Homeopathy Papers

Value of Hahnemanns ‘Totality’

Written by E. A. Farrington

Value of Hahnemanns ‘Totality’

If the student or physicians comprehend the general qualities of the drug, the are prepared to apply its particulars, Given, for instance, a special symptom: sleepy, but can not sleep — Bellad., Apis, if the general properties of these two remedies are known, the choice is easy.

Still, it must be remembered that it is only by the multiplication of particulars that the general character can be distinctively drawn, just as a strange object becomes more and more familiars as we recognize more the relation of its parts to the whole.

Recognizing that the totality is to be employed rather than single symptoms, some teachers, have neglected the later, and have published descriptions of drug, hewn out after the fashion of their own synthetic thought. This error arises from a misunderstanding of the procedures of the so-called symptomists. Few, if any, prescribe for one symptom; for, although such a single indication may lead them to a drug, their knowledge of the drug as a whole immediately comes into consciousness, and they intuitively fit the fact into its proper place. Now, because this understanding of the whole was acquired by a long and patient attention to details,– to characteristics,– they really have more accurate mental picture than most of their accusers. A correct generalization of a drug, then, can only be made after a full and complete analysis of its particulars. The mental impress form by a reconstruction of these particulars is the true general.. Always after wards in prescribing, when a single characteristic presents itself, it is to be measured by its relation to the whole. This is the true value of Hahnemann’s “totality”.

About the author

E. A. Farrington

E. A. Farrington (1847-1885) was born in Williamsburg, NY, on January 1, 1847. He began his study of medicine under the preceptorship of his brother, Harvey W. Farrington, MD. In 1866 he graduated from the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania. In 1867 he entered the Hahnemann Medical College, graduating in 1868. He entered practice immediately after his graduation, establishing himself on Mount Vernon Street. Books by Ernest Farrington: Clinical Materia Medica, Comparative Materia Medica, Lesser Writings With Therapeutic Hints.

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