Homœopathy in tropical medicine and a few thoughts on the synthesis of methods of medical practice

Summary

There do exist cases in which the results of treatments varying from that of the Specialist in America or Europe to that of the Witch-Doctor in Central Africa bring results surprisingly similar.

A formula is suggested to represent the inter-relation of our present concepts of disease and recovery. This formula is R⇄I/V=H. It is of wide if not universal applicability. It is a splendid tool which enables us to determine quickly and practically which methods of treatment to apply at what times or under what circumstances.

All methods of treatment of known efficacy appear to fall clearly within the scope of this formula. We may term this a formula of the natural method, used by the body to meet and overcome disease. Treatment of any one of the three factors in the formula may therefore be termed a natural method of treatment.

A general practitioner can and must (1) not confine himself to one method of treatment in disease. (2) With all mental honesty, and to the best of his ability choose that form of treatment or combination of treatments, best calculated in each case to bring about the most complete recovery in the shortest possible time.

In addition to taking its place among other methods of treatment in the general approach to sickness, homœopathy presents many of the characteristics and demands of a specialty.