Understanding the Missing Links in Hahnemann's Posology for Drug Proving

Abstract

Hahnemannian drug proving has been reproved and clinically verified in multiple geographical locations in the last two centuries. They continue to be the most reliable and useful proving records even today. However, in absence of daybook of these provings, many practical questions essential for its successful replication have remained unanswered. In this study, we have tried to understand a few of these questions such as why Hahnemann did not mention the doses employed in his drug proving. What were his actual instructions for the repetition of doses to the provers? In 50 years, Hahnemann's propositions for posology in drug proving changed several times. Which phase and posology have contributed maximally to the existing literature? Last but not least, is the drug proving in 30th potency ‘the best and final plan’ of Hahnemann? In the process of finding answers to these questions, some fascinating facts have emerged. Notably, to prioritise individualisation in drug proving, design drug schedules more often in a successively increasing fashion and lastly, to explore all ranges of potencies for proving till little of novel character could be recorded on subsequent proving of the drug.

Keywords

drug proving - posology - doses - HPTs

Publication History

Article published online:
08 March 2024

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