence in support of the homoeopathic 'art' is therefore
overwhelmingly strong and persuasive but the present-day scientific theories
have no provision for these otherwise established 'facts' of reality, On the
other hand. the concept of vital force which is still so basic to the homoeo­
pathic theories has been rendered untenable hy researches in molecular­
biology" creating an unprecedented conceptual vacuum in Homoeopatby'.
There is therefore a need and justification for breaking away from the past
and for the revision in scientific thought and approach which this proposed
series of papers undertakes to initiate for arousing interest and seeking co­
operation of other scientists as well.
The first two papersv' provided an overview of the proposed. hypotheses.
This paper. regarded as 3ed in the series. presents a somewhat detailed treat­
ment of the concept of vitalism. It first reviews the status of this concept in
idealistic philosophies, pre- and post-1960 orthoscientlfic theories, homoeo­
pathic theories, and then develops a new molecularbiologlca! theoretical

• postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Cbo.ndigarh.

1979] CoNCBPT OF VITAL FORCE AS MOLECULAR MEcHANISMS 53

scheme to unify and explain the biological phenomena of health. disease and
cure. Subsequent papers will deal with the detailed molecularbiolcgicat ex­
planations of various homoeopathie principles/Jaws.

VlTALrSM IN PlULOSOPHY
From time immemorial. man is used to the concept of 'life' to differ­
entiate the animate from the inanimate. The real nature of life has, however.
been a subject of endless debate between the materialists and the idealists.
The former including orthoselentiars. consider 'vital functions' as attributes
of the material slate of aggregation and organisation and hence life as
having DO independent entitative existence of its own. But to the idealists.
life is eternal. uncreatable. indestructible and supramaterial-hence not
amenable 10 material experiments. This is the psyche of Plato. the entelechy
of Aristotle, and the alma of the Geeta. Siinkhya philosophy presents the
most elaborate scheme of evolution of the gross universe from the funda­
mental undifferentiated reality. The product of the union of purush: and
prakriti namely the mahat under it, may be regarded as the quantum of
consciousness constituting the universal buddhi, or the discriminatory entity.
Mahat is like the 'pslon' which was postulated by Sharma" to. explain the
psi-phenomena of precognition. extrasensory perception and of psychokinesis.
It was supposed to constitute and connect all entitative existence into a
continuum of 'psion field' Which in away" also makes mutually consistent the
three variants of Vedant philosophy. namely adwaita (monism). vishishta­
dwaita (special monism), and dwaita (dualism). As per Aurobindo's philos­
ophy of synthetic yoga. to constitute the 'non-living' the Jiving consciousness
is not manifested as such since it is 'engaged' in preserving the configuration
and structure. The quanta of energy like photon. and the most fundamental
particles of matter, are therefore expected to possess and eventually reveal (7)
basic 'psionic structure'.
This theoretical scheme is consistent with the theme of Upanishads that
there is a living behind all the nan-living and a one behind the many. As a
reconciliation with the scientific thought this may. however be regarded as
representing the preparticJe 'abiogenic' (?) stage or evolution from the un­
differentiated slate of ultimate reality. But the phenomena of health. disease
and cure as generally understood and relevant here occur at the final organ­
ism 'biogenic' stage and are manifested at the level of molecules, cells, tissue
and organs. The relationship between these two stages is quite distant though
uninterrupted and comprises a continuum.
Thus, the philosophical thought is not irrelevant or irrational bUI may
be regarded as supra-scientific, instead. Homocoparhlc theory - is uasatis·
factory because it does not make the distinction between pre-particle and
organism stages of evolution and mixes the two (see below). This paper will
show a way out.
 : .r.­

54 1'HB HAHNBMANNlAN GLEANINGS [February

VITALISM IN SClENCE
When (1810-1842) Hahnemann wrote the Organon. the concept of vital
force was common to all the contemporary seientifie and philosophical
theories. Watsoa' and Florkin" have traced the history as to how the concept
of vitalism has persisted in biochemistry even upto the late 1950's. Scientists
believed that some 'vital force' outside the laws of chemistry and physics --~

governs the synthesis and properties of the biological molecules in the living
cells and organisms. It was expected that some new natural laws as important
as the cell theory would be discovered before the nature of the vital force
could be understood. Some scientists hoped that the complex three dimen­
sional structures of enzymes and protein molecules when deciphered. would
eventually reveal some features unique to the living system.
Researches in molecular blology.Ibowever, have belied all these hopes.
The amino acid sequence and 3-dimensional structure of a number of pro­
reins. enzymes. hormones etc. have now been worked out. Structure of the
genes and nucleic acids (DNA & RNA) have been deciphered. A number of
biological molecules have been synthesised in the laboratory", It is now
possible to predict 3-dimensional structure of a protein from its amino acid
sequence'. All these developments have created the confidence that the laws
of physics and chemistry are sufficient for understanding the synthesis, struc­
ture and properties of the biological molecules including enzymes and pro­
teins and also the biological phenomena of reproduction. heredity, meta­
bolism, perception. photosynthesis etc. The old concept of vital force has
thus been set at rest. This however, has created a conceptual vaeuum in
homoeopa.thic theories' because these are still based on the concept of vital
force. This paper would suggest a way out.
CQNCIlPT OF VITAL FORCE IN HOMOEOPATHY
(a) The nature of vital force: Hahnemann could not but base his
homocopathic theories on the concept of vitalism because it was common to
all contemporary scientific and philosophical thought. According to homoeo­
pathic philosophy" vital force is immaterial. spirit like. imperceptible and
animates the material organism throughout in its invisible interior both in
health and in disease. Like the forces of gravity and magnetism. it is cogniz­
able only by its effects on the organism. Without it. the organism is dead and
capable of no sensations, no vital functions and of no self preservation. It is
prior to, but maintains. the harmony and balance in the material organism.
It intelligently operates and forms the economy of whole animal, vegetable
and mineral kingdoms, It pervades the entire material substance without
disturbing or replacing it. It is different from the 'reason gifted mind' which
employs the living healthy 'instrument' for the higher purposes of our
existences. The material organism derives sensations through its senses by
means of the vital force.
Upto this point. the vitalism of Homoeopathy is conceptually si~r to
1979) OJNCBPT OF VITAL FORCE AS MOLECULAR MEcHANiSMS 55

that of the idealistic philosophies (see above) although its scheme is not as
clear and elaborate 8-" that of the Siinkhya philosophy. And, as mentioned
above, this is not readily relevant to phenomena ot.health. disease and cure.
Further inconsistencies and confusion arise when the processes of disease
and of drug-action arc also describedw to occur in 'spirit-like' ways (see
below). To cap it all. Ha.b.nemannl emotionally and contemptuously dis­
courages all (other) explanatory aJttempts and gives three good. reasons for
this: One, the precise knowledge of these phenomena will ever remain con­
cealed from every one-be one's intellectual powers of penetration ever .so
great. underlining the futility of all transcendental speculations. Two. this
knowledge is of no practical utility because all that is necessary and also
sufficient for curing disease can be revealed 10 the accurately observing
physician by means of the morbid signs and symptoms and their modalities.
Three. the physician's high and only mission is to restore the sick to health
or to cure and not to construct hypotheses concerning these vital processes.
Probably because of this attitude of the master, Homoeopathy has throughout
developed only empirically in isolation of the advancements in other sciences,
leading to its present state of conceptual vacuum',
(b) Only disorders in vital force cause disease: In Homoeopathy'v, the
seat of the primary and only effective cause of natural disease is considered
to be the invisible spirit-like vital force. All changes and abnormalities that
the present-day laboratory tests do ar can detect in the organs, tissues and
cells are but results and ultimates of the disease. It is only the vital
force, that animates the material organism throughout in its invisible
interior in health as well as in disease, and that, when disordered, can
and does give to the organism its abnormal sensations and incline it to
the irregular functions known as disease. The affection of the vital force and
totality of its outwardly cognizable signs and symptoms therefore constitute
a whole .. To call one group of symptoms a disease of one part, and another
group of another part, like Bright's disease, palsy, or skin disease, is a mis­
take. Readers would see that these views/concepts are at variance with those
of the scientific Allopathy. These will be commented upon later in the paper.
According to homoeopatbic theory, no disease can ever be implanted
through the actions of crude objects or of ultimate forms of disease. The small
pox crust if swallowed gets digested without creating the disease. But D. child
with small pox can infect another susceptible healthy child at a distance in an
invisible (dynamic) manner, without "anything material going or capable of
going" to the latter. It happens just as a magnet communicates magnetic pre­
perl..ies to a nearby needle. Disease is nothing, separate from the organism. and
its animating vital force, or hidden in the interior. be it ever so subtle.
Readers would see that these concepts are not consistent with the present
dav scientific knowledge about the diseases caused by microbes and chemicals.
But Kent" clarifies that viruses etc. cana.ot and do not implant a disease unless
and until the vital force is actually disordered and that the spirit like vital
· ,, .. 01"..

