Question : The weak spot in homoeopathy is the lack of laboratory and research techniques. Take the sulfa drugs as an example. Through scientific experimentation their efficiency is being increased and their toxicity reduced. MEANWHILE HOMOEOPATHY REMAINS STATIC, DOES IT NOT ?-DR. J. COUDRAI, QUEBEC.
Answer : The inquirer is respectfully referred to Modern Medicine, May 1943, page 47, from which we quote :.
Although Sulfadiazine is less toxic than other compounds of the sulfonamide group, certain precautions must be observed during its administration because of a low but definite incidence of renal and general reactions. . . Minor reactions were found to be elevation of temperature, conjunctivitis, arthritic pains, stiffness of neck, anorexia, nausea, itching, dizziness, disorientation, mental retardation and severe headache.
Note that the above are the “minor reactions.” The reader will find the major reactions listed in the same article, or, if he prefers, he may use his imagination.
The case of sulfadiazine is quite typical of the achievements of modern laboratory and re search techniques.
We most emphatically deny that homoeopathy is “static.” Lack of study of the philosophy and materia medica and poor case taking are the chief handicaps to progress in our school of medicine. It does require some intelligence to practise homoeopathy. Any medical moron or nit-wit can prescribe the sulfa drugs.
Question : IS IT NOT LIKELY THAT MODERN CHEMOTHERAPY WILL ULTIMATELY OUTMODE HOMOEOPATHY ?-DR. J. COUDRAI, QUEBEC.
Answer : From the standpoint of orthodox medicine homoeopathy has been outmoded for half a century.
There is a fundamental difference between the two methods of treatment. Homoeopathy is based upon natural law whereas chemotherapy is based upon the trial and error method plus commercial expediency. Research scientists are instructed by their employers to bring forward products which will not prove too immediately and obviously harmful to the customers. It is then up to the advertisers and sales organizations to put the new discovery over the top.