The pillar of homoeopathy^{[ * ]}

Abstract

The few controlled trials conducted so far have not shown that the symptoms observedby volunteers in a proving are different from placebo. This finding is discussed from a methodological point of view. Provings conducted so far have not convincingly put the method to experimental trial. Provings designed to improve practical prescribing in homoeopathy, using qualitative methodology, should be distinguished from trials to show that substances in homoeopathic dilutions produce symptoms different from placebo. Both methodologies can be combined and a protocol is suggested.

Key words

Homoeopathic provings - Methodology - Clinical trials - Protocols

^* This paper was first presented at the International Conference ‘Improving the Success of Homoeopathy’ organised by the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, 23–24 January 1997.