56 [February ',..
force is and can be affected only in spirit like wa.ys. After implantation. the
disease progresses outward from centre to the periphery. as small pox affects
skin in the last (see below).
(c) Dru.gs affect vital force in spirit-like ways: The spirit-like vital force
can be affected only in spirit-like ways. As all diseases are caused by disorders
in the vital force. drugs are able to cure diseases only by their spirit-like ,­
powers to affect vital force and alter the slate of health. To effect ~ cure the
drug should be capable of producing in the healthy state. an artificial disease
similar to the natural disease to be cured. The similar but stronger artificial
disease created by the drug during its action. frees the vital force from the
Influence of the natural disease. The natural disease no longer exists for the
vital force which is now occupied and governed by the stronger drug disease.
This artificial disease soon passes off leaving the patient free from disease. .'
cured. The vital force thus freed can now continue to carry life on in health.
This is the most probable process of homoeopathic drug action according
to Habnemann- who does not attach much importance to the (other) attempts
to explain it scientifically.
It is further argued- that the vital disorder cannot be turned into order
unless the drug is raised to the spiritual plane similar to that of vital force.
One who needs sulphur in high potency may take crude sulphur sufficient
to move his bowels, rub it on the skin. or take spring baths. but all would be
without effect on the disease. The processes of potenrization and dynamiza­
lion bring out the spirit like powers of the drugs and raise their vital planes of
aetion. In very high potencies only the spirit of the medicine remains; the
quantity of the medicine in the dose cannot be measured by any chemical or
physical procedures.
Readers would agree lhat these almost mystical ideas and theories are
not at all acceptable to the present-day sciences. But. the facts remain that tile
homoeopuhtc medicines do act and act according to the basic law of similars
and at incredibly high dilutions never knOWll to CLl1d enrplayed in the onho­
scientific practice before. .
According to Avogadro's law. the mass in grams equal to the molecular
weight of a substance contains 6.025 x 10'3 molecules. Bnt over the past more
than a decade. this author himself has successfully used. as a hobby. 30. 200.
1000 centesimal potencies frequently and upto lOO.OOO(CM) centesimal potcn­
cies occasionally. The 30 potency here means 1()(f3" or 10..60 dilution of the
medicine in alcohol. Ten drops of these dilute solutions were used to moisten
about 1000 sugar globules of size No. 20 and dried. Five to eight globules
constituted the dose to dissolve slowly on tongue. Millions of homoeopaths
allover the world have had such observations. How can a scientist ignore and
brush aside such a huge mass of consistent observations of so many and of his
own. simply because it is not consistent with contemporary 'scientific' theories
and belief? The scientific theories must be revised. if they cannot explain
'facts' of reality.
· 1979] CONCEPT OF VITAL FOReB AS MOLECULAR MEcHANISMS 57
- The present-day sciences cannot explain the experimentally well estab­
lished principle of drug proving, the law:of simllars, the principle of poteatiza­
tion and the drug action at ultra high dilutions. and other observations like
hcecoeopaihic aggravations. recovery from centre <to periphery, symptoms
appearing last disappear first in treatment and so on.... Therefore. extension.
modification or even revision of some of the present-day scientific concepts
seem to have become necessary. Nay. even the emergenceof some new sciences
like xenobiology, ultramlcroxcnopatby and peraphysiology as already pro­
posed by this author'. may have to be seriously considered. These topics will
be taken up in the subsequent papers. but this paper would confine itself to
the search for scientific analogue of the concept of vital force as something
prlor and basic to the 'harmony and balance' in the organism".

MOLECULAR BASES OF HOMOEQSTAnc MECHANISMS

Claude Bernard was the first to recognise that for full and healthy life,
dynamic stability of the 'milieu intoricur', the internal environment ill which
the body tissues and cells live, is essential. But this 'extracellular' environment
is known to be In dynamic equilibrium with the intra-cellular environments of
different cells. tissues and organs, The compositions of these two classes of
environment control and are controlled by a two-way functional coordination
with the electrical and/or structural properties of the membranes and intra­
cellular structures and organales in the various cells, tissues and organs. This
coordination maintains intrinsic 'homoeostasls' for every and all cells, tissues
and organs leading to the profound homocoatcsia throughout the whole body.
Basic point is that in an effort to maintain their own intrinsic bomoeostasis
every and all individual cells. tissues and organs help maintain the homoeo­
stasis of all other cells, tissues and organs in the body. In the maintenance of'
Ihis profound generalized homceostasis 'throughout the body every and all
organs. tissues and cells have a role. But the major contribution is made by
the central nervous system (CNS). the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the
endocrine plus neuro-endocrine system. together WIth the absorptive and
excretory systems/organs through multi-way biofced back/forward regulatory
coordinated mechanisms. In this scheme, the CNS plays the 'master regulator'.
(see also below).
The maintenance of general homoeostasts is accomplished by a delicate
and balanced coordination of innumerable metabolic reactions taking place
in a series of small and ertzymaJ.;caIly catatyzed steps. Synthesis and degra­
dation of proteins. enzymes. antibodies, fats. carbohydrates and so on are
mediated through enzymatic actions. Permeabllities. structural and transport
properties and electrical activities of membranes Me ultimately and in some
part. enzyme-dependent The crucial and basic Point emerges 'to be the capa­
city to adaptively regulate the functional nature, population size and level of
activity of the strategic enzyme systems and 'thereby the directions, routes
and rates of various metabolic reactions which they catalyze and the blologl­
2
·.....,

<+1
'J
I 58 THB HAaNBMt\NNIAN Q~BANINGS [February
II j ,., r... ;'.'. .'
cal functions which they mediate. so as to ~biiitain the chemical-electrical­
... , . . . , .

I structural stability .or the homoeostatis in vanolJs.lcells. tissues and 'organs

throughout the whole body. For oprimum'··acdvity. -end- functions of 'the
!. enzymes. availability of substrates, cceczymes; -catactors ..an~-.otJ:J.~I,,·inftu~
i- ,
, enclng factors, like stimulators, inhibitor. Ail -dptimu.m concennattoac.ead­
influencing conditions like pH, temperature; 'in"optimum values, fsessential.,
This enzYme~popitlated and enzYme-operatetIdefence system' is- prior.: .and "

basic tothe profound homaeostatic stale anlt to the immtin-i'sjsJein;.' '"

.'~ '.,
AU enzymes are proteins-and their sYnthesis is,gencticitUy.>.controUed.
Though all the-nucleated cellsin the body cOntiiin·the same: set-of genes" they
. 'can-turn their genes and thereby the synthesis 'ot
cetrespondlngenzymeprc­
teins, on and off. in response to extra-and._,il)~ular signals;'. even-with
the: genes on. initiation and regulation .o(prot~irn,synthesis sometimes•.-re-. .(
quires extra-and/or intra-cellular signals. The signals are the inducers, .de-.
repressors. hormones. intra-cellular second-messengers like cAMP, cGMP
and perhaps prostaglandins and so onU,lo:.ll. These slgnala.areiundcr the
endocrine-neuroendocrine-CNS control, mediated through the action- of yet
other hormones from the pituitary. releasing Iacfors from the hypothalamus.
and other inter-cellular signals like pepridcs, "monoamines, 'amino' acids:
within the CNS 2,6,12_1>. So. the presence of the right signals'; ln rignt.amounts,
at right places and right times, is thc basic-determinant for the maintenance
of the optimum population size and cornpositiori- of the enzyme systems and
thence of the profound homocostasts. Thii'molecular signals-populated and
signals-operated deience-cum-surveillance system is prior and basic to the
above enzyme-populated system (sec next section).
, I
THE CNS-MASTER REGULATOR AND NEW SCIENCE OF fARAPHY~rOU)~Y

In the ascending hierarchical scheme for controlling the profound. general

homocostetic state discussed above, the eNS merges to play theoverridiegs
, '
'master-regulator' of the regulator-signals required to control. the enzymatic­
capacity for maintaining the cbemicat-electficel-structurat stability ofvarlous
organs, tissues and cells. The CNS-master-- regulator ls, therefore•..1110, most
basic defence mechanism and, three steps :prior ~10 the .immune ·defence.·.The
study of the CNS mediation in .the phenomena'tof health, disease.and.cure.
including actions of hornoeopathic drugs, has been proposed to comprise the
new science of paraphysiology'. L:'
The exact location composition and rilech~'nisDlS' of action' of',the CI"fS­
master regulator, though still remain oped questions, its necessary features
as relevant here are as follows":
- , (i) Constant surveillance of, and" spontaneous corrections of pertUrba­
tions in. the profound hornoeostatic state 'and -caPacity,· in .ordertc explain
continuance of health and occurrence of natural remissions and .cures.: .
(ii) Two-way fu~tional communications ·imediated '.through chemical
signals, and neuronal connections, with higher centres in the cerebral cortex
 1979J CoNCBPT OF VITAL FOKCB AS MOLECULAR. MEc:HAmsMS S9

on the one hand and with lower peripheral systems and tissues on the other.
in order to explain (a) co-existence of mental and psychological symptoms
with diseased state, (b) co-existence of sensations and feelings wHh diseased
slate. (e) modifying effects of thought, belief and suggestions on the processes
of health, disease and cure.'
(iii) Sensitive. positive recognition of xenobfctics in the milieu interieur,
and synthesis and release of appropriate triggersl signals to commission or
generate appropriate enzymatic machinery to deal with the intruder. in order
.- ..,, to explain the homoeopathic procedure of drug proving and also the action
of homoeopathic drugs at high dilutions':-. This point will be discussed in
detail in subsequent papers.
(iv) Two-way communications via chemical signals and neuronal con­
nections with the endocrine system. in order to explain biofeed autoregula­
lions in heallh and chemical changes in disease.
(v) Bidirectional two-way communications with blood and CSF, in order
to explain (a) biofeed regulations in health, and disturbances in disease. of
chemical composition of the, two. (b) psychosomatic interactions. and (c) the
production of psychological symptoms during proving, and their removal by
the action of homoeopathic drugs, without the drugs crossing the blood brain
barrier.
(vi) Provision for CNS-mediation in the pathogenesis and cure of infec­
tious diseases, to be discussed in a subsequent paper.
The central core of these hypotheses is the CNS-mediation in the pheno­
mena of health. disease and CUre (see next section). In this context it would
be relevant and interesting to mention that during the past decade consider­
able attention has been paid to the study of neurosecretory cells. neural
mechanisms of pain, neurobiology of peptides, local circuit neurons (LCN's)
and local neuronal circuits (LNC's), role of calcium in cynaptic transmission
and so en'>". The following findings and conclusions Can be cited as leading
evidence in support of these hypotheses about the eNS-master regulator:
(a) Some af the neuro-secretory cells have two directional secretory
capacity imo blood and (SF.
(b) More than fifteen peptides, including cnkepbalms. endorphins, sub­
stance P. neurotensin, oxytocin and vasopressin are now known to exist in
the mammalian nervous system and to have potent neurotropic actions.
These are highly localized within the CNS neurons and particularly concen­
trated in nerve terminals.
(c) The enkephalin-containing neurons exist in LDaDy parts of the CNS
including hypothalamus,
(d) A variety of the neuropeptides also exist outside the CNS, for ex­
ample. in (he gut, spinal cord, pancreas, and so on.
(e) These peptides arc found to perform multi plc actions as neurotrans­
mitters at some sites and as endocrine bormoaes and as neuromoduletors at
others.
 .' ../.

