Provings, Phenomena and Practice: The Evolution of Homeopathic Knowledge

Abstract

Knowledge of Medicines is an essential part of our homeopathic process. Homeopathic provings have been the cornerstone of our methodology to assertain a knowledge of medicines. Verification through clinical experience has been the other significant form of our development of knowledge. Experience confirms the validity of provings and takes the knowledge into living three dimensional reality. It is a testament to Hahnemann's genius that homeopathic provings and clinical verification, in attaining a "knowledge of medicinal powers" is as valid today as in his own time. However, it can be argued that there are other ways to develop our knowledge of medicines and that both homeopathic provings and clinical experience have certain inherent problems, especially if relied on exclusively. Other, more phenomenological methods of attaining medicinal knowledge have been discussed in recent years, creating much debate in the profession. This article seeks to explore the knowledge of medicinal powers. It argues that a combination of different forms of "knowledge" gives the most confidence in developing our understanding.