Mercury — Homeopathy of the Solar System

This book is about mercury in all its aspects. The author is director of the World of Light Clinic and founder of the School of Shamanic Medicine. His provenance is reflected in the esoteric nature of the book. Although the book includes the use of mercury as a homeopathic medicine, it will undoubtedly appeal to many others interested in mercury itself and the esoteric generally.

After a short introduction, the book begins with a chapter on the homeopathic medicines made from mercury. Mercurius solubulis has the most detail, and the mental picture of this medicine is given particular attention. Most of the information in this chapter is also to be found in other books. The subsequent chapters (16 in all) consist of a thorough exploration of mercury from a variety of perspectives, including Cabalah, cosmology, astrology, astronomy, mythology, psychology, anthropology and biology. For those who prefer a more grounded approach there is information on the chemistry of mercury, its toxicology, history and relationship with syphilis.

I did not find this an easy book to read from cover to cover. Some of the content is too esoteric for my taste, but I did find it fascinating to dip into and it is extraordinary in the breadth of its scope. It is always of interest to discover unexpected connections. An example from the book is that the movement of the planet Mercury in relation to the Earth forms a caduceus.

For the homeopath seeking an exploration of the use of mercury as a homeopathic medicine this may not be the right book. It does not include any cases or personal experience of its use. However, there is a section on the alchemical uses of mercury, and on ancient and modern therapeutic uses. ‘Mercury is one of the oldest medicines, and was used in ancient Egypt, Assyria, and Babylonia. One formulation was a mixture in grease as an ointment. It became increasingly used as a general medicine from the medieval ages till the 20th century.

The section on the therapeutic uses of mercury is part of a chapter on the uses of mercury in human civilisation. It is used in lamps, batteries, thermometers, barometers, and switches. In the past, it has been used in dyeing, photography, gold and silver refining and in many other industries. Toxicity has limited its modern uses. Mercury pollution is now so widespread that levels of contamination in deep-sea fish are now dangerously high.

The use of mercury amalgams in dentistry is mentioned. I would like to have seen much more information on this, as this is currently a subject of hot debate. There seems to be plenty of evidence that mercury amalgams are too dangerous to be used as tooth fillings. Mercury vapour is released during chewing and this is inhaled, absorbed via the lungs, and finally deposited in the tissues, including the kidney and the brain. Despite this, many dentists still argue that the use of mercury in dentistry is safe. It does, of course, make an excellent filling material if you ignore the health risks. Protocols for the safe removal of amalgams are available from the Society for Mercury Free Dentistry. (www.amalgam.org). Protocols are also available for detoxification, ie removing mercury from the tissues, the main substances used being NDF (a combination product), DMPS and high-dose calcium EDTA rapid push infusions.

In summary, a fascinating book, with not much on the homeopathic side, but rich in many other aspects. If you are interested in the esoteric, this is the most comprehensive text I have seen on the subject.