,60 [February
1
(f) The pituitary peptide hormones (corticotropin. beta-endorphin, alpha
and beta-melanotrtopins) may act on CNS via pituitary portal vessels to
hypothalamus or an arachnoid channel continuous with the subdural and
subarachnoid spaces.
(g) Pituitary cells have functional receptors for a variety of necrotrans­
miners. peptides and peripheral hormones".
(h) Most areas of the human brain have some opiate receptors: although
the opiate receptor density varies 40 fold from the lowest to the highest;
only white matter and cerebellum are totally devoid of opiate receptors;
opiate receptors are ecccentrated on synaptic membranes. The opiate recep­
tors. mediate all pharmacological actions of natural opiates obtained from
plants. Several peripheral tissues respond to opiates which have neuronal
elements wiLh opiate receptors". -.­
(i) The distribution of enkephalin levels in different areas in the brain
parallels the opiate receptors' density.
G) The enkephalins and endorphins: produce a wide spectrum of effects
including analgesia, catalonia and behavioural disturbances.
(k) The neuropcptidcs play a role in behavioural actions like thirst,
mating, learning and memory and so on.
(I) Calcium ion plays an important role in the release of neurotrans­
miuers'".
(m) Nociceptive neuronal connections extend to 'the brain stem, thala­
mus, cerebral cortex. etc.
(n) The individual undifferentiated nerve endings in the skin respond
specifically either to physiological thermal, to noxious mechanical. or to
noxious thermal stimuli. In the case of pclymodal noctceptors. the same
ending is capable of responding to noxious mechanical, thermal or chemical
stimuli".
(0) Thcre is an increasing dis-satisfaction with the generally accepted
notion that mature neuron is a stable structure. A lot of attention is being
Iocussed"-" on the study of LeN's having no or short axons and on the
LNGs which the LCN's Iorm within the eNS. Tbe pattern of local connec­
tion is extremely complex". The functional superiority of the human brain
is linked up with the prodigious abundance and unaccustomed wealth of
forms of the LCN's and LNCs. which in the cerebral cortex are supposed to
mediate various mental and psychological functions.
(p) The LCN's and LNCs 'intercommunicate through electrical and
chemical (e.g. GABA. glycene) signals and are considered" not to be as well
specified genetically as the long-axon neurons, providing thereby a pool of
modifiable neurons and neuronal circuits of crucial relevance" required here
for adaptation to the changes associated with the phenomena of health.
disease and cure.
The complexity of structure and capacity potential for integration and
control in the CNS are thus. very very great lending support to our hypo­
.-':

1979J 61
f
CoNCSPT OF VITAL FORCE AS MOLECULAl\ MEcHANISMS !
thesis concerning the 'bomoeostatlc state' and the CNS-mediation in the
biological phenomena of health, disease and cure (see next section). r
Readers would however appreciate that the above division of the
homocostatic machinery into various levels of enzyme-operated system,
signals-operated system and CNS-master regulator is only for convenience
of arguments whose significance will become clear in the next section and
subsequent papers. In reality, the homoeostatic mechanisms and role of every
and all cells, tissues and organs of the body and of enzymes and signals are
highly coordinated, inter-dependent and interwoven into a single whole. The
whole organism is its the own homocostatic regulator.

HOMOEOSTATIC Sl'ATB VERSUS V[TAL FORCE

The 'homoeostatic state' has two components; (a) the presence of pro­
found general homoeostasis, and (b) the potency and fullness of the capacity
to maintain homoeostasis under perturbations. When the profound homoeo­
static state continues, health exists; when perturbed or impaired, disease
ensues; restoration of homocostattc state after perturbation is cure. Accord­
ing to the above scheme, maintenance of general hornoeostatic slate is ac­
complished through constant surveillance, detection and positive recognition
of perturbing causes by the eNS-master regulator and removal of the causa­
tive Iactors by the appropriate enzymatic machinery commissioned or
generated by the CNS-master regulator via the release of appropriate signals
in cascade. Medicines only help in this natural self-correcting process. This
capacity for endogenous generation of disease-specific 'self remedies is mani­
fested in continuance of health and in natural remissions. remains deficient/
Impaired during a natural disease, and is restored with 'non-self bcmoco­
pathic drugs. This point will be elaborated in subsequent papers.
Like the homoeopathic vital force, the molecular-biological homoeo­
static machinery pervades the entire organism, is prior to the harmony and
balance, Le. the profound general bomocostasls. and mediates biological
functions and sensations in health as well as in disease, but is not spiritual
or immaterial, nor beyond experimental investigations and research; and can
be affected in non-spiritual levels and ways.
An error in the CNS-master regulator or signals-populated system should
give rise to CNS mediated subjective symptoms followed, after some time,
by metabolic disturbances mediated by enzymatic actions and then by gross
tissue changes. This typifies an actual 'natural disease' and supports the
homoeopathic views as against those of the scientific Allopathy that:
(a) The primary cause of disease has several planes to situate on,
namely, the CNS-master regulator, the signals populated pre-enzyme system,
the enzyme populated system, the immune system, the cellular/tissue level
and so on, mentioned in order of their grossness. (h) The primary cause plus
totality of outward signs and symptoms. subjective as well as objective. con­
stitute a whole. (c) It is a mistake to call one group. of symptoms as a disease
 : ..r.

62 [February

of one part and another group of other part.. (d) CNS is involved in
all diseases. ineluding infections and skin diseases. giving rise to sub­
jective and general symptoms. (e) Metabolic and tissue changes detect­
able by laboratory tests, are only results of the disease. It is a mistake to
regard only these objective ultimates as the necessary and sufficient
components .of disease and rio disregard and down-weigh tho subjective
symptoms. (f) Surgical removal of the abnormalities (like tumours. nodules.
effusions) from tissues and organs, chemical neutralization of the ab­
noma! secretions (like acids), supplementation of deficient components
(like rwtri:enb;, hormones. enzymes), suppression of subjective symptoms
(like pain). and the .Iike procedures. widely and commonly practised
in allopathic therapeutics. do not and cannot remove the cause of the
disease situated at deeper planes mentioned in (a) above. These steps main­
tain the symptom-free state. while CNS-mediated bomoeostarlc machinery
removes Ute perturbanon'". (g) Procedures prImarily affecting the tissues and
cells but not the CNS. create only superficial diseases, underlining the basic
differences between the natural and experimentally created diseases. (h) Only
subjective. symptoms are present in the initial stages of the disease which
cannot be detected and diagnosed by laboratory tests although the disease
does vcry much exist.

