Br Homeopath J 1998; 87(01): 28-32
DOI: 10.1016/S0007-0785(98)80007-0
 
Copyright © The Faculty of Homeopathy 1998

The heresy of homoeopathy

A brief history of 200 years of criticism
Edzard Ernst

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 July 2018 (online)

Abstract

Criticism of homoeopathy started in Germany as soon as this new form of medicine became widely known-and has not stopped since. Early criticism came from non-homoeopaths and centred around the theme that homoeopathy's basic assumptions were not supported by demonstrable facts. Simultaneously, criticism from within homoeopathy attacked some of the rigid, dogmatic rules set out by Hahnemann. Today's opponents of homoeopathy argue predominantly that the efficacy of homoeopathic remedies beyond that of placebo has not been established. Polemic and emotive as this historical debate has been, much of it makes sense to the outside observer. Homoeopaths, it seems, would be well advised to take the reasoned elements of this criticism seriously. They might even attempt to turn seemingly unfair attacks into constructively working towards determining the truth.