ORGANON AND ORGANON OF MEDICINE

INTRODUCTION TO ORGANON

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY ORGANON?

The word ‘’0rganon” is a Greek derivative of ‘Organum’.

It has following types of meanings,

1. A simple literary work
2. A method of scientific investigation
3. Instrument of thought, instrument of knowledge or system of logic.
4. “An instrument for effecting in best manner a certain end”. – Richard Hughes.

SOURCES OF ORGANON

• The word was at first used by the great Greek philosopher “Aristotle” (384-322 BC).

He named his book “Organum” under which he compiled his various treatises on logic.

• Later, Lord Francis Bacon (1561-1626 BC) who was an English philosopher and statesman wrote a book on logic in Latin named “Novum Organum” (new organon/ new instrument of knowledge).

Novum organum is the second volume of his book “Instruratio Magna”.

These two sources influenced Dr. Hahnemann to name his book “Organon of Rational Art of Healing” which was published in 1810.

PRECURSORS OF ORGANON OF MEDICINE

The following writings by Dr. Hahnemann are known as the precursors of organon.

They are called precursors because they represent Dr. Hahnemann’s ideas on the different therapeutic methods and concepts of homoeopathy prior the publication of organon.

• 1796 AD- An essay on new principles for ascertaining the curative powers of drugs.
• 1805 AD- Aesculapius in balance.
• 1808 AD- On the value of speculative system of medicine.
• 1809 AD- Observation on the three current methods of treatments.

These writings of Dr. Hahnemann unveil the ideas and views of him about the medical system of that time.

ORGANON OF MEDICINE

Organon of medicine is a book written by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in German language.

It contains a set of rules established by him for the guidance of the theoretical and practical methods of treatment homoeopathically.

Organon of medicine is written after many years of careful experiments and observations of Dr. Hahnemann.

It is essential to study this book very carefully for a thorough understanding of homoeopathy.

AIMS AND OBJECTS

To propose before the medical professionals, the principles, advantages and the practical applications in order to successful homoeopathic practice.

To practice homoeopathy in a logical and rational way.

As homoeopathic system of medicine was entirely new in 18^th century, the whole medical profession criticized it bitterly.

On other hands, special care was taken by Dr. Hahnemann to state only those facts which were based on his experience and also could be verified by any physician.

DEVELOPMENT AND JOURNEY OF ORGANON OF MEDICINE

The continuous efforts of Dr. Hahnemann have led him to ultimate the homoeopathic system of medicine, without any change in the fundamental principles.

In spite of bitter criticisms and oppositions by medical professionals of that time, he continued his work consistently.

He went through carefully, paragraph by paragraph, making changes and giving additions, with no change in the original ground plan.

He included his practical knowledge and experiences acquired through his homoeopathic practice in each edition.

In this way, each edition of organon of medicine were attempted to make perfect the homoeopathic system of medicine.

Dr. Richard Hughes remarks,

“Homoeopathy, like the candle stick of the herbew-tubernacle, has been shaped by hammering, not by casting”.

EDITIONS OF ORGANON OF MEDICINE

• There are total five editions which were published during Dr. Hahnemann’s life time.
• The 6^th edition was published after his death.
• The fifth edition was published in 1833 and 6^th edition in 1921, 78 years after his death in 1843.
• The manuscript of 6^th edition was made ready by Dr. Hahnemann before his death.
• Hence, the 6^th edition is known as ‘Posthumous’ (after death) edition.
• The first edition was published in 1810 with the title “Organon of Rational Art of Healing”.
• The title was changed to “Organon of Healing Art”.

IMPORTANCE OF ORGANON OF MEDICINE

The organon of medicine helps the physicians to acquire the knowledge of homoeopathic system of medicine to treat the patient holistically and rationally.

Dr. J. T. Kent writes in his lectures,

“Homoeopathy is applicable to every curable case but the great thing to know how to apply this”.

APHORISM AND FOOTNOTE STYLE OF WRITING

An aphorism is a Greek derivative of ‘Aphorizein’.

This manner of writing was first used by Hippocrates.

Definition– An aphorism is a concise observation which contains a general truth.

In other words, an aphorism is a very short and quick statement that gives a principle, truth or opinion that should be true.

They are often handed down by tradition from generations to generations.

Examples:

1. “Actions speaks louder than words”.
2. “Winner never quit and quitter never win”.

The book organon of medicine is written in the manner of aphorisms.

This manner of writing was very popular at the time of Dr. Hahnemann.

IMPORTANCE

• A good aphorism can really stick in the mind of the readers.
• They are short, and easy to remember.
• The writer of good aphorism is seen as a very wise person and words used by them inspires us even a thousand years after the death of him.

Aphorism is denoted by the symbol “δ”.

Most of the aphorisms written in the organon of medicine are complemented with footnotes.

Footnote is an additional piece of information which are written at the bottom of the page.

Footnotes are not an explanation of aphorisms but they are the additional information in relation to the same aphorism.

The footnotes in the organon of medicine also contains the name of the persons, books, journals and authorities etc.

Dr. Bradford called organon “The Bible of Homoeopathy” because it is the collection of rules and regulations required in order to practice homoeopathy holistically and rationally.

A homoeopathic physician must follow the fundamental principles and methods of applications of homoeopathic remedies just like a true Christian follows the statements of Bible.