CONCLUSIONS
(i) The 'art' and the basic laws/principles of Homoeopathy are estab­
lished facts of reality but none of the present-day sciences is conceptually
and technically advanced enough to negotiate these phenomena. The con­
cepl of 'vital force' has been rendered untenable by researches in molecular­
biology creating a conceptual vacuum in Homoeopathy. This justifies the
need and search for revision in the scientific thought and approach which
the proposed series of papers has undertaken.
(ii) The mOlecular-biological Concept of 'hcrnoeostatic state' with under­
lying molecular mechanisms as developed in this paper, has several features
of the 'vital force' and rationalizes several time-honoured homocopathic
views including some which are opposed to those of the present-day scienti­
fic Allopathy.
(iii) The theories developed in this and other papers in the series sug­
gest that CNS is the most basic and precise homoeostattc-regulator. directing
the generation of disease-specific 'self remedies. This capacity is manifested
in natural cures and remissions and is impaired in disease states. Homoeo­
patl:J.ic 'non-self drugs help restore .this capacity bLiQ.g_uc:ing/ac~iv;:ating
necessary enzyme systems. at sub-cellular levels. This point will be ela­
borated in subsequent papers.
1979] CoNCEPT 011 VITAL FORCE AS MOLECULAR MEcHANISMS 63
REFERENCES
I. Sharma, R. R.: A Unified Theoretical Approach 10 Hornoecpatby, Immuoclogy
and Raja Yoga and Its Consequences, Transactions of the XXXII In/emotional
Homaeopathic Medical Congras, India, pp. 73-85 (19m
2. Watson, J. D.: MoteClJlarbiofogy of the Gene. W. A. Benjamin Inc., New York.
(1965).
3. Flodin, M.: A History of lJiochemil/ry, vol. 30 of Comprehensive Biochemistry
(M. Ftod:in &. B."R. SLOtt, eds.j, Ebevier Pub. ce., New York (19n).
4. Sbarma, R R: Bases of Xenobiologf, UltIamicroxenopathy and Parapbysiology
M Three New Sciences And of New Approach LO Unified Therapeutics, 1978.
P. G. 1. Bulletin (submitb:d).
S. Sharma, R. R.: Parapsychclogy-c-A Link Between Physics and Metaphysics,
Everyday Science. 19 (2), p. 21 (1974).
6. Harper. IL A.. Rodweu, V. W. and Mayes. P. A.: Review of Physiological
Chemistry, 16th ed., Lange Medical Publications, LO!l Altos, Maruzen Asian
edition (1977).
7. Sternberg; M. J. E. and Thornton. J. M.; Prediction of Protein Structure From
Amino Acid Sequence. Na'ure, 271 (5640). pp. 15-20 (1978).
8. Hahnemann, S.: Organon of Medicine, 6th ed, (1842), 2nd Indian -ed., Rcyslngh
Co .• Calcutta (1968).
1. Kent, J. T.; Lectures on Homoeopathic Plli{osophy. B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi
(1970).
10. WIlI5OII., J.; Immune System, (E. E. Sercarz, A. R. Williamson. C. F. Fox, eds.),
p. 511, Academic Press, New York (1974).
II. Horrobin, D. F., Matbaji, J. P., Manku, M. S.; M<!dical Hypotheses; 2 (5), p. 219
(1976).
12. Bern, H. A.: Neurosecretion, (F. Stutiruky, ed.], p. 5. Springer Verlas, Berlin
(1967).
13. Knowles, F.; Neurosecretion, (F. Stutinsky, cd.), p. 8, Springer Verlag, Berlin
(1967).
14. Quertoa, G. C., Meluecheck, T., Schmitt, F. O. (elis.): The Neuroscience, Rocke­
feller liniv. Press, New York (1967).
15. Iversen, L. L., Nicoll, R. A., Vale, W. W. (eds.) Neurobiology of Peptides, Neuro­
sciences Research Progrom Blil/<!/in. 16 (1), M.LT. Press. June (1978).
16. Kerr, F. W. L. and Casey, K. L.: Pain, Neurosciences Research Program Bulletin,
16 (1), M.I.T. Press (1978).
17. Rakfc, P. (cd.): Local Circuit Neurons, N<!uroscience Research Progrom Bulletin,
13 (3), (1975).
18. Schmitt, F. 0 .• Dev, P., Smith, B. H.: Sci<!ncc 193:1l4 (1976).
19. LUnas, R R. and Hcnser, J. E.: Depolarization-Release Coupling Systems in
Neurons, Neurosciences Reseorch Progrom Bulletin 15 (4), MJ.T. Press (1977).
20. Vale, W., Rivicr, C. and Brown, M.; Regulatory Peptides of Hypothalamus, Annllal
R<!vi<!li' of Physiology 39, pp. 473-517 (1971).
 ROLE OF CONIUM MACULATUM IN THE
PREVENTION OF IMMATURE CATARACTt
DR.. T. K. BASU. M.SC., M..B.B.S., D.O.M.S., D.M.S.· and
DR. R. PAm.• M,SC.• D.M.S.••• Calcutta

ABSTRAcr: The immature cataract of 43 patients was determined following

Ihe examination of leota! opacity. defective vision, presence ct iris shadow aad fundal
glow but interrupted by black spots and presence of all the purkiojc illl3&=. AU the
patients were divided Into different age groups. Centum maculatum (different
homoeopathic potencies) was prescribed for dillerent lengths of periods and the
condition of the immature cataract was reinvcstigated following the above mentioned
tests, at !.he interval of 1 month and continued upto 4 montll.s. The results at the end
of 4 months sbowed a significant anprovement in the condition of immature eatarace
and (he fall of vision was improved remarkably. The present paper is mainly con­
cerned ngarding the probable role of Conium maculatum in lhc improvement of
immature cataract.

INTRODUCTION
Conium maculuatum mother tincture is made from entire fresh plant.
Hemlock. which belongs to the family. umbelliferoe. It is a very common
and widely used homocopathlc medicine for a number of diseases including
different pathological conditions of eyes. So far as information .is available.
the effects of Conium macula tum on the eyes arc lacking except for a few
clinical data. In the present experiments. the role of Conium rnacu'atum on
the immature cataract was investigated by adopting different types of reliable
and universally accepted methods and simultaneously possible modes of
action cf the drug have been discussed.

MATERIALS AND MIITHOOS

48 patients suffering from immature cataract of both male and female
at the age of 30 to 80 years were selected. All the patients were divided into
different age groups. such as group A (30 to 40 years). group B (41-50 years),
group C (51-60 years). group D (61-70 years) and group E (71-80 years).
The average body weight of all the patients of dlflerent age groups varied
within a sbort range (±5 kg) and all were free from any remarkable acute or
chronic SUfferings.
The methods used in the experiments were:
(a) Len/at opacity: After proper dilatation of the pupil by application

t Abstract presented ill the 66th session of Science Congress. Hyderabad, January,
1979.
.. Prof. and Head, Dept. of Physiology. Calcutta Homoeopathic Mcdieal College.
•• RCliearch fellow, Dcpt. or Phy~iology, Calcutta Unlverairy.
 1979] ROLE OF CoNIUM MAc. IN IMMATURE CATARACf 71

of 1 % homatropin drops, light was thrown by a plane mirror from a distance

OD the dilated pupil and the opacity of the lens was observed as black spots.
(b) Deieaive vision: It was examined by recording the vision of an
individual patient foUowing Snellen's chart.
(e) Iris shadow: It was examined. after throwing the light obliquely on
the eye, and was. confirmed on the basis of production of iris shadow be­
tween the opacity of the lens and pupillary margin of the iris.
(d) Fundal glow: The feeble illumination of an ophthalmoscope is re­
flected on the eyes obliquely from various points across the pupil from 10
to 12 inches away and the real opacity or the lens was identified on the
appearance of black instead of grey when examining in this manner.
(e) Purkinie image: A "light is reflected from the plane mirror and source
of the eye of a little distance of the subject in a dark room. Three purkinje
images were observed within the subject pupil.
Application of dmg; Conium macularum of different potencies were
procured from Hahnemann Publishing Co. Private Ltd., (Caleutta). The day
on which the patient was first examined was noted as the lst day of experi­
ment. The entice experimental period was counted for 120 days. The period
and potencies of drug application were as follows: First 3 days (30 potency.
one drop, once daily); from 24th and 26th days (200 potency, one drop, once
daily); from 43rd and 44th days (1000 potency, one drop, once daily) and
75th and 76th days (10,000 potency, one drop. once daily) and the days
which are not mentioned indicate the days with~ut any treatment.

RESULTS
The improvement of defective vision following administration of Conium
maculatum. is seen in the Tables I, II. ill, IV and V. It is also seen in the
above tables that maximum number of patients and significant improvement
were obtained in the age group D (60 to 70 years age). The patients of the
rest of the groups (A. E. C and E) also showed to some extent remarkable
improvement in the defective vision. The improvement of defective vision of
all the patients of ditlerent age groups was accompanied by simultaneous
changes of lental opacity. presence of iris shadow and fundal glow and pre­
sence of purkinje images towards normal.

. DISCUSSION
Francois (1959), who discusses the use of the term 'cataract', following
Nordman (1926), that a cataract is an opacity of the lens causing a reduction
in visual function. Now. it is generally accepted that formation of senile
cataract is a process superimposed upon the normal aging process and brought
about by certain proved factors such as heredity and diabetes, and others.
It has been established earlier that any type of cataract, senile or experl­
mental, there causes an increase in proportion of insoluble protein (Pirie et
aI, 1956). Mach (1963) and Francois et al (1965) have compared the protein
 I
·'·-1
I
l!AHNBMANNIAN
I 72 THB GLBANINGS [February

content of the soluble fraction of normal and senile cataract by quite different
analytical techniques (electrophoresis and gel filtration). They have shown
. that, as cataract proceeds. there is a preferential decrease in the proportion
of the 1O'W molecular weight protein. Our unpublished data indicates treat­
ment with Conium maculatum in cataract patients. certainly alter the pro­
portion of protein moiety in cataract. However, defective vision as a result
, of cataract is one of the important and widely accepted alterations in the
ocular physiology. From this point of view, the improvement of vision in
,;
--I cataract patient as shown in the Tables I. Il, III. IV and V, after treatment
with different potencies of Conium maculatum is an interesting Iieding. In
the present experiment improvement of defective vision in cataract patients"
at the age groups of 61-70 years (Table IV) and 71-80 years (Table V). after
treatment with Conium meculatum. might be due to its influence on protein -.,'
metabolism of cataract. But. on the other hand. the improvement of vision
in cataract patients at the age groups of 30-40 (fable m.
gives more interest­
ing data regarding its mode of action. Because, the cause of formation of
cataract of the aged person (above 50 years) and the person at the age of
30-40 years may not be the same. The data. reported herein (fable I), clearly
indicate that Conium maculatum definitely improves the fall of vision due

TABLE I: IMPROVEMIiItt OF V151Dr< IN IMMA'Jl)lt£ CATARAcr AF'T:eR TREATMENT Wmt

ComuM MACULATUM AT ms INT1!RVAL OF 30 DAYS.
Age group A (30-40 years)

Age, years lst day 30th day 60th day 90th day 120lh day

32 6f'Z4 6124 61 18 6f12 6/12

37 6/24{P) 6/24 6{l8(P) 6f18 6/18
39 6/12 6{12(P) 6{l2(P) 6f' 6f6

(P) indicates partial vision,

TABLE II: IMPROVEMI'.NT OF VISION IN IMMATUIlIl CATARACT AFT1!R TRV.TMI'.NT W1'11I

CONIUM MACULATl/M AT 'IHI'. INT!'.RVAL OF 30 DAYS.
Age group B (41-50 years)

Age. years lsi day 30th day 60th day 90th day 120th day

43 6124 6/24 6{18{P) 6/18 6f18

6f'Z4 6f18(p) 6/18(P) 6/18(P)
"
48
6/24(P)
6/36 6{36 6/24(P) 6/24 6f'Z4
6/24(P) 6/24 6f'Z4 6f'Z4 6f'Z4
"
50 6/36(P) 6/36 6/24(1') 6/24 6124

(P) indicates partial vision.

1979] ROLE OF COtl"IUM MAc. IN IMMATURE Ct..TARACf 73
TABLE -Ill: IMPil.OVEMI!.J'lT OF VISION IN IMMATURE CATARACT AFTER 11Ul.ATMI!.J'lT wnu
CONIUM MA(:ULAlUM AT TIlE INTERVAL 01' )0 DAYS.

Age group C (51-60 yean)

Age,. YCIUS Isl day 30th day 60th day 90th. day l20lh day

'2 6J24(P) 6/24 6{24 6/18(P) 6/1&

'2 6/J6(P) 6/]6 6124 6/18 6/ J8
ss 6/36 6/36 6/24(P) 6{24 6/18

"ssae 6/36
6/24
6/24
6/36
6{24
6/24(P)
6/24
6/24
6fi8(P)
6/24
6{18(P)
6/24 6/18 6/18 6"8
ss 6/24 6124 6/24 6{24 6/24
ss 6f)6 61]6 6/]6 6{24 6{24
59 6/]6 6/]6 6/24{P) 6/24 6/18
59 6/24 6/24 6{24 6/18(P) 6{1S
60 6{60 6{60 6/36(P) 6/]6 6124
60 6{60 6/60 6/60 6/36{P) 6}36

(P) indit'ales partial vision.

TABLE IV; IMPROVEMEm OF VISION IN Ihl:MATlJRE o.TAJlAcr AfTl:R TlUl.ATMENT wrrn

CONIUM MACt.JLATtlM AT 1'H1! IN'ttRVAL 01' 30 DAYS.
Agf! grDup D (61·7() )'~ar$)

Age, yea,rs 1st day 30th day 60th day 90th day 120th. day

61 6/36{P) 6/36(P) 6/36 6/24 6/24

61 6/36 6/36 6/24 6/24 6/24
62 6/l6(P) 6}36 6{24 6/24 6{I2
62 6/60 6/60 6/36 6/36 6/24
63 6/60 6/60 6/]6 6/]6 6/1.4
63 6/60 '{60 6/36(P) 6/]6 6/1.4(p)
63 6/]6 6/]6 6/1.4 6/1.4 6/12
64 6/60 6/36(p) 6/]6 6/24(1') 6/1.4
64 6/36 61 ]6(P) 6/24(P) 6/24 6/18
64 6/60 6{60 6/36(p) 6/36(P) 6/]6
es 6/l6(P) 6/]6 6/36 6/1.4(P) 6/1.4

"
es
66
6/60(P)
'{60
6/36
6/60(PJ
6/60
6/36
6/60
6/]6
6/24(P)
6/]6
6/]6(PJ
6{24
6/]6
6/]6
6{24
66 6/60(P) 6/6O(P) 6/60 6/36 6/36
67 6/6O(P) 6/60(P) 6/60 6/]6(P) 6/36
6B 6/6O(P) 6/60 6{60 6/36 6/]6
6/36 6/]6 6{24(P)
"
70
70
6/36
6/6O(PJ
6/]6
6/60(P)
6/24(P)
6/36(P)
6{24(P)
6/1.4(P)
6/]6(P)
6{24
6{24
6/36

(P) indicates partial vision.

•
 .: -1'.
-,

y
74 TuB :ElAHNBMANN1AN Gl..IW«NGS [February

TABLE V: IIoCPROvEloCENI' OF VISION lH IIoCMA~ CATAll.ACT AFIBR TB.I!AntENT wrm

CONIUM MAC(JUruloC AT iRE lHTI!.RVAL OF 30 DAYS.
Age group E (71-80 years)

Age. years 1st day 30th day 60th day 90lh day I20th day

n 6/6O(P) 6/60(P) 6/60 6160 6/36

n 6160 6/60 6/60 6/60 6/60
73 616O(P) 6/60 6/60 6136 6/36
73 6/6O{P) 6/36(P) 6/36(P) 6136 6/36
76 6/6O(P) 6/6O(P) 6f36(P) 6/36 6/36
78 6/6O(P) 6/6O(P) 6/6O(P) 6/60 6/60
78 6/60 6/60 6/60 6/6O(P) 6/36
80 6/36(P) 6136 6/36 6/24(P) 6/24

(P) indicates partial vision.

to cataract at the age of 30-40 years. On the basis of all the above evid­
ences, at present it is not clear what is the probable mechanism of action of
Conium maculatum in the improvement of vision in cataract patients. But
the data of these experiments will encourage furlher work on this line to
explore the precise mode of action of the drug,

REFERENCES
I. Francois, J.: Lu catoreaus Congenitalcs, Masson er cie, Paris (19S9).
2. Nordmann, J.: COl1/ribmion d tetnde dela Cataract Acqllue, Thesis, Strasbcurg
(1926).
3. Pirie, A. and Van Heyningeu, R.: Biochemistry of the Eye, Blackwell Scientific
Publication, Oxford (19S6).
4. Mach, H.: Untersuchungen von Lin Semeiweiss und Mikrcelekjrcphorese von
Wassetloslichem Biweiss, At/cm'lar. Xlin. Mbl. Augenheik, 143, pp. 689-710 (1963).:
S. Francois, J., Rabacy, M. and Stockman's, L.: Gc1fillration of the Soluble Proteins
From Normal and Cataracws Human Lenses, Exp. Eyc Res., 4, pp- 312-318 (196S).
IDENTIFICATION OF AMINO ACIDS IN AVENA
SATIVA AS AN ADDITIONAL STANDARDS IN
STATUTORY CONTROL OF TINCTURE
P. N. VARMA. V. K. SAXENA. A. K. SATSANGI*

ABSTRAcr: A paper chromatography method to identify the essential amino

acids namely lysine, (3, 4 dihydroxy phenyl) alanine, l11'Plophan and valine in homoeo­
pathic tincture of Avena saliva.

INTRODUcnON
A preparation from the seeds of Avena saliva Linn. (pam: Gramineae)
is official in Homoeopashic Pharmacopoeia of lndia\ United Stales Homoeo­
pathic Pnormacopoekr and others. It is used as a nervine tonic. in nerve
tremors of aged paralysis agitans. alcoholism and is reported to have a
selective action on brain and nervous system favourably influencing their
nulritive functions",
The action of homoeopalhic mother tinctures of Avena sativa is corn­
parable to certain amino acids. Since the physicochemical constants like
specific gravity, alcohol content, total solid, pH ete. were not sufficient to
ensure the therapeutic value of the drug, the presence and identification of
different amino acids were undertaken to propose additional statutory stan­
dards for the mother tinctures of Avena sativa.
Avena sativa is reported to contain vitamin B,~, and accnin".
MHTIIOD AND MATERIAL
Standard sample: The tincture from Avena sativa, the raw drug pro­
cured from the market and phannacognoslically identified", was prepared. as
per method laid down in Homoeopamic Pharmacopoeia of India. This was
marked'S'.
Commercial samples: Three commercial samples of Avena sativa were
procured from different sources of the market. These were marked C ,. C~ and
C,_
Reference standards of Amnia acids: A kit of reference standard amino
acids was procured from B.D.H. Chemical Ltd. England, Product no. 32016.
These reference standards were dissolved in ethanol and numbered suitably.
Solvent system: n-butanol : acetic acid: water (4: 1: I vfv).
Spraying reagent, 0.1% solution of ninhydrin in acetone.
All the reagents used above were of chromatography grade.
Method: 10 ml of the tincture was relluxed with 5 ml of 6N hydro­
chloric acid for sixteen hours on a water hath. The hydrolysate was filtered
to remove any suspending matter.
• Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory, Ohnziabad.
76
The filtrate was evaporated to dryness and dried. repeatedly after adding
water intermittently to expel 011 any excess of hydrochloric acid. The residue
was dissolved in ethanol and the solution was spotted on a paper preliminary
chromatogram. Descending chromatography tcchniquewas followed using
n-butanol : acetic acid: water (4: 1: 1 vlv) as the mobile phase. Paper
chromatogram was sprayed with ninhydrin solution. The Rf values of the
spots detected on the chromatogram are given in the following table.

Rf values of the spots detcclcd on paper chromatography of Avena sativa tioclure

s c. C, C,

0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04

0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
0.4 0.' 0.' 0.4
O.s4 054 0.54 0.54

RESULTS
The spots with Rf value 0.04. 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.54 corresponded to
Lcystlae: lysine: 3,4 dihydroxyphenyl alanine. tryptophan, and valine which
were confirmed by the identical spots of their reference standards developed
on the same cbromatograh after dissolving them in ethanol under identical
conditions of experiment. L-cysline has not been reported to possess any
neurotropic activity whereas, other essential amino acids having such activity
namely lysine, tryptophan. valine and 3.4 dihydroxyphenyl alanine, usually
abbreviated as Dopa, were identified. Coincidentally Dopa. acts as chemical
transmitter in CNS as stimulant and is responsible fur tbe production of nor­
epinephrine. Tryptophan (official in Japan Pharmacopoeias has been reported
to be as effective as imipramine in acute depression. Tryptophan along with
pyridoxine has been used in treatment of depression. Also tryptophan in
combination with Dopa has been used in the treatment of Parkinsonism.
The presence of amino acids was established and the individuals were
identified. Incidentally the .reponed action of the homoeopathic tincture
favourably corresponds to the reported action of the individual identified
amino acids and as such this can well serve as statutory standards for the
tincture of Avena saliva.
REFERENCES
1. Homoeopathic Pharmocopoeia 01 Illdia, vol. I, p. 42. MinislIy of Health, Gevt. of
India (1911).
2 Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of tile United States (1964).
3. Boerieke, Wm.: Materia Medica with Repertory, 9th ed.• p. 100 (1916).
4. Chopra, R. N., Nayer. B. L. and Chopra. I. C.: Cla$Sary of Indian Medicinal
Plants, p. 31. C.S.I.R. (1956).
S. Mer,k tndex. 9lh ed., p. 119 (1916).
6. Mar/indale The Extra Pharmacopoeia. 21th ed., pp- 66-67 (1977).
 SCIENTIFI<;: BASES OF HOMOEOPATHY:
HOMOEOPATHIC DRUG PROVING AND MATERIA
MEDICA AS NEW SCIENCE OF
XENOBIOLOGY >..
DR. R. R. SHARMA. M.SC., PH.D. (London), M.A.M.S., Cbandigarh-

ABSTRAcr: Homoeopathy is now lacing unprecedented CODa:ptual vacuum since its

basic concept of vital force got invalidaled by researches in molecularbiology besides
ils other laws and drug action at ultrahigh dLlutions being nDL consistent with.modem
scientific theories, allhough there is strong observational evidence in their support. A
new approach (0 screeunc theories is proposed in this series of papers to explain -~-
homoccparhle phenomena. The previous paper rationalized vital force as eNS-mediated
molecular mechanisms prior and basic to lhe profound ucrnoeostauc state whose exist­
ence characterizes health and perturbation a disease. The hcmeecpntbje materia medica
is based on the principle of drug-proving. This paper rarionnlizes it as new science
of xenobiology proposed to study 10LaI biological response, comprising subjective plus
objcctive sympturns, of healthy subjects, 10 xcnoblotlcs-e-substanccs present in the
milieu interieur in un-natural quality or natural components in abnormal eoncenun­
ticns. Xenobiology is n very comprehensive and inclusive concept and also envisages
constant updating and upgrading of homoeopathic materia medica along with the
advancements in other sciences.

INIRODUCIION
All seieaces are based on observation. The observational evidence
accumulated. over the past more than a century all over the world, is over­
whelmingly strong and persuasive in support of the homoeopaibic 'art of
healing'. This is borne out hy this author's more than a decade's personal
experience. as a hobby, that homoeoparhic drugs do act according to Irs laws
and at ultra high -dilutions never before employed in scientific practice. But
none of the present-day sciences is conceptually and technically advanced
enough to negotiate the homocopathic phenomena. Homoeopathy itself is
now suffering an unprecedented conceptual vacuum because its. basic concept
of vital force is no longer tenable in view of the latest researches in mole­
cular-biophysics':-. This author proposes to publish a series of papers suggest­
ing a new approach to scientific theories for explaining established empirical
laws and principles of Homoecpathy and to draw attention of other scientists
as well.
As the central theme of these papers the central nervous system (CNS)
emerges to play the 'master' role in health and in disease'". The papers re­
garded as first' and second" in the series provided an overview of the pro­

• Biophysics Department, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Re­

search, Chandigarh.
','J
.j
-·:·1
··-1
..
1979] MATERIA MEDICA As NEW SclBNCB OF' XBNOBIOLOGY 10.1
.
:- .,, posed hypotheses. The 3rd paper developed a molecular-biological theoretical
-.-1 analogue for the concept of vital force. This paper proposes a new science
of Xenobiology to rationalize the homceopathlc principle of drug proving,
from molecular-biological theories. Subsequent papers would elaborate other
aspects of the central theme.

HOMOEOPAnnc .PRINC[pLE OF DR~G PROVING

•
According to the homoeopathic 'art of heaUng',',J that medicine which.
itt its action on the healthy human body, produces greatest number of symp­
toms similar to those in the disease under treatment does also. in suitable
doses of potency, cure the disease.
"
The procedure of creating 'artificial' disease in healthy human subjects
by drugs and carefully recording the elicited signs and symptoms with their
modalities is called 'drug proving' and is used to construct/produce the
homoeopathic materia medica-s-a collection of real. pure, reliable modes of
action of simple and pure medicinal substances on trustworthy and conscienti­
ous bea.lthy persons of both sexes and of various constitutions.
In order to determine the exact character of any symptoms or sensation,
it is necessary to note its modalities with time. posture, temperature, weather
and so on.. Larger doses of crude medicines are roxie and the elicited symp­
toms are of limited utility. The 30th potency on centesimal scale-represent­
ing l()(t'o or 10.6 0 dilution in alcohol-is generally recommended for drug
proving'. L()\,'{Cr potencies or even mother tinctures could also be used in
some cases. Four ro six small sugar globules moistened with dilute alcoholic
solution and dried, form a dose. If a single dose fails 10 elicit symptoms for
sufficiently long time, several doses at 2 hourly imcrvals are taken tiU symp­
toms start appearing.
Nothing is done thereafter which might disturb the drug action. Repetition
of the dose during the period of drug-action is dangerous and likely to
implant drug-diathesis which is difficult to cure. Proper course of drug pro-­
ving improves the health. Hannemann advised young men to make provings.
The symptoms, subjective plus objective, elicited hy a number of provers
of both sexes and various constitutions / ages added together represent the
effect of the drug upon the human race. The ultimates or results of the
disease are extrapolated. back from clinical observations during treatment of
diseases.
The symptoms elicited by drugs may be (a) COmmOlL that is produced
by many drugs in many individuals, or (b) peculiar elicited by very few drugs
in very few persons. These may be (c) general that is belonging to the whole
body/person, or (d) particular pertaining to a particular part of the body.
There is no orthoscientific counterpart parallel to the homoeopathic
principle of drug proving. Toxicology studies toxic symptoms of toxic mare­
rials accidentally taken in toxic amounts. There is no orthoscjcnce at present
which studies non-toxic symptoms elicited by non-toxic amounts of toxic
102 TIm ~ GLRANINGS

substances taken or given intentionally for this purpose. The new science of
xenobiology does this",

TIU! XBNOBIOLOGY-A NEW SClBNCB

The newly proposed' science of xenobiology studies the total biological
respoase-ccomprfslng the subjective: as well as objective symptoms-of the
healthy subjects to non-toxic as well as toxic amounts of xenobiotics. Here
the term 'total biological response' is all-inclusive. That is, it includes the
sensations and feelings; numbness. aches and pains: psychological. mental,
emotional and behavioural disturbances; aberrations of intellect, memory
and affections; disturbances in appetite. thirst. urine/urination. stool/bowel
movements, respiration. sleep, pulse, blood, pressure, body temperature.
vlslon, hearing, taste; biochemistry of biological specimens (blood. tissues.
secretions, excretions. etc.); bioeleclrical/biopotential disturbances in organs,
tissues and cells; optical- and electron-microscopic changes at various levels.
and so on. together with the modalities of these signs and symptoms with
modifying factors like posture. time/period. heat, weather etc.
The scope of the herein used term 'xenobiotic' is very wide and general
and also somewhat different as compared to that of the traditional one".
Conventionally under the usage of macro quantities, it is synonymous with
a 'drug' which is used in the diseased state to suppress, remove or alleviate
morbid symptoms. Here it refers to a substance endogenously generated/
present in the milieu lsueriear in un-natural form/quality or abnormal quan­
tity and thereby producing disease symptoms. or the one intentionally intro­
duced from outside, in the healthy state. to elicit morbid signs and symptoms
of the resultant artificial disease. Like borooeopathic medicines. it may be
derived from any source-animals. plants, minerals or chemicals (inorganic
or organic). Like haptens and antigenic / allergenic determinants. it may be
a part of a larger molecule or organism or particle. It may be a poison (from
animals. plants, or chemicals) or a venom (from insects, snakes). It may be a
toxin or processed antigen produced in parasitic diseases or an autoantigen
causing autoimmune diseases, or an antibody or an antibody-antigen com­
plex. Even a natural component of the milieu iruerieur may behave xenobio­
tically if its concentration becomes higher or lower than the tolerable normal
range for that particular subject at any time. Th.is is borne out by the fact
that both hyper- and hypo-thymidisms associated respectively with higher
and lower than normal concentrations of thyroid hormones are definite
diseased states with characteristically distinct symptoms, and so, are the
conditions having higher and lower than normal concentrations of glucose in
tho blood. \ .
It is clear from the above that the biological phenomena or responses
grouped under hcmocopatbic drug proving. toxicology, allergy. hypersensl­
tivity, autoimmunity, Immune-response, parasitic diseases, iatrogenic diseases.
and so on. are all different branches of xenohiology. Th.is is because the
 •

1979] MATElUA MEDICA As NEVi SClENCB OF XENOBIOLOGY • 103

morbid symptoms in all these cases are associated with causative xenobiotic(s)
present in: unnatural quality or abnormal {higher or lower than normal) con­
centration(s}. The role of the infective parasites is to generate or introduce
pathogenic xenobiotics or deficiency or excess of some' natural constituent(s).
The autoimmunity is compounded from the xeaobiotic disease elicited by
the autoantigca and/or autoantibody and/or autoantigen-antibody complex
with the primary enzymatic imbalance which gives rise to the first antigen
formation.
The xenobiology is thus. a very comprehensive and inclusive concept
and covers the homoeopathic procedure of drug-proving':" and also toxicology
as its particular cases. Moreover. it envisages the continuous upgrading and
updating o~the homoeopaLhic materia medica with the technical advance­
ments in all other sciences. This is important, because Homoeopathy has so
far developed only empirically in isolation of the phenomenal developments
in other sciences which has led to the present state of unprecedented con­
ceptual vacuum in Homoeopaahy on the one hand and to the delay and
reluctance for its scientific recognition, on the other.
The value and need of precisely determining and documenting the
xenobiotic responses or provings of the newly discovered. synthesized or
isolated alkaloids. toxins, antigens. carcinogens, allergens. pyrogens, toxic
. chemicals etc. can hardly be over empbaslzed particularly in view of their
constituting the materia medica. for homoeopathic therapeutics.

MOLECULAR-BfOLOGICAL BASES OF XENOBIOLOGY

Health has been characterised':" by the continuity of profound general
homoeostasls via the dynamic equilibrium and functional balance in the
chemical, electrical aud structural propcrtles/composltlons of various cells,
-tlssues and organs of the body. This is accomplished by a delicate and
balanced coordination of innumerable metabolic reactions catalyzed by
enzymes. The population size and activities of the strategic enzyme-systems
control the directions and rates of metabolic reactions. Syntheses of enzyme
proteins are controlled by the intra- and extra-cellular signals. The CNS
plays the 'master' regulator and controller of endogenous generation and
delivery of homoeostasis-regulating signals at various levels. The enzyme­
operated system. the signal-operated system, and the CNS-master regulator
are interdependent and interconnected into a single whole via multi-way
biofced back/forward dynamic mechanisms. These basic molecular mecha­
nisms, like homoeopathlc vital force, pervade the whole organism and mediate
all biological functions. sensations and so on'".
[f a substance is introduced from outside which is a natural component
of the milieu iruerieur and is in tolerable amounts, it will be smoothly
metabolized by the existing enzymes without eliciting any biological response.
This routinely happens following food intakes.
If the concentration of this natural component is or becomes higher
 •

104 [March -f

than the tolerable normal range, the corresponding enzyme system would get
overloaded for sometime and the symptoms produced would be similar to
those of the natural disease in which the same enzymes are deficient. This
artificial transient disease would pass off with time.
H Lbe xeaobiotic is not a natural component of the milieu isuerieur, the
regulatory mechanisms would be set into operation to synthesize the neces­
sary enzymes de novo for appropriately modifying and eliminating the
xenobiotic .end for removing its perturbation from the general bomoeostasis.
Until then, a biological response will .manifest with signs and symptoms of
en artificial disease. This ex-plains as to how and Why morbid symptoms are
produced during homoeopathic drug-proving and thus rationalizes that pr0­
cedure from molecular-biological theories.
Sensations. feelings and other non-toxic symptoms can be produced with _c
very low concentrations of the xcnobiotic. Poisonous substances would re­
quire the use of really high dilutions. This is consistent with the procedure
of homoeopathic drug proving with 30th potency on the centesimal scale
(see above).
Toxic symptoms would be produced by toxic amounts of the xenobiotic
taken by humans. accidentally or deliberately in an attempt to commit suicide.
Drug-proving is used to record early and abort-term symptoms. Long
lerm and chronic symptoms and resultant pathologic tissue changes can be.
inferred from clinical observations during treatment of diseases witb homoeo­
pathlcjultramicroxeoopathtc drugs".
The actual pattern/quality, intensity, duration and modalities of the
various signs and symptoms would vary with the quality and quantity of the
xenoblotic and aJso with the subject's constitution. enzymatic make-up and
history of xenobiottc exposures. One would therefore expect both inter- and
intra-species variations in biological responses to the same xenoblotic. Nay,'
even one and the same healthy individual subject may respond differently at
different timcs. Only the sum of the various biological responses from a
large number of healthy subjects of both sexes and different ages and-consti­
tutions should and would represent the response of the human race. This
underlines the procedural details of the bomoecpathtc principle of drug
proving.
At the end of the drug-proving experiment the subject is Iett better
equipped enzymatically and hence Hahnemann's advice. though based only
on empirical observations. that drug proving is good for health.
As the CNS exercises an overriding regulatory control on general
homceostasls. the subjective symptoms pertaining to intellect. memory. affec­
tions, sensations, behaviour etc. acquire high weightage".
Presence and potency of the metabolizing/eliminating enzymes have
thus emerged 10 be the bases for a substance to be recognized as 'self'. Be­
cause, it is only then that it would not elicit any xenobiotic-response. The
same would also seem to be the bases of immunogenic tolerance which may
 ,i 1979] MATERIA MEDICA. As NEW ScmNCE OF' XENOBIOLOOY lOS

be' inmue IX'

.
induced according as the strategic enzymes pre-existed at birth
or were induced later in life. The dnig resistance in parasites is likewise pro­
duced via induction of the drug-metabolizing enzymes in them apart from
through genetic mutations.
It may be emphasized that the exact molecular mechanisms: for tho
following events composing the xenobiotic response are not yet clearly under­
stood: (a) derectlon, positive recognition of the xenobiotic, (b) activation of
the CNS-master regulator with and without the xenobiotic crossing the blood­
C,_, i, brain barrier. (e) cascaded generation; and action of regulator signals and
enzymatic machinery, and (d)' elimination of the xenobiotic and of homceo­
static perturbations. The available pointing evidence from the literature has
been reviewed earlier!".
However. the following considerations are relevant here:
(a) The xenobiotic responses are invariably associated with mental
symptoms and sensations requiring CNS-mediatioIL The xenobiotics. there­
fore. must somehow affect the CNS.
(b) The xenobiotics which. alter absorption or entry into the vascular
circulation, can cross the blocd-braln-barrier. could directly act on the CNS:
those which cannot cross (his barrier could affect the CNS through the
endocrine-pituitary-hypothalamus channel.
(c) The eNS could also be affected by the xenobiotics via their act.ion(s)
on the chcrniceptors or polymodal nerve endings which are known to have
neuronal connections with the CNS'.
More than one of the above three modes of xenobiotic action could also
operate in some cases.
(d) In addition to the CNS-mediated 'general' symptoms the xenoblotic
responses nrc also associated with 'particular' symptoms elicited by their
actions/effects on the particular tissues and organs. Some of these involve
neuro-muscular pathways while others require actions on local cells and
tissues..
(e) It has been found under homoeopathie drug-provings that different
xenobiottcs have characteristically distinct patterns of response at least in
part and that a large number of them act on the same site, say tongue. This
requires the xenoblonc (i) to enter the target cell directly or in association
with a trans-membrane carrier or through endocytosis preceded by a binding
-with a membrane reeep10~, or (ii) to perturb the adenylate cyclase molecules
preceded by a binding with a membrane receptor and migration", or (iii) to
communicate with the interior of the target cell through some other mecha­
nism preceded by a binding with membrane receptors".
Enormity of the number of xenobioucs existing in nature which cannot
readily CI"05.S the membrane suggests considerable flexibility and adaptability
in the conformation and folding capacity of the membrane receptors mediat­
ing their xenoblotic response.
(f) It takes some time. even hours or days, for the symptoms to appear
2
 : .".

.106 ~-,J:'1"'1J\>
. ,
..after the xenobiotic dose, siJggeS'fing. mediation oLsl~ proc,es~J;j~iOl~t
chemical signals, synthesis. -release and actions. This is consistent :Wi"ch 'ffi~'
experimental evidence from 'lbe(tublished literature reviewed earlier'".
lur ,. t ' .- ;,; )!CCI
are r.' OONCLUSIONS 1· 'u - To" ;ji:J!lSe
lob:·, - ., , . ," - '. - =-::--,': HF-:-.:e"
. _ (i) Homoeopathlc 'art ~~ ·h~.png· and the related pJlenomeDll--~.hi?~~,
lished facts for which prese,nt-da? orthosclences have IJ,() provisiontP-X.R~ ,
of rc
_ ob:' tlon. The concept of vital fQi:ce l~fil~ so basic to bomoeopathic theori~~ .fflJ1£c
:Ie ire longer tenable in view of ife pPSt-1960 researches in molecular~b~o~#-:rd~
1
creating an unprecedented ~nceptual vacuum in Homoeopathy. This [ustt­
.\'ill: I -. ~es a nc,,:, approach to scientifi{"theories presented in this and -other :WPfeff::
: ~s~_~, m the senes. . Ii - . -v-riably
(ii) From' the molecular-biological theories developed earlier, ~i#jlfi:})h ..
. science Qf, xenobiology is h~in,.proposed which studies the total biological
- .! r::r.-'!.... response of healthy subjects to xenobiotlcs. . ",,!,,-o!-~_~! Q .,

,. dir-x,' (iii) Conceptual- scope of tii~ term 'xenobtoric' used here is _veri '\'MO
::1 lh~ and general. 'Conventionally it signifies a drug used in diseased-,.sl-aetealR<
remove morbid symptoms. Here #- refers to a substance of un-natural quality
ebicti..·· or a natural component in abnormal quantity, used in. healthy s/a(e,·(~u.l~#11
~hich ~ signs and symptoms of the po created artificial disease. :-::';1l1J!5~"
I (iv) The xenobiology i~ a. :1Y:erY comprehensive and Inclusive concept
noblotu , and covers the bomoeopaehic pr~nojple of drug-proving and also the;~dsJl'lQCtl
of toxicology. It also provides fQ~ continuous updating and upgrading of the
sympt . ­ homoeopathic materia medica alopg with the advancements in other ~~
inpl.jP:,'· (v) Presence and patency ofl<the metabolizing enzymes have emerged t:Ql
r: S"",­ 'be the bases of (a) 'self recognition, (b) immunogenic tolerance, . (c) ~l
resistance in parasites. -._.',<.--aC
IU;O~l~ (vi) The -'positive- recognition' of xenoblotlcs necessitates for (he­
,ug.·p:~· xenobiotic-receptors to have, (aj-unlimited flexibility and adaptabilityM.ffiq:hdr
; of tc receptor conformation to suit an¥" xenobiotlc. (b) distinct and reprbdudit4lJl!
IDle !,,,_ specificity of the so adapted conformation to- a particular xenccjocc, thact>a
dirrcflv (c) mechanisms for transmitting specific xenobictic-informafion to.th.fJrime~
sis p:,' of the target cell via entry and/or release of intra-cellular second messcir~
bnyl,;r like cAMP. cGMP. a -: the fie
Hid I"." J. '. . ,-:~;(Jr :
rough .... r- REFERENCES .:-"tfi ~e-1r
rs" . I. Sharma, R. R.; A Unified; The&relical Approach to Hom~OPathy,:r.wr;uh@'gEJIJ
~ ill :'; _ and Raja Yoga. and its Consequences, Transactions 0/ the XXXII ·l~Ji{di'lWi'··
te.vit-;~;,· HomoeopatMc MediCGI-Can.gress~·Imtia; (1971)':·"'- ., _ ·-"'~.:;.I"'!'~OJ:e f!
mbrc 2. Sharma, R. R.: Bases of Xenobiology, Ultramicroxenopathy and ParapbysfalD~C
as Three New Sciences and of. New Approach to Unified Therapeutics. P.G.I.­
BIII/cri,•• (1978) (suhmitted).' >' rvs for
3. Sharma, R. R.: Scienlific Bases of Homoecpathy: The vhal Force, THe. IUime- .
.'
MANNIAN GLEANINGS, XLVI (2).
 1979] MAnRIA MEDICA. As NEW SciENCE OF XENOBIOLOGY 107

4. Habocroann, S.: Organon of Ml!dicine, 6lh ed, (\842), 2nd Indian cd., RoysiDgh&
Co." Calcutta, (1968).
S. Kent. I. T.: Lectures on. Homoeopafhic Philosophy, B Jain Publishers, New Delhi,
(1970).
6. De Bruin, A; Biochmical Toxicology of En''IIironmentlll Agen's., EI5e."ier,. Amster­
dam, (1976).
7. Kerr, F. W. L. and Casey. K. L Pai,,: NeuroscienCes ReSlfr,,:ch Program B"lIetin
16 (1), MIT Press, Feb., (1978).
8. Nicolson, G.'L.• Rtlbbins, J. C. and Hyman. R.: Cell Surface Receptors and Their
Dynamics on Toxin-treated Malignant Cells, JoUTIttJI of Supramokcular Structure
- .. "
4: pp. 15-26, (1976).
9. Bennett, V., Craig, S., Hollenberg, M. D.: O'Keefe, E., Sahyouog, N. and Clla­
iracases, P.: Structure aed Function of CholclU Toxin and Honnone Receptors,
Journal of SuprQmofecular Structure 4: pp. 99-120, (1976).
10. Nicolson. G. L., Reftery, M. A., Rcdbell, M. and Fox, C. P. (cds.): Cdl Sur/ace
Receprors, Alan R. Lus Inc.• New York, (1976).

1Il000CE TO SUIlSCRIBERS

Publication of the journal is continuing to be delayed as a consequence

10 strike in press in Dec-Jan, last. Every effort is being made to regularize
the position and it is expected that the issues will come out again in time
within a few months.
-PuBuSHE'ltS
 SEPIA
ROBERT STEWART, N.Y.

Sepia officinalis is the potentized ink of the cuttlefish. It is a remedy

with a very full symptomatology, a polychrest. In fact, Dr. Gibson Miller
has said that if he were allowed only one remedy, he would choose Sepia!
Sepia was originally proven by Hahnemann, and the story is interesting:
an artist friend was making no progress under his most careful attention
when he was surprised to observe his friend sucking on a brush that was
frequently moistened with india ink (sepia). Hahnemann asked his friend to
abandon this habit, upon which the artist improved. Hahnemana. suspecting
its therapeutic possibilities. then instituted thorough proviags of the ink,
which have since made it among the more frequently indicated remedies in
the homoeopathic materia medica.
Sepia has an affinity with the endocrine gland system. especially the
edrenals. gonads and the pituitary. The resulting imbalance of estrogens pro­
duces the typical Sepia sluggishness of mind and body, and is noted parti­
cularly in uterine complaints. The overproduction of androgens leads to skin
symptoms. discolorations. etc.
All of this is perhaps sufficicntly familiar to most bomoeopaths. Dr.
Margaret Tyler gives a very graphic description in her book. Drug Pictures.
What I would like to do' in this essay is suggest a quite different line of
approach, where iL is 'applicable, to matcria medica study itself: this is in
the very fertile field of specific analogies, psychological and / or otherwise,
that exists between the patient and his/her cure, the ink of the cuttlefish.
First, there is the tremendous escape and camouflage mechanism of the
cuttlefish, one of the most highly evolved adaptive mechanisms in the whole
animal world. Endowed with a multitude of chromatophores. it has the
uncanny ability to mimic instantaneously any surrounding area in which it
finds itself; even during 'emotions' it may change color very rapidly; faced
with danger. the cuttlefish releases an abundant ink (Sepia) screen into the
surrounding waters: and finally, Thor Heyerdahl witnessed the cuttlefish's
amazing jet-propulsion ability when he saw them sail by the Ken-Tiki for
50-60 yards!
With the Sepia patient. there is an aversion to company, occupation.
consolation (Natrum mur.) and contradiction as uppermost in the mental
picture. The patient desires to escape. "If only I could get away from it all".
There is an uneasiness in company. The patient is further given to sudden
moods. to flushes and to chronic skin discoloration. The typical Sepia patient
is weary and sad but may flash into active emotion especially if contradicted.
Secondly. the cuttlefish belongs to the class cephalopod. Cephalic means
"pertaining 10 the head" and it is not difficult to see this resemblance between
126 [Man:h

the gray matter of the brain and the cephalopods of the oceans. (Jacques
Cousteau has a book on octopus. squid and cuttlefish called, "The Soft
Intelligence") Terrible headaches tum up repeatedly in the patient. On the
other hand. we see that the shape and form of the fish suggest. quite remark­
ably, the human uterine area. This analogy is borne out in the remedy's
constant use in uterine disorders. There is also about the cuttlefish the
suggestion of a' permanent embryo; again. the uterine area, but now, floating
within its cerebro-spinal fluid, we see its analogue in the brain area. remain­
ing evolutionarily plastic and embryo-like so that thought may' take form. or
have birth.
Thirdly, the ink itself serves as a screen created by the cuttlefish to
confuse the enemy. In the terminology of Jungian Shadow analysis, we have
in the man the anima and in the woman the animus: (1) cuttlefish are, as a
whole. social creatures, forming great luminescent groups during procreation,
yet, as a whole. the patient tends to be anti-social ("aversion to company, yet
does not want to be quite alone either"). Perhaps this is so because the
shadow, the ink. has finally come out; further, unlike the octopus. the cuttle­
fish has beep known to bite humans; another thing about the female fish is
its seemingly total disregard for its eggs once laid: thus we have the patient's
great indifference; (2) in the patient. we have prolepses of the uterus, the
bearing down pains. In the fish. midway between the nautilus and octopus,
we have the desire to plunge out. to be free of the shell. to sink to the
bonom. In the patient. this is translated as a sensation of everything coming
out through the vagina. As a vicarious emotional outlet, this may signify a
male thrust of lhe organs outward and downward; and (3) the male cuttlefish
evolves a modified tentacle, the hectocotylus. for penetration at intercourse.
It is said that the male loses this tentacle during coitus, which is echoed by
the depression following coitus of the male patient, the feeling of castration
that is recorded clinically; and in the woman. we have the melancholic
aversion to any sex life.
Fourthly, the secretion of the ink sac. the sepia ink, is composed largely
of melanin. which is found on the skin and in the black layer of the eyes in
humans. In the patient requiring Sepia by the Law of. Similars. this is the
yellowish or brownish discoloration (vitiligo. etc.) so oflen found, an endeavor
perhaps to conceal or hide a particular emotion. This ties ~n with the cuttle­
fish's amazing phosphorescent color changes as mentioned earlier; Also. the
patient's desire to get away. like the fish. may be why it is said that the
patient hides behind a "cloud of Sepia".
One final note has to do with the broad analogy between the very process
of evolution itself as figured within the phylum mollusc. and the sympto­
matology of the patient. This is an area of open research. From the snail. the
purple dye. we have the remedy Murex, wlth symptoms close to Sepia in
many areas. hut with a great nymphomania, and, of course. from the oyster.
(Continued 011 page 129)
-~!
',','

1979J VICTIMS OF VERMICIDES 129

of the bowels become intolerable to the animal: it twists about. comes In

contact with, and irritates tbe sensitive walls of the intestine, causing a pecu­
liar kind of spasmodic colic. which increases materially the sullerings of the
_patient."
By the by, he says he~ clearly: 'The psortc taint of the constitution of
the patient is amenable for begetting worms in.the bowels. So. the treatment
of the worms must be to make the constitution of the patient. extriCated
.from psora."
In conclusion he says: "That the worm after eradication of the psora,
finds the contents of the bowlee no longer suitable for its support, and
therefore spontaneously disappears, for 'ever from the now cured patient,
without the least purgu.tive medicine."
Therefore, the best treatment of WOI"IJlS in children is to treat them
constitutionally. Only the antl-psoric remedies in the bomoeothcrapeutics.
may save the children from worms for ever and those remedies not only
suffice for eradication of helminth in the bowels of children but make them
free from predisposition to be easily affected by any disease. improxe their
general health squarely. fairly sharpen their mental faculties. In future they
will become quite healthy men and women, the future parents of the coming
generation.

SEPIA
(Coutnued from page 126)
we. have that great potychrest. Calcarea carboniea, which has excessive head
sweats and is related to Sepia.
This kind of analysis and mnemonic study of a remedy may prove valu­
able to some mind!'. and not to others. But it is hoped that others, physicians
and laymen alike. will COme up with like ways to make straight materia
medica study come alive. Homoeopathy is an art. Let's paint some living
pictures.
-The Laymon Speaks. March